Month: May 2014

Sunday Meet and Greet?

Published on by Sandie D2 Comments

I may get some heat on this topic. It may get me put in the boiling pot, lol… But every Sunday I say the same thing to myself when I go to church. We have what’s called  “Meet and Greet” time. Basically people stand up after the announcements and they greet each other and then are suppose to sit down when the music starts.

ImageNow, the reason I have been thinking on this is because it is hard to get the attention of those around to sit for the service to begin. Everyone is standing and talking along the walls, in the middle and just visiting. There have been times when I have needed to get to other areas of the church and found it impossible to get past everyone. Good thing I didn’t have to go potty or have an emergency. And there have been times I needed to get to the restrooms and that was not going to happen since it was blocked in all directions. It can get pretty loud in the sanctuary when you have 100 people talking and trying to get back to their seats. It could actually dangerous in some ways if there was an emergency.

My way of thinking is this. So bear with me and I know many will think it is a horrible thing to do away with or modify this part of the service. We have Sunday School from 9:30-10:30 am. Our church begins at 11:00 am. Between Sunday School and the Worship Service we have Fellowship Time. That’s where there is goodies and people visit with each other as they prepare for the Worship Service.

ImageAround 10:50 am people that are where the Fellowship time is moves to the sanctuary. As people come in, they make their way to their seats and visit with those around them or those they haven’t seen. Service is about to begin now and the pastor and the lay leader go to the front. We then have announcements and the Meet and Greet… OK! Now this is where people may think I lost it. Why in the world do we have to have meet and greet if they are visiting before church and as they are sitting down? Not only do they mingle during the before and meet and greet times, they do after the service. I sometimes wonder if it is more of a social hour instead of a time of worship. I know it must be me, but seems chaotic to me.

I know most churches do this and people love the meet and greet time. But it seems to me just by observing that it is difficult to get people to sit down and stop talking. I know that many of the people at church only get a chance to see their friends and such on just Sundays. But for Pete’s sake, it gets out of control.

Now I always have things reeling in my brain. This is no different. I wonder if they put the meet and greet before the announcements while people are still in high gear and wanting to chat, then maybe it would be less disruptive and come to order easier. I wonder how many actually hear the music starting and the singers singing because of all the noise and talking. I’m all for visiting and catching up. But it seems to me that we are there to Worship God and be in His presence.

We have a fairly newer pastor which is awesome. Like most new pastors they like to change things up and they each have their own style. He may be figuring out that I can be a person that stirs the pot, lol. People may shanghai him if he got rid of the Meet and Greet time, but personally I think they get a lot of time and opportunities to talk and meet each other.

ImageSpeaking of our pastor and I’m probably guessing when he reads this he is shaking his head, and wondering what I’m doing. There is another opportunity for people to meet and greet and that is as the pastor and his wife goes to the Narthex and greets each person as they leave the church. As people are waiting to leave, they are visiting then too. Like I said, I’m guilty of this myself. I am a gabby person.

I think about when I visit a new church and while I love visiting new churches, I hate being put on the spot. I look over the bulletin to see the order of their service and I notice they have a time to welcome new comers. I dread this time of the service. They ask if there are any new people and if you don’t raise your hand or stand up, they point you out. This has actually stopped me from going to churches a second time. I don’t like being singled out and I don’t like being put on the spot. I actually feel sorry for people when they are put on the spot like that. And if they don’t stand up and they are called out. I know that sounds bad, but otherwise pointed out that they are new, all eyes are on them.

I have no problem raising my hand if they want to give me a new comers packet or those around me introducing themselves. But not all people are into the whole swarming over ya like a swarm of bees. You can see it in their eyes that they are headed your way. There has to be a better way to welcome newcomers to church without making them feel like they are on display. Once I get to know others, then I have no problem with them. But not all people are huggy squeezy kind of people. When they go to church, they want to worship, listen and go on their way.

ImageI did like it how my church did it when we lived in Arizona. We had a Meet and Greet time. But we stayed where we were and just greeted those around us. If someone was new, then during the announcements they would be welcomed and given a first visitor packet. For those we wanted to talk to personally, we would talk to before the service or after the service. It was less distracting and safer. All I can imagine is one of our seniors with walkers or canes go crashing to the ground and nobody can get to them and you can’t hear then yell for “HELP”. I know this may be extreme, but you never know what can happen. We have a lot of seniors in our church and this last Sunday it seemed like a stampede down the aisle and everyone trying to get seated. Not cool to have a stampede of people at church when there are handicapped people trying to sit down. Bad IMAGE in my brain!

Personally speaking, it can be overwhelming to have a swarm of people that have you targeted in their eye-site when you are new. I feel bad for those who are trying to do the “Call to Worship” because nobody hears them…

ImageWe have a overly friendly and loving church. During the meet and greet it can take some time. And that is because people (myself included) get gabby. We want to catch up and say hi to everyone and welcome the newcomers. Some churches even have the Meet and Greet for newcomers and for those that want to take part right after church. This is actually pretty awesome. Instead of overwhelming the newcomers, you have snacks and drinks that would be also available like during the fellowship time and give them a chance to meet the pastor and his wife and others who would like to participate. That way if they have questions about the church, they can meet on a more intimate level. I have been to these and they allow for some awesome opportunities for the newcomers and the church. Some churches also have a newcomers lunch where those who are on the Welcome Team (which we don’t have) take part in. But those on that team would be at the luncheon and all newcomers that have been coming during that month or would like more information can attend.

ImageHaving a time of welcoming can easily become something we dread and want no part of, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Meeting and greeting those around us can be a wonderful time to connect to those in the church. I do have to say our church is great at this and the people are awesome when it comes to being genuine and sincere to those who have been there a long time or to those that are newcomers. You will for sure be leaving as a friend and as a family member.

When we first came to St. George Community Church, there was this lady Kathy Grey that shook our hand and introduced herself to us. What she did next was what I think is a perfect way to get to know those who are in our church or new. She invited me and my daughters to lunch and since we didn’t know the area, she drove us around town. That made a lasting impression on my family. It meant a great deal to us. I hated the that I had to stand up and introduce ourselves and say where we came from. But what Kathy did. This small gesture is something we all can do.

When Helping Isn’t Enough…

Published on by Sandie D1 Comment

Warning— This is a bit long, just need to vent on some family issues.

When I think of what it means to help others in need, I think of those times when people have been there for me. Which is more times than I can even count. God has put countless people in my life that has changed it for the good and at times, not so good. When is it time to draw the line when it comes to helping others?

ImageWhat got me thinking on this is my parents. They live in a small area of Arizona that is close to the border of Mexico. Growing up there has always been friction and fighting in my family. I decided around 12 or 13 that I wouldn’t have my kids around all the anger, fighting and hate filled conversations. Not of all my childhood was like this, but a good part of it was.

I have forgiven all those things from my childhood because I know it is best for me to do that. We are to forgive those who have wronged us. And the Lord knows I have been guilty of that myself.

Over the past year the fighting at my parents home has taken a turn for the worse and has brought on a huge amount of anxiety for many. And the reason for that is that my sisters and my brother is living with them or just a house over from them. They each want to help, but I wonder how is the best way to help someone when their whole life has been filled with these things.

ImageMy parents are in their 70’s and I do love them and want to help in anyway I can. But what is the best thing to do? Now, this is a loaded question in so many ways. For my own sense of peace and protection I am extremely happy I live where I do. I’m somewhat close enough (14 hrs away), but far enough. I’m grateful for all of those in my life and for the relationship I have with my daughters, grand kids, husband and friends.

I find it very sad and breaks my heart that my parents don’t have the kind of life I have made for my daughters and family. My family is far from perfect and we have had our issues, but love and God has always been the first priorities in our family. I have been blessed beyond measure when it comes to my family.

When I get a call that something is going on down there it makes me cringe. I wonder what is next and who has killed who. It’s at the point where they are drawing a line and sides needs to be taken. Of which that is NOT something I will do. They do need a lot of help and support. But the kind they are getting isn’t what I would say they need. Help shouldn’t be what is in my best interest, but in my parents best interest.

ImageAs I listen and talk to others down there, it is sad to know that their is no sense of peace or love. The word love is mentioned but I don’t get the idea that it is the kind of love that is unconditional and forgiving. There has been a lot of horrible things that have done and it is where it is parent against the children, brother against the sister and it’s a mess to put it mildly.

This situation keeps me awake at night and stressed because I’m just waiting for the call that someone killed someone.

My oldest sister tried to help and found out that she can’t. Things have gotten so bad that she said that she no longer has any parents, they are dead to her because of the things that were said and done. My mom calls my sister that thing and accused her of some other horrible things. She said that she has no brother for the same reason. As she talks to me and tears flowing and her voice cracking, she knows that she will never see mom and dad or my brother again because of things going on. She won’t even talk about them or ask for updates on how they are doing. She will never go down to see them out of fear of the police being called on her or hurtful comments being said.

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The Hatfields and McCoys Fued

Eventually people and family will stop helping because they fear for their own safety and freedom. I won’t turn my back and my home will always be open to my parents. When you have threats of being thrown in jail because you helped someone that asked for help, you learn to not do that again. Which is wrong on so many levels. My sisters have been in prison and they paid the price for what they did. those things should not be held over their heads because they took care of that. I have been hurt by family and wrong. But I still forgive and love them unconditionally.

As a Christian I know that if I want to be forgiven, I need to forgive as well. I do have to say that I am having a hard time of this with my brother. I love him. but some of the things he has done in the past and getting in the middle of the thing with my parents is upsetting me. I have had to call the police on my sister because I was worried about he and she spent time in prison for things she has done. It was the right thing to do for her own safety and well being. She does understand this, which I am happy that she does. She is getting her life in order and so is my oldest sister.

When I was talking to my brother on Facebook, he was going into all the things that others have done or said. I kept waiting for what he has done or said. There are no innocent parties when it comes to these kinds of fights. I rarely get to talk one on one with my dad because he is afraid he would get caught talking . Which seems irrational to me. Everyone has a right to talk to who they want and shouldn’t have to choose sides. I refuse to do that.

I find it disheartening that parents are filing restraining orders against each other. Sisters are calling the police and filing orders against my brother and my parents. For myself, when my Dr’s tell me not to stress and rest, I find it hard to do that because of what is going on down there in AZ. Shoot my medical things and blood pressure is out of whack and I don’t think I could survive when it comes to what is going on.

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I don’t know what the right thing is. I have chosen to stay out of their fighting and be there for them when they need a listening ear or if they need help with finances. When I look at the things that are going on in my parents home and in the lives of others, it shows me what it would be live to live in a world without God and love. And to me, that is horrible.

In John 8 it says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

When I read this passage it is telling me that there is not one person without sin. It sure seems there are many who think they are exempt and is fast to accuse another instead of looking at themselves.

It really bothered me that my brother would have every excuse and think that he can save the day and that is so far from the truth. He is fast to say it is this persons fault or that persons fault. The blame game is a very popular game that is going strong to this day and will till the day Christ comes again. I just wonder what the ultimate cost is going to be when it comes to winning this game.

When my brother said it is normal since they have always fought like this and he can handle them. Well, my response is that none of this is normal and he shouldn’t be handling anything. Normal is where parents and children enjoy seeing and talking to each other. Not the opposite where they want to have them all thrown in jail or committed. Something is wrong with this picture!

Will it come down to a fight that has gotten out of control because of things said and done in the past. The past isn’t going to change. But we can choose to move forward, forgive and do what is right. When he told me that they have always fought like this and that he is there to make sure they don’t kill each other. I have a problem with that. Yes, mom and dad need help. But not the kind he is offering. They need to know that people love and care for them and to be there to help, but not make the situation harder. Basically what is going on is pushing people away.

This reminds me of a conversation I was having with my friend Chris. It is hard to see how toxic a relationship or person can be when they are living it each day. I personally think that since my brother and sisters are adults and they are in their 50’s and late 40’s they should be living on their own, and doing for themselves. They shouldn’t have to be living with aging parents who are struggling to live and support themselves. Bringing stress, anger and reliving the past is NOT going to help. It will keep them in the past and not allow them to move forward.

I have prayed for a long time that something will change and that they can find true love, peace and happiness before they are no longer here. It’s sad to think that they may never get to experience these things because of hate filled lives and words. My prayer for them is that God will show them how much they are loved and they don’t have to live like this. I have to say, I have little hope that they will ever find these things because of all that is and has gone on. But nothing is impossible when we put our trust in God.

If anyone has any ideas on how to best handle this, I would be interested in knowing. Right now praying is about all I can do for all of them. I don’t know what else to do to help them out.

Guillian Barre Awarness Month- My Experience with GBS

Published on by Sandie D2 Comments

Every now and then I will go into medical things or my medical issues. With this being May it also happens to be Guillian Barre Syndrome Awareness Month. I have the CIPD variant of Guillian Barre Syndrome. I’m not going to go into much of the medical terms and such, because it is kinda hard to understand and me to describe.

ImageWhat is Guillian Barre Syndrome ?

Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder characterized by progressive symmetrical paralysis and loss of reflexes, usually beginning in the legs. The paralysis characteristically involves more than one limb (most commonly the legs), is progressive, and is usually proceeds from the end of an extremity toward the torso. Areflexia (loss of reflexes) or hyporeflexia (diminution of reflexes) may occur in the arms and legs.

What is CIPD?

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy is a immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system. It is believed that the condition is caused by immune cells attacking the exterior lining of nerve cells.

There are two types of CIDP: chronic progressive and relapsing. The chronic type is one that slowly worsens in time

When I was first diagnosed with GBS, I was 17 years old and living in Texas. I was living with my husband at the time. He was actually my boyfriend at that time.

When I first came down with GBS, it was hard to diagnose. There were many other illnesses and diseases that could mimic GBS. Here are a few of the many and probably hundreds of similar diseases;

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Lyme Disease
  • Drug Use
  • Bells Palsy
  • Neurpothy
  • Hodgkins Disease

ImageThe first time I came down with this was in 1980. I was very healthy at the time. I would have been in my junior year in high school. Running was my favorite thing to do at the time. Cross Country, Track and Basketball was things I enjoyed participating in. I loved to just get out there and run. When I did that, everything else was behind me and I just needed to concentrate on the path ahead of me. For me being able to run and explore is what I miss the most.

When I first noticed there was a problem was when Chuck and I went to go see a movie. I was exhausted when we were at the movies. My thoughts was that I must have over exerted myself or was more tired than I thought I was. Over the next few days, my legs felt heavy and numb. Simple things like getting up or taking a shower was almost impossible. Within 3 weeks I was completely paralyzed all the way to my forehead.

Chuck and I went to a number of emergency rooms and none of them would treat me and they thought I was on drugs. They tested me each time and there was never any drugs. If I had the strength I would have popped them upside the head.  They sent me on my way and the day came when I couldn’t get up at all. Chuck came home from work. He was in the Army at Fort Hood. He had to lift me up and we went to a different ER. That was when they figured there was more going on. They did admit me and did a spinal tap and other tests. The levels of proteins and the color of my spinal fluid was almost a yellow and they knew what it was at that time, considering it is suppose to be clear.

Chuck and I were a bit worried on how we were going to pay for this. Chuck and I wasn’t married at the time. We were talking about it and planned on getting married in December, but we pushed it ahead so I can get treated at the Army Hospital. I would end up spending months in the hospital. I was overjoyed when I could open and close my eyes without them having to tape them shut since I couldn’t more any muscles on my face or body. I couldn’t lift a pencil. I should add that since I was a minor at the time, the Shriners ended up picking up the bill for everything before we got married. We didn’t know about it till we got the bill in the mail. We were very grateful when we seen ‘Paid in Full”

ImageTrying to learn how to walk, open and close my eyes, write and do those things we take for granted was long and frustrating. My Dr’s reassured me that once my muscles start coming back and the mylen sheaths on the nerves repair themselves I would have no more problems. They assured me that GBS never comes back. I found out that was far from the truth. I had 3 re occurrences. Granted the second and third time wasn’t as bad as the first.

Back in 97 or 98, we found out that mine did come back. And since I wasn’t give a treatment called Plasma Pherisis and IVIG, my nerves didn’t repair themselves. When they do nerve tests, EMG’s and other neurological tests, they say I shouldn’t even be walking. I should be in a wheel chair.

Some may wonder how I got GBS/IVIG and it all started with a flu shot. The flu shot reacted with antibodies that I carry and it wrecked havoc on my system. My body is basically fighting itself. It is seeing the good cells as bad and they are eradicating them.

Because my body fights itself, it has gone through a whole chain reaction when it comes to my health. About 8-10 years ago. Maybe even longer. I was diagnoses with Myasthenia Gravis. That’s a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I have never heard of this disease either. But it causes muscle weakness, breathing problems, and a whole host of other things. It took a long time to figure out what is what, because some of the symptoms are the same.

ImageToday or should I say my life now is far from what I would think is a normal life. But at-least I am here to share with you all what GBS is and what Myasthenia Gravis is. Guillian Barre Syndrome can also start by getting the flu, cold or other virus’s. For someone that has GBS, a simple cold could kill them or land them in the hospital for a long time and completely paralyzed. What might last for just a few days or weeks to the one that is sick, could be life threatening to someone like me. I have ended up in ICU because a child had strep throat and decided to not cover their mouths when they are coughing or sneezing.

There are so many medical things that I have because of the GBS and Myasthenia. I have malignant hypertension (240/120) for my blood pressure. It is this way because the muscles and the signals in my brain doesn’t talk to each other. I have Cheyenne Stokes Breathing for the same reason. My brain forgets to tell my lungs to breath. Which is hard to get them to do breathing… I There is also the demyelinating that is going on in the brain. That is why I forget a lot of things and nothing they can really do about it.There is also the nueropothy and numbness that most people with GBS will have and most still do.   With me, the more I exercise the weaker my muscles get. A crisis is always around the corner.  There is a whole list of things going on with me that all come from getting GBS and my body fighting itself.

ImageMy Dr’s and nurses are surprised I am still here. Actually I shouldn’t be here still. I can’t answer that because I can only say that it is a “God Thing”… I trust that God has a purpose for what I am going through. I don’t think He gave me anything. God loves all His children. He does allow things to happen and for me at-least I use those things as a way to help others. I can’t deny that there are days I feel like Job from the Bible. And I have to keep in mind that Job was rewarded and God never left him.

Then I have some that ask me how I can’t be mad at God. They have the thought that since I am a Christian and believer in God that I would be upset with Him because these things shouldn’t happen to Christians. God should protect us from all the bad. Well, things don’t work that way. Bad things happen to all people. I have had moments though where I have to have a discussion with Him and ask him to give me a breather for a bit.

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My favorite Bible Verse and the one that gives me the most hope is, “God is our refuge and strength and ever present in times of trouble. Psalms 46:1″. When I read this and recite it, I know without a doubt that God is always with me. Even on my worse days and I want to throw my hands in the air, I know he is there.

I think about all the hundreds and thousands of children dying from cancer. Their life just began and they are going to be returning to God. I don’t understand why these things have to happen, but they do. And it isn’t putting them through it. But He is there.

In closing and i know you all must be tired of this long winded post. I just want to say that I wouldn’t change anything. Because of my illness and all of my experiences, I get a chance to talk to others and tell them that it is OK. I get to meet people I never would have been able too. Also because of my allergies and medical problems, I could never get involved in partying or drinking. I enjoy sharing my experience with those who have GBS or Myasthenia.

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The group I belong to on Facebook has many that are just getting diagnosed and they feel like things are hopeless. And I am here to say nothing is hopeless if you have God and you are breathing. Just take one step at a time and reply on Christ alone. He will pull ya through anything.

If you or someone you knows has GBS or other things I mentioned in this post. I am part of a couple of groups on Facebook that have others that have or have GBS. You will find GBS and other auto immune diseases affects everyone differently. Just because I had the problems I have and the residuals, doesn’t mean that everyone will have them. Anyone is free to comment, share their experience or ask questions. I have no problem sharing my experience and I don’t very often because of how complicated it is and not many would understand even if they are told. These groups are also great for the caregivers and those mourning the loss of a loved one due to GBS.

If you want to read more about a few of the things I mentioned, I did provide the links below;

It’s Time to Do Something!

Published on by Sandie D2 Comments

ImageI was watching a video on Facebook about this guy who is helping a homeless man get on his feet. He gave him a winning lottery ticket and has helped him get into a home of his own instead of living on the streets.

There is a song by Matthew West that really speaks to my heart and the need to reach out to those who need help. It talks about how we expect others to help and why is it that we don’t think we may be the ones called to help. I would love to show this video by Matthew West at church. Here is the video… Please watch it…

As I was watching these videos, I can’t help but think there is more that can be done to help the homeless. There should be no homeless people in the United States. I find it aggravating that we are sending money over to all the other countries when we should be helping our own people.  I have no problem helping people from other countries, but there comes a time when we need to help those around us. I don’t think our government should be sending billions of dollars to these countries. If individuals want to help others and support others, then that is their choice.  We are told to help others in the Bible. are we really helping or are we hindering.

There are homes that are boarded up and abandoned. Why can’t these homeless people live in them instead of them being boarded up. It would solve a the problem of the properties being abandoned and vandalized. Even some of these empty malls from all over the country could be used to house people. Instead they are being left to corrode.

ImageIn the state of Michigan there are thousands of homes boarded up and I’m sure many people would be happy to live in those houses and maintain them as they search for work and get on their feet.

There were homes a few years ago in Victorville California that has a whole community of homes that was never sold and lived in. The banks decided it was better to tear them down then to try to sell them. It upsets me that these homes can be used to help families who are in need.

Even here in St. George, there are homes that are sitting empty which could be used. I wonder if there is a mindset that if people are homeless, they must be worth nothing or into drugs. Granted that may be the case sometimes, but not always. Many people loose their homes because they loose their jobs and can’t afford to live off of minimum wage.

ImageI have noticed that many that are homeless have mental health problems. They should be helped not turned away. It’s really sad when I drive past Dixie Care and Share and see all the homeless people out there. They have to leave the facility around 6 am and not come back till evening. Even if they are sick or have children, they are on the streets.

I brought up a long time ago that we should be helping them. Our church is downtown and I could never understand why it is other people’s responsibility to help the homeless. Why couldn’t we allow them to come in out of the weather and get cooled off or warmed up depending on the time of the year. I was told by a few people that it would cause problems if churches did this. And the reason why is because they would be bringing drugs in and they weren’t clean. This isn’t from the people at my church now, but in general others have said that we can’t do that. Well, Why not???

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This is Matthew West- He sings Do Something…

So basically some people think that we should be making a difference and being kind to one another, but only if they don’t stink and live in a home. I have had it on my heart though to go hand out bottles of water and sandwiches to the homeless around town. My friend Lisa and I talked about it and I think it is something I need to pursue. Hopefully I can get others to do it too.

I feel horrible for them when they are just sitting out side in the heat of the summer and not have shelter from the heat. Maybe it’s just me, but I think something has to happen on a personal level. There is this song that speaks about how people need help and someone needs to do something. Well, that somebody can be me and anyone else. Why do we have to wait for someone else to help the homeless when we can help them. Everyone has the ability to help someone in need.

God Doesn’t Fit in Our Box !

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

The Bible – There are some things that make no sense to me. Now, granted it may be a me thing for the most part and I’m making more out of it then I need to should be.

I often get into conversations about why is it that I can believe there is a God. Some people think that is foolish in believing there is a God that created the world. I guess they would prefer to think they come from monkeys and baboons. I will let them think that if they want to believe that, but to me that is just foolishness on so many levels.

ImageThen others that may believe there is a God wants to fit Him into their little box. And that makes no sense to me how God can fit into a box.

It seems to me that there are an awful lot of people who want to have God conform to their way of thinking and can justify just about anything. I got thinking about this when I was reading about how two pastors got married and is now divorcing. There are many things going on in and around us that makes me scratch my head and wonder what the heck the problem is. And I guess it is as simple as people conforming to this world and not God’s Will. Maybe not that simple, but it’s the only thing I can think of.

Even though there are those who don’t believe in God, so they don’t worry about keeping God in a little box and trying to get Him to do what they want Him to do or to justify their own actions and deeds. Since I am a believer in God and that Christ died for my sins, I just think it is sad that people can’t or won’t know what it is like to be loved unconditionally and to know without a doubt where they would spend eternity. They just believe this life is it and nothing more. So sad!

ImageIn Romans 12:2 (NIV) it says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Not conforming to the world isn’t the easiest things to do since we are borne and raised in the world. There are pressures from those in the world for us to conform to the ways of the world. I find this difficult to understand when it is Christians and are teaching those in their congregations that everything is OK in the name of Love and unity. I think that is a bunch of hogwash and should not be going on in any church that claims it is a church following Biblical principals.

I know for myself, I am a control freak big time and I have a hard time giving God my 100%. But then when I don’t, things backfire big time. And there are times I just want to hold my finger up and say “just a minute, I have this”, when I don’t have it at all. In Matthew 10:39 it says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

When I get my thoughts going and want to do something, I have to keep myself in check and make sure what my motivation really is. This would be when I have to ask the Holy Spirit and to listen. The Holy Spirit isn’t going to lead us astray. Our hearts and minds can do that on it’s on and I have found for myself at-least, that I can’t trust my heart and mind when it comes to certain things. Plus I know that the Holy Spirit won’t try to stroke my ego so I can have all the warm fuzzy feelings you want to have. More times than not, it tells me what I don’t want to hear or admit to.

I also can’t help but wonder what the motivation is when church leaders, pastors, elders, deacons or whoever says or does things so they don’t have to stir the pot. Who are they trying to impress? I don’t think God would be impressed over showy stuff and giving into the ways of the world because they want to increase numbers at church or the bankroll.

ImageI’m not exactly sure of what my main point is here with this post. But I do know that God is the only one in control. It isn’t the pastors or church leaders. They are going to be held accountable too and I cringe when I think of how it will be for those who led His sheep astray because they didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Shoot, they can hurt my feelings if I am doing something I need to change or that is getting in the way of my relationship with Christ. There are some pastors or TV evangelists that reminds me of a peacock. They seem very pretty and they are pleasing to look at. Eventually the noises come out of their mouths and they are loud and annoying. They demand your attention or they get even louder and they strut their stuff for all to see.

I’m happy to see that our pastor and past pastors weren’t that way. Well there was one, but he was not the smartest cookie in the jar to say the least. Pastor Ray isn’t about keeping up appearances or having to be the “look at me” kind of peacock. Which I’m very happy over that, because I’m not looking for another church since they are like family to me.

God knows what He is doing and more than likely isn’t impressed when we try to manipulate or want him to do things our way. God is the only God and when we are told in the Ten Commandments that we aren’t to worship any other god before Him, I think I will not do that. He is a loving God, but one that doesn’t like to be told to do things because we want Him to.

ImageI do want to leave this final thought. In the beginning I said how the Bible confuses me at times. Well a lot of times. I also know that even if I don’t understand everything in it, God does. Some things aren’t things I need to believe. I just have to have faith and know that it is what it is. I’m pretty sure that when I am dead to this world and with God, those things won’t matter anyhow. I will be in His presence, so there is no need to know about dinosaurs, time and all that other stuff.

 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

Pastor Joe has a blog that I just started to follow… I enjoy his blog and the truths in it.

Joe Quatrone, Jr.

Question: “As I debatjesus deathe Christian theology with my Muslim friends, the issue of the cross and the atonement always seems to be a sticking point.  From their perspective they ask, ‘Why can’t Allah just unilaterally forgive my sins and cut out the middle man?’  So the question is, ‘Why did Jesus have to die?”

Answer: Muslims use much of the same terminology that appears in the Bible: sin, salvation, heaven, hell, law, and punishment.  What is missing from their lexicon, however, is the word “savior.”  The Muslim does not believe he needs a savior because he believes he alone must atone for his sin by his works.  Islam teaches that man is born sinless and, therefore, does not have a sin nature from which he needs to be saved.  His sinlessness was corrupted by external influences and can, therefore, be ‘cleaned up’ by works and efforts that please Allah. …

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A Tangled Web – Sarah, Abraham and Hagar

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

I’m just now watching the Bible Series on Netflix. I’m on the first part of The Bible. And I am confused somewhat.

ImageWhen Sarah thought that she was barren and couldn’t give Abraham a child. She had Abraham go be with Hagar. They had a son together named Ismael.

In Genesis 16:3 it does say that Sarai (Sarah) Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife

After Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, Abraham moved his camp away from the city , and went to live near a place called Gerar. And finally , the child whom God had promised to Abraham and Sarah, his wife, was born, when Abraham, his father, was a very old man. Abraham and Sarah was very happy when Issac was born.

Sarah was having a bit of an attitude I would say and told Abraham that she doesn’t want to have Ishmael growing up with their son Isaac. Ishmael at the time would have been around 13 yrs old. She told Abraham to send Hagar and her boy away and said they are a trouble to her.

So I can’t help but wonder how she could be angry with Abraham since he did as he was instructed to do from Sarah. And I understand that God has everything under control. But right now, I am thinking that Sarah is more than a bit jealous and not nice at all. She brought this all on herself. What was she thinking would happen if she told her husband to go be with another women. I live in Utah and there is a lot of polygamists here. That sounds like what would happen here. She can’t have it both ways… But who am I to say? God did tell Abraham to listen to Sarah. But I think if I was Hagar, I would be a bit bent… Good thing I didn’t live during this time period. I might have been stoned to death by someone.

(c) York Museums Trust; Supplied by The Public Catalogue FoundationAbraham sent Hagar and her boy away, expecting them to go back to the land of Egypt, from which Hagar had come. He gave them some food for the journey, and a bottle of water to drink by the way. I know Abraham was a kind and loving person, but I can’t even begin to wonder how long in a hot dry desert would that water and food last. Eventually they ran out of water and food and was lost. In terms of today Abraham would not have been a good dad at all because you don’t send people out into the desert alone.

Of course God didn’t leave her and Ishmael. And as a mom myself, I would be pretty stressed out and worried if I was watching my child suffer like Ismail was suffering. As she was crying she heard a voice say to her.

“Hagar, what is your trouble? Do not be afraid. God has heard your cry and the cry of your child. God will take care of you both, and will make of your boy a great nation of people.”

It was the voice of an angel from heaven; and then Hagar looked, and there, close at hand, was a spring of water in the desert. How glad Hagar was as she filled the bottle with water and took it to her suffering boy under the bush!

But here is the Bible Verses that talk about Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and Issac.

Genesis 21:8-14

8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”

11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring-will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.

It does go on and says what became of Ishmael. But I still don’t think that Sarah should have been so angry and jealous because she is the one who instructed Abraham to go be with Hagar in the first place.

Genesis 21:15-20

15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she[b] began to sob.

17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”

19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

20 God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt.