Moses, Joshua, & Ruth - Still Impacting Believing Women in 2016

God is amazing. Do you know that sister? Do you know how amazing He is? Have you experienced his omnipotent power personally?

One of the greatest blessings of being a believer is we can boldly come before the throne of the Heavenly Father and make our petitions known to Him. And the closer you draw to Him, the more aware you will be.

I have heard it said that if your testimony doesn't have a current accounting of God impacting your life, maybe you have drifted apart from Him. There might be a smidge of truth to this. I have several small events that I know are of God, I also know of the biggest one in my life (calling off my first engagement/wedding). But now, now I have an even better story of God working in my life, a story that is 8 years in the making.

~*~*~*~

Eight years ago, I moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Pasadena, Texas (just outside of Houston, Texas). Within about a two week period I found the church I wanted to join and be apart of. Only after that did I find a job. (God is wonderful! He makes sure you have your priorities in line). The church I was blessed to find was First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Texas.

I love how I found it to, I got stuck at a traffic light (Red Bluff and Fairmont). I sat there for well over 10 minutes. Back in2008 there was a brick wall with a digital running message. That night, as I got stuck at that light, I eventually read the message: the times for service. I made a mental note to myself to come that Sunday. And finally the light turned green.

I joined during my 2nd Sunday visit, and over time I have become more and more involved. First I was in a Sunday School class, then I taught (Jr. High on Saturday night, 1st grade on Sunday mornings), now I help with admin stuff in my ladies class and I sing in choir. I have over the years attended as often as I could: Tuesday Bible Lunch, Wednesday night service, and every opportunity on Sunday. I had someone once ask me if I was there every time the doors opened.

My answer then was not that much, but close.

Now, I have not set my church up as an idol, or the staff. I just  love the feeling of the place. I have always felt welcomed, challenged, motivated and inspired . The people there are all sinners in need of a Savior, and the welcome all who thirst for the living water. Since 2008 the church has grown (building size and congregation wise), the school that is attached to the church has grown, there are new staff members, and so much more. The leadership of the church is always pushing the members to live harder for Christ - they are pushing us to draw closer to Jesus, prayer more, and reach out to lost.

I love being around the people at the church - they have hearts that are set on serving.

And semi-secretly, I have wanted to work there for 8 years. That has been a secret desire of my heart.

Not many have known of this desire, just a few.

Now, fast forward to about 3 weeks ago.

I had cooking club with some lovely ladies from church. We have been working our way through Ree Drummond's (aka The Pioneer Woman) first cook book. It has been a great experience and has us all cooking more for our families. Well when we met this last time I put forth a prayer request. Brock and I have been considering our future and how best to provide for our little family and accomplish what God has set on our hearts. The other thing I mentioned was that God had placed on my heart that my time at Strawberry Fields of Learning was coming to an end.

I told the ladies I wasn't sure what that meant or even the time line. Remember God told Abraham and Sarah they would have a child and it took 25 years for Issac to be born. 25 years! I have a hard time waiting 5 minutes in the drive thru for my breakfast, heaven help me if I had to wait 25 years. But, I have learned lately that time is not of importance to God, but timing is of the utmost importance. So, when God laid this on my heart, He also laid on me to do nothing but wait and say nothing. That was May of this year (2016).

God knows us, He created us. He knew to tell me to be patient and wait. To pray. Because the flesh/worldly side of me would have started job hunting - I would have gone into fix it mode instead of waiting. So I have waited. I have said nothing. I have prayed. And I have worked. I have worked on the projects that I normally do during the summer. I have gone forward at my job as Director as though I would be in that position for many years to come.

That night at cooking club I felt compelled to share my prayer request. So while we were wrapping up I laid it out there. Now this wonderful group of ladies are mostly teachers (only one other besides myself is not a teacher). And once I made my request known they agreed to pray for me. (Sister's if you do not have a group of ladies in your corner, get some! They will help keep you sane). But they also had an idea. It was suggested to me that I apply for a job with a local school district to be a secretary: great benefits, better pay than many think, holidays/summer off, etc. I must admit, that sounded very enticing. I told them I would think on it.

As I left, I felt upon my heart to call my mother in love and run the entire issue by her. She wasn't at home but would be soon. I was just around the corner, so I met her and my father in love within minutes. I ran the idea by her and she agreed that it did sound great, and that I would be qualified. Then she gave me a but,

Her boss was in need of an assistant, and right away. She works for the private school that is a ministry of our church. His current assistant was transferring over to the church asap. I let her know that if he was willing to interview me, I would love to apply. Within minutes I had a Monday morning interview set up. Before I left, she prayed over me with my father in love.

If you have read the story of Ruth you know that Ruth respected and loved Naomi. I am blessed to have a wonderful mother in law and she is such a great example. The story of Ruth is such a wonderful story. It is possible to have a good relationship with your mother in law. Strive for it!

During this I had communicated with Brock what was going on, and why I wasn't home yet. When I got home, I went into more detail and he backed my decision.

Sunday I shared with my Sunday School class what had happened the night prior and what was to come the next day. That day I prayed, and prayed often. During evening service, our Pastor called for a time of prayer. Brock and I went down to the altar and prayed together.

The next morning, I went to work and took care of business. I made sure all was covered and went for my interview.

I went with 2 mindsets: if I got the job, it was all God and if I did not get the job, then it was a test from God on if I would be obedient.

The interview was amazing and extensive. A personality profile, 3 individuals sat in on the interview, and I was asked questions that I had me truly evaluating my walk. Who were my hero's, what books was I reading, had I led anyone to Christ, what was my testimony. Just to give you an idea. I was told by Friday I would be told if the job was mine.

I went back to work and did what I needed to do.

The next morning before 9:00am I was given an offer for employment.

I called Brock and told him the news. We had ironed out a few details prior on things that would have to happen if I was going to be able to accept the job. I then had to make the phone call to my boss. All she knew was that the day prior I had business to take care of.

I called her and let her know everything, going back all the way to May and what God and put on my heart. Her and I ironed out a few details and I effectively gave my notice. I called my future new boss and accepted the job.

We had to keep mum for over a week as the owner of the preschool (my boss) was on vacation and she wanted to announce in person to the staff. So for a week O worked hard getting life squared away and ready for me to be gone. People wondered what was going on, but things were kept under wrap.

Last Wednesday she came back to town and we told the staff. There were tears, a few "No ma-am's" and plenty of hugs to go around. That day we drafted a letter that informed the parents of the change that was to come. This past Friday I ended my 5 years of employment at Strawberry Fields of Learning. I was given a great send off - cake, balloons, flowers, gifts and much love.

During the past few weeks I have read about the transition that happened from Moses to Joshua. Moses was banned from entering the Promise Land because he disobeyed God when he struck the rock with his staff (Numbers 20). And because of that Moses only got to see a glimpse of the Promise Land before joining his ancestors. Joshua was selected to lead Israel into the Promise Land.

This history from the Bible has stuck with me. If you know me personally, you know life at work the past year has been a rough journey. But over the past 6 months life has been better, we have seen glimpses of our own promise land. And so I have likened myself to Moses, and that God has allowed me a glimpse of what is to come, but that I can go no further with tribe I had been entrusted to guide and lead.

I have pondered what my disobedience was, and I have summarized is that I hired the wrong person. On paper she was fabulous, and I jumped on the opportunity. But I didn't look deeper, didn't pray/think over it. Within days of hiring the lady, numerous applicants that could have been better came through my door. But I hired her in fear of not having a teacher.

And now that the school is in a good position, God has removed me and is letting someone else lead that wonderful group of ladies into a brighter future.

But I have no regrets. Today was day 2 at my new job, and I am loving it. I am loving the environment, the opportunity, and the people. I have my dream job, it took 8 years, and many trials, but I have my hearts desire and cannot wait to see what is to come.

A Strong Face

If you know me personally, you may have seen me use the hashtag #stupidpcos

I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Also endometriosis. I have had both for about 17 year.

I have what is described a mild case: irregular period, heavy bleeding, acne, weight gain. And the cyst on my ovaries, which have been known to rupture. I thank God I haven't had a rupture lately.....those days are the worst.

If you are lucky enough to get pregnant, there have been cases of women overcoming their PCOS. After 2 pregnancies, and nursing for the past years, I finally had to admit I did not overcome mine. I stopped nursing this past October. We are 9 months past that....my hormones have basically leveled back out. And each month...my cycle gets worse. I cramp more, I have no energy, I am sick....But I put on a strong face for the world.

But I can't at home. I am so blessed that at home, I can let my symptoms take over and just try and survive.

No make up, hair natural, sweat pants without a waist band (pressure hurts!), and my good and faithful heating pad. I am a hoot to be around when my cycle comes along. If I make it off the couch at night it is a miracle.

I thank God that he gives me the strength and motivation to get up in the morning and go to work. The easiest thing would be to stay home and sleep all day. Actually, minus taking my kids to breakfast that is what I pretty much did yesterday. I took 2 naps.

So when I post that lovely little hash tag, know that it is me trying to inject some humor into my life. The pain is getting worse each cycle, and my energy lags progressively more.

And to all my sisters out there with a disease or illness that the world cannot see...I am with you. I understand the will power you have to have to get on with life. Some of you have no option, you have to have that brave face on all the time, you do not have a refuge like I do. I pray for you. Pray for me.

Captivated by a Wild Heart

Shortly after I called off my wedding I was given a book to read.

Let me go back in time first...

I once was engaged to a soldier in the Army. About six weeks before the wedding date I called the whole thing off.

Let me go a bit further back...

My parent's divorced when I was 2 1/2 years old. My daddy has never remarried, and maybe only dated a few times less than a handful. My mom remarried two times more after that. Her and my dad have been married about 20 something years. But the experience of living with different families, going through divorce....I never wanted my children to go through that. I never wanted to go through that.

Now I don't think people want to go through divorce. But I do believe if people took more time before they married, and create a Biblical foundation, then there would be less divorce in this world.
So, at six weeks before the big day, I called off my wedding. The signs were there, but honestly I ignored them. I still had not had a bridal shower. I would not commit to stationary for a shower. Now things were paid for: venue, cake, photographer, wedding dress...But, I called the whole thing off. And the reason I waited so long was because I feared disappointing my family. Eventually the message got through my head that they were not the ones who were going to have to live with the man, I was. And if they were upset with me calling off a wedding, that they had not helped pay for, well that would be on them.

No one was disappointed. A few were relieved. A few were even proud of me for having the gumption to do take the action that I did. His actions afterwards validated my decision that what I had done was right. He is now married, lives in Florida, and has two sons.

So a while after I called the wedding off and started getting my life on track, I ran into a friend from about a decade prior. This friend and I caught up and it was recommended to me to read the book "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge.

It transformed my life. And I am grateful for the women who encouraged the couple to write it. Originally they wrote "Wild at Heart," a book for men. And the women in the lives of these men who were transformed by reading "Wild at Heart" decided to read what their men had read. And after reading it, they pleaded for a book of their own. And "Captivating" came to be. Again, thank you!

"Set deep in the heart of every woman are three core desires.  Every woman longs for romance,
to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to be the Beauty in the tale.  It is for such that we were made." - from the website, www.ransomedheart.com (which is their ministry).

Ladies, if you want a book that will change your walk and your life, please get this book. Then get the study guide to go with it. I have read it twice, and plan on starting it again in a few days.

After I read it the first time, I realized something. I wanted to marry a man who had read "Wild at Heart." God placed a friend I hadn't seen in a decade into my life so that I could read this book. If  He did that for me, so that I could be a better believer and follower of Him, I wanted to be paired with a man who had been transformed too. A few years later I would meet my husband, and on his bookcase was a semi-battered copy of Wild at Heart.

God provides.

So, I am a bit of a odd duck. I don't have Hollywood or Music Industry crushes. Oh yes, I like actors, singers and such, but I don't obsess over them, and have no plans to travel anywhere to see any of the people I do watch/listen to anytime soon.

But, when you go into the realm of Christianity and its authors, churches, and preachers....that is different! I want to visit Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia, this is the church that has put out the movies Fireproof and Courageous. If I met the Kendrick brothers, I would be on cloud nine. I want to go to The Cove, it is the Billy Graham Training Center, and I would love to study under his daughter Anne Graham Lotz (she is an amazing writer and speaker!). And I want to go to Colorado to visit Ransomed Heart ministries. That is the ministry of John and Stasi Eldredge.

And this October (right before my birthday) they are holding a Captivating Conference. To get a ticket is by lottery, so there is not guarantee. But next year, I will have money put aside, and I will enter that lotto for a chance to visit and study under individuals who transformed my life by a book...

But until then, I will the one book that is living, and can transform any life! The Bible. Above any other book you read, take the time to read your Scriptures. And may I make a suggestion? Use an actual Bible, not your cell phone. A Bible you can touch, you can feel, one with pages you can turn, or even mark in. To me there is always a deeper connection to scripture and to God when I actually read from my Bible instead of some app.

Good Night & God Bless!
Jessica

when 30 is young and wise

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

In the spring of 1999 I was inducted into the Junior National Honor's Society. My family was so proud of me. My Granny bought me a beautiful light tan and white hounds tooth two piece skirt suit set. She purchased white panty hose and small white heels for me to wear. With my hair pulled back and my glasses, everyone said that I looked 13 going on 30. Teachers commented that my maturity was that of an almost 30 year old.

Fast forward 18 years, I am 30, just a few months away from 31.

And there are times I feel that I am much older than my almost 31 years.


When I started my ministry I was anxious. Why me? What could I possibly share with women about marriage at my young age and with so few years experience?

But then I remind myself of the saying, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." If God calls you to do something, He has a reason, and obedience is the answer.

One thing I have been working on is listening. Not just to God, but to the other "W.I.F.E.'s" in my life. I have been working on not interjecting a thought, or my own similar occurrence, but just listening. I am not perfect, but I am trying.

Here is what I have heard:

• That gorgeous woman with long blonde hair and great make up, who works outs several times a week....her husband doesn't find her attractive.
• The lady with a growing business, husband and a child, she doesn't want a 2nd child at this point. And she feels shame because everyone around her tells her she should.
• That lady with the happy little boy who is almost 2....she is experiencing secondary infertility. She wants another baby and for some reason she cannot get pregnant. She struggled to have her first child, but everyone reassured her that once she had that first baby it would be easier to conceive next time. But that has not been the case.
• That woman with a husband, two children and a great job. She struggles with self image. Her husband thinks she looks amazing, but she constantly puts herself down and struggles to see the beauty he sees.
• That young lady who has friends, a supportive family, yes with a crazy one or two and a new love interest. She takes everything personally and it is a struggle for her. She gives her all and feels crushed if something doesn't work out.

But what does the world see?

They see women who keep on going. Who go through each day, who do not quit. Life has thrown things at them, but they haven't stopped. Oh don't get me wrong, they get down, they get upset, they even scream at times, but they keep going.

And it is because of women like this that God has called me to serve the Women in Faith.

I am not sure what I am supposed to do exactly. I know I have a book to finish, and an idea for a Bible Study brewing. Beyond that right now, I am not sure. But what I have been told by God for now is to listen. And listen I will. And when I hear what I need to, I will move where God directs.

So, though I am only 30, have only been married 5 years, and only a mother 3 1/2 years, I have something to say, and say it I will. My age will not discredit me.

Dallas

Last night my husband and I watched "Risen."

I highly recommend the movie. It gave an interesting perspective of the resurrection from the eyes of a Roman soldier. It was thought provoking.

As a rule these days, my husband and I attempt to leave our phones in another room during movies so we can actually engage in the movie in front of us.

Last night after the movie we both got on our phones...

Minutes after bullets started raining in Dallas we were made aware of it. Media is a gift...media is a curse.

We are killing ourselves. America is dying.

Life matters. Blue, black, unborn. We are killing ourselves, with senseless crimes, by choice. Life no longer has value to the average person. We must stand up and fight for life.

My husband and I went to bed last night whispering about how senseless it all is. We woke up this morning and turned the news on. We turned the volume down, but children are curious. We had to explain to our daughter, in terms should could understand, what happened.

The world my children are growing up in is different then the world I grew up in.

My Pastor challenged us last week to teach our children the Bible:

¹⁸ “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ²⁰ And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, ²¹ that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. - Deuteronomy 11

Folks, the Bible needs to be our everything. In the days ahead, the answers we need will only be found in scripture.

My family and I are praying for Dallas. And our country. And our future.

America is Judah - An In-Depth Look at Isaiah 5 (A continuiation of my Politics post)

Last night I shared some of my thoughts on the politics in America. And to be honest for the rest of the summer, minus something happening that calls me back, I am going to avoid the political scene. I easily get upset/stirred up/agitated by politics, which honestly is not a healthy way to live.

But before I remove myself from politics for a short season I wanted to expand on what I wrote last night. After I clicked "Publish" and shared on my Facebook Page I felt the Holy Spirit tell me I needed to go deeper. That I skirted around the Isaiah 5 passage too lightly. That I did not make a proper comparison of how that passage applies to America today. And, to be honest, if it were not for my husband training a client in my living room currently, I probably would not be going deeper. But I know this, obedience is always best when it is immediate. And if God wants you to do something, He will get you into a position to where you have no other alternative.

Last night I shared the following:

"Let's be honest, our country is collapsing in on itself. To quote my pastor from this weekend's sermon, "America is morally and spiritually bankrupt." And he is right. We are living in the days of the Bible mentioned in Isaiah 5."

Now I want to break down how we compare with Judah.

Isaiah 5 (NLT):

Judah’s Guilt and Judgment

⁸ What sorrow for you who buy up house after house and field after field,
    until everyone is evicted and you live alone in the land.

When I read verse 8 the housing crisis/bubble a few years back comes to mind. Homes and subdivisions popped up everywhere, fields and trees were torn up, and new communities sprung up. But then people had to face a cold, hard truth. They could not afford what they had purchased, and homes were left empty. Numerous subdivisions, full a year prior, had only a handful of families living in them.

⁹ But I have heard the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    swear a solemn oath:
“Many houses will stand deserted;
    even beautiful mansions will be empty.

Again the housing bubble a few years back. Everyone was affected: lower, middle, and upper class.

¹⁰ Ten acres of vineyard will not produce even six gallons of wine.
    Ten baskets of seed will yield only one basket of grain.”

I can't help but think of how much trouble farmers have had the past decade with their crops. Drought, flooding, fires, freezes... the list goes one and on. While this verse specifically mentions grapes not producing wine, I see the parallel of a staple crop not producing enough, so in modern times it could be corn, cacao, or even wheat.

¹¹ What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning
    looking for a drink of alcohol
and spend long evenings drinking wine
    to make themselves flaming drunk.
¹² They furnish wine and lovely music at their grand parties—
    lyre and harp, tambourine and flute—
but they never think about the Lord
    or notice what he is doing.

Oh where to begin! I am generally disgusted with television and the news these days. Most shows show people living life and that the only way to have fun is drink and party. There are news shows, and I use the term news lightly, devoted to Hollywood and the gatherings they have. Social media is filled with people who are celebrities just for partying and drinking. And that is all those individuals are known for! These people seem to live in a 24 hour party: drinking, sleeping around, using drugs, disregarding morality and responsibility.

Now I understand that most Americans, most individuals, do not live completely like this. But honestly, the lives of most believers today does not reflect the life of believers in the Book of Acts.

¹³ So my people will go into exile far away
    because they do not know me.

Many churches are dying - by numbers and in faith. The Gospel is not being preached, so more and more people are staying home. Oh yes, there are numerous "MEGA" churches in our country, but God's word is not being shared there. A feel good, God means for you to prosper if you pray hard enough message is coming out of those monstrous buildings. People have forgotten that a building is not a church, the people are the church. A building is just a shell, a place for the Living Church (God's children, believers!) to gather in His name for worship and edification. But too many "churches" today are large shells with lost people in them.

Those who are great and honored will starve,
    and the common people will die of thirst.

This ties into what I said above. The starvation and thirst here though is not about hunger. People are starving and thirsting for the Gospel, the Good News, the Love of Jesus! Only He can satisfy.

John 7 NLT - Jesus Promises Living Water

³⁷ On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! ³⁸ Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” ³⁹ (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

¹⁴ The grave^[d] is licking its lips in anticipation,
    opening its mouth wide.
The great and the lowly
    and all the drunken mob will be swallowed up.

People are dying sisters. Without hearing how Christ died for us they are dying. Unless someone hears of Jesus, unless we share His message how can seeds be planted to be watered by the Holy Spirit. We cannot save others. But we can introduce them to God's word which is proven, true and living. Because if someone does not know Jesus, after the tribulation period they will be in Hell for eternity.

¹⁵ Humanity will be destroyed, and people brought down;
    even the arrogant will lower their eyes in humiliation.
¹⁶ But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will be exalted by his justice.
    The holiness of God will be displayed by his righteousness.

This is prophecy. This is what is to come! This is happening... I started this post 2 days ago (7/6/2016). Last night, 7/7/2016 individuals attacked the Dallas Police Department. 10 crusaders for law, justice, and what is right were targeted and slaughtered. There have been numerous acts of terrorism, mass shootings, riots that destroy entire communities in the past few years. Humanity is being destroyed before our eyes. When I ponder on the arrogant lowering their in humiliation, I instantly think about politicians, and the very wealthy who think they are above the law, are above the rest. But I know that even believers can be arrogant. We can even be judgmental. Anyone with a spirit of arrogance will be put in their place. God allows and does all that He does to bring Glory to Himself, to exalt his holiness.

¹⁷ In that day lambs will find good pastures,
    and fattened sheep and young goats will feed among the ruins.

Oh sisters, find comfort! We are the lambs. Remember John 21:17:

(NKJV)
¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Did you read Isaiah 5:17 - the lambs find good pastures, the fattened sheep and young goats will feed among the ruins. Humanity will be crushed, but believers will be fed. There will come a day when we will be fat with the WORD OF GOD!

¹⁸ What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them
    with ropes made of lies,
    who drag wickedness behind them like a cart!
¹⁹ They even mock God and say,
    “Hurry up and do something!
    We want to see what you can do.
Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan,
    for we want to know what it is.”

Now is the time. People need to hear the gospel. If not, their hearts could become hardened like Pharaoh to where they will not repent and will be forever separated from Jesus.

Do you remember your life before Jesus? I do. Fear, hatred (for self and others), belief in the notion of victim hood, blaming others for all my problems.

But when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I was changed. I saw His miracles all around me. I had a peace that surpasses human understanding. I have a hidden strength to go on when the world shouts to stop, fall, and fail.

People mock God everyday. We take His name in vain, we neglect the widows and orphans, we snub our noses at those in need. We are all guilty. We are all sinners.

²⁰ What sorrow for those who say

    that evil is good and good is evil,

that dark is light and light is dark,

    that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

This is life now. This is our country. Those on the extreme liberal side of life want to demolish the values that established our country. They want to go away with the rules that God laid out for us.

• Punish people if they think differently than you.
• If someone doesn't condone your sin, destroy them.
• Abort those cells in your uterus, you have a choice, it's not yet human.
• Go ahead and marry your cat, marriage is not about man and woman, its about who or what you love. If you love something, you can marry it.
• Shame on women for not wanting their children to use a restroom with a man who has a mental condition that makes him think he is a woman.

I probably will make some people mad. But God clearly says what is right! And I will not whimper or apologize.

• Grow up, if someone thinks differently than you, get a spine and don't be offended.
• I will pray for you, but will not condone your sin. And you should not condone sin in my life. Pray for me!
• God knit us in our mother's womb. We are not a mistake, all life is precious.
• Marriage is between a man and a woman - ONLY! If you want to support someone financially and pay the expense of another individual, go for it. More power to you. But do not take something Biblical and make it worldly.
• I feel bad for those who suffer from mental issues and are not getting help. But if I take my daughter into a restroom and a man is in there, I will leave. I am not going to have that conversation with my 3 1/2 year old.

²¹ What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes
    and think themselves so clever.
²² What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine
    and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.

²³ They take bribes to let the wicked go free,
    and they punish the innocent.

Have you watched the news this week? The average American, you and I, have been deceived and watched Lady Justice be hit to the ground. Hilary Clinton betrayed America and she was given a free pass. The Justice Department said she didn't intend to break the law, but she still did. If we are going to judge by intent then everyone can say they didn't intend to.... "hit my wife"..."molest that 10 year old"..."drive drunk"... The justice system is about making sure laws are obeyed, and she did not!

And the innocent are punished! Bakers who don't want to bake a cake for a gay couple are put out of business, fined, and have to go into hiding. Because they didn't want to bake a cake!! But Hilary Clinton disregarded protocol and put America in jeopardy and was given a free pass. Then after that joined President Obama on Air Force One and flew off to a rally.

Good grief! Deplorable.

²⁴ Therefore, just as fire licks up stubble
    and dry grass shrivels in the flame,
so their roots will rot
    and their flowers wither.
For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies;
    they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
²⁵ That is why the Lord’s anger burns against his people,
    and why he has raised his fist to crush them.

We have turned from God, and He is removing His hand from us. He is allowing us to suffer the consequences of our actions. Our country is falling apart around us because we have neglected our first Love. If we as a country focused more on God than TMZ, Facebook, and pimple videos on YouTube, maybe, just maybe our country would not be killing itself.

The mountains tremble,
    and the corpses of his people litter the streets like garbage.
But even then the Lord’s anger is not satisfied.
    His fist is still poised to strike!

²⁶ He will send a signal to distant nations far away
    and whistle to those at the ends of the earth.
    They will come racing toward Jerusalem.
²⁷ They will not get tired or stumble.
    They will not stop for rest or sleep.
Not a belt will be loose,
    not a sandal strap broken.
²⁸ Their arrows will be sharp
    and their bows ready for battle.
Sparks will fly from their horses’ hooves,
    and the wheels of their chariots will spin like a whirlwind.
²⁹ They will roar like lions,
    like the strongest of lions.
Growling, they will pounce on their victims and carry them off,
    and no one will be there to rescue them.
³⁰ They will roar over their victims on that day of destruction
    like the roaring of the sea.
If someone looks across the land,
    only darkness and distress will be seen;
    even the light will be darkened by clouds.

Unless we turn to Jesus the days ahead will only get darker. Citizens are killing the peace keepers, parishioners are accusing the pastors, teachers are violating the trust of their students. Wrong is now right.... 1+2=4 now. Truth is no longer truth, truth is feelings. Our enemies will take us over if we don't do 180* right now. Turn to Jesus!

Politics

Once upon a time I had a blog where I ranted and raved against liberal bias, corrupt government, and unfair/unequal representation. I pulled out my college papers on tyranny, and brought my faith into the middle of it.

When I felt called to serve the Lord by serving women of faith I closed down that blog.

But the course of this presidential election is calling me to merge again my faith with my politics.

To say that I am disappointed by the options available this election would be an understatement. The man my husband and I both were wanting (2 different men actually at one point before we agreed on the same one) are out of the running. I was semi crushed when the gentleman from Texas bowed out.

Trump or Hilary.

I get a headache thinking of what could happen to this country under wither one of them.
Just today a travesty to the justice system occurred.
The FBI said that Hilary Clinton should not face charges for the email server debacle that has plagued the news for over a year. I feel bad for General Petraeus. From my understanding of history/news he did far less and was punished more severely. Granted any punishment is harsh considering Hilary will not be facing the justice system for her actions. I am team #neverhilary

As for Trump. I do not care for the man. I have seen some videos were he sounds intelligent. Then I have seen news clips were he seems a fool. I am not sure what to believe about the man. I doubt most of what he says. I honestly do not believe he is a better choice than what we currently have or our other option.

I am not writing you to tell you who to vote for, or if you should or should not vote. That is a personal decision every individual has to make on their own.

Just remember this, Israel begged for a king and God gave them the kings they deserved. They were not happy with just serving God, and being accountable to Him, so God gave them what they asked. I do believe due to our own action and inaction in this country we will get the president we deserve. And may it cause our nation to humble itself and turn back to God!

I could be in an emotional upheaval if I let myself. Let's be honest, our country is collapsing in on itself. To quote my pastor from this weekend's sermon, "America is morally and spiritually bankrupt." And he is right. We are living in the days of the Bible mentioned in Isaiah 5 (NLT):

Judah’s Guilt and Judgment

⁸ What sorrow for you who buy up house after house and field after field,
    until everyone is evicted and you live alone in the land.
⁹ But I have heard the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    swear a solemn oath:
“Many houses will stand deserted;
    even beautiful mansions will be empty.
¹⁰ Ten acres^[a] of vineyard will not produce even six gallons^[b] of wine.
    Ten baskets of seed will yield only one basket^[c] of grain.”

¹¹ What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning
    looking for a drink of alcohol
and spend long evenings drinking wine
    to make themselves flaming drunk.
¹² They furnish wine and lovely music at their grand parties—
    lyre and harp, tambourine and flute—
but they never think about the Lord
    or notice what he is doing.

¹³ So my people will go into exile far away
    because they do not know me.
Those who are great and honored will starve,
    and the common people will die of thirst.
¹⁴ The grave^[d] is licking its lips in anticipation,
    opening its mouth wide.
The great and the lowly
    and all the drunken mob will be swallowed up.
¹⁵ Humanity will be destroyed, and people brought down;
    even the arrogant will lower their eyes in humiliation.
¹⁶ But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will be exalted by his justice.
    The holiness of God will be displayed by his righteousness.
¹⁷ In that day lambs will find good pastures,
    and fattened sheep and young goats^[e] will feed among the ruins.

¹⁸ What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them
    with ropes made of lies,
    who drag wickedness behind them like a cart!
¹⁹ They even mock God and say,
    “Hurry up and do something!
    We want to see what you can do.
Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan,
    for we want to know what it is.”

²⁰ What sorrow for those who say
    that evil is good and good is evil,
that dark is light and light is dark,
    that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
²¹ What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes
    and think themselves so clever.
²² What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine
    and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.
²³ They take bribes to let the wicked go free,
    and they punish the innocent.

²⁴ Therefore, just as fire licks up stubble
    and dry grass shrivels in the flame,
so their roots will rot
    and their flowers wither.
For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies;
    they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
²⁵ That is why the Lord’s anger burns against his people,
    and why he has raised his fist to crush them.
The mountains tremble,
    and the corpses of his people litter the streets like garbage.
But even then the Lord’s anger is not satisfied.
    His fist is still poised to strike!

²⁶ He will send a signal to distant nations far away
    and whistle to those at the ends of the earth.
    They will come racing toward Jerusalem.
²⁷ They will not get tired or stumble.
    They will not stop for rest or sleep.
Not a belt will be loose,
    not a sandal strap broken.
²⁸ Their arrows will be sharp
    and their bows ready for battle.
Sparks will fly from their horses’ hooves,
    and the wheels of their chariots will spin like a whirlwind.
²⁹ They will roar like lions,
    like the strongest of lions.
Growling, they will pounce on their victims and carry them off,
    and no one will be there to rescue them.
³⁰ They will roar over their victims on that day of destruction
    like the roaring of the sea.
If someone looks across the land,
    only darkness and distress will be seen;
    even the light will be darkened by clouds.

Now after reading that you can be depressed or your be a believer in Christ Jesus.

A few months ago my mom and I took a trip to New Orleans. A girls trip, a time for us to relax. The drive there took well over an hour longer than anticipated, we had to make a few more restroom stops in some out of the way places due to traffic, construction and the like.

While we were on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway we ended up discussing world events and how God could allow what happens to happen. Abuse, horrible weather, communities destroying themselves, senseless killings, and etc. From a worldly perspective, it would seem that God is cruel.

But I, and you dear sisters, are called to look at things from a biblical perspective. We are to look at events through the eyes of Christ.

What I explained to my mother is that the world is functioning in an ungodly worldly system. And that in order for Christ to establish the New Jerusalem, to create the new heaven and new earth the old must pass away. And what is happening is that the worldly system is collapsing in on itself. That everything has to fall apart in order for the new to rise (think of the mythical phoenix that rises from the ashes).

It is a hard concept to understand or accept. It's not pleasant. But the fact of the matter is, God is allowing all that is happening: horrible weather, travesties against humanity, governments collapsing...all for one reason. In order to give people a chance to turn to Him. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV):

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Use the upheaval in Washington D.C. to share the Gospel dear sisters. My Pastor said more this weekend than the fact that America is morally and spiritually bankrupt. He put all believers in their place, because we have had a hand in that bankruptcy. We have let others silence us, because we enjoy our comfort. We enjoy the pleasures of the American dream and do not want to disturb things. We are guilty of letting America slide into the moral decay it is in.

We need to read our Bible daily, it must be a way of life. We cannot share the Gospel, or defend the Gospel if we do not read it. One cannot share what one does not know. My challenge for myself and for others is this:

1. Read your Bible, even if it is just a verse a day.
2. Pray that God will give you an opportunity to share the Gospel.