Do not hesitate to share the important truth

You're walking along the street and your dear friend is with you.  She strays out into the traffic and a large truck is coming. It's going to hit her, there is no way it can stop in time.  She keeps walking, oblivious there even IS a truck, let alone the fact it's going to hit her.  All you have to do is tell her to move.  Do you?

You are going to try bungee jumping from a bridge.  You notice the cord is frayed and coming apart as your friend is putting on the harness.  In fact, it looks as though it's been "repaired" in several places but not well.  Do you stop your friend from jumping?

Now, your friend has begun a new relationship.  She shows you a picture.  He's your husbands ex-coworker.  He is being charged with assault and battery on his last girlfriend.  You know, because you witnessed the abuse at the company's New Year's Eve party.  You already see bruised finger prints on your friend's arm.  Do you tell her what you know?

OK, so the first one is obvious.  It's easy. You say, "Get out of the road!"  The second one seems easy to me, too.  "Hey! I don't think you should use this cord.  It looks like it could break."  The third one gets slightly trickier, but I think the answer is still pretty clear. You warn your friend.  You HAVE to tell what you know to be fact.  Remember? You even witnessed it!

In every instance you would do what you need to do to save your friend.  Who wouldn't?  So why do we hesitate to share the most important life-saving information there is?  The salvation message.  What are we afraid of?  If my friend, who was going to be hit by a truck, said angrily to me, "Don't tell me what to do!", then was hit by the truck, I'd be devastated.  But less so knowing I had done what I could. Same with the bungee cord friend.  I had done what I could, people are responsible for their own actions, especially when they have been given the facts.  Friend number three, although this is a different type of scenario, also has the will to do what she pleases with the information given.  We do run a risk of anger and even rejection.  She may not like what you are saying and ask that you not get involved.  There is not much you can do to physically protect, or protect emotionally, people who choose to ignore your warnings.

So what does that have to do with the salvation message? Everything.  Without Jesus, no one will enter heaven.  All will live eternally.  In either heaven or hell.  I believe without any doubt it will be one or the other and that hell is as real a place as heaven.  The old jokes about hell may be cute, with the parties, the little red man with the pitchfork and tail, but real hell is anything but.  It's a place of eternal torment.  Wailing and gnashing of teeth.  It will be a place of utter despair, darkness, misery, affliction, horror, and fear.  For eternity....  Now I think, if I truly love someone, do I want them there?  Stupid question, you say!  Of course I don't.  I want them in heaven, with Jesus and me.  How do they get there? The same way I do: Through Jesus and Him alone.

Why don't I tell my friend that?  Good question.  Answers are many but pretty much boil down to fear.  Fear of rejection.  Fear that my friend will laugh and make fun of my silly notions.  Fear that they will get mad at me for pushing my religious opinion on them.  Fear of them leaving me.  Fear of losing my friend.  Fear they may ask me questions I cannot answer.  Now, apply all those answers to why I don't tell my friend to get out of the way of the truck, not use the bungee cord, and get away from an abusive man.  Do those fears mean much?  What's more important? Your friend's eternal life or avoiding the consequences of your fear?  I hope through the new year I can take this to heart and heed my own advice.  I hope I can boldly, gently and with love, save my friends from their own-coming trucks.  Have a blessed 2011!

How Should We Celebrate Our Lord's Birth?

I just spent a week at my sister's home.  My mom had surgery (a raging success, Yea!) and I wanted to give some time to be with them both.  I have a fabulous sister.  We are separated by a mere 21 years and missed out on some bonding time when we were younger.  But, now, with me in my 40s and her in her 60s we have become the best of friends and beyond. 

She has become such a delight in making me see a better ME.  In understanding who I am, why, and how I can use my gifts and abilities for our Lord's purpose.  This last week we had much time to visit as Mom was in the hospital (we know where the good waiting rooms are, which ones have the best chairs; and Sis can even find free cookies!) and recuperating.  We discussed our disappointment in our past Christmas "celebrations".  What do we do to make this Christmas special... to be different from the past?  Basically, to bring the miracle of Christ's birth to our families in a REAL way. 

It all gets so lost in the hubbub of it all.  The shopping, the cooking, the baking, the decorating, the everything!  What do we do to simplify?  To really celebrate Christ?  We didn't come to any conclusions.  I suggested, perhaps, it isn't about what we do for our family, but for ourselves.  It's something we are both still pondering. Christmas is getting nearer and nearer and no decision yet.  I pray God will give me an answer and peace about this Christmas will be in our hearts.  The miracle of His birth should not be taken so lightly, so casually.  I do not believe that Christmas is about giving... at least not in worldly fashion.  It's about God's ultimate gift to us.  How do we celebrate that gift without losing it's meaning in our earthly giving of gifts? It becomes so out of control.   I try every year and family and "shopping" always seems to prevail...

Any suggestions or ideas from anyone who has been able to keep the meaning of Christmas? God's Blessing to you all! 

Let's not relive this Thanksgiving

What a strange Thanksgiving!  Got up Thursday morning and wasn't feeling well.  It quickly progressed to feeling bad and by 11:00 my husband was cancelling our dinner plans at his parents and heading to Walmart to buy some more stuff for a dinner at home.  I was in no mood for food, though and stayed in the bedroom while he slaved over an entire dinner for himself.  Bless his heart!  Our son was up snowboarding until dinner time and I was no company what-so-ever.  All I wanted to do was sleep off a terrible stomach.

Friday, I was hoping for relief and as much as I tried to say I was feeling better, my stomach was not agreeing.  We had the kids over for the BSU/Nevada game and I could only make it to half time (we were ahead at that time).  I went in to lie down just for a bit and the next thing I knew I heard screaming from the living room.  Our beloved Broncos were in trouble.  How very sad... they lost such a very close game.  The kids left and I got up and had a bit of chicken soup.  Finally, food that stayed down!  I stayed up until 3am (it was midnight when I had my dinner) and went back to bed. 

Saturday; Could it be? I actually felt a bit hungry.  A bowl of rice crispies and, HEY! Not bad!  I was able to get some laundry done, fiddled around with some card-making, and even had a small bite of dinner.  I decided to get on the scale and found I'd lost 8lbs. in the last couple days.  (Not for long, it'll be back in a matter of 2 days easy!)

I haven't even been able to watch the news or look online at college football.  It's not that I am so devastated at a loss for BSU... It's that I just am not in the mood to hear all the talk of how BSU was a "never-was" team that didn't belong ranked to begin with.  I know that some of the big schools and big football programs don't believe we belong, but those kids are amazing.  They are a great team, with a great coaching staff.  They were, and still are.  I don't want to hear people discuss our wonderful kicker, Kyle Bratzman.  He kicked goals that allowed wins to happen in the past.  He did not lose the game.  I don't want to hear it.  Not yet.  I pray the kids on that team do not take the game to heart. I pray Kyle knows his fans and Bronco Nation still thinks the world of all his hard work.  Those who do not, are not true fans.

In the grand scheme of things, we need to remember, they are all games.  They are just kids playing.  I am often quite disappointed in the actions of sports fans and I pray this time will be different. 

Created for a Purpose: Even Miscarriages

Yesterday, my 17 year old son texted me a question as I was heading to my car from the office:  "i have a question I don't think the bible answers.  What happens to unborn eggs? Heaven? Nothing? Are they even considered people without being conceived?"  (Why do I get these via text? & why as I'm walking to my car?) 
My answer: "Eggs aren't people. Fertilized eggs are." 
Next text:  "What about miscarriages? God knows they won't be born...What happens to them? Why weren't they born like my brothers and I?"  (Seriously?  Isn't he supposed to be worried about football? his car?...) 
My answer (quick, I'm at a stop light... I do NOT text and drive):  "They were meant for heaven"  
His Next Question:  "Will I meet them? Does God name them?"  (I really love this kid...)
My response:  (Still a red light, by the way...) "Yes!  and Yes!"  (Now I have to drop the phone... the light is green and I'm heading for the freeway.)

Three years ago, I became unexpectedly pregnant.  My husband and I were 43 and 42 respectively.  Kind of planning on an empty nest in the near future.  My children were surprisingly excited about a baby brother or sister.  My own parents, being near 40 when I was born, got quite a kick out of the idea, too.  The panic left and we started to plan.  The planning came to an abrupt halt, when just after 3 months, I had a miscarriage.  I could not believe the emotional pain.  I grieved horribly.  I remember crying out to God to heal my aching heart.  I had dreams that my baby was still there, only to wake up and be hit with the reality of the loss.  My Mom sent me a letter telling me how much she and Dad hurt for me... how they loved me. 

Two weeks later, my dad suddenly died.  Literally dropped in the middle of church having just shared about God's Word with the congregation.  He was gone.  Mom had stayed home that day.  I was 500 miles away.  My brother called me when I got home from church.  I had just begun to see some light in my darkness when I was drowning again. 

Sometime, I'll finish on that part of my life....but this brings me to the red light when I got off the freeway.  There was my unsent text:  "Yes! and Yes!" and I added: " They were in heaven to meet their grandpa!"  (I also had a miscarriage before conceiving my other 3 children, when I was 19). 

I got home and read to him my favorite:  Psalm 139:14-16 and we got to discuss how God created each of us uniquely for His purpose.  I love my sons.  God gave them to me for a reason.  My Dad was so very special and I cannot wait to see him again.  He can introduce me to my other 2 children when I get there.   I thank God for healing my heart of the worst pain I've known to date.  He is so good.  God Bless you all!

God cares about even the ordinary, everyday things in our lives

This morning I spilled a cup of coffee on my laptop.  My fairly NEW laptop... One I have saved for all year and have been so pleased with.  I immediately flipped it over and shook it (will it withstand that?).  I then ran with it to the bedroom and hit it with a high air blow dryer (will the heat damage it more?).  "Please, Lord, I really need my computer and really don't want to lose it!"  All the while the voice of the salesperson going through my head: "Would you like the extra warranty on this? It covers any damage done to the computer, now matter what.  Including spilling drinks on it."  I scoff, thinking only suckers buy the extra warranties.  Oh, yea, that played over and over in my mind while I'm running that blow dryer and shaking my computer.  Did I mention I decided to put cream in my coffee this morning?? Not just cream, but Peppermint Cream... the kind with sugar in it, too.  Nice....

Well, I prayed and blew and shook.  And here I am typing on it 4 hours later.  I'm assuming it's working although I am not sure if there will be some future effects.  Very possibly.  Well, for now, "Thank You Lord, for hearing my pleas."  Do you believe God listens and answers even the prayers about saving a computer?  Even when it's quite obvious His child has done something stupid to cause the problem in the first place. 

I love 1 Thessalonians 5:17. "Pray continuously." (Other translations I have read say "Pray without ceasing".)  My guess is that Paul was telling us to pray in every aspect of our lives. To be in contact with the Savior at all times.  To make sure God is involved all through our lives.  There are so many people who consider God a Sunday (Sabbath) thing, only.  That He is somehow only needed during our most difficult times. Someone to call on for desperate help.  (OK, so that was desperation this morning... but when my middle son was 8 and we prayed to find his rat before leaving for school...before Rizzo, the cat, found him... that was more for my son than the rat and I wasn't that desperate) This simple verse says it all.  Speak to God (Pray) constantly!  Well, I'm not in church 24/7.  I'm not in trouble most of the time.  In fact, sometimes, I'm doing mundane things like laundry, or writing in a blog, or cleaning toilets.... Does God want to hear from me about those things too?  My answer:  Why Not? 

My youngest son is one of those children who never stops talking.  When he learned to talk, he just kept going.  Once, when he was 3, a friend picked him up from his daycare and took him home with her 2 children (4 and 2) for the afternoon as a treat for him and favor for me.  He instantly began chatting with her about his day and asking questions of her children.  She told me her kids were wide-eyed and just listened as he talked.  When they got to her home, he was taking off his coat and looked at the other kids as they watched him.  He looked at my friend and said, "Don't they talk?"  She nearly died.  She wanted to say, "If you'd give them a moment to get a word in, they would," but she was much sweeter and said, "Yes, but they are shy."  He is 17 now and still rattles on the moment I walk in the door, telling me about his day in excruciating detail.  I love it.  He is open, honest, and so articulate.  I cannot imagine our heavenly Father does not feel the same about each of us.  We do need to be still and listen, but He wants to hear what we have to say as well. 

So, pray continuously, about everything.  God does listen.  He heard my prayer about my computer and helped me out.  I cannot imagine why it is working except that He wants me to continue my blog, continue the other work I use it for.

Thank you Jesus for even caring about the mundane things of our lives.  I love you so!

Persistence Pays Off

"Lord, teach us how to pray!"  (Luke 11:1) The disciples are in awe of Christ's prayer life.  They want to pray just like Him, so they ask this simple thing.  He gave them the Lord's prayer as an example and then continues with the story of the man who wakes his friend in the middle of the night for loaves of bread.  The sleeping man does not want to get up, but because his friend is persistent, he gets up and gives him the bread.  "Ask!" Jesus tells us.  If we don't receive, it's because we haven't asked. 

When I first read this, I was taken aback.  On the surface it appears as though Jesus is saying, God doesn't want to answer your prayers because you're a bother, so be persistent and He will eventually answer (if only to get you to be quiet).  Seriously! It's what it sounds like.  But if you really look, what He is saying is God does want to answer you prayers, but He wants you to ask!  God LOVES spending time with His children.  He loves communicating with us and giving us good things.  Jesus tells us numerous stories of God's love for His children throughout the New Testament.  One cannot deny that He wants to be the center of our lives and wants only good for us. 

By being persistent in our prayers we are learning to understand our true needs as well.  We learn to express ourselves and we learn how important the things we ask for are to us.  The persistence is for our sake, not for God's sake.  He already set in motion the answer to your prayer, before you even uttered it.  Therefore, in our persistence, we will recognize God's work as it happens.  We will better appreciate what He is doing.  Just as a good father wants only the best for his children, our Heavenly Father wants even greater for us. 

Thank you, Lord, for knowing my needs before I do.  Thank you for teaching me to ask and for helping me to learn what is important in this life.  You are truly worthy of all praise.  Amen

Are you worthy to be my neighbor?

So at work, my coworkers and I generally work as a team. We have our own duties, our own schedules, but when one gets backed up the others try to absorb the extra work and help out.  As a rule... There are times when you don't really feel the other person is pulling their weight and you just don't feel like "helping them out".  They really aren't "worthy" of help.

Today I read Luke 10:25-37; the parable of the good Samaritan.  A man (a Jew) was left for dead on the side of the road after being beaten and robbed.  Two different religious leaders (priests) walked by him and, instead of helping, passed by the other side of the road and left him.  The 3rd man, a Samaritan, stopped to help.  Samaritans and Jews were definitely not known to keep company with one another at the time.  Jews were a pure race, decedent from Abraham.  Samaritans were a mixed race... mutts!  It just was not proper for the two to mix.  Yet, this Samaritan not only stopped, but went the extra mile to pay money to an inn-keeper to continue care in his absence and promised to be back to pay any additional costs. After the story, Jesus asked which man was neighbor to the hurt Jew.  The religious leaders, to whom the story was being told, answered correctly:  The man who took pity on him. 

If Paul Harvey were here, I wonder if he would have "The Rest of the Story."  Can you imagine the Jew's reaction as he awoke and realized who was caring for him? Would it change his own attitude about who his "neighbor"was.  I am not sure if it changed the minds of the religious leaders to whom Jesus was talking, but it made me think today.  Do I have the right to determine who is worthy of my help?  Even in the little things like helping with a schedule.  Definitely with my patients who come through our doors every day.  Each one, rich or poor, whatever color or race, male or female, young or old, deserves my complete attention. I need to give to each one the care they need, the extra mile if possible, just as the Samaritan did, because all are my neighbors. 

Thank you Jesus, for that story to remind us to care for one another!  God Bless.

Is Halloween Anti-Chrisitan?

It's Halloween! Time for dress up and candy. That is what it meant to us growing up and when our children were young, and now my grandson! (He is Mario this year...his mother learned to sew and made him a nice costume, but Friday he changed his mind and decided a pirate would be fun.  Gotta love 4 year olds.)  The towns around here have debated trick-or-treat Saturday night or Sunday night.  Several have left it up to people.  Leave your light on Saturday night for trick-or-treaters if you want.  Why?  I don't understand the debate.  Is it about work/school the next day? I hardly think so because 5 years in a row it will fall on a school night and no one says a word.  My only thought is that it is a Sunday and they are concerned about church.  However, no one mentions this.
    
OK. If you are concerned about a pagan holiday on the Sabbath.... you should not be celebrating Halloween at all.  Here's my opinion, folks, whether you want it or not:  Christmas and Easter are such important holidays to me, as a Christian.  They have been commercialized and secularized (is that a word?) until they are hardly recognizable.  I STILL CELEBRATE THEM.  It is important because of what they mean to me... in my heart. How I celebrate is my choice.

Halloween today, in America, for 90+% of people is only a day set aside for people to dress in costume, have treats, and the occasional scare. (Yes, and college kids to "party" heavily... that's no big surprise, they'll use any excuse. I was once one of them, remember?  Drunkeness is another story).  There is no malice or evilness in their hearts that drive them, it's just for fun.  Heck, they can even leave out the "scare" part and just have fun.  I think God knows the heart of His children.  He loves to see us happy and having fun.  He doesn't want us harming ourselves (sin is harmful), so I'm not advocating the 60's "If it feels good, do it" mentality. (or was that the 70's??)  I'm saying: "LIGHTEN UP, PEOPLE!" 

Years ago we had this debate at our church and people were very divided.  10 years fast forward and those same people are now saying they were too legalistic and it's not a big deal.  They see the fun for the kids and that it is not harmful, not satanic.  That's my point of view.  What's yours?

Time with Jesus

I really need to be doing some housework today... you know... the nitty-gritty, down on your knees scrubbing kind of clean.  It's been awhile since I've done that (right before surgery last week), so it's overdue.  BUT, before I started, I needed to spend time with Jesus.  I love that phrase so much.  I used to call it "time reading my Bible", or "devotional time", but my Sister (she's the best, by the way) would always remind me to "spend time with Jesus".  OF COURSE! This time alone with the Savior should not be a chore!  Something we HAVE to do.  It is a privilege, a joy, an honor! 

Why do I resist the good things He has for me?  Satan loves to make me procrastinate.  If he can keep me from spending time with Jesus, he can work on my mind and my heart to turn me away from the King.  I often find myself busy with things I enjoy (writing, sewing, reading) and things I feel I have to do (cleaning, baking, working) and put off my time with Jesus.  I say things like, "I'll just finish this chapter." or "I'll get this room cleaned up first."  When He comes to mind, I need to drop all else and visit with Him.  My day can then start!  I have a much better outlook after my time with Him. He puts all other things into perspective.  I am more apt to hear the Holy Spirit and obey His promptings (sometimes His "shoves") when I have spent my morning with Jesus.

I get to talk to Him about my family, their spiritual needs and their physical needs; I talk to Him about me and MY needs as well as my desires and my wants.  Christians are good at reminding that God said He would supply our NEEDS not our WANTS and I whole-heartedly agree.  But, just like with any friend, I still love to to talk over my wants with Jesus.  Just as I love to hear what my children want (I usually know what they need) so perhaps someday I can surprise them with a treat.  Sometimes He will remind me that what I want is pretty unimportant and unnecessary and perhaps even detrimental.  I will accept whatever He tells me (OK-sometimes I accept grudgingly or with a growl) and praise Him for knowing best and supplying my needs! 

My Bible is sort of like those search engine (Bing) commercials; one verse leads me to another thought, then another, then another.  It's really quite fun.  One of the reasons I started this blog was to write about some of the things I find in those searches and see if other people have thoughts as well.  I love talking about Jesus and how He loves us and wants to be the center of our lives.  Non-believers will roll their eyes at that and consider me a Jesus Freak.  It's not like that is all I can talk about, but when He is the center...all things revolve around Him and all thoughts are filtered through Him, right?  You try to get the perspective of the situation by looking through His eyes (the best we can). 

Well, I don't want this to become too long and tedious. Today's reading reminded me that sin leaves scars even when it's forgiven. (David killing Uriah the Hittite 2Sam 12:1-14)  Lord help me to avoid sin so I do not leave the scars! I loved the prayer at the end: 

"May I not presume upon Your mercy by assuming there will be no consequences for my sin."

God Bless!

 

Awaiting your thoughts on Psychic Kids

So, today, as I think about my writing, I know I need to capture ideas as I think about them. I jot down every thought. But, I also know, I have pretty strong ideas in my own head and in order to create full, true characters in  a novel, one must understand many types of people.  After all, the Lord created us all very different and unique. We think, act and react very differently from one another. So, what better way, than to get reactions and comments from other readers and bloggers? 

During my husband's channel surfing, he stopped, briefly, on a show about psychic kids.  While I have made it perfectly clear my own beliefs about psychics and mediums (being empowered by Satan, not God, whether they do good or bad), and that they allow Satan control of their mind when they do these things, I really had to stop and wonder about these kids!  Some were old enough to understand these things about not being under control of their own minds, but some were young!  Were they capable of "allowing" or "vanquishing" these spirits that I  believe have a hold on their thoughts?  Why does it happen to them?  Some call it a gift... I call it a curse!  Is it because the family believes and allows?  I would love to hear other's thoughts on the idea and the concept. 

I know not everyone feels as I do about this subject.  I welcome all views and beliefs.  Just be civil, please, and express yourself in a respectable manner.  Thank you for your thoughts!

Christians need to stop acting like heathens

I've been reading information on "Hate Crimes Legislation" and the pros and cons against it. Actually, I've been reading about a lot of supposedly "controversial" issues. (Research for some stories I am writing) I am constantly saddened by my Christian brothers and sisters who speak out on things without proper research and knowledge.  I am especially disheartened when those who profess their Christianity instantly spew hatred and anger from their lips which further adds fuel to the enemy's fire.  You do not have to be an intellectual to respond or discuss issues of any magnitude; but you do need to speak as what you are... an ambassador of Christ.  If you profess, "I am a Christian", please do the rest of us a favor and act/speak like one.  PLEASE.

Jesus, as our example, only spoke the truth.  He had thousands follow Him. The "big-wigs" of the church were amazed at his knowledge.  (After all, he was merely the son of a carpenter!) I think it's important for Christians to be bold in their faith and their opinions; but boldness, in this case, does not translate to loud and offensive.  I read comments in blogs all the time by people who belittle and demean Christians and their faith by intimating they are ignorant, uneducated, bigoted, and hateful.  Then a professed "Christian" gets his/her nose bent out of joint and begins the rant.... and totally justifies the accusations. 

Jesus LISTENED to people. He knew their hearts, he understood their circumstances, he advised them to stop sinning and heed the word of the Father.  We may not know our adversary's hearts, but we can still listen, see where people are coming from. Then ask yourself, what is YOUR motive?  To change the person's mind? Their heart? Or is it to put down or humiliate?  Are you trying to retaliate for the sake of your own ego?  I have caught myself in the throes of righteous anger when I have realized my own motivation was to draw blood from my enemy..... unfortunately, I lost sight of the true enemy.  The person who lashes out against me and my faith is not my enemy. 

The enemy of all Christians is one and the same. The one who longs to steal, kill, and destroy; the father of lies; Satan himself. The person pouring out his venom upon me is the one for whom I need to pray!  I have seen evidence of people getting angry when someone says, "I'll pray for you", in these instances.  If they think God and praying to Him is fruitless, why do they care?  It's like someone telling me they will place a curse on me or use a voodoo doll on me.  I do not believe such things can harm me, so why should I care?

My request is this: be civil! People have differing opinions.  It's expected.  There is no need to attack or belittle on either side. AND if someone does act in such a manner toward you, remember the quote by Abraham Lincoln, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."  Brothers and sisters in Christ, remember who you are: A child of the King.  Act accordingly.
In Love.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethics and Moral Obligations

I was looking up information about stem-cell research. Interesting enough, the most credible looking sites (well, the most sites period!) were very scientific and explained all the reasons why it was a good thing.  When I tried to find ethical arguments for and against, I didn't find as much as I thought I would.  What I found, again, were very scientific explanations about how and why it is done.  They glossed around the ethical portion. 
I found one Times article from 2004 which basically called anyone against it, stupid.  His argument was, that proponents of in-vitro fertilization with implantation of the embryo into the mother could not possibly be against embryonic stem (ES) cell research.  He had a valid point.  Unused fertilized eggs (embryos) are often discarded unless they are donated for research.  So what is the difference between "throwing them away" and "using them for research"? 
     The argument against ES cell research in general is that it is using "fertilized" eggs.  If your view is (as mine is) that human life begins at conception and is worthy of all rights of any human being, they you cannot advocate research on embryos any more than you could aborted fetuses or full term babies.
     My original question was why, with in-vitro fertilization and implantation, do you have to fertilize more eggs than you are going to implant, thus the need for discarding unused ones?  The reasoning is understandable.  They (doctors, lab personnel) do not know which eggs will become viable.  If they only fertilized 3 at a time, with a large percentage rate of failure expected, they may be wasting a lot of valuable time for the mother.  At least, that's my limited knowledge on the subject surmising.  So, the idea is to be more efficient and cost effective.  Fertilize a bunch, hope a few "take", implant those that do (another question of ethics implanting 7 embryos vs. only 2 or even 3), and pray that at least one will become the baby the parents are hoping for. 
     I think it comes down to those odds, and cost effectiveness, and time that drives the dilemma.  What if you could fertilize 2 at a time, implant them if they became viable, and retry if they didn't?  Cost... Time....  So, perhaps THAT should be our discussion.
     The author the Times article stated at the end than UNLESS you were an absolutist (aka. fanatic) you needed to "get out of the way" of ES cell research.  At least he gave me a leg to stand on. I'm one of those fanatics!

Psychics and Christianity

I'm frequently amazed that intelligent, normal seeming human beings can actually believe in horoscopes and psychic readings.  I am even MORE amazed that Christians would dare involve themselves in such activity.  I have to admit, I've always had a fascination with the super-natural.  But I also had an underlying fear of it as well. Thankfully for that fear (God's protection I now believe) I never got involved in witchcraft, ouiji boards, and the like. 

Reading the Bible I have learned, and God has shown me, that there are things we just don't need to get involved in.  Reminds me a bit of the Garden of Eden.  So much that Adam and Eve could have.  Absolutely everything... if they would just avoid that ONE TREE!  Well, we know how that ended.... 

Getting involved in psychic activity and encouraging it in our children is frightening.  If it is not an act and real information is being "divined" then it is from Satan.  That's right, people, demons.  I fully believe that "real" psychics (those who are not liars, charlatans, and thieves) are demon-possessed.  Doesn't Satan masquerade as an angel of light? How could he deceive if he presented his real self?  He'd be so frightening no sane person would be drawn to him.  So, of course, he's making himself appear good and helpful. 

This is the reason, I believe, that "real" psychics can do good things.  But I cannot believe it to be a gift from God.  Gifts from God are used to glorify the Father.  They bring honor to Him and to His Son.  If glory is given anyplace else (to the psychic or to his 'spirit-guide') then it is NOT a gift from God.   If your actions are not glorifying to God, they are against Him.  AND, giving credit to "some" god is not the same as acknowledging God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

I've been told I'm too closed-minded.  Well, if my faith were in "some" god and I had not firm belief in TRUTH, it would not be much of a faith, now, would it?  Why in the world would I say I believed in something, only to say in the same breath that it is open to interpretation?  Truth is black and white. But that's yet another conversation!
Love to you all!

Writer's block

Writer's block. Amazing. I can write for hours about nothing. Think of things to write when I'm not in a position to write anything, but the minute a blank screen or page appears before me, my mind is like a vast cavern totally void of any life or even light! Completely empty and just echoing back the nothingness.  How the heck does that happen?  How  do you break that and move on with ideas? 

Somehow you have to let your mind open up and start receiving signals again, but it seems all you can concentrate on is the emptiness of it all.  I suppose thinking about movies and books you've read would help. But if you're looking for ideas for a book or story, you want to be unique.  Of course there are books out there that duplicate ideas, and, as I've read, any book you write will be uniquely your own regardless of the idea. YOU will be the one writing it, so even if the idea is the same for a bunch of people, different books will come of it. Lately, I cant even come up with ideas.  I need to work on that.

I need to start jotting down my ideas and letting them expand.  One writer said to write what you love to read. Well, I love to read mysteries and courtroom drama... I think that takes someone who really knows all about that stuff. I don't know if I could do all that research. I love to read stories about animals... that is something I know. I think I could do that...

May the Lord Bless you this Sunday and grant you peace.

Blankets and Broncos

"You alone are God". Psalm 86 today.  Beautiful.  What a wonderful reminder that we are in the hands of the one and only God of the universe. The one who created ALL.

Don't you hate when you have a headache that nags at you. Is just bad enough that you are frequently reminded it's there?  I pray God will remove it from me and if not, will help me ignore it to the best of my ability. I have much I want to do today and have to go into the office for about an hour at noon.  I dont NEED this interference. 

We (my Christian Peeps and I) are making blankets for needy kids in the community.  Also organizing a book drive for them as well.  What better thing than to snuggle in a warm blankie with a book and read???  At least that is MY favorite activity. Next to rooting for the BSU Broncos.  By the way, "GO BRONCOS!"  Tonight at 6pm we play Toledo on the Blue. 

Well, my head is pounding; a dear friend offered to do my work at noon. ("Love you, Man!") so I am going to take some meds and try to let this thing settle out.  I have blankets to start on!!!
Love to all, and have a blessed day.

conflict

Reading in Acts this AM about Paul and Barnabas and their disagreement over Mark. It's neat that God can use even conflict to advance His ministry. I so dislike conflict that it is hard to imagine it can be for good. I personally would rather avoid it at all costs. 

Speaking out boldly about the truth

People really are funny.  They can jump from one belief to the next. It's so very important to be grounded in truth!  If not, you will truly be led this way and that. I think of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey and they way people "believed" and were amazed at miracles. They thought Paul and Barnabas were gods themselves. When they were admonished they didn't understand. Then others came and dissuaded even their small belief and they tried to kill Paul.  Seriously; believe or don't. I understand God's reasoning for wanting people hot or cold but not luke warm.  Luke warm people are more dangerous than those who are boldly against God. At least someone against God can be argued with and possibly persuaded into seeing the truth.  But someone who believes everything? Not very convincing.  They just agree with anything and go along with everyone.

I understand that thinking; I love to keep peace with everyone I know. (and don't know for that matter!). I hate conflict. Literally makes me sick to my stomach.  But even agreeing can create conflict within one's self. I know I have heard people say things that just turn my stomach because I know they are false!  But I have held my tongue so as not to  create conflict. Isn't that the same as agreeing? Or as preaching the false teaching yourself? Sometimes it is!  I will say there are sometimes it's better to walk away and wait for the invitation to speak, but most of the time, I think we have an obligation to speak out in love and truth.  How did we learn if someone did not teach us? How will others learn if we do not speak the truth? More importantly, WHAT will they learn if we are not speaking the truth? 

I firmly believe we learn something every day. So, WHAT will be the something we learn?  I want it to be the truth. I want it to be beneficial, useful.  I want it to be pleasing to God.  Even learning something tough to swallow (convicting) is beneficial. It may not be pleasant but it is useful.  Today I will listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting and if He tells me to speak out against an untruth, I will do it. I will do it in love, with compassion and conviction. If I understand the truth in a situation, I will speak out boldly and not sit by and allow untruths to pour out upon my ears and the ears of my loved ones.  Have a blessed and beautiful Thursday everyone!

Miracles

Monday morning, again.  Raining today. I enjoy the rain at times. It's refreshing and clean feeling. (not so much when the dogs come in; they tend to make things NOT clean when it rains). My reading in Acts takes me to Peter and his miraculous escape from prison. To walk right out, past guards, thru locked gates, and no one saw a thing. The Lord is amazing.  I wonder if things like that happen today? I am sure the cover up during Peter's time was amazing as it was. Just as when Jesus rose from the dead and it was reported that the guards fell asleep and his body was stolen.  "There just has to be a logical explanation!" That is what people would be saying.  Then, they invent one.
Well, I for one, believe God can do anything. And, if that is the case, then miracles do happen.  Be on the lookout today for miracles in your world.  God does amazing things regularly. He arranges so many meetings and "chance" happenings, all to work for the good of those who love Him. 
Bless you on this beautiful, rainy, October Monday.

Giving with a cheerful heart

Reading Acts this week.  Peter learned that Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit as well and shared the news.  Interesting; these days I know more gentile Christians than messianic Jews, although I don't live in a place with a lot of Jews either.... Also read about giving cheerfully.  We are to want in our hearts to give and receive joy from doing so.  Giving to the needy has always been easier for me than other things. Of course, I love to hang onto things, too so I could always do better. I'll try.
Love to all, our Broncos won; it will be interesting to see if those Oregon Ducks think they can jump us in the polls with their win over Stanford last night as well. 

Healing, Wealth, and other gifts

Read Acts 9: 32-43 about Peter raising Dorcus (Tabitha) from the dead and healing Aeneas from his paralytic condition. I often wonder why we don't get to heal people like that today. I know there are people with great faith like that of Peter, who have prayed for those who were sick and dying. And those for whom they pray still get sicker, still die. I know also it is all up to God to decide and all for the greater good.  We have a numbered amount of days, known only to God and when they are done, we go home to Him (provided we know Him).  But, wow... can you imagine bringing someone back from the dead? I imagine with all the science and technology today , it would be "explained away". But someone dead for 3 days?  Surely there would be those who would see and believe? 
I'm sure the gift of healing must be given to those who know how to handle it without losing sight of the fact that it is a gift of God and not of their own talent.  It would take a  special person to be able to handle a gift like that.  Same goes with having great wealth.  Such a difficult thing for most of us to handle.  Would I use it for good? or for selfish reasons.  Seeing the way I tend to hold onto things and very nearly hoard... I would say I'll never be "blessed" with great wealth.  God knows me better than I know myself and if I don't have those needs financially, I may not stay as close to Him.  I'm pretty weak in that regard, I think.  Sad, but true.  It's not flattering to realize that about yourself. 
OK... Today is Thursday., I did my walk yesterday at lunch time and I need to do the same today. It was hot yesterday and will be today as well.  I cannot let myself down. My sister will be asking me.  Love to all.

Saul's conversion

Reading in Acts this morning about Saul's conversion.  Can you imagine hearing the voice of Jesus?  Audibly hearing the voice? I LOVE when I hear His voice when he speaks to me thru his word or thru music or other believers.  Sometimes, I hear it in my heart or mind and I know it's Him.  It can also be frightening when He's telling you something you dont really want to hear. But wow, Saul must have been terrified. Then opening his eyes to realize he is blind.  Talk about a wake up call.  And Saul didnt say 'No, Lord, I dont want to' although it was his choice.

I know I have ignored Jesus' call to do things in the past. I hate looking back and seeing that in my life. My prayer today is to be bold like Saul and learn and proclaim.  Not to hide or keep silent because the world may not like what I say. The truth is so much more important than what others think of me!  I am sure there are people who will think me fanatic but that is OK.  Doesnt it just mean I'm excited for the Lord?  Aren't I?  The answer is YES! Like the song says, "What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak? What will people say when they find that it's true? I don't really mind if they label me a Jesus Freak. There ain't no disguising the truth!"  (*DC Talk, "Jesus Freak"  Great song) 

Here's to today:  Boldness in the Lord.  Exercise for 30 min.  Stay on task. 
Blessing's to everyone this fine Wednesday morning

Accountability

OK, my sister is holding me accountable to exercise. 30 minutes a day.  I told her I would do it. (sigh) I sure dont want to let her down. (or me) It is good for me and I need to do it.  I'll keep you updated if I can keep it up. 

Tuesday??

Well, Happy Tuesday!  It's 5:45, cup of coffee at hand, dogs fed (except Coop who's still in his bed), and me with a headache.  Tuesdays are worse than Mondays. They are a full fledged weekday. Too early in the week to be "close to a weekend". Busier than a Monday because you had all day Monday to "fill" it up even more. 
Can't believe I started this Blog and still have found nothing I'd want to really say that would be of interest to anyone.  Seriously! It's rather embarrassing.  Thinking of having the grandson over for the weekend if he'd like to come. Need to come up with some fun things to do while he's here. I think we'll make dog biscuits. I know he likes to do that for the boys.  He calls them "dog cookies".  Of course we'll have to make people cookies too. What kind of grandma would I be without cookies?  It's a law or something....
Enjoy your Tuesday everyone.  May God bless you richly and may you be a blessing to others this day!

Sunday Morning

Good Morning!  It's a beautiful Sunday morning. Dogs up early (nothing like waking to that familiar retching sound of a dog needing to throw up) and out the door by 5am. Breakfast by 5:45 (the dogs, not me). Showered, email checked, and time for a bible study and journaling.

I feel physically very crummy this AM. Very sluggish and sore all over. Too much physical labor yesterday (OK, not "too much" just more than I'm used to... It's good for me!) and I feel it today.  Ross, the big basset has the right idea and is still asleep atop a PILE of my couch cushions.  If he could climb a mountain of the things and sleep on the top he would.  Must be a BASSET thing because Coop is the same way.  The big ol' lab, on the other hand would much rather lie on the hard wood floor.  Think I could get a gov't grant to study that? 

Anytime I have a question in the back of my head like that I have to ask myself if I could get a grant for that...  Hey, I've heard of studies being done for some pretty stupid things, so there HAD to be a study done SOMEWHERE... RIGHT?

Well, all is well in my world.  BSU won last night (although moments of ridiculous mistakes and penalties had me frustrated) and God is on His throne.  May He bless you abundantly... and if you don't know Him, may you get to know Him soon. 

BSU Broncos and Boise

Boise LOVES their broncos!  Getting ready for the BSU / OSU game tonight on the blue turf.  Loving "game day" with ESPN.  It is so neat to have something as a community to just get behind together.  There are so many "issues" these days; economy, housing market, unmemployment, politics, etc; issues we argue about.  What a joy to have something to rally around in a positive manner. 

I've always been disgusted with the money that pro athletes get paid.  They seem to have become all about the money and status.  Well, we dont have much in the way of pro sports here in Idaho, so our colleges are a true JOY.  I think if Jesus were on the earth today, he would love to attend games of competition like these. 

Went out to dinner last night and saw mostly OSU fans enjoying our city.  (It is pretty darn nice, isn't it?)  Also ran into some boys from Missouri who just pick a couple of good games they want to see thru the year, and go!  BSU was a pick for them this year... how cool is that?  They said they loved it here.  Everyone was amazing and so friendly and kind.  Way to go Boise! 

I really think Idaho is a much unknown treasure (at least to outsiders).  And in Idaho, we can still call ourselves Christian without fear of persecution or ridicule.  It's still OK to be a believer in Boise, Idaho.  We need to pray for our brothers and sisters abroad, though.  The persecution they feel in other places can be so hard to imagine.  Let's not forget them.