Cell Phones vs. Bible (author unknown)
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones.
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you go ...hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Things I came across today in my travels
Lutherans and Revisionist Theology
Why do Confessional Lutherans and Revisionists come to a differentunderstanding of Grace? The key to understanding Luther's theology isthe insight that one simple statement cannot cover all of the truth("the unchangeable truth of the divine Word", Preface to the Book ofConcord). Good holistic theology understands that there is more tothe truth than can be said by one doctrine such as the teaching aboutgrace. http://www.solid-ground.ca/a-revtheology.htm
******************
Bird Flu and the ELCA
Why should we worry about an outbreak of the bird flu in Asia? That is so far away. That would not affect us? Or, could it? Why should we worry about the action of the ELCA to tolerate cohabiting homosexuals as pastors in the ELCA? Our sister church in the USA, the ELCA, has decided not to discipline its pastors who openly declare to be homosexuals who cohabit with other homosexuals. Why should we worry? Our ELCIC has an agreement with the ELCA to a free exchange of pastors across the border. Should we be concerned about that? Frank Pastore raises important questions about the message being sent to our Lutheran youth in light of the action taken by the recent ELCAChurchwide Assembly. http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/FrankPastore/2007/08/19/sex_and_the_lutheran_youth_group
He writes: "How can they do that? I mean, how can the leadership of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) tell their kids with a
straight face not to be sexually active outside of marriage when
they've just voted last Saturday to no longer enforce the celibacy
requirement for their unmarried staff - both straight and gay? The
ELCA and other pro-gay denominations have been ordaining gays for decades. That's nothing new. What's new is that now staff can openly have lovers while on the job and there will be no disciplinary action for violating the celibacy requirement. The message to the kids is loud and clear: We can have sex with our boyfriends and girlfriends, but you can't".
******************
I AM
I was regretting the pastand fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
"My name is I AM"
He paused. I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WAS.
When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WILL BE.
When you live in this moment it is not hard.
I am here,
My name is I AM."
Helen Mallicoat
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14
http://www.inspiring-quotes-and-stories.com/my-name-is-i-am.html
**********************
Asking God
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from
worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others,
as much as God loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
Unknown
**********************
Why do Confessional Lutherans and Revisionists come to a differentunderstanding of Grace? The key to understanding Luther's theology isthe insight that one simple statement cannot cover all of the truth("the unchangeable truth of the divine Word", Preface to the Book ofConcord). Good holistic theology understands that there is more tothe truth than can be said by one doctrine such as the teaching aboutgrace. http://www.solid-ground.ca/a-revtheology.htm
******************
Bird Flu and the ELCA
Why should we worry about an outbreak of the bird flu in Asia? That is so far away. That would not affect us? Or, could it? Why should we worry about the action of the ELCA to tolerate cohabiting homosexuals as pastors in the ELCA? Our sister church in the USA, the ELCA, has decided not to discipline its pastors who openly declare to be homosexuals who cohabit with other homosexuals. Why should we worry? Our ELCIC has an agreement with the ELCA to a free exchange of pastors across the border. Should we be concerned about that? Frank Pastore raises important questions about the message being sent to our Lutheran youth in light of the action taken by the recent ELCAChurchwide Assembly. http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/FrankPastore/2007/08/19/sex_and_the_lutheran_youth_group
He writes: "How can they do that? I mean, how can the leadership of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) tell their kids with a
straight face not to be sexually active outside of marriage when
they've just voted last Saturday to no longer enforce the celibacy
requirement for their unmarried staff - both straight and gay? The
ELCA and other pro-gay denominations have been ordaining gays for decades. That's nothing new. What's new is that now staff can openly have lovers while on the job and there will be no disciplinary action for violating the celibacy requirement. The message to the kids is loud and clear: We can have sex with our boyfriends and girlfriends, but you can't".
******************
I AM
I was regretting the pastand fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
"My name is I AM"
He paused. I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WAS.
When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WILL BE.
When you live in this moment it is not hard.
I am here,
My name is I AM."
Helen Mallicoat
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14
http://www.inspiring-quotes-and-stories.com/my-name-is-i-am.html
**********************
Asking God
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from
worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others,
as much as God loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
Unknown
**********************
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Lessons
My lesson given to me yesterday morning
(before I heard about my friends house fire)...
You only have today -- this moment.
My lesson from this past year...
(after my brothers wedding and all that it entails)
Have no expectations when it comes to people and relationships.
Life will be more enjoyable and less disappointing.
An article I read today
Catechesis, Confession, and Admittance to the Holy Communion
http://sword-in-hat.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
How does your church practice confirmation?
http://sword-in-hat.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
How does your church practice confirmation?
This story always makes me smile...
To those of us who have children in our lives, Whether they are our own,Grandchildren,Nieces,Nephews,Or students...
Here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control,
You can take comfort from the thought that
Even God's omnipotence did not extend
To His own children.
After creating heaven and earth,
God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing he said was"DON'T! "
"Don't what? " Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit! "
"No Way! " "Yes way! "
"Do NOT eat the fruit! " Said God.
"Why ? "
"Because I am your Father and I said so! " God replied, Wondering why He hadn't stopped Creation after making the elephants.
A few minutes later,God saw His children having an apple break
And He was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit? " God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you? " Said the Father.
"I don't know," Said Eve.
"She started it! " Adam said.
"Did not! "
"Did too! "
"DID NOT! "
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve Should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, Don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, What makes you think it would be A piece of cake for you?
Here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control,
You can take comfort from the thought that
Even God's omnipotence did not extend
To His own children.
After creating heaven and earth,
God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing he said was"DON'T! "
"Don't what? " Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit! "
"No Way! " "Yes way! "
"Do NOT eat the fruit! " Said God.
"Why ? "
"Because I am your Father and I said so! " God replied, Wondering why He hadn't stopped Creation after making the elephants.
A few minutes later,God saw His children having an apple break
And He was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit? " God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you? " Said the Father.
"I don't know," Said Eve.
"She started it! " Adam said.
"Did not! "
"Did too! "
"DID NOT! "
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve Should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, Don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, What makes you think it would be A piece of cake for you?
Quotes from John Bunyan
John Bunyan:(1628~1688)
Famous Books He's Written:
1. Pilgrim's Progress
2. Holy War
Quotes:
'God has set a Savior against sin,a heaven against a hell,light against darkness,good against evil,and the breadth and length and depth and height of grace that is in Himself for my good,against all the power and strength and subtlety of every enemy.'"
~¤~
Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.
~¤~
He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find him the rest of the day.
~¤~
If you have sinned, do not lie down without repentance; for the want of repentance after one has sinned makes the heart yet harder and harder.
~¤~
Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.
~¤~
When you pray, rather let your heart be without words, that your words be without heart.
~¤~
If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us that a golden slipper on a gouty foot.
~*~
Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.
~*~
Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions than ruined by too confident a security.
Famous Books He's Written:
1. Pilgrim's Progress
2. Holy War
Quotes:
'God has set a Savior against sin,a heaven against a hell,light against darkness,good against evil,and the breadth and length and depth and height of grace that is in Himself for my good,against all the power and strength and subtlety of every enemy.'"
~¤~
Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.
~¤~
He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find him the rest of the day.
~¤~
If you have sinned, do not lie down without repentance; for the want of repentance after one has sinned makes the heart yet harder and harder.
~¤~
Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.
~¤~
When you pray, rather let your heart be without words, that your words be without heart.
~¤~
If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us that a golden slipper on a gouty foot.
~*~
Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.
~*~
Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions than ruined by too confident a security.
A CONVERSATION WITH THE LORD
“I want to love You more.” I said to the Lord.
“If you would love Me more, you must know Me.” He said.
“I do know You, Lord.”
“You do not know Me until You know that I am holy.”
“I know that You are holy, Lord.”
“You know it when can you see yourself through My holiness. Are you willing?”
“Yes, Lord.”
And the Lord showed me myself. The sting of every word spoken in anger, the ugliness of every slander whether I said it in my heart or from my lips, the repulsiveness of every ungodly fantasy lingered upon was shown me. I smelled the foul stench of my lust, fear, unbelief and scorn. I heard the true sounds of my half-hearted and polluted praise. Every incidence of hypocrisy was laid bare. I was exposed for the fraud I was.
I was naked and ashamed.
I forgot all about asking God to love Him more. I could not even begin to think of coming near Him. He would never receive me.
I closed my eyes, pleading inside that I would no longer have the lenses of holiness.
“Open your eyes,” the Lord said. “See My holiness.”
I cried out, “Lord, I cannot bear it!”
“Open your eyes, Child.”
I opened my eyes and my filth was being washed away. Every injury, every sin, every rebellious act of violence against God was removed. Jesus Himself clothed me and my shame was no more. And I saw that holiness was beautiful.
“I love you more, Lord!” I cried.
“The one who is forgiven much loves much,” He said.
“If you would love Me more, you must know Me.” He said.
“I do know You, Lord.”
“You do not know Me until You know that I am holy.”
“I know that You are holy, Lord.”
“You know it when can you see yourself through My holiness. Are you willing?”
“Yes, Lord.”
And the Lord showed me myself. The sting of every word spoken in anger, the ugliness of every slander whether I said it in my heart or from my lips, the repulsiveness of every ungodly fantasy lingered upon was shown me. I smelled the foul stench of my lust, fear, unbelief and scorn. I heard the true sounds of my half-hearted and polluted praise. Every incidence of hypocrisy was laid bare. I was exposed for the fraud I was.
I was naked and ashamed.
I forgot all about asking God to love Him more. I could not even begin to think of coming near Him. He would never receive me.
I closed my eyes, pleading inside that I would no longer have the lenses of holiness.
“Open your eyes,” the Lord said. “See My holiness.”
I cried out, “Lord, I cannot bear it!”
“Open your eyes, Child.”
I opened my eyes and my filth was being washed away. Every injury, every sin, every rebellious act of violence against God was removed. Jesus Himself clothed me and my shame was no more. And I saw that holiness was beautiful.
“I love you more, Lord!” I cried.
“The one who is forgiven much loves much,” He said.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Visiting today....
Blogs I stopped by to visit today....
What my baptism means to me --
http://askalutheran.blogspot.com/
Prayer Walks ---
http://holyexperience.blogspot.com
(I love the idea and simplicity of house churches.)
Weekly Wisdom ---
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php
The Reason We have Creeds ---
http://lutheranhoosier.blogspot.com/
What my baptism means to me --
http://askalutheran.blogspot.com/
Prayer Walks ---
http://holyexperience.blogspot.com
(I love the idea and simplicity of house churches.)
Weekly Wisdom ---
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php
The Reason We have Creeds ---
http://lutheranhoosier.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
From my online travels today....
Check this out - it gives you very interesting statistics http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf
********************************************************
What would you have done?
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a Church in Houston, Texas.
Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."
Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
Remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."
Watch your thoughts...they become words.
Watch your words...they become actions.
Watch your actions...they become habits.
Watch your habits...they become character.
Watch your character;...it becomes your destiny.
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
***************************************************************************
This entertained me for a few minutes today… go give it a try.
Crazy Rabbit http://www.changar.com/archives/go.HTML
****************************************************************************
Part of my mission in life is to "Meet People at their Point of Need."
~Jordan Rubin
***************************************************************************
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
It’s interesting that in Proverbs 31 before God ever addresses the godly woman’s “to do” list, he establishes her worth. Before she ever says or does anything, He deems her worthy, apart from all works and He does it in such a way that we can never forget it. He doesn’t just label her adequate, but He raves about her, ranking her superior to the rarest, most exquisite stones. God’s woman is worth more than costly gems. That woman is you!
~~Bonita Lillie~~
************************************************************************
From a friend... (I will post thoughts on this later...)
I read this this morning and was absolutely stunned by it:http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070812/28866.htm
Lutherans urged to not punish gays in committed relationships--
**************************************************************************
********************************************************
What would you have done?
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a Church in Houston, Texas.
Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."
Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
Remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."
Watch your thoughts...they become words.
Watch your words...they become actions.
Watch your actions...they become habits.
Watch your habits...they become character.
Watch your character;...it becomes your destiny.
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
***************************************************************************
This entertained me for a few minutes today… go give it a try.
Crazy Rabbit http://www.changar.com/archives/go.HTML
****************************************************************************
Part of my mission in life is to "Meet People at their Point of Need."
~Jordan Rubin
***************************************************************************
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
It’s interesting that in Proverbs 31 before God ever addresses the godly woman’s “to do” list, he establishes her worth. Before she ever says or does anything, He deems her worthy, apart from all works and He does it in such a way that we can never forget it. He doesn’t just label her adequate, but He raves about her, ranking her superior to the rarest, most exquisite stones. God’s woman is worth more than costly gems. That woman is you!
~~Bonita Lillie~~
************************************************************************
From a friend... (I will post thoughts on this later...)
I read this this morning and was absolutely stunned by it:http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070812/28866.htm
Lutherans urged to not punish gays in committed relationships--
**************************************************************************
Friday, August 10, 2007
MIA since July 25th, where have I been...?
I have no idea! LMBO! I honestly don't. My brain seems to have taken a vacation without me this week and I am walking around in a complete fog. I am not kidding. I can't remember the names of people, the names of movies, my name... (just kidding but close). And I having the weirdest and most vivid dreams where I wake up and can't quite tell what was real and what wasn't. Remember something during the day and can't tell if it was in my dream or did it actually happen. I am so surprised my DH let me drive the car to town today. LOL
Well let's see, I can look at the calendar, maybe that will help. July 29th, my son turned 12, which means he is one year closer to being a teenager. YIKES! Where does the time go. That reminds me, I still need to plan a birthday party for him. Luckily he is being very patient with me.
Last weekend there was a wonderful event in my town. We had a community church service held on center street! We have 9 churches in out community and we all came together as the one Body of Christ on this day and worshiped together. It was awesome. I hear that this event will happen again next year, I am looking forward to it.
Wes finished the silaging before all this rain hit. That was a great blessing. Now I am ready for the sun to come back out to help me get out of these doldrums. Maybe it is because of the weather my brain took a vacation. I know I am person who NEEDS the sun on a regular basis. Note to self... look on the weather map and find out where it sunny and go get my brain! LOL
I had a very interesting discussion with a friend the other day about tithing. This can be a pretty touchy subject for some but luckily we are very open with each other and don't take anything personally. I shared with Wes the details of the situation and got some interesting responses from him as well.
I have been busy reading and planning for the new school year. I want this to be our best year to date. It will year 3 on this HS journey. But I think I have figured things out and God willing things will work out.
I have been babysitting the last couple of days, which has me getting out of bed at 6am. I no longer get up at this time of the day (I used to be a morning person and rose at this time with no alarm clock, but my DH has switched me around). So I have been dragging around the house, coffee has barely been helping. I feel a morning of sleeping in coming on for tomorrow!!! *smile*
I watched the movie Ghost Rider the other night. I didn't like it, way too evil for my taste. I am not even sure why I agreed to watch it. Jordan has requested to watch it, but that won't be happening under my watchful eye.
Well I am starting to nod off at the keyboard, so it is now time to go DO something to keep me awake. The kids won't be going home until 5:30, so I have some to kill yet. Maybe I could go and start to make my bed and accidentally fall on the bed and it will knock me unconscious and I can catch a few zzzzz's.
Till next time..... (when hopefully I will be more coherent...LOL)
Well let's see, I can look at the calendar, maybe that will help. July 29th, my son turned 12, which means he is one year closer to being a teenager. YIKES! Where does the time go. That reminds me, I still need to plan a birthday party for him. Luckily he is being very patient with me.
Last weekend there was a wonderful event in my town. We had a community church service held on center street! We have 9 churches in out community and we all came together as the one Body of Christ on this day and worshiped together. It was awesome. I hear that this event will happen again next year, I am looking forward to it.
Wes finished the silaging before all this rain hit. That was a great blessing. Now I am ready for the sun to come back out to help me get out of these doldrums. Maybe it is because of the weather my brain took a vacation. I know I am person who NEEDS the sun on a regular basis. Note to self... look on the weather map and find out where it sunny and go get my brain! LOL
I had a very interesting discussion with a friend the other day about tithing. This can be a pretty touchy subject for some but luckily we are very open with each other and don't take anything personally. I shared with Wes the details of the situation and got some interesting responses from him as well.
I have been busy reading and planning for the new school year. I want this to be our best year to date. It will year 3 on this HS journey. But I think I have figured things out and God willing things will work out.
I have been babysitting the last couple of days, which has me getting out of bed at 6am. I no longer get up at this time of the day (I used to be a morning person and rose at this time with no alarm clock, but my DH has switched me around). So I have been dragging around the house, coffee has barely been helping. I feel a morning of sleeping in coming on for tomorrow!!! *smile*
I watched the movie Ghost Rider the other night. I didn't like it, way too evil for my taste. I am not even sure why I agreed to watch it. Jordan has requested to watch it, but that won't be happening under my watchful eye.
Well I am starting to nod off at the keyboard, so it is now time to go DO something to keep me awake. The kids won't be going home until 5:30, so I have some to kill yet. Maybe I could go and start to make my bed and accidentally fall on the bed and it will knock me unconscious and I can catch a few zzzzz's.
Till next time..... (when hopefully I will be more coherent...LOL)
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