Who Am I

I realize I've writen about this before but it has been on my heart a lot lately. Who am I?

Who we are is no defined by what we do. We do what we do because of who we are. Who are we? if you are a believer you are a saint, a child of God! This teaching that says "I am just a sinner saved by grace," is bunk! you are who you perceive yourself as. you act the part you identify yourself as. if you indentify yourself as a sinner then you will sin and sin some more. however if you identify yourself as a saint as scripture says you are you will sin less. I am not saying you won't sin but because where you place your identy that is what you will act like.

I have asked well meaning elder believers why we say "sinner saved by grace" and they say it is so we ca identify with others and they with us. well in my book you are who you claim and if you claim yourself as a saint and act accordingly then others will want to identify with you and be like you. if you say you are just a sinner saved by grace then you will act as such and thereby not giving a nonbeliever something they can aspire to be like. why would someone want to be like you if you identify yourself as being like them? they don't see a difference so therefore choose to remain.

hroughout the who new testament christians are referred to as saints. and 2 Corinthians 5 tells us "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things have past away all is new." if all is new thena transformation has taken place so I am no longer what I was but am new. if new then must be a saint and no longer sinner. yes i sin but I am a new creation and am in Christ. so it is my endeavor to be like him.

in saying we are saints and perceiving that we are and believing it we will endeavor to act like what we perceive a saint to be. so as a result we will probably sin less and endeavor to model Christ. You are how you perceive yourself to be and will act accordingly. so let's stop trying ti identify with the world so we can draw them let's identify with Christ and model Him thereby drawing others out of curiousity to the change and thereby winning others for His kingdom.

If God is For us

If God is for us! Who can be against us? I ask with respect but desire to know honest answers. God is for us for sure in all we do. He wants us to devote ourselves to Him and serve with pure hearts and be ready to go when he says go. When he says go! why do many believers just sit and say "ummm ummm I don't know" there are tim es when God's direction is so clear cut and dry you'd have to be blinder then me to not see it. but many iof us don't go.

I think the reason is simple. We are afraid of what brother or sister so and so might think if we step out in faith and answer the call of God. Well muy answer to that is: "Stop!!! you don't have to answer to them!" The Lord Jesus Christ has called you so go and do. Don't worry anything about it. just look for ways to get it done and if needs be look for the help. If it it is truly from the Lord he will provide a way even when it seems there is really no way.

UIf God is for us no one can be against us. He'll make the way smooth and prosperous and will cause the doubters to stop doubting and take notice. So step out in faith I know it is a hard thing but after you take that first step each step begins to get easier and easier. So stop sitting on the permises and stand on the Promise of God and go!!

the walk

It is said "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" Many of you are standing still and being fearful of taking that first step. You say "no one walks with me" this is untrue! Because if you are a believer in Jesus Christ UHe is always with you and will never leave you. He is right by your side ready to guide direct strengthen and encourage.

It may seem like no one walks with you and often times this road will feel lonely but know this for certain that you have many who have gone before you cheering you on and the Lord will be right there through the good, the bad and the ugly and everything in between. Just pray and ask Him. He will listen to all your fear and hand those fears to him and he'll take them away and replace them with the power to move on and continue.

Fear not my brother and sister for I know that walking the road sees dark at times but joy will come in the morning. Just wait on the Lord and He'll renew your strength. Stay in continual meditation of the Word and prayer. You won't go wrong when you do that.

For me I want to serve the Lord in a arena where I speak motivationally, to inspire or simplely just teaching the Word of God. When and where I don't know. But am willing to go where He sends me and am assured that he'll provide the means and way for it all to take place. I trust in an awesome God and know His way is perfect and that he'll never send me where He himself wouldn't go and will not allow me to go through anything that can't be handled.

So cheer dear saints and smile for your Master the Lord Jesus has a plan for you and will helpyou to see it through. Walk don't run and go at the speed he sets for He knows best.

giving thanks

I was thinking today. with it being Thanksgiving day here in the United states. I was thinking about being thankful.

While I am thankful for many thiings this past year. I willnot mention them all here because most of them are the basics that we are all thankful for. However, I was thinking about the passage in James: "count it all joy when you suffer trials and tribulations, knowing that the testing of your faith works patients"

Was thinking, how many of us stop and thank God for our struggles we go through? James says to count it all joy. when one takes joy in something then they usually are saying at some point that they are thankful for it. So in a short ad round about way. I am thank for all the strggles I've had this year and continue to have. Because I know for certain that in the end I will win. Because with Lord on my side how can I loose. While I am still without a permanent job and still single and am not dating anyone at the moment. I am thankful for the struggle because the yet is yet to come.

So let us all push forward today and remember to give thanks for all that we have but don't forget to thank God for your struggle. because ion the end if know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you'll win the ultimate prize. After He is the only way to Heaven. many say there are mutiple ways but they're wrong Jesus is the only way. so stay close to Him and you won't go wrong. Struggle you will and be tested it is certain. but in the end you'll win. so count it joy and when doing that thank God for it and let's move ahead and be victorious in life. Remember you can choose to be a victum or a vitor. it is all up to you. I hope and pray you choose to be a victor. I choose that and will stay on course.

God bless one and all and let's all remember to pray for one another and keep moving forward and help one another.

I am bell ringing this year stay tuned for a posting on that.

to cry or not?

It is a common philosphy that men are taught from childhood up. "Real men don't cry." We are taught this via movies, books, television and even by some well meaning adults. On the other hand we have some people that tell us "it is alright to cry." however this is usually nly when a major tragedy has occured in our lives. Also to reinforce the idea many times, and I realize it isn't meant to be as such, but if we are crying as a child over something parents are known to say "stop crying or i'll give you something to cry about."

I realize that sometimes crying isn't called for with kids but one should use discernment.
is it alright for a man to cry? Well what does the Bible "the word of our one true God." say. John 11 35 "jesus wept." also when he was in the garden before he was about to be cruicified. "Jesus cried tears of blood." So men abolish the thought in your mind. that it is wrong for a real man to cry. Jesus "yeshua" was a real man and he cried. We are to be like Christ so there you go it is alright for a real man to cry.

Don't be afraid to show that emotion in public or private. it is all good. don't be ashamed as I've been in the past about crying. in fact i've been knonw to apologize for crying. So if you need to cry feel free and let the tears flow. not only will it help you feel better it shows you have heart. and that is really what is important. a real man has a "heart"

eyes

It has occured to me that many of us have a tendacy to choose what we will or will not see. While to a degree this is admirable. However; we need to ask the Lord so see things the way he sees them. It is when we do this we often tiems will things we had beforehand chose not to see. It may scare us and often tiems cause us to shed tears. But we need to see things as the Lord sees them

We need to pray "give me your eyes Lord that I may see the way you see and give me your heart that I may love the way you love." We often choose who we'll love. this is sin and needs to cease. We are to love one another as Christ loves all. Showing that love is difficult but easy at the same time.

While I realize it sometimes hurts to love someone we need to till do it. Who knows where that display of love will lead. It may very well bring another lost soul in the kingdom.

Saying "I love you" isn't enough. one needs to demostrate said love. We need to have a lot more action in our life if we want to win others for Christ.

I am reminded of a song that came out in the 80's be a nonchristian group the chorus said "a little less talk and a lot more action." as Petra said "sometimes God's people should be seen and not heard." To much talk and not enough walk.

So pray for the eyes of Jesus and the heart and watch out. because you may need to boldly go where no man has gone before.

influence

We have many things in this world that influence us. We have movies, music and television. But the greatest influence is people. While what we hear and see on television and the music we listen to does have a remarkable influence and impact. People often times have greater.
The other day I was thinking of people that the Lord has brought in my life. Some believers as myself and others unbelievers. But both have hd major impacts on my life. Some to greater degrees then others. unfortnately some of them have passed on and so I can not thank them but others I have lost track of and have no clue where to begin to find them to thank them.

That is why it is so keenly important we monitor how we conduct ourselves around others. We are always being watched and who knows what kind of influence our words, actions or lack of such will have.

The Lord brings people in our lives for a reason. Sometimes it is to teach us a lesson or sometimes it is to comfort us andother times it is to encourage us. Whatever the reason cherish those people while you can. If they are meant to stay with you until you die or until they die or until the Lord comes. But when they do leave physically. Know that they will always be with you in your heart. We need to remember to listen more then we speak. that is why we have one mouth and 2 ears. So think befor you speak. the words you say will impact. Hopefully for the good but if it ends up for the bad. Well then move on and hope that you can be forgiven. And if someone has said or done something that has impacted you for the lesser degree. and they come to you and seek forgiveness? then forgive them embrace them and move forward.

some would say that music has no influence or impact. it does. sometimes we don' realize it but it does. and we do. we may never know what extent we've impacted someone or how. but know this you will and o impact others. You may never know how or to what degree until you reach Heaven. But take satisfaction in knowing that you can make a difference.

sheep

I have been thinking about something lately. Why? of all animals and things that we can be compared with does Jesus compare us to sheep? well it is a stupid animal. they'll follow anything pretty much. we are stupid. I know that is insulting to be called stupid. but when it boils down to it we are. we all do stupid stuff. I don't care if you have a phd or a masters. but sheep will follow anything. however get them in your camp and train them well they will obnly listen to their masters voice. Jesus said "my sheep hear my voice" "a stranger they will not follow" so let's get to know our masters voice better so that we won't follow another voice. it is easier said then done but it is well worth it in the long run.

angels

I know that many of you my faithful readers know that angels exist. But it has occured tome that some of you don't truly believe or say that we don't or can't see them. I beg to differ.

While I lived in Denver I experienced this. I was staying at the Salvation Army. My wife "now x" was down the road at the Samartian house. I decided it would help our marriage improve if I could stay there. At the time we were going through a split. Well I went down and they had only one bed available. the way they handled it is each person was given a card and if they drew your card you got it. Well my card wasn't drawn. as I was getting ready to leave was told dan stay put. there seemed to be a gentlemen speaking to them in front and motioning to me. he then left the gate and just like that dissappeared. as you guessed it I got the bed. amazing!

one more example. while I was living in Denver I was waiting for the bus when a gentlemen approached me and said "God wants me to give this to you" then he was gone. he handed me a bill. I thought it was a dollar when I tried to get change for it it didn't work. I asked a supervisor at work what it was she said "it is a $50" this came in handy we needed to get laundry done and some food and pay day was a couple days away.

so do angels exist? yes and we do see them in the flesh. howbeit they don't show hallows and wings but after the fact it is obvious aftter the event we experienced an angel. I have a few more examples but this would go on for quite a while. So I will close for now. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you. May he cause His face to shine on you and may He give you His peace.

blind

As many of you my faithful readers know; I am totally blind. Some you may be reading for the first time and don't know this. So let me fill you in on how I deal with this issue.

I was not born blind. I was born with congential Gloucoma. When I was released from the hospital with mom I received my first of a number of eye surgeries. While I didn't have perfect eye sight it was good enough to do all the typical things a child does. Even after loosing it totally I still did the typical things. Anyway over the years I had many eye Doctor appointments. and after it was all said and done I ended up loosing my sight totally at about the age 10.

I had gone in for an eye surgery and they wanted me to use the rest room I really didn't want to but was forced. While walking to the rest room I was sick to my stomach. this happened not long after returning home. as a result I had some blood vessels break. I remember one morning waking up and not seeing anything at all. this of course scared me and my mom.

In fact the morning this happened I was bumping into a bunch of stuff. Mom thought I was messing around. I cried "I can't see anything." we went in an saw the doctor. for the next 6 weeks I saw nothing. I was home schooled. when my eyes cleared I was taken out of my normal school and put into a school where I would be taught those things I needed.

During this time I will admit I was a mix of emotions. I was sad, angry and confused. Angry because I felt I was lied to. The doctors seemed to make me feel that this would make my eyes all better and i'll admit now not then of course a little at my parents because I was taken out my home school. but most of all for a bit angry at God because he let these adults do this to me. While yes i had many people praying for me and yes I was and am still of course a believer in Jesus. so that helped.

in a nut shell I guess in answer to the question "how do you handle being blind?" one day at a time and with much prayer. The Lord has a reason for this all taking place. I don't totally know why but am seeing it a little more and more each day. Thankfully my parents have never let me use my blindness as an excuse as to "can't" i tried but they wouldn't let me. for that I am thankful. so now for those of you who are struggling. God will make a way and believe him and in yourself and try. there is no "can't" do it and give it a try. if it ends up you are truly unable then you tried and know. you will never know unless you try. I still struggle from time to time with depression like everyone else. and from time to time my blindness bugs me. but it is not a "disability" it is a nuesance. the government says I am disabled or "handicaped" i dispise those terms. some even say "visually challenged" but I am who I am and will continue to move forward.

the call

We are often times called on to do many things during our life. Some of those calls we are forced to answer. We have no choice in the matter.

such calls like:
going to school from elementary to high school
meal time while living with our parents

while other calls we have choices to answer or not. however the Lord calls us. and that is a call we all aught to answer the result is eternity in hell. But after that call is answered and we have a relationship with him. then he often times will call us for other things. sometimes we answer those calls willing and other times we do it out of obligation.

But there is a specific call that we all are given and it is not the same for all. If we choose to answer that call it is awesome and the Lord will equipt us to do it. but we can choose to refuse to answer. that doesn't mean we'll loose chance to go to heaven.

Many will say but "I am not equiped to do that kind of call or how will I do it." I heard a quote a while back that says "God doesn't call the equiped he equipts the called." So answer the call then pray and seek for how to get it done and the Lord will show you. For me I feel that the Lord is calling me to be a public speaker/evangelist. how? I have no clue when and where to begin but am keeping my eyes open. I know he's equiped me with the ability to speak and has given me the spiritual gift of teaching. So I am now just praying and wondering how and where I can begin. It is fearful when you choose to answer the call but answer it by faith and trust the Lord to see you through and he'll get it done.
so the next time you hear the call to serve in com compacity or another go and do it. and keep your ears open for your personal calling.

there is one call that none can avoid and that is the call of death. it is appointed for man die. and when you answer that call pending on how you answered the initial call will determine where you spend eternity.

forgetting?

Why is it we often times forget our Lord. We remember him when we are soaring like eagles or sitting on top the high mountains. However when we are in the darkest forest, the depth of dispare or in the deep valley we forget him.

We forget that he says "I will never leave thee or forsake." We forget that hs is always with us and will not forsake us. He will be with us always.

It is when we are going through those times he is actually closer to us then we realize. He is carrying us through. David said in Psalms 23 "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and staff protect me."

I realize that some of yu reading this are going through some storms in life. realize they will pass. know that weeping may be during the night but joy comes in the morning. The joy of the Lord is our strength.

It is the Lord who will protect us. Satan wants us to think we are forgotten and neglected. this is false the Lord gathers us under his wings like a hen gathers her little chicks. we often feel that the Lord has abandoned us. he has not. we drop the ball it is true but he picks up the ball is ready to hand it back to us.

The solutions is easy but hard. Let Jesus take the wheel of our life and drive. he knows where all the bumps are and can avoid them. it is when we try to tak the wheel and drive we drop in cracks and sputter and get lost. but Jesus is there and ready to take over if we will let him. he will never push his way but will allow circumstances to come our way that will cause us to look to him for guidance and help. circumstances may get severe before we really realize how desperately we need Jesus. but we can get through them for he will not suffer us to go through more then we are able to handle.

321 action

It is said that action is fast but slow by some or not at all with others. there was a song that came out years back by Petra in which the chorus went "sometimes God's childrend should be seen not heard, to much talk and not enough walk"

This is so true. many christians are guilty of talking more then walking. I've been guilty at times of this. but if we act more then we talk the world will observe and may very well believe. James said it best faith without works is dead. so what are works? they are deeds that we do I realize.

However, in doing deeds we ar doing action right? let our actions line up with our talk and vice versa. to many times we say one thing and do something else. thgis sends mixxed messages to the world around us.

there are some that will say "I can't help but..." I say. yes you can help doing... With the help of the Lord via his Holy Spirit you sure can. we need to get the word "can't" out of our vocabulary and look for ways that we can. if we ineed are unable then we need to find a way to find a way. not just talk about doing it but follow through and do it. this is easier said then done I realize but if you take thoughts captive and submit daily to the Lord you'll be surprised what you'll be able to do. you can "do all things through Christ who strengthens you." start claiming God's promises and starting acting and speak alike and watch and see what the Lord will do.

feeling saved?

I've been asked a few times "how does it feel to be saved?" usually this is asked of me sarcastly. I usually respond

"I don't have to feel saved to know that I am saved." "I have the same emotions as anyone else and being saved doesn't eliminate some emotions."

It is only because of what Jesus did that I can even be saved. The fact that he came as was fortold and died and rose again. that is how I know that I am saved. because the Bible says "whosoever" will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. there are days when I don't feel saved. in fact I have days where I don't look saved or even smell saved. I know though that I am.

I do my best to monitor my actions though. because it is true that actions speak louder then words. You may say that you are saved. but...

If you hit people, spit on others and do things that others who are not saved while at the same time say I am a christian. how do you think you'll win others for the cause of Christ.

actions and words need to match. on the other side if you act saved but when the spot light is off you you say or use terms that don't show your salvation then the same deal applies.

I am not saying that I am perfect. I do mess up. but I know that when I do I can go to my Lord ans Saviour and ask for forgiveness and know that I am forgiven. this is no excuse mind you but rest assured once I have accept Jesus in my heart he will never leave. I can not do anything to get rid of him. like the old commercial says "i am stuck on bandades and bandades stuck on me" I am stuck on Jesus and Jesus is stuck on me.

let our actions and word match and let us be bold for the Lord Jesus and set on world on fire with the truth of Jesus Christ. He'll forvige anyone for anything they've ever done or ever will do. how do I know the Bible tells me. so.

child like faith

It is amazing! Children have amazing faith. They believe so sweetly and simplely. If only we could have this kind of faith.

I realize that it is difficult because we allow our minds to be clouded by our experience in the past and current experiences. But Jesus said "unless you become like children you can't enter the kingdom" This comes from a conversation that I recently had.

A couple of days ago I was talking with a friend. I had just met her son the day prior to this conversation. On their way to Chuckie Cheese he wanted to know if I would be there. she told him taht maybe some other time. He had been to Vacation Bible School the week prior and brought up a story that he remembered. He recalled about Jesus healing the blind man by putting "mud" or clay on his eyes. He simplely told his mom "I know what can help dan" she ask what "he just needs to put mud on his eyes"

a child's faith! how I wish it was that simple for me to get my sight back. But the point was that Jesus can heal me. he realized this and was hoping that it could happen. We need to get off our high horse and become like children and accept things as they come. we need to have faith and trust in our Lord and know that he can do awesome things.

do I believe that I can be healed of my blindness? yes! I do! but I know this for certain that Jesus has a plan for me. if it means that I don't see again until I see Him in glory then so beit. but if sooner! then I am ready. Kids always say the coolest thigns. it is time we adults start listening a little closer. Who knows what truths they can help open our eyes to.
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the tongue

We all use it and have one. A tongue that is. and how we use our tongue is sometimes a huge problem.

James tells us that "out of the mouth come praising and cursing, this shouldn't be." This is true. We are often quick to praise God for all he's done in our lives. and sometimes far to quick to curse others for things they've done or haven't done.

We should think befor we speak. we should listen twice as much as we speak. that is why we have 2 ears and only one mouth. I realize that people do things that get under our skin but think befor you speak.

You should think "if Jesus did this how would I speak" we need to speak in love and not with intent to hurt or condemn and with a vengance.

The saying "stick and tones may break my bones but your names will never hurt me:" is a lie! names do hurt. I think we could see the wounds we cause by our words we'd probably think twice. Words can heal as well. so think befor you speak.

for some this is more difficult then others I realize. but it is a practice one needs to do. the Psalmist says "let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you oh Lord my God and redeemer"

I realize that someone may have said something that hurts big time. think befor you say in response and speak in love. sometimes what we have to say may hurt but do it in a way that shows your love for that person. Every action has a reaction. we all have seen that the shortest words or such spoken or writen can cause a world of trouble or a world of good.

in closing it is not what you say that is going to get your message to someone. it is HOW!! you say what you say that is going to convey a message whether intended or not. you may say "i didn't mean it that way." but how did you say it? that is key.

God bless and we'll post soon.

healing

Leththe healing begin. many of us experience hurt. we've been hurt by someone who may or may not have intended to hurt us. but we need to allow ourselves to heal from those wounds.

you may say it hurts to heal. I say yes it does. this is because the crud has to be washed out of the wound. how does it begin? well the person who did the hurt needs to come and apologize and repent.

we as believers in Christ are commanded and instructed to forgive that person. is it easy? no it is not. it hurts sometimes to forgive but one must forgive in order for the healing process to begin. it takes times to heal and one needs to be patient. One needs to keep looking to Jesus the devine healer.

will the wound leave a scar? it might. it might be visable for a time. but time heals all wounds and once we are completely healed then things return to normal.

however the key to the healing begining is forgiveness. sometimes easy but sometimes hard. but always important and needed.

will the wound be reopend? sometimes but if that happens then healing still takes place and the same remendy must happen. but we also need to be willing for healing to take place.

ome people seem to love being wounded and showing their wounds and they seem to be proud of them. this isn't good some times we need to cut ties in order for true healing to begin. but what ever you do do according to the leading the Holy Spirit and no way else.

forgiveness

It has come to my attention that I need to write about forgiveness. I realize that this is not always easy for us to do.

But I assure it is vitally important. You may ask how often? I say always. no limit to how often.

I know that some hurts are more difficult to forgive then others. But we are still commanded in scripture to forgive. I John tells us that "if we can't forgive our own brother who we see how can we expect God to forgive us" I am not saying that God doesn't forgive us for any and all wrongs "sins" but we need to have the attitude of forgiveness. because we know we are forgiven for our mistakes and expect to be forgiven. we should forgive and put the past in the past.

it is difficult but is needed and you'd be surprised how much better you'll feel in the long run.

when we forgive we are showing Christ. and when others see that then who knows what may happen. you very well coulkd be that one example that they see that brings them to Christ. the world is always looking at us wondering how and when we will act. if we act anything but godly then they see no difference and won't convert however show Christ and forgive even when it hurts well that is another story. I am sure that it hurt the Father to see his son hanging on the cross paying for our sin but yet he still forgives us for our sin and accepts us and loves us just the same.

life choices

We all have decisions or choices that we need to make in life. Some of these are extremely simple; while others take a lot of thought and others need to be prayed about big time. However, in my thoughts over the last few months, it all comes down to 3 decisions that are extremely important. The result of which will have major effects. The first obvious one is "where youare going to spend eternity." I explained how to make this decision in my last post and it is my hope that you have done so. The other 2 while important don't rank as important as the first one here. These are:
choosing to be a victum or victor.

Whatever the choice you make it will have major impact for years to come. Like all decisions we make. All decisions wil have an impact on our future and others. maybe not an immediate impact but it will have an impact.

You can choose to be a victum. one who just sits and cries and complains that it isn't going your way. A victum always blames others for his/her problems and struggles and doesn't see that it is possible. They cry and moan loudly and unbearablely.

You can choose the opposite. That is to say you can choose to be a VICTOR!!! A victor stands up. takes notice and gets the job done. A victor says "if it is going to be I will get it done one way or another." they realize that troubles come but they lookat them as challenges that will help them grow and become stronger. They realize if it it is not truly possiblely for them to do it then they find someone or something that will get it done. They exhaust all avenues before giving up.

Victors are more thrilling to be around in fact their attitude is contagious and has an almost immediate impact on those around them. their decisions impact all around like the victum. but the victor accepts responsiblity for what is happening and knows that their decision to or not to do something will impact for the good or bad.

I will admit aht not all decisions we make are good. in fact many of them are not. however not deciding is worse because it shows lack of effort and lack of desire. but you need to choose today to be a victum or victor. then run with it and go with it. I hope that you choose to ve a victor. because doing this will prove to be fruitful and your health will be better for it and you'll find others will be more happy to be around you.

above all else choose to smile and know that your attitude is a decision and choosing it and how your respond is vitally important. every action has an reaction. So choose to be a victor and lets move ahead and make a difference.

who do you follow?

We live in a day and age where everyone is looking for someone to follow. But when choosing someone to follow you must be very very careful. Don't just at a flip of a switch choose someone; only to find out later it was not wise for one reason or another. Sad to say some people find out to late and are not able to recover from that decision.

We as Christians obviously have chose to follow Jesus Christ. He is our person we want to follow. But we don't see Him in the flesh and having said that it is obvious that it is difficult someone you can't see. I realize it says in scripture "faith is the substance hoped for..." Hebrews 11 verse 1. So choose a person you can look to that you can follow. Be careful. commit it much prayer and do your due research.

ow do you research? check scripture with what they are saying. make sure it lines up. secondly observe their life. do they reflect what they teach? if something doesn't line up then you reallly should find someone else to follow. it is not an easy task but who you follow reflects on you. because you are what you read and learn. You hang around trash long enough? well you'll eventually smell like trash. I for one don't like to smell trash and hate being around it. I enjoy fresh smelling flowers and fresh smells. they are pleasing and comforting. so I'll tend to try and hang around that. the same is with people if your life smells good and fresh it will draw people. and as you draw people you should ultimately point them to Jesus. not to you. when it bils down you should see Jesus in the person you follow and and the person. it is said back in the day "you are the only Jesus some will ever see." so make sure your life lines up. sure enough your not perfect but as long as people see you are human and not acting like your perfect they will be drawn to you because your being genuine. some may leave you because they find you don't glitch with them for one reason or another but stay on task do do what Jesus would do. Remember that Jesus loves you! and so do I!

who loves you more?

It has occured to me that we often times forget to say I love you. and I do love you all of you my readers. no matter who you are, where you are or what you've done I love you. but a follow up question that my daughter has been known to ask once and a while "who loves you more then I do?"survey says! God!!! yes God loves you more then i do and he doesn't care where you've been or what you've done or where you're from. He loves you so much that he sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to pay the price. Jesus came and lived like we live and did nothing wrong. however they cruicified him on a cross. he bled and died to pay the price for all and I mean all of our wrong "sin" doings. however he did not stay dead. he rose again 3 days later as he promised he would. you may say "I've done...." it doesn't matter He loves you no matter what. He wants you to come to him with your hurt joy and all you have or even what you don't have. he will bless you mightily. you may ask "how?" well it is simple just pray. you may say "pray?" "Idon't know the words or how" well let be the first to tell you it doesn't matter how or what you say. just ask Jesus to forgive you for all that you've done and ask him to come and live in your heart. scripture says "if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you shal be saved." it doesn't stipulate any other condition. you may say can I loose my salvation? I say NO!!!! Jesus says he will never leave you nor forsake you. just pray daily in fact always pray that Jesus be your guide. and if by some odd mishap you do something wrong just repent and turn from it. it doesn't matter how often this happens you're human and bound to make mistakes as I do. But God loves! you!! yes you!! scripture says "whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shal be saved" that means anyone anytime and anywhere. i beg of you if you haven't done this do it. don't do it for me do it for yourself. and after you've done it you won't regret it. then find a church and get yourself a Bible and read it daily. that is how you'll get to know Jesus more and more better. feel free to write me if you want more information or need help with any of those things. if you want you can call me as well. I am ready to listen and help the best I can.

man after God's heart

For a while now I've been wondering and questioning how "David" could be called "a man afterGods own heart." I think I have now come to the reason. While indeed he did sin. Who doesn't? He committed adultery, had some killed on purpose and did other things. But I think he was considered to be a man after God's own heart because of the fact that he repented of his sin. Showed true sorrow for his sin and turned from his ways. I think when we sin which we often times do in order to be called the same we need to show true sorrow for out sin and show that we are going to turn from that sin and not repeat it. if we do then repent and be truly sorry for it. one of the things that will help keep us from sin and I am not saying make us perfect because we'll mess up. that is do what the apostle Paul commanded in 2 Corinthians 10. where he says for us to "take very thought captive and make it subject to the obedience of Jesus Christ" this is easier said then done I realize. but David did it and look what is said of him. we as Christians are to often times quick to act or react to situations. we don't think and then often times sin as a result of our action. if we slow down think and listen to the Holy Spirit more often then well things may be different in our lives. God does speak to us today like or simular to how he spoke to the disciples of old. case in point I was living in Omaha and was spending time in prayer and reading my Bible and was really seeking God to heal me of my Neurofibromatosis, blindness and my diabetes and I stopped speaking in prayer, shut off my worship music closed my Bible and heard a voice a clear as one hears another speak to them. say "daniel do you want me to heal you because you want it or are you willing to wait and le me have my plan work in you and move forward that way." I was stunned this hadn't happened to me before and I'll admit I didn't know how quite to respond. I said Lord you know my thoughts I really am not sure. I then went in my apartment and spoke to my Catholic roommate and told him what had just happened. He asked me "how did you respond" I told him I don't know." well to make a long story short I chose to allow the Lord to have his way and wait. while it would be awesome to be healed of all this the Lord has a reason for it all and he will reveal his plan slowly and surely and in his time. taking every thought captive is a challenge and I have failed many times but the more I practice it the more close I start to feel I am getting to the Lord and that is important. I ask you my readers to now keep me in big time prayer for a "job of course" but as of this week I am now heading up a prayer ministery at church. I am going to see that we have myself to start and if others will step up will be praying during both services in the moring. the entire service covered in prayer. got the idea from the book "fresh wind fresh fire" I read this book about 6 years ago. well recently the Lord brought it to my mind. I presented the idea to my pastor and this morning he had be stand before the church and he told of the plan. come to find out this is something he was wanting to see happen. this ministery will be in place to pray during both services and if some one needs prayer during or after then the team will pray with th people. the Lord laid on my heart that many of his people who claim to be called by his name take prayer to lightly. it is indeed our mightiest weapon we have against Satan. it is going to be tough and a huge responsiblity but the Lord will guide direct and see it happen.

prayer

I've been thinking olately. I realze that some of yu reading this are saying "oh know!" "duck and cover!" settle down. I'veen thinking on the issue of prayer. How many of us sometimes take it for granit and some christians don't even take it serious enough.

First of all what is prayer? Well it is simplely talking with our Father in heaven. That's right I said "talking with" not talking to. many churches say it is talking to God. Well when you talk "to" someone you don't expect an answer or reply of any type. you are just talking. Well when we pray we are expecting an answer to our request and needs and issues. When you talk with someone you expect the same thing.

how should one pray? well there isn't any magic formula to prayer. You don't have to say magic words or pray formal. Just simplely be yourself and tell our Lord what is troubling you. Be upfront and honest. He knows the situtation anyway so you won't shock him or surprise him or catch him off guard. But telling him and talking with him like this helps you get it off your chest and you are taking thestp and acknowledging that you need help. that is the first step any resolution. you can pray standing, sitting laying onyour stomach, laying on your back sitting on your knees standing on one foot. however you are most comfortable. you can even pray while driving. one would say you can't because you needs your eyes open to drive. I say where in scripture does it say you have to close your eyes to pray. unstanderabely keeping your eyes closed keeps you from being distracted but that is all it does. you don't even have to bow your head when you pray. we get off to much as christians and to try and formalize how one has to pray. scripture just tells us to pray. it doesn't give a formal formula as to the position that is best.

how should I pray? as I stted before it doesn't matter when Jesus taught his disciples he gave them a model we need to say "our father" that is simplely address the Lord direct your statement like when you are talking with your kids or wife you state their name so they know who is being spoken to. acknowledge where he is this is to remember the our Father is in Heaven and then the rest is pretty basic.

if more of us christians took prayer serious then we would see changes happen. when you tell someone you are going to pray do it. don't just say you will. to many of say" I will be praying for you" and how many of us will admit that we actual follow through. and when you pray do it from the heart. don't just say the words to make yourself look good but mean what you pray and be serious. treat it as if you are talking with "your best friend" afterall Jesus is our best friend and guide. we expect others to respect us us when the talk with us let's get to respecting our Father in heaven when we pray and watch and see what happens. let's get old mr. ugly on the run. stop fighting each other over stupid stuff and unite together in prayer and set the world on fire and watch the Lord work wonders. prayer is easy. but it is a challenge because we do have distractions but always take time out to pray and when you say will pray do it otherwise keep your mouth shut and don't promise something you have no intent on doing at all.

til next time.

anger sin?

Well this past Sunday I was reading Ephesians and as I was reading I thought about anger. I started to think that it is a sin to be angry. But the thought then occured to me that it is not a sin. After all Jesus got angry and drove out the people in the temple that were defiling it. Some would say well he had the right he was Jesus and the Son of God. But it it is different for us. I would ask How? We are to be like Christ so if Christ was permitted to show anger then why not us. Ephesians 4 verses 26-27 tell us "be angry and sin not" "don't let the sun go down on your anger." so it is decided it is alright for a Christian to be angry provided they do not sin in anger. now one will ask if they do is it forgiven? yes it is. How long is one permitted to be angry? not long. Epjhesians says "don't let the sun go down on your anger." so not even 24 hours should go by and we hold our anger. it is destructive and hurts and not to mention makes everyone miserable even the one who holds the anger. in fact the person who did the wrong in the first place has gone on and has forgotten that they did what they did and it is only ruining us if we hold on to the anger. we need to deal with it as quick as possible and put it to rest and allow God to finish what we can't do. and I will say this no one make you angry or sad or anything. you choose those emotions. yes you choose how you feel. while there are circumstances that will encourage us to choose one emotion over another it is our decision in the end and ours alone. So allow yourself to be angry and deal with it. just don't let your anger boil and stay burning up. we are to love one another and treat others with love and respect and do as Christ would. i know it is difficult. but remember life is a challenge and without these challenges we wouldn't grow nd if we don't gorw then life becomes boring and dull. what doesn't kill us makes us stronger in the end. so don't feel regret or sad if you get or have gotten angry it is alright. but be sure to take care of the issue or get help with the issue and then leave it in the past and move forward. and remember it is never to late to say those 2 hard words "i'm sorry." or if someone says those to you "your forgiven" remember to forgive someone for their mistakes and errors in judgment and pray most importantly. until next time May the Lord Bless you and keep you and may his face always shine on you and may he give you his peace.

The Bite

Well as many of you my faithful readers know, I've had an on going journey to get some bottom teeth. Well the journey now has come to an end. I met with an oral surgeon here locally who was willing to do the surgery free for the most part. He was only going to charge for the material and hardware. The teeth were going to be free as well. IWhen I met with him he saw a couple of things on my teeth xray that were a concern. As a result he had me go in for a ct scan. I did this. Then a week later he called me in for an appointment to go over the results. The results were not what I wanted to hear. It is a no go for the teeth. I have to many soft pockets in my mouth. These are probably stemming from my Neurofibromatosis. There is no definete for sure answer to say that they won't grow more. The posts need hard bone to be secure. So now I must endure my life with only upper teeth. Am I able? Of course! I am able to handle this. Do I like it? No!!! But that is life and I will move forward. Were I a man who was money hungry I would find a lawyer and sue Grand Valley Dental for not investigating for fully before removing my few bottom teeth. But I am not a man who is that hungry. And even if I did do that what would it do? If you said "nothing" you are right. So I will move forward. The Lord has a plan in it and will make it known. I just need to trust him and move ahead. I have 2 choices here. I can sit and cry and complain and groan and play the pity me, or I can choose to be a victor and say, "it is done and I have to deal with it and choose to stand up and move ahead. For those of you who know me well you know what I've chosen. For those who don't well I have chosen to move ahead and take life as it comes and see where my road leads. It ay be a bumpy ride still but I will buckle in and enjoy.

Wake Up!!! and Dream!!!

That's right wake up!!!! and dream. you will say "Daniel that is kind of difficult isn't it?" I say a big fat resounding NO!!! Because we all have a dream that is near and ear to us and ours alone. We all have dreams for our family and those dreams we strive to succeed to make happen. But how many of us actually go after our own dream. I say to you that you have a dream burning in your heart that is waiting to come forth and be realized. It is no one eleses dream but yours and yours alone. It is a God given desire and dream. You may say "I have a dream that my kids... or my dream is that we be out of debt." these are awesome dreams but they are not yours actually. Some of you may have a dream to be a writer or singer or maybe even like myself a dream to be a well knwon public speaker. These are your dreams and it is time to wake up and dream. Go after it. You may say how? well simple first write it out in print or braille some way for you to see it in writing. voice it to others. next put the writen statement in anenvelope and ceal it shut and do it before witnesses. This is symbolic way saying it is a done deal. then have another copy that you can look at on a regulary basis. Look at it every day. Next you'll need to state put action behind the words. Some of the things you can do are: talk to others who have achieved in the area you wish to to achieve your dream. watch movies based on your dream. for those of you who have good sight buy or get pictures of your dream. look at those pictures. if you are a totally blind individual no problem get models of your dream. most important don't give up. no matter how bad it gets you will make it. surround yourself with others who will help push you forward. look for opportunities to see your dream. if it is a new car then look at them in the car lot for a blind person who wants a car he or she can purchase models to look at and take a friend to the dealer ship and ride in said car. The car sales person may say "you are a little young to want something like this!" say to him in return "it doesn't take age it takes money!" he will back down right quick. above all else pray and pray and pray over and over about your dream ask the Lord for guidance and tohelp keep your eyes open. we all have dreams in fact scripture says: "Without a dream the people perish." So wake up dream go for it. to to silence all the doubters and shouters and nay sayers and go for it. I believe in you and I know it is possible. Matthew 1 37 says "with God nothing is impossible" and Philipians 4 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me." you already have the strength to go for and achieve your dream. what are you waiting for? for forth and dream! and I will one day see you at the top.

race day

 
Well as many of you know I've been raising funds for nf inc. well yesterday was racing day day. it was the 25k. you can still go to my website and make a donation if you wish. I rode mostly in the stroller you see with the people you see they were my team. it was a great day and except for the rain fun was had by all. I will do it again if i get the opportunity

what others think

Why worry about what others think? I ask you my readers this serious question. Especially those who profess to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Why do we often times get caught in worrying what others: "will say" "will think" "will do" STOP!!! we shouldn't do that. First of all to worry is sin. Scripture says in Philipians 4 that "be anexous for "owrry" about nothing..." So why worry. Worry only causes us to get frustrated upset and not to mention over time will cause a number of health issues. The only thing that should concern us is is: "what will the Lord think about how I am speaking or what I am saying and what will the Lord think about my dress or if I go to this or that. He is and should be our final authority. after all it hs the Lord who'll we have to answer in the end anyway. What others think shouldn't matter squat. it is great to get imput but let the Holy Spirit be your guide and consult God's word then make a decision. others oppinion will change like the weather pending on their mood at the time and a number of influences that may be forcing or seemingly forcing them to react or choose to do xyz. Now you may say "do youpractice this?" I tell you I do and have for a little bit but do sometimes drop the ball. but I think if we live like this we will be happier for the most part may possibely loose some friends but if we loose them they were not really our friend to begin with. because a friend will not chide you for your decision. they don't agree always and shouldn't always agree but if they know that you've prayed over it and are striving to live a life that honors your Lord then they will respect you and who knows maybe by living like this what impact you will have for the cause of Christ. This doesn't mean just say whatever you will. you should always and I mean aaaaalllllllaaaaaaays think before you speak and or act. the Lord gave us 2 ears one mouth so we are to listen twice as much as we speak. like I said imput from family and friends is all good and I am not saying don't seek their imput but don't base your decision on "if i do..." "what will so and so think or say." the mind in us should also be "the mind of Christ" Paul exhorts us this in 2 corinthians. anyway may you all have a blessed day and don't be afraid to step out and do. so what if you step on a toe or two. toes will heal and you will survive so be bold be strong and be courageous but above all do it with Love and prayer and with the Lord's guidance.

The Call!

I am calling any of my friends and or family for help. As many of you know I am doing the River Bank Run this year. I am doing it to raise money to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis. I do have this and it has been an interesting life with it but not disabling. I have chosen to be a victor. anyway it is a 25k race. I am not running but walking and will be riding in a cart for some of it. but am asking for help with raising funds. if you can or know someone who can please visit my fund raising page and help. Any amount is appreciated. whether it be $1.00 or $1,000. every little bit helps and it is for a good cause. I know I've posted about before but so far I have raise $660. it is amazing. please!!! help!!! if you can if you can't I understand but appreciate you passing this on if you can. if you can't then please pray.
go to: http://www.firstgiving.com/danielstrube
there you'll see a picture of me both before andn after my surgeries that I've had.

Who! Am! I!

Who am I? I ama saint that once and a while sins. You heard me right. I did not say that I am a sinner. God sees me as a saint and one without sin. because he looks at me through His son Jesus. I know you will say I am not a saint. I am just a sinner saved by grace. I say that is good to recognize that you have been saved by grace. that may be true. however if you are in Christ you are a new creature. The old things have past away and all has become new. In fact the apostle Paul refered to those who are believers as saints. see any of his epistles and they were addressed to the saints. he isn't the only one. Luke throughout Acts refered to the Christians as "saints" as he was writing about Paul's journeys he stated, "paul visited the saints" now when I say that I am a saint I am not saying that I am perfect. I am a saint that once and a while sins. I am thankful that I am new in Christ and know this for sure that he Loves me and you and he wants us to live a life that pleases him. He does forgive us when we mess up and fall and picks us up and brushes the junk off and says "lets move on" It doesn't matter what we have or will do. in fact if you are reading this first time and don't know Him it is simple. he will forgive you to for any and all things you've ever done. all you need to do is simple. 1 admit you need him that you are a sinner. 2 believe that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again. 3 confess this and ask him to come in your heart. then find yourself a Bible and a good church and learn more about him. He won't turn you away on any count. the only time it is to late to make this decision is when you've died. so don't delay make the decision and let's move forward. if you want someone to talk to about it let me know I am willing. but God is always there anytime day or night and there is no specific way you have to pray just pray what is on your heart knowing the fact he hears you and is listening and will help. I don't know why for years we've taught we are just sinners saved by grace when the Bible is clear that we are saints. I've been told it is so we can identify with those who don't know him. well we are to be set apart different so why identify or say we are just like someone who doesn't know Christ. we are children of the King! let's act like it and bring others into the family!

victum or victor

We have many choices in life. Aside from choosing whether or not to accept Christ as ones savior there is two choices that one has to make. These are very important and will make a difference in how life goes. You need to choose to be either a victum or a victor. either one you choose is your choice and no one can force you to do he other. A victum says "I can't and it is not possible" and "pity me everyone is against me and I'll never make it" a victor says: "I can! it is possible! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" A victor says it is possible no matter how bad it gets because he or she knows that one way or another they'll make it. if they fall they get up up and brush off and move forward. a victum falls and stays down and cries. I know life is a challenge Christ told us it wuold be so. Your attitude is your decision no one can make you angry or upset or happy. you choose your attitude. it is alright to cry and be upset. allow yourself the experience of the emotion then choose what you are going to do. a victum would stay depressed and refuse to change a victor will allow a cry then say let's move forward. a victor knows tat some things are not possible because lack of ability but they allow themself to experience and try to see if they have said ability and if not then they find a way to get it done by some means. a victum doesn't even try they just say "no" and refuse to step out. So I ask you today! are you going to choose to be a victum or a victor! I choose to be a victor and choose to be an eagle and soar to new heights. Hoping someone will join me in the experience.

christian essentials concluded (food prayer)

I am sorry for not post the final segment but here it is.


Another essential for christians is food. Now you may say food? Yes food! As physical food is needed for the body for it to function properly so also is spiritual food. There are 2 kinds of food. Angel food! and Devils food. How do you know the difference? you get real familar with the cook boook. The Bible. It will give you real hardcore angel food. devil food is anything contray to angel food. let me tell you a teller at a bank knows a fake dollar from the real one. How? because they study the real stuff so often and long and hard and fast that when the fake comes they know it with a snap of a finger. The last essential is not last because of last importance it is actually very important. Prayer! prayer is simplely put communicating with God. as you communicate with your friends family or co-workers so you communicate with God. There is no style or specific way to speak. just say what you feel and what is on your heart. no position is required. you can stand, sit hit your knees or anything. It is vital because even though God knows all and sees all he wants us to know and tell him what we feel that way he can help us make the change you need.

christian essentials "fellowship

here is the next part sorry it has taken a while. Fellow toastmasters another key to christianity is: fellowship. I spell fellowship "church" you will probably say tome church isn't perfect of course it isn't because it is filled with people like you and me. We are commanded in the Bible to not forsake to assemble with other believers. It is when we do this we grow. We get encouraged and it is a safe place to get a kick in the pants to get us moving where we should be. it is outside of the church that we are not encouraged to serve and worship our Lord and it is outside the gathering that we often get knocked down. so when we fellowship we can bet our batteries recharged and get moving again. Now when I speak of church i am not necessarily speaking of a building like we meet in here for toastmasters. it is good. however but you can fellow with other believers anytime and anywhere. it doesn't have be for one our or 2 and it doesn't have to be a large group. we are told in scripture that "whereever two or three are gathered in my name I am there" so let's get getting together to encourage love and motivate one another. yes I know sometimes whate we hear hurts but it is better to get the truth on how we should be from a fellow believer then a nonbeliever who'll just say what they think we want to hear.....

stayed tuned for the next. part coming soon.

qchristian essentials part 2 "faith"

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen according to the bible. now many of you toastmasters and guests who came in tonight had a lot of faith. you may say Daniel how? I say because you sat down in the chair. you didn't examine it research the make and question ther maker of it you ust sat done believing that it would support you and it did. Faith is much the same thing it is a belief that Lord will do what he says he will do. you may say "daniel it is easy for you your blind" I say no. it is more difficult when you can't see physically what is about to happen. but one has faith the the person he or she is with isn't going to cause problems. it doesn't take a lot of faith for a christian to survive. it takes about the size uf a mustard seed. that is small and that is all that is required. I don't buy into this "it didn't hapen because you didn't have enough faith" it is going to happen if the Lord wants it to happen. Now onto the next essential....

stay tuned for the next part. food. again a reminder this taken fro m a speech i've done for toastmasters

christian essentials

This is going to be broken down into four or five parts. This froma speech I did for Toastmasters a while by this title.
There are many things in a christian that one possibely will call essential. However in my oppinion it boils down to 4 main points. These are essential and vital to EVERY!!! christians walk and life. Without these 4 coponents nothing else is possible. So I am taking you my friends to "christian boot camp" here you will learn these essentials and hopefully be able to move forward. These essentials are:
1. faith
2. fellowship
3. food
4. prayer.
while i know they seem very basic and one doesn't think of them as essential but they are.

stay tuned bloggers part 2 will deal with faith and what I said in the speech.

finding beauty

We often seem to over look beauty in many things. We often think of beauty in flowers or the way a person looks. Beauty can be found in many forms and styles. Like the way a person smiles or they way they say something. Also in the way something is writen. But often we refuse to look at those people who on the outside appear shabby and ugly. But their inner beauty is awesome. It is these types of people that often surprise us. We should look for beauty in all things. After all the Lord created all things and Solomn even said He makes all things beautiful in his time. So the next time you see something unordinary or unusual before you pass judgment on it and call it ugly. Think and see or dig deeper for the inner beauty tat may be waiting to be tapped. You never know. Yes beauty is something simple and coyuld be "hello" that may be beautiful to someone to hear because they probably don't get to many people even giving them the time of day. Beauty isnt the same for everyone I realize that but all things are beautiful and it is not right for anyone to criticize anyone for calling something beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder remember that but always remember all is beautiful and thank God for the beauty.

victum or victor

Many of us face different decisions throughout our days. Some of these decisions are easy and some difficult. Some we may not see results from for a long time. But the bottom line is you can choose "to be a victum" or "b a victor" it is your choice and only you can make that decision. choosing to be a victor means stepping up and doing what needs to be done. a victor sees each difficulty as a chance to grow and become stronger. a victum sees each difficulty and a means of persecution and attack and the victum runs and tries to hide their face from the challenge. a victor says "I can do it and if I can't I can find a way to get it done" a victum ays "why is everyone picking on me... I cant' I can't it is to difficult. get someone else and leave me alone" now is every obstacle easy no is the victor always full of smiles "no" but he is continually looking for ways to move forward and learn from each challenge. the victum looks to hide and stay stuck on stupid. yu can say "pity poor me i'll never get through it" or you can say "let's go with the Lord's help one way or another we will get through it." i've always said what doesn't kill one makes one stronger. attitude is a decision no akes you"angry sad or happy" yo choose how ou'll respond and the way you respond wil have a impact on the outcome.

raising funds

I wanted to come in here and let everyone know of a fund raiser that I am involved with. As many of you my faithful readers know I have Neurofibromatosis "nf" well I have been asked to participate in a fun run walk this year. it is the River Bank Run/walk. it is a long race but well worht it. I am raising funds for nf to find a cure. you can donae to my cause by visiting my website at: http://www.firstgiving.com/danielstrube. any amount is appreciated. will keep everyone posted as to how I do. it is May 9, 2009. thanks in advance.

prayers

I wasjust thinking about prayer. it is a weapon that is mighty. but it is one that we as christians sometimes misues or use selfishly and sometimes don't use enough. grab a cup of coffee this going to be a bit long probably. One thing i've noticed with christians today and I have been guilty of this myself: is that we tell a person "I'll pray for you about...." then how often do we actually follow through. we stay with it until we see results or do we not do it. just say we will because we feel obligated. that to me is insulting promising to pray and not following through. but with our own personal prayer life when we pra what is our motive. are motivated by desire to see the Lord's will or do we ant our own selfish desire. i'll admit sometimes I pray selfishly but the Lord knows my heart. I think though the best answers to prayer are those "unanswered" we should always be praying and stick with it until we see results of some sort or another. let me step back a moment and define prayer: prayer is simplely "talking with our Father" yes I said "with" not "to" but "with" we are talking with our father and in doing so need to show the respect he deserves and when we pray mean what we pray and not just pray because we feel obligated. and when the Lord brings someone to mind out of the blue during the day. pray for them you never know what they are going through at that moment it may be needed. i've found this true. in fact when speaking with a friend of mine a while back she was telling me how she got through a situation that didn't seem like she would. I asked about what time and she told me "x" time and i was caused to remember that was about the time I was paying for that person. prayer works. it may seem like it doesn't sometimes and it seems like we pray forevetr for something before we get the answer or wake up and see the answer but God does answer in "His time!" not ours. so be quick to pray it is powerful but be careful not to promise to pray for someone about something unless you intend fully to follow through. we should always pray Paul tells us "pray without ceasing" this means always keep the lines of communication open and be ready to listen. you may or may not like the answer but accept it and move forward and let the Lord work.

ruthann part 2

Well let's continue. I left with Andi and headed back to her apartment. before that we told Jennifer we'd be back in the morning. on the way home stopped through the drive through for burger king. when we arrived at the appartment we told Sam Andi's husband about the day. i went to the back bed room. I think i was a sleep before my head even hit the pillow. The next day was spent at the hospital. I went to the nursery to see Ruthann and as I was bending over the crib she bopped me in the nose. it was as if she was saying ok dad pick me up already. so I did. we then brought her to mom "jennifer" during that day we had a few visitors come into see us. then that night I returned back to the apartment with andi. Sunday morning woke up and headed with sam and andi for church. I went before the church and anounced about Ruthann's birth. On the way to the hospitalafter church Jennifer called me on the cell phone and said Ruthann had a case of Jondis. I hope i spelled that correct. I hung up and paniced. Was assured by andi and the person giving us a ride not to worry. it is common. but i still was concerned. after all i was a new dad. anyway spent the day at the hospital and this time stayed the night. spent most of monday there and head back to the apartment to make sure all was ready for Ruthann's arrival home. while there I opend a tun of gifts. you see what I didn't mention was Saturday was supposed to be a baby shower at the church for Jennifer and at my work they were going to have a shower ofsorts. both of course didn't happen. Now what i didn't mention. Before Ruthann was born I wasn't sure if I wanted to be in the room during her delivery. but after a lot of thinking and talking with Sam i chose to. I in fact was even going to cut the cord. but that didn't happen due to the fact we had Ruthann via c-section. Now she is 7 years old and has grown to know the Lord as her savior and is awesome. that's my story and i'm sticking to it.

ruthann

As many of you know today is Ruthann's birthday. she is now 7 years old today. But I am sure tht not al of youare knowedgeable about the story of her birth. well here it goes: It was April of 2001 when I got the news that my wife was pregnant. I was both excited and scared as to what was going to happen. I remember when i got the news we were talking with someone aboutgetting a voucher for low income housing. Jennifer "now x" said she had taken a home check test. we soon after went and saw the doctor to know for sure. Well the doctor confirmed it. the next several months were spent getting ready. many appointments and searching for an apartment. June of that year we got news from a friend of Jennifer's mom that her mom was in the hospital and not expected to survive. Jennifer then took a bus trip to see her mom. I stayed behind and worked. Well Jennifer came back and not long after that we got the phone call that he mom had passed on. she died from bone cancer. We went to the funerial. got back and a few months got an apartment. now you have the back ground now for the day of er birth. I woke up at 4:30 in the morning as usual. got ready for work. this was going to be my last day was going to take time off for leave for Ruthann's birth. I arrived t work and on the way in my friend and I were talking and he joked and said she might be born today! I stated no way she wasn't due for about another week. Got in and grabed a coffee and snack from the lunch room. I then called Jennifer to tell her i arrived safe. this wa normal. Sh advised she would probably need to change the sheets. my first thought was "why were you sick?" she said no I think my water broke. she said to call her back in about 10 minutes. I went to my preshift meeting and my supervisor told me i wouldn't be staying. I said we don't know she said she had had 3 kids and knows. well we had the meeting. I went and made the call. came back told my supervisor i was leaving. threw my shoes in my back pack threw on my boots. a co-worker came and offered me a ride. I stuttered and said i had a ride. another supervisor laughed and said not nervous are we? i stuttered and said no. we arrived at the hospital at about7:30 in the morning and sure enough things were on target. she was about 2 or 3 centimeters dialeted. well the hours wore on and on. finally the time came. Andi "jennifer's adopted sister" and i staqrted the encouraging her to push. this was around 8:30 or so in the evening. Well they decided they would have to do a c section. I was tossed scrubs and got hurriedly in them and Andi and I raced to follow. at 9:04 that evening Ruthann was born. she was 8 pounds 6.4 ounces and 20 and a quarter inches long and her head was 14 and 3 quarter inches. while in the nursery my sugar started to drop and i got help. anyway more to come at another time this already gettng long. stay tuned for a part 2.

just reach out

I was thinking today. I know some of you are saying "o o" "that's dangerous" I know but got to do it. anyway I was thinking of the song by Petra "just reach out" at least tht is what I think it is called. the corus says" just reach and he'll reach in, doesn't matter who you are or where you've been just reach out and he'll reach in" it is a pwerful song. that is all we need to do is reach to our Lord and he'll reach in clean us up and make a new. we are already a new creature when we accept im as savior. No longer sinners but saints. we are now saints that once and a while. this is scriptureal. every letter Paul wrote was to the "saints" in acts we see he went and saw the "saints" but we need to reach out and ask our father to help us. it is kind of like when we fall and injur our knee. when we were kids. we would reach to our mom or dad and they would reach to us cleanse the wound and help it to heal. the same is with our Lord. many of us may have baggage we are carrying that is tareing us up but let go reach and He'll reach in cleanse and help us move on. but we shouldn't stop there should reach out to others who need our help no matter who they are. they may smell bad or dress shabby or are worthless according to the standards of society. but they are priceless to our Lord and should be to us as well. it amazes me what the Lord does when he cleans up someone who is so far gone. the transformation is amazing. can be in our lives if we are willing to step out and get the party started. anyway this is already long I could go on for a lot longer but I think I will let you ponder what i have said here. May the Lord richly bless each and everyone of you my friends and family and those who are just passing by to read. I'm not perfect and am be cleaned up but will shine brighter with each stroke of the cleansing power of our Lord.

the bite is on

Well as many of you my faithful blog readers know I've been trying to get bottom teeth. Well this past January 14, 2009 I got some answers. Mom, Ruthann and I took a trip to the University of Michigan Dental hospital. We left a bit later then planned but still got there fine. saw about 8 or 9 slide offs on the way but we stayed safe. I was to have 2 appointments that morning. The first was to be with the dentist and the second with the oral surgeon. We arrived late for the first and were on ime for the second. But good thing was I still saw both. At 11:13 a.m I was called back to the dental chair. There I sat and sat and sat. I start to think I was forgotten. So I purposefully whistled hummed and made some noise. No one said anything. I did hear someone come in at one point but they left as quick as they came in. Finally after about a hour and a half the dentist or I should say his assistant came in for the dental check. He stated that they've been busy. He did his check. then leaves. comes back and tells me the oral surgeon will be in about 8 minutes. Sure enough he was. The bottom line is what is going to happen is this: they are going to put in for posts in my mouth. then when they're healed I go back in for the full bottom teeth. When? I don't know I have to see a couple first. I am waiting to hear from scheduling hopefully we'll be able to do those two appointments on the same day. Through it all Ruthann was awesome. She was quiet for the most part on the way down and was quiet on the way home. We kept her with us because she had only half day of school that day so no sense sending her. Stay tuned the saga continues.

bell ringing friends

the picture of me at the table is me of course and a couple of my bell ringing comrads the gentle men is Jack. he was a riot and always picked on me but i picked back. the lady is Birdeen we called her bird. she was pretty. the other two ladies at a table were my boss Major Joy and the younger of the two was I think Lisa but not 100% certain but pretty sure.