tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60149293968167585252024-03-12T16:42:31.354-07:00Harpers: The Colorado AdventureThe pitfalls and pleasures of a journey into ministryCarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-66937739927052172352012-07-14T21:07:00.001-07:002012-07-14T21:07:17.224-07:00A Tribute<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I have been thinking about how to express my feelings about this incredible couple for weeks. As I sit here I am concerned that I will not properly convey what I think about them and their ministry...and what a blessing they have been for us.</div>
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Last year in May we graduated Charis Bible College and thought the natural progression of things is that we would move back to Nashville. However, there was a nagging lack of peace about this decision. After a strong Word from Andrew Wommack that confirmed what we were feeling, we knew we were supposed to stay. We also knew part of that Word was to come under Dan and Penny Funkhouser at Heartbeat Ministries International Church. </div>
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It was in the Fall of 2011 when we began our Treasure Hunt Sunday School class with Dan's prompting. You see, we had read the book "The Ultimate Treasure Hunt" and had a heart for prophetic evangelism, but we had no experience. We were WAY out of our comfort zone. But Dan told us to go ahead and start it. So, with MUCH reluctance and fear of looking like idiots, we started the class. </div>
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Josh did go over a chapter of the book each week for about 10 minutes, but we wanted the class to be more about fellowship and learning to hear God's voice and becoming confident that you <u><i>can</i></u> hear Him. We did this mainly by hanging out with each other and doing prophetic exercises. Josh and I have led several bible studies through the years, and I remember the phone calls, emails and various other reminders to get people to come. But with this class we never really told anyone about it and pretty soon, we had to move to a bigger classroom to accommodate all the people! Josh and I in NO WAY take credit for any of the success of the class. It was a class led by the Holy Spirit. And it was the most amazing ministry I have ever experienced. </div>
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Dan and Penny Funkhouser have a ministry I would not wish upon myself. They welcome countless students from CBC into their congregation, only to see them graduate and leave to start ministries or churches of their own. The amazing thing is they not only embrace this incredible calling, but they thrive in it. They openly pray, support and send out people into the local communities with no jealousy or concern about it taking people from their own congregation. </div>
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They run their church with open hands, meeting the needs of the people all around them. They bring single moms up to the platform in the church and let the congregation shower them with monetary blessing. They bring in missionaries that the church monthly supports to speak about their ministries. They encourage people to give, not only to the needs of the church, but to God's Kingdom all around us.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I see myself when I get to heaven seeking them out. Bringing my family
and friends to them and saying, <i>"This is them! This is the couple I
told you about!"</i> And I have a feeling I won't be the only one...</span></div>
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Josh
and I will forever be thankful for Dan and Penny. I believe for the
rest of our lives we will look back on this last year and know...this is
where our ministry started.</div>
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<br /></div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-5202083956419631662012-04-28T08:12:00.000-07:002012-04-28T08:12:01.188-07:00Gleanings from a Worship Conference<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I was able to attend the Better Way to Worship conference at Charis Bible College the last few days. It was a great time of reflection, revelation from the Holy Spirit and inspiration for the future. These are the main things I learned about worship, people and myself.</div>
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1) I cry alot when I feel the Spirit. WAY more than what makes me comfortable.</div>
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2) I love to watch genuine people dance before the Lord. Although most of these people seem to be over the age of 45. This tells me that people younger (me being in this age group) take ourselves too seriously to relax and look stupid in front of other people. I am trying to get there. I dance with Jesus alone, why can't I do this in public?</div>
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3) Music was created before the human race.</div>
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4) Music is powerful in both melody and lyrics. I already knew this, but the songs I heard this week really reminded me of their power.</div>
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5) Lyrics are so important. You can teach theology through lyrics of worship songs. The correct theology should always be centered around God's goodness, mercy, love and Jesus power, authority and source of life.</div>
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6) Worship Songs that are modern are not more spiritual than old songs. Although I am not a huge fan of old Pentecostal songs or many hymns, I appreciate that it is the message and heart behind the song and not the style.</div>
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7) It was scary how many people couldn't clap in time with the music at a worship conference. :)</div>
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8) I must learn Music Theory (the only class I completely flunked out of- seriously we are talking 45% I just could wrap my brain around it in college). But was introduced to a software program that will teach you like an interactive college course. This will not only help me play and sing better, but write better music.</div>
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9) AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!! When Jesus returns and we are in eternity with the Lord, there will be no need for Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, and Evangelists...but worship will remain. Forever.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10) The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. When you are writing a song with the Holy Spirit you are pulling a song out of heaven one piece at a time (like a puzzle) and you are trying to figure out how the pieces go together. Don't throw any pieces away just because you don't know where it fits yet.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-37855934488287578032012-04-22T09:28:00.001-07:002012-04-22T09:28:53.424-07:00Holding Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="hw">holding pattern</span></div>
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<i>n.</i></div>
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<b>1. </b> A usually circular pattern flown by aircraft awaiting clearance to land at an airport.</div>
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<b>2. </b> <i>Informal</i> A state of waiting or delay.</div>
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<span class="illustration">Several things probably come to your mind when you think of a "holding pattern." Most of which is likely to be: babies screaming, close quarters, and starving with only peanuts to eat. I too have experienced this seemingly unending process. Not only in the natural, but in the supernatural as well.</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">Last summer we took a trip to Nashville to visit our family and friends. On our flight out East there was a very powerful storm hitting the Nashville area at the same time we were going to land. Among the moans of disbelief and frustration from the passengers (myself included) the pilot announced that we would be landing in Arkansas for 45 minutes, then would head back to Nashville when the storm had passed. After already being on the plane for 4 1/2 hours (in the seat between both of my children), I felt I would rather take my chances with the lightning.</span></div>
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<span class="illustration"><br />But to Arkansas we went, and we sat...and we sat, then took off...and sat...until 4 hours after our original landing time, we finally arrived in Nashville. By the time we all crawled into bed it was after 3am. We were completely wiped out, frustrated, and ready to give up on air travel all together.</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">It wasn't until very recently that the Lord revealed to me the parallels in our spiritual journey to this last trip out East...</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">Last year, at the end of March we were seeking the Lord on what we should do next. We were getting ready to graduate from CBC and the natural progression of things just seemed like we would move. Strike out on our new ministry adventure!!</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">But wait...a powerful Word, confirming the lack of peace we had about leaving. We were almost able to hear the brakes squealing on our plans...</span></div>
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<span class="illustration">And then there was the waiting...and waiting...wondering if we had done the right thing. </span></div>
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<span class="illustration">And then, 6 months after the decision to stay, something wonderful happened. The greatest bible study/ministry/group Josh and I have ever led dropped into our laps by the Holy Spirit. In fact, Josh and I had very little to do with it, and because of that~ it was AWESOME! And now we have the blessing of knowing why we stayed. Why we were in a holding pattern by the Holy Spirit. He was waiting for something...perhaps he was waiting on us, perhaps he was protecting us from an eminent "storm" or perhaps it was a little of both.</span></div>
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<span class="illustration"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So if you feel you are in a "holding pattern" don't begrudge the process...pop open another coke, choke down another bag of peanuts, sit back and enjoy the ride. It may just be EXACTLY what you need.</span></span></div>
</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-45208909007001655322012-03-18T20:21:00.000-07:002012-03-18T20:21:56.946-07:00The Supers<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Culture is, and has been for many years, enamored with super powers. We watch movies about people from other planets that can fly, have incredible strength or can shoot lasers out of their eyes. Or lets make it more realistic...we pay billions of dollars each year buying football tickets, basketball jerseys and seat covers for our cars to give homage to the "super heroes" in the sports field.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Last summer I remember heading to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a favorite family past time that we enjoy several times a year. Every time we take the trip it is a slow, relaxing pace up the mountain. Usually the only traffic we encounter are deer passing by on the back roads. But there was something different last July. There were flashing signs, people in orange vests directing traffic, and detours around The Broadmoor Hotel. We finally realized that the 2011 US Women's Open was being held at the hotel's beautiful golf course. A normally quiet area was buzzing with activity and excitement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This got me thinking...why do we pay money to watch people play a sport? Because they are good at it. REALLY good at it. WAY better then we ourselves are or ever could be. Have you ever paid to watch someone clean a toilet? No. I am going to bet you haven't. And why? Because it is no big deal. Everyone can do it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So lets now bring this to the spiritual arena. Why do we wait in line, maybe even pay to see a man heal people? Why was Kathryn Kuhlman's meetings packed? Why do people go to see Benny Hinn, Oral Roberts, Kenneth Copeland or Kenneth Hagin? ...Because these are the spiritual super heroes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please don't misunderstand me, I am not mocking what these great men and women of God have done and are doing. (And praise God they are doing it!) My simple point is that we believe we have no ability to do signs and wonders. Or we wouldn't be so amazed or content to just watch. Again, don't misunderstand me, I very much enjoy going to a powerful meeting with manifestations that can only be explained as performed by Jesus through the hands of people.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But, I am just now truly believing that I can do this too. That Jesus desires I allow Him to manifest miracles through <i>me</i>. That this isn't just for the few and chosen. But for me. And not just me. But for you too. And maybe...just maybe we can be super heroes together.</span></span><br />
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<tr id="Jhn_14_12_1011012"><td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="nowrap"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&t=NASB#comm/12"> </a></span></span></td>
<td class="td_bible_text" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater <em>works</em> than these he will do; because I go to the Father." John 14:12</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-33117690173690016932012-02-26T14:56:00.000-08:002012-03-18T20:27:22.624-07:00Insecurity: Part 2 <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I am not sure if it is just me, but it seems many times in my life I find myself swinging from one extreme to another. Almost like I notice that something in my life needs to be corrected, but in an effort to fix it, I swing to the opposite extreme, and once again find myself in error. </span><br />
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Please tell me it isn't just me.</div>
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I see this in my mind like a swinging pendulum (with security and insecurity on opposite sides). What is most frustrating is this is an area of my life I have felt
healed and set free from, just to find I only had half the answer. </div>
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Now that I have graduated from Bible college, have studied and have lived (and survived!) a God adventure, I have plenty to say and do. I can lead bible studies with my eyes closed, lead worship without even blinking, and have so much I want to encourage others with. I think to myself, THIS is security. But wait. They didn't call on me. They didn't ask my opinion. They didn't ask for my deep and meaningful revelation. How dare they. And there it is again. Insecurity. So masked this time that I thought it was security. Sneaky.</div>
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</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-54654790497501849652012-02-26T14:35:00.000-08:002012-02-26T14:35:13.478-08:00Insecurity: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I tried...I really tried to get this into one blog. Shorten it. Couldn't do it. So sorry. I understand that it can be a commitment to read an entire blog. But I sincerely write these 2 blogs with the desire to encourage those going through the same struggles I have. </div>
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Let me go back about...5 years. I was a struggling new mom, money
was tight and I went to a ladies/mom meeting hoping for some
encouragement and new friends. I was by far the least stylish woman in
the room. My clothes were old, I still had baby weight, and my new son
had a stained bib. I remember feeling like I wanted to disappear. Not
that I was shunned by ANYONE because of my appearance. In fact I was
treated warmly. But it didn't matter. The way I felt inside they might
as well spit in my face. The point was it had NOTHING to do with
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I found myself jealous,
embarrassed and even had moments of contempt. I wanted to sing better,
speak better, be a better Christian, look better, and have better looking children than every women
in that room. Of course, I was equally petrified that I <u><i>would</i></u>
be asked to sing, speak or the like, since I didn't feel I had ANYTHING
of significance to say. This was the day the Lord started me on a
journey from insecurity. </div>
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The first thing I began to
notice is that even the most put together women I knew seem to be
struggling with the same insecurities I was. This blew my mind. This
showed me that it really had nothing to do with your outer appearance,
but more to do with how you perceive yourself. Which lead me to the
second profound revelation: Who/What is telling you who you are? Have
you, like myself, let so many others tell you who you are? {Maybe even
including yourself} Have you for years been explaining to the Lord why
you CAN'T do certain things. I remember hearing the Lord say to my
spirit, "When are you going to stop telling me what you are capable of,
and start letting Me tell you what I made you for?" wow.</div>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The
Grace message also played a heavy part in setting me free from
insecurity. The simple fact that the Love and favor I could experience
from God had absolutely, positively nothing(!) to do with what a mess I
am. What a blessing!!</div>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
So over the next 3 years, I
radically changed. The Lord help me to see what He made me for, and I
was no longer in competition with the women around me. I knew who I
was, and was comfortable in that. Praise God! However, I thought the chapter
"Insecurity" was closed. No. such. luck.</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-40740349469040442162011-07-25T19:48:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:48:13.201-07:00What goes up must come down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWj6fhLOQZm2VsAgkCH8H8eZhazI2kEmJ7I1xzbMJBtub5qnxmT-o-ke8m_dZC8SUVGn0khWq8fsxahpDPI-LnH9ZjIWzXdru3eYQZr9rfDlOxQ-UMdK7wN8JMIDIo-9fWm1urJxRX_o/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWj6fhLOQZm2VsAgkCH8H8eZhazI2kEmJ7I1xzbMJBtub5qnxmT-o-ke8m_dZC8SUVGn0khWq8fsxahpDPI-LnH9ZjIWzXdru3eYQZr9rfDlOxQ-UMdK7wN8JMIDIo-9fWm1urJxRX_o/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My boys love cartoons. And I admit I am fond of them also. Always have been. Although my sons enjoy new stuff, their favorites remain the Bugs Bunny/ Wile E Coyote/Tom and Jerry era. As an adult watching them you realize the same old gags are being used over and over. My favorite: the infamous running off a cliff and not falling until you realize you have run off a cliff. They just hang there, moving their legs slower and slower. Then looking down; cut to shot of the bottom of a ravine. Then they look into the audience and if you are Wile E Coyote hold up a "HELP"sign before plummeting down at incredible speed. Last shot is a small poof of cloud to know the character has landed. Fade to black. Character is fine in the next scene, and right back at it. Classic. But this got me thinking...why can't life really be like that? Why can't we be free of the implications of natural Laws until we have knowledge of them? Furthermore, why can't we be free of the implications of Spiritual Laws until we have knowledge of them? More specifically, healing.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am aware this is a highly controversial issue among Believers. The most common questions: Does God heal? When does God heal? Who does He heal? And perhaps the most important, How does He heal? This last question is the one I want to focus on.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I do not pretend to be a theologian, I will leave that to greater minds. But what I am interested in is helping people. And in order to help people, I must come to an understanding myself. I also do not claim to have all the answers. I only know what I have studied, witnessed and learned in my own experiences and through the teachings of others. Although this is a highly complex subject, I hope I can lay it out in the simplest terms. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please stay with me as I digress.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Scripture is laid into 2 main Covenants that God had/has with mankind. The First Covenant was "The Law" (referring to the Ten Commandments and the ministry of Moses). This Covenant was based on fear of retribution for sinning against the Law. And even though God's mercy and long-suffering showed itself strong throughout this Covenant, it was highly based on fear. Then Jesus. Beautiful Jesus ushered us into a new and MUCH better Covenant with God the Father. This Second Covenant is based on Jesus. His life, death and resurrection. Based on<b> love</b>. Which is an infinitely better motivator than fear.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the First Covenant God told His people through disobedience of the Law they would bring a curse upon themselves. <span style="font-size: large;"><i> "But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statues with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you." Deuteronomy 28:15 </i></span> These curses include (but not limited to) boils, tumors, scab and the itch, madness, and blindness. It is a long and frighting list. But the fact remains, these curses came upon God's people. But wait...DO NOT despair! We haven't brought Jesus into this yet....</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus brings us into the Second Covenant with The Father. And not only does Jesus ensure that we receive the blessings written in Deuteronomy 28 (oh, yes...GREAT blessings) through our faith in Him, but we are no longer under the curses. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us- for it is written, 'CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE.'" Galatians 3:13</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God can never go back on His Word. In scripture it says that the very fabric of existence would crumble if He were to do so. Instead He perfectly, lovingly and (might I add) brilliantly finds a way through it. He does not take away the curses, just gives us a Way out of them. Jesus.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Whew...still with me? I don't mean to be wordy, I just needed a base to start with so I can take you where I want to... the question of: <u>How</u> does God heal?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I believe our world is made up of natural Laws. Such as gravity. And in the same respect, Spiritual Laws. I am not referring to The 10 Commandments, but to laws on how faith works. And how healing works. I believe these laws are fulfilled in a dangerous, deceitful, and mysterious place. Our hearts. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is clear in the parable of the sower and the different types of soil Jesus teaches on in Mark 4. And although healing is something Jesus has made a way for us to receive. It is up to us to receive it. And how do we receive, how do we pray for others to receive? By allowing our hearts to be "good soil" so that when "seeds" of belief for healing are planted, they take root and grow.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And let me make one thing very clear, so that you cannot be deceived. I do not under any circumstance feel that we should be condemned when we don't see healing manifest, in our own bodies or in those we pray for. We are, all of us, harvesting different and varying maturity on the "crops" of our hearts. This is a process. This takes time. For some it takes little time, others it may take years. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, I think you maybe wondering where the cartoon fit into all of this. Here we go. It is unfortunate that natural Laws have power over us even if we are ignorant to them. If a baby who has never learned about gravity falls off of a chair, she still falls. Its not like a cartoon. And if a person has a tumor, and does not know of the power and authority through Jesus Christ they received when they were born again, they can still die. I wish that ignorance was a "get out of sickness free card." But that is not how our world works. That is not how faith works. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With the hope we have in Jesus and eternity with the Father, death is not the worst outcome to sickness. However, in the realm, or through the "crop" of our Hearts we can see the supernatural manifest.</span> Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-42218941428108146882011-07-17T15:59:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:59:12.208-07:00The Happiest Place on EarthWe just returned from a family vacation to California. It was really nice just going where ever we wanted, eating when ever we wanted...just doing things on a whim.<br />
<br />
Part of our vacation was Disneyland, and I admit I was just as excited as the boys. It has been many years since Josh and I visited California, and we had never been to Disneyland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JfA4rlTmrSlmuC_L4VlLSMW_pEtlsROxY4R4fwffhTNrnNWTYx4zTq3G2y5vrzHOYLSvPK-7fzHsd5XFzodhYCn5zFWy-3QdZXZwRS5pSH5j2tRObJjDoM-HSo4E9zd79cfHrsiFsWE/s1600/disneyland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JfA4rlTmrSlmuC_L4VlLSMW_pEtlsROxY4R4fwffhTNrnNWTYx4zTq3G2y5vrzHOYLSvPK-7fzHsd5XFzodhYCn5zFWy-3QdZXZwRS5pSH5j2tRObJjDoM-HSo4E9zd79cfHrsiFsWE/s1600/disneyland.jpg" /></a></div>Well, sometimes living with myself is a bit exhausting... I wish I would not over analyze every little thought or emotion that floats into my head. But I couldn't take a break from it, even on vacation.<br />
<br />
All I could see was the castle being smaller than I thought. I saw chipping paint, and squeaky rides. This so called "Happiest Place on Earth" was just a farce, a distraction from life. I understand there is nothing wrong with some fun and frivolity, but there is no fulfillment to be had. You can meet all your favorite characters, buy t-shirts and Mickey ears; but you will leave just as empty as when you came. And your wallet will be emptier as well. :)<br />
<br />
Now please don't misunderstand me: I am not down on Disney. I enjoy their movies, and I loved watching our boys get so excited when they rode their favorite ride, and I even sucommed to the Disney "magic" from time to time. All I am saying is that there is only One place to find true fulfillment. Everything else is a momentary distraction (positive or negative).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIzLxw3Sb5xIoWeadl55v6siNz-oWJiXcB7AsHzcgs1RpbDpV7nBFWymunVPFtc6nvaMYMM0xM5uJvetKrlyQ9rCzM-0W_csJdMlnv4GK7oh7kZQfcwJ3xCwWvwssSKYgzrOZmDOOzAs/s1600/World_of_Color-600x388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIzLxw3Sb5xIoWeadl55v6siNz-oWJiXcB7AsHzcgs1RpbDpV7nBFWymunVPFtc6nvaMYMM0xM5uJvetKrlyQ9rCzM-0W_csJdMlnv4GK7oh7kZQfcwJ3xCwWvwssSKYgzrOZmDOOzAs/s320/World_of_Color-600x388.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My last thought on this: We stayed late for "World of Color" at California Adventure Park the night before we left. It is a light and water show, that is pretty spectacular. But all I could think of as the crowd cheered was that God was the one who invented light and color. And as I clapped, I was clapping for His magnificence, His splendor, His beauty. He, the only One in which I have found purpose and true Love.Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-27839060230975891502011-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:002011-06-27T21:33:49.744-07:00Nothing to Fear but Fear itself <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR4FxEGLZ4KDsJQurlndqLFYGZkWoDxfcoC6ZLnOf8i1cO0hpUmso0lLuPonagPmrNp5mLUT-CsTnbsAuphwfAPWHNnDsAcOr-HzZSCxKgj56oOMeYWIUwaGWRO_nZF3LxAQZoK3xqGg/s1600/CIMG1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR4FxEGLZ4KDsJQurlndqLFYGZkWoDxfcoC6ZLnOf8i1cO0hpUmso0lLuPonagPmrNp5mLUT-CsTnbsAuphwfAPWHNnDsAcOr-HzZSCxKgj56oOMeYWIUwaGWRO_nZF3LxAQZoK3xqGg/s320/CIMG1026.JPG" width="320" /></a> About 7 years ago I took a pottery class at the Nashville Art House. It was so much fun getting my hands in that clay, and just letting myself be creative. I made several clay "boxes" and was trying to think of a theme for them. So I thought to myself: If God could talk to me through this clay, what would He say?<br />
<br />
The first one said "Dream BIG" the other simply said "LOVE" and the third said, "Why do you fear failure?"<br />
The third was my favorite. Mainly because this is a concept that I have dealt with every since I can remember.<br />
<br />
I have an early memory of sitting in my mother's car while she ran an errand, crying my eyes out because I was convinced I would never pass the 4th grade, it was just too hard. Even though I had no problems getting through the 3rd grade, I was just so afraid. I have an even earlier memory (around the age of 5) of wanting so desperately to play soccer. My mother signed me up for a community team, and when we arrived I sat in her lap crying, asking to go home. I was afraid that I wouldn't be any good. And if I didn't try, I wouldn't fail. Right?<br />
<br />
So what do we fear exactly? We fear failure. Rejection. <br />
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As I grew into a teenager, I also grew quite a rebellious streak. It was as if I was so rebellious, I was even going to rebel against myself. Although fear was still on the forefront of my mind as I would venture into new things, if I felt fear, I would push myself right into whatever I was afraid of. This of course wasn't the best idea, especially in my teenage years.<br />
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When I experienced the Grace Message for the first time 4 years ago my fear went through another transformation...<br />
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All of a sudden it wasn't about me anymore. My failures were no longer the issue. I could completely, utterly, and spectacularly fail and it didn't matter. Because Jesus didn't. In fact when I embraced that I could not please God through my own accomplishments, it freed me to be beautifully loved in a way I didn't think possible. And amazingly it was <i>that</i> Love that enabled me to fail less. I still fail. Oh yes, and it is sometimes pretty ridiculous. But after those failures I can get right back up, instead of living in shame, guilt, and condemnation; waiting for the moment "I" did enough to "feel" close to God again. The separation I thought was there through my actions is gone. And it allows me to run to the Arms of Love.<br />
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Fear is still there. Sometimes trying to pull me back. But I will not be ruled by it. <br />
"...it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-28443489732839132912011-06-21T20:26:00.000-07:002011-06-21T20:26:09.367-07:00Bent but not broken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT2mL8pUW-n3llUeAcvZqquPk2XT0DxG2bJEycyYGIcuGN5IPipdU4w6UNkzlbr0BXLlMra5N4Tf5X7DK5avSinpTh-gHpbvtqUJwiTD1F7YqsGmXPiMbJMBFLeD9POC1XWJzkQVJt14/s1600/bent+reed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT2mL8pUW-n3llUeAcvZqquPk2XT0DxG2bJEycyYGIcuGN5IPipdU4w6UNkzlbr0BXLlMra5N4Tf5X7DK5avSinpTh-gHpbvtqUJwiTD1F7YqsGmXPiMbJMBFLeD9POC1XWJzkQVJt14/s1600/bent+reed.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't believe there is a "right" way to grieve. For each person there is a time they need to heal. I really like what my friend Joyce said, "Time doesn't heal. Only God can heal." But what will you do with that "time"?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are many moments I have thought to myself: "This has the potential to destroy me." I could stay in this grief forever. I could ponder, cry, let my imagination run wild with what could have been. All that we have done, accomplished, all that the Lord has brought us through could all be for not. Just to stay in this pain.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is guilt for wanting to stay in that pain. There is guilt for desiring to move on. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And although my heart is broken, I am only bent. There is a Love that will sustain me. It is the only Love that possibly could in moments like these. It doesn't often rain in this area, but it rained all yesterday morning. I couldn't help but think that Heaven was crying with me. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But I cannot stay here. Not forever. I will allow myself what time I need. And I may have a good cry about this from time to time for many years to come. But I cannot stay here. There are 2 wonderful, precious lives that God has entrusted Josh and I with. Two boys that will know how loved they are. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are too many wonderful things to do, too many people to tell about how amazing (and sustaining) my Jesus is. To see lives change under the power of the Holy Spirit. And I will have so many stories to tell our sweet child when I see her someday.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>My flesh and my heart my fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 73:26</i><br />
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</div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible"><tbody>
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</span></i></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></i></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"> </td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><br />
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</tbody></table>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-42391705949578421282011-06-04T17:48:00.000-07:002011-06-04T18:08:46.020-07:00The Colorado Adventure Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFQPasFIMOAQSAOoE0SAJSmiFtogOzRdeIGr8mUYPLleJm7jeIz091dc_mLd3Mz1KoFNZAYeLeWiLcdh4wimXSb2NbWTOTy7dAqIaQeYQekogJYid-iCTcyBhG5bGsBnRcwlvCsf5kNU/s1600/CIMG0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFQPasFIMOAQSAOoE0SAJSmiFtogOzRdeIGr8mUYPLleJm7jeIz091dc_mLd3Mz1KoFNZAYeLeWiLcdh4wimXSb2NbWTOTy7dAqIaQeYQekogJYid-iCTcyBhG5bGsBnRcwlvCsf5kNU/s320/CIMG0920.JPG" t8="true" width="262" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the experiences, good and bad, over the last 22 months my head is buzzing. I am not sure if it was the rest I just received from our recent trip to Nashville, or the seemingly sudden changes that are always taking place, but I feel like I can't nail down a thought. I just have too many of them to focus on one. Please bear with me as I try to convey my heart. If you are uninterested in entering the deep (and sometimes ridiculous) recesses of my mind, please stop here. No hard feelings. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, its over. Sometimes I can hardly believe its over. Our 2 year experience at Charis Bible College came to a close the 3rd week of May. As one of our professors said the first few weeks of school, "Bible college is the perfect place to inspire and frustrate." And he was right. Our feelings swung from one extreme to the other many times depending on our circumstances, disagreement of theology, courses being taught, the list goes on and on. But one thing is certain: we wouldn't trade this experience for anything. We know this was God's Will for our lives. And there is no feeling that compares to that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, for the future? You maybe wondering. Well, so are we. :) We had every intention of moving back to Nashville. In fact, we were beginning to make plans. I cancelled the garbage pick up, Josh had informed his company, I had even begun to THINK about organizing the garage (although this never actually happened). But then a nagging thought. A slight lack of peace. A remembrance from the Holy Spirit of a conversation Josh and I had many months ago. We knew that the next season after school was not to strike out on our own, but to come under someone. To be mentored by someone that has been in ministry alot longer than we have. And because of some relationships in Nashville which were moving in different directions, we knew it wasn't there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So where now? Several months ago, God orchestrated a connection with Dan & Penny Funkhouser. They pastor Heartbeat Ministries International, a church started several years ago by the couple. Dan also teaches several courses in 2nd and 3rd year at CBC. They are awesome, and the things they have seen God do through them are amazing. We knew in our hearts, and it was confirmed by a POWERFUL Word: this is what God had for the next season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What this EXACTLY means, or how long this season will be, we just don't know. I can make plans, but whats the use? God's plans are always better (and usually more uncomfortable) than mine. We didn't exactly know what we were getting into when we moved here, but God is forever faithful, forever loving and guiding us. We still have church planting in our hearts. Europe. But I trust in His timing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ministry can look like a million different things. We are waiting and watching as God reveals to us what our ministry will look like. But this season is still training, preparation for what is to come. </span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-21506035457542391612011-04-12T21:17:00.000-07:002011-04-12T21:17:55.463-07:00I saw a man today.I saw a man today. He was in his 40's, blue shirt, jeans, white ball cap, and sneakers that were untied. He had a makeshift cane, his back was bent and he was having a hard time walking. He was making his way down the sidewalk, I was stopped at a stop sign. My heart was moved with compassion as I looked at him, I couldn't help but be moved with tears. All I could see is how he was meant to be. Tall, straight back, and walking with long, strong strides. I thought about Jesus. Perfect Jesus. How he would feel as he looked upon broken, hurting people and saw them in the spirit, as they were meant to be. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvFpBlGX4hdDScfzbZcEZakIj1jLFpR9k0-RN8Oc924m4y5O_TVPmxEWPxujYejXhtqogap1WMQtKhhmQ3-_LWS3Gv6yoj869HGrjxGccOm_Pm-o56lqwmh0gTCHR8xqj6xOZl108ZYY/s1600/cane.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvFpBlGX4hdDScfzbZcEZakIj1jLFpR9k0-RN8Oc924m4y5O_TVPmxEWPxujYejXhtqogap1WMQtKhhmQ3-_LWS3Gv6yoj869HGrjxGccOm_Pm-o56lqwmh0gTCHR8xqj6xOZl108ZYY/s1600/cane.bmp" /></a></div>My final thought as I drove away...it is my life goal to discover how to unlock all the power inside my spirit and release it into the world. To lay hands on the sick and see them healed. To see broken backs become straight. To see legs come into alignment. I wished I was a better vessel. But quickly reminded myself, it is not about me. All I can be is a willing earthen vessel. To God be the glory. I will see the sick recover by my hands through the power of Jesus Christ!Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-55622040913746892492011-03-29T15:12:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:15:04.739-07:00Speaking in Tongues. For the Ninny or the Intellectual?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBmh9PzjGG0ulkqdNa03Gw8h1fD3mCW9MfUbV1R2SSQqXnCpcHCuDDXNu9dm0JKdf1dCbPHrbZJ0lCOJ6FXtJOGLkL1fuZBl8MmXvTl5iIN1hg7a5b0hTXLsrjpHh_di5k2deEWLwTWA/s1600/pentacost.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBmh9PzjGG0ulkqdNa03Gw8h1fD3mCW9MfUbV1R2SSQqXnCpcHCuDDXNu9dm0JKdf1dCbPHrbZJ0lCOJ6FXtJOGLkL1fuZBl8MmXvTl5iIN1hg7a5b0hTXLsrjpHh_di5k2deEWLwTWA/s1600/pentacost.bmp" /></a></div>Ah, yes. My first real controversial blog. My husband will be proud. Though I am not trying to be. It saddens me that this has become such a taboo topic within churches. I understand this is scary to some people, not understanding the purpose of "tongues". My desire is this would help those seeking, and encourage those that have already received.<br />
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I would like to say that I am not trying to talk anyone into receiving the gift of speaking in tongues. I believe it is a powerful gift, but like salvation does not have to be received. I would never deny you my friendship, or think you are going to hell if you do not operate in this gift. But I do think you are missing out on something meant for all believers. I would also like to emphasize that this is a multi-functional gift, with many aspects for different situations, which I will describe shortly. <br />
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Below, I will simply go to scriptures, that you may or may not have already read. I will try to answer the main questions surrounding the gift of tongues, and hit the main important points. I truly hope you will study on your own, with an open heart, to seek Truth.<br />
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1) <u>The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience to being born again.</u><br />
<em>Acts 19:2-6</em><br />
<em>"He said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said to him, 'No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said, 'Into what then were you baptized?' And they said, 'Into John's baptism.' Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.</em><br />
<em>"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying."</em><br />
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2)<u> The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for EVERY<strong> </strong>born again believer.</u><br />
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This is after Jesus had breathed on them and they became born again.[John 20:22]<br />
This is Jesus speaking in <em>Acts 1:4-5</em><br />
<em>"Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which' He said, 'you heard of from Me; for John baptized you with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"</em><br />
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<em>Acts 2:4 </em><br />
<em>"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."</em><br />
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2b)<u> But that gift was only for the Apostles...oh really?</u><br />
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<em>Acts 11:15</em><br />
<em>"And ask I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John, baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"</em> <u>Peter speaking to the Gentiles, remembering Acts 1!!!</u><br />
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3) <u>The Lord wants to baptize you with His Holy Spirit.</u> <br />
<em>Luke 11:9-13</em><br />
<em>"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened."</em><br />
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Lets pause right here for a moment...it DOES NOT say seek and seek and seek...knock and keep knocking. No! It only says seek and you will find. God is not looking for you to prove how much you want the gift of tongues. God WANTS to give it to you! So, we only need to ask one time in faith, and believe we received without begging or pleading.Okay, lets continue in these verses.<br />
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"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give <strong><u>the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him</u></strong>?"<br />
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It is almost like Jesus knew the Baptism of the Holy Spirit would make people fearful. He was trying to reassure that God will ALWAYS give good gifts to His children. And this is one of them.<br />
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Just a side note: Don't get frustrated if you don't speak in tongues right away, or you can only utter a few syllables. It took me a few weeks to flow naturally in my prayer language. And just because you don't speak in tongues right away, it doesn't mean you didn't get baptised in the Holy Spirit. Give yourself some time, don't get condemned!<br />
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3b) <u>Why should I want to speak in tongues????</u><br />
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Have you ever wanted to talk to God? Have you ever wanted to know that He was hearing your prayers and your prayers were powerful? Have you ever wanted to pray for something or someone but didn't have the words? God invented this fool-proof (in my case- idiot proof) way to communicate in the Spirit. We know that God is Spirit [John 4:24], and we also know that when we are born again we become a new and perfect creature in Spirit [2 Corin 5:17]. Why wouldn't He give us a perfect language to communicate Spirit (ours) to Spirit (His)?<br />
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Just a few verses to back up the reasons this gift is awesome:<br />
<em>Acts 1:8</em><br />
<em>"but <strong><u>you will receive power</u></strong> when the Holy Spirit has come upon you"</em><br />
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<em>1 Corinthians 14:2 "For one who speaks in a tongue <strong><u>does not speak to men but to God</u></strong>; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries."</em><br />
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<em>1 Corinthians 14:14 "For if I pray in a tongue, <strong><u>my spirit prays</u></strong>, but my mind is unfruitful."</em><br />
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So, to address the multi functions of the gift of tongues: This gift absolutely can be used for an earthly language. For example, if God wants to minister to someone through me who only speaks French (and I don't speak French) this is a gift God can speak another earthly language through.<br />
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Also, someone can have a "Tongue" that is for the whole congregation of people surrounding them. This "Tongue" needs an interpretation, so those who have heard can understand. Sometimes the one giving the "Tongue" also has the interpretation, sometimes the interpretation comes through another believer. <br />
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And then lastly, there is your own personal prayer language. This has many names, but its only function is to build YOU up, to edify you. [1 Corin 14:4] And why do you need to do this? For those many moments in life you are sad, frustrated, tired, or in need of encouragement. When you start praying in the Spirit you get refreshment, encouragement, revelation of a situation you have been stressing over, or a scripture you don't understand.<br />
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Your own personal prayer language is not going to help anyone else. I would much rather lay hands and heal someone, or get a prophesy for someone I am praying for. But many times we need to build up ourselves in God before we are ever able to help someone else.<br />
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So, to return to the first question I posed: Is Speaking in Tongues for Ninnies or Intellectuals? My answer is that it is for anyone to wants it. For the Ninnies, the Intellectuals, and everyone in between.Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-78241197049933125412011-03-05T20:12:00.000-08:002011-03-05T20:12:28.511-08:00Altars and Leaving... "The Bubble"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pGqUayQrt-C75MPSiAErqRM7KpHFaLQiNhRmix0GZ9BeGCvOjTuwtSu-N6aLnTWPwuEFnLdzlfeDtVdy_okRwZfePNbVR13gpR49nHNdgt54b5C7QOLRD6E8w0IRCE7yR6sFfkVa5E4/s1600/bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pGqUayQrt-C75MPSiAErqRM7KpHFaLQiNhRmix0GZ9BeGCvOjTuwtSu-N6aLnTWPwuEFnLdzlfeDtVdy_okRwZfePNbVR13gpR49nHNdgt54b5C7QOLRD6E8w0IRCE7yR6sFfkVa5E4/s320/bubble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The end of our 2nd year at Charis Bible College is quickly approaching. We are on the horizon of something new. Something exciting. But also something unfamiliar- a new, nameless adventure. And along with thoughts of all the wonderful things God is going to do through us, there are moments of questioning...pangs of fear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a 3rd year at CBC, and there are even talks of starting a 4th year program. We really sought God on if He wanted us to continue on to the 3rd year. We wanted to perhaps do our 3rd year over seas- in England or Ireland. However, over the last several weeks we know that is not what we are called to (at least not for the next season). I saw a good friend at church last Sunday, and as we were talking, he said something that started my wheels turning...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He believes he is going to continue going to Charis and do the 3rd year. But to truly understand our conversation you must be told about...."The Bubble".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">{This is some super inside information people!}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The Bubble": wh</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">at the students refer to the positive, uplifting environment of being in bible college. Many people forget about the "outside" world and all the ministry to be done when they are attending school and constantly being "fed" by all the teaching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When 2nd year students are about to graduate, there is usually apprehension about leaving "The Bubble". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, back to my friend. As we were talking about "The Bubble" he brought up this verse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is in Matthew 17. Jesus has just asked Peter who He was, and Peter reveals that He is The Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Starting in verse 1: <em><span style="font-size: large;">"Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. <strong><u>Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." </u></strong></span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Really, truly, I love Peter. He was so real, so foolish, and yet such faith. He was so enjoying what he was witnessing, he just wanted to stay there. He wanted to bask in the glory all around him. Can you blame him?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But instead of indulging Peter's request, after coming down from the mountain, Jesus rebuked a demon-possessed boy and healed him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do I believe that going to 3rd year at Charis Bible College is wrong or evil? NO! Of course not! You should always follow the lead of the Holy Spirit above all things. My only concern is the desire to stay because it is easier. Safer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In some ways I don't want to leave. In other ways, I can't wait to go. But I cannot stay here and build "altars" to Charis Bible College, or to Andrew Wommack. Or to any other teacher or minister. I must follow Jesus and heal the sick and hurting through his mighty and perfect leading. No offense to Andrew, but if it is a choice between him and Jesus...I choose Jesus. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to hear your thoughts~ what sort of "altars" do people build? Feeling and thinking that it is the "right" thing to do, but missing the point entirely?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*Thank you to Joe for being my muse in this blog...your heart is a beautiful thing to behold.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-17681195727751493052011-02-25T16:50:00.000-08:002011-02-25T20:55:56.651-08:00Knight and Shining Armor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNWuUgmvKvfGsERNLL-m_cB2A_b6tbEPRDoG1E61aaCqNlt1JEDaOcD68Zg5SaFvXtJcBbqXZOZfXOmjTj524NKX9ixeNvTWbSn7uxO7VhJocWBxlCUHw4S3snpQMDryez3oMMK_2m0E/s1600/knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNWuUgmvKvfGsERNLL-m_cB2A_b6tbEPRDoG1E61aaCqNlt1JEDaOcD68Zg5SaFvXtJcBbqXZOZfXOmjTj524NKX9ixeNvTWbSn7uxO7VhJocWBxlCUHw4S3snpQMDryez3oMMK_2m0E/s320/knight.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of our lives we are inundated with fairytales. Sometimes there's singing, sometimes they are dark and scary; but there is ALWAYS a Hero and a Damsel in Distress. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella; all contain young, defenseless females and a Prince to sweep them off their feet. A man to fix all their problems, including (but not limited to) a super-mean Step Mother, a poison apple, and death by spinning wheel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lessons to be extracted from these stories: Women should be beautiful, graceful, and fragile. Men should be strong, wealthy and brave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I have always been independent, the ideas from these stories still seeped into my subconscious. However; there are some genuine truths, such as, every woman wants to be desired, cherished, and taken care of by her husband. For men, they want to be needed, respected and appreciated by their wives. In the modern world, men do not ride into battle, and the women do not reside in a tower waiting to be rescued. Anyhow, we are still trying to find something from each other.Waiting for the one to complete the other. Think about all the love songs and poems written by men about or to women. Or the endless ways women try to get attention from men. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember when Josh and I were dating... his friends would come up to me and ask, "What have you done to Josh? He is so happy! He has completely changed since he met you." I didn't understand what they meant. The only Josh I had ever met <em>was</em> happy. And completely captivated with me. Of course I didn't realize that Josh was looking to me for all of his fulfillment until after we were married, and I don't think Josh did either. But when he recognized that I could never be everything he needed me to be, that I was human, he became angry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every story needs a Knight In Shining Armor. Some of us are trying to be the Knight for someone, others are waiting for him to show up. But what if he already came? What if he didn't look much like a knight, and he didn't wear armor? Would you recognize him? What if he were so human, so humble that you missed it? What if you were/are the Damsel in Distress? And a man came to save you from all that wanted to destroy you? And what if that happened 2,000 years ago? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are referred to many times in scripture (male <em>and</em> female) as a bride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the <span class="criteria"><strong>bride</strong></span>, the Lamb's wife." Revelation 21:9</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And our Hero? He was born in an animal's food trough, never owned land, or established wealth. He was not dashing, debonair or charming. But he has undoubtedly swept me off my feet. He will never leave me. He will never break my heart. And he has fulfilled, and given freely, ALL promises that mankind could possibly desire: immortality, peace, blessing, hope, freedom, and forgiveness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When our Prince returns...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">"...the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a <strong>golden girdle</strong>. His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a <strong>flame of fire</strong>; And his feet like unto <strong>fine brass</strong>, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] <strong>as the sun shineth</strong> in his strength." Revelation 1:13-16</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that...is what I call shining armor.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-62836907031264952572011-02-20T21:09:00.000-08:002011-02-20T21:13:11.793-08:00Down with the Pharisees<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB84BEvkHfPpKfUIWr9Dp_qidrhHnuy6S2cwtYoywycsdfa5gCtXfZfiCNd-1e5FYUPz9nr6zukPmZVlPAkDEUkzsXu2FrXOLHF7nVJw2-tYPtFtmzOLo2K5dr_Q6S88ukn53OxYFD88/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB84BEvkHfPpKfUIWr9Dp_qidrhHnuy6S2cwtYoywycsdfa5gCtXfZfiCNd-1e5FYUPz9nr6zukPmZVlPAkDEUkzsXu2FrXOLHF7nVJw2-tYPtFtmzOLo2K5dr_Q6S88ukn53OxYFD88/s320/untitled.bmp" width="270" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poor Pharisees, what a bad wrap they have had throughout the Bible. Jesus was kind and loving to all those horrendous sinners that deserved hell, but to the pharisees he called names and rebuked. Why? Because they thought they were righteous unto themselves. And what does righteousness mean?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, lets define what a pharisee is: "<span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">sanctimonious,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">self-righteous,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">hypocritical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">person." [ouch!]</span></span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, the dictionary says righteousness as a noun is: "<span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">quality</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">being</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">righteous."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">as an adjective: "</span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'"></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">characterized</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">by,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">proceeding</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">from,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">accordance</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">accepted</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">standards</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">morality,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">justice,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">uprightness;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">virtuous"</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, a good biblical definition of righteousness is: Right standing with God. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first heard the gospel of unconditional love and grace I couldn't believe it. It was too good to be true! It took a year for it to really penetrate my heart (and bad theology) and take root. And when it did- it completely set me free. I expected everyone I encountered to be equally excited about this revelation, especially my Christian friends. But that was not the case. And this is what I have learned through my experience:</span></span></div><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are people, for various reasons, who are naturally disciplined. I don't <u>just</u> mean from the "big sins" I am talking about everyday things. They refrain from sugar, cigarettes, junk food and other "naughty" behaviors. They instead eat only things that are good for their body, run and train for marathons, and have incredible will power. These behaviors are not evil or against God- of course not!!! Physical accomplishments are to be commended and encouraged. But let us remember they are only physical (of this world). Spiritual "accomplishments" is another matter. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many times these same people are able to have incredible will power in "God's rules" as well. They don't cuss, talk about people behind their backs, or {I will let you fill in the blank}. This also goes along with their good deeds. They serve endlessly at their church, always get to church on time, and read their bible on a regular basis. Again, these are NOT bad things- just bare with me...</span></div><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These Will Power People, may except God's grace to an extent. They may not make others feel bad for their lack of good deeds, or think they are justified apart from Jesus, but they feel "close to God" when they are doing good deeds. And when the occasion comes when they do mess up, they feel an inner need for penance before they can feel "close to God" again. So when they hear about unconditional grace, they are offended for many reasons. Not only does this lower the apparent value of their will power, but they feel this will lead others that are not as disciplined as themselves to fall into "greezy grace". Although I believe we are made for good works (or deeds)</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table_bible" id="table_bible" style="font-size: 125%;"><tbody>
<tr id="Eph_2_10_1099010"><td align="left" class="td_bible_verse_heading" valign="top" width="68"><div align="justify"><span class="nowrap" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=2&t=NASB#comm/10" onclick="return startInsertHandler('comm', 10);"></a></span></div></td><td class="td_bible_text" valign="top"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"For we are His workmanship,<nasb_strongs num="G4161"> created<nasb_strongs num="G2936"> in Christ<nasb_strongs num="G5547"> Jesus<nasb_strongs num="G2424"> <strong>for good<nasb_strongs num="G18"> works</strong>,<nasb_strongs num="G2041"> which<nasb_strongs num="G3739"> God<nasb_strongs num="G2316"> prepared<nasb_strongs num="G4282"> beforehand<nasb_strongs num="G4282"> so<nasb_strongs num="G2443"> that we would walk<nasb_strongs num="G4043"> in them."</em> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ephesians 2:10</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These good works are not unto righteousness. <strong>Good works are a fruit of a relationship, not a prerequisite <em>for</em> a relationship.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps this is why I was so set free from the message of unconditional love and grace. I am a mess. I always have been. And as much as I would try, I would still eat too much ice cream, exercise too little and cuss too much. And when it was explained to me that it is all about Jesus and not about me. Well, praise God!!! Because while I got everything wrong, Jesus got it all right. And with being free from guilt and shame, and understanding the love God has for me- I am free to be who He created me to be. And instead of willing myself to obey God's laws, my desire (fueled by love) is not to sin. In short, I obey God's laws on accident more than I ever did on purpose.</span></div><div class="dndata"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul said it wonderfully in Romans 2:14-15 <em><span style="font-size: large;">"For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them" NAS</span></em></span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I also really like The Message version:<em> <span style="font-size: large;">"When outsiders who have never heard of God's law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. </span></em><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>They show that God's law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong."</em> </span></strong></u></span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The "...something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no..." that is our spirit, perfect and one with Jesus. When the law is seperated from us by grace (and guilt, condemnation, and shame along with it) we follow the law on accident. The Gentiles in Romans were free from the law by ignorance. But either way, by ignorance or faith; freedom is accessible. </span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't be decieved; the only thing that makes you lose the desire to sin...is relationship with God through Jesus, free of guilt and free of shame. </span></div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="dndata" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank you Jesus...for freedom.</span></div><br />
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</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-74760145235326527202011-02-18T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-18T15:40:40.452-08:00"Jesus is my Copilot"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nkaQGSj7iI/TV8Dajk0i5I/AAAAAAAAACs/_5IRgs9f1bA/s1600/jesus-is-my-co-pilot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nkaQGSj7iI/TV8Dajk0i5I/AAAAAAAAACs/_5IRgs9f1bA/s320/jesus-is-my-co-pilot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have seen this saying on many church signs, bumper stickers and maybe even a t-shirt or two. I do not; however, agree with this doctrine. In my life, I see it more like this: Jesus is the Pilot, Copilot, and stewardess. I am the lone passenger fluctuating between many different emotions. I am sometimes complaining about the length of the flight, sometimes expressing how beautiful the scenery is, sometimes panicking about the turbulence, and other times resting through the smooth sailing. Jesus is never worried or concerned by anything happening. And is constantly encouraging and reassuring me. He also gives me an endless supply of peanuts.</span></div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-63896646281377446772011-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:002011-02-16T15:15:24.754-08:00The most expensive bowl of soup in existence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP9GZ53NUq_y825j-eb4MLxbU2D9iEy_xk-R42h5b5ITA5BOOETMny0sMCT9-XFz6MVJr8gEX-Fpqxqb1xaFuLRQxW21Qgt_4fem6uYy-_kDqWoSvnmYZgmi26nO5VF7zbxpkpC-2md0/s1600/hot-soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP9GZ53NUq_y825j-eb4MLxbU2D9iEy_xk-R42h5b5ITA5BOOETMny0sMCT9-XFz6MVJr8gEX-Fpqxqb1xaFuLRQxW21Qgt_4fem6uYy-_kDqWoSvnmYZgmi26nO5VF7zbxpkpC-2md0/s1600/hot-soup.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember the first time I heard a teaching on Jacob and Esau. It was many years ago, and I couldn't believe that someone would sell their birthright for a bowl of soup! I will say that there is nothing quite like a perfect bowl of hot soup, with a crusty piece a bread (I can practically taste Panera's french onion soup with extra cheese)...but come on, for your BIRTHRIGHT!?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The very concept blew my mind.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, "Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished." Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." Esau said, <u>"Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?"</u> And Jacob said, "First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25: 29-34</span></strong></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now in this teaching, it was all about how foolish Esau was and how he was not blessed or favored by God, due largely to this action. And I judged Esau harshly in my heart. But funny thing about hearts...they become less judgemental as you experience life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what meaning does "birthright" have for us? When Christ died and arose he became the first among many brothers. There is a birthright of righteousness, blessing and favor we receive in faith through Jesus.</span></div><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"For those<nasb_strongs num="G3739"> whom<nasb_strongs num="G3739"> He foreknew,<nasb_strongs num="G4267"> He also<nasb_strongs num="G2532"> predestined<nasb_strongs num="G4309"> to become conformed<nasb_strongs num="G4832"> to the image<nasb_strongs num="G1504"> of His Son,<nasb_strongs num="G5207"> so<nasb_strongs num="G1519"> that He would be the firstborn<nasb_strongs num="G4416"> among<nasb_strongs num="G1722"> many<nasb_strongs num="G4183"> brethren<nasb_strongs num="G80">;" Romans 8:29</span></strong></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When we moved here to Colorado, I expected angels to sing when we crossed the state line. I expected a ray of sunshine to follow our car as we drove into the city. We had never obeyed and followed God in such a radical way before. But that didn't happen. Not that God wasn't with us EVERY step of the way. But there was no physical evidence that we were in the middle of God's Will for our lives. The first 8 months we were here were the most difficult of our lives. God had told us to to come to Colorado for the first step toward full-time ministry, and we knew He had AMAZING things in store for us. But when you get bogged down with life: wondering how you are going to keep the heat on, or where your next meal is coming from you say to yourself, <strong>"Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?"</strong> </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I remember those moments so well, where we were standing on the precipice of unbelief. So tempted to take the (seemingly) easy over the perfect. And we were tempted to sell the future God had for us (birthright) for some comfort (bowl of soup). Daydreaming about how wonderful it would feel knowing that a paycheck was coming, job security, or money in the bank. Then a very soft spot formed in my heart for Esau. I realized: I am Esau. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Jesus has redeemed me from myself, and there is grace that overtakes me to keep me on the path God has laid out. So, although temptation has been there more than once to take the bowl of soup, we will take hold of the birthright purchased for us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-52230778133533004432011-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:20:10.381-08:00Return from The Equator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43uk6egp2ODiJrI-J5kKArtgZcUTNejMlsPxsKRsXndr2sCxuBuMPuEcSOS0L5qvfAOE5Pn3ujo_PtGZUySg7sXpy8Rdyp3kXuLXL8EmkypkFlrD7sKZ9wVI8qydnDmAsNYsoirtg_-Y/s1600/CIMG0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43uk6egp2ODiJrI-J5kKArtgZcUTNejMlsPxsKRsXndr2sCxuBuMPuEcSOS0L5qvfAOE5Pn3ujo_PtGZUySg7sXpy8Rdyp3kXuLXL8EmkypkFlrD7sKZ9wVI8qydnDmAsNYsoirtg_-Y/s320/CIMG0226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> More specifically, The Dominican Republic. I have never desired to go on a missions trip (just being brutally honest here) but it is a part of our 2nd year at Charis Bible College. Josh and I have never been on a missions trip, and were praying and hoping for a trip to Europe, since we have such a heart for that part of the world. But when it didn't work out, we trusted that God was doing something in our hearts we did not anticipate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On January 13, 2011, we traded snow covered mountains, for mountains covered in palm trees. We swapped scarves for sunhats. And we went from 'ignorance is bliss' to ignorant no more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We really didn't know exactly what to expect in The D.R., and with that came some apprehension of the unknown. But when we arrived we were met with a wonderful group of hardworking, Jesus-loving people. At the center of this group was Tim & Trena Johnson, Evangelists with hearts of gold, and humor that left us rolling with laughter. Every morning Tim brought a powerful, inspiring and encouraging devotional, and Trena worked endlessly to provide our group of 27 with delicious meals. Also, in this group was 2 of Tim & Trena's 3 sons, Neal and Darin. They were both incredibly helpful with set up/tear down of all the equipment that was brought to each outreach. Trena's parents, "Grandma" & "Grandpa" were also there working on everything from bagging pasta to hand out, to working on the new property just purchased across the street from <em>La Casa Grande ("The Big House" we stayed at)</em>. There were also several locals that have joined their talents and hearts to these Evangelists, Hector (driver, and organizer extraordinaire), Alfonzo (grounds keeper, and was always helping load equipment) and Ambioix (singer- oh, and I am pretty sure I butchered his name).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The first morning we hit the ground running. Breakfast at 7:30 and out the door at "8:16" as Tim would say. We drove about an hour away from <em>La Casa Grande</em> to a small community, very poor, but welcoming people. There was a truck in the neighborhood when we arrived with loud speakers, they said to the people when they saw us, "The Americans are here. Your missionaries are here." And that is when it started. We were missionaries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Every one of our 4 groups had prepared songs, skits, and testimonies to share with the people. Our group prepared a skit of <strong>David and Goliath</strong>, where we would pick 3 Dominican children to play David and 2 sheep. We had no idea we would be doing this skit everyday, sometimes twice a day. And we certainly had no idea it would be so well received. Josh was Goliath, and I think he deserves an award for his death scene. :) Every outreach we would pack up all our props, puppets, generator, instruments, mics, and sound system to put up everywhere from a basketball court to a tin roof church. We would take turns doing our skits, giving our testimonies, and singing at a moments notice from Tim. It was a test in being flexible and prepared to let God move through you at any moment. Tim would give an invitation for those who wanted to receive Christ, and then those that needed a miracle. Our group layed hands and prayed for many people. Though we are not exactly sure, somewhere around 50 people accepted Jesus while we were there. After we prayed and encouraged the people, we had the privilege of handing out food. The experience that stands out the most to us is the public park we set up at. We saw the hurting, hard and unchurched melt in the love of Christ through the preaching of The Word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Josh and I thought that we would struggle while <em><strong>in</strong></em> The Dominican Republic. We would have to fight our flesh in our attitude, creature comforts, and frustration in lack of control. But it was amazing. We enjoyed it so much! We saw the powerful function of Evangelism. That street ministry can be very effective. Even when filled with untrained actors, home-made props, and people that have never spoken in front of a crowd. God was there. Anointing was there. Not to make us look good, but to effect the hearts of those that surrounded us. God wants so desperately to reach the hearts of those who don't know Him. He can and will use anything and anyone that is willing. No, what Josh and I are struggling with <u>is being back</u>. Not that we are not thankful for the US, with its freedoms and prosperity (and I admit- being able to flush toilet paper). We just see more now what a distraction life can be. That the pursuit of comfort, money, success can distract. We have seen more than a glimpse of eternity. Those things that are eternal: we have seen people take the first step in knowing God. What does it feel like to store up crowns in Heaven to lay at Jesus feet? And as we feel "reality" trying to suck us back in, we have a desire to resist. That what we call "reality" is not real at all. Is it temporal; falling away from us slowly. What is eternal is forever. How can we go back to working a job with deadlines so important to the company, but so unimportant in comparison? How can we continue going to school with our tests and papers? We must have reached a new level of Jesus Freakness to feel guilty about going to Bible College!?!?! :) {Please hear our hearts, we don't think it is evil, or wrong to be successful in business, go to school, or have nice things, we know God directs people to such things. It is just a perspective change in our own hearts. We are coming closer to understanding our role in The Kingdom.} But God, knowing our hearts, was encouraging us (even in The D.R.) to stay the course we are on. So, we are putting our trust in the Lord. We are allowing Him to direct our path. We are trusting that He knows what He is doing, although we sometimes disagree with His method and timing. But one thing is perfectly clear: we are ruined for this. Our hearts are irrevocably toward ministry, we can never go back... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And even if we could go back, we wouldn't want to.</strong></span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-58352345672113217982010-09-12T21:16:00.000-07:002010-09-12T21:16:57.395-07:00No confidence in the flesh<span style="font-size: small;">I often like to look at myself with two different lenses. One is looking at my flesh: my abilities, my talents, my security in myself, my personality. The list goes on and on. When I remember how I used to feel when I walked into a room, or was faced with an uncertain situation. How I would rather blend into the wallpaper than be noticed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then, I like to look at myself through God's lens. Christ. Although I am on a journey where more of me disappears, a curious thing happens: more of who I was created to be shines through. And even as Christ abounds more out of me, more of me abounds too. Very curious. Oh, and something else happens that defies human logic: you become more confident in what God can do through you! You start to think you can do anything- that NOTHING can stand in your way. Not because you yourself are so amazing, but because you start believing that Jesus is amazing. And what He can (and will) do through you! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">With man everything is impossible, but with God all things are possible !!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Paul was very aware of this marvelous occurrence and wrote about it in Philippians, Chapter 3: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29423">"</sup><sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29424">2</sup>Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29425">3</sup>for<sup> </sup>we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and <u><b>put no confidence in the flesh</b></u>,<sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29426">4</sup>although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29427">5</sup>circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;<sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29428">6</sup>as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29429">7</sup>But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29430">8</sup>More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ" </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Paul was pretty incredible, highly educated, respected, excellent at keeping the Law. A very impressive resume of accomplishments, but it pales pathetically in comparison to Christ. As do mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In worship today, a line in a song hit me so hard: "I am undone." That is how I feel when I put no confidence in my flesh. I am undone, and yet so much more that I have ever been on my own. All I have ever been without Jesus is rubbish. But all I can be with Him...there is no limit. How thankful I am that this isn't about me!!! What a retched state that would be! But it is not about me. Everything is Jesus. And I am beautifully undone.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-43620440662159879622010-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-20T08:27:42.368-07:00A rose by any other name...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UADigdoVRi8/TGwGz5did6I/AAAAAAAAAA8/ohg0_NjwOQU/s1600/roseofsharon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506783933035083682" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UADigdoVRi8/TGwGz5did6I/AAAAAAAAAA8/ohg0_NjwOQU/s320/roseofsharon.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 228px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 221px;" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"What's in a name? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That which we call a rose</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By any other name would smell as sweet." </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Shakespeare {Romeo and Juliet}</span></div><div><br />
I am completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fascinated</span> by the many names used to describe Jesus or our relationship with him. Master, redeemer, friend, husband, savior. These are names we have heard in church, if we have spent any time there. But there are also more obscure, however interesting names that he is called. One that has come to my attention lately is "rose of Sharon" mentioned in Song of Solomon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1</i></span><br />
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In the front of my brother's house there are two large, what look like bushes, on either side of the walk. You have to pass through these plants to reach the front door. I am always apprehensive between the months of April and September to do this, however. The plants are constantly buzzing, surrounded by bees of every kind. Beautiful butterflies float by, and I have even seen a hummingbird or two. I never thought much of this for the several years they have lived at their house, and I have visited, trying to slip by undetected to all flying creatures.<br />
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While visiting Tennessee last month, and arriving at my brother's house, with my parents, I remarked on how these plants were especially busy with insects. My mom says casually, "That is a rose of Sharon." <br />
I will never look at them the same...<br />
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After doing some research on 'rose of Sharon' it has been consistently stated that the plant is, "vigorous and durable". That it will grow in full or partial sun, and that it will grow in nearly all kinds of soil. It is an effective hedge, and even flowers in the summer months, when most shrubs no longer bloom. It can be transplanted with little trouble and are considered a "butterfly bush" from the attraction of their flowers.<br />
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No, Jesus is not a plant. Jesus is infinitely more interesting, amazing and powerful than a plant. However, he even refers to himself as a vine...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> John 15:5 </i></span> <br />
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So just as the bees and butterflies go to the rose of Sharon for nectar. <br />
We abide in the vine and are fed.<br />
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</div>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-62539168554965674732010-08-01T19:06:00.000-07:002010-08-02T23:36:44.064-07:00Jesus Freak<span style="font-style: italic;">What would people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak? </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What will people do when they find that it's true?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I don't really care if they label me a Jesus Freak. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There is no disguising the truth.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> -DC Talk</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">There are so many times I feel like just a visitor in this world. Like I belong somewhere else, and I am navigating through this foreign world trying to reach the place I am made for. <br /><br />I see God in everything. I see him in the enormity of the planets and their endless imperfection, to the complexity of a tiny feather. I see his work when I watch nature shows with the sole purpose of disproving his existence. He is an extravagant creator, incredible thinker, and his imagination is unmatched. I pour myself over scriptures and marvel at the depth and intricacy of his plan for humanity. I long to be with him. He is my everything, I am in love. <br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span> I am reminded of a quote:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> "We are all fools in love."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Charlotte Lucas (Pride & Prejudice)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">But this love goes beyond foolishness. This does not compare to earthly romance. No man could ever live up to what is obtained from this God-relationship, none should even try. My heart is secure, intact, never to be broken by this perfect Being that has moved heaven and earth to never leave me. I think of the martyrs and the inspiration I get from reading about them. Those that caught the vision of this love so deeply that they would die for it. Jesus Freaks indeed. This is more than a whimsy emotion. It is a knowing. A revelation you can hardly explain to anyone that has yet to experience it.<br /><br />And if Jesus felt like an outsider, why do we think it will be different for us?<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">John 1:10</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />^^^^^^^^^^^^^<br />Not to say there are not wonderful pleasures obtained in this most foreign of worlds. When I look into my children's eyes, I am overwhelmed. And Josh, my perfect partner in this alien planet. How thankful I am that God has given me an accomplice in this crazy adventure. I may even say that he rivals me as a Jesus Freak. In his endless pursuit of Truth, no matter man's objections. <br /><br />So, my final thought is this: that I love this planet, but I am not of it. I belong to a different kingdom. I am on loan. And how my heart longs to enter the blessed place that is free of fear, doubt, struggle and strife. Ahhh, my heart desires that! But until that day... Long live the Freak.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-39513880766532940712010-07-30T11:38:00.000-07:002010-07-30T12:15:48.542-07:00Welcome to the desert of the Numb<span style="font-size:85%;">The biggest, or most felt emotion I have experienced through this adventure is numbness. Not depression, frustration, aggravation or any other negative emotion. Just being numb.<br /><br />I don't even mean for it to happen. Survival mode kicks in- you revert directly to flesh and you don't indulge in pessimistic thoughts. You just start to shut down. You go through the motions of life. Cook food, clean things, bathe children, mechanically go through your day. But your passion gets sucked from you and before you know it, you don't care that you are numb. In fact it feels "normal"- comfortable.<br />No time or thought for romance or bonding with your children, you just want to have enough energy to finish the dishes.<br /><br />I wonder, often, how Paul did it? How did he find himself in situations and sing? Singing to God does make me feel better. Praise is an escape from myself. But many times I instead grab a cookie.<br /><br />Taking walks are so cathartic for me. I clear my mind, talk to God and listen to my quiet footsteps. I was talking to God about this numbness I allow myself sometimes to succumb to. And two very clear thoughts entered my mind:<br />1) Defense Mechanism. I use numbness as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or lack of control.<br />2) Was a verse.<br /></span><em>"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." Matthew 13:22</em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">the care of this world. Thorns. Spiritual novocaine.<br />Someone with a hard heart has a difficult time hearing the voice of God. So, right now God is speaking to me...but I am so concerned with the cable bill that I am not able to hear. And how do you get a hard heart? Slowly. With many defense mechanisms. A shallow "protection" of your heart. How foolish it all is. What are a few hardships and unexpected bumps in comparison to eternity? The very hope I have in overcoming the hardships are choked <em>in</em> the hardships. <em></em><br /><br />A clever deception. Okay, devil...I am not going there with you. I desire a soft heart. I will focus on the spirit and not the flesh. Flesh is death. Spirit is life and peace. Oh yes, and I will sing.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-68536162319935532902010-04-20T16:20:00.000-07:002010-07-20T09:45:11.528-07:00If it quacks like a duck...<span style="font-size:78%;">We have all heard this expression. It is a saying birthed from an admiration of common sense. Wisdom. I am a big fan of wisdom. I am a bit of a dreamer (don't hold a candle to Josh) but mostly I am a realist. Some of my favorites: "action leads to consequence", "Past behavior is an indication of future behavior", and above all, "if everyone else was jumping off a bridge- would you too?" {By the way, I have}. Now that I have filled your head with quips celebrating earthly wisdom, I am now going to throw a wrench in the mix. God. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">But I must digress. Solomon was granted wisdom from God, and he went on to write Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Books dedicated to wisdom. And they are powerful. But as wise as Solomon was, he was not a regenerated man. The Holy Spirit could not rest in him indefinitely, because he was a sinful man. But you and I, we got it SO MUCH better. We have Jesus. Because of the rest the Holy Spirit found in Jesus (being that he was without sin and the perfect sacrifice) we are able to be in Christ. Therefore, when we are born again our spirit is made one with Christ.</span><br /><br /><em>"For even as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by <strong>one Spirit</strong> we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of <strong>one Spirit</strong>." 1 Corin 12:12-13</em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">So, if we are one with Christ in spirit and the Spirit knows all things...</span><br /><br /><em>"But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." John 16:13</em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">[Okay, so how amazing is that?! How much better we have it through Jesus than Solomon did! ] So now, back to my original point- the wrench (God). You are at a meeting, church event, conference, or just an everyday walk- you get a Word from God. Perhaps it is a vision, or a snapshot in your mind, maybe someone you know or a perfect stranger confirms something you have been thinking about. A prophet, a song, a sermon...or perhaps a knowing, or just a sentence you hear in your spirit. There are so many ways God gives us Words. But make no mistake, God is always speaking. And after this amazing experience, when you are still reeling from the emotion of it all- wisdom sets in. "That is crazy" "That is completely irresponsible" "I have kids to think about!" "What about (fill in the blank)" Again, I am a big fan of wisdom. But a Word is SO MUCH BETTER than wisdom. You can take scriptures, and godly wisdom and apply it to your circumstances and see what a great life you will lead. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">OR you can temper that wisdom with Word and see the supernatural.</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014929396816758525.post-72947046890188883342010-01-15T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-15T09:20:15.922-08:00Storm 6/16/03I wrote this in 2003, and just found it on an old computer. Although, my theology has changed- and in 2010 I believe we are supposed to stop the storm with our words...I am still amazed at how much of it applies to me now...however, thank God- the goal, now, is clear.<br /><br />My heart is filled with pain. I feel so empty, like without destiny I am a shell. There is no goal, no direction, no clear path for me to follow. I know it will come; I have no doubt of that. But what do I do for now? It is like being frozen, like being on my death bed-but not yet passed onto the next realm. I want so badly to move on, but still I linger. Why is this happening? All I can do is wait, and tell myself to keep breathing, keep getting up each day to more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disappointment</span>. I don't want this to defeat me, this will not defeat me. My life has been too short for something so menial to defeat me. And if it's so menial, why am I so bent? How has this affected me so much?<br />Storm. What is a storm? It is something out of your control, something powerful, frightening. You never stop the storm, where would be the growth in that? You ask me to rise above it, to come out and walk on the water. I am so afraid, but I am sick of sitting in the boat. Sick of being tossed around by the wind. Sitting there in a lack of faith and hopelessness, not able to do anything but allow myself to be effected by the storm. I don't care what I see, and I don't care what I hear, I will get out of the boat, and obey your beckoning. And I will rise above this storm. I have beaten my flesh so that it cannot rise up against my spirit, however much it tries. Beautiful storm. It has allowed my spirit to be strong.Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18039925828286014949noreply@blogger.com0