Wonderful

          

             It's the most wonderful time of the year.....! You know that song don't you? They'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow.  (Sigh) I love that song. Maybe not after hearing it 20 times in one day though. 

             The thing that struck me the other day is how special Christmas time is. It's different from all the other holidays. This one has almost a magical feeling in the air. People are nicer to each other. There's singing and dancing. There's sharing and joy. Could this be a taste of Heaven? I mean really. 

               We celebrate Jesus' birth from so many years ago. We celebrate that day when God came down into human form to rescue us. To bring peace, joy and hope!! That is enough to get me singing again. It's the most wonderful time of the year. 

                This December I want to be salt and light. I hope and pray that God's hope and peace shines so bright like Christmas lights!! Will you join me? 

No Clue

                                                 

                      No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over it's coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?

                                                                                                                         Isaiah 44: 19

                   It is so easy to point our finger and laugh at the people in the Bible and even all over the world. To ridicule those hundreds of years ago who worshiped idols made of wood and gold. It's ridiculous how the images can't see, hear, or smell! We can scoff and mock all we want but, what about us? Does idol worship still exist today? Or did it go extinct long ago?

                Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. 

                                                                                                        Isaiah 46:1  

                Take a look at everything around your life. It's not bad. The things that you like aren't evil. Now listen closely, when it gets bad is when you think about it all the time. When it begins to consume your very thoughts and even the way you live. Then, it's evil. 

                Jesus has told us in the new testament many times that what comes from our hearts determines our true intent. If you're wholly consumed in wanting God's will and loving Him then, the fruit will come from a heart such as that. The same goes for if you turn from God to a lifeless thing. 

                 What if the thing your consumed with is alive? Like celebrities, politicians, your pastor, your career, your job, your education, men, your husband, your children. Absolutely anything can become a god. Be very careful when it comes to people becoming idols. You can hang onto every word they say. Everything they do. You can end up following them straight to the grave.

                There's hope. If you confess your sin, God will forgive you and purify you (1 John 1:9). The reason that God does not want us to trust people and things in the way we should trust God is because we give those persons and items the esteem that they don't even deserve. God want's us to trust Him. He want's our full attention of love and devotion. He does not want our religion. Like a father hungry for His daughters love when she's going through a rebellious or rough time. In a way he's desperate for us! Think about that; The God of the universe. Of our whole existence wants you and me!! Whoa, how mind blowing is that? 

             What will your choice be? Mighty God or your idol. 

                              

                     

Does it still apply?

                For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

                                                         Hebrews 4:12

                  Have you heard people talk over the years of the Bible being out-dated and not reliable any more? Have we moved on? Are all the teachings in the Bible not applicable to our lives now? We're different now, smarter, right?

                       

                        Look again

                 There are some points when reading the Bible when it can just go over my head. At other points I can be like; "Say what?! What does that even mean?" The everyday lives of the men, woman and children of that time was so different. Their work, clothing, food, culture and manners. The way they spoke was different and their thinking. But, not all their thinking was different. Maybe there are some things that can never change.

                                The human heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

                                     Jeremiah 17:9

               What if we're looking at the wrong things? We may be focusing too much on the culture and the way the people spoke and did things. Those always change. But the human heart never changes! The human heart has sin which means it has always had the same motives, lust and hunger for what it wants. The hope is that since Jesus came down he saved us from our own damnation.  

Which brings us to this question; does the Bible still apply to us today?  Yes, of course! The Bible is God's letter from Him to us. The words are alive!! In John 1:1, John says that Jesus is the Word. God inspired so many people to write down what he did in so many lives, His prophecies about his Son's birth, life and death. There are even things about the future, of the end of the world! So literally, this amazing book has the beginning, middle and end of the whole story of the world. Man may always change in the way we do things, but God never does. 

The Evidence

                 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

                                                                                                    Romans 1: 20

                     Just the other day I was going on my normal morning walk. I was talking to God and just marveling at his creation. Suddenly, this thought crossed my mind;

                        

                     The trees are like fingers pointing up to God! 

                     Then it got me to thinking that God could have created gravity and everything differently. But he didn't. He created everything with a purpose. And that purpose is to glorify Him. 

                      I've often thought about what the exact evidence could be that God exists and has great power. Lets look into that together shall we?

                            

                             Show me!

               

                          They know The Truth about God because he made it obvious to them.

                                                                                                     Romans 1: 19

                       A couple weeks ago I was watching these slow motion, relaxing, creative, instrumental movies about trees, flowers and the ocean. They're on Netflix if you're interested. So, as I watched I was speechless and amazed. The one on flowers was my favorite. Some flowers twisted open and others peeled back to open and so on. I was praising God and fascinated by the fact that a person can say that God doesn't exist.

                     If a person claims that God doesn't exist they can't prove it. That's just their point of view. Even in that stubborn man or woman we can see the evidence of our Father. His grace is abounding in their lives. He could strike them down but, he doesn't. He sees a purpose in their life, even if they ignore him. He is still guiding them and they don't realize it.

                   Tragedy, accidents and death. We all hate them. The surprise and shock of someone; a loved one being here in one instant and gone in a flash. We may become hateful and angry at God for his cruelty. No, death was brought in by our hands. Adam and Eve brought sin here. Through the most horrible disaster there blossoms new beginnings. Even out of the ugliest thing can come healing. We are flabbergasted to see a heart that seemed impossible to change, drastically transformed for the better. Through a death that feels random, God shows that that person's life and most of all death plants a seed that will one day become a harvest. I've heard that a graveyard is full of seeds. 

                   And the biggest of them all is love. Look at the love between a man and woman. It is viewed as one of the biggest mysteries. To love someone sacrificially and selflessly is a feat in itself! Your parents you've known and loved for as long as you can remember. Friends you can like and/or love them (in that case even family). But for a man to love a woman is a beautiful thing. God's love is the evidence that love can exist in the first place!! He sacrificially, selflessly, desperately, obsessively longed for us so badly that he sent his son Jesus down to become fully man yet still fully God. He could not let us continue to live in our sin, one day having to face His wrath and be eternally separate from him. NO! He could not allow it, couldn't stand it. He  offered himself to be killed and was buried. On the third day he rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God, his father. Creating a bridge for us to be right with God and cleanse us from this living death!

                You have a choice my friend. Will you believe in God's existence? Will you choose life with Jesus?            

                     

Idol pains

         
                 " You shall not make a idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.
                                                                                                                         Leviticus 26:1 

                       The past couple weeks I have been struggling with idolatry. Boy, I didn't realize that pretty much anything can become an idol!! 

                       I really don't want to tell you ladies this but...here goes.  When I set my mind on something I go crazy. Whether it be cleaning (especially when I see things have been dirty or messy for long enough. My parents and sisters; when they see me like this tell me to remember to ask them about throwing things away. I've mistakenly thrown items that were not ready for the trash yet. Oops.),  making cards for friends, working on one of my painting or drawing projects and so on. I can get some serious tunnel vision. Now, God has shown me that I can get serious tunnel vision on other things as well. 

                       My family and I are waiting for our house in South Carolina to sell. When that happens, we can be able to buy a house here and move out of this house we've been renting. I got so excited about having a house of our own again. I've gotten to the point of complaining and grumbling and being ungrateful. (I really don't like telling you all this!) I began to day dream about this new house. Then one day God reminded me that yes, he has that house for us but, he kindly told me to calm down and look at the bigger picture. 

                    1. I live in a house that is keeping me dry and warm.
                    2. I'm not homeless like how me and my family were for the first two weeks of moving here.
                     3. I have my family surrounding me and they make this house a home.
                     4. God has always been there and is here now through my waiting.
                     5. There is a bigger picture as to why we're waiting.
                     6. Look at what God is doing now!!  

                  It's been a hard couple months waiting but, I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it and that God is teaching me something. I don't want to miss that!!

                    Who knew that idol worship could happen so easily? I need to keep God as my main focus. He needs to be my focal point and my anchor. My head gets caught in the clouds way too easily. I'm glad God is so patient with me and you.  

Disguised danger

         Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.

                                                                                         1 Corinthians 6:9:10

                We make choices based on what we think sounds good or okay. But mostly we make choices based on what makes us feel good. If someone is giving to charity we applaud and are in awe of how "good" that person is.  When it comes to our morals, are they on track? Are we truly following God as we should be?

                     

                    Disguised, and among us

      Have any of you seen Captain America: the Winter Soldier? Well if you have, awesome! But, if you haven't then...sorry.  Captain America,  Steve Rogers finds out that S.H.I.E.L.D has been compromised. He is horrified to find that Hydra was not completely destroyed during World War II but has been slipping into America through different means, in non-threatening ways until now.  If you want the rest of the story, you'll have to watch the movie. 

             So, the same applies to us. But the question is "who is the enemy?"

                 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing in the faith.

                                                                                               1 Peter 5:8-9

                Since Satan is our enemy, we have to remember that he can disguise himself as an angel of light. He can make himself look good. He can even Quote scripture (Luke 4:10-11) !! I'm not saying this to scare you, but to warn you. Don't simply take in anything that sounds or looks good. You need to be prudent. Like Proverbs 22:3 says...

      

                                 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

                                

                Friends, do not be simple. Don't just take in a movie, book, song or moral in just because someone else says it's good. Look at it with discernment and be cautious. If you are not sure that God would approve of it in your life, treat it like fire. When there's a fire you don't rush into it. You look at it to see if it's contained and safe to go near.

               Ladies: Many dark and evil things in America have been brought to the light this year.  A lot of those things were viewed as good and healthy for you. Many people saw through the smoke and sadly many did not. I encourage you, whether you're from America or in Portugal, Egypt or Switzerland. Wherever you may be, be brave and strong in Christ. Be like Captain America. Stand against evil even if you have no one standing with you. Because you're not alone. You have brothers and sisters around the world, and most of all you have our Shield and Fortress: The Mighty God!!    

            

Do we really understand?

           Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

                                                                                                             1 Corinthians 13:4

                      What does the word "date" mean to you? I mean in terms of being in a relationship with a man or woman. Not the fruit. Well, to me it seems to have become like a a game. I've heard so many people say they're dating someone and they end up breaking up days, weeks, months or even years later, none the wiser. 

                           You gotta be kidding me

                   Dating is so childish nowadays. The relationship between a man and a woman has wandered far from the path. It is not as it used to be.  The one thing I hear a lot is;
                 
                             " Let's take a break for awhile. I need time to think..."

                    Seriously? Think about what? I'm sorry If I sounded harsh, this just boils my blood. It got me thinking after reading that in the newspaper from a person writing a letter to the 'Dear ____counselor person.' I thought,

                              Why do we say that to boyfriends and girlfriends? We don't say that to our siblings or parents. Or even friends. If we want to think about something we just go and do it. We think through life in relationships. Why is it different with a dating relationship?

       It is not rude, it is not self -seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
                      1 Corinthians 13:5

                            The reason for that excuse of taking a break and putting the relationship on hold is because it becomes to much. Or that's an excuse to ease out of the relationship. When did people start saying that? I'm sure it would be hard to figure out when exactly. But, I can guess those cliche's came up when the world became more fast paced. People jump into relationships so quickly and not knowing exactly why they're jumping in can get confusing and scary fast. How do we get away from this way of thinking? From toying around with God's metaphorical  relationship of himself that is so beautiful and mysterious? We need to step back and see what God has to say.

                     Three times in the Song of Songs this phrase is uttered;
                               'Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.'

                      I strongly believe that many men and woman awaken love in their hearts before God so desires it. The one love that we should desire above all is God's love. He will not disappoint, rush, confuse or control you. His love is patient, kind and ever filled with grace.  I'm not saying that the love between a man and woman is ridiculous but it's the way people go about it. Dating is meant to be a means to get to know someone so that you can know if you want to marry them. It's not a game or a comfort thing.  You should take your single days as the time to find who you are. Get to know the Lover of your soul! It can be for deepening your relationship with your parents and/or siblings. Even though I can't guarantee that when you meet the man you want to marry that everything will be perfect, hopefully you won't 'take a break' or 'place a hold on the relationship.' I hope that you can work though it with him, whatever it may be, because if you're going to marry him, you have to share life with him. 

                                Love never fails.
                                               1 Corinthians 13:8           

                   

Always there

                                        Nothing can separate us from our Fathers love.

                                                                                                                    Roman's 8:39

                      Today started off okay. It got worse as it went. My sin was just crowding me all day. I wanted to do the right thing but, the sin was there. 

                      Falling into sin is so heart wrenching and discouraging. I would hate myself for being so weak ! We have all been through that. I'm thankful that I have my sisters to turn to. They are my best friends! The best thing of all, they encourage me back to my Fathers arms. No matter how ashamed or embarrassed I am. 

                      I am weak because of my sin and most of all; because I'm human. I hate that! I want to be strong and fight Satan off myself and be the warrior. But, God comes through and reminds me that he protects me. He is my warrior. He will fight against Satan for me (James 4:7).  

                     In my weakness he is strong, when I am lost he guides me. When I am hungry he feeds me. When I am naked he clothes me. He is My All and All. My Friend, my Counselor, my Rock, Redeemer, and My Greatest Love. He is always faithful. Ever loving. And patient. He is my God.   

                  I am so glad that whatever sin I fall into God will always be there.

            If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

                                1 John 1:9

      

The Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Fourteen

                                                                   

                        "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

                                                                                            Deuteronomy 31:8

                               There are many times in your life when you've felt isolated emotionally and physically. At times in our life we could even feel alone spiritually. It can make you wonder if God does ever leave at times? Can we trust how we feel? 

                                                                      

                                 We cannot follow how we feel! God is there always.

                                  I challenge you today that however your life looks now. If you are suffering the lose of a loved one, a lose of a job, the breaking of a friendship, a divorce, what ever it may be. Big or small, read God's word and draw near to him. He is always there. Don't ever lose sight of that. 

                                  Today marks the last day of the Barlow Girl challenge. I am so glad for those of you who have joined me in this. God has stretched me through this and I hope the same went for you.   

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Thirteen

                                                              

                    But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--By grace you have been saved...

                               Ephesian 2:4-5

                  Love can be a complicated thing now-a-days. One group of people say love is loose, and fun, others say it has to be earned. What is love truly? Have we confused the word and now it's lesser then what it actually means? 

                                                                                                                   

                        Love is so different from what the world says. Love is so much more then just a feeling. Love is an action!

                         I challenge you today to read 1 Corinthians 13. Instead of applying your name to the part where it lists off what love is ; say Gods name. He is the only one who actually know's what love is. Ask God to open your heart to see love and live it in action. 

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Twelve

                                                                           

  All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.

                                                                                                                                      John 1:3

                     In our everyday lives it can be hard to stop, and look at our surroundings. When was the last time you walked in a park? Wriggled your toes in the sand? Marveled at the setting of the sun or the magical pale glow of the full moon?  

            

                 The world is truly a beautiful place to behold! God was so creative and thoughtful when he made it. 

                  I challenge you today to be thoughtful of how you spend your time? Will you spend it with always looking to the future?  Or will you take moments out of your day to be in the present. Glorifying his creation and enjoying it?  

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Eleven

                  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                                                                                                    Philippians 4:6-7

                        Things in our lives can be so confusing, scary, devastating or joyful. In the ups and downs what do you do? Do you look to yourself, the people around you or; do you turn to God?

     

                                                                                  

                                                 

                        Often the first thing we do is seeing what we can fix or handle before turning to God. We try to figure it out on our own strength.

                        I challenge you today, do not try it on your own. Turn to God. Whether it be asking for help, telling him your fears, worries, and heartache. Or even if your joyful and thankful. In everything, turn to the Lord. He wants to speak to you. He's listening.                                     

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Ten

                    
                  "Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God." 
                                                                                                                         Leviticus 26:1

                    It can be terrifyingly easy at times to make an idol without realizing it. It can be a friend, family member, a sports team, a co-worker, your husband, a Doctor, an actress or actor, a singer. It can even be objects. Books, magazines, a family heirloom, clothing, shoes, make-up, movies. The idol worship is endless. 
       
                   Are there any idols in your life now?

                                         
          Idol worship takes God away from his rightful place. We place something or someone at the top that could never fill God's shoes.

            I challenge you today to take a few minutes today to talk to God and let  him search your heart and show you if you are worshiping something else other then him.    

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Nine

                     The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
                                                                                                                             Psalm 34:18

                              As human beings all of us had our hearts broken in one way or another. It may have been broken by your first boyfriend, a best friend, a group of people, and so on. Who has broken your heart? Can it ever be mended? Is it too late?

                           
                             A broken heart can be so painful. It can even cause pain to those who are close to you. Most of all it causes pain to the Lover of your soul. He hates to see you think of your hurts and hold onto them with such a tightly clenched fist. 

                            I challenge you to open your hands. Take the walls away from your heart and let God in. Lean into his arms and cry. Let him love you, comfort you and heal you. 

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Eight

         "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters."

                                                                                                                 Matthew 12:30

                         It's so easy to let the media and Hollywood make the choices for us on what to wear, eat, say, look like and so on. We really don't realize how much they control us. We even let our friends and family control us.  When was the last time you said something that you thought of yourself?

                                   

                     Taking chances is a part of what makes us different from the world. We as people naturally stay still and silent. Not wanting to move or get unwanted attention. 

                      I challenge you to stand up, stop sitting back and letting others choose for you. Take chances and put your full trust in Christ to live boldly in speech and action.  

                                                        

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Seven

                          "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

                                                       John 3:16

          Do you sometimes wonder how anyone especially God love you? You may feel like the scum of the earth. An ugly little thing that doesn't deserve any kind of love. 

                                                 

       It's perfect that I'm writing about this today. I feel like that right now. I'm say this to you and me as well. Raise your face to God. Stop looking around and look up. 

        I challenge you to read Luke 7:36-50. It's about the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears and hair. I know for me at times I feel like I'm to sinful and dirty to enter God's presence. But, then he (Jesus) reminds me of his blood. That he has cleansed me and his love is always there when I am in need of it. 

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Six

                            So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
                                         Revelation 3:16

                              In this day and age being tolerant is being encouraged and even forced onto people.  Black and white is being blurred more and more each day. Now our morals, standards and Truth is becoming confusing and complicated. 

                           
                           It's easy to follow the crowd and not stir up negative emotions towards you. We want to be liked and not make things uncomfortable for us.

                            I challenge  you to stand for Christ. To not stand down when friends, family or even strangers ask you why you believe what you believe. And even for you to challenge them on what's the Truth and ask them questions that will get them to think and question what they believe.   

The Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Five

              Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;  but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 
                                                                   Proverbs 31:30

                   You know as a woman it's so hard at times to gaze at your reflection and start to pick apart how you wish you could change parts of your body. You want to ask your reflection who the fairest of them all is and hope the reply be that you are the fairest, the most beautiful and charming woman in the world!! But, it just doesn't feel like enough.

                     It doesn't matter how old you are. Whether you be 12 or you be 60 you could loath you're body with a passion. 

                    Here's a challenge for you. Next time you look in the mirror don't say hateful things. Look at the positive things about yourself you like. Thank God for those things he made about you. Mark your Bible and highlight verses where God talks about how much he loves you and how you are precious in his eyes.    

The Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Four

                   

         
    I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
                                                                                                                                     Psalm 32:1-11

                     Do you feel like your completely alone in this world? Like all the things you do wrong and the bad words you say and think will never change? You try to "fix" yourself on your own but, it never gets better. It just feels like there's no point. Your stuck where you are.

                 Thankfully that is far from the truth.  Jesus is always there to pick us up when we fall. When the burdens of life and our sin is to heavy to carry bring them to the cross. 

                 I challenge you to not turn to God as the last resort but, to turn to him when you first start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, afraid, worthless etc.  

Barlow Girl Challenge: Day Three

         For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

         Psalm 139:13-14

         Some of you may have heard about the shocking truth revealed about Planned Parenthood.  A pro-life group went in with a hidden camera and caught one of the doctors talking about selling the bodies and organs of babies for profit!!!!  It's so appalling and sick!

                                   

             Sisters, we have been fighting for our right to do whatever we want with our bodies.  That fight is interfering with the lives of those who are helpless to speak and fight for their lives.  I challenge you to stand for life and stop letting heartless doctors brainwash women to abort babies and take precious young lives for profit.