Month: December 2014

My husband and I were talking about Mickey Dolanz from the Monkeys and how he is now 72 yrs old and how old he is getting. Then the conversation went on to how Let’s Make a Deal came out 51 yrs ago in 1963. I can see where this is headed. He is treading on dangerous territory for sure.

I was born in 1963 and when people ask me how old I am, I always say 22. He then went on to say how some people are delusional when it comes to age, with the daggers in his eyes looking in my direction.

I then proceeded to tell him about a dear lady I knew named Mattie Bennett. She would tell everyone, me included that she was 16. Obviously she was in her 60’s or 70’s. Mattie explained to me that she tells everyone she is 16 because in her mind she is young, even though the outside and her body is old. Once we convince ourselves that we are old and can’t do anything, then like might as well be sitting in a rocking chair on the porch and watch life pass you by. If he wants to sit in a rocking chair and act like a old crotchety and nasty old man, then so be it. As you may see, this is one of my hot topics.

While we all age, keep in mind that I did not say I am getting old. I am simply aging. When someone tells me that I need to act my age or admit my age, I wonder why would I want to do that.

My husband is someone who I would say acts his age. He is like his dad and has the mindset of a cranky old man in many ways. He grumbles over the same things his dad did and has the same mannerism. My mother in law lived with us after my father in law passed away. She would make comments on how much Chuck is like his dad and worse in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, there are good things about Chuck, but acting like his dad is NOT something I like and something he shouldn’t be comfortable with.

I would never want to return to life at 22. I am OK where I am now. But I refuse to grow old mentally. Physically, it doesn’t matter. We all age and all will die. This isn’t about aging. Once we give into the I’m too old for that mentality, then life passes you by. There are many people I know that do that and they are unhappy people and do nothing but complain about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

There are many I know that are aged, but don’t let that stop them. Just because a person is getting older it doesn’t mean they have to be old. It is all in the mindset.

There are some things though that people that are aged shouldn’t do. Really it could be people of any age. One of the things that bugs me is when I see someone that is 70 dressed like a teenager. There is such a thing as being tasteful and using good judgement.

If people think I am delusional when I say I am 22, then that is fine. They can think what they want and they can live their lives the way they want to. As for me, I will be 22 until I turn 23. If people have a problem, that is their problem, not mine.When people say they don’t understand why I feel the way I do, well, that is OK too. They don’t need to understand!!!

Now I’m done ranting. At least for now 🙂

I have been working on redoing my personal website this last week or two. I came to realize that the hosting company I use for it is no longer a good fit. My original site is called Visions of Hope. I called it that because Jesus is my only hope.  I have dreams and such and that is how God speaks to me. I guess He must realize that my life is filled with so much garbage and it is hard to get my attention. So, God speaks to me in my dreams. If I don’t pay attention and do something about whatever it is that God needs me to take care of, I keep having the dreams.

While I was redoing my site, I needed to decide what message I am wanting to put out there to the world. The message was easy enough since I am a Christian and I feel the need to share the Gospel with others who may not know who Jesus is or what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ.

I’m pretty much going to let the domain name I have had for years go because it doesn’t really describe what it is I am trying to share. My new domain is myjesusis.net.

I plan on it being an interactive website that will focus on Christ. There will be a page where others can share their personal testimonies or ask questions.

For me, everyday is a lesson. Everyday I have to keep myself in check when it comes to my faith. I have stumbled many times and it is a daily occurrence. There is a movie that has come out that is the life story of Rich Mullins. It is called Ragamuffin. When I was done watching the movie, it fit my relationship with the world and Christ in so many ways. I am an imperfect Christian who has to depend on Christ for everything in my life.

There are many similarities when it comes to the way I was brought up and it took a long long time to realize that God loved me unconditionally. I would beat myself up over all the stupid choices and paths I took in my life. Thankfully God was always there to pull me out of the pit and helped me dust myself off and continue on the path.

On my new site, I hope to have it become a place where others can learn about Christ and realize that God loves them no matter what baggage we are carrying. God is willing to take that all away from us if we only ask. Christ died because there would be no way we could pay the price for the sins we have committed. I can tell you on a personal level, I have a ton of garbage. I thank God all the time for sending Christ to die for my sins. I don’t deserve the kind of love that He has offered.

If you all would like to check out my new revamped website, you can go to http://www.myjesusis.net/ . It would be awesome to see others share their testimonies. When we share our testimonies and trials, it is a way of helping others that may be feeling like they can’t go on any longer.

If anyone has any ideas on the kind of pages you would like me to include on the new site, please let me know.

Today was an interesting day. My grandson Tyson and I went out to help my daughter with a Christmas party for her students.

I use to be home room mom for both of my daughters and I loved it. It really gave me an appreciation for what teachers really do.

Jessica is a 4th grade teacher. She has I believe 21 students in her class. As I was watching her teach her students and interact with them, it took me back to when I was helping her teachers. I knew they worked long hours, but I never realized how much they do. I was exhausted after just an afternoon.

My grandson and myself helped decorate cookies, organize crafts and just take part in the festivities. But, let me tell you, there is a whole lot of stuff that goes into the hours the children are in school. She is at school at 8am and has to leave her house around 7:00 am to make it there. She is in the classroom till 3:30 pm at the earliest. After that her day is still not done. She still has to work on the following days lessons, grade papers and do all the other things that needs to be done. Maybe around 10 or 11 pm, she might be able to go to bed.

She takes into consideration each and every student. She made sure that she is challenging them while building them up to become stronger and educated students. The smiles on the face of the children demonstrates how much they love learning. Even those who are acting out are getting so much out of being in her class.

I was doing the cookie station of the Christmas party. I didn’t tell Jessica too much about what the children said. The ones that I could tell that were distracted were telling me how nice Mrs. Ross are. They were saying with a smile on their faces that she cared about them and she is the best teacher ever. Even the few that were unruly were talking about Jessica with a smile on their face. They were genuine and they seemed to have the same look when you talk to your child and you tell them how proud you are of them, then you get that smile and gleam in your eyes. This is how they were today.

My grandson Tyson and myself also went to my grandson JJ’s classroom. They have a new bearded dragon and I brought mine into the classroom to show them what theirs will look like when it is older. It was interesting and fun to see the look on their little faces when they seen Fred. I could tell that Tyson enjoyed being in the classroom and around the other kids.

We also went to the practice session for the kids Christmas Program and they did an awesome job. Considering how small the school is, they did a great job. I never even knew there was a school in this tiny little community in AZ. But there are and the teachers and staff are doing an awesome job. You can tell by the looks on the kids face.

All in all it was a good day. I’m exhausted and I am very proud of Jessica for reaching for the stars and following the dreams and goals she set out for herself in 2nd grade. I am very good at the things I do and I can honestly say that I do NOT have the gift of teaching children. I have no patience and Jessica has an abundance of that. Teaching is one of those jobs and careers that is more than just a job. You have to love children. I am sure that no teacher is getting paid what they should be getting paid.

Most parents and myself included grumble about how much they have to spend to buy supplies for their children. Let me tell you straight up. I had NO CLUE how much teachers spend of their own money. Just like the party today. She doesn’t get reimbursed at all. She spent at least 100.00 on supplies, not including gifts that she got for each of the children. And this is just for one day. She bought supplies for all of the students in her classroom. She knew that many of the children came from homes where they couldn’t afford to buy food let alone school supplies. But she has a heart and love for children and all the teachers I met today have a love for the children they teach.

I would like to just say that if you have a child in school, you might want to thank his/her teacher. I didn’t realize how much they really do and I’m sure there are many parents out there who are the same as I am. So, thanks to all the teachers I have and the ones I still have in my life. I may not be in school, but life has lessons everyday and we are always being taught.

Today I had a pretty awesome sharing of Gods message at K-Mart. I have never been shy when it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Today was one of those days where God had me at the right place at the right time.

I had to go pay on a layaway and there was an older gentleman there trying to sign up people to get the Spectrum Newspaper. I don’t like the Spectrum at all and I prefer to get my news from St. George News. Anyhow, I just felt the urge to go over and sign up and talk to this gentleman. Normally when I see people trying to sale me something I don’t need I just pass by and say no thank you and go on about my business.

There was something about him that spoke to me and that he needed someone to talk to. His name is Len (? spelling). I didn’t end up signing up, but found out that he wasn’t feeling good. I asked him if it was OK to pray for him. In return he asked me if he could pray for me also. He noticed my IV lines and such, so I’m guessing that is why he asked. Of course that was more than OK.

As we were praying and talking. I found out that he has been looking for a church home and at the time he is going to the Southern Baptist Church here. He told me that it has been difficult to find a church home that is based solely on the Bible. He called around to a number of churches and he was bothered that they didn’t stick to the teachings of the Bible. They conformed to the patterns of the world.

I made it a point to go by his little station where he was signing up people for the newspaper and brought him a box of chocolates. I don’t think he knew what to say. I just told him to have a very Merry Christmas. After a few more minutes of talking, I went out to my car to get ready to leave. I noticed he took the chocolates to his car and he stopped where I was.

Len was sharing the parable of the sheep and the goats. I tell ya, it was like a revival at K-Mart today, lol. The reason I say a  it was like church at K-Mart. A lady named Jane from New Covenant Christian Center was there and a few other ladies and gentleman was there It was like we were having church as people walked in. Some stopped and listened.

Parable of the Sheep’s and the Goats ; 

Jesus says, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.

• All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” (Matthew 25:31-32)

The sheep will be put at the right hand (of the Son of Man / king) and the goats will be put on the left.

After our discussion I invited Len and his wife to church. He said he wanted to go where the church is around 100 people, traditional hymns and where the Bible is preached from and not changed to make people happy. I my have to write more on this parable.

I haven’t been feeling good at all today, but God knew I needed to go there and it was awesome to be able to have a revival at K-Mart… I don’t know if he sold any subscriptions or not. But I know the presence of God was there. I hope to see him at church.

For all of those who believe in prayer and I don’t understand why someone wouldn’t, can you keep Len in your prayers. Jane from New Covenant also said that my dear friend Shirley Morganti isn’t feeling good. So we prayed for Shirley and thanked God for our blessings. After praying a couple times with him today and with those that came to his station, which was awesome, I know I was there for a greater purpose than paying on a layaway.

The other day I was talking to a friend about back sliding. The kind of back sliding I am talking about is the kind where you revert to the way you were and have taken a step or vacation away from God. This last couple of weeks, I have had a discussion a few times with friends that are on the brink of walking away from God.

One of the conversations I had with a young single mom who has two daughters. Her life is overly filled between work and taking care of her daughters. While we were talking, we started talking about how something is missing in her life. She couldn’t point out why she felt there was an empty spot, but there was. My friend lives in Phoenix now and I know she has many friends and family members there. As we were talking, she told me that ever since she stopped going to church, her life has become lonely and the joy has left. I can understand this, because for a long time, I felt that too. I let other things get in the way of God.

I could justify not going for many reasons. I had a running list going some 20 plus yrs ago. Here are some of my excuses for not going to church.

1. I’m too tired from working and I want to sleep in late.
2. I don’t need to go to church to be saved. I can get everything I need from the TV preachers.
3. I didn’t like the music and it was boring.
4. Today is my only day to spend with my family and daughters. What I did find is that the more Sundays

If I didn’t go the worst I felt. After awhile, it was easy to just say honestly that I don’t want to go. What started out as a few weeks turned into years. I would go once in awhile if my daughters performed, but that is it. I wasn’t being the kind of role model I needed to be for my daughters and I was getting further and further from God.

When we moved to Southern Utah I made a conscience decision to go to church each Sunday. Even if the sermon and music wasn’t the best, I knew I needed to go. Satan loves it when God’s children backslide or drift away. It is easy to do, because it is so gradual and you don’t see it is a problem until it effects your life and your families life.

My friend that I was talking to still hasn’t found a new church home. She has this idea that there is no other church like the one she went to before she moved. So, instead she doesn’t go anywhere and has the attitude that church isn’t important. If her daughters pick up the phone, they will tell me how much they miss going to church and that they have seen a change in their mom.

One of the biggest excuses that people have is that they don’t want to go to church anymore because church people are full of hypocrites!” I know this may not be a good response to that, but I would say there is more than enough room for another hypocrite. All churches are filled with hypocrites, sinners and imperfect people. If anyone is expecting otherwise, you will be disappointed.

The Bible tells us to go to church and here is just one of many Bible verses that discuss going to church. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.”

Being a Christian isn’t always going to be easy. At times it may be miserable. Thankfully I have never been miserable when it comes to my faith in Christ. What I have found is that there are times in our lives that we get off track or fall off the trusting God wagon.

As Christians we are to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ daily so that no one turns away from God. If you have found yourself backsliding, or drifting away from the Lord, these practical steps will help get you back on course today.

A study came out not too long ago. It was based on those who go to church and don’t. The results are pretty sad when you think about it and I am so blessed that my children are believers in Christ, even when I stopped going for such a long time. God must have had big plans for them because I know if they relied on my faith in the past they would be lost. Our children watch us and when we don’t demonstrate our Love for God and want to be with other Christians, why would they want to do that?

Results from Study on Parents who go to church;

•If both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72% of their children remain faithful in attendance.

•If only Dad attends regularly, 55% remain faithful.

•If only Mom attends regularly, 15% remain faithful.

•If neither attend regularly, only 6% remain faithful.

After finding out the results of this study it makes me wonder what kind of a message we are sending to our children. I had to ask myself if I was committed to teaching my children and grandchildren why Christlike behavior and going to church is important.

1. Going to church is more than just listening to a sermon. It is about surrounding yourself with other Christians and believers in Christ and being around like minded people who have the same love for Christ that I have.
2. When we listen to the sermon or attend study groups the Word of God has a way of building our faith and spiritually feeds us. For myself this is one of the most important things for me to do. Each week I feel like I am putting on the Armor of God. When I have obstacles, I have the tools needed to go into battle against Satan.
3. One of the most important reasons why we should be going to church is that if we have a right relationship with God and have fellowship with others believers. In 1 John 1:7 it says, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”.
4. What I have found is that when I go to church and hang out with other believers, it has a way of helping me with my struggles. Many times others have or are going through the same thing. When believers share their journey or testimony, it gives us a way of looking at things from a different perspective and shows us that we can get through anything if we have faith in God.

What I had to do when deciding that I needed to get back to church on a regular basis I had to do a few things. First of all I had to pray and ask for forgiveness. I needed to come up with ways to get my life back to where it should be and back to knowing God. Actually God is the One who provided the answers, once I prayed and was open to hearing what He had to say. I can be a bit stubborn on some things.Here are some things that will help with your journey. It did with mine and it is something I still have to continuously work on and pray about.

• First of all I had to really examine my life and my faith. I make sure what I am doing is pleasing to God. I fail at this a good amount of time and that’s when I have to pray for direction and help. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
• Secondly, if you find yourself drifting away from God, it may be a good idea to turn back towards him immediately. Don’t take too long because the longer you take, the easier it is to not notice. It is what is called a slow fade. Besides, we want to please God, not Satan. At-least that’s what my plan is.
• Lastly, seek God in all things. In I Chronicles 28:9 it says, “If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” As Christians we need to study the Word of God daily. This is an area I need to work on more. I’m not talking about reading a verse or two. I mean really study and learn about God. There are so many resources out there and I know our church offers many opportunities to dive into the Word of God.

When I was done talking to my friend, I left her with this to think about and I emailed her my final thought. Well, not final, because I am always talking about sharing God with others. But, what I told her that we never should neglect our meeting together, like some people do. We need to encourage one another. Christ is coming soon and we need to make sure to not turn our eyes and hearts away from Him. Don’t give Satan a reason or opportunity to take a stronghold in your life!

In closing, I just want to say that we need to stay in fellowship with other believers. We can’t make it alone as a Christian. We need the strength and prayers of other believers. Develop a daily habit of spending time with God. Bad habits are hard to break. Also, when you go back to Church, make sure it is a church that is a Bible Based church. Not all churches are and there are many out there that is all about stroking egos and accepting of anything and everything. Always pray if you need help and direction.  God will point you in the right direction.