There are Meetings and then there are Meetings

What is important to one person may not be important to the next person.

If it isn’t important to one person, should they reject it?

The person who thinks it important may want to share it with the person who thinks otherwise. Should they?

Depending on who is involved the process is a learning curve.

Variety is one of God’s great character traits.

The opportunity to learn from others must have been part of his plan considering we are all unique.

What happens when the difference becomes a contrasting point of indifference?

We are not all Star Trek fans, broccoli lovers or enjoy “Wuthering Heights.”

Some like football; others wouldn’t watch it unless they were paid to.

There are readers, spellers and mathematicians; not necessarily all together.

And then of course are the Biblical believers, non-believers, scholars and denominations.

The end result can be a balancing act of give and take. Or not.

People who are alike may not suffer the trenches of diversity, but the array of knowledge would be limited.

“Opposites attract” is a common cliche’. With it comes a baggage of alternative opinions, misunderstandings and a very long table for a meeting of the minds. However, the opportunity to discover new ideas, receive gifts of wisdom from each other and bond in one another’s knowledge is unlimited.

In close relationships it is imperative to find common ground for success.  It ain’t always easy.

Selfishness gets in the way of making it work.  Understanding where the other person is coming from is vital and the only way to that conclusion is open and honest communication.

Communication is easier for some, and a blank for others which is a whole different blog. But, it must be a priority for the relationship to survive and be peaceful.

Times will come when we have to give of ourselves to enjoy what others are interested in even if we aren’t. Doing so will give them the notion to return the favor.  But, a great addition to relationships that works is simply giving them space to be who they are.  Creative abilities flow and can produce an unexpected interest from the other parties.

More than anything is no matter whether you are alike or opposites, the Holy Spirit of God should be the center of any relationship.  The Godly presence will ultimately connect the two spirits (assuming they are Christian) bringing the center around Jesus.

Psalm 37: 4”Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

God will do the miraculous when he is the focus.  Placing him first gives him the go-ahead to offer his ideas and desires for those involved.  The result aids in learning how to remove the selfish or self-centered processes that cause fights and arguments. Why?

When we allow God’s ambitions for us to surface, applying them pleases him. The neutrality it brings cannot be matched.

Then you can trade in that long table for a shorter one.

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http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/love-for-the-brethren/

http://proverbsgirl.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/how-should-we-behave/

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Flagrant Regard Launches Thought-Provoking New Song ‘Reimagine’

I just heard this version of “Imagine” which I love! Please listen; it will make you smile!

Live To Tell

‘Reimagine’ Now Available On iTunes

“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today”
(from John Lennon’s 1971 song, ‘Imagine’)

For years, John Lennon’s song Imagine has always been one of those songs that leaves me feeling unsettled whenever I hear it. There’s certainly no doubt that Imagine is melodically beautiful, artfully recorded and musically uplifting.  Lennon’s voice is in its prime and the piece is sung with sensitivity and raw emotion. The words represent John’s (and Yoko’s) heartfelt desire to see a better world come about through unifying peace.(A poem by Yoko Ono initially inspired John’s lyrics for the 1971 recording.)

Imagine is over 40 years old now and we still hear it being ‘covered’ or played at memorials and peace rallies across the globe.  It’s also somewhat odd that though Lennon…

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Imagine….there’s no heaven

Rumors have it Santa Claus isn’t real.

Neither is the tooth fairy.

Explain that to millions of children who wonder how Santa always knows where they are or what they want for Christmas?

How does the tooth fairy know when little Joey or Susie’s smile has an empty space in front?

1971 John Lennon wrote:

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

The song went viral producing a movement endorsing such imaginations.

Why is it so easy to believe in Santa?

Why do parents tell children the tooth fairy will be by after midnight? So they will get money or go to bed on time?

John Lennon said it is easy to believe there is no heaven, hell or religion. How is that easy?

I don’t want to believe there is no Heaven and I could care less about hell because I won’t be going there.  That doesn’t mean I don’t believe hell exists.

Religion exists to contradict or delude the truth made up by man to push a cause, particular doctrine or personal belief system.

However, John Lennon and his many fans, supporters or groupies may have imagined “no religion” to actually mean no Christ or Christianity since it is often used in that context.

Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let’s just imagine:

Jesus is about 10 years old. He and his siblings along with some neighborhood friends are outside on a sunny day in Nazareth where he grew up.  Imagine them playing “David and Goliath.”  One of his siblings decides Jesus should play the part of David since he was the King.

Sibling #1: “Why do you always want Jesus to play the King or the leader of an army?”

Sibling #2:”Because he is the King.”

Sibling #3: “No he isn’t. He’s just like us. What makes him so special?”

Friend #1: “Aw, come on guys! Don’t start with this again! Let’s play!”

Sibling #2: “But you know what mom and dad told us. Remember that day they sat us all down and told us about him? He may be 10 now, but he was born the Savior of the World.”

Sibling #1:”And you believed them?  You are dumb!”

The crowd jeers.

Jesus and the brother who stood up for him watch the rest of them run down the street to the local gym.

“Brother James, those closest don’t recognize me.  Prophets are not honored in their own hometown.” (Mark 6:4)

Why is it easier to believe John Lennon’s words than to believe Jesus is the Savior of the World?

Wouldn’t the world really be peaceful if everyone accepted Jesus as the Messiah today?

Imagine that.

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Copyright @ 2013 All Rights Reserved

“Are you still so dull?”

Not exactly the words you expect out of the “Messiah’s” mouth but they were.

The disciples were often confused or misunderstood Jesus words and actions. Who wouldn’t?

His intellect/IQ is unmatched. Public speaking and teaching were built-in gifts.

We know Jesus’ annoyance with the Pharisees, but his disciples appeared dim-witted or sluggish or a little slow on the uptake of his purposes.

Jesus had no problem with being the Messiah.

Imagine sitting around a fire after dinner with Jesus.

Do you ask if he wants to play Gin Rummy? What about Monopoly?

Do you offer him fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and ice cream?

He may prefer a blueberry pie.

The disciples in their meager efforts had big shoes to fill before they ever put them on or knew they existed. Excusing them for their feeble mindedness is a given. Why?

How could you possibly play Gin Rummy with the Messiah and expect to win?

How could you sit around a fire without being in utter awe of his presence?

If it were me, mumbling may be the only communication I could muster up.

There is something to be said for praying to him unseen.

Jesus words from Matthew 15: 16 are in reference to his response from Peter,

“Explain the parable to us.”

Jesus must have hoped by now his devoted protégés’ would have climbed out from under their rocks.

As easy as it is to identify with Jesus’ disappointment, it is equally understandable the disciples bewilderment.  The veil had been partially removed. In other words they just didn’t get it, yet.

Joyce Meyer’s famous quote, “I’m not where I want to be, but at least I left where I was” fits perfectly in this scene.

He was not only hard on those who slighted or refused him, Jesus exhibited his true nature of discipline on his closest friends and allies.

From the tone of Jesus’ words, “are you still so dull?” he may have hoped these special confidante’s knew him better than it appeared.   The message of the Gospel is to seek Christ for a personal relationship with him.  The relationship opens up the hearts and eyes for his followers to understand learn and know his word.

As time passed, Jesus’ character was revealed. Not only did he perform miracle after miracle, teach knowledge no one ever heard, he was love.

Jesus showed tangible love supernaturally.

Eventually the disciples understood this.

And the rest is history.

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Related articles from some blogging friends:

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/the-choice-is-yours-alone/

http://proverbsgirl.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/if-we-could-see-inside-other-peoples-hearts/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/george-whitefield-on-walking-with-god/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/perfect-in-christ/

Copyright @ 2013 All Rights Reserved

Oh, those stones….

Have you ever wondered why God created stones?

Stones can be used in home decorating

Support for a levee

Crushed stones are good for mulch

To throw at Paula Deen

Landscaping

Some stones make beautiful jewelry

The Pharisees were such a devious group of Jews.  They strolled around in their expensive capes, adorned rings, and bracelets made of polished stones. The word “Pharisee” means to set apart or separate; a division this ancient sect took seriously.

Non-Pharisaic Jews and common people along with Gentiles never measured up to their educated, law abiding rules and doctrine. Today, they may be referred to as modern day Ivy League Academia or the “Venomous Vipers” of Religion and Institutionalism.

The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8) is one of my favorites.  Now some of you may beg to differ here and that is fine, but my interpretation of Jesus’ actions are almost sarcastic!

In the “Bible” miniseries, Roma Downey and husband Mark Burnett portray the scene as an eloquent twist of Jesus’ disgust and repudiation.  Jesus actually picks up a stone, stretches his arm out and walks in front of each Pharisee as if to hand it to them individually. While he saunters by he says, “he who has never sinned, throw the first stone.”

One by one, their heads drop as they leave unable to punish this disgraceful reprobate of a woman as they planned.

Jesus outwitted them; stopped them in their filthy tracks with wisdom and knowledge in one sentence.

Isn’t it just “human” to deny the truth and return with a “blasphemous” attack? How dare Jesus humiliate them in public? How dare this man who claimed to be their “Messiah” choose to protect the lowest of low instead of guarding their sanctimonious reputations?

Jesus is a master of words and often made people angry. In Matthew 15, Jesus once again frustrates the Pharisees by referring to them as “unclean.”  The disciples told him he had offended them; as if Jesus cared.

He replies,”Every plant my Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. Leave them. They are blind guides.  The blind leading the blind means they will both fall into a pit.”

Stones have been gathered for centuries in the wake of self-glorification repetitiously playing out the enemy’s goals.

Puffed up ego’s and overreaching plume’s can only stretch so far before they are smashed.

Such is the rise and fall of fame and fortune as it sits in the halls of “pride and prejudice. “

And the pits of today await the stone throwers and their “useful idiots” as they are now lined up in no particular order.  Their view is blocked so the “sinkhole” in front of them isn’t showing up on their radar.

Don’t worry. They don’t usually all fall in at once.

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Copyright @ 2013 All Rights Reserved

The WordPress Family Blog Award

I have been nominated for a WordPress Family blog award by http://kingintraining.wordpress.com/ She is a wife and mother from South Africa. I love how God has brought the “family of Christ” from around the world through cyber space. Her words have inspired me from her “traffic issues” to her real life adaptations.  She takes her faith in God seriously and it shows in her writing.

I certainly do feel part of a family among all the Christian blogs I follow and who follow me. It’s almost the technological and modern way of fellow-shipping! LOL! Jesus has brought us all together which is a testament to his awesomeness. Jesus love us this I know!

The rules are:

1. Display the award logo on your blog.

2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

3. Nominate 10 others who have positively impacted your WordPress experience.

4. Don’t forget to let your WordPress family members know of your nomination.

5. Please pick 10 people that have accepted you as a friend, and spread the love!

Well, so much for following directions! I got carried away here because there are so many;  I hope I haven’t left anyone out.  I went way over 10 and have divided them into female blogs and male blogs.  I hope with this list if you haven’t connected with some this may help.  It is my prayer that we who have connected here, realize God’s hand is all over it.  He has given us an avenue to spread his word that has never been done before. He gifted each of us as a support system for each other; to offer hope as we live through at times horrific situations and a Family of God like no other.

In random order:

http://trishadm.wordpress.com/

http://mlsgregg.com/

http://iambecomingme.wordpress.com/

http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/

http://connectingdotstogod.com/

http://godspeaks-i-listen.com/

http://deborahonline.net/

http://goodchristianfiction.wordpress.com/

http://jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/

http://womenswindow.com/

http://simplyjuliana.com/

http://strader612.wordpress.com/

http://terry1954.wordpress.com/

http://kellylevatino.com/

http://mtsweat.com/

http://jennykellerford.wordpress.com/

http://theteentheme.wordpress.com/

http://vineoflife.net/

http://msinop1.wordpress.com/

http://emilyswindowpane.wordpress.com/

http://mikal77.wordpress.com/

http://lorischulz.wordpress.com/

Male Christian Blogs

http://identitylovefaith.wordpress.com/

http://diaryofasuperchamp.wordpress.com/

http://faith1stministries.com/

http://jsparkblog.com/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/

http://larrywho.com/

http://media4lifeministries.com/

http://diasolifeontheborder.org/

http://politicalconnection.wordpress.com/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/

http://thelostkerryman.wordpress.com/

The Life Apart

“Lead us not into temptation.”

Most people believe it is speaking of elicit sin, wrongdoing or beating your sister up. These are true but limited.  Well, beating your sister warrants nothing short of the stocks.

One of the most accomplished sin designs of the enemy today is busyness; taking on activities out of our realm of God’s wishes.

The temptation to “hit the floor running” at 6 AM until we have run ourselves ragged by 6PM or later has become the norm.

Harping on this agenda to kill ourselves before our time is not God’s idea. We are no good to anyone if we are exhausted. The afternoon coffee or “Energy Drinks” float around for a pick-me-up to get through the rest of the day.

We have the idea if we aren’t scheduled to the second of every day doing something; we have accomplished little or nothing at all.  Baloney.

The “rat race” or “climbing the ladder of fame and fortune” are prescriptions for frazzled, irritable, murky, run-down believers who haven’t figured out yet God has a better plan.

Why would he expect us to cram our days running from one thing to another?

Why would he place us in maximum overload?

He hasn’t and he won’t.

Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

God’s view of “service” is not ours.

Accomplishment or doing the Lord’s work is not a busyness based theory.

What did Moses do? David? Daniel? Matthew? Paul?

The common denominator was time spent apart with only God. Before they ventured out to usher in his will, they prayed, listened, and soaked in his presence.  Getting quiet with God in his presence will produce purpose and how to carry it out.

Jesus set the example for us. Often, he would leave the disciples to go pray to the Father and be alone with him. He did this in the spirit of rejuvenation and in between the hardships and attacks of the enemy.

God will eliminate that which we are not to do relieving us of becoming over burdened and strained.

What we fail to see which is of ultimate importance is when we seek God first then follow his guidance it opens the door for the Holy Spirit to operate completely resulting in supernatural service.  A solemn prayer life with God will yield more than the total of man’s activities.

We can’t possibly hear God unless we sit still and focus on him.

Who needs a chair?

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/a-christians-prayer-pt-1/

http://theteentheme.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/make-a-choice/

http://butchdean.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/the-bible/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/proverbs-15-31-33-devotion-bible-hearing-wisdom/

Connecticut gun maker moving to South Carolina, in wake of tighter state gun laws

Whoo hoo! Way to go South Carolina!

Published June 19, 2013

Associated Press

A Connecticut gun manufacturer is moving to South Carolina after Connecticut lawmakers passed stricter gun-control laws in the aftermath of the fatal Sandy Hook School shootings.

PTR Industries will make the formal announcement next week at a ribbon-cutting to be attended by South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, according to The Sun News of Myrtle Beach.

The company is going to Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach, and has already approved a resolution setting out the terms of the company’s move.

County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus says he’s excited about the development.

Josh Fiorini, PTR’s chief executive officer, says the plant will employ 140 people, many of whom will relocate from Connecticut. The move will take place over three years.

The company said it had been contacted by 41 states and selected South Carolina from six finalists.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/06/19/connecticut-gun-maker-moving-to-south-carolina-in-wake-tighter-state-gun-laws/?test=latestnews#ixzz2Wi53XmIe

Go Get a Life

God has given you His Spirit to enable you to live in a way that pleases Him. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
(Galatians 5:25)

“I hate my job. I hate my life.”

“Why?”

“Nothing ever goes right. My boss is an idiot. I just lost my girlfriend.  Most of my friends are …oh. I have no friends. My paycheck is spent before I get it. What is the point?”

Have you ever met anyone like that?

Is it a wonder their life is a wreck?

Attitude before genius.

Spend a few weeks in a third world country and your view of your own life might change.

Marry the wrong person and you may decide being single wasn’t so bad after all.

If you hate your job maybe it is time to get another one?

Before you decide to go to Africa, or marry Mr. Wrong, or change jobs WHY DON’T YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR?

Maybe you are the idiot.

Maybe your cynical, antagonistic personality is the reason you find yourself alone.

If you have no money why not take a course in Money Management? Call Dave Ramsey or at least get the “Finances for Dummies” book and read it.

Do us all a favor and stop complaining.

Unfortunately, negative fumes linger and can be contagious. One must work to prevent the smoke from filling up our lives.  The gloomy, ornery nature creeping out of the hearts and minds of so many these days is a reflection of a lack of understanding of how God works.

Thank God, his ways and thoughts are not like ours. However, he will, if we seek and ask him give us guidelines and advisements of what to do or not to do.

God not only created us and performs miracles, etc. he will lead us in the right direction before we race down the road of no-return. He is also the CEO of an “Emergency Rescue” business for those of us who don’t own a personal GPS.

The convincing point here is relationship. Getting in the presence of God produces purpose, assignments and comes with a road map connecting the dots from A-Z. He is aware of our feeble brains and sapless minds which is why I am so glad he is big on “effort.”

Our motives should be getting to know him and his character. He loves people; which is why his example is the best since some people are well, you know, DIFFICULT!

Doing so opens doors and closes doors. His presence brings abundance or eliminates debris. Getting to know God reveals he is not what the world has made him out to be.

God never meant for us to just make a living; he wants us to get a “life” with him.

And if you are really interested in a one-on-one with the Creator of the Universe, he is open 24/7.

Don’t bother calling or texting him; his phone broke.

Start speaking his name out loud. You will be amazed how he responds.

http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/2013/06/15/rise-above/

http://jsparkblog.com/2013/06/17/quote-his-word/

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/trusting-in-god/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/the-promises-of-the-covenant/

Is There Really a God? Prove it

The question exists with many. Is God real? How do you know he is God?

So doubt it. What else is there to believe in? Aliens? Nothing but Science? Google Earth?

For me, I never doubted God existed. It was more he got in my way for a while until I needed him.  Then he really became real.  Funny how that works.

Human nature is not all that great. Actually, I could do without it if it would go away. Try convincing others who question his validity his validity.

1. Those who have never known God existed may see other gods or vision of some extra-terrestrial being who is supposedly a supreme being.
2. Those who believe God exists, yet pay him no attention.
3. Those who doubt due to growing up in a Christ centered family and never challenged Christianity with other religions. Before surrender they seek to find out benefits of anything other than Jesus.  The range determined could be from drugs and alcohol to Buddhism.

So how does one go about proving the existence of God?

How about the proof of God’s existence far outweighs his non-existence?

Or God questioned Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Who marked off its dimensions?  Who stretched a measuring line across it? What were the footings set upon? The cornerstones? “

Job may have wanted to shrink back in his chair.

Then God spoke again,” Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place?  Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? “

JOB:  “umm. Can’t say that I have.”

https://www.facebook.com/media4lifephotography

GOD: “Have you entered the storehouses of snow or hail?  Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain? Who fathers the drops of dew?  Can you raise your voice to the clouds or send lightning bolts on their way?  DO THEY REPORT TO YOU, HERE WE ARE? “

JOB: “ugh. No.”

God continues his rant through the 39^th chapter of Job ending it with the following:

“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”

Job is left somewhat speechless. Who wouldn’t be?

The terms in these conversations between God and Job make one wonder how we have the audacity to interrogate the Creator of the Universe about anything much less his Creation! Who are we to examine where he was in the beginning of time or if he really is God?

Anyone who has been given the opportunity to learn about God has no excuse; yet, excuses for not knowing God exceed those that do.

Even with our egotism and smugness God extends his mercy and grace over our excuses.  We live in our arrogant and pretentious little corners believing we entered this world knowing it all.

Excuse me, we are far from self-sufficient.

How many of us have laid the earth’s foundations? Or given orders for morning to appear? Do we walk on the recesses of the seas or control the weather?

Do any of these creations answer to us?

If you woke up this morning, maybe you should consider how that happened.

http://goldenbible.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/trusting-in-god/

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/speaking-the-truth/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/discernment-the-purpose-of-the-human-conscience/