Marked Moments

A marked moment changes your behavior, speech and attitude.

Moments like the day your best friend decides you are no longer their best friend.

Or the day you realize how blessed you are to have other friends.

The day you were given your first pet.

The argument you had when you spoke those regrettable words.

The moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior.

The night the lightning hit the house and your life was spared.

The camping trip you took that ruined your desire to ever camp again.

The speed trap where you received your first speeding ticket.

The day you discovered Fabuloso.

The night you looked out the back window and 4 bears were sitting in your yard.

That moment when you thought you fell in love.

The phone call you never wanted.

The graduation you worked so hard to obtain.

The point in time when you knew you married the wrong person.

The day that long lost relationship was restored.

The first time the words of God jumped off the page of the Bible and became real.

The afternoon you gazed upon the huge, beautiful eyes of a live Bobcat about 50 feet from where you were standing. And you froze.

The joy God gave you when you held your baby for the first time.

The moment you were told you no longer had a job; but God gave you a better job.

The house you bought for a whole lot less than everyone told you could get it for.

The mild afternoon you took out the trash; out of the corner of your eye is something very large and brown walking down the street. You yell to your neighbor sitting on her front porch, “Get in the house! It’s a bear!”

The moment in time when walking away was the only solution.

Isaiah 61:1, 3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

September 11, 2001

The day God spoke and you ignored him.

The day God spoke and you listened.

He said, “The time has arrived when I will pour my Spirit upon the nations. An awakening unlike any other in history is beginning.  The lost lives of many will come to know my name from the depths of the “east” to the stars in the “west” and the Temple Square. As the world sets fire to that which is sacred, I will shed “light” and Elisha shall come forth; that which has always been mine, shall remain.”

When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19b)

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/prayer-changes-things/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/preparing-for-the-unknown/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/09/27/the-church-that-hell-cant-break/

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/lost/

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That One Sock

You know. The sock that gets lost in the washer or dryer. The sock you can’t find which leaves its partner all alone and sad.

Hours or days may go by before the lone sock re-appears. You have searched high and low, through the dirty clothes basket, or better yet behind the junk in your husband’s closet. After all, it is his sock that has gone missing.

Who knows what he does with his socks?

Leaves them in the car?

Takes them hunting?

Goes on a business trip?

The lone sock could be anywhere from hiding in his closet floor to Missouri.

What do you do?

Give up?

Keep looking?

Pray?

Or place the sock you have in the open where you are reminded of the lost sock?

The sock is not rendered completely useless;  it has just gone on a trip. Temporarily.

As you unload the dryer and dump the clothes on the bed, you begin to fold them.

The husband’s t-shirts are crumpled up so you shake them. All of a sudden the lone sock falls out of the sleeve. What or how did it get in there?

Who cares? You found the lost sock.

So, if you think about it, the sock really wasn’t missing. It was tucked away in a shirt. Safe. Warm. Protected.

But now, the sock is clean and ready to be re-united with its obvious match.

These two socks are like people and God. Just when we think God has taken a very long vacation, he re-appears wearing sunglasses and tanned.

God says, “I didn’t think you wanted me around so I took some much needed time off.”

People: “God, we are so sorry. We somehow missed the turn off and got lost. Will you forgive us? We know we goofed up and sinned, but we really need you to stay.”

God: “The truth is I was never far away from any of you. I don’t hang around making myself known where I am not wanted.  And a little sun is good for all of us. We all need that Vitamin D.”

People: “So, God, you aren’t angry with us? We walked away; turned the other cheek.”

God: “No, I’m not angry. I am your Heavenly Father who loves you more than you can imagine. That is why I always know where you are even if you don’t know where you are.”

People: “God, you got that right! We never want to go there again. Misery, anguish, hate; evil was all around us. That’s why we cried out to you. We went looking for you behind podiums, trees, deserts and green fields. We searched for you in the middle of the protests, riots and wars. Where were you?”

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.”

God: “Oh, I was in all those places, but the noise and hate filled words kept you from finding me. So, I came back here.”

People: “Yeah, God, we never expected to find you here. You’ve been gone from this place for many years. Why here now?”

God: “You know this is my throne. Always was and always will be. But when my people go astray I basically leave them to do their own thing. It may look like someone else has been on my throne, but this chair isn’t large enough for anyone else but me.”

People: “But God, you’re sitting in the President’s chair in the Oval Office of the White House. What does this mean?”

God: “Well, you know you kicked me out of the schools some 40 years ago and it was downhill after that; but many of you have been diligently praying and asking me to return. I have heard your cries and as I did with the Israelites, I will do for you. After all this became my home in 1776, I believe. So I have come home.”

People: God, does this mean you are going to be running things again?”

God: “Oh, my dear children; you do make me laugh! I was always running things; I just let you have your way for a while, so I took a break by moving out of your way.”

People: “But God, what about all these people in the White House now? They are still here.”

God: “Oh, my dear children. Again you make me laugh. They won’t be here for long. I promised you great blessings if you repented and prayed. I promised I would heal your land and that is in the process right now. Do not worry my children, for this chair is meant for someone else, come November. In fact, I will be bringing in a whole new crew.”

http://jonesingafter40.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/occupied/

http://theriverministries.net/2012/09/27/how-big-is-your-faith/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/morality-and-religion/

http://thefaithbook.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/40-days-of-prayer/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Heather McCoy: A True Inspiration

Heather McCoy

This is the true story of Heather McCoy. This article and short video of Heather were on the local news about her journey with Cystic Fibrosis. She is 20 years old and presently at Duke Hospital waiting for a double -lung transplant.  This amazing young woman has a spirit for God so positive and endearing.  She lifts up other people!  She brightens the day of every one around her!

When you find yourself in a hard place; a difficult place, remember Heather. She just wants to breathe.

Please take a few moments and be uplifted by the grace of God through Heather’s story on this TV video.

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/197887/2/God-Has-A-Plan-For-Me-Thats-Why-I-Am-Still-Here-

CCTC student organizations to host fund-raising event for former student Heather McCoy

Former CCTC student Heather McCoy is awaiting a double lung transplant, and student clubs and organization from across the college plan to band together to raise funds to assist McCoy and her family. The event will be held on Saturday, October 6 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Main Campus on North Guignard Drive in Sumter as part of National Student Day, which recognizes student volunteerism in the community.

The events will include a yard sale, bake sale, concessions, a raffle, a car wash, chair massages, and other activities. Student clubs and organizations committed to the event so far include: ACTS (A Calling to Salvation), Creative Arts Society, Criminal Justice Association, Natural Resources Management Club, Phenomenal Women, Phi Theta Kappa, and Umami (Pleasant and Savory Taste).

Anyone who is interested in donating items for the yard sale or bake sale should contact CCTC Auxiliary Services Director Mark Neil at 778-6669.

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” or “Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud”

Yes, that would be the movie.  If you haven’t seen it, please do. The emotional range of the young actor Thomas Horn was extraordinary. There were times I couldn’t’ keep up with his rants. And he deserved rants. Of all kinds.

There are plenty of “spoiler” sites so I won’t add to them. My take on this movie besides this kid’s exemplary acting skills, is not what I expected. Or maybe the movie wasn’t what I expected.

Anything having anything to do with 9/11 shakes us to the core now. Marked in American history as the worst terrorist attack on US soil, this movie depicts the heart of the pain, agony and loss we all felt. And still do.

Fortunately I had no connection to the devastation as far as human life goes. Yet, it ripped my heart out. The day the planes hit the World Trade Center, I had to explain to my daughter at 12 years of age, what had taken place. It was no easy task and one I will never forget which brings me to two points.

1. Why were we, who witnessed this horrific portrayal of hate, living during this time in history?
2. There was no reference that I saw (unless I missed it which is highly possible) in the movie to God. Richard Dawkins, yes, but not God.

My explanation to my daughter at the time of the attacks was interrupted by her question of “Mom, why did God let this happen? Are we bad people?”  My own emotions were running high and she was 12. God hates evil, but allows it for his own reasons and purposes but God is good and wants good for his people. 11 years later she is still asking that question.

Romans 1:18 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

Why was I here? Why were you here? What significance was our presence, if any; have to do with the timing of the worst human inflicted disaster in American History?

I scoured the news and wept as I watched it.

My heart ached to the depths of my soul; my mind couldn’t wrap itself around the thought of what might have happened to the ones never found.

So why was I here? To pray. And pray I did. For those who died. Their families. The lost. The Medics, Police, EMT’s, Firemen, The Mayor, The President. Our country.

Phones rang across this land. It was God telling us to “wake up.”

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth”
(Psalms 145.18)

Extremely loud was the reality of a new enemy.

Incredibly close was, it hit home.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 8:56 A.M. The first plane hit and nothing would ever be the same again.

Yes, it was a movie and knowing Hollywood, God Almighty, the Great I Am is not politically correct. However, “At such a Time as This” political correctness did not apply, left or got lost in translation.

God showed up to many who did not know him.

God re-appeared to those who forgot him.

God encouraged those close to him.

And for all we know, God and his Angels were all over, inside and out of the Twin Towers, down the street of New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.

A movie made, 10 years after the attack without reference to God seems reprehensible to me.

But…..God was extremely close and God was incredibly loud; yet we gave him little credit for what could have been a lot more “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.”

We know the terrorists intentions were to do more damage and destruction than they got away with. We know they didn’t finish the job.
God finished it by stopping them.

http://theteentheme.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/honesty-in-prayer/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/09/24/question-why-is-jesus-right-and-others-wrong/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/disobedience/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/life-is-in-christ-alone/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Rumblings of Noah’s Ark

As you can see from this very amateur video our cat loves this swing. Late afternoons the swing becomes her bed. She has no fear of the movement; in fact she loves for us to push her in it like a child!

In her mind, the swing is now hers. She allows us to join her as long as she gives us space to do so. Once we are settled in beside her, contentment is established and she is one happy, feline.

Cats are graceful and smooth in their movements. Blessed with perfect balance, leaping to great heights or falling from trees, cats usually land on their feet.

The peacefulness she exhibits, her emotional nod of unwanted prey and the details of her balance are characteristics natural to cats. Her instincts, perfect as they are can be the workings of God.

Animals can be tell-tell signs of our surroundings. As if to feel sensations from the earth beneath them that we don’t, our pets may be giving us signals.

Reading the book, “Unusual Prophecies being Fulfilled” by Perry Stone, he elaborates how animals play a role in impending catastrophes.

In 2004, the tsunami that hit from Indonesia to Kenya killed around 300,000 people. That figure does not count the thousands that went missing. After the massive destruction, many were shocked to find few animals had died. They reacted by moving inland and away from the coasts to higher ground before it came ashore.

The strange behavior of elephants in a park in Sri Lanka were seen running from the beach inland an hour before the tsunami showed up. Some of the elephants were carrying tourists on their backs and saved their lives.

December 26 in Sri Lanka, it was noted how odd birds, monkeys and dogs were acting before the waters ravaged the area. Bats usually sleep upside down during the day, but 30 minutes before the tsunami rolled in the bats were flying around.

The age old question of how the animals knew to go to Noah’s Ark before the flood is one many have asked. If animal’s sense natural disasters prior to them occurring, is it possible they headed to higher ground such as the location of the Ark before Noah closed the doors?

Genesis 7:4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.”

The ground beneath us changes causing atmospheric rumblings before a catastrophe occurs. Animals instinctively know something very bad is about to take place as they react to these underground altercations.

Dogs bark nervously and cats whine showing signs of restlessness before an earthquake. Before Christ, in Helice, Greece was a devastating earthquake. History recorded that prior to this quake, rodents ran away, chickens stopped laying eggs and bees left their hives in a panic.

Our animals may play a much larger role in our lives besides giving us laughter and joy.

As Geologists probe the world of possible natural disasters, hopefully we can learn from the many hurricanes, tornados and storms that have ravaged the US in the last 25 years.

We should be alert, aware and pray for protection as the earth rumbles beneath us. These “birth pains” are like our animals, warnings of what may come.

As far as the theory of how the animals knew to walk two-by-two into the Ark, you have to admit the whole story is quite bizarre.

Truth is, maybe we have underestimated our furry friends.

Or better yet, we underestimated who created them.

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/god-the-environment/

http://lifeofafemalebiblewarrior.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/remarkable/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Al Capone Wasn’t the Only “Scarface”

 “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”

False accusations hurled at God’s people are often the last hit before promotion.

Since that is what God says in Job 42:10 then my double portion is on the way.

Remember the guy/girl you gazed at from a distance in high school? The one you admired as the star of everyday classrooms? They spoke to you only if necessary or the hall was so crowded they couldn’t avoid it. Your heart melted like candle wax as time passed and they noticed you.

Months of hopeful waiting for a meaningful conversation go by until one day it happened.

“Does anyone have the answers to last week’s English test?”

Your heart pounding, the proverbial lump in your throat forms as if to protrude from your neck and you ask yourself: “would that be cheating? Oh, but this is my chance.”

“I do.” The crowd thins as the love of your life saunters toward you.

The conversation silently presents itself and you write on a piece of heart framed paper the needed link to confirm your affections.

Thanking you for the noted lifeline to their graduation they begin to walk away.
Turning around the last words you ever wanted to hear flow out of their mouth was,

“Now what is your name?”

As if “Scarface” himself had entered the room only to slash your cheek, for days you sink to unknown lengths. Picking yourself up off the floor was not an option. The blood runs thick through the pain of despondency and dejection.

Hate filled thoughts slip through your mind. Piercing their heart wasn’t enough to ease your misery; you want revenge.

Of course that annoying, little voice whispers in your ear, “remember, don’t pay back evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17)

Years of facing Scarface most likely strike us all at one point or another. Different scenarios occur like this one in all kinds of relationships but the end result is a tell-tell sign of our maturity and growth.

Raising the ladder of trust with people is giving them a Totem Pole they can’t climb.

Asking them to do or give what they don’t have to begin with is often trial and error but diminishes respect for them and leans towards great disappointment.

Even as our wrong nature clings to that which we would like to receive is the open-eyed observation that Scarface isn’t at all what you thought. Your aim in believing their Christ-like claim is shot to pieces in a few ignorant words. Their egotistical behavior and arrogant self-admiration is notably their first goal in life.

Quickly and sadly, the truth surfaces and the ugly scar shines brighter than a 100 watt light bulb. The grieving begins of wasted time, effort and emotions we laid out as optimism settled in we could bring them closer to Christ.

Al Capone

Why don’t we see the superficiality and pompous attitude before the scar shows up?

Why are we blinded to the sinister corruption of their hearts as they use scripture and Biblical affirmations to back up their position?

Because we want for them what we have found in Jesus so much, the effort is worth it.

Getting in the gate is first and foremost, but many stop as soon as the door hits their rear-ends.

Just as Jesus trained disciples, so has he done with us.

As we move forward into the supernatural world of Christ, we know the joys and blessings are beyond the gate.

The age-old question of “isn’t there more to this life?” sinks deep in many who believe they have it all together. The boat is waiting but they aren’t quite ready to step in.

Self-sufficiency for the thick-skinned is like a drowning man without the life jacket he refused.

You can take a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it.  We know he needs it, but it is up to him to lean over and take that first gulp.

Pride came through the gate with them instead of leaving it at the cross when they accepted Jesus. Scarface has his name on the list but he forgot to wash his face.

Titus 3: 10-11 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”

Whether they end it with you or vice-versa, you have done all you can do humanly speaking. Give them to God, pray diligently for them and believe for a miracle.

Years may pass but your prayer is prominent for this soul left with his shirt tail stuck in the locked gate.

And….one day you get that phone call or message; Scarface much more humble now says,

“I’m ready now. Would you help me get rid of these scars?”

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/sin-and-misery/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/09/12/quote-mastered/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/is-our-faith-genuine-3/

http://jesuscarriesme.com/2012/09/22/controlling-your-tongue-instead-of-your-tongue-controlling-you/

DON’T MESS WITH ME TODAY

It is a rare occasion when I get so angry I could ….but today that has happened.

My usual calm, passive nature exploded due to the lack of knowledge, undue accusations and selective breeding of a culture gone awry.

It is one thing to act like you know it all. It is another to display it for all to read or see. If you don’t have the facts correct, then don’t publish it.

One area anyone who wishes to impose their stupidity and irreverence on me is the supporting of our troops. You would be better to place a millstone around your own neck and throw yourself into the sea before I do.

Many of you who have followed my blog know we live in an Air Force based city. The largest Fighter Jet base in the world is about 2-3 miles from our house. The jets fly right over our yard, front and back.  If you ride a little closer to the base the jets take off over one of our grocery stores so close they could touch the roof.

Behind our house, in an area of course blocked off that we can’t see or go, is a Bomb site. I may not see them but I can sure hear them.

After the Republicans blocked a vote to give more military aid/jobs to veterans, obvious democrats have been posting on facebook nasty, obscene and wrong messages. As if the conservatives have no support, care or help for the military these left winged idiots write as if they know what they are talking about.

THEY HAVE NO IDEA. They don’t live 2 miles from an Air Force Base.

Their neighbors are not Tech Sergeants, Majors, IT experts and Lt. Colonels who are some of the greatest pilots that ever flew an aircraft.

They don’t go to church with military units getting deployed.

They don’t have a Wal-Mart where every other customer has their military uniform on.

They don’t see the struggle, the heartache and pain of families torn apart by war.

They don’t understand the hardships those left behind face every day.

They can’t possibly feel the patriotism when I ride around town and see the American Flags flying high.

They have no idea what it is like to lose their benefits due to defense cuts.

They have no clue how right now many are concerned about their jobs being cut.

They have no right to bash Republicans like myself for standing up for the truth which is not coming from the White House because they don’t live here.

They don’t see what I see, hear and live 24/7.

They don’t believe troops are still being deployed because our President isn’t telling the American people that.

Believe me, they are being deployed. Now. Lately. Before 9/11. This is fact.

Most of the time the jets/pilots train during the day light hours due to the noise. Believe me, sometimes it almost breaks the sound barrier or shakes our house.

Before 9/11/2012 my husband and I noticed they were practicing more at night which as I said is highly unusual; unless they have a reason.

Due to privacy I will not elaborate, but I can tell you something is up.

Sometimes, things are just left unsaid. Conversations have telling signs the military personnel give without giving it.

I HATE WAR. GOD HATES WAR. BUT THERE ARE WARS AND RUMORS OF WAR. For the peace ridden, politically correct civilians who wear your so-called patriotism on your sleeve take your shirts off.

If you think getting rid of our military is going to stop war you’re elevator is stuck on the bottom floor.

If you want to continue to blame our past President for the war in Iraq, go live in Iraq. And before you take that wonderful flight to Bagram AFB, ask one of my neighbors what it is like there. They don’t like getting shot at any more than you do; or at least that is what Major Scott Stewart told me after he was shot at by many of the rebels.

Before any left winged liberal, or civilian wishing to bash the conservative base concerning our military with their inaccurate, defective slander, go live in a city where there is a military base.  Your eyes and ears will be opened to see the real truth.

OTHER WISE; SHUT UP.

We’re all the same….

This is the title of a blog post by a great blogger Kelly Levatino. The following is the link to her story you will enjoy reading. Her blog is titled “Calculating Grace.”

http://kellylevatino.com/2012/09/18/were-all-the-same/

After reading her post I messaged her to ask if I could extend it from my point of view. As she replied back, “this subject is endless!” is so true.

http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/2012/09/18/seasons/

Growing up with only one other girl in my neighborhood,
I was subjected and tortured to play with the boys.
We both loved sports but rejection came often.

“You’re just girls” they would say. Maybe so but they were
surprised to learn we knew where the outfield was and how to
hit the pitcher with a line drive to the stomach.

Girls were not allowed to wear pants to school until I was in the 9^th grade. Talk about freedom!

Make-up didn’t hit my face much until around age 30.

Summers my second home was the neighborhood pool. If I wasn’t living in my swimsuit, it was jeans, and t-shirts. In my early teens, tennis clothes became my on the court style and a requirement at certain clubs.

College of course was cut off jeans and sleeveless tops. The heat was unbearable especially my Freshman year living in a 100 year old, 3 story dorm with no A/C in the deep south. This didn’t count the closet full of formals I had from weddings and pageants where I wore them one time. Good Will took them and made someone else happy.

Tennis shoes and sandals were my footwear for many years.
Eventually my ankles let me know sandals were no longer an option.

Carrying a purse is done out of necessity and 3 is my limit; 1 for each season.

Working in the public sector for so many years the dress requirement was professionally casual.
This endurance was great incentive to prioritize my life to complete comfort as much as possible otherwise.

Now, dressing up is a no-no. Kelly made the point she was wearing more dresses to church for her girls. She is setting a good example. The last time I had on a dress/skirt was at least 4-5 years ago and that was a mistake.

Fashion has never been a must for me. Vera Wang hasn’t made a dime off of me.

http://jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/pretty-in-everyway/

As for my much shorter hair, my Beautician told me “you have enough hair for 4 people.” The downside blessing of very thick hair is the length of time it takes to dry it. I guess I should be thankful I will never go bald.

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/the-total-corruption-of-the-human-nature/

The outward attributes we display can often outline our societal position but rarely fits the heart or soul we carry around.

The responsibility of our inner life is ours. Just as we shower, shave or wash our hair, our heart and soul need a fresh scent of God every day.

Our thinking processes require a great deal of Godly exposure. The rough edges of life take its’ toll on our lucidity and brainpower. Wounds gather in the “limbic system” of the brain which is the medical terminology for the resting place of emotions. These negative sentiments must be addressed for personal as well as social balance and being able to play with a full deck.

1 Timothy 2:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind.”

Joyce Meyer’s book, “Battlefield of the Mind” is by far the most important book I have ever read outside of the Bible. And I have read many books over the course of my life. Her self-help teaching describes her journey of transforming her mind through Christ.

I would lend you my copy but I can’t part with it. It is one of the many daily referral services I use to keep myself sane. Plus it has so many yellow, green and orange highlights in it you probably couldn’t read it anyway.

Yes, we’re all the same….we all need Jesus.

Bonclarken Lake, Flat Rock, NC
Photo by Randy Harrison/http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh
One of my many swimming holes

Of Rats and gods

In my last post I spoke of a Rat Temple in India.
My thoughts when I first read about it were,
“That can’t be true.” This has to be a joke. Why would anyone construct a temple for rodents of the rat nature?

It is true.

The Karni Mata Temple is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. She was a Hindu sage reincarnated from the goddess, Durga. Legend has it, when she was 6 she cured her aunt giving her the name “mata” meaning “mother goddess.” One of her step-sons died in a water tank. She implored “Yama” the god of death to revive him; only he decided to reincarnate all of her male children into rats.

Ok. I’m sorry but I would not want my children reincarnated into anything much less a stinking, dirty rat.

And so it is to this day, the temple has become somewhat of a tourist attraction only you have to take your shoes off to enter. WHAT? Yes. You take your life into your own hand by walking on a floor,
barefooted that has been for centuries covered in rat stuff….

Legend also has it that you are blessed if you see one of the few white rats running around freely. It is believed the white rats are the manifestation of Karni Mata herself and her 4 sons.

The one treat you want is to allow one of the rats to crawl over your bare feet….brings you good luck! I shall pass. OR…drinking or eating food or water the rats have sampled is considered a greater blessing! (puke)

And….don’t step on one. You are implored to replace it with a fine silver or gold rat.

This would be sad, sickening and disgusting if it wasn’t true. Well, it is sickening and disgusting, but so sad considering many visit the rats to pay homage to them; feed them and think they are blessed in their nasty presence. Many in India yet feed the rats when they have no food for themselves.

Idol worship comes in all forms. This is by far one of the most deplorable I have heard about.  But what of those born there who have never been exposed to anything different?

Would they believe what we believe about rats if they were given that information? Or would they deny it due to beliefs handed down for generations?

Is this idol worship any worse than vile music, vulgar language or immoral movies/TV?

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

What about slander or compulsive liars or gossips?

How many addictions become idols?

The basis for idols in a modern culture is greed.

There may not be a “golden calf” or a Rat Temple but there are plenty of new cars, technology or the latest style of fashion we simply can’t live without.

These idols represent the extreme use of power or money; the gods and goddesses in the name of fame and fortune even when they don’t have it.

The love of money is the root of all evil. (1Timothy 6:10)

Rats can be deadly creatures but so is idol worship of any kind.

Placing anything before God is self-proclaimed suicide; no different than getting bit by a diseased fat rat.

For the love of money has no excuse. The authors of so-called silver and gold palettes have no immunity for idol worship.

But the precious child growing up in distinct poverty in a nation who reveres small creatures of horrid filth as sacred has no idea he or she is worshipping an idol. Accountability is not laid upon their souls unless or until the truth penetrates the heart.

Losing the way of God whether it is in a reincarnated temple of vermin or the shops of Rodeo Drive, the end result of idol worship is the same.

Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/the-total-corruption-of-the-human-nature/

http://highlyfavored74.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/more-than-just-sinners-to-god/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/09/13/our-lives-a-constant-exodus/

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Far-Fetched Blueprints

Labor done in peace is productive. How then can our
hurried society accomplish much of anything?

Action is everywhere but in the kingdom of God strength is found in the quiet, rest of God.
So how can we be strengthened while running marathons?

http://goodchristianfiction.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/god-is-our-hiding-place/

Impatience is the hostility of peace. Clear headed thinking is knocked off its pedestal, and replaced with mistakes.

Do you recall a time when Jesus rushed or hurried? As he approached the sisters of Mary and Martha whom he cherished after their beloved Lazarus had died he made it clear he made no effort to arrive before his death.

John 11:21 ““Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Jesus knew Lazarus was dead, yet he waited 2 days before going to Judea where he was already buried in a deep grave.

We can look into the Middle East right now and understand the results of no peace, no rest or quiet with God. Fueled by hate, anger and religious piety, many storm the doors of innocence with desires to take into their own hands the vigilante motive of nations gone wild.

Jesus never fell for it. And neither should we.

Jesus could have spared Lazarus from dying by rushing to his deathbed, but he lingered with diligent composure.

They didn’t know what Jesus knew. They didn’t know what he would do, if anything. They didn’t understand his ways.

Yet, to many it would appear he used Lazarus as bait for the glory of God to be revealed. Maybe so, only he was far from the hook.

The conversation of how crazy and weird Christianity looks to unbelievers is noted. Just as Jesus was born to a virgin by the Holy Spirit is synonymous to me believing there is really a Rat Temple in India where rats are considered sacred.

When Jesus approached the sisters mourning the loss of Lazarus, the thought of yelling to a 4 day old dead body in a stinking, nasty tomb, “Lazarus, Come out,” is as far- fetched as rats reincarnated as human Indian royalty. It is too outrageous and unbelievable for our logical thinking brains to comprehend, process and accept. Jesus purposely delaying his travel to Judea is just as shocking and brazen, but he was in no hurry because he planned it that way all along. His point was to show the miracle was only a miracle when peace was paramount.

So it is with Jesus’ long-suffering in allowing us to fall before him after years of running in the opposite direction of his redemption.

http://godspeaks-i-listen.com/2012/09/15/your-31536000-seconds/

As believers yearn and await his magnificent return, he is calm but persistent in  allowing sinners to find his cross.

The representation of Jesus waiting to raise Lazarus from the dead is an example of how he expects us to live. Obviously Jesus could have performed this miracle as easily while Lazarus was dying as he did after his demise.
He chose self-controlled restraint instead of agitated urgency to fulfill Mary and Martha’s request.

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/gone-fishin/

Isaiah 32:17” And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.”

In other words he saw the big picture.

He was honoring the father with a display of glory never seen before.

He won more souls raising Lazarus from the dead than if he had healed him while alive.

Our plans are not in time but based on eternity.

http://diasolifeontheborder.org/2012/09/15/we-rest-in-gods-good-plan/

Our futures are outlined in unseen blueprints.

Our swift expedition will not accelerate our arrival.

America is running a marathon of disobedience.