Author: Sandie D

With mothers day coming this Sunday, I want to pay tribute to my mother in Law Marjorie. While many people have had the experience of horrible in laws. I would have to say that when I describe my mother in law who is now with the Lord was a God fearing, people loving and praying woman. When my husband and I met, it was because of her. I was only 17 when we got married. Mom always treated me like her own daughter. It wasn’t like I was her daughter in law. I was her daughter.

I am extremely thankful and blessed to have the mother in law I had. I do miss the times we would spend together. Mom also loved to do cross stitching, crocheting, embroidering, sewing and just about anything that she could do with her hands, she was great at. Moms favorite shows were ‘Fiddler on the Roof”, “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Phantom of the Opera”. She loved the southwest and the desert. She loved the saguaro Cactus and roadrunners. She would look out her window in Tucson and watch the roadrunners playing.  Moms favorite song was ‘In the Garden” and El Shaddai by Amy Grant. One of the awesome things about mom is that she would try anything first. We went to the Women of Faith conference in Las Vegas. Almost all of the older ladies were grumbling about how the loud the music was. Not mom, she was clapping along and if she knew the songs, she was singing them. She didn’t act her age.

I have many gifts around my house that my mother in law made for me and I will cherish them forever. Most of all she loved her family and loved studying the Word of God.

Mom and I had many conversations about God. Until my mom came to live with us here in Utah, she had the impression that she couldn’t hear Gods voice. During church she would doodle and on our way home one day we got talking about hearing Gods voice. She was thinking that she would hear a literal voice like what happened with Moses and the burning bush. By the time we made it to the house, she was in tears. I explained to mom that it isn’t a literal voice, it is that God puts things on our hearts.

Mom was a spunky little lady. She was only 4’8″ and you wouldn’t think she was a little spit fire by looking at her. While she lived with my husband and I, I got to where I really knew her well. After I talked to her about what it means to hear the voice of God, she was relieved beyond any words I can think of.

My mother in law was also a loving mom to her three sons. I hear a song coming to mind,lol (My Three Sons). She also loved her grandchildren. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do for them. Mom was a real grandma to my daughters. They loved going over to her house and visiting with her. My daughters would and still do think of her as their real grandma. Beckiah also has her grandma that she adores very much. We adopted Beckiah and my in laws loved her just as much as if she was related by blood. Mom would take them for a couple weeks each summer and mom and dad would drive from Tucson to Phoenix to just visit for the day. They had no problem going out of their way to see us.

When mom passed away it was a sad time and a joyful time. She passed away on August 4th, 2008. She missed my father in law and would be sobbing in her room. Everyday she would pray for anyone and everyone. I can say without a doubt where she is and that is in heaven.

Right before mom passed Craig (her son) and I went to the care center to see mom. We knew time was short. As we walked into the room, a little black lady named Helen was sitting there holding her hand as mom took her last breath. Helen then went on to tell us that she is with the Lord now. What she said next was amazing. She was telling Craig and I how wonderful it is that our church sent over the young people from the choir to come and sing there. She said they had voices of the angels. One of the CNA’s also heard the singing, but didn’t see anyone coming or going. Craig and I knew it wasn’t a choir from our church since we have no choir. Our church is mainly a church for seniors and there is no way they would be from our church. I think God sent His angels to escort her home. There is no other reason for what they all were hearing.

Mom is missed and she has touched many lives. For me she will always hold a special place in my heart and I will cherish her everyday. I am thankful that God gave me the sweetest mother in law ever. She was in all senses a real mother that loved unconditionally and with her whole heart.

I was thinking about my friend Lisa when someone asked me about what is a true friend and do they have to be just like us. While I have many friends, Lisa came to mind. When I think of what a true friend is I would say that she is person that I can trust to be with me when I am at my weakest and having a bad hair day. They also there when I want to throw something at the wall. A friendship isn’t a one sided thing, you have to be willing to be there for each other, without judging one another.

Lisa is the kind of friend that would do just about anything for anyone. I don’t know anyone that would be willing to go with me to go see my parents in Arizona and endure a road-trip that was far from uneventful. We dealt with crazy passengers, ha-boobs, rattlesnakes, wild pigs, the Bates Motel and so much more. We lived to tell about it thankfully.

Whats nice about Lisa is that she would be there for ya in good times and bad, when you are at your best and when you’ve behaved badly. As if I would ever behave badly, lol. True friends care about you no matter what you do.

Part of the conversation I was having with one of my friends on Facebook is about what it is that makes a true friend. I would have to say that there has to be unconditional love and acceptance of others. I have found that when I have friendships that are outside of my own beliefs and lifestyle, it doesn’t work out as well. Many times those types of friendships will drift away and collapse. I enjoy the kind of friendship where one is like-minded.

Lisa and I can get into some pretty off the wall conversations. Just this week Lisa and I were talking about some new neighbors that she has. I started receiving messages in the evening about how there are bikes at the house next door and that would mean kids are going to live there. To fully understand Lisa, you have to know that Lisa is NOT a person who enjoys having children around. While she has two adult sons, she is done with dealing with children. God must be trying to play around with Lisa’s love of children (sarcasm intended). The next message I received was that there are 6 bikes, lol. She is stressing a bit over the whole situation. I’m laughing on my side of the conversation and she isn’t. I don’t think I would want 6 young kids living that close to me either. My ears have a noise intolerance these days, I enjoy my peace and quiet.

When I hear the quote,”A friend is someone who will let you have total freedom to be yourself” would describe Lisa. She isn’t out to change anyone. Lisa is much more daring than I am. If I was asked how to describe Lisa I would have to say that she is a motorcycle momma who isn’t afraid to tell you what is on her mind. So don’t ask if you don’t want to know. She also is a redhead when she wants to be and is tattooed. But more-so, Lisa wears her heart on her sleeve. She has her moments and I understand that when she is upset, she just needs to be alone or she may want to go out to Applebee’s and eat all the chips and dips with a drink. Long story on how I know this about her, lol.

Towards the end of the conversation I was having on Facebook, we summed up that a true friend is unconditional. They will be there for ya when you call and need a ride or just to talk. I have a few friends that I can say is true friends. Then I have those friends who are what I would call “friends of convenience.” Lisa is NOT what I would call a “friend of convenience.” When you have true friends, you best hold onto them because they don’t come by all the time.

Now, the next question I was asked in my conversation is “do we know how to be a true friend”? Now that is the flip side of the coin. Friendships aren’t about what someone can do for me, but what can I do for you. I try to focus on being a true friend and would hope I would be considered a good friend.

One thing that I should add about true friends is that “true friends” can also be family. My daughters are my best friends and they are lifelong friends. Since the conversation I was having on Facebook was about friends that are outside of the family, I wanted to be sure to add that for me my best friends include my daughters and a couple of my sisters. I can’t really say all of my sisters since there are conditions put on everything and siblings have a way of throwing you under the bus. I think with all families there will be some you are closer to over others. If you have that kind of a friendship with family, you are very bless and I feel blessed in those relationships.

In closing I just want to say that you have ever had the opportunity to be part of a friendship that is unconditional you should make it the best friendship ever. There is something special about knowing that someone has your back. For me that person is Lisa. I can say without a doubt that Lisa would be someone that would stand in my corner and fight like a mad women. If you seen how she gives her hubby a what for when he does something stupid, you would know that she can handle herself and others that would hurt those she loves and cares about. True friendships are unconditional.

I would love to hear from others about what a true friend is to you and what makes your friendship special.

There has been a lot of things on my mind when I think about my family. One of the many things is on how more importance is put on material items instead of people and God. Materialism is when we are preoccupied with material things instead of relationships and God. We are to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). How can we serve God if we are preoccupied with material items?

I left home at a young age and I am thankful everyday that I did that. I realized as a child that money and possessions was always going to be more important than I was to my parents and that also goes for my siblings. As I was getting older, I felt I was different. The reason I say that is that I never really cared about keeping up appearances and the Jones. I wanted a nice home and I had aspirations of driving a Corvette or a Silverado Truck. I also had dreams of marrying Donny Osmond and was heart broken when he got married. I thought the song Puppy Love was written with me in mind. I guess he didn’t get the memo that told him he was mine. These things at the time seemed important to me. It isn’t unrealistic to want nice things and to dream.

When I look at how people on the show “Hoarders” accumulate items that they think they have to have. I can’t help but think of how my childhood was. My parents had nice cars and always a nice place. I remember one day as I was standing at sink doing dishes my grandpa Doyle told me that he would give me a dollar and I could have it if I gave him a hug. Something was wrong with that statement. I was upset and I got the impression at that point that money buys love in his mind. I did and still do love my Grandpa Doyle. He would take us out rock hunting and would spend time with us when our parents basically pushed us aside. He didn’t need to pay me to have me give him a hug. My parents or I should say my mom also did something like that. I left home when I was 14. She told me that if I came back she would buy me $300.00 worth of cloths. When in reality all she needed to do was to say that she missed me and loved me and that is all it would have taken to return home.

Material items and prestige has a way of ruining people. There is no amount of money or power that can make a person happy. God isn’t against us if we want to drive a awesome sports car as long as it is something we can afford. God gives us everything that we need. For me, I needed to focus more on the blessings God has given me and the principles in the Bible. It isn’t always easy to do that. I can have all the riches and health the world can provide. But, they will never truly make me happy. When I look at what the Bible has to say, it isn’t about all the stuff that we have that makes us materialistic, it is our attitude. In 1 Timothy 6:10 is says, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”. I can totally see how this is possible.

Just the other day a women who won the lottery committed suicide. She had enough money to take care of her and her needs for life. But it wasn’t enough to make her happy. I can see how it is the root of all evil when it comes to my family also. My parents have nothing, yet everyone is there trying to take what little they have. When there is no money or stuff anymore, they they take off and they are no longer there. Once they get what they want, they are out of there. I have a friend who died and wow, the vultures came out of the woodwork faster than nothing.

Money and greed has a way of destroying people. I always thought I wanted to win the lottery and build a huge house and donate to my church. That isn’t the case now. Many times people will ask each other what will they do with the money if they won. I have my long list of things. I don’t think I could handle that amount of money. All I could see is that people would be wanting to be my friend because of the money and what I could offer them. Too many times we rely on material things that we feel could complete our lives. When really only God can take care of our needs and help us feel satisfied.

In the Bible Solomon is the richest and most powerful king that was known. Solomon had everything any man has ever wanted and yet he wasn’t happy. With all the wealth and material items Solomon had he didn’t have happiness and was unsatisfied. King Salomon said, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

While I was looking up this topic the other day I came across this on one of the sites. It was saying that the Bible tells us that a person’s “life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) and that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

If someone were to come up to me and ask me if I was rich, I would say “of course I am”. Even though I would think they are asking about material wealth like a huge bank account, expensive cars, a large house and so on. When I think of the wealth and riches I have, I think of my family and friends. I don’t need money to make me happy. God has blessed me beyond measure. Christ wants us to understand where the true treasure may be found. It is not to be found upon this earth, but in the eternal realm. True riches can’t be locked up in a bank. It is found in service to God. There is a verse in the Bible that talks about how difficult for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom. I have wondered why it would be hard for them to enter God’s kingdom and I would think it is because they place the things before God and their first priorities are their material possessions and themselves.

In conclusion I just want to say that I need to make sure that I put God first in my life. All things belongs to him. Also we shouldn’t put our trust in material items and wealth. Stock markets, banks and other businesses go bankrupt and collapse.But God will never fail and He is always there.

C. S. Lewis once said, “All that is not of eternal use, is eternally useless.”

Many of those who read my blogs knows that things have been a bit stressed when it comes to family issues. Not so much in my home household, but with my family that lives in Arizona.

This last week my husband and I went to go visit my mom who has stage 4 lung and colon-rectal cancer. When I talked to my moms nurse about how things were going and what they are doing for her, they said all they are doing in helping her with her pain. They aren’t doing anything else since she is on hospice. As I was reading her paper work from her tests they are giving her 2-4 months. They gave her that time frame about a month ago. When I visited my parents, my mom looked pretty good considering all things. At least cancer wise she seems to be doing OK.

Mom and I were able to walk around and plant some flowers that I bought for my mom. She loves her flowers. Her favorite flower is the yellow rose. Must be why I like them the best also. It must run in the family.

I was also able to get a chance to visit with my dad who is under a great deal of stress that is brought on from my mom dying and all the fighting that is going on down there. Chuck and I tried to stay away from the legal things they are going through and stay clear of conversations that has been dividing the family. It seems like many want everything my parents have and they have so little to begin with. It bothers me to no end to see all the fighting and backbiting that is going on. I do think that if mom and dad was left alone where they could depend on each other instead of their children trying to take everything before they are gone makes me sick. There is nothing in this world that is worth taking and fighting over when it comes to peoples lives.

I think of the Bible verse in Mark 13:12 where it says, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death”. This verse describes what is going on at my parents. There is so much hatred when all that is needed is compassion and love. I can’t understand why material things trump family and people. I know I have made my share of mistakes and have hurt people and I thank God I have been forgiven. My mom was asking me about why is it that she can’t enjoy the time she has left? She also wanted to know what it is that she did that caused all this fighting. I told her that those who are taking and causing divisions aren’t there to do good, they are doing harm. If they aren’t motivated by love and wanting to help, then they shouldn’t be there. I know she is having a hard time understanding and so is my dad. Both of them are being taken advantage of and both of them just want to have some peace in what time they have left. When they asked me why is it that they can’t have that, I didn’t know the answer. I can speculate but I don’t get it either.

My husband and I drove a long way to get there and was only able to sit and visit for about 7 hours over two days. I am glad I went down there and my parents did respect me in not fighting while I was there. Before we left, things were starting to get heated and my brother was bringing out legal papers he wanted me to help him with and I refused to do that. I will have no part in destroying my parents and I will not choose between them. We left shortly after things were getting a bit hairy.

I feel very blessed to have the life I do and that is only because of my faith in Christ. I can say with 100 percent certainty that my daughters were raised to love family and God. When God is in charge of our lives, the hard times can be handled easier. My parents know what my views and beliefs are. I was able to get into a little of that with my mom. My dad is having a hard time hearing, so it was hard talking to him since he couldn’t understand or hear much. Which I think is a big issue for him and in part the reason he is so frustrated. When my mom and I talked about God, I do think she took it to heart. She was baptized at the LDS church (Mormons). I was able to ask her about why she felt it was important to be baptized and if she believed that Jesus Christ died for her so that she could live forever. She said that she understands that and she said she is tired and ready to be with her mom. My grandma died when I was 10 yrs old and she was a Sunday School teacher. I do believe that she was baptized for the right reason. That made the trip worth while for me.

I was able to get family pictures and tell both of my parents that I loved them. I don’t feel comfortable with all the other things going on there. I do feel that Satan is at work and that there is a spiritual battle going on. A friend of my dads was saying how the devil is dwelling in the house and in part, I do believe that. I also know that my God is bigger than any demon or evil force. I have the kind of faith that can move mountains and God is more powerful than anything and anyone else.

My dad has been very stressed out. Tomorrow he has to go to court because of some violence between him and my brother. The police and courts are tired of all the fighting. I pray that everything will work out. I did tell my dad that if they charge him and they don’t drop the charges that he is welcome to come and live with me. I hope that doesn’t happen. But I am prepared to let him stay here if he needs it. With all the things going on, he could end up in jail since he was backed into a corner and set up. I won’t go into all the ugliness, but I do want to ask for prayers on his behalf and on behalf of my mom so they both can have quality of life and a life filled with peace and love.

I should add also that I did get a chance to see my sisters in Phoenix. The visit was short but nice. I am really proud of my sister Brenda who has paid for her own home and is working. She got stuck in the middle of my parents stuff and it has been very hard on her. I would like to spend more time visiting with her after all of this fighting is done and over with. I also seen my sister Joyce who was helping my parents and it got to be so much. Joyce was a nervous wreck and her health is on the line so she had to leave my parents home. She needs to get to the point of where she has to be able to take care of herself and her needs. She can’t help anyone else if she can’t take care of herself. I pray things go well for Joyce and that she can make a life that she deserves.

We only spent 4 days away from home and the drive to my parents is a 14 hour drive, so most of our time was driving and sleeping. Well for me sleeping, Chuck did all the driving. Thanks to all of those who helped me get to see my mom since this trip is the last one I will make down there and it will be the last time I see her. I can’t say how blessed I am to have wonderful friends, family (most) and God in my life.

Tonight I went to my church to take some pictures of the newly renovated OutReach Hall. Before I even went into the church, I was watching nature at it’s best. Before I even went there I have very much had my brain and heart on my upcoming trip to see my parents. My mom has stage 4 lung and colonrectol cancer. For many many years, I have gone to the church when I really need to pray and think things over. There is something peaceful about going there. Thankfully I have a key to the church, so it makes it very nice to know that when I need that quiet time alone with God that I can go there. Too bad it isn’t open to others who may have that same need.

OK! So anyhow, back to my picture taking. As I was sitting there in my car and getting ready to take pictures of downstairs. I decided to start with updated pictures of the outside of church. It was close to dusk and the light that was hitting the church was pretty awesome. Also, there was birds around the church. I noticed that there was a little Robin sitting on our churches steeple. We have a cross steeple. It was just sitting there and singing. He didn’t seem to have a worry in the world. Then to the right of me, I caught eye of a crow. It could have been a raven, not totally sure on that.

Here is this Robin that is singing to the top of it’s little lungs while sitting on the cross. He decides he wanted to go fly around and here comes the crows. They were out for blood and that Robin was about to be the prey. There are a few of the crows circling him. So he decides to fly back to the cross. After he got there, the crows decided to leave him alone. Again the Robin leaves and the others are waiting for him. The Robin decides that it is much better to stay where he is being protected. The Robin knew that God was watching out for him and that He is being protected.

When I was watching this little Robin sitting on the cross, a verse in the Bible came to mind. It says;

Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Like that little Robin, he was filled with song and joy where he felt safe. Once he left the protection of the cross, he was going to be eaten and killed. His life was in danger as long as he moved away from the cross and the protection of it. I think life is like that. When we venture away from God, all kinds of horrible things can happen. As long as we have Christ in our life we know that we are going to be OK. God is with us through all the dark moments and the crows in life. For me right now the crows are family. I know that sounds bad. In reality it is. There is a great deal of spiritual warfare going on at my parents home and in a couple of days it will be as if I am going into the lions den. Now, I would prefer to not be like Daniel and the Lions Den, but I know that as long as I have God in my life that He is in control.

Worry is one of the areas that many struggle with, myself included. I am always needing to be reminded that God has asked us not to worry but to trust Him completely. There are all kinds of things we have no control over. Lord knows I have tried to control a whole host of things and then it always backfires on me. So, as I go to see my parents and say what I have to say, it is all in Gods hands. I will go armed with the best defense arsenal available to anyone and that is Jesus Christ.

I will be updating on how my trip went and I pray to have a wonderful testimony to share when it comes to my parents. If not, I know that God is in control and I can’t make anyone do what they don’t want to do. Only through Christ can things work out. Like that little Robin, he knew where he should be and that is in the protection of God and my faith is in Christ alone. Because of the gift of His blood, I can live forever. I do hope that Robin gets to live longer than tonight.

Our family does things a bit differently than many. I have never been one that really looks at dates and official holidays.

We celebrate the birth, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Celebrating Christ in this way was something I have been wanting to do for a long time. Last year was the first year I followed through on it. It was awesome in many ways. There are many positives when it comes to observing the birth, death and the resurrection.

Financially it has been positive. I have two adult daughters who has families. My daughter Beckiah would go to her in-laws home and then come to ours. They would be stuffed and I am sure out of duty, they wanted to make sure to spend time with both parents. With moving our celebrations to Easter Sunday, it gave her a chance to not worry about making everyone happy. Christmas shouldn’t be about guilt and having to put off paying bills in order to get gifts for everyone. That isn’t what Christmas is about. This was the perfect time to try it out to see how things would go. My grand-kids love it. They get two Christmas’s since we put our tree up and they get gifts. All the ornaments are based around the birth, death and the resurrection of Christ. The tree is called a Chrismon Tree. The most important purpose though for moving it to Easter Sunday is that Christ wasn’t born on December 25th. By us doing it this way, the focus is 100% on Jesus.

In Christianity, Christmas is an important holy day because it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. But the weekend correlating with the Jewish celebration of Passover is the one that makes Christianity unique, and so important to Christ followers.

Today is Palm Sunday and this is Holy week. This week  reminds Christians of the last week of Jesus’ life. He was welcomed as a prophet and wise man into Jerusalem, but by the end of the week Jesus was betrayed by his followers, arrested, scourged, and crucified.

1. The Birth

God sent his only son to earth so that those that believe that he is the son of God and believe that he took our sins upon himself and that he suffered and died for you and me and we accept him as our savior, we are guaranteed to live eternally with him in heaven.

Jesus is the Son of God. In the bible, John 3:16 it says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” God saw that no-one was good enough to enter heaven on their own goodness because no-one is truly good enough.

The word “Immanuel” means “God with us” which we see in the first chapter in the book of John.¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14)

2. The Death of Christ

Christians believe that the death and crucifixion of Christ is important because Jesus died in our place. We are born into sin and our sinful nature separates us from God, which leads us to eternal and a spiritual death. When Christ died on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins in full. Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so our relationship with God can be restored and our spiritual death can be avoided. Christians believe, profoundly, that Christ died for ALL mankind, and accept Him as their personal savior, so to us Holy Week is a time of reflection.

In Romans 5:12-14, 17 it says ¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned – for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.

3. The Resurrection of Christ

The life and death of Christ matters the most to most Christians because after His death, Jesus rose from the dead. We remember what Easter really is all about. It isn’t about cute bunnies and eggs. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives Christians the ability to trust in Jesus Christ and have a new beginning in life. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven (1 Peter 1:3).

Since we have changed the way our house does Christmas/Easter we have the awesome opportunity to observe the Birth of Jesus Christ.  On Good Friday, we remember the horrible day that Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas and put on a cross. He was beaten and died. The last week in the life of Christ and about his death and Resurrection it is important for us to remember. Christ walked out of the tomb 3 days after He died on the cross, celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday and are comforted to be reassured in our own spiritual lives after our flesh dies, we will live forever.

In closing, I just want to say  that Jesus Christ’s life on earth leading to the crucifixion, and more importantly, the resurrection. are the most important observance on the Christian calendar.

Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the season- Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Is the Christian life supposed to be no fun? I would say Absolutely Not. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

The other day, I had a friend of ours come over to the house. I have know this family for over 20 yrs. We knew them long before we moved to St. George. I worked with his wife in Phoenix and I never thought twice about going out to hangout at the bar with friends after work and there wasn’t much that was taboo from talking about. The one bar had a ladies night and they had male dancers. I worked at a truck stop and swearing was nothing unusual.

When my husband and I moved to St. George, I never really thought about how swearing sounded until I was the only one in a room and I got this overwhelming feeling that it was not OK. I call it the moment God gave me a wake-up call and told me I needed to start acting like a Christian and a believer in Christ. Not just in private, but in my words and actions. God put my own words on my heart like a ton of bricks. It was at the moment that I had to make a decision to stop making excuses about going out with friends to bars and swearing like a sailor.

What got me on this topic though is when he said that since I changed, I don’t know how to have fun since I am all about Jesus. It wasn’t in those exact words though. But that is basically what he was saying. He then proceeded to say that it is funner to go out to bars and strip joints than to go to church and be around the kind of friends I have. I am paraphrasing this again. As I thought on this for a split second, I was perfectly OK with what he said. The reason I say that is that he has been able to distinguish the old me and the new me. Ever since I was young, I believed in Christ. My actions and thoughts didn’t always show that I am a Christian and a believer in Christ.

For awhile I was thinking that it is possible that some non–Christians do have more fun. After all sin can be fun.  The things some people in my life look at as fun are not good or right for us. And because of the consequences, the so–called “fun” often ends up not being fun at all

Lies the Devil Tells Us:

• “The Christian life is a dull one with no fun.” “Christianity if no fun.” “To be a Christian is to be a ‘stick in the mud.’” “All Christians are ‘goody two-shoes.’” To that I say “No fun? By fun you might be thinking of hangovers while sticking your head in the toilet as you throw up all over yourself, sickness, and memory loss?  Not to mention promiscuous tendencies that destroy families?
• “If I am going to be a Christian I have to give up everything.” I have found that when I  devote myself to God,  He fulfills the most amazing dreams and promises than I could imagine.
• “Christians miss out on so much”… I would have to say that as a Christian my life is fuller than I could have ever dreamed it could be. I feel for those who don’t understand what that kind of peace and love is.

There is a saying that is well known, “If you talk the talk, then you have to walk the walk.” When I think about what it means to walk the walk I believe that in my life, my faith in Christ requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless what life throws my way. There are times I have had to put on the brave face and the Armour of God and have courage to stand up for my beliefs, even if it isn’t the popular or fun thing to do. I have never regretted doing that. I figure I must be doing something right if those people in my life over 20 yrs ago can see the change and the difference.

My life needed to have a little shake up. I was in need of the wake up call and I needed to get back on the right path. The moment I was forced to look deep inside myself and I wasn’t happy with my own choices, I decided I needed to throw my arms up in the air and surrendered to Him again. Jesus Christ changed my life. I didn’t change my life. Without Him, I would be at the same miserable place I was at before. I just didn’t realize how unhappy I was with my choices in life. God took me on a journey when we moved to St. George. He taught me how to open up my heart and walk by faith.

When someone tells me that I’m not fun anymore because I don’t go out and party, drink and do things that I knew I shouldn’t have been doing, I am perfectly fine with that. I enjoy my life as a believer in Christ. God has blessed me more than any person could. I guess what some see as fun activities aren’t fun for everyone. I enjoy real relationships and friendships. God has entrusted me with some of life’s most treasured moments.

Jesus is looking for those with clean hands and a pure heart, those who will choose obedience even if it costs them everything this world has to offer. He is looking for those who will throw caution to the wind, believe that he has an abundant life (John 10:10) waiting if we will follow his ways.

I thank God everyday for His promises even when it seems there is no hope. Even when my life seems out of whack. God is the One in control. So to those who thinks being a Christian is no fun, I would like to say that you aren’t really living, till you know that you have forever.

Throughout my life and all the journeys to come, I’m waving the white flag of surrender. God is in control of my life and I am more than willing to use it for His glory.

Here is a fun Christian song called “What if Cartoons Got Saved” by Chris Rice.

Some of you may remember that we got a new kitten that we rescued from Ivin’s Animal Shelter. Harold is the sweetest cat. But Harold has issues.

We got Harold when we was 10 weeks old. The shelter instructed us to have him fixed a few weeks after we got him. He was sick with a cold and needed to finish up the antibiotics. He was scheduled to be fixed a couple weeks later. When we brought him home, he wasn’t himself. He was playful before he went in, but afterwards he was having problems.

Harold was loosing weight, falling and having a hard time keeping his balance. I have been extremely stressed over this kitten. He wasn’t wanting to eat anything. He would drink a bit, but that was it.

I took Harold to the vet and they tested him for feline leukemia, infections, worms, inner ear problem and a host of other things. Then the vet came in and told me that he had a type of feline autoimmune disease. It could have been brought on by him just getting over a virus and then when he got his immunizations, it reacted with his antibodies. Leave it up to me to get a cat that has an autoimmune disorder.

They explained to me that with an autoimmune disease is where antibodies are created to work against the body. He didn’t know that I can totally understand the who auto immune thing since I have been dealing with one thing or another most of my life.

Today, Harold has been doing better. We have to watch him when he sleeps with us, because he can’t jump down. He can hurt himself since he falls the way he does. He falls while standing and can’t balance himself at all. As I was reading up on what is wrong with Harold, it was like living in the twilight zone. This is what it says about Harold’s issues;

• This is symptoms Harold is exhibiting is that of a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness, especially in the face and neck, known as Myasthenia gravis.

The reason I say it was like living in the twilight zone with Harold, is because I have Myasthenia Gravis. I had no clue that animals can get it too. He didn’t specify that it was MG, he used this long word. Then when I googled it, I was blown away. He had the feline form on MG . They say the prognosis isn’t great because of the difficulties they have. Well, God had to have known that Harold needed a family that would understand his special needs.

It all made sense after putting all his symptoms together and what he is doing. He has issues with the light. He can’t focus his eyes and he will go out of his way to look away from the light. The way he walks, bumps into the walls and falls while standing all makes sense.

We could have put him down but that was NOT an option. So , we will just make sure he doesn’t hurt himself and we will make sure he eats foods to help him.

For the most part, I listen to the messages at church. Every now and then, my mind gets to wondering and I make notes to myself, so I can remind myself to blog about a topic or thought.  On this particular Sunday, this was the case. When Pastor Ray does the opening prayer and such and he says in his prayer for our minds and hearts to be cleared and to hear the message, I have to say that I kind of feel guilty when I start making notes so I can cover them later.

This last Sunday the sermon was out of Luke 21:1-19 and the Message is, “For My Name’s Sake” I want to do a post on about how Pastor Ray was talking about how everyone will hate those who proclaim the name of Jesus. I have no problem if people hate me because I believe in Christ.

Luke 21: 5-19 NIV

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

The end times is a subject I take very serious. As I was jotting down my notes, I couldn’t help but think about how blessed I am to live where I do. For the most part, I have never experienced the types of persecutions many brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced in other countries. People are loosing thier lives as I type this blog post out. Every day people are dying for thier faith. For me, the most persecution I get is if someone doesn’t agree with what the Bible says and they let me know that there is no God or they believe in another God. I get hot under the collar on that one.

I can’t begin to understand what those Christians that are being beheaded, hung and murdered because they believe in God and have accepted Jesus Christ as thier Lord and Savior are going through.

Here in the United States, I don’t know if we are considered a Christian nation anymore. Political correctiveness doesn’t allow discussions on what it means to live a life that is entirly focused on Christ. There is a firestorm waiting for you for standing up for your faith and for Christ. In the media there have been a number of people or businesses that come to mind when I say that you will be persecuted for your faith. Some of those people would include Kirk Cameron, Chick Fil A, Duck Dynesty and so on. Pastor Ray was bringing up how businesses were being shut down because the owners refused to buckle and do what was against thier beleifs. There has been a number of businessed that have been closed for this very reason.

Humans for the most part have longed to be loved and accepted. When we use the term “hated”, we have a hard time accepting the fact that there are those out there that hate us and want us dead. We are told that the world will hate us because they hate Jesus. Jesus is hated because Jesus is the Light of the world. Since we are beleivers in Christ we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. A world that is dark and filled with sin and our world is more resistant to Christianity than ever.  On social medias I have found that the popular thing is to talk about acceptance and tolerance of other faith, What I find moreso is the true reality is that our world and country is tolerant of anything and everything but not the moral values of Christianity.

• 1st Peter 4:12-13 says, ? Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
• Matthew 24:9 Jesus says, ? You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death and you will be hated by all nations because of Me.

In closing I just want to say is that if we live the way Jesus calls us to live, we will be persecuted. As a Christian, I would hope that people would know I am a beleiver in Christ through my words and actions. I also understand that persecution of one kind or another will come my way. If it didn’t, I would need to examine what it is that I am doing wrong that tells those around me that I am a Christian. Through my own struggles I have had to 120% lean on Christ and my faith no matter how difficult my life gets. At the end of the day, Christ is who has my life in His hands. When we face illness and heartbreak and even death we can be asssured that God and our faith is real.