Glorious Hope

Flea Market Anyone?

2011-07-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

My husband and I are homeless, well practically. BUT we do own a flea market. Is that news to you? It is to us too. We welcome you all to come on in and pick up as many fleas as you can attract before leaving. We would be happy to share the wealth of our abundance.

To back up a little… we own a dog named Abby, she is a German Shepherd and a real sweet heart if you pass her inspection and criteria. She has one problem, she has fleas (or I should say, had). Now dogs often have fleas and we were not too worried about it. Get some flea stuff and get rid of them, right? At least that’s what I thought. So being a use-the-least-amount-of-chemicals-as-you-can type of person, I decided to use diatomaceous earth which is reported to be a very good flea killer and I have had good success with it in the past. That weekend Patrick and I gave Abby a good long bath, (she hates those) and when she had dried off, I rubbed the DE into her fur. She was completely white and looked quite ridiculous, but hey, at lease she would be rid of the fleas, ha. Since we were about to leave for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that evening for a week of work, I sprinkled the DE all over our house just in case, of the probability, of fleas residing there. We took Abby with us since we had found a hotel that allowed pets. We left with the happy thought that any fleas in the house would certainly cut themselves on the microscopic razor blade sharpness of the diatomaceous earth and would be no more!

During the week Abby seemed to be quite relieved and feeling much better, so I was very pleased and looked forward to going home and cleaning up the DE all over the floor and being done with it.

……..(Long rabbit trail alert!)…… The Lord has led us to a new job that requires a whole lot of traveling for now. Patrick is building prefab sheds at customers homes, as a subcontractor. He now has a large truck and goose-neck trailer and two employees to work with him. He has to have a DOT (Department of Transportation) number on the truck and in order to drive that with the trailer, he has to have a health certificate. We spend the week in a hotel and come home on the weekends. Traveling is not something we really want to do, but for now this is where the Lord has us and we continue to work towards the goal and vision the Lord has given us of full time ministry.

Because of the way Patrick’s work week went, we ended up heading home on Saturday (9^th) morning around 2:00 am. Patrick was absolutely exhausted from an especially grueling week of work and since we were pulling the goose-neck trailer and I don’t have my health certificate yet, I could not drive for him. So every fifteen to twenty minutes he had to pull over and sleep for fifteen to twenty minutes. We would have slept longer but we had an appointment at 9:00 am that we had to make and which could not be moved. It normally takes about an hour and a half to get to our friends house where we were dropping off the trailer, but it took a whole lot longer than that. Finally we made it and I could take over the driving. By that time I had become very tired and made it only for an hour before having to pull over, but since Patrick had slept for that hour very soundly, he was able to get us to our appointment and we were only a few minutes late. Then we had to get to a Title office to get plates for the truck which were about to expire and come to find out the only one open until noon on Saturday was a good ways away and since we had to leave for Buffalo New York on Sunday there was no other time to get them. So we took off and got there in time to get the plates, praise the Lord! Then our helper, who was riding along with us, told us that the only way he could cash his pay check was at his bank and it was closing at noon…it was quite a long way away! Off we went again and somehow we made it at 12:01 and since they saw him running for the door they let him in. Praise the Lord! Then we still had to drop him off at his home, get our mail and make it to our bank before their 1:00 pm closing time. Whew! ...... (End rabbit trail)…..

We were very thankful to the Lord and relieved when we finally made it home and were ready to get some much needed rest, before getting ready to leave on Sunday for Buffalo NY. I took Grace out of her car seat and was talking to Patrick for a moment as he brought things in from the truck, when I felt something on my leg. Looking down, I saw fleas, what seemed like millions of them, crawling and jumping up my legs!!! I ran out of the house jumping all around brushing them off, it took a little while to get them all off. Patrick grabbed the few things from the house that he had taken in and closed it up. I climbed into the truck and began to cry. It felt like too much, more than I could bear. Yet the Lord was there and He so gently took the burden from us, letting us rest in the knowledge that He knows best and is allowing this for a purpose.

We went to Patrick’s parents who very graciously let us spend the night, feeding us and everything. They are such a blessing to us! Before leaving for Buffalo we bought some house foggers and bombed the house,

chemicals or not we have to get rid of the fleas! We took Abby to our land where she would be safe and cared for. So we went to Buffalo content that the fleas would certainly be dead now.

Home again on the 16^th we walked into the house to check around, I was probably in there for about one minute when I looked down at my feet and saw my white socks turning black with the tiny things, which for some reason now looked larger than they had before! Again I ran out doing the flea dance. Again we stayed at Patrick’s parents, this time until Tuesday night when we left for Buffalo.

Patrick’s Dad helped us get in contact with an exterminator who told Patrick that the reason the fleas look different this time, is because the fogger we used had birth control in it to supposedly kill the eggs and that sometimes causes the fleas to become twice their normal size! He said that he is unable to come do it himself but is sending all the sprays and things that we need to do it ourselves. So…. We will be home next week for a much anticipated break, but we don’t really have a home to go to.

I love being home, I love keeping my home and to have this happen is a great trial for me. Looking through the windows, I can see the rocker, couch, kitchen, etc. all the comforts of what we call home and it makes me cry because I cannot even walk in the door. For some reason the Lord is allowing this to happen, somehow He is using it to shape us more into the image of His Son and He will be glorified. Yet, I must say, it is not fun. Patrick’s family is so sweet and loving to us, I am so thankful to the Lord for them! So many emotions! Yet that must not be my focus, only Jesus. I pray we learn what He wants us to learn through this.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(Mat 6:19-21)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

(Heb 13:15)

Praise Him even when we don’t feel like it!!!

Home Birth Story: Grace Tabitha

2011-07-13T18:35:00.000-04:00

I promised to post the story of Grace’s birth and now, three months later, here it is!

When my due date on March 10^th came and went without any signs of things happening I was rather disappointed. On the 8^th I had four contractions thirteen minutes apart, but they did not return and so we waited. The Braxton Hicks were getting stronger and more frequent but that was it. We visited our chiropractor who found that my pelvis was pinched and something in my hips was out of line, so he did an adjustment on me and sent us home to walk. We had walked for about a mile with me doing some squats now and then, when suddenly I felt her drop. I was so excited and walked home waddling and looking much more pregnant then when we had left home, it was amazing. We were so thankful to the Lord that I had not started labor before that, since our chiropractor said that if I had it would have been a very difficult labor. We waited some more, hoping, but still nothing. At my appointment with my midwife she said that I was dilated to two centimeters but no effacement. I began to do everything I could to go into labor as one week over due came and went. I loved being pregnant but I was so very ready to be done with that part. I really had to turn to the Lord for strength to keep going and waiting, it was very hard to be patient but that was what the Lord wanted to teach us. People were telling me that I would probably go into labor on Saturday the 19^th because it was a full moon, I was doubtful but wishful as well. : ) So when on that night I began having contractions, first 15 minutes apart and eventually down to 5 minutes apart for several hours, I was very hopeful. My Mom was on the phone with me talking as I walked around and around my kitchen and living room trying to keep things going as my husband slept so he could be rested. They were not hard contractions but enough to stop me in my tracks as I breathed through them, often times squatting, while my Mom helped me time them. Then they petered out and stopped. So I went to bed, disappointed, but still hopeful that things would happen soon. The next morning I began walking again and by late morning the contractions started again. I was thrilled! My sister Bonnie was very excited that I might be having my baby on her birthday. Patrick was excited now too and as the contractions continued without letting up for five hours he had me call the midwife to let her know what was going on. She decided to come see how things were going. By the time she got there they were starting to peter out again and I was still only dilated to two. She gave me some castor oil to take along with blue cohosh with instruction on dosage and she went home. That evening I did have some more contraction that were harder than they had been, but they did not last through the night.

Several more days went by and I went to see the chiropractor again since my midwife had told us that yes, the baby had dropped but not enough. Another adjustment, some more walking and she dropped lower. We went to see my midwife again the same day and she gave me more herbs to help start labor and told me to take more castor oil. So I began taking all those things, drank cups of parsley tea, walked, squatted and waited. On Thursday the 24^th I began having more contractions, but by this time I was more or less ignoring them other than doing some squats. I did not want to get my hopes up again. Then about three in the afternoon I realized “hey, these are getting really hard!” I could not ignore them anymore and in fact they were increasing in strength very quickly and I had to really concentrate on breathing through them. I looked at my husband and said with a smile “I think this is the real thing!” We decided to take a nap just in case, so we would be rested. He slept, but I sure didn’t! There was no sleeping through those contractions as they increased in strength. I got up and walked around for as long as I could and when I could stand it no longer, I climbed into bed to try to relax like the Bradley Method teaches. I was not smiling anymore. Patrick then called our midwife who said she would be there in a couple of hours. My sweet husband spent those hours and many more hours into the night heating up water in the stove to pour into the birthing pool since the water coming out of our hot water tank was discolored for some reason. He traveled back and forth from the kitchen to the bedroom carrying pot after pot of boiling water. While he waited for it to boil he would spend time coaching me through the contractions, which by this time I desperately needed his help. He also sent texts out to friends and family letting them know what was going on and asking for prayer. I finally asked him to ask the midwife to please hurry.. she did and was soon hovering over me and giving me herbs to help me relax and to get the contractions to increase. She had Patrick fill up the tub with hot water so I could get in there while I waited for the pool to get warm enough. Oh how good that water felt! It gave me the strength I needed to get through the contractions since before getting in I was beginning to feel a little panicky.

I took this of my husband as I labored in the tub, the love in his eyes says it all.

As I soaked in the tub I heard my midwife moaning in the living room, soon Patrick came in telling me that she had the flu! I felt so sorry for her, it had to be hard to be in a strange home helping at a birth and feeling that awful. I began to pray for her and the Lord put in my mind to tell Patrick to give her a teaspoon of Diatomaceous Earth in water. I had heard that it could help with a flu but never tried it myself. Patty(our midwife) took it and within thirty minutes was up feeling much better and a couple of hours later she had no flu symptoms at all! Praise the Lord!

All night long the contractions continued. When I was not in the pool my dear husband would rub my back through every contraction. We would sleep in between them, (at least he would, I tried to and I think that I did a little) and then I would wake him up pleading for help. I was so very thankful for him and felt bad that he could not sleep as he was exhausted, so I tried to get though them alone, but most of the time I could not. I could get through the front labor pain, but the back pain was so intense I could not bear it without his fist pressed into my back rubbing in a circular motion. When I was able to get into the tub, oh what a relief it was! I could float around into whatever position I needed and the warmth of the water on my back was so helpful, it was still not easy but more manageable. After a couple of times in and out of the pool my contractions slowed down a little so I began walking again to keep things going, the break was not for long and they soon picked up again with gusto. I don’t know the times when things happened, the hours that went by all blurred as I tried to just get through the next contraction. Patrick put on some soothing instrumental hymn cds that his mother had given us, they were very calming and comforting. I was dilating very slowly and as the morning and day (May 25th) progressed my midwife found that the warm water was causing me to swell, so I could not get back in. That was a huge disappointment! She also began to use ice to bring down the swelling which was very uncomfortable. As night fell I was getting closer to full dilatation.

I think it was around 11:00 p.m. on my second night of labor when I finally reached full dilatation and transitioned into the pushing stage. It was a relief to be able to do something. At some point Patty broke my bag of water and I remember her saying that it looked like our baby’s birth date would be the 25^th. Then a problem developed. Part of my cervix was hung up on my baby’s head and when I pushed, it would tighten up not allowing her to move down through. So Patty told me to stop pushing with the contractions but rather in between them, while she held the cervix back. Oh that was hard. She would then have me relax through them for large spaces of time, then come back and try it again. There was little to no progress for hours and I began to fear we might have to have a c-section. Which I did not want. As I lay there is complete misery, (Patrick still rubbing my back!) everything seemed dark and I really did not know how I could make it any longer. I asked the Lord “Why does it have to be this hard, many women have shorter labors.” He showed me that although I had been praying throughout, I was trying to do it myself, not consciously, but I was not fully relying on the Lord for help. By His grace I truly cast myself upon the Lord and told Him that I could not do it without Him. I pleaded with Him to help me and remembered the agony that Jesus bore for me, in my place on the cross and I thought, cannot I bear this for my child? But my strength was gone, it was then that I either imagined or saw Jesus reaching out His hand to me. I grabbed onto His hand and did not let go.

Soon Patty came in to check again and suddenly progress was being made! My baby had gone past the point where she was stuck and now things were moving quickly. I could push! Oh how strong the urge to push became… and ruthless! There was hardly any time to rest and I was exhausted. Patty began preparing things for the baby and then concentrated on talking me through each push. Soon they could see the head and Patty kept telling me to push harder, but I was so tired! Patrick then took a picture of my baby’s head, which gave me the boost I needed to give it all I had. Patrick got more and more excited as more of her head showed and kept showing me pictures which really worked to keep me motivated. My midwife had to snip a little and finally my baby’s head was out! Patrick showed me a picture of her scrunched up little face and in two more pushes which took everything left in me, she was out at 5:37 a.m. on March 26^th! Praise the Lord!

Joy!!!

The first thing that struck me was that my baby is a girl! All throughout the pregnancy we thought that it probably was a boy, so we were amazed to see our little girl. She was pink and screaming and as Patty laid her on my chest she began to suck her fist, so I decided to try nursing her right away and sure enough she latched on and wanted both sides! I was so thankful that she could get that good colostrum in her little body. We left the umbilical cord attached for about 45 minutes until in stopped pulsating then Patrick cut it. He was then able to hold his little girl for the first time! I cannot describe the joy it was to see our baby in her Daddy’s arms and the amazed look on my husband’s face! The Lord is so good! It took a while to get the placenta out but once it was finally out, oh it was such a relief! Patty took Grace to bathe and weigh her while I rested. She weighed in at 8lbs. 3oz. and was 19 ½ inches long. Patty could not get over her color, how pink she was (and still is :). She told me that I could not get up until much later that day since I had lost about five to six cups of blood and anything over four is considered a hemorrhage.

Bonding :)

First bath

My parents were already packed and ready to travel down from Wisconsin to stay with us for a while, so they soon began their 14 hour drive. Patrick’s family came to meet the new arrival, bearing presents and food. My sister-in-love Leah stayed for the night to help us, which was a great blessing. I would almost faint standing up from lack of blood, so they both would support me whenever I had to get up. A friend brought over all kinds of good iron building foods which I began to eat and slowly the color came back into my cheeks after several days. My parents arrived on Sunday and stayed for over a week. It was such a HUGE blessing having them there! My Mom took care of meals, housework, laundry, etc., babysat Grace so that I could sleep and just blessed us tremendously. My Dad helped Patrick out with numerous projects and fixed a drawer in my kitchen that had to be completely rebuilt! They did not leave until I was able to pick Grace up and carry her around the house. Before that time I would get dizzy and begin to topple over. I am so thankful to the Lord for their love and kindness to us!

Happy Grandpa

Happy Nana

During the time of my darkest moments, especially in the second night of labor, I did not realize just how many people were praying for me. It blows me away to think how many people slept very little that night as the Lord burdened their hearts to pray! My parents were in agony, crying before the Lord as they waited for more news and none came hour after hour. Patrick sent out several texts, but the last they received before the happy call about the birth was that the baby was stuck. It makes me cry now to think of their prayers. Oh how thankful I am that the Lord had so many people praying and that He answered their prayers in a mighty way! I did not have the strength, but He gave it to me, I could not go on, but he lifted me up and set me on a Rock, Jesus my Savior! Thank you Lord Jesus! All glory goes to my Lord!

Foot stamping

Grace amazed us by holding her head up off of our shoulders from day 1, strong little girl!

Very happy Mommy :)

Our precious little girl, such a gift from God.

My sister-in-love Olivia crocheted this hat for Grace.

Now my little girl is three months old! It is hard to believe, she is growing so very quickly!

A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
(John 16:21)

It's a Girl!!!!

2011-03-29T20:03:00.000-04:00

On March 26th 2011 at 5:37 a.m. my husband and I joyfully welcomed into the world

Grace Tabitha !!!!

She is a beautiful gift from the Lord to us, we are so very blessed. After over 37 hours of labor, I am still a little weak but very happy. Grace is a very healthy little girl weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. I plan to post the story of her birth later on... for now we are enjoying our baby girl, recovering and enjoying my parents company who have come all the way from Northern Wisconsin to give us some much needed help. The Lord is so good!!!

For you are my hope, O Lord GOD: you are my trust from my youth.
By you have I been upheld from birth: you are he that took me out of my mother's womb:
my praise shall be continually of you. I am as a wonder unto many; but you are my strong refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your honor all the day.
(Psalms 71:5-8)

Yesterday's Flood

2011-03-01T16:01:00.000-05:00

Sunday night we had thunderstorms all night with lots of rain (2-3 inches). I love thunderstorms and did not think anything of the amount of water coming down mixed with the large amount of snow it was melting. In the morning we began to hear reports of flooding nearby and so we decided to take a look, we did not have to go far...

We are standing on a bridge here and that is the local elementary school behind us!

We are so thankful that the flood waters did not reach us in our trailer park, though for a while we thought they might. There are so many people that lost so much and we pray that we can somehow help them in the days to come. There were rescue vehicles everywhere including boats in the water, I have not heard if there were any deaths or not, I pray there was none. We were headed down one road when a truck stopped us saying that we shouldn't go any further since they had just rescued some people off the top of their vehicle down there. One lady told Patrick that she was driving along and everything seemed fine until she saw a truck floating passed her and she could not get stopped in time and they collided. Then they both had to be rescued from their vehicles!

Now the waters have receded but there are many roads still closed and a whole lot of cleanup work to be done. We praise the Lord for His protection and pray for those that have losses, that it will cause them to seek the Lord Jesus Christ.

Preparing for Home Birth

2011-02-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

There is less than three weeks to my due date and I am excited, yet sober about the changes that are soon to take place in our lives. Sober because it is an incredible thing to be given a child to raise by the Lord. This little one knows neither right nor wrong and we as his or her parents will be the ones to lay the foundation for life. How can we raise children that will love and serve the Lord Jesus with all of their hearts? It seems to be a mammoth and impossible task. It IS impossible. For us humans. Yet who is this God that we serve? Is He not the God of the impossible? Remember when Jesus told His disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to be saved? “And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”(Mar 10:26-27)

We serve the Almighty God, He who creates our children and chooses to give them to us. He is not up there wondering what will happen if He gives this type of personality to these parents and this to those… He Knows. That is why He does what He does, nothing escapes Him. That is why we can rest in perfect peace knowing that He has designed our children for US to raise, He is very specific. The other day I was reading in Isaiah and thinking about our child when I came across this passage that brought great comfort to me: “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”(Isa 54:13) “Taught of the Lord”!!! Wow, that brought things into prospective for me. Yes, we do have a great responsibility before the Lord to raise our children in His fear and admonition and we must stay close to the Lord to do that, but ultimately it is the Lord shaping the lives of our Little Ones. I don’t want this to sound like I am saying we don’t work hard at raising them for Him, because we ought to. (If we do not, then that shows that we do not have the fear of the Lord.) Only that it is comforting to know that the Lord IS in control and He can raise up a Godly generation of warriors in spite of our failures as parents.

The “nesting instinct” has hit me in earnest and I can hardly believe the amount of dust and dirt I see everywhere now. I have been busy scrubbing walls, floors, and everything else that I can lay hands on, stopping now and then as a Braxton Hicks comes and then goes. My dear husband is very patient with me as I ask him to pull apart the bed, move the couch and a number of other things that I cannot do myself. He says that he has been through this before with his mother when she was pregnant with his four siblings that came after him. :) I find it hard to be away from home for very long, I just begin to get very tired and “spacey” but the funny thing is that when I get home, I am fine, have energy and am ready to keep going.

Our midwife is coming up for our next appointment and is bringing a birthing pool and birthing kit. Two weeks ago she started me on an herbal supplement called “Blessed Beginnings” which is supposed to help prepare the uterus for labor. She tells us that mothers who have been on it do not have problems with bleeding after the birth and it also seems to cut down on the amount of time spent in labor. I’m certainly all for that! If you would like to know what the ingredients are, just ask, I would be happy to post them if anyone is interested.

Patrick and I are reading the book “Natural Childbirth: The Bradley Way” together and trying to implement the exercises and relaxation techniques it teaches. I have to read it to him because of the incredibly indiscreet pictures, but other than that and the fact that they do not give glory to the Lord, we are enjoying the thoroughness of the book. Has anyone reading this given birth using the Bradley Method? I am very interested to hear your story and what you thought of it. In fact, any mothers with birth stories, tips, things that helped you etc. that you would like to share with me, I would love to hear and learn from you!

What our life has been like...Part 2

2011-01-19T00:17:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it is 2011 already?! It is incredible to me that in just two days it will be the 20^th which marks one year from the time my husband began to court me and he has been courting me ever since! :) I hope you all had a blessed New Year. We were sick for a while with colds, then just as we recovered from that we got two bouts of food poisoning from two separate sources. Talk about NO fun! But the Lord took us through it and we are doing much better now and praising the Lord for health! How good our dear Lord Jesus is to us! One thing I am thankful for, among many, is the way sickness draws us closer to the Lord and to each other. There is such a joy in serving my husband, just being there for him in his time of need. How wonderful our Savior is to bring things into our lives, that though they are not fun bring glory to our Lord.

In July 2010 we took a trip down to Charlotte NC for the annual Operation Save America event. That is the event at which we had met the year before, in Las Vegas. It was so much fun to be there this time together as a young married couple! A dear family that was out of town let us stay at their house for the week we were there, which was a blessing, especially since I was going through morning sickness. We enjoyed seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and ministering on the streets of Charlotte.

Traveling :)

Holding signs

We were part of the setup and take-down team for the American Holocaust Display. Setup on Charlotte's square, it presented excellent opportunities to share the gospel.

There was open-air preaching as well throughout the days of the event.

We handed out countless tracts....

We were very happy to see my sister Bonnie and brother Michael who traveled by bus to get there!

We had a memorial service for a precious unborn child who had been killed by abortion. Here is the processional.

The service was very good, calling for repentance and had a time for everyone to view the little one.

There was a large crowd watching.

At one point the display had to be dismantled in a down pour!

It was coming down hard!

It was a great trip and the scenery there and back was wonderful!

Since then we have been keeping very busy. From scrapping cars....

to tearing down a modular home....

Ministry on the streets...

Having fun...yes I rode it too! :)

spending time with our growing nephew Josiah and the rest of the family...

...meeting our Midwife appointments and enjoying preparing for our little one who will be here very soon! :) ...and a host of other things that fill our days. How good the Lord has been to us and continues to be! Keep praising our dear Lord Jesus, He is worthy of all praise, no matter what!

What our life has been like...Part 1

2010-12-11T12:05:00.000-05:00

I must say that I was surprised to receive so many comments on my last post, thank you all so much!

The Lord has been so good to us, He is faithful in all things just as He promises in His word. Patrick lost his job about a month before our wedding and has not been able to find a good steady job since, yet the Lord is our provider and He has never failed us. Time and again we have wondered how He would provide for our next need only to see His hand move in a mighty way. Our dear Heavenly Father is taking us through a trial of faith that we might be more conformed to the image of His son, Jesus Christ. What a wonderful thing to know that whatever He takes us through it is that we might be more like Him for His glory, this is the joy of our journey.

O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer;
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand'ring sinners to find.

O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

Our Lord has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us, we are His children and the sheep of His pasture, He cares, oh so tenderly He cares for His own. When I have times of doubt the Lord points me back to Matthew chapter six. What comfort is to be found in those precious words of our Lord Jesus!

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:31-33)

We took a trip up to Wisconsin in June to get my dog Abby and some of my things as well as visit with the family.

It was wonderful to see everyone again!

We brought back tomato and pepper plants that I had started back in April, which we were able to plant along with beans and a few other things. It was a smaller garden, but a great blessing. It is so much fun to work the soil and care for the plants, then later to harvest and can. This time was especially fun as I worked alongside my husband!

We had to harvest the tomatoes while they were yet green because of caterpillars attacking them.

There are no words to explain the blessing and joy of having a godly, loving husband! When I think back over all the years that I prayed for him, hoping that he existed, I can see so clearly now how the Lord was answering those prayers. I used to think that maybe I was asking too much when I told the Lord what kind of a man I wanted for my husband. I thought maybe I would have to settle for less than what I prayed for, then after more prayer I realized that I did not want to marry a man who was not what I was asking for. So I began to think that I would never get married, since it seemed impossible that such a wonderful, godly young man existed. Please allow me to tell you that the Lord answered far above what I could ask or think! Patrick is so much more than what I asked for, daily I am brought before the Lord with thanksgiving for creating me for such a wonderful man!

Wedding

2010-11-23T13:07:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated my blog! It seems hard to believe that Patrick and I have been married for almost six months now! We are joyfully looking forward to the arrival of our little one who is due March 10^th! I am guessing that I have lost most of my readers, but I will go ahead and write a few posts to update everyone on what our life has been like up to this point. The Lord has greatly blessed me with a wonderful, godly young man as my husband. I never imagined that such a sweet and kind, compassionate man even existed, much less that I would be his privileged help meet. I am so very thankful to the Lord for teaching me to wait for the right man, the man for whom I was created. I cannot describe the joy it is to serve the Lord by serving my husband! Yes, there are difficult times and yes, we must deny our selves, but what a wonderful thing it is to know that God is using it to conform us more into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

We were married May 29^th 2010 in a beautiful outdoors setting in Ohio. The Lord blessed us with many people who poured themselves into helping set up, prepare the food and numberless other things. One friend made all of my bouquets (except for the bridal as that was real). Friends and family traveled from all over to bless us with their presence, it was a joyful time of celebration of what the Lord has done. Our ceremony was different than the traditional since we wanted it to be a symbol of that great day when Christ will come for His bride. We asked our preacher, Cal, to preach the gospel clearly and to explain to everyone gathered why we did things the way we did. The processional of Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Ring bearers and Flower girls walked to the tune “I Come to The Garden” . Then, before Patrick made his appearance, both my parents walked me down to the tune of “Be Thou My Vision” , my Dad removed my veil and my Mom and I sang “Be Thou My Vision”. Then the bagpipes started up and everyone turned to a balcony from which Patrick and both his parents descended. Our parents greeted one another, then all but my Father stepped away. We stood on either side of him and he held our hands as he spoke some words of wisdom to us and told everyone how thankful he was to be entrusting his daughter to this man. Then he placed our hands together, the first time we had ever held hands, oh what joy!!! Cal then preached and we said our vows which we had written ourselves, exchanged rings, then gave to each other our first kiss. What a blessing it was to have saved that for my husband and to know that he saved his for me!

After pictures we had a time of fellowship, visiting and eating. We were so blessed by the people who came to show us their love. The Lord is good!!!

Here are some pictures:

My Patrick :)

What a joy to be his bride!

Patrick and his parents

My dear Momma and I

My dear Daddy and I

My flower girls and I

The girls :)

The guys :)

Kristofer my nephew was also a ring bearer, but was unable to make it to the pictures.

Bride and parents

Groom and parents

Family greetings

Holding hands for the first time!!!

Exchanging rings

First kiss!!!!

Mr. and Mrs.!


Bubbles!

Cutting the beautiful cake that my new mother-in-love made

The wedding party with parents

Happily married!

Thoughts on Exodus

2010-02-10T14:26:00.003-05:00

Patrick and I have been reading through Exodus and as we read through the law (in the last part of Exodus) that God gave to Moses, there are some interesting things that stand out...

We noticed that God's laws are direct instructions of how to live, down to the minutest detail. He did not just tell Moses, "Make a tabernacle, make an alter, offer sacrifices", He gave specific directions. With what metals to make exact utensils, what wood to use and what size boards of a certain number for the ark of the covenant. What kind and color of cloth with an exact number of
gems for the priests garments. What type of animals and grain to offer, and how to cut, wash, separate, and what parts to burn, what parts to eat, and what parts to cast without the camp. At that time Moses and the children of Israel obeyed the Lord and did all according "as the Lord commanded Moses." They did not question God's wisdom in using a vast amount of gold and silver to build His tabernacle, instead they gave willingly of what they had until they had to be restrained from bringing any more gifts. They found joy in obeying the Lord.

This makes me think of my life. Do I find joy in obeying the Lord my God? Are His commands precious to me? God has given us very specific commands for this life... we are told: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) Have you thought about this? I mean Really thought about it. What does it mean to love the world? Some things come to mind immediately...immorality, profanity, idolatry, just godlessness in general. Of course these things are of the world and we should not love them, but does it stop there? How far does God take this? To the tiny details? I think so.

"I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." (Psalms 101:3) Do you love to watch TV, movies, play video games? Are you aware of the filth that you are allowing to come into your eyes, mind and heart? OK lets just say that you are very careful and only watch good movies without offensive scenes and language, or violence. Why do you watch it? To glorify God? That is the reason He gave you breath today, that should be our reason for living. It should motivate everything that we do. "For my own sake, even for my own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be profaned? and I will not give my glory unto another." (Isaiah 48:11)

We should ask ourselves, "Where is my heart?" We can find that out by asking "where is my treasure?" "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) What do you think about all day long? Seriously consider that one. Because... "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." (Psalms 10:4) Is God in all your thoughts? Do you find your thoughts soaring to Him throughout the day? Some would say, "you have to be able to think about other things, there is work to do." Yes, and no. Of course there are tasks that take concentration and there are things to think through, but in what context are those thoughts? Are you abiding in Christ? "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4) It is a moment by moment thing, abide in Christ. Rest in Him. "Pray without ceasing." (1Thessalonians 5:17)

What other worldly things can we think of that we may find ourselves loving and not realize the danger? The list can be pretty big. I pray that the Lord will reveal those things to me in my life, help me compare my life to His Word and make me sensitive to His voice. I want to follow Jesus...and he, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;" (Hebrews 5:8) Jesus obeyed to the tiniest detail, He offered Himself willingly until it was enough. He tells us..."If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

Do you enjoy and are you entertained by the things that nailed Jesus to the tree?

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he who has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conduct; Because it is written, You will be holy; for I am holy. And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your exile here in fear: Since you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:13-21)

Announcing a Courtship!!!

2010-01-24T16:49:00.003-05:00

On January 20th, 2010 my Dad gave Patrick permission to court me! What a day of rejoicing that was, and every day following continues to be!

L-R: Leah, Patrick, Michael

Leah, Michael, Patrick

Patrick

My brother Michael and I met Patrick on our mission trip to Las Vegas in July, but we barely got to know him. Later on, my Mom, Michael and I joined the social network called, Facebook, to keep in touch with friends and family. Soon we had friend requests from Patrick. It did not take long before we began to notice his love for the Lord Jesus in his posts and comments, it was refreshing to meet a believer who sought the Lord with all his heart. Over the chat we all became good friends and had wonderful times of fellowship encouraging each other in the Lord. From time to time Patrick would call to talk with Michael, and eventually the calls became more frequent. In time he made plans to visit us, and finally made his way up from Ohio to meet the family. And the rest, as they say...is history! Someday I am sure I will share more details....but now you all know why I have been quite absent from this blog. I had a good reason this time! :)

I am very blessed to be courted by such a godly young man! His fervent love for Jesus is very evident in his walk and talk. The Lord is so good, and His mercies are beyond comprehension!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Praise the Lord for His wonderful works among the children of men!!!

Radio Station in Duluth Bans Pro-Life Van

2010-01-15T17:32:00.001-05:00

Radio Station in Duluth Bans Pro-Life Van from Parking Lot By Jim Tuttle

A local "christian" radio station in Duluth MN has told us that we cannot park our Pro-Life van in their parking lot because they do not want to be associated with what we do in front of planned parenthood. Please take the time to read this article by Pastor Tuttle, then contact the station manager. Please note: the station manager has claimed that he is receiving many hateful and unkind phone calls so please be as respectful as possible when you call. Thank you!

..........................

....................................................................................
I have very sad news to share. A local Christian radio
station’s new manager, Scott Michaels, has banned my pro-life
van from its parking lot because our weekly ministry to expose
Planned Parenthood’s wicked practices is too controversial and
threatens the radio station’s ministry.
For the last several years we have parked in KDNW’s
parking lot. Then we walked up to PP’s location, using signs to
expose what it does. Up until now, the radio station stood with us
in the battle. But now, all that has changed. The new manager
called me to his office only five days after he started in his new
position. (I must have been a very high priority on his list of first
things to do.) In the brief meeting we exchanged our ideas about
Christian ministry. But he held firm, not wanting to be identified
with what we do at PP.
After this meeting I called on my pastor, Duncan Ross,
and asked for his evaluation about our ministry to make sure I
had not missed something. Mount of Olives Church and Pastor
Duncan have always stood with me. In that meeting Pastor as-
sured me that I was on biblical grounds exposing PP in the man-
ner in which we do. I then asked him to come with me to make
another appeal for the use of KDNW’s parking lot. He agreed.
But Scott Michaels was not willing to meet with Pastor and me. It
is only a minor inconvenience for me to find someplace else to
park but the loss of KDNW’s partnership grieves me.
We are in a battle for the lives of unborn children—
God’s Heritage. To ignore this reality is to ignore the admonition
of Scripture. Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say,
"Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart
perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
and will he not repay man according to his work?
(Proverbs 24:11-12)
I am not asking my brother to stand out on the sidewalk
with me, nor am I asking for air time. (Although this would not
be an unreasonable request considering the enormity of PP’s sin-
ful practices). I just ask that he be willing to show his support to
this ministry by allowing us to park in his parking lot. And, yes,
he would have to defend what we do to a few angry people who
may call from time to time. Is this too much to ask considering
the river of innocent blood and sexual wickedness that flows out
of Planned Parenthood nationwide?
You may wonder about his reasons for his actions.
When I asked him if I could quote him, he said, “No, I do not
want you to represent my position.” So let me paraphrase—he
wants to reach people with a positive message. He doesn’t want
to risk the radio station’s reputation with a protest. He wants to
build a relationship with the lost and draw them to
Christ. And I think he wants to get the radio station on
better financial ground with these new listeners. He
said in an e-mail to me, “As I communicated during
our meeting, I cannot allow the brand and reach of the
radio station to be hurt in any way by the actions of
another ministry.”
Tragically, he is willing to live with the ugly
reality of slain children and Planned Parenthood’s vile practices in
his quest to strengthen KDNW’s role in the Christian community.
To be fair to Mr. Michaels, he did tell me that he was pro-
life. (I am sure that the millions that have been aborted and the mil-
lions that will be aborted will find great comfort in this fact.)
Potentially the radio station could have a profound impact
for good against those that hate righteousness and love death. But
as it stands now—it is silent no matter how vast the coverage. I be-
lieve God is looking for the Daniels and Esthers of our generation
to make their stand, to raise their voices, to run to the roar as
David’s men did.
Call, write, or e-mail Scott Michaels and
respectfully let him know what you think. His e-mail
address is smichaels@nwc.edu or call at 218-722-6700. Write to:
KDNW,
1101 East Central Entrance, Duluth, MN 55811

This is the van that was "banned" by Scott Michaels from KDNW's parking lot

This article is posted with the permission of Jim Tuttle.

No king but King Jesus!

2009-12-19T15:03:00.005-05:00

In Duluth there is an on going event called "Bentleyville Tour of Lights" which is a large area decked out in lights. We saw an opportunity to proclaim the name of Jesus, but just as the event began my brother and I fell sick. We were sick for some time, ending up with sinus infections and such. Praise God that He has healed us and we are back on the streets singing the praise of our King! On Thursday we did a "Health Partners" witness and a "Planned Parenthood" witness, then headed down to Bentleyville. My Mom and I held signs that said: "Jesus Came to Give Life" and "The Lord our God, He is Mightily to Save!" We sung carols while Michael and our friend and brother Steve handed out gospel tracts. Before long Mr. Bentley showed up. He was furious with us for being there! "Why are you here?" he yelled. "This does not belong at this event!" He told Steve: "The police told me you would come, but it took you two weeks to get here!" This reminds us of a verse "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...!" (Acts 17:6) Mr. Bentley tried all he could to get us to leave, even bodily blocking my brother from handing out tracts! One of his volunteers said she is a Christian, but also said that when someone hands her a tract it "makes me sick"! Another volunteer began to tell those coming to the event who were about to take a tract: "We're sorry they are not part of Bentleyville, they're just soliciting." Over and over. My brother responded by saying "These are free, we are not soliciting." Thankfully a police officer arrived who knew the law and told Mr. Bentley that we have "a Constitutional right" to be there. Praise God!

We returned on Friday night, and hope to go again for many nights to come. What an opportunity to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Obviously Mr. Bentley wants his event to be all about HIM and cannot tolerate competition. We are there to proclaim that there is no king but King Jesus! Please pray for us, and for the many people that accept tracts, hear the songs, etc. that they will be convicted by the Spirit of God and come to repentance and faith. One young man named Dan, was very open to hear the gospel, please pray for the salvation of his soul.

Also on Tuesday this week a baby's life was spared at the abortion mill in Duluth! We are praise God! To read that story go here: http://www.sarahsprolife.com/blog/

Praise God For His Wonderful Works!

2009-12-05T15:54:00.003-05:00

I am amazed at the way God has used the incident that happened on Tuesday the 24, for His glory! The story has travelled across the nation and even over the world. Already I have done two radio interviews and a paper interview, as well as responding to multiple e-mails. This has really surprised me since the incident is not an isolated occurrence, other sidewalk councilors are attacked weekly and the news does not cover it. One man told me what had attracted him to the story, and I think this is probably the reason for all the attention. He said, "It is the fact that God gave you such peace in the moment of need, that is so amazing." Praise God! So it is God's working that causes people to cry when they read what happened, it is God's ability and power to give a weak girl peace in the face of death, and God's protection over His people. In this I rejoice, that the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is being glorified and lifted up through this whole thing! He is worthy of ALL praise! I have been greatly reminded of the fact that my life is NOT about me. It is about my God, I am His, and all I am, have and do are His. If He chooses to use me, I rejoice and glory in Christ my Savior.

I am not great at speaking so when it came time to do the radio interviews I prayed and prayed, and others (especially my dear Mother) prayed as well. Asking the Lord to speak through me, clearly and to His glory. He did it! He really did! My prayer is that people will see how beautiful my Lord Jesus is, and how worthy of praise. That they who heard/hear will tremble before God and give glory to Him. That many will be turned unto the Lord and be saved. As the second interview approached, I was sick with a bad cold and without a voice. But when it came time to talk, my voice was there! Praise be to God!

Recently we heard from relatives of Michelle's (the attacker), I will let this note speak for itself, it is addressed to my Mom:

Sarah,
Thank you so much for your blog. I am a relative of Mechelle and live in Minneapolis. I, too, am a pro-lifer. In response to my convictions I have in the past housed pregnant women who had no place to live. I have never been outside an abortion clinic as I had believed that it was pushing it too far in a negative manner. This incident has changed my mind. Although things did not go as smoothly as normal for you, you were at the place God wanted you to be. My brother visited her the other day and said “I believe the protester was an angel sent by God to save the life of the baby”. That is just what happened. Since the incident, she has decided against abortion. I wanted to thank you for the work you are doing. Keep praying for Mechelle that she would return to Jesus.

Lori

Did you read that? Michelle decided NOT to kill her baby! Praise God! And this relative of Michelle's now sees the value in pleading with women at the gates of hell as a last voice of reason that they will hear before going in. Praise God again and again! As she said, please keep praying for Michelle that she will be saved. For legal reasons we have not been able to visit with her, but pray that we may be able to do so some day.

But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)

If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, since you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:11-14)

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. (Romans 16:27)

A hairbreadth away from Glory?

2009-11-25T10:53:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning my Mom and I, were at the Building For Women in Duluth MN, to plead for the lives of unborn babies (sidewalk counsel) with Jim Tuttle of Pro-Life Ministries of Duluth. I saw a lady walking toward the building, who I figured must be a client. Before I could talk to her or approach her with literature, she snapped open a knife. She waved the point at me saying, "Don't come near me!" I stayed where I was and said, "Please don't kill your baby, fear God." She walked past into the courtyard, so I moved to the fence corner to continue counseling. She then turned around, came up to me and held the point of the knife at my throat! The thought flashed through my mind, "What if she stabs me?" and then, "That's ok." God gave me great peace as I looked into her angry eyes and said, "Fear God. You need to fear God Ma'am." She turned around, and began to walk through the court yard again. My Mom, Sarah, who was standing at the other end of the fence, called out to her, "We love you, and care about you, don't kill your baby." The women turned and waved the knife at her yelling, "I'm certified crazy, that's why I'm doing this!" She then went into the building.

Jim Tuttle called the police and they arrived very quickly, seven squad cars strong. Several went immediately into the building, and shortly came out with the women in handcuffs, she was crying. They interviewed us, had us write reports, and told us that this is a felony offence. My Mom told two of the officers that we feel very sad for the women who did this, and we will be praying for her. One of the officers looked shocked at that.

A local TV newsman showed up and interviewed us. We were able to give glory to God for His protection and testify that God says, "You shall not murder." I explained that we are living in a culture of death, and if they believe it is fine to kill babies in the womb, what would be the difference killing someone out of the womb? He wanted to know if this would change my mind about coming out to talk to the abortion clients. I said "No, not at all! I am excited that God protected me." My Mom told him that we care about the women who did this, forgive her, and want her to know that if she came to Jesus Christ and was saved, God would completely change her.

God allowed this all to happen for a reason, and I greatly desire that His name be glorified through this incident. Our God is worthy to be praised! Psalm 91 was going through my head... "He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalms 91:1-2) Praise God for His mercy, not only on me for protection, but also in the fact that this lady still has her baby!

As the police were leaving, a young women ran into the building very quickly. After a few minutes she came out onto the sidewalk, and seemed to be waiting for someone. My Mom talked to her, and she turned out to be the friend of the women who had just been arrested. Not knowing what had just happened, she had come to support her friend, but was told that her friend had left the building quickly. They didn't even tell her why or in what state she had left! So we were able to minister to this women, her name is, Melissa and her friend, who had been arrested is Michelle. My Mom shared the gospel with her, gave her a Bible, and asked if we could visit Michelle in jail. She agreed that it might be possible.

Please pray for these two women. I do forgive Michelle, and pray that she will be saved, she needs Jesus. Only God knows what He will do with this situation, we pray that He will be glorified!

EDITED to add:

Here are some news articles covering the incident:

LifeSiteNews: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/nov/09112603.html

WorldNetDaily: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=117119

LifeNews: http://www.lifenews.com/state4602.html

NorthlandNews: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/72989782.html

At The Abortion Clinic

2009-11-18T16:49:00.001-05:00

We were at the abortion mill yesterday to plead for the lives of innocent baby girls and boys. 16 mothers, 1 turn-away (which means, one left before having an abortion without giving us the reason. She could have changed her mind...we hope so!...or she may have been too far along...or had taken RU486, a chemical abortion....or any other number of reasons). As I showed one mother a baby model and spoke to her about the gift God has given her, she took the model...thinking that I was offering to her. She then walked toward the building and threw the model in the trash before going in. I called out, "Don't throw away your baby! Fear God!"

That was not a cheap baby model, so I asked one of the "escorts" if he could retrieve it for us. Being the "kind" man that he is, (very intentional) he looked in the trash for it. When he failed to find it, the two women "escorts" with him, took the trash inside and looked through it with a ....coat hanger....we thought they were kidding when they said that, but they were serious. Here they were digging through the trash looking for a baby model, with a coat hanger, a symbol of death used often by the pro-death people. How ironic. They "did not" find it. Perhaps that mother had thrown something else away, and carried the model with her to the waiting room...we pray so.

One vehicle pulled in with a "Jesus fish" bumper sticker. As the young mother made her way to the building, my brother Michael said to her: "Jesus said, '"As much as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."' So if you abort your baby, it is like you are killing Jesus." She did not respond, and he continued. "Jesus also said, '"A thief comes to steal and destroy, but I come to give you life."' At this she made a bad hand gesture.

It is terribly sad that the modern church of America has made Jesus look like a "cool guy" who will be our best buddy to keep us out of the hell that the mean God wants to send us to. In America it's "cool" to be a Christian. What happened to the true gospel? Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) and "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) It sure wasn't "cool" to be a follower of Jesus when he was hanging on the cross, and it certainly has not been "cool" in the worlds eyes, to be his follower ever since. So why is it suddenly "cool" in America? Is our country more spiritual than all nations before us? OR are American churches preaching a false gospel, one that omits God's holiness, wrath, anger, judgment, and commandments, and is therefore expectable to the world? It's ok to be saved from a mean God way up there, if you don't have to give up your sin, your life and turn your back on the world. No longer do people seem to care that Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15).... (What I am NOT saying is that we are saved by keeping commandments i.e.. saved by works. I AM saying that someone who has truly been saved by God, will bear good fruit. "You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" (Matthew 7:16) "Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5) etc.) They do not understand that we are the ones with the problem, we are sinners, filthy, rotten, disgusting in God's eyes. Jesus is righteous (without sin), pure, and holy (set apart, different), He died for us bearing our sin as if He had done it, and God punished His own son for our sakes. People believe that "yes it is wrong to have an abortion, but God will forgive me." They don't get it!!! So we warn them of their error, and pray that God will open their eyes. God is the only one who can cause them to see and understand the truth, because they are blinded by the lies of satan.

I praise God that we were able to lift up the name of our Lord Jesus on the streets. We pray that He was mightily glorified, by our singing, praying, and proclaiming His Word to the lost. He is worthy to receive all praise!

Eyes Focused on Jesus

2009-11-12T13:12:00.005-05:00

Oh, let us keep our eyes on Jesus dear sisters! There is no other help for us. If we focus on our ministry, on the things we do for God and not on Him, then are we sure to drift. To gaze at Him, to seek, and adore Him is our great privilege. Upon taking our eyes off of Jesus we are sure to falter, slip and fall. Remember Peter on the water. He took his eyes off of Jesus, and soon sunk in the waves. How easy it is for us to look at our circumstances instead of our great God. Again, how easy it is to look at our work, and ministry, instead of looking at He who equips us unto the ministry. For a time we can manage to go on "auto pilot", seeming to be in the same spiritual state as before, but time will show that growth has stopped. We will begin to notice a coldness in our hearts, a lack of deep fellowship with our God. Outwardly we say the same things, do the same things, but inwardly we are groping in the dark, dieing. Indeed, if this process continues, we will stop bearing fruit all together, and being no longer a glory to our King, we will in a sense die.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ Jesus our Lord! Cry out to Him for mercy, repent of your sin. Seek fellowship with your Father in Heaven, and plead with Him to soften and change your heart. He is our dear Father, we can cry Abba (Daddy!) and oh how tenderly He cares for us.

These things I know because for a time I had forgotten. I looked around me instead of at Jesus, and I was miserable. But, Praise be to God who brought me out of the pit and brought me back to the the Light of His countenance! Our God is so good, faithful, and kind!

We do not have the answers, but He does. We cannot see the future, but He does. And He cares, He knows how to get a hold of our hearts. Give Him your heart, and He will glorify Himself through you. Oh what joy!

The Refiner's Fire

2009-10-20T19:35:00.004-04:00

He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore.
And closer He bent with a searching gaze
As He heated it more and more.

He knew He had ore that could stand the test,
And He wanted the finest gold
To mold as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems with a price untold.

So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Tho' we fain would have said him 'Nay',
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
As it melted and passed away.

And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright,
But our eyes were so dim with tears,
We saw but the fire - not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above,
That bent o'er the fire, tho' unseen by us,
With a look of ineffable Love.

Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moments' pain?
Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.

So He waited there with a watchful eye.
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat,
Than was needed to make it pure."

-Author Unkown
From "Streams in the Dessert" By Mrs. Chas Cowman

The Promises of God

2009-10-15T13:31:00.004-04:00

Take hold, oh fainting heart, upon the Key of Promise. Do you think it will break beneath your weight? Fear not! God's honor rests upon keeping His promises, He will not fail to uphold them. Throughout the ages His faithfulness has been proven, His changeless nature shown. The promises of God are not idle words or hopeful fancies, behind them stands the weight of He who spoke the world into existence. What God has promised, He is more than able to fulfill; therefore look up. Dwell not on the greatness of your problems, sink not in the waves of circumstance. Be not consumed by impossibilities, and your own inability. Only look now to the Powerful One, He who delights to do the impossible. See not your great troubles, instead see your Great God. Take up the shield of Faith, it is given for your defense.

A trip, and Where are God's People?

2009-10-13T16:40:00.008-04:00

It has been far too long since I have written on here! I have been very busy canning garden produce. We had a hard frost several weeks ago which sent us scrambling to bring in all the green tomatoes before it hit. With my Dad and brother's help, we managed to pull all the plants and box up the green fruit. Now they are ripening, so I have been canning almost every day. We are also making and canning applesauce, chutney, various jellies, and ketchup.

Two weeks ago my Grandma who lives with us, had a mini stroke. Thankfully it did not do too much damage, but she needs to have an operation on her carotid arteries soon. Wednesday last week, my brother and I took her down to IL. to visit family and attend a cousin's wedding. We were able to see our Uncle & Aunt from WA, who we have not seen in a long time. It was a great time.

The bride and groom! Josh & Cathy

My cousin Danielle and I

We also visited with our brother Dan, sister-in-love Basia, and their two boys, Kristofer and Noah.

Hanging out with Kristofer

Cutie!

We had a little extra bit of time on Friday, so we drove down to an abortion mill in Chicago, and did some sidewalk counciling. It was a late term killing center...we saw mothers great with child going in there to kill their little ones. . . . . Soon after we arrived, one young woman came out crying. My brother asked if she had changed her mind, and she affirmed that she had. Praise God! There were no other sidewalk councilors out there when we arrived, no one obeying Proverbs 24:11-12, just some catholics praying their repetitious prayers. Where are God's people? What are you doing?
This is a gospel outreach, not just a humanitarian effort. God commands, who will obey?

Pleading for souls, and lives.

Michael and I came back on Saturday, my Grandma stayed down there for a few more days. One of my Aunts is bringing her back up here today. The surgeon thinks that it will be safe to wait a few weeks to have the surgery...I hope he is right since there is danger of her having a major stroke that would leave her paralyzed. Please pray that that won't happen!

God really impressed upon me how much He protects us. Driving around the Chicago suburbs for four days, made me realize that ANYthing can happen, it is only God who keeps and protects us. We do the best we can, drive the best we can, but ultimately God keeps us safe. If anything does happen, it is because He has allowed it, and it is for our best.

Keep seeking God with all your heart, and praise our Lord Jesus Christ always!

God is Worthy to be Praised!

2009-09-18T13:19:00.002-04:00

We were at the abortion mill today. The gospel was clearly given to the eleven mothers who went in to destroy the lives of their little ones. We read the Word of God out loud, and sang praise to our Lord Jesus Christ because He is worthy. What a joy to lift up His name!

I was able to preach for some time to a group of eight woman who gathered in the "gated" area. There were two mothers in the group who seemed to be sobered as I shared with them on sin, righteousness, and judgment. One loud woman came over to tell me that she had an abortion once because "the baby was not right", and when I expressed sympathy and regret that she had done that, she said that she was not sorry. She also said that she had "Jesus in her soul". At which I began to share that God does not forgive those who will not repent. She called me a "Bible preacher" and wished I would stop. Glory! What a name to be called!

As we prepared to leave, a couple came out. We asked them if they had changed their mind, The woman answered, "Yes". Praise God! We rejoice, and give glory to God! They would not stop to talk, but drove away, and she waved. Please pray for them, that God will convict them of sin and save their souls.

Our God is great, and worthy of all praise and glory!

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.
(Revelation 4:11)

A Witnessing Opportunity

2009-09-10T20:43:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday this week Michael and I went to the abortion clinic early to sidewalk council. It was not open, so we prepared to hold signs and pray. Then this young woman came to us asking if we knew when the place opened. We asked what she wanted there, she said to get a pregnancy test. We offered to take her to a life care center for a free pregnancy test, and she agreed. The LCC did not open until 9am, so Mr. Tuttle asked myself and another sidewalk councilor to take her to breakfast.

I began to share the gospel with her and found that she had heard about Jesus, but she did not know about judgment. She had heard that Jesus was her only hope, but did not know why! At first she would not look me in the eye, but as I shared about sin, righteousness and judgment, she became very sober and looked me in the eye. When I told her about Jesus coming back to destroy the world with fire, I had to go back to the flood of Noah's time and explain why God judged the world then, and why He will judge it now.

People used to have a foundational knowledge of Scripture, but now there seem to be few who do. We have to do as Paul did at Athens, begin at the beginning and lay the foundation, the reason for Christ's sacrifice. When I told her that the earth will be destroy by fire, she looked very sober and asked, "So then none of us are going to make it?"

I rejoice and praise God for the opportunity to share with her the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We exchanged phone numbers, so I hope to keep in touch with her.

Please pray with me that God will get glory for His name by saving this young woman.

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto your name give glory, for your mercy, and for your truth's sake. (Psalms 115:1)

What has been going on over here?

2009-09-03T16:20:00.001-04:00

My dear Mother has been sick for three weeks now...earlier this week her symptoms changed for the worse, so she wet to the doctor yesterday. They ran more tests, and finally decided that even though the result came back negative, she does have Lyme disease. This is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick, which we have up here. These ticks are the size of a pin head, very hard to spot, and are carriers of several diseases. Now my Mom is on antibiotics for three weeks, prayerfully this is "in time". If left untreated for long, this disease begins to effect the neurological system. As it is my Mom has been in a lot of pain, but she can tell a slight difference now after taking two doses of the meds. Please do pray for her recovery, and thank you so much to those who have been praying. Praise God that they were able to find out what was wrong!

I have been *very* busy taking care of things here. Harvesting and preserving, caring for (with my brother's help) almost 150 chickens, caring for the family, etc. My Grandma has been a huge blessing to me as she washes all of the dishes, not a small task, as I cook meals from scratch and use lots of pots and pans in the food preservation process.

So now you know where I have been and will be...

Keep close to Jesus!

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy
name, O thou most High. (Psalm 9:2)

Praising in Sickness

2009-08-20T19:04:00.005-04:00

Wow, what a time!

Michael and I came back from the Missionaries to the Preborn tour on Sunday, I will have to fill you in on the details for that later. My Mom has been very sick for a week, high fever, achenes, queasy, etc. On Monday we had to take her to the hospital because we were afraid that it was more than just a flu. They ran a bunch of tests, including a cat-scan, and everything was negative. Last night we received the results for the Lyme disease test and that was negative as well. Praise God! So it must just be a terrible case of the flu, and we are all hoping that we will not get it.

On Tuesday Michael and I had to butcher chickens, a couple of friends came to help (Thank you soooo much!!!) we did not get them all done, so we plan to do the rest tomorrow and there are some other friends who plan to help. Yesterday and today we packaged the chickens, and for the rest of the day today we snapped, blanched and froze, a whole bunch of beans which I had picked on Monday. And, I could go on with all the things which should have been done...yesterday. But our God is so wonderful! He gives a song in the night season, a joy when hard times come, a peace when we should be overwhelmed. Oh how sweet is His presence! If it were not for hard times, we would not know what it was like to be carried through them by the One who Knows.

Please pray for us, for healing for my Mother (she is slowly on the mend), for strength in this time of need, and also please pray for our dear friend's baby Jesaias who is very sick right now as well.

Missionaries to the Preborn Tour, 2009

2009-08-08T17:02:00.006-04:00

On Monday the 10th, Michael and I are set to head off again on another mission trip! We had no reason to think that we would go on this one, but God made it very clear that it was His will for us to go. We are excited to see what He will do.

We are going with a group called Missionaries to the Preborn, and will be traveling through Southern Michigan stopping at various towns to hold signs about abortion, street preach, and share the gospel, from the 11th through the 15th. Saturday looks like the biggest day, as we plan to be in Detroit for the "Woodward Dream Cruise", which is a car show event that claims to attract 1.5 million people. That will be interesting!

We hope to meet up with several different people we know on the way, we are looking forward to that.

Please pray for us.

Pray for:
*Souls to be saved
*God to fulfill His will in sending us
*Safety
*Good weather
*Favor with the police
*Most of all, that God in all things will be glorified.

Here are some details:

Missionaries to the Preborn ITINERARY

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR
WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE

Detroit, Michigan
August 11-15, 2009

For eight years now, we have been asked to come and speak up for the preborn at the WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE, an event held in Detroit, Michigan which draws a half-million people from around the country. If you can participate, please contact our office ASAP at 414-462-3399 or by emailing us at defendbabies@missionariestopreborn.com or, send a donation towards this effort!

August 11= Kalamazoo, MI 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

August 12 = Battle Creek 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Lansing 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Jackson 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

August 13 = Ann Arbor in the morning
Various stops in Detroit area the remainder of the day

August 14 = Various stops in Detroit area all day

August 15 = at the Dream Cruise

For times and locations to join us along the way,
or to participate in the whole Tour, contact our office at 414-462-3399.

http://www.missionariestopreborn.com/upcoming_events.html

A Heavenly Vision

2009-08-07T19:59:00.005-04:00

I am excited. God has given me a vision for this life. Even as a child I had a vision of wanting to serve the Lord, but He keeps expanding it. It certainly cannot be communicated through words, He has to give it, but at least I may provoke some to ask for it.

This life on earth is but for a moment, it is passing away very quickly. In heaven we have an eternal home in the presence of God..... By the way, are you ready to be in the presence of God for eternity? If you are uncomfortable in His presence now, what about then? We had better learn to love His presence now, we will be with Him forever and ever!..... There is no sun in Heaven, because the Lamb is the light of that city. It is a glorious place, just read Revelation and see how wonderful it is. Then look back at this earth and all our material possessions which are all going to be burned up. Weigh these things in the balances. Can the earthly even come close to comparing with the value of the eternal? Do you even have to consider which is greater in value?

Jesus said; "...The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44)

He does not even have to stop and think, is it worth it? That would be a ridiculous question. Yet day after day we cling to this earth. Heaven is security for the future, but for now this life is what life is about. We cling to material possessions, to jobs, to earthly comfort, security and pleasure. We cling to our families, and our own bodies which are passing away.

Remember the "muck raker" in Pilgrims Progress? Though an angel held a crown of gold above his head for him to receive celestial glories, he would not look up from the muck of this life. Though a pool had been set where he could look in to see the glories above him, he avoided the pool because it also would show him what he was.

Are we also so caught up in the affairs of this life that we do not see beyond to the heavenly vision?

This life is NOT the end in it's self, it is the means to an end. Whatever I do only has lasting value and meaning if it enables me to further the Kingdom of God. This is a Kingdom vision. Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." He was not talking just to missionaries, to those who feel a "calling" to go, He was, He is, talking to all of us who are His people.

We are not called to work so that we can eat, so that we can live, to work, to eat, to live, to work...no, that is an endless loop with no eternal value. We have a higher calling, of lasting value.

Jesus said: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

Yes, it is. This life is not about us, it is not about me, it is about God and His glory.

Jesus said: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, How shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33)

The ungodly see only this world and live for it, but we are called to see the kingdom of God and live for Him. We need to catch hold of His vision, ask God for it. We need God's prospective on everything that we do. We must look at this life through the eyes of faith, seeing beyond the physical, confessing that we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth. We seek a better country.

We need to ask ourselves, By doing this, am I furthering the Kingdom of God, or is this thing an end in it's self? If it is not enabling us to further the Kingdom of God, it is not worth doing.

I hope to someday marry a man who has this kingdom vision. A man who's work is only a means to enable him and his family to preach the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14). A man who has a vision of his wife and children working hand in hand with him to further the kingdom of God. A man like this: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." (Genesis 18:19) A man who's children desire to follow in his footsteps because he is following Jesus. A man with a heavenly vision is the man I want to follow, a man who looks to Jesus.

If everything is about God and His glory, no wonder we are told, "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

"And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23)

Oh, I am so excited!

OSA 2009, July 21 and 22, Tuesday and Wednesday

2009-08-06T12:34:00.014-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4
Read Day 5
Read Day 6

On Tuesday morning, my brother Michael went with a team to a hospital which claims to be pro-life, but has an abortionists on staff. I went with the Yoders', and a large team to an abortion clinic called "BCC". This murder mill is at the end of an alley, and to get there you have to drive past a church (which was very supportive of us) and a crisis pregnancy center. "Our people" had set up, in the parking lot of a business building, some of the signs which we had used on Fremont street, and a sound system from which to preach. The clinic was open and mothers were going in escorted from their cars by clinic workers. There were a several ladies sidewalk counseling, and I joined these to offer literature to the mothers as they drove down the ally. It was very saddening to see those mothers going into that place of death despite the cries for mercy that they heard. I am sure that there were many more mothers who decided not to go in because we were there, and when that happens they are more likely never to come back. We pray so.

As I waited for cars to come, an older man road up on his bike and stopped when I offered him literature. He kept glancing at the large signs of babies killed by abortion, so I asked if he had seen those pictures before. He said no, but he did know that abortion was very bad. I then asked him, "Do you know Jesus?" He said, "No, but I know I need to." So I began to reason with him about the Law, Righteousness and Judgment, explaining sin, and our need for a Savior. He agreed about his need and seemed truly broken and tender hearted. He said, "I wish you had talked to me two days ago. But, I guess it's not too late for God." I told him, no it was not too late, but he needed to repent and cry out for mercy now and not wait. I asked if I could pray for him, he agreed and told me his name is Dennis. When I prayed, God broke my heart and I began to cry out to God to for Dennis. He began to cry and say "thank you God, thank you God." He did not own a Bible, so I ran to get one from one of the ladies there who had several to give away. As I walked back to him, I saw that it was in Spanish, oops. But instead of going back to see if she had an English one, I handed it to Dennis and asked if he knew Spanish, he said "yes". Then I realized he was of Mexican decent, I had not even noticed! After thanking me, he turned back the way he had just come and began to ride away, he said "I will not forget you."

Please pray for Dennis. I pray that the seed fell on good ground that day and will bring forth much fruit.

After this we met back up with Michael and his group, then headed off to Planned Parenthood. Our leaders thought that we would not be able to stay very long, because this PP is in a mall complex and we set up with our signs on their property.

PP shared a balcony with a coffee shop called "reJAVAnate", and many of our people went in to buy lattés. (Michael and I had one of their slushies and it was really good :) The manager was very friendly, saying that he did not like having PP as a neighbor, and set up extra tables and chairs for us. One PP worker came out with a vest that said "Escort".
Soon the police arrived. We expected to be told we were trespassing and needed to leave, instead they just stood around and watched us.

We stayed for a whole hour! I remember looking at some friends as we exclaimed to each other, "Can you believe what we are doing?" It was absolutely incredible.

Some mimes who had been doing their acts at other place with us, began to do their skits right there. It was amazing. I still can not get over the fact that we were allowed to stay!

After lunch, and a cool down, the Yoder "kids", Zastrow "kids", Michael and I gathered in the park by our hotel for a good old fashioned game of "Prisoners base". We had a blast even though it was around 115 degrees!

The Zastrow family

The evening rally was a time of rejoicing, and sadness as we said goodbye.

As I looked around that night at all those people whom I had come to love, my eyes filled with tears. Yet we all rejoiced at the thought that there is coming a day in Heaven when we will not have to say goodbye any more!
Michael and I met a dear brother from Jamaica who encouraged us in the Lord and invited us to visit him in his country. Wouldn't that be neat? What a blessing to fellowship with the brethren, I do so love the family of God.

Michael, brother Levi, me

At 3:00 am, Michael and I both got up to say goodbye to the Yoders' as they left for Missouri, it is hard to say goodbye. We were taken to the airport around 9:00am with Mr. Tuttle and made an uneventful flight back to Minneapolis MN airport where our Mom picked us up.

Mr. Tuttle waiting at our gate; notice the slot machines behind him.

From the Las Vegas airport, I love those mountains.

Here are some pictures from the plane...

Las Vegas from the air.

Leaving Las Vegas.

A storm over Minneapolis, our flight was delayed for five minutes because of it.

It was good to come home, and we do not miss Las Vegas! :-)

We praise God for a wonderful trip, safety, and pray that He was glorified in it.

Check out Michael's blog for his take on the trip.
Check out our Picasa Web Album for many more pictures, too many to post.
Also check out Ken and Jo Scott's Web Album for more pictures.

And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20)

OSA 2009, July 20, Monday

2009-08-03T13:13:00.009-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4
Read Day 5

Early Monday morning we went out again as part of Mark Holick's team, to another abortionist's home. This one was also in a gated community.

The day before, Mr. and Mrs. Holick had gone there to check out what it was like. They had driven in behind someone else, like we had done on Saturday. There seemed to be no problem, so they thought it would just be a repeat of Saturday. But, when we all arrived, there was a guard stationed at the gate, and a security truck driving around. So we congregated at a park which was right there, and scouted out the area on foot. Then Mark Holick called us all together. "We found a way that we can get in on foot." he said. "But the police are going to come, and the abortionist's home is on the opposite side of the community from us here. There is no way that we can get out before the police come, and it is very likely that we will be arrested for trespassing. So, anyone who does not want to come with us is welcome to stay." (Not an Exact quote, but as close as I can remember).

Most all of us decided to go ahead and go in anyway. Later, Mr. Holick said he was very surprised that so many were willing to go in. By twos' and threes' we walked through the place they had found, and we were in. Quickly we spread out and began to place the literature on doors. Now this gated community had no sidewalks, people just don't walk around in there, I guess. So, imagine what it was like for the driver of the security truck to suddenly come upon group after group of people, walking quickly down the streets, some wearing our red t-shirts, and going up to door after door. His reaction? Smile and wave, and give us the peace sign!

We finally reached the opposite end of the community, no police yet and the end was in site, another entrance/exit gate. A car pulls up near me and I hear a voice say "hello", I turned and a camera snapped. The driver continued to drive up to each of us and snap pictures. She asked Ken Scott (from Denver CO) "How did you get in?" he answered, "By the grace of God!" She did not like that too well! I was not with the small group that went to the abortionist's door, but I think they said that there was no answer to their knock.

Soon we stood before the gate, and tried to open it, but it would not budge! There we stood, looking up at the eight foot tall gates, wondering how we were going to get out. Our God is so merciful, He thinks of everything! Along came a car to pull in, the entrance gate opened, and we walked out. Mr. Scott held it open for our other people coming out, and we all made it out! We were praising God!

We were regrouping at our vehicles in the park when a man with a clipboard began writing down our license plate numbers. Then the lady with the camera found us and took more pictures. We drove away, and passed the police on their way in.

At a gas station we took a group picture, but it turned out very blurry. Though it may not appear very bad in this small form, it is terribly blurry in the larger format.

We then went back to the first abortionist's home that we had gone to on Friday, to do another literature drop in his neighborhood. The first time we did it, our literature had many typos and things wrong with it, so we did it again with the fixed version.

From there we made our way to Fremont street, where we planned to hold an aborted baby memorial service. Somehow Operation Save America had found a real aborted baby boy, and we wanted to give him a proper funeral and burial.

The procession started at one end of Fremont street and went to the other end. It was very moving.
The bagpiper flew in at his own expense just for this purpose.

At the place they had set up to hold the service, the casino owner turned up his filthy music as loud as he could. So, our people turned up our PA system so that we could be herd above the din. It was deafening, but at least we could hear our leaders preach.

Flip Benham preaching

Christine Odell, who had an abortion when she was young, gave an incredible call to mothers who have had abortions and all others involved in one. She said "If you have had an abortion, say it, '"I am a murderer."' If you have taken a woman into get an abortion, say it, you are an accomplice in murder." She then went on to explain how there is hope only in Jesus, in the work that He did on the cross for us.

Rusty Thomas stood up to lead us in prayer, saying "I think it is entirely appropriate if we get on our knees right now." We all went to our knees, and the blaring music stopped. Rusty Thomas lifted up his voice to God in repentance over the innocent blood that is being spilt in our land, and we wept before our God.

* see bottom of post

As we knelt there in the midst of the reviling filth of Fremont street, I felt the presence of the Lord very strongly. As one preacher had put it, we don't want God to deal with our nation as it deserves, history shows that He is very heavy handed when after great mercy He finally brings justice. Take Sodom and Gomorra as an example. So we stood in the gap, repenting and crying out to God for mercy on this nation which has rejected him. Maybe He will hear our cry, or maybe the innocent blood which cries out to Him from the ground has a much louder voice.

The police came and asked some of our leaders, "Why didn't you tell us that you were going to do this?" They explained that they had not planned it until the night before. The police said "You should have told us, we would have escorted you." ! And they said that the music thing "Will not happen again." ! It was incredible the amount of favor God gave us in the eyes of the Las Vegas police.

Procession reflected on the windows across the street

That evening at the 6pm rally, Michael and I sang two hymns with the Yoder family as part of the worship time. Also, Skip and Isaac Yoder played some hymns as a piano, violin duet.

We had another service for baby Able, that is what they named him, and they opened the casket for us all to see him.

Oh, I cannot describe what it is like to see a child who has been murdered in such a cruel way. Should we even dare to ask God to have mercy on our nation?
As one preacher said, God said to Cain after he had killed his brother, "Where is your brother? What have you done?"

And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
(2 Kings 24:4)

*This photo courtesy of Ken and Jo Scott, click on their name to see their Picasa web album of the week with OSA.

A report on day seven coming soon....

Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, July 19, Sunday

2009-08-01T11:31:00.008-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4

Me, Flip Benham and Michael

Sunday morning we were able to sleep for thirty extra minutes! Part of the fun of being with Operation Save America is lack of sleep. :-) We moved our morning rally to the shade of one of the hotel buildings. From there we divided into three teams, one team to go to Freemont street, one team to go out in front of a Homosexual "church" in order to witness to them, and our team to go out in front of a large Evangelical church. It is a mega church which claims an attendance of 1500 people. They do good for their community, feeding the homeless and such, but they were completely ignoring the fact that there are six abortion mills in the city of Las Vegas.

We went out there to say, "we are repenting, we ask you to repent with us." We had a banner that said "Church, Help Us Save Them", and we passed out a tract called "Sing a Little Louder". It is the story of a church in Germany during WWII that sat close to some train tracks, every time a train went by carrying Jews, the people of the church would sing louder so they could drown out the screams coming from those train cars. The question is, Will you sing a little louder to drown out the screams of little boys and girls being ripped to pieces in their mother's womb? Or will you DO something about it?

It was a very hot, dry morning, and they had three services, so we were out there a long time. Some of our people went into the church for one of the services to see what it was like. The pastor told his congregation that the people out there were not invited, the police had been called and anyone trespassing on church property would be taken care of. He also told them not to stop and talk to those people because it would hold up traffic, and that's what they want. !! A few did take literature, and a few actually asked why we were there. A few cursed at us, two men tried to take the sign from one of our twelve year old girls. Most ignored us. It was very sad.

This was my, and I think all, of our least favorite things to do. It is not fun. It hits close to home, since you think, "what if some one did this at my church, how would I respond?" One man responded in the way that I hope all of us would respond. He talked to us, then came to the 6pm rally to see if we were real, then he joined us. He got together a cell group of people in his church who had been awakened to this life and death issue, by our presence. They are discussing what they can DO. Praise God!

For the rest of the day on Sunday we visited with our friends, and later in the afternoon the Yoders' organized a hymn sing. Down by the hotel's pool was a nice room for gatherings and such, so we set chairs around, invited all the OSA people we could find and sang hymns for a while. It was a real blessing and a special time.

At the 6 pm rally, Flip Benham preached a powerful sermon on abortion and the spiritual effects it has on a woman. Also, there was a woman who came up to the front to show us her baby and share her story. Pam, who is holding the baby, has a life care center in her travel trailer and one day received a call from this very distressed woman. She had just taken the chemical abortion pill RU-486, and then realized what she was doing and wanted to keep her baby. Pam was able to direct her to a doctor who did something (I'm not sure what) to keep the baby, and now she has a beautiful little girl. Praise God!

Deliver those that are drawn toward death, hold back those that are stumbling to the slaughter; If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that weighs the heart consider it? and he that keeps your soul, does not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? (Proverbs 24:11-12)

A report on day six coming soon...

Day 6
Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, July 18, Saturday

2009-07-31T10:40:00.009-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3

Saturday morning we went to down town Las Vegas and divided into four "overpass teams". Each group was assigned a pedestrian overpass on which to stand with signs and literature. Our team had the Bally's to Caesars Palace overpass.

An overpass from the street level, notice the Eiffel tower replica.

We placed some signs against the plexiglass facing out for the traffic to see, and some facing in for pedestrians. We passed out literature and gospel tracts, sang songs, and talked to people going by.

Many people heard me tell them, "think about eternity". It is surprising how hard it is to open my mouth to say something like that, but as people are hurrying by it leaves them with something to think about, and maybe God will use it to get them questioning.

Michael and Caesars Palace, it really was an amazing place to see.

View of the strip from our overpass.

Downtown Las Vegas, as we saw it many times from the highway.

After two or three hours on the overpass, we regrouped and headed out as part of Mark Holicks team again. We went to an abortionist home in an apartment complex. No one answered the door, so we just passed out the fliers and held signs for a while beside the busy street. The police arrived before we were out of there, but basically said, 'are you leaving now?', 'yes', 'OK'.

We enjoyed a great lunch, then drove a good distance to arrive at another abortionist home. This time in a gated community.

Across from the entrance gate was a little park, where we pulled up in a line (four or five vehicles) and waited. Soon a car pulled up to the gate, a guy got out and typed in his code, the gate opened and we all drove in behind him. Mr. Holick told us later that he was thinking, "Now that I have all of these people in, how am I going to get them out?"

Another car had come in with us when we all drove in, and upon arriving at the abortionist home, we found it was his wife! The garage door was open and his daughter opened the door to our knock.

She got her mother, who told us she was calling the police and shut the door. Mr. Holick turned to us and said "Go, get the fliers out as fast as possible!" We ran down those streets, putting the fliers on doors. One neighbor of the abortionist was upset with us, and another neighbor across the street called out to her, "It's OK, I've called the police, they're on the way." We passed out 150 fliers in less then fifteen minutes! Jumping into our vehicles, we headed out. Later Mrs. Holick told us that they were praying "Lord, how are we going to get out?" We rounded a curve in the road, and the gate was standing open, no one was in sight, it was just open! We all pulled out onto the road and watched as the police passed us on their way in. We could hardly believe that we had made it out.

We then went to a church where Cal Zastrow and others were giving instructions on how to start Personhood amendments in each state. After that, a quick stop at the hotel, and back to another church for the 6 pm rally.

That evening was very windy, as a storm blew through the area with lightning and Hot wind.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

A report on day five coming soon...

...Edited to add...
Day 5

Day 6

Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009 July 17, Friday

2009-07-30T11:11:00.012-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2

Friday morning we went to Summit abortion clinic with a large group. Cal Zastrow preached, using a sound amplifier since we could not get very close to the parking lot.

There were several medical buildings around, and our leaders discovered one practicing OBGYN who is willing to do chemical abortions, so Mr. Zastrow began preaching about that. Soon, a group of nurses from that doctors office came out to tell us angrily that they do not do abortions, but when confronted with the facts there was not much they could say.

At one point a man rode up on his bike and asked if he could join us! He was handed a sign and he stood with us for the remainder of the time, later that night he came to the rally.

After lunch, we joined Mark Holick's team, a smaller group of about thirty people called the "Special Forces" or "The Green Beret's". We were the strike team that went to abortionist homes.

The first house we went to was the home of a man by the name of Dr. Grant. Now, almost all the buildings in Las Vegas are white stucco with slate roofs, and his was no exception, but for the fact that it was bright yellow. Upon arriving we all walked up to his door, Mark and his wife and Jo Scott leading the way, we crowded onto his dessert landscape yard, and knocked on the door. To all of our surprise he came out and was very willing to talk!

(photo courtesy of Jo Scott)

He did not like to be called an abortionist, but rather a "skilled physician", because he is an OBGYN for high risk pregnancies and he does abortions. They talked to him lovingly and asked if he cared about his soul, he said "yes". He seemed willing to talk more, but his wife began screaming from the house. "Get in here right now", "Don't let them take your picture", "Don't make me come out there!" He seemed much more comfortable with thirty pro-lifers on his doorstep than with his wife. He went inside to answer his cell phone, then came out to tell us that he wanted us off of his property. We complied and spread out through the neighborhood putting flyers on doors. The fliers told the community that an abortionist lived in their area, and gave action points for what they could do.

The police arrived, but only to watch.

That afternoon was the hottest day we were there, the vehicle thermometer said 128 degree! That probably was a high reading, but since we were standing and walking distances in the sun, I figure that it was not very far fetched. It was HOT. Thankfully the Yoders' had a big cooler with ice and water, so we were able to splash cold water on our arms, faces and heads.

We put out about 150 fliers, then headed out to another abortionists home.

This one had a very long driveway that we all walked up, and then knocked on the door of their very large home.

The wife of the "doctor" answered, tried briefly to defend abortion, then called the police.
Again we went all through the neighborhood with fliers. By that time we were all very ready to cool off, and headed to the night rally.

It would be hard to describe what the rallies were like. There was such a family atmosphere and excitement for what God is doing, it was really quite wonderful.

(not my photo)

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)

Report on day Four coming soon...

...Edited to add...
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, July 16th, Thursday

2009-07-28T21:11:00.013-04:00

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1

One of the things I will always remember about Las Vegas is the heat, the temperature rarely dropped below 100 degrees during the day and the 90s at night. But the dryness of the air made it bearable and I did not mind it that much.

Thursday morning at 6:30 am we met with our group in the parking lot of the hotel we all stayed in. Over a loud speaker, our leaders gave us the directions for the day and arranged transportation with those who had vehicles for those who did not. Michael and I road with the Yoder family.

Morning meeting (not my photo)

Flip Benham speaking

First stop was A-Z abortion clinic. There we lined the streets with many, many graphic signs. These signs put a face on the word "choice" and bring the issue to it's root, is it or is it not wrong to kill an innocent human person?

This is Mr. Tuttle holding "Baby Malachi"

A neighboring business whose parking lot adjoins that of the abortion clinic, allowed us to set up in their parking lot!
No abortions were done while we were there. When two hundred and fifty to three hundred people stand up and say, 'abortion is murder', things happen. Standing in the sun, we quickly learned to use umbrellas to keep the extremely hot sun off of us, and to drink tons of water.

Corrie, Patience and me (Corrie's brother, David behind her)

We were served a free lunch at a church, then headed out to Fremont Street.

Wow, talk about a place that reminds me of Sodom.

We had to take these pictures carefully because there is p*rn everywhere. Our leaders set up a very large display with seven foot tall signs showing the correlation between the Jewish Holocaust, the Civil rights movement and the Unborn Holocaust.

It was powerful. So many people stopped to look and read, and talk with us. Shock was evident on many faces. We filled Fremont street with "our people" (red t-shirts that say "Jesus is the Standard") handing out tracts and literature and talking with people.

Mrs. Yoder and I

One woman I began sharing the gospel with, looked a bit confused, so I asked "have you every heard this before?" she said "no". I slowed down and started over, she seemed very concerned but had to run catch her ride. I pray that God will send another of His people to her.

At 6pm we all met up at the host church for the night rally. This was a night of repentance. I wish you could hear the sermons that were preached and the weeping throughout the place as we repented for the sins of this nation and our sins in particular. I cannot describe it.

When the rally finished at 9pm we all headed back out to Fremont street to read the Bible out loud. We were met with a different looking place! The three block long canopy over the street was turned into a giant tv screen. Lightning flashed from end to end as thunder reverberated in our ears, then strange patterns and colors with '60s type songs.

We read the Bible out loud for some time, then most of us left to get some much needed sleep.

Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
(Psalms 96:2-3)

A report on day three coming soon....

...Edited to add....
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, Wednesday report

2009-07-24T13:20:00.008-04:00

We are back from our mission trip to Las Vegas Nevada!

Wow, what a time!

This was my first time on a commercial flight and I really enjoyed it, here are a few pictures, some from my window seat position...

Waiting at our gate.

My first view of the Rockies

A very dry land

We left Minneapolis airport with Mr. Tuttle around 9:30 am and arrived in Las Vegas around 10:30 am, so we only lost one hour in that three hour flight. It did make for an extra long day.

Stepping into the airport in Vegas was like stepping onto the moon, slot machines everywhere, flashy things to catch the eye, immodest pictures all around, and TV screens with porn. It felt like we had stepped into Sodom, and we were only in the airport. When our ride failed to arrive after an hour and a half, we called Jim Webber, a street preacher we knew of in the area. He was very kind, and dropped everything to pick us up. We checked into our hotel room, then Mr. Webber took Michael and I out to eat. He is a very challenging man to talk to, we were both greatly encouraged to study the Bible with more fervency. He gave us t-shirts and buttons, books and cds, and took us down the strip in down town Las Vegas so we could see where he preaches. He said that he used to travel all around to find people to preach to, but now he just preaches here and the people come from all over the world to him!

We went inside of the Bellagio casino; it is immense, incredible and amazing, but it is a sin trap of the devils own making. There in Vegas people hide themselves behind a mask of gaiety, they try to forget about life...and death. They smother their conscious under the easy words, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". They do not consider that they will have to give an answer for everything they have every Said, Done and Thought, and that what happens in Vegas does Not stay there, they take it home with them.

We arrived at our hotel, just in time to change into our Red t-shirts (more on that later) and catch a ride to the 6 pm rally at Green Valley Baptist Church. There we met up with our dear friends the Yoder family from Missouri, whom you will hear quiet a bit about since we spent most of our time with them.

Yoder family left to right, Patience, Mr. and Mrs., Skip, Isaac, Ezekiel, Enoch, Buck.

A young couple had come with the Yoders from MO, John, Sarah and their six month old baby Aden.

It was wonderful to see so many of the people we had met in Birmingham Alabama at the 2007 Operation Save America event.

Here are three of our leaders, Chet Gallagher, Mark Holick, and Flip Benham.

We ended up staying with the Yoders, in three hotel rooms, a girls room and two guy rooms, what a blessing it was to spend time with this family, we had some great times together!

A report on Day Two of the event coming soon....

...Edited to add...
Introduction
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 and 8

Operation Save America 2009

2009-07-07T19:50:00.007-04:00

One week from today my brother Michael and I will, Lord willing, be leaving for a week long mission trip to Las Vegas. There we will join a group called Operation Save America (OSA), this is a gospel oriented gathering of believers to expose and reprove the works of darkness. We stand with signs at abortion clinics, street preach, share the gospel, have rallies every night, and overall seek to glorify Jesus. Michael and I went in 2007 when the event was held in Birmingham Alabama, and that was an amazing and edifying experience. But now...Las Vegas....? This is going to be interesting.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is a God ordained trip. I really don't know why He wants us to go, and what He wants to do or teach us there, but God IS sending us. It began with Michael wondering if there was the slightest possibility for us to go. Truthfully the answer was no. There was no way we could go, we simply do not have the kind of finances it takes to travel that far. But we decided to pray about it. We told the Lord that if He wanted us to go, He would have to send us, because it seemed impossible, and we covenanted not to ask anyone for financial support. Within a few short days, Mr. Tuttle, (a friend and brother in the Lord and the head of the pro-life ministry in Duluth) informed us that he intended to buy our tickets to Vegas! Whoa! Step by step God has opened the doors and we are now packing for that "impossible" trip. Needless to say we are a wee bit excited, and looking forward to seeing what God does.

I don't know if I will be able to post until we get back, we'll have to see how things go, but I do intend to tell you all how it goes. Please pray for us.

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. (Psalms 72:18-19)

...Edited to add...
Read about the trip here:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 and 8

Sad News

2009-07-07T18:28:00.003-04:00

Today we were at the abortion clinic again and were deeply grieved to see the young mother from last week who had changed her mind, come back to get an abortion. She would not talk to us, but another sister (not the same one from last week) talked with us, and seemed to agree that abortion is horrific, yet she went in and paid for her sister to kill that precious child. God sees.

There were eight who went in for an abortion today, one in particular saw the pictures of babies in the womb, and began to weep. The two men with her tried to stop my Mom from talking to her, but she heard, and God is able to give her courage to come out in the face of great odds.

We are grieved, but yet are praise God that He is working and moving in ways that we cannot see.

Thank you so much for praying and please do continue, our God is a God who answers the prayer of His people.

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in any of his thoughts. His ways are always prosperous; your judgments are far above, out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he sneers at them. He has said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sits in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places does he murder the innocent: his eyes are secretly set against the poor. He lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to catch the poor: he does catch the poor, when he draws him into his net. He crouches, and lies low, that the poor may fall by his strength. He has said in his heart, God has forgotten: he hides his face; he will never see it. Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand: forget not the humble. Why does the wicked renounce God? he has said in his heart, You will not require it. You have seen it: for you behold mischief and spite, to repay it with your hand: the poor commits himself unto you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till you find none. The LORD is King forever and ever: the nations are perished out of his land. LORD, you have heard the desire of the humble: you will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress. (Psalms 10:4-18)

A Report, Showing God's Mercy

2009-07-01T14:57:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that it is July already!

Yesterday we were at the abortion clinic again, pleading for the lives of little babies.

There was a young woman who stopped briefly to listen, as my Mom (Sarah) counseled her to keep her baby, offering help and showing her pictures of developing babies and of babies killed by abortion. She took the literature and walked on, but missed the gate, walking to where I stood. I approached her smiling and asked, "Oh, did you see those pictures?" she said "yes."

"What do you think of them, have you seen them before?" she said "yes."

"Then you know that your baby is a precious person." she said "yes."

"You aren't going to kill your baby, are you?" Slowly she shook her head yes.

"Why, why? How can we help you? We can give you lodging, anything you need, we have done it for others. Can we help you?" she said, "No, nothing." By this time she had found the gate and began walking through the court yard. So I called out to her, "You need to know that you will have to answer to God for what you do to your baby. We have told you and you do not have an excuse now. Fear God." She threw the literature in the garbage and went in the door.

Oh, how we prayed and cried out to God for her. At such a young age to be already so hardened! It seemed impossible that she would change her mind now, but we have a God who delights to do the impossible!

Another young woman stopped to talk to my Mom, it turned out she was the sister of the first girl and had tried to talk her out of the abortion, but without success. My Mom gave her literature and prayed with her, she agreed to try again to talk her sister out of killing her child.

Ten or fifteen minutes later they both came out smiling, she had changed her mind! Praise God! We were so excited! We gave her a gift from the ministry which includes a one hundred dollar gift certificate and talked briefly with her. Please pray for this young woman, the battle is not yet over. Pray that she will continue to have the courage to keep her baby, especially since she seemed shaky on her decision. Pray for her, and her sister's salvation, that God will open their eyes to see Jesus.

Do You Have a Wedding Garment?

2009-06-25T19:34:00.009-04:00

And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, who made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them who are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and treated them shamefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was angry: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they who were bidden were not worthy. Go you therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment: And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:1-14)

This passage of course refers to that great day, the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) where we as the bride of Christ will be united with Him. It is said that "his wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8) So what does it mean that this one man did not have on a wedding garment? He obviously was poor, since he had been pulled off of the streets, but the others were in the same state and they seemed to have on wedding garments. Where did they get them?

First we must see that we ourselves are these people off of the streets. We were found dressed in filthy rags, destitute and without hope, until God in His incredible mercy saved us and brought us out of the miry clay, setting our feet upon the rock. There was nothing in us that would cause God to have pity on us or that would make Him want to save us, in our flesh is no good thing. And yet, unto the bride it was "granted" to dress in... the "righteousness of saints." In Scripture we learn that we in ourselves cannot be righteous, "there is none righteous no not one" (Romans 3:10-12). God is the only Righteous one. In Ephesians 6:14, we are told to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness. Where does this righteousness come from? We find the answer in Jeremiah 33:16 "...and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness." !

"He saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment; by which is meant, not good works, or a holy life and conversation, nor any particular grace of the Spirit, as faith, or charity, or humility, or repentance, or any other, nor the whole work of sanctification, nor the Holy Ghost, but the righteousness of Christ: for though good works are the outward conversation garments of believers, and these greatly become them and adorn the doctrine of Christ, yet they are imperfect, and have their spots, and need washing in the blood of Christ, and cannot in themselves recommend them to God; and though the Holy Spirit and his graces, his work of holiness upon the heart, make the saints all glorious within, yet not these, but the garment of Christ's righteousness, is their clothing of wrought gold, and raiment of needlework, in which they are brought into the king's presence: this, like a garment, is without them, and put upon them; and which covers and protects them, and beautifies and adorns them; and which may be called a wedding garment, because it is that, in which the elect of God were betrothed to Christ; in which they are made ready and prepared for him, as a bride adorned for her husband: and in which they will be introduced into his presence, and be by him presented, first to himself, and then to his Father, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. This man had not on this garment, this robe of righteousness; it was not imputed to him; he had no knowledge of it; or if he had any, it was only a speculative one; he had no true faith in it; he had never put on Christ, as the Lord his righteousness; he had got into a church state without it, though there is no entrance into the kingdom of heaven but by it." -Gill

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus. (Romans 3:20-26)

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippians 3:9)

We are to be clothed in the righteousness which is by faith in Jesus Christ. "For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something in which to boast; but not before God. For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:2-3) Jesus took our filthy garment of sin on Himself and gave us His glorious garment of righteousness. We can now come into the most holy place because the sacrifice has been made and we no longer are clothed in sin, but in righteousness. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

So, why did the man in the parable have no wedding garment? He had not been given one! He did not have the righteousness of Jesus covering him, and he was bound hand and foot and cast into hell. This is a great warning to us! This man fully expected to be a partaker in the wedding feast, he was like those in Matthew 7:22 who cried Lord Lord, have we not done all these wonderful things in your name? They were saying "we know you Jesus, we love you"! But what did He answer? "I never knew you: depart from me you who practice lawlessness (or, unrighteousness)."

What about you? Do you profess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but continue to live as though He is not? Jesus gave a very strong warning: "Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

Many will probably say, "but we are not saved by our works, only by faith in Jesus Christ!" This is very true. "For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; Whom he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I desire that you affirm constantly, that they who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:3-8)

If God has saved you, then you will be bearing fruit, you will be keeping His commandments. When you sin you will hate it and repent, turning away from it to God. Please, examine yourself. If there is little or no fruit in your life, fear! Fear God, and cry out to Him for mercy! Do not go on living without fruit and expect to go to Heaven. Jesus said, "Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Matthew 7:19)

Many do not understand how they can bear the good fruit of righteousness, they try and try to obey but more often than not, when temptations come they fall right into them. Are you like this? Do you find it hard to believe that those who are saved will bear good fruit?

The answer again is in the Bible: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) When God saves us, He creates within us a new person, we are not the same! If you are the same, then again, I say: fear! Fear God and cry out to Him for mercy!

Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are counterfeits? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Forgotten Blog?

2009-06-25T19:34:00.006-04:00

No, I did not forget I had a blog, though it may appear that way! We have just been far too busy with garden work over here, and finally it is all in...almost, there is a little more to do... oh well, if I think about it, gardening is never really done until winter comes in force, and even then we are often canning tomatoes into December. :-) I am very thankful to the Lord for good weather, we have had several days now that are in the 80s and that is great for the garden!

We celebrated Father's Day by planting potatoes together, Michael barbecued chicken and I baked a chocolate cake...Happy Father's Day Daddy!

My brother Michael turned twenty...Happy Birthday Michael! Wow, that is hard to believe!

I gave away the kitten I was keeping "Hope" because her temperament did not work for our family and I am now keeping a kitten who seems to fit much better into our family.

This is Jenny

We also received our meat bird chicks in the mail, or I should say my Mom's chicks since she does all the work with them, and it is a whole lot of work!

Here are some random pictures:

I love where we live!

Beautiful storm cloud

The Sunset illuminating that storm cloud.

My dog, Abby

Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise ye him all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created." Psalms 148:1-5

Spared from Destruction!

2009-06-08T11:36:00.008-04:00

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed for destruction. Proverbs 31:8

On October 28th last year, a little girl was appointed for destruction. Her mother had been lied to and believed her to only be a blob of tissue, yet this precious girl was fully formed and only needed time to grow. She never guessed that within a couple of hours her life would painfully be snuffed out. Yet God intervened. He sent my Mother and Lori, another Sidewalk Counselor to talk with Dana, to show her pictures, proving that her baby is a person. Dana changed her mind about getting an abortion and on May 21st gave birth to her little girl...

Taylor LeAnne

God has a purpose for this little one to be alive, we pray that He will use her to glorify His name. This was the first time our family has been able to hold a baby that God has directly used us to save, we are so thankful and we are praising God!

Two weeks later...Dana, her son Nolan, and Taylor

"He that goeth forth and weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126:6

Dana seems to be seeking the Lord, and we are praying for her salvation. Those of you who pray for us should know that you have a part in this as well. God is answering prayer!

My brother Michael also wrote about this Here.

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
(Proverbs 24:11-12)

(Pictures used with permission)

Busy time of Year!

2009-05-29T12:40:00.010-04:00

We are having a very busy time right now as planting season swings into full gear. This is also one of the most beautiful times of the year, so I wanted to share some pictures...

This is a part of our yard with three of our yet-to-be-planted garden beds. The yellow flowers are dandelions. I just love dandelions! Doesn't everyone?

This is another part of our yard

Ornamental Crab Apple Blossoms

Crab Apple Blossoms

My Mom weeding the needy strawberry patch

Michael and I were hired a couple of days this week to "pick rocks" from two separate fields. Here Michael drives the tractor a short way, hops down and we scour the ground looking for rocks that would be hazardous for haying equipment. Every year the deep frosts squeeze up more rocks, and the fields must be cleaned again.

My Dad went into our little wooded area to cut posts for a fence we are putting up around the gardens. Why do we need a fence? Because of deer? rabbits? cows? No, because of our chickens! Those pesky fowls lay wonderful eggs and we like them to free range, but they love to destroy gardens!

Here is my Grandma at a historical mansion in Duluth called Glensheen. She and Michael visited on the day they were giving free tours. We love being cheap! :)

Every year we place a half orange on this wire hanging in front of our picture window and every year the Baltimore Orioles come to feed. This year we have two nesting pairs on, or near our property. They drink the juice out of the orange, then use the fibers to build their nests which are hanging, woven baskets.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)

On Prayer

2009-05-24T19:46:00.003-04:00

My Mom posted something which I would like to share, it is short but excellent.

Keep the Altar of Private Prayer Burning

A Wedding in Illinois

2009-05-20T15:43:00.006-04:00

This weekend, Michael and I took a trip to Illinois to attend a wedding. We traveled the eight hours down on Friday, spent the night at my Aunt and Uncle's, visited with our brother Dan and sister-in-love Basia and their two boys on Saturday, going with them to the wedding. It was Basia's nieces wedding. Yvonne is Polish while the man she married, Juan, is Mexican. It made for an interesting wedding! They had some beautiful music and Yvonne walked down the isle to "Be Thou My Vision", it was so beautiful. Then we went the reception were Michael had been asked to play piano. He played for forty-five minutes and did an astounding job, over-coming the obstacle of a way-out of tune piano, people talking to him while he played, a little nephew "helping" him play and me getting distracted from turning pages for him. He did really well!

During the dinner they had a mariachi band come in and play Mexican music for a long time, it was nice though rather loud. We spent the night again at our Aunt and Uncle's place and returned home on Sunday. We had a nice visit with Dan and Basia and the boys and with our Aunt Charis who spoiled us terribly! :-)

Juan and Yvonne

Dan and Basia, Kristofer (almost 2) and Noah (7 months)

My two brothers!

Noah and I

Michael and Noah

Kristofer

Noah

On the trip home I came down with a bad headache, even Tylenol would not take it away, so Michael drove more than half of the trip. Finally he had to stop and pick up a mountain dew, he let me have some and shortly my headache was gone and I was able to drive again, amazing what caffeine can do! We are very thankful to the Lord for a good trip and for bringing us home safely!

This spring is so beautiful, we are really enjoying it! Today we have a whopping temperature of 88 degrees! Right now I am a little over-whelmed with all the things that need to be done for the garden, it always seems that there is such a short time span in which to squeeze tons of work. Each day must be taken individually and the priorities of that day accomplished. Otherwise, if I lump all the tasks together, they appear to be a mountain that will never be brought down and that is exactly what I tend to do! I have to tell myself to just take it a day at a time, plough through it, things will eventually get done.

God is so faithful, He is so kind and merciful to us! I was thinking about this on our way home from the trip, how He so lovingly answers prayer. Chicago driving can be very stressful and there are many places where you have to merge into traffic, through example my Mom taught me to pray and ask the Lord to make a good clearing while I am merging and God does show Himself faithful every time. The one time I forgot to ask, I had a very hard and a little bit harry time merging, it made me aware of God's faithfulness.

I am so thankful to the Lord that He hears our prayers, He is such a wonderfully kind Father! This makes me think of the work Jesus did on the cross for me, because without Him I would not be able to reach God with my prayers. Proverbs 28:9 "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." and Lamentations 3:44 "You have covered yourself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through." But now I can come boldly before the throne of grace, where I obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need, (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus has taken the wrath of God for me and opened up the way into the Holiest of Holies, Hebrews 10:14-22 "For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified. The Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after this he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." He has washed away all my sins and cast them into the depth of the deepest sea, I bear them no more, Micah 7:18-19 "Who is a God like unto you, who pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retains not his anger forever, because he delights in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Jesus Christ has reconciled me to God and that is why I can come boldly before the God and Creator of the universe! 2Corinthians 5:19 "...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation." Praise God!

My Mother

2009-05-13T11:33:00.018-04:00

My Mother, God's Jewel

My mother does not work "out there"

But in the home is her lair.

At night when others sleep at ease,

My mother is on her knees.

Others call her work slavery,

She calls it blessed and is rejoicing.

They call her deceived,

She responds that she is free!

No praise from this sin sick world she gets,

But her children rise up and call her blessed.

She may not be sung as mighty in the land,

But she has a Heavenly Father who is glad.

When she is singing in the kitchen,

God's name is glorified.

His daughter is fulfilling her role,

And He has made her His jewel.

Thank you Lord for my godly mother!

I love you Mamma!

An Update on Happenings Here

2009-05-13T11:33:00.012-04:00

I have been busy, busy, busy, with transplanting tomatoes and herbs and studying Spanish. The plants are going from their seedling soil-less mix to potting dirt and there are a lot that need to be transplanted. I have way too many tomato plants and herbs this year, so I hope to sell some at our local farmers market. I have begun to study Spanish in earnest and that is taking up most of my computer time, but I love it.
Here are some recent pictures, first in the "growing room":

In the foreground are cabbage seedlings.

Out side we have some things growing happily:

Garlic, planted in the fall.

Peas

Pepper Mint
and
Chocolate Mint
I love this stuff, it really tastes like chocolate mint!

Daffodils
and...

Kittens! This is Maria.

Mother's day was a fun day as we had my sister and her four children over. There were three mothers to celebrate! I decided to forget about being an adult for a while and played with the children...it is 1841 and we are pioneers out west, we have finally arrived at the place we wish to settle. There are no cars, planes, phones or computers. Sorry, no flame-throwers either! Oh no, lookout here come some Indians! Actually, we can't understand their language, if we want to trade with them we will have to make them understand by signs....you get the idea, we had fun. :-)

The three Mothers!

The three Stooges..oops, I mean Devin, Ashely and Brittany. :-)

and Matthew
in Grandpa's truck. He is taller than me now!

On Tuesday last week we were out at the abortion clinic bright and early as normal. It had been especially impressed upon us to make sure we share the gospel as we talk to the mothers, pleading for their babies lives. It is wonderful to open our mouths in praises to God as we stand on the streets. We sing hymns, read the Bible, pass out gospel tracts and pray, pray, pray, while we wait for the mothers to come. Spiritually, it is a lot of work! This Tuesday my Mom talked to one mother who said that she was "undecided" about getting the abortion. My Mom talked to her about her baby and told her that God has created her and He has created her baby. She asked this lady what she would say to God when she stands before Him to give an account of what she did to her own child. My Mom asked if she could pray for her, to the which she agreed and afterward gave my Mom a big hug and left the area. A little later we saw her drive away and she smiled and waved at us! We praise God for this life spared from the pains of death and pray that He will draw this dear lady to Himself for salvation.

As we were preparing to leave, a young mother and her mother came out of the building smiling and crying (this is always a good sign!). When asked if they had changed their mind, they said Yes! Praise God again! This young mother said that she was not sure what made her do it, but she asked to see her ultra-sound and changed her mind when she saw her baby. They were both so excited, the Grandma of the baby said, "he looks like me!" and "we're going to have a baby!" They were very happy to receive the gift of a diaper bag with baby things and a $100 gift certificate, (we try to give these gift to all those who tell us they have changed their mind). We also gave them a Bible and gospel tract and my Mom was able to share the gospel with them.

You should have seen us after all this happened, we were so excited and praising God! What a joyful time that was, but it was damped by the thought of the seven other mothers who did not come out.

Later on that same Tuesday we went to UMD to hold gospel signs and pass out gospel tracts. There were several good conversations that took place, we pray that God will turn the hearts of these young people to Himself. Steve brought his two daughters Amoriah (3) and Maylea (almost 2) and they helped pass out tracts as well. People enjoy taking tracts from these adorable little girls. Though we were saddened to see how many young women would harden their heart and turn away from that little out-stretched hand. This is most likely because they have had an abortion, since the statistics show 1 out of 3 woman in the US have had an abortion.

Here is part of the crew, my Mom is taking the picture and Josh was somewhere else.

Yesterday abortions were done again and there were thirteen mothers who went in. None said they changed their mind but one did leave early. One pedestrian passing by on the sidewalk began yelling at my Mom. She was very angry that we talk to the mothers who are going to kill their children, she kept saying "I see how things are, you are in your own little box and don't see what is happening." This made my Mom call to mind John 9:39-41, so she asked, "You say you see?" The lady answered "Yes, I see!" My Mom said, "So, you are blind." The lady soon left, but this was a sad reminder of the state many people are in. They believe themselves capable of sight and reason, but do not know that a veil of blindness is yet over their eyes and heart. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not justice: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

Today I am meditating on this scripture: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." 2 Corinthians 5:10-11

It hit me that here we are given a very good reason to share the gospel, the terror of the Lord! If we take verse ten seriously, than how much do we have to hate someone to not share the gospel with them?! (in the words of an atheist who said, if the gospel is true than that is what he would ask.) and yet so often I let opportunities slip by without a word. Oh Lord, teach me to have the terror of the Lord!

Music and God's Call to Holiness

2009-04-29T20:01:00.007-04:00

There is something that God has laid on my heart to write about for awhile and I keep putting it off because I do not want to write about it, but He is giving me no rest until I do. He has helped me to give every thing I have to Him and that includes this blog, so what He tells me to write, I need to write. The subject is music. The reason that I do not want to write about this subject is because many people have become very angry with us for speaking about it in the past. My Mom has taught me that when I get angry about something someone is teaching, there is a good possibility it is because I am in the wrong. So, I ask you, please read this prayerfully and if you become angry about what is being said, please consider why and from where that anger is coming from. I do not claim to have all the answers, but God has opened my eyes to a great deception that is taking place, even among His own.

We find that in the Bible music plays an important role, primarily in worship. God is well pleased when we praise Him, as can be seen by the many times we are admonished to sing unto the Lord. David the King particularly loved music and appointed Levites to minister at the tabernacle with singing and many instruments are mentioned with which he and the people praised the Lord. We have the Psalms to show us what type of lyrics they were using, many were written by David and many "To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah" the family set over the Levitical worship. So we have a pattern for lyrics, we know they played instruments and we know that we are to be praising the Lord in song, BUT, what kind of music did they use? Of course there are no recordings from that time, but the Bible does give us some hints, which combined with a study of the nature of music should shed some light on the subject.

There were many heathen nations that God had the Israelites conquer, but He had very strict guidelines for when they did conquer a nation. They were told to destroy those nations and were warned not to do the abominations that those nations did or they would also be destroyed. (Example: Exodus 34:10-17) Those nations worshiped false gods of wood and stone, gold and silver. Music was very important to them as well, in the worship of their false gods. Later when Israel was brought into captivity in Babylon (because they did not obey the law of the Lord and did not destroy all the nations around them, but rather married into them and took part in their abominations) Nebuchadnezzar used the music made by various instruments to call the people to worship the idol that he had set up.

There are several directions for singing in the New Testament:

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (James 5:13) Here we find a directive for what kind of lyrics we should be using. What we sing is very important.

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:3-4) Even in Heaven we will continue to sing the songs that are recorded in the Scriptures!

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16) In these two verses we have clear parameters for the type of music we should be using; Psalms- we know what that is! Hymns-a short poem or ode to honor God. Spiritual Songs- We will look at the Strong's Concordance:

"Spiritual"

From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious: - spiritual. Compare G5591.

Note: non-carnal---not of the flesh---as Carnal is:

1.	pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual: carnal pleasures.

2.	not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly: a man of secular, rather carnal, leanings.

Singing and making melody in your heart- Read what Albert Barnes says:

Singing - ᾄδοντες adontes. The prevailing character of music in the worship of God should be vocal. If instruments are employed, they should be so subordinate that the service may be characterized as singing.

And making melody - "Melody" is an agreeable succession of sounds; a succession so regulated and modulated as to please the ear. It differs from "harmony," inasmuch as melody is an agreeable succession of sounds by a single voice; harmony consists in the accordance of different sounds. It is not certain, however, that the apostle here had reference to what is properly called "melody." The word which he uses - ψάλλω psallō - means to touch, twitch, pluck - as the hair, the beard; and then to twitch a string - to "twang" it - as the string of a bow, and then the string of an instrument of music. It is most frequently used in the sense of touching or playing a lyre, or a harp; and then it denotes to make music in general, to sing - perhaps usually with the idea of being accompanied with a lyre or harp. It is used, in the New Testament, only in Rom_5:19; 1Co_14:15, where it is translated "sing;" in Jam_5:13, where it is rendered "sing psalms," and in the place before us. The idea here is, that of singing in the heart, or praising God from the heart. The psalms, and hymns, and songs were to be sung so that the heart should be engaged, and not so as to be mere music, or a mere external performance. On the phrase "in the heart," see the notes on 1Co_14:15.

and

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ - The doctrine of Christ.

Dwell in you richly in all wisdom - Abundantly, producing the spirit of true wisdom. That doctrine is adapted to make you wise. The meaning is, that they were to lay up the doctrines of the gospel in their hearts, to meditate upon them; to allow them to be their guide, and to endearor wisely to improve them to the best purpose.

Teaching and admonishing ... - See this explained in the notes at Eph_5:19-20. The only additional thought here is, that their psalms and hymns were to be regarded as a method of "teaching" and "admonishing;" that is, they were to be imbued with truth, and to be such as to elevate the mind, and withdraw it from error and sin. Dr. Johnson once said, that if he were allowed to make the ballads of a nation, he cared not who made the laws. It is true in a more important sense that he who is permitted to make the hymns of a church, need care little who preaches, or who makes the creed. He will more effectually mould the sentiments of a church than they who preach or make creeds and confessions. Hence, it is indispensable, in order to the preservation of the truth, that the sacred songs of a church should be imbued with sound evangelical sentiment.

Obviously there is something very important about music and if we are told to sing Spiritual songs, there must also be carnal songs of the world; but, does this apply only to lyrics or is there something in the actual music that is spiritual or carnal?

This is what we need to look into.

There are many who have done research on the topic, so I will now link to some excellent articles. What I am writing will not make sense unless you read these article, so please take the time to read them.

Here you are, in order:

The Moral Power of Music http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0221.html (This is a Catholic Priest's writing, but I found it very good for historical references)

What is Rock Music? http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/8936/MUSIC_C.HTM

http://www.logosresourcepages.org/Music/rock.htm by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul” -Plato

“Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young.” -Aristotle

We are called to holiness, even in our singing and music;

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light. Therefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:11-17)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he who has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conduct; Because it is written, You will be holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16)

From Matthew Henry's Commentary:

1Peter1: 13-19

"Here the apostle begins his exhortations to those whose glorious state he had before described, thereby instructing us that Christianity is a doctrine according to godliness, designed to make us not only wiser, but better.

I. He exhorts them to sobriety and holiness.

1. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, etc., 1Pe_1:13. As if he had said, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the labourer, gather in, and gird up, their long and loose garments, that they may be more ready, prompt, and expeditious in their business, so do you by your minds, your inner man, and affections seated there: gird them, gather them in, let them not hang loose and neglected about you; restrain their extravagances, and let the loins or strength and vigour of your minds be exerted in your duty; disengage yourselves from all that would hinder you, and go on resolutely in your obedience. Be sober, be vigilant against all your spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate and modest in eating, drinking, apparel, recreation, business, and in the whole of your behaviour. Be sober-mined also in opinion, as well as in practice, and humble in your judgment of yourselves." And hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Some refer this to the last judgment, as if the apostle directed their hope to the final revelation of Jesus Christ; but it seems more natural to take it, as it might be rendered, "Hope perfectly, or thoroughly, for the grace that is brought to you in or by the revelation of Jesus Christ; that is, by the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light. Hope perfectly, trust without doubting to that grace which is now offered to you by the gospel." Learn, (1.) The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind; the apostle's first direction is to gird up the loins of the mind. (2.) The best Christians have need to be exhorted to sobriety. These excellent Christians are put in mind of it; it is required of a bishop (1Ti_3:2), of aged men (Tit_2:2), the young women are to be taught it, and the young men are directed to be sober-minded, Tit_2:4, Tit_2:6. (3.) A Christian's work is not over as soon as he has got into a state of grace; he must still hope and strive for more grace. When he has entered the strait gate, he must still walk in the narrow way, and gird up the loins of his mind for that purpose. (4.) A strong and perfect trust in God's grace is very consistent with our best endeavours in our duty; we must hope perfectly, and yet gird up our loins, and address ourselves vigorously to the work we have to do, encouraging ourselves from the grace of Jesus Christ.

2. As obedient children, etc., 1Pe_1:14. These words may be taken as a rule of holy living, which is both positive - "You ought to live as obedient children, as those whom God hath adopted into his family, and regenerated by his grace;" and negative - "You must not fashion yourselves according to the former lusts, in your ignorance." Or the words may be taken as an argument to press them to holiness from the consideration of what they now are, children of obedience, and what they were when they lived in lust and ignorance. Learn, (1.) The children of God ought to prove themselves to be such by their obedience to God, by their present, constant, universal obedience. (2.) The best of God's children have had their times of lust and ignorance; the time has been when the whole scheme of their lives, their way and fashion, was to accommodate and gratify their unlawful desires and vicious appetites, being grossly ignorant of God and themselves, of Christ and the gospel. (3.) Persons, when converted, differ exceedingly from what they were formerly. They are people of another fashion and manner from what they were before; their inward frame, behaviour, speech, and conversation, are much altered from what they were in times past. (4.) The lusts and extravagances of sinners are both the fruits and the signs of their ignorance.

3. But as he who hath called you, etc., 1Pe_1:15, 1Pe_1:16. Here is a noble rule enforced by strong arguments: Be you holy in all manner of conversation. Who is sufficient for this? And yet it is required in strong terms, and enforced by three reasons, taken from the grace of God in calling us, - from his command, it is written, - and from his example. Be you holy, for I am holy. Learn, (1.) The grace of God in calling a sinner is a powerful engagement to holiness. It is a great favour to be called effectually by divine grace out of a state of sin and misery into the possession of all the blessings of the new covenant; and great favours are strong obligations; they enable as well as oblige to be holy. (2.) Complete holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. Here is a two-fold rule of holiness: [1.] It must, for the extent of it, be universal. We must be holy, and be so in all manner of conversation; in all civil and religious affairs, in every condition, prosperous or reverse; towards all people, friends and enemies; in all our intercourse and business still we must be holy. [2.] For the pattern of it. We must be holy, as God is holy: we must imitate him, though we can never equal him. He is perfectly, unchangeably, and eternally holy; and we should aspire after such a state. The consideration of the holiness of God should oblige as to the highest degree of holiness we can attain unto. (3.) The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way. (4.) The Old Testament commands are to be studied and obeyed in the times of the New Testament; the apostle, by virtue of a command delivered several times by Moses, requires holiness in all Christians.

4. If you call on the Father, etc., 1Pe_1:17. The apostle does not there express any doubt at all whether these Christians would call upon their heavenly Father, but supposes they would certainly do it, and from this argues with them to pass the time of their sojourning here in fear: "If you own the great God as a Father and a Judge, you ought to live the time of your sojourning here in his fear." Learn, (1.) All good Christians look upon themselves in this world as pilgrims and strangers, as strangers in a distant country, passing to another, to which they properly belong, Psa_39:12; Heb_11:13. (2.) The whole time of our sojourning here is to be passed in the fear of God. (3.) The consideration of God as a Judge is not improper for those who can truly call him Father. Holy confidence in God as a Father, an awful fear of him as a Judge, are very consistent; to regard God as a Judge is a singular means to endear him to us as a Father. (4.) The judgment of God will be without respect of persons: According to every man's work. No external relation to him will protect any; the Jew may call God Father and Abraham father, but God will not respect persons, nor favour their cause, from personal considerations, but judge them according to their work. The works of men will in the great day discover their persons; God will make all the world to know who are his by their works. We are obliged to faith, holiness, and obedience, and our works will be an evidence whether we have complied with our obligations or not.

5. The apostle having extorted them to pass the time of their sojourning in the fear of God from this consideration, that they called on the Father, he adds (1Pe_1:18) a second argument: Because or forasmuch as you were not redeemed with corruptible things, etc. Herein he puts them in mind, (1.) That they were redeemed, or bought back again, by a ransom paid to the Father. (2.) What the price paid for their redemption was: Not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. (3.) From what they were redeemed: From a vain conversation received by tradition. (4.) They knew this: Forasmuch as you know, and cannot pretend ignorance of this great affair. Learn, [1.] The consideration of our redemption ought to be a constant and powerful inducement to holiness, and the fear of God. [2.] God expects that a Christian should live answerably to what he knows, and therefore we have great need to be put in mind of what we already know, Psa_39:4. [3.] Neither silver nor gold, nor any of the corruptible things of this world, can redeem so much as one soul. They are often snares, temptations, and hindrances to man's salvation, but they can by no means purchase or procure it; they are corruptible, and therefore cannot redeem an incorruptible and immortal soul. [4.] The blood of Jesus Christ is the only price of man's redemption. The redemption of man is real, not metaphorical. We are bought with a price, and the price is equal to the purchase, for it is the precious blood of Christ; it is the blood of an innocent person, a lamb without blemish and without spot, whom the paschal lamb represented, and of an infinite person, being the Son of God, and therefore it is called the blood of God, Act_20:28. [5.] The design of Christ in shedding his most precious blood was to redeem us, not only from eternal misery hereafter, but from a vain conversation in this world. That conversation is vain which is empty, frivolous, trifling, and unserviceable to the honour of God, the credit of religion, the conviction of unbelievers, and the comfort and satisfaction of a man's own conscience. Not only the open wickedness, but the vanity and unprofitableness of our conversation are highly dangerous. [6.] A man's conversation may carry an appearance of devotion, and may plead antiquity, custom, and tradition, in its defence, and yet after all be a most vain conversation. The Jews had a deal to say from these heads, for all their formalities; and yet their conversation was so vain that only the blood of Christ could redeem them from it. Antiquity is no certain rule of verity, nor is it a wise resolution, "I will live and die in such a way, because my forefathers did so.'"

From Alberte Barnes Commentary:

1Pe 1:16

"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy - Lev_11:44. This command was addressed at first to the Israelites, but it is with equal propriety addressed to Christians, as the professed people of God. The foundation of the command is, that they professed to be his people, and that as his people they ought to be like their God. Compare Mic_4:5. It is a great truth, that people everywhere will imitate the God whom they worship. They will form their character in accordance with his. They will regard what he does as right. They will attempt to rise no higher in virtue than the God whom they adore, and they will practice freely what he is supposed to do or approve. Hence, by knowing what are the characteristics of the gods which are worshipped by any people, we may form a correct estimate of the character of the people themselves; and, hence, as the God who is the object of the Christian’s worship is perfectly holy, the character of His worshipers should also be holy. And hence, also, we may see that the tendency of true religion is to make people pure. As the worship of the impure gods of the pagan moulds the character of the worshippers into their image, so the worship of Yahweh moulds the character of His professed friends into His image, and they become like him."

So if it is true that there is Carnal and there is Spiritual music as shown in the above articles and we as followers of Christ are called to holiness, then what should we do?

Let me share with you how God brought this music issue to my family's attention and how He changed us.

When my brother Michael and I were very young (until we were 4 and 5 years old) my Mom would often have CCM playing in the house through out the day. She was seeking the Lord daily, yet felt as if her prayers were "blocked" in some way, she did not understand why, but kept on praying. Even though our home was saturated with the things of God, my brother and I would always quarrel and often have bad attitudes.

One day, our church invited a man named Dr. Don Nelson to speak. He spoke on music and shared many of the things that are in the above articles. At first my Mom thought that what he said was ridiculous, how could some music be spiritual and others carnal? She decided to do a test.... one week without listening to any CCM. She turned it off...and was shocked to find that she "needed it", she was hard pressed not to turn it back on. She was very alarmed at this and began to take notice that Michael and I stopped quarreling and began having sweet attitudes. Also, she found that now her prayers were no longer "blocked", but she was able to sweetly communicate with our Heavenly Father. From then on we have not listened to that type of music.

At this link you will find some excellent guidelines for godly music: http://www.harbourlightradio.org/music.htm After reading this (it is pretty short) click on "Discussion" (which is long, but well worth the read, i.e. REALLY good!) or go Here: http://www.harbourlightradio.org/discussion.htm

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

After an impromptu blog break I say,

2009-04-27T14:55:00.009-04:00

"It has been too long since I have posted here!"

The sun is streaming through my window and there are now tiny leaflets on some of the trees, the grass is up enough to make the ground green and birds are everywhere and a few bugs are out. On the warmer nights I enjoy hearing the chorus of the Spring Peepers and the song of the American Woodcocks. We had our first T-storm of the year go by with thunder and lightning, I was jumping up and down I was so excited! I do so love spring!

We planted some cold weather crops in the garden and they are slowly coming up...spinach, radishes, peas and soon carrots. Last falls planting of garlic is growing strong and the strawberry plants look good. In my "growing room" there are tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli and several different herbs, growing under lights. How kind our Heavenly Father is to give us such good things, to show forth His glory in little things!

All this new life around us, makes me think of the new life God gives to those whom He saves. He said, if anyone be in Christ, they are new creature, old things are passed away and all things are become new. (2Cor. 5:17) This is so true! The sin which we once loved becomes the thing we hate and the righteous things that we once hated, become the things we love. This is the work of God, no one can make this happen of their own accord. God creates within us a clean heart and a love for Him! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for His atoning sacrifice and triumph over death!

I finally finished crocheting the gift which I had hoped to give my friends at the birth of their son...he is now four months old. Oh well, at least it wasn't infant clothes!

It was such fun to make this and pray for little Jesaias.
(The pillow is just for contrast.)

Here we are when he was a bit younger.

And more recently. You can see that he is growing fast!

My Dad and I built a compost bin together, he cut the boards and pounded the stakes and I nailed it together. We needed it! Behind me in the picture, you can see the pile which served as a compost pile in the past.

It's not beautiful and is crooked (my fault!), but it is serviceable.

My cat Joyce had five kittens, they are so much fun!

Four weeks old.

And for those of you who are curious....here is a picture of a Spring Peeper!

Tiny little things, but they sure can make a lot of noise!

And here is an American Woodcock!

I think these are about the cutest birds I have ever seen! In the evening the males fly very high, fanning their tails in such a way that it makes an ascending sound like...woowoowoowoowoo.

(Neither of these last two pictures are mine.)

For the Wanderer

2009-04-18T13:47:00.003-04:00

Thou who makest intercession,
Give to us to share
In that holy intercession;
Deepen prayer.

Some have chosen dust and ashes,
Fruit of poison tree;
Let them have nor peace nor pleasure,
Wanting Thee.

Let Thy fiery Law arrest them;
Let Thy love constrain,
Till they turn, repentant, humbly,
Home again.

Keep Thine own alert, courageous;
Strengthen them to stand
Till Thou comest, or we meet them,
In Thy land.
-Amy Carmichael

Birthday

2009-04-16T17:12:00.004-04:00

It is my twenty-first birthday today, it's kind of scary getting so old. :-)

My dear family gave me some beautiful gifts:

I love to collect books for my future children to read. Except for the red one whose title you cannot see, these are all books that I have read and loved as a child, the hidden one is "Jack Archer" by G.A. Henty. I LOVE the rolling pin, it is an older one, which makes me very happy!

Close up of the watch.

My meditation today:

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)

As I read these verses today, the question arose, why does experience give us hope? I think is because, through experience we learn to trust the faithfulness of God. When we go through hard things and He proves Himself faithful, we now know through experience what before was only head knowledge. We then have hope for the future, that He who has called us is faithful and will keep our whole spirit, soul and body preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Thes. 5:23-24)

From Pilgrims Progress: Christiana... "Our only fear for the future, is that we will forget how God hath led us in the past."