A Frog Hopping Conversion

This morning my husband woke up to a frog in the kitchen. Yes, a frog. Evidently he hopped in the house all by himself.  During the summer months we are in and out the back door often leaving it cracked or open depending on who is outside.

Apparently he wanted out so badly he was hopping up and down hitting the door to the garage. Mark opened it and he hopped out. Activities such as these happen frequently which is why we need to prevent it in the future. At times I have noticed birds flying too close for comfort!

Commercials on TV have become raunchy, silly, stupid and frivolous. A number of commercials are so bad; I wouldn’t buy the products simply for that reason!

The Progressive Insurance Commercials have overdone Flo.

You couldn’t pay me to buy a Magic Bullett or the Yoshi Blue Pans.

And who could forget the Sham Wow! What a guy! He takes acting to a whole new level!

The reason I brought up these commercials is we actually bought the Magic Mesh for the door. I never thought we would try such a thing. It will be interesting once we install it if it really prevents flying bugs and hopping frogs from entering in. The real test will be the cat. She doesn’t miss a trick; if it is new she will find it. Her nature strikes a chord of curiosity whenever anything is out of place or moved. In other words she isn’t a fan of change.

Are we any different than our cat? Do we like change? For the most part the answer is no.

Thank God he doesn’t change. We can count on him being the same today, yesterday and forever.

However, the evil in our souls must be purged which requires a “Jesus Reconstruction.”
Refusing to do so leaves us a few short steps from the abyss.

Years ago after God had given me my Damascus Road trip, I was mocked for my conversion. The words,

“You’ve really changed and I don’t like it. I haven’t changed at all; I am still the same.”

My response was,

“Yes, I can see you haven’t changed at all. What a shame.”

The Apostle Paul’s conversion must have sent vibrations through the earth. He was so sure of Jesus he most likely left many waiting in the wings of their unbelief.

Choosing a man of Paul’s education, status and outspoken behavior was true to God’s character. It would be just like God to appoint a Jew who hated Jesus and lived to kill Christians to be transformed into a man of God with a legacy unmatched by anyone.

As Paul’s Damascus road conversion made history, our metamorphosis should be obvious. If people don’t notice the remodeling of our lives, then the core value of God’s love is missing.

Paul is an example of what our transformation to Christ should look like; a major overhaul.

Hopefully others will catch a glimpse of something new we have that they don’t, but desire to find out what has happened to us!

Please read the following blog posts from The River Ministries.   Pastor David Chapman has outlined  Paul’s life in 4 very insightful sections.  He also has a testimony worth taking the time to read. God bless.

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/22/the-apostle-paul-part-1/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/23/the-apostle-paul-part-2/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/24/the-apostle-paul-part-3/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/25/the-apostle-paul-part-4/

Copyright @2012 All Rights Reserved

churchgraphics.wordpress.com

Dire Straits

Reading the news makes me want to throw up. Watching the mass lies, mudslinging and vile hate spewed at Christians brings me to my knees.

Folks, we are in dire straits in America.

The blame game, false advertising and accusations run rampant.

Slander is prominent and people disappearing. When will it stop?

Strong gay marriage support now exceeds strong opposition

Author says GOP broke Washington

State may vote on licenses for illegal immigrants

SC Gov Haley using piñata video to raise money

Dad says son beaten at bus stop as others watched

Secret Service boss: ‘I apologize’

$100 Billion Tax Question

Polls show US presidential battle tightening

Witnesses change stories in Trayvon case

I was hard pressed to find any good news. At least this one is;

Pro-Choice’ Americans At Record Low, Poll Finds

This is just America, not the world. The evidence is clear the media is more interested in promoting civil unrest, murder and anything disgusting.

The tone is negative rhetoric. Big talkers acting. Feuds are fought with demeaning gabfest. It is embarrassing.

What is worse is people fall for the lies….because they don’t know the truth. If they did the news would be opposite.

In the last 30 years I have witnessed this country decline in roller coaster fashion.

Issues we never discussed have become mainstream. Issues we never heard of are FrontPage news. Issues once thought to be ill-advised, hush-hush or deviant are accepted as normal by those who wish to promote such shameful aversions.

Explaining that to a 23-year-old is deafening. They can’t relate. Sadly, the younger generation has no idea what Ozzie and Harriet represented.

God is speaking and speaking loudly. Actually he is yelling. If you are blinded or don’t know the word, you won’t hear him. But this is what he is saying.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Who does this sound like? Weren’t the Israelites a difficult bunch?

Unfortunately the Israelites don’t have anything on America. We are the most grumbling, complaining, and selfish, backbiting people on earth.

But God put us here for a reason. America was founded on Godly principles. America is God’s alternative to freedom for others. He has used our people to give generously, back Israel and seek peace in other areas of the world. He built this nation on Capitalism; free market and enterprise and a constitution based on his word.

America is a blessed nation or was.

We have to get back on our knees. Now.

http://singularspectrum.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/spectrum-perspectives-social-media/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/elective-despotism/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/05/23/quote-shudder/

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/a-matter-of-perspective/

http://justmyfaithtalking.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/a-simple-request-go-and-sin-no-more/

churchgraphics.wordpress.com

The Badgered Hounds of Society

The Bible is the spirit filled word of God. Some of the stories would make Hollywood blush.

A key ingredient is the characters; many of whom were a lot like you and me.

The following are a few movie titles to go with some of the most notorious.

Adam and Eve: Hello Mother, Hello Father…

Cain and Abel: A Tale of two Brothers

Noah: How to Build a Ship

Moses: Fire Starter

Joseph: The Ultimate Betrayal

Solomon: A Man for all Seasons

David: The King’s Dilemma

Esther: The Favored Queen

John the Baptist: The Itinerant Preacher

Paul: The Menaced Missionary

Mother Mary: Ordinary Life: Extraordinary Woman

The sins range from betrayal to deception, murder and polygamy. Yet, this crowd of chosen ones of God had some important connections.

The inspiration of God was their livelihood, their driving force for good, the reason they were born. In the midst of a burning bush, pre-meditated death and the beheading of the forerunner to Christ, God was there. God showed up. God was in control.

Life for these elect was the fulfillment of Biblical history; preserving the lineage of Christ.

It just doesn’t get any better than that. No Hollywood movie could write a script comparable to the flood of all centuries or the richest and wisest man who ever lived.

My perception of these Biblical Kings, Queens and ship builder were set as examples for us.

Photo by Randy Harrison
http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh

Hard as that is to grasp, I find myself in many of their travels, dreams or a lover of all 2 and  4 legged creatures.

I can see myself on the ark with all those animals. Wonder if Noah had any Lysol?

Moses has always intrigued me. I relate to him as he told God he would not be a good deliverer. No desire here to deliver anything or anyone, but understand his position of
“Not me Lord, pick someone else.”

Esther was wise. Handpicked by God to become Queen to save the Jewish people, she still felt uneasy about her purpose. Who wouldn’t? Women were not respected. Sound familiar?

God instructed Joseph as a young man in a dream that one day his brothers would bow down to him. That went over well. Joseph knew God’s plan but did he know the suffering he would endure before it came to pass?

Joseph suffered heartbreaking betrayal at the hands of many who simply misunderstood him. He was sold, became a slave prisoner, was accused of adultery and subjected to vile and wicked treatment.

He never gave up. He stood with God and his promise for him. Ultimately his loyalty paid off placing him in the position of the 2^nd most powerful man in Egypt.

God saw the whole picture. Joseph was the key to saving the lineage of Abraham.

Deuteronomy 28:9, 10 “The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. ¹⁰ Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you.”

The lesson learned here is to wait on God to teach us how to conquer.

The force of intimidation is widespread today. These men and women of God learned over time demoralizing a bully requires only a slingshot.

God’s plan doesn’t change. As we walk with him, the coercion of those who desire to thwart our journey is stopped dead in their tracks. The appeal we display is a mighty contending warrior for Christ even in silence.

The badgered hounds of society are no match for the Holy Spirit. The Bible says,

Luke 21:15 “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”

In other words, your Philistines won’t know what really hit them.

http://theriverministries.net/2012/05/22/the-apostle-paul-part-1/

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/who-is-the-holy-spirit/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/looking-to-christ/

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/serve-notice-to-satan-%e2%99%a5/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/discipline/

Copyright at 2012 All Rights Reserved

When did everything get so COMPLICATED?

Ok. I am beginning to dislike banks intensely. Protesting on the streets is not my idea of getting my way so I will pray. God can certainly do more than a loud mouth bunch of young people who have no idea what they are protesting.

Banking has become a farce. I would rather do like my ancestors and bury money in the yard. At least I would know where it was, what it was doing and who was not touching it.

A fee here, a fee there; they don’t care. Use to be if you needed to stop payment on a lost check it wouldn’t cost you your arm and now legs! Oh, and the paperwork. A pile of red tape cluttering someone’s desk they can’t find.

How do we survive the measure of expectations? What use to be simple is now an act of Congress: and we all know how that doesn’t work.

In other words, the world travels on money.
Simple is cheap. Complicated is expensive.

The air of complications is leaving many a soul weary.

Buying a house or a car these days reveals when you last relieved yourself.

Signing a legal document requires information from your long lost Aunt.

The Privacy Act forces us parents of college students to speak to at least 6 people in the school’s administration to find out if they got my check for the tuition!

Ordering a Credit card through your own bank requires both parties fill out an application longer than the SAT.

Itemizing your taxes requires an Organizer from your accountant. That excludes the accountant’s labor.

Forget insurance. They don’t pay for anything anyway. Why again do I have insurance? Oh, my husband says we need it. If they don’t pay for anything what am I paying them for? OH! Their trip to Hawaii. They must be meeting with the GSA.

I remember the days of old, easy and slow. Yes, I didn’t know how good I had it.

You know what people? God is still on the throne and his movements are the same. He is not making adjustments to his schedule according to ours.

He hasn’t changed his address, phone number or email. He’s always listening for our call or text. He wants it simple. We have muddled the disorder we already had.

American’s for sure don’t know the meaning of rest. We are supposed to work, but God says his rest in between each duty, praying to him will give us simplicity, peace, health and joy.

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Our entertainment overload is not only costly financially, but adds to time spent away from God.

Maybe that explains why there is so much depression, anxiety, fear and ill-will.

Maybe that explains why the lethargic view of life is running rampant.

Maybe that explains the hopelessness, anger and defeated attitudes.

The decision to keep or get your sanity back may depend on your simplicity or the lack there of. My sanity is rather important to me…..and those around me.

His realm of peace is another atmosphere away from man’s activities. That realm is found in his presence through our day. The self-assured, self –efficient perfectionist knows no such place. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in a circus of clogged up animation.

Productive, Godly work occurs during times of rest with him. The secret place of his presence is a miracle waiting to happen.

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

“My life is a simple thing that would interest no one. It is a known fact that I was born and that is all that is necessary.” Albert Einstein

Maybe old Albert knew a little more than just Physics.

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/romans1013-call-on-jesus-he-is-awake%e2%99%a5/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/the-entitlements/

http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/2012/05/06/gods-many-talents/

http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/2012/05/06/gods-many-talents/

Just Look Up

I wish it was as easy as Daniel had it. He knew God’s message to the King and no one else could decipher the message of all messages.

Can you imagine getting an invitation to one of the most aristocratic blowouts in the kingdom? As for this festive occasion I’d come as a nosey fly.

The King throws a bash; an elaborate celebration with his Noble friends. His elite alliance of wives, concubines and others of superior breeding were carousing around the castle dining hall drinking wine out of goblets of gold. As they drank they praised the gods of silver, wood, iron, stone and gold. Daniel 5: 1-4.

All of a sudden a finger appears out of now where and begins writing on the wall. The fingers were real; a human hand showing up scaring the wits out of those attending and especially King Belshazzar. The Bible says he grew pale and weak in the knees….as if he knew the memo implicated doom and gloom.

“Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin”

What did it mean? King Belshazzar in his despair called on all of the wise men in his kingdom to read it and tell him what the words meant. Lot of good that did.

Leave it to a woman to get help. The Queen informed her distraught King there was a man who had the spirit of the gods in him. What? Not gods, the God.

As Daniel interpreted the writing, he was given the 3^rd highest honor of the kingdom. Now that would make anyone’s day.

If you note in the Bible how often God used ordinary, everyday people to fulfill his work on earth. Ummm…..like you and me?

The moral of this story shows how God used Daniel, but also the effects and consequences of those who party? Play? Goof off? Or create their own self-righteous pedestals?

King Belshazzar’s fun in the sun led to a quick and miserable death that night. A life wasted on that which is greedy, self serving and propped up.

Oh, what a wicked web we do weave; only to leave the web empty.

The proverbial use of the term, “the writing on the wall” has been used over and over. You would think more people would get it. I wonder how many know where it originated.

I wonder what Daniel thought. How many times had God written on his wall? Was he shocked when he saw it or use to it? Had God revealed to Daniel his creative side….

As I wrote in previous posts the Thunderbirds have been here all week for an air show at the base. For 4 days I have had free seats here at home observing all kinds of aircraft flying over our house. And yesterday 4 of the Thunderbirds literally flew right in front of our house in sequence and perfect order.

One of the most intriguing stunts of the show was while they were practicing on Thursday as 5 planes flew side by side writing in the sky. As you can see from the photos I took, the planes let off steam leaving words like clouds in the sky.

The precision and amount of dedication to pull this off is incomprehensible.
For me I was glad they didn’t hit each other.

After witnessing such an event I had to ask God “why can’t you write in the sky for me?”

The answer:

Life would be easier if we just looked up. Yes. Just look up.

http://justmyfaithtalking.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/870/

http://singularspectrum.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/gospel/

http://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/when-the-good-shepherd-speaks-to-us/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/the-throne-of-grace/

Gospel Carriers in Rare Form

Craig Farmhouse

Our family reunion was wonderful once I got there. Sometimes life throws a curve and you can be so close yet so far away.

Craig Farm, my family homestead is off the beaten path down a nice, quiet road of farmland, grazing cattle and horses. The house is on the National Registry of Historical Landmarks since 1989. The home is refurbished, and is used for social events of all kinds including concerts, dinners, luncheons, and receptions. Across the street is the Kilburnie Inn on Craig Farm which is a bed and breakfast. The Inn sits on family land and is also used for many social events especially weddings.

Driving the scenic area would not be a typical place for what you may think as a trouble spot. There is a church at the end of the road where you turn off to the left to get on Craig Farm Road that leads to the farmhouse.  Mostly open fields and woods line the road giving way to a serene and peaceful ride. Until Saturday.

About 200 feet from the turnoff I was stopped and wasn’t going anywhere until the police moved out of the way.

One officer had parked his car in the middle of the road as did his partner on the other side of the street blocking any cars from going anywhere. There was no right turn unless you decided a quick trip into the woods full of trees was your best escape route.

More policemen showed up. Blue lights flashing as they parked their vehicles as if to set up a blockade.

All I could think of is they are looking for somebody. We had all these family members trying to get to Craig Farm and every police officer in Lancaster County had another idea altogether.

Going either way would have cuffed me for trying to drive through an army of cops. A dramatic movie scene was in the making as the police gathered in force as if protecting the road.

The only trustworthy instrument was my cell phone in case I needed to call the police. Oh. What police? They were all in front of me, around me, down the beaten path. They were of no help!

I turned my car off and sat. Maybe it was a license check. No.

There were too many officers for such an easy job.

Suddenly, the fear crept in my car. I could feel it climbing up my spine. The darts, no, the swords of evil penetrated my brain with thoughts like,

“You’re going to die.”

“A drug lord has escaped prison and is on the run.”

“A wanted murderer is on the loose and is armed and dangerous.”

All I could think of was what kind of ill fated hoodlum would dash out of the woods aiming a rifle ready to shoot at anyone or anything in front of him.

Prayer was the answer. I don’t carry a concealed weapon because I consider God’s angels who ride everywhere with me as ammunition. If this thing went off big I could make a run for it, or dive under the dashboard to avoid the onslaught of bullets.

In the mood for some great food, family intervention and a walk around the grounds of Craig Farm, a spirited cop feast searching for an escaped convict was not on my agenda.

The next few minutes appeared at least 15 more police vehicles. Many were motorcycles riding in a formatted line.

Behind this obvious police escort, rode one biker after another in a peaceful parade. Motorcycles of all shapes and sizes following each other in a show of respect were called the Faith Riders of South Carolina. A ministry of over 100 bikers making their way out of Lancaster most likely on their way to the grand strand for bike week at the beach.

The reverence in which these “gospel carriers” rode was intriguing. They were on a mission; a mission to preach Jesus.

I realized after they were gone, how quickly the devil attacked me. In an instant, he had thrown evil at me from all sides filling my mind with fear.

As quickly as the misery of evil converged on my soul it was all of a sudden, gone. The roar of the bikes; the code of conduct and awesome presence of God that surrounded these men and women of God ran him off with his tail in between his legs.

The way I see it is the devil is no match for a flock of Bible toting, motorcycle riding, faith filled bikers. In fact, only a fool would mess with that bunch.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

www.kilburnie.com/

Kilburnie Inn

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/how-may-faith-be-illustrated/

http://fromafarcountry.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/the-bible-needs-to-be-updated/

http://jennifershope.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/the-word-is-good-and-perfect/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/sihs-think-on-these-things-heb-1123/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

 

Craig Reunion Photos 2012

Please enjoy a few photos I took at our family reunion this weekend in Lancaster, SC.  The above Header is a picture of the Craig Farm. The back pavilion is where we always enjoy this annual event. Family totaled around 50.

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Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Rembrandt’s Cushion of Faith

If you’re like me the storms keep rolling in with the roar of thunder, some hail or even tornadoes. At least they come in different cases of attire and some don’t last too long. I wonder if they could have passed me by altogether or if maybe the enemy is running out of things to do with me. A breather would be nice.

The good news is I don’t get as bent out of shape as much as I use to. Credit there goes all to God because my yo-yo emotions are still learning the word “stability.”

This past Sunday, Dr. Condy Richardson, one of our Pastors gave an enlightening sermon from Mark 4. Remember the guys were in the boat and the storm was all around while Jesus slept? Yea, that one. The story reminds us how to sleep no matter what is going on around us. Sure! Easy!

Dr. Richardson used the painting below from Rembrandt:

As the painter painted his only seascape in 1633, he used Mark 4 as a reference to the miracle in the boat with Jesus.

If you look close and count the number of people in the boat, you will find there are 14 not 13. The twelve disciples and Jesus make 13. Rembrandt added one more person in the painting: himself. He added himself to the painting.

Why would he do that?

He knew about the storms of life himself?

Jesus calmed the storm so he felt that as he painted it?

He wanted to be like Jesus?

Dr. Richardson spoke on how when faith increases, fear decreases. He pointed out Mark 4:38 where it says Jesus slept on a cushion. In the boat. During a “squall.” ohhh……in other words if he can sleep on a cushion on a boat in the middle of a raging storm, we should follow his example.

I know this may sound strange, but recently I have understood this more than ever. The more time I spend alone in the presence of God, the stronger I feel. Lately it is as if my faith has become “tangible.” Almost as if I can touch it.

I have sensed this so strong I have asked God to make sure I keep it! The treasure I have been hunting was him, his presence.

Proverbs 2: 2-5 “turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

 

Dr. Richardson gave us 3 ways to combat fear:

Ask for faith; let go of fear.

Trust God: he sees the big picture.

Remember how God has worked before in your life.

Once we let go of fear, faith moves in like a rushing wind. Once we realize how big our God is, problems begin to shrink.

The calming of God’s presence is power and steadfastness. The enemy thrives on the opposite; anger, frustration and upset.

As natural as breathing is the habit we can make of returning to his presence. When a disruption or unrest occurs, reach for the place of his presence where only calm and harmony exist.  Grab a nice soft cushion and stay…….

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/peters-progression/

http://iambecomingme.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/no-longer-afraid-poem/

http://rorybyrd.com/2012/04/25/365/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/there-is-mercy-in-the-wilderness/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Mixed Messages of Impending Contradictions

Yesterday we received a letter from Verizon Wireless dated April 19, 2012.

We ended our less than desirable, dissatisfied relationship with Verizon the end of
January 2012 or 3 months ago.

The following is the letter:

RE: Verizon Wireless Account Number Ending with 1800

Dear Customer:

Your Verizon Wireless statement is now available for viewing online.

Our records indicate all your wireless lines on your account have been disconnected. You can still view and pay your disconnected account online using My Verizon with your user name rather than your Verizon Wireless phone number.

Please note any future bills will be sent to you in the mail.

eServices and Support

Verizon Wireless

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/the-need-of-a-disciplined-people/

Ummm…..what a waste of money; what a waste of paper. As if I had no idea I had disconnected service with them. Who do they think I am? Letters of this nature is why I left in the first place!

Verizon must have misplaced my memo. Good communication and customer service is a plus. A necessity. A lifeline.

Tossed around from one department to another results in harebrained letters such as this one. And to think our hard-earned money paid Mr. eServices to produce an obvious contradiction and actually mail it. He should be so proud.

Communication is a key in business. After the above misconstrued, indecisive, notice of my impending whatever, Verizon won’t be hearing from me any time soon.

Anyone with a brain or two would know the above letter makes no sense to a baboon. If this is the message the largest mobile phone company in the nation sends out, then we are in a “heap of trouble.”

Why would any bright, capable human being yearn to be subjected to such jargon? To be honest, the example truly represents some of the conversations I had with them.

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/god-school/

Credibility requires examination, integrity and honesty and maybe a few sentences worth reading.

If God wasn’t a true, credible source of life, why bother with him?

If his message, words and son’s death and resurrection were not real, where would we be now?

Thank God the Bible wasn’t written like the letter. No one would know how to use a cell phone or decipher the Bible’s context.

If God sends a clear message of salvation, shouldn’t we?

Should we “tip-toe” around the issues of importance so we don’t offend?

Should we hide our faith to evade ridicule?

Do we send mixed messages that only confuse rather than deliver?

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/04/24/getting-rebuked-in-the-face/
It took years of preparing, class and field work before God sent his anointed one, Moses as the Deliverer.

Joseph spent long, hard years in the prison of God’s workshop. You could say he even graduated with honors only to become the 2^nd most powerful man in Egypt.

Paul was your typical, radical Pharisee who by all educational standards today became a PhD in accidents, beatings, shipwrecks, and hunger pains. An overnight conversion led him to prison for 3 years where he used his time to expand his doctorate into Biblical history.

Our messages don’t happen in 24 hours. God prepares us.

He sends us to classes unknown.

Internships are granted for discipline, and on the job training.

The anointing is rewarded at God’s graduation of his servants.

The process is cultivated by pruning, shaping and molding our hearts along the way. God slowly blends us into the likeness of Christ giving us new attitudes, patience and humility.

As Moses, Joseph and Paul spent a lifetime in God’s classroom, so we should too.

We should always be listening, learning and preparing for the message of the Holy Spirit.

The message may not always be easy.

The message may include persecution, hardships and shipwrecks.

The message may not be what you had in mind to do with your life.

James 3:17-18

The message is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, and full of mercy and good fruit.

The message is wise, impartial, sincere and full of knowledge.

The message is from Heaven who raises a harvest of righteousness.

Matthew 11:28-30

The message is gentle and humble in heart giving us rest for our souls.

The message is clear. The message is Jesus Christ.

http://goodchristianfiction.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/by-the-water/

Photo by Randy Harrison
http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh

 

Battle of Athens

This is a film production, but the incident really did happen. Athens is about 20 or 25 miles north Cleavland, Tenn.

Please watch this to the end. This is the real reason why we have the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Someone had a conversation with an old man who had been a boy at the time of the Battle of Athens. His father had taken a part in it. The man remembered how his mother had been up all night worrying about her husband. In the morning the man said that his father came home, put his shotgun behind the kitchen door and sat down to his breakfast, and no one in the family ever said another word about that night.

Click the link below to watch.

http://youtu.be/U5ut6yPrObw

This video shows what “we” the people can do when put to the test of restricting our freedoms. As the Bible says,

Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

God intervened with these men as a result of their willingness to stand up for the truth. God fights for us in our battles which is made clear in the Bible. God outlines specifics in some of the wars how they were to be fought.

Side note: I have a particular interest in this event. Some of my husband’s ancestors lived  in Athens at the time this Battle took place.

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/the-duty-of-man/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/decentralizing-government-power/