I always have a hard time explaining who am I. I resort to the I am a mother to 2 beautiful adult daughters I have the most handsome grandsons and the loveliest grand-daughters. I'm married to an amazing man since 1980.
The most important thing about me is that I am a Born Again Christian.
The Lord has gotten me through so much in my life. So, I want to give Him the credit for all of my blessings.
I'm also a blogger and I enjoy writing. blogs about my faith, family, and food.
It warms my heart to read all the stories about how athletes are helping the dogs of Sochi. When the news broke that the government was killing these dogs because they would be in the way and have taken over the streets, it gave me a nasty taste towards the government in Russia. I can understand them needing to get the dogs and puppies off the street. Hundreds of dogs are being poisoned every day to lower the overpopulation. But the whole mentality and hatred towards these dogs that was abandoned by owners and borne in the streets upsets me. It isn’t the dogs fault the human counterparts decided they were no longer wanted or needed.
I normally watch the games. But this time around they have been clouded by all sorts of negative things. These athletes train all their lives and to be welcomed in the way they have been in Sochi is disheartening. From rooms that are something out of a horror movie to finding dead dogs laying in the streets is sickening to me. If nothing else, the Olympics being played in Sochi, Russia has brought awareness to the need to the animals that are roaming the streets. Most of these dogs were once loved by someone and from the statements, most have been left to fend for themselves. To think that dogs can have around 10 puppies or more in a litter and multiply that by hundreds of dogs, I can see why it is out of control. If people want to have pets, they should be responsible.
I have a number of rescue groups on my Facebook page. And if everyone would adopt instead of buying from puppy-mills, more lives could be saved. In just one of the shelters in Phoenix, AZ, there is around 300 dogs and cats killed each month because there aren’t enough homes for them. Most of these dogs are pit bulls and Chihuahuas. I hear all the time that when the dog people have has puppies, they have a good home for them. Tell that to the hundreds of dogs that grow out of the puppy stage and are killed because they can’t keep them or they got too big. And the mentality that people think that its bad to not let a female dog have at-least one litter is wrong. Out of those puppies she has, there is a good chance a couple may live a full life. But most will die. And it is the same thing that is going on in Sochi. People throw them away like they are garbage. Thankfully, there are kind hearted people.
I have been keeping up with the news of medals given out in Sochi. But mostly I have been watching the love and warmth these athletes have towards the dogs and puppies of Sochi. Here are some of the athletes that are turning the games into something to be proud of. Homeless dogs are being smuggled out of the area to save their lives. For me, these are people who are making a difference to these animals lives.
Lindsey Jacobellis
Hoping to prevent the killings of stray dogs who are roaming the streets of Sochi, a Russian billionaire has funded the creation of a shelter where the animals can find new owners.
My niece and I got into a discussion about how there are many dogs, cats and other animals that needs to be rescued in our own country. And Bridgette is right about that. But at the same time, it shouldn’t matter where the dogs are. They need help from anyone that is willing to help. I’m pretty sure these dogs and puppies don’t care what country the athletes are from or what language they speak. They know that there is someone there to help them. Dogs love people no matter what part of the world someone comes from. These athletes are raising awareness for all dogs, no matter where they are. There is a huge need when it comes to adopting pets from shelters and rescues.
Some of the Athletes Helping:
American snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis’s tough luck in the snowboard cross has adopted one of the strays in Sochi. Instead of a gold medal, Jacobellis will be taking home a lucky Sochi stray.
Skier Gus Kenworthy is hoping to bring a whole litter of little guys back to the States as well. Not only is he bringing the puppies back with him, he is bringing the momma dog and staying a couple extra days to make sure they can come back with him.
Amanda Bird, U.S. bobsled and skeleton press officer, also plans to bring home a dog home with her. Amanda Bird said that she didn’t go to Sochi to adopt a dog. But she couldn’t ignore the presence of the stray dogs. She is working on getting the dog brought home with her.
David Backes and the U.S. men’s hockey team got in on the whole “Olympic athletes adopt Sochi strays” and are hoping to bring a few dogs back with them. David Backes is a dedicated animal activist. While they are in Russia, they are hosting a few dogs at the hockey house they are staying in. The athletes are networking and helping each other secure paperwork, shots and transportation to bring them home.
Backes, a dedicated animal activist, and some of his teammates are hosting a few dogs at the hockey house — and it might be a permanent thing.
It seems like with the Winter Olympics, I have been more interested in saving lives instead of who gets the gold medals. In my eyes, all of these athletes and others that are out to make a difference deserves a gold medal. To these dogs, they are more than athletes, they are hero’s.
You don’t have to be a millionaire or an athlete to adopt a dog, cat or other animal from the shelter. You just have to be willing to open up your heart and let them into your life. They don’t care what you look like, how much money you have. They just want to be loved and love you in return. Why not be a hero to a homeless pet?
List of Shelters/Rescues in Southern Utah were I live:
I’m going to do a little series on my blog about my favorite songs and how they speak to me and they can to you too. There will be a wide variety of songs from some of my favorite artists (Mandisa, Toby Mac, Third Day, JJ Heller, etc… ) and little known artists as well. I hope you enjoy this series of blog postings. And you are invited to share your favorite songs in the comment section.
When I hear a song that speaks to me, it’s because there is something in the song that I can relate to. There may be times I have listened to the same song, and it didn’t strike a cord with me. There have been times I was driving down the road, hearing a song a hundred times before, but at that point the message is clear. God is speaking to me and assuring me of His presence.
If we look at the Book of Pslams, we will see that David wrote many songs about his life experiences. We read them and at times we forget that those words are used in the songs we listen to today. My favorite Psalms is Psalms 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, ever present in times of trouble. Refuge and Strength Song
When ever I’m having a bad day, I like to listen to music. I guess I should say that I listen on good and bad days. The Christian genre is my first choice of music. KLOVE radio station is my music station of choice. Music has a way of getting through to me more than any other way of listening to God’s Word. If I’m at church, I’m OK with sermons. But I have a difficult time hearing preachers on the radio or the TV. When I learn new things, it is usually to a beat or to music. I have a hard time buckling down and reading and listening. My mind wonders in all kinds of directions and doodle art takes over, lol. I have never played an instrument or sang in public. That would be a scary thing for those who listen and love music. But I can appreciate the talent and gifts of others. 🙂
There was a time when I was in the hospital for close to 6 weeks in 1998 or so. I was having a very hard day and just tired of being in the hospital and not wanting to hear anything about why I had to be there. I had a bad heart infection. When I’m in the hospital, three things comes with me. My fan, radio and books to read. One night before the nurses were making their rounds, I was saying my prayers and was reading my Bible. I wanted assurance that God was listening and that I was beyond frustrated. I turned my radio on and in the next ten minutes the answers came. They came through songs. There were three songs that came on and by the time the third one was done, I was in tears. Then my nurse came into the room to do my vitals and all that stuff to bug ya before going to sleep, or so they want you to think you will sleep. She was wondering why I was crying and all upset. I told her, she gave me a funny look and kept doing her thing.
For me, I know that when my mind is going in all directions or having a hard time, He assures me He is there through the messages of songs. I did find that after that night in the hospital the nurses would come in and it took them longer to do the vitals. I found out that one of the nurses was Christian and she enjoyed listen to the music I played all night long. They could hear the radio even though I tried to keep in down in through the hallways. If I feel asleep before turning it on, they would come in and turn it on. I’m guessing it was them at-least. I was asleep and didn’t see anyone come and go. But that is my assumption.
Like I said earlier I’m not musically inclined, but I can appreciate music. Well, unless there are no words to it. Then I can honestly say I don’t like it. There has to be a message or words to a song. Classical music is pretty low on my list of music choices. My daughter Jessica tries to get me to go to some of the things she likes. I may go, but then I’m kicking and screaming inside, lol.
One of my favorite old time hymns that still touches my heart are, ‘When the Roll is Called up Yonder”. For me, this song is all about standing before God and hearing your name called out. God knows my name and I’m on the list. This song speaks about the resurrection and how when our work on earth is done, we will be with God. There is something about this song that brings peace. When someone has gone to be with the Lord and to know they are there, it is as if they are on the best vacation ever. And if we are listed on that roll call, we will get to have the very same reward and vacation of a lifetime. the cool part is that we get to stay there.
Revelation 20:12- And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
I included a video link and you can also read the lyrics. This version is by Dolly Parton, Alison Krous, Suzanne Cox and a few others and includes part of the song, ‘Power in the Blood”. There so many people that have recorded this song, but I guess for me, I like the old country ones. It just seems right to hear it from those that have that twangy sound, lol. My parents watched a lot of Hee Haw and this song was sung on there every now and then by Buck Owens. I’m not big into the whole country music thing, but some songs just fit and sound better with a guitar, banjo and piano. Besides it is better than rap, lol
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
Here is a little history on the song…
James M. Black, 1893 – James Black was a Methodist Sunday school teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. James Black was calling the roll for a youth meeting. A young girl named Bessie was the daughter of a drunk. Bessie didn’t show up, and he was disappointed that she wasn’t in attendance. James Black visited the child’s home and calling on a doctor to attend her for pneumonia, he went home and wrote the song after not finding one on a similar topic in his hymn collection. The thought of someone not being in Heaven haunted Black. He made a comment to the effect, “Well, I trust when the roll is called up yonder, she’ll be there.” He tried to respond with an appropriate song, but couldn’t find one in his song book:
According to Cyberhymnal– Black started his musical career with John Howard of New York and Daniel Towner of the Moody Bible Institute. He moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, around 1881, and was an active member of the Pine Street Methodist Episcopal Church from 1904 until his death, serving as a song leader and Sunday school teacher. Black also found time to edit a dozen Gospel song books, write almost 1,500 songs, and serve on the commission for the 1905 Methodist hymnal.
One of the most interesting things I find about the Bible is the books about prophecy and the end times.
There is this one video that is on Youtube and Godtube. It has this pastor doing a sermon about the end times and how Christ could come at anytime. Every now and then I see the video coming across the feeds on Facebook. I will post the link that video at the end of this blog post. Those familiar with the pre-trib point of view knows that Christ will take those who are believers and the rest will be left behind. For me, that freaks me out big time. To think that I’m talking to someone or at church and all the sudden everyone is gone. Or worst yet, I’m left sitting there and maybe a few others. As a Christian, I would have known what happened. And that would be a horrible thing to happen.
There are a number of different theories out there. A few are the pre-trib, mid trib and post trib. No matter what or when it happens, I want to be sure I’m ready and prepared so I don’t have to be left standing there.
Then I think about some of the “what if’ kind of thoughts. What if I was doing something I know I shouldn’t be doing? I thought about this not so long ago when my husband and I were in Mesquite Nv. We weren’t gambling. But we were at the casino eating dinner since I had to pick up some wine for a party. OK! So now here is my thought. First I go over the border to a liqueur store and then go to the casino to eat dinner. As a Christian, I know that we need to be careful who and what we associate with. I don’t believe it is a sin to drink a drink as long as it isn’t overly done. But we need to be careful and not indulge to the point of drunkenness. Which I don’t do. I’m not big on drinking.
As I was sitting at the dinner table at the Virgin River Casino, I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the moment when Christ would come again. Would the believers be taken at that time and would I want to be at the casino when that happened? I do feel that Christ would go to where the sinners are and we are all sinners. But still that voice in my head told me that I’m where I shouldn’t be since it was weighing on my heart. It bothered me for some time and obviously it does now.
I am very excited for the second coming of Christ. I don’t want to be left unaware or sleeping. I know many times I make bad choices and I need to keep myself in check. One of the biggest compliments anyone can give me is that they can see that I am a believer in Christ and a Christian. As a Christian, I strive to be like Christ, but I sure fall short a lot. Everyday I have those thoughts or things that come up that makes me fall short. There are moments I have to make sure what my motivation is. Is what I’m doing, saying or taking part in for my own good or is it for God?
One of the main things I do worry about when Christ comes again is the unsaved. The only ones who will be saved and live eternally are those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and repent of your sins.
Romans 10:9 : If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
There are many that I know that don’t believe, and if they do it is in the sense that they know who Jesus is and that He was a great teacher. Jesus isn’t real to them and there is no personal relationship with Him. Which breaks my heart because I know that they may be one of those left behind. And if they die before Christ comes, they are still going to be standing before God and be judged. In Hebrews 9:27 is says “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,”.
We don’t know the day nor the hour of Christs return or when we die. It could happen at any moment, and for any reason. So whether Christ comes today or we die today, we will face our judgment one way or another. Don’t be caught off guard. because it is a matter of life or death. I can’t even wrap my brain around how horrible it would be for those who were left behind or those who never accepted Christ as their Savior.
For me, I would like to say that I want to be sure I know who I believe in and that is Christ! I want to be sure to know where I will be going if Christ came today! I want to know for sure where I would be if I died today! For me nothing is more important than sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. I do believe we are living in the end times. It is up to the person if they decide to listen or not. But I don’t want to be caught not going about Gods work. Even when I have one of my days when I’m not in the best moods and thoughts that aren’t very Christian like. Thankfully God has a way of putting me in check during those times. 🙂
God has a plan, but sometimes it may not be as clear to us as we would like.
I started this blog post a number of months ago and forgot that I started it. That was until last night when I was listening to JJ Heller and her husband Dave in concert at Calvary Chapel. My daughter Jessica found out about an hour before the concert that she was going to be here in St. George. I love JJ Heller. Her songs are simple and they speak to my heart. One of her songs that comes to mind and she sang was “Your Hands” .
Your Hands Lyrics (partial)
I have unanswered prayers I have trouble I wish wasn’t there And I have asked a thousand ways That You would take my pain away That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand How to walk this weary land Make straight the paths that crooked lie Oh Lord, before these feet of mine Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
I have unanswered prayers I have trouble I wish wasn’t there And I have asked a thousand ways That You would take my pain away That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand How to walk this weary land Make straight the paths that crooked lie Oh Lord, before these feet of mine Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking Heaven stands When my heart is breaking I never leave Your hands
I have gotten into this conversation many times over the past few years. I have some pretty tough diagnosis’s medically. My medical diagnosis is the CIPD form of Guillian Barre Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis and residual effects from these two diagnosis’s. My blood pressure is pretty much out of control and they have decided to name it Malignant Hypertension. Which is basically really high blood pressure that is out of control. My muscles get weak throughout the day and things can be a mess off an on through the day. I have been on home health and IV medicines for what seems like forever. If you want to know more about the diagnosis’s you can Google them. There are many sites you can learn from.
I don’t want this post to be about my medical problems and all the prognosis stuff. I want to share how it is that I get through the difficult days and moments that can change on a dime.
During many conversations people will ask me why I don’t get depressed or want to run away and hide from life. Because if they had to deal with the same things, they would want to do that. And I have to say it is only because of God. If I didn’t have God and my faith in Him, I would have no hope that things can get better. God has a purpose for my life and I have to just trust Him. Getting upset and dwelling on the negative is something that is no option for me. If I did that I would curl up in a ball and not really care about anything or anyone. I would be a hopeless and miserable person.
A friend of mine named Chris, was very helpful in understanding that we need to trust God even in difficult times. I think I pretty much did, but I wanted to hold back a bit when it came to trusting fully because I was just seeing the now moment, not the Wow moment that God had and has in store for me. When I was and still going through rough patches it is hard to see God working in my life.
I’m very much a control freak. Those who know me really well, that I can get a bit anal over things. It has to be done right and I’m not very good at trusting others to follow through on doing things the way I would do them. I have gotten a little bit better at doing this, but it is very much a work in progress, lol. When it comes to my medical things though, I have no choice but to trust God in all things. It wasn’t an overnight thing, but it is the right thing to do. Really the only thing to do. Because I can’t control those things in my life.
Because of my life experiences I have had some wonderful opportunities to share my faith with people who are hurting and have no hope. They see my struggles as something that is horrible. I don’t really see it this way though. Because of my struggles I have to depend on God more. I have to depend less on my own way of doing things, because it backfires on me everytime I do that.
Over the past few years, the people I have gotten the opportunity to meet, share and pray for and with is because of my struggles and medical issues. They( Dr’s and nurses) know that things are pretty grim for the most part and when they enter the room to give me test results and change my treatment plan, they look grim. They don’t want to deliver the news or tell me they don’t know if there is much more they can do. But through these discussions, I get a chance to let them know that God has it covered. None of us knows how many days or minutes we have. We are all under Gods rule and timing.
When someone asks if they can pray for me, I have no problem with that. I don’t always share my prayer needs because it can be difficult to explain to the multitudes what it is I need. But God knows what they are. And He does answer prayers. They may not be in the way I may want them answered. But He does answer. And He does know what is best.
My favorite verse in the Bible and it brings me hope and reminds me that God is ALWAYS there is; God is our refuge and strength, ever present in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1,,, I find so much hope and peace in this verse. I use it as my daily affirmation. God never breaks His promise and I know this to be true.
A number of my friends pray for complete healing. When they say that I know that God has already answered this. Because He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for me. I know that even if it may not be in this lifetime, He will heal me and anyone else who comes to Him and asks. Besides, there is not one of us that can be 100 percent healed while we are flesh and bones. All are hurting in some way. Even if we don’t see it. The moment we were born into this world, we were destined to die because we are all born into sin.
When I think about the song “Your Hands”, I can’t help but think about how God has been a part of my life. He loves me and would never leave me. There are days when I want to throw my hands in the air and give up and yell. And yes, sometimes I yell at God. He knows I can throw a pretty good temper tantrum and get overly stressed. But during those times, He lets me vent and carry on, and brings me back to reality, lol.
And this may sound strange, but my illness and medical things are a blessing in disguise. Because of these things, God has been able to use me to talk to others I would have never gotten the chance to meet. A medical technician is someone I think about. I will be brief since I get long winded, lol
One of my Drs is in Las Vegas. I had to do a lot of testing for my neurologist. Overall the testing took over 4 hours. They were all kinds of nerve conduction, SSEP and some other ones that was time consuming. The technician I had was having a hard day. In 4 hours, you can talk about a lot of things. As she was doing the tests, I found out her husband had terminal cancer. They weren’t Christians. As she was reading my test results, she said at one point that I should not be walking and how she has seen worse results, but not many. Normally those results would be for a paraplegic. She looked confused. I didn’t feel the shocks of the nerve test. I could feel tingling when the nerve shocks were at the highest. She didn’t understand how I wasn’t feeling what I should be and why I was still walking this earth. And all I said was simply by the Grace of God. During that visit, I was able to witness to her and tell her how God has been there for me. Only because of Him can I do what I do. God has a bigger and better plan than any Dr’s. He understands the test results and knows all. This technician did contact me and we talked a bit ever now and then. Her husband eventually died. But she shared our conversation and I have a feeling He was given some kind of hope that there is a better place and that God loves him.
Cancer use to be called the big C word and people would be afraid to say it out loud. Not sure if that is because they thought they would get it our they didn’t want to offend. My personal thoughts is that I think we need to be talking more about cancer and bringing awareness to this horrible disease. Everyday I pray for those who I never met and for those in my life that are fighting cancer. They need all of our prayers and support. Cancer isn’t selective. It doesn’t matter how pretty, how much money or where you come from.
More than one million people in the United States get cancer each year. Whether you have cancer or are close to someone who does, understanding what to expect can help you cope.
Jessie Rees in the middle with her parents by her side. She is now an angel and in God’s arms and her parents continue with her dream and vision.
A couple years ago, I joined a Facebook paged called ” The Jessie Rees Foundation”. This foundation was formed because Jessie Rees had a vision. She wanted to make other kids like her smile. She wanted to give them just a little bit of joy. So she started putting together Joy Jars. Each jar is filled with toys and goodies. They are given to children and siblings of those fighting cancer. It really upsets me that there has to be something like this. The reason I say that is that nobody should have to be going through this. There needs to be a cure, Click here to learn more about Jessie Rees.
Just recently a young man that is related to someone in our church passed away. His name is Matthew. He was a young man who fought for our country, had a wife and two young children. Matthew fought for his life and eventually cancer took his life.
Then there is Steffanie. I met her for a brief few minutes while she was in my home doing an assessment for my medical things. She just finished chemo and has young children and a single mom. Even though she is fighting this disease, she still keeps going on.
I don’t understand why there is no cure. And my opinion and I’m sure many may disagree is that while we are sending all this money all over the world, why aren’t we using that money to save lives? With all the technology out there, why isn’t there a cure? I do question our government and our scientists. Because there has to be more they aren’t telling us and holding out treatments. More has to be done.
Then there is this women Abby. I first seen her video on Faithtap. Then I joined her Facebook. Abby wasn’t very old, but had unshakeable faith. This is a little about her that was posted on her Facebook page. Her testimony had me in tears and I can only hope to be as strong as she is. Her personal journey will touch you in ways that you won’t expect. I don’t have cancer, but I do hope that others can see God in me. Even though I mess up alot.
I challenge anyone to listen to her video and if you aren’t moved, I would wonder what would move ya all. Amazing Abby’s Testimony
Abigail Rachel Ruth Smith went home to be with Jesus Christ on December 7, 2013 at 6:09 a.m. She was 24 years old and a professional photographer. She impacted more people in her short time on earth than many do in much longer lifetimes. Her bright red curly hair and friendly personality made her everybody’s friend. Abby was diagnosed with Synovial Cell Sarcoma (a rare cancer) in 2012 and underwent surgery and 37 radiation treatments. When her doctor gave her the diagnosis, he told her some life-changing words: “Everyone is dealt a deck of cards. We don’t get to choose the cards, but we do get to choose how we play them. We can either be bitter or thankful.” Abby chose thankful, even when she found out that the cancer had metastasized. Instead of going through chemotherapy (which only had a small chance of slowing down the cancer), she chose instead to live life to the fullest.
To all of those who have lost a loved one or are going through this journey, you are in my prayers.
Justin Bieber has been in the news a lot lately. Mostly because of stupid choices that he makes. Young stars seem to be in the news because of either drugs, childish behaviors and messed up thoughts.
When I was listening to stories of his arrest and the hateful messages that are being thrown in his direction, it makes me feel for him. He is a 19 year old kid who has grown up in the public eye and given anything he wants. His parents wasn’t really there for him and gave into his whims. For the most part he has a whole herd of yes men and women around him, parents included. Makes me wonder if they are afraid to tell him no, because he is their cash cow. But really, Justin is no different than a lot of kids his age. He is just under the microscope 24/7.
Shoot, I remember when I was his age. People see me know, but back when I was his age, I made terrible choices. Even though I had a lot of medical issues with the Guillian Barre Syndrome. I still felt invisible and I could do what I wanted. I was an official adult now. At-least according to the law. I could make my choices, be accountable and drink or smoke if I wanted to. I did choose not to smoke for the most part. I tried the whole pot thing. In the 70’s and 80’s it was all over the place, or at least was with the friends I had back then.
For those who know me know, they wouldn’t think I was the same person. Which I’m not. I have always believed in Christ, but there were times when I was very worldly. Smoking pot was more of a social thing. If I was with my friends, I may take a couple puffs, but it gave me a headache and made me feel worse. So that wasn’t really a me thing. I never really got drunk. I would drink on special occasions, but usually just one or two and that was it for me.
I think for me, my language was a major barrier. My husband was in the military, and is a truck driver. I worked in a truck stop. It was common to sling around all kinds of things. I didn’t really see anything wrong with what I was saying, because quote un quote, everyone around me was doing the same thing. So not a biggie in my book at the time. About 20 yrs ago, that changed though when we moved to Utah. We were in a restaurant, or I was. I was having my kind of a general conversation. God must have put it on my heart to really and honestly listen and hear how I sounded. I didn’t like what I was saying and how bad it sounded when I was the only one talking that way. So I think that was the last time I swore and to this day I feel uncomfortable around the language. Cold turkey is what I did and I find it interesting how easy it was.
There was also a time when I played with a Ouija board. I thought it was just a game and nothing more. Man oh man, was that a nightmare literally. For those who may think it is a game, think again. That game gave me answers to things, and I could feel a dark force around me when I started playing it. It is NOT a game or toy. It freaked me out so bad one night, I called a prayer line and was beside myself. I was afraid to go to bed. I knew I unlocked a door that would be hard to shut. The turning point was when the board spelled out a Bible verse in Revelations about the second death. I did read the Bible, but went and read that particular verse and I broke down in tears and it was torn up into shreds. The board surprisingly helped me look at my life and the bad choices I have made. It made me realize that even the devil knows what the Bible says and that the devil will use what is a seemingly innocent looking game that is sold at Kmart to get to you.
Some may be surprised that I was no different than Justin in many ways. I was a teenager that rebelled and wanted things my way. I ran away from home and hitch hiked across the country when I was 17. I moved into my now husbands home and we weren’t married. I ended up very sick and in the hospital because of the flu shot and pregnant. This is all at 17. While in the hospital I called my pastor in Arizona and he was stern, but loving at the same time. I never thought twice about keeping my daughter Jessica. And Chuck and I did get married after a short time and we are still married after 33 yrs. I was very much living in a world that is full of sin and I was far from where God wanted me to be. Thankfully, He never left me, even when I was my worst. Like any parent, He gave me room to make mistakes and learn from them. But it wasn’t over night.
Many back then and those I went to school with said I wasn’t that bad. But in my eyes and in God’s eyes, I was. I was sinning and in a downward spiral at times. If I was in the limelight, I would be no different than Justin Bieber. Justin and other teen stars are being held to a higher standard than I was. I don’t know if that is a good thing or not. Because no matter who a person is, they are still an imperfect child of God. I guess because of my own bad choices and where I am now, I know that there is hope for Justin Bieber and all those stars that are being judged in the public eye. God can and does make our bad choices into something good if we allow Him to.
When I read the headlines of the trouble Justin has gotten himself into again, I think of him as a child. But I also think of all those headlines that people seem to miss about how he has a heart for kids. He has a younger sister that means the world to him. He has gone out of his way to make wishes come true.
Justin and Annalysha
Justin Bieber, became the first recording artist in Make-A-Wish® history to grant 200 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. He joins only 4 other celebrities to have reached that milestone since Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980. Bieber’s 200th wish occurred during his last stop on the Believe Tour when he met 8-year-old Annalysha.
Justin also works with an organization called Child Hunger Ends Here. Justin was in Guatemala for a tour stop and joined up with Pencils and Promise to help the people there build a school for the community. This was part of Bieber’s Believe Tour, in which they agreed to help the organization, a non-profit that dedicates its time to building schools for communities in need.
I honestly think there is something good about Justin. My own thought is that he is being surrounded by people who don’t really care about him. There are some that have taken them under their wings like Usher and a few others. Justin like any other child that gets into trouble, needs to be accountable for their actions. I can’t help but wonder about how all these people that are targeting him and hating on a kid they don’t know has done the same things. Are they free for stupid choices? At 19, he is still learning who he is like any other teenager. He may be an adult by law, but he is still a kid. And the whole deporting him back to Canada thing is ridiculous. I do think his parents need or should have remembered that being a parent to him is more important than being his best friend and stroking his ego. There are plenty of childhood stars that are amazing people now. And it is because the parents were the parents. They set guidelines and made rules.
Yeah, I’m defending Justin because I know in my own life I made many mistakes and have hurt people. I have done stupid things and somehow I am still here to share what they are. And with the right people in Justin’s life he can change too. For some reason people have it in their head that this kid has to be the perfect role model to their children. I don‘t understand that. He is an entertainer second and a person first. He isn’t accountable to us and he is far from perfect like anyone else. I feel sorry for him and if his friends were real friends they would be there helping him instead of hindering him. I don’t think there are many in his life that is real, family included.
I don’t listen to his music because it isn’t my style. He is the Shawn Cassidy, Andy Gibb and Leif Garrett of my generation. Eventually Justin will grow up and I pray that all those who are there only because he is a star is dropped from his life. If people would stop seeing the star in him instead of the person, they would see he is a kid. He could be any of our children. There are a lot of holier than thou people out there when it comes to stars and pointing out the faults of others. I guess for myself, I look at him as a child still and one that needs to be loved unconditionally and he is needing help.
When I think of stars that have had issues as children stars I think of Kirk Cameron. I was watching a clip from his video Unstoppable. I ended up buying it. Kirk was part of the party scene and had made bad choice and such when he was younger. He is now one of the biggest advocates for Christ. God changed him from the inside out. For those from my church or our area, I’m hoping to use the program and work books as a small group. There is hope for all the Justin Biebers, Miley Cyrus’s and stars. Maybe if people started praying for them instead of judging them, they can see that there is hope too.
I want to use one other person as an example of how they can change. And that person is my son in law Jason Barton. I have to admit for many years, I would get very frustrated and sometimes hurt because I didn’t really know Jason. On his my-space page and such, I would read horrible posts and things that were far from God. Because he is married to my daughter Beckiah, I guess I was harder when it comes to my feelings. I liked him, but it was hard to know him. We barely knew him when they got married and our relationship was far from what I would hope a son in law would be. But a few years ago at Christmas, Jason took to the side. He apologized and told me that he accepted Christ as His personal Savior. I have prayed for me to like him more and for their family.
Jason’s family was quite different than ours was. And I didn’t feel comfortable around them or really at home in their home. As a parent, we want what is best for our kids. And all I seen was someone who wanted to party all the time, get into fights, and fast to anger. For me, this was too much like when I was younger. But when I shared with me that he was saved and gave me a hug and apologized. It was like the weight and worry for my daughter was lifted at the point. I broke down crying. Others in the house didn’t know exactly what was said, they knew I was crying in the kitchen. That Christmas gift I had to say, was the greatest gift I have ever gotten from anyone. Christmas gifts are great, but that Christmas gift had nothing to do with material items, it was about love. It was about forgiveness and hope. To this day, I will look back at that moment and still tear up. I think back to then and how I was being judgmental in many ways and didn’t think he would ever be the kind of husband and father my daughter deserved. But God taught me and changed my heart through Jason. Jason showed me what real grace, forgiveness and love is. I can honestly say that I love Jason. The image I posted here is one of many samples of messages he posts now on Facebook. I couldn’t be any prouder of him and my daughter Beckiah.
If God can change Jason’s heart and my heart. One day it will be nice to have them come to church with me and hopefully in time that would happen. I invited them to come this Sunday to a concert at our church and hope they do, but if they don’t that’s OK. They do go to a Bible believing church though and I praise God that Jason has taken on the role that God has intended him to have. I can actually see Jason going into some kind of a ministry. He can reach people that some would say are unreachable. And I can honestly say that I now consider Jason a son, not a son in law. He isn’t just my daughters husband. He is family and a child of God. And I can say that I have love and respect for him. I’m not sure if he will read this and if you Jason, thank you for loving my daughter and grand-kids. I feel blessed to have you in our family.
Lastly, I just want to leave you all about casting the first stone:
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
Jesus faced a mob that was eager to execute a woman caught in adultery. He put a stop to it with a simple challenge: anyone who has no sin in their life should step forward and throw the first stone. That sentence is often cited as a reminder to avoid judging others when there are faults in your own life that need to be addressed.
We don’t know the real Justin, we see what the media wants us to see. But God knows him and loves him.
If you haven’t heard about Mandisa or know her music, you are missing out. She has been in the news along with a few other Christian Artists. The reason she has been in the news is due to the Grammy’s. Mandisa’s song Overcomer won two Grammy’s, and she chose to stay home the night of the Grammy’s.
I have loved Mandisa’s music, attitude and honesty ever since I seen her on American Idol. Out of all the Christian singers, I can be moved by her words. Mandisa has been on a personal journey. When I first listened to her , it was when she was on Idol. She was mocked by Simon because of her weight. She was put down because of her faith. Her music speaks to my heart because many of the things she deals with are things I have. For anyone who has struggled with weight, personal loss and being judged, she is worth every second to be listened to.
She has been nominated many times for her music and this is the first year she won, and the first year she didn’t attend. Her reasons for not attending has given me even more reasons to respect her.
One of the reasons she quoted is;
“I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates [corruption and things of the world] was risky for me at this time,” Mandisa wrote. “Perhaps being alone with Him as my name was announced was protecting myself from where my flesh would have tried to drag me had I been up on that stage.”
Mandisa also said this:
“Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them. All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father…
The reason I quoted these two statements by Mandisa is because I think as Christians we should be careful of the ways of the world. We need to stand up for our faith and if we can see certain weaknesses in our-self, we need to be careful. I have known many people that are strong in thier faith or seemingly and have fallen because of selfish desires and drawing attention more to themselves.
I love Facebook and I have been blessed in many ways because of Facebook. I have been reunited with friends, family and have grown in many ways. But also I have seen some pretty nasty and ugly comments. But the ones that has my head wondering about how Christians are drawing attention to themselves and all the things they are doing. I’m not talking about everyone, but in general. There is a self righteous stand and the look at all the things I do and who I know kind of mentality. I have been guilty of this in some ways. We shouldn’t be drawing attention to ourselves and all the things we do. When I read some of the comments from people all over the world when a Christian or church leader takes the “Look at Me and how good I am stand”, it makes me sick. It makes me wonder if they are really being showy and trying to convince others they are good or what.
We all in someway want to be acknowledged for the things we do and want to feel important. But when it comes to faith, we should be praying without ceasing and not being arrogant and self righteous. Many have fallen and have driven others away because of this arrogance. When Mandisa shared her reasons for not going, she put into perfect words how I felt. I have been wanting to do a blog on self righteous and showy Christians, but wasn’t sure on how to word it to where I wasn’t judging others.
I got into a discussion with a lady recently about how she volunteers here, donates this that and everything else. She has the thought that nobody else does these things and basically in a nutshell, she has to be the lone ranger and face of doing good. I got flabbergasted and told her that even though she does a lot, there are many people that do things and choose not to share all those things with the world. There may be a few people that knows what I do and I find it more enjoyable and blessed when I don’t draw the attention to myself. If I’m doing that, I’m doing it for the wrong reason. She was taken back when I told her that there are others who do things and not everyone needs the acknowledgement all the time. She is a very sweet lady, but recently I have been wondering about her motivation.
I think as Christians we need to look at our motivation and who are we really worshiping. Are we doing things for God or for ourselves. Do we feel the need to be valued and loved. I know for myself, when I do something, I need to keep myself in check. I ask myself who I’m doing something for is it for them, me or God.
Then you have the church leaders who put on a show and it’s hard to see where they are spiritually. What they say is one thing and thier actions are another. Some people may have encountered this types of church leaders. They are great at talking, but when it comes to follow through they are somewhere else. A church leader, pastor or anyone else should be a spokesperson for God and not sugar coat things. Peoples lives and future are at risk. Some of these fast talking pastors make me leery and I see red flags flying all over the place.
When Mandisa took the stand she did, I was happy to see that. I have so much respect for her and her brutal honesty. She is breaking down those walls and through her, I have been able to do that.
I didn’t watch the Grammys this year and after hearing about how much of a mockery it was, I’m glad I didn’t. Christian artist Natalie Grant ended up walking out because of many things that was going on. I never understood growing up on why we were told by our pastor to watch out who we associate with and what things we participate in. Lately those things have become apparent even more. I have understood the reasoning for a long time. But the Grammys this year is a perfect example of not taking part in something that was lacking in morals, full of controversy and not a place where Christians should be. I’m all for going into the lions den. But there are some things you just don’t do. And as a Christian, I want people to see Christ in me, not the world and it’s views on politically correct things.
I never really thought much about Christians being persecuted here in the good ole USA. But over the past year or two, I have seen it more and more. And mostly it is media induced. We may not be a prisoner like Asia Bibi or Pastor Saeed, but we are still being persecuted and judged because of the media and everything is OK notion.
The winter Olympics are about to start pretty soon in Sochi Russia… They will begin on February 7th and end on the 23rd.
Gracie Gold
Normally I love the Olympics and it’s fun to watch the figure skating. But this year, I’m a bit worried about the safety of those who are going to be traveling and participating in the Olympics. There has been terrorist threats and scandal surrounding the games this time around. The one that is in the news right now is the “black widow”
While Russia is trying to put on the brave face and that all is good in their country. With all the things surrounding the Olympics, I can’t help but wonder what problems will arise. Some of the things we have been hearing about is suicide bombers, organized crime, instability, security, human rights, threats against gays/lesbians, journalists and athletes. With all the economic issues and a ongoing list of problems, it makes me wonder.
The Black Widow may already be there…
With the recent events and bombings at the Boston Marathon, it shows how easily people can be hurt and in the wrong place at the wrong time.According to news outlets it has been reported that the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert on Jan. 10 for Americans planning to travel to Sochi for the Olympics and Paralympic Games in February and March. The Australian Olympic Committee said Dec. 31 that it’s telling athletes to use caution in Russia because of the threat of terrorist activity. Athletes will travel straight to and from Sochi by air, with no trips through other parts of the country, according to the AOC’s statement.
NBC News reported Wednesday that the emails were threats, and that Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia also received emails.In the world we live in any threats should be taken seriously.
Many of the U.S. athletes have said they are not worried about their personal safety or their families. I can’t help but wonder if we think we are invincible and non touchable. There has always been treats in the past, but I think we should be looking at history when it comes to some of the terrorists that we are up against. They aren’t all talk. They have showed they mean business. We should be learning from things that happened on Sept 11 and in Boston.
Message from Terrorists: “We’ve prepared a present for you and all tourists who’ll come over,” the video says. “If you will hold the Olympics, you’ll get a present from us for the Muslim blood that’s been spilled.”
But several U.S. lawmakers offered a different take Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union.
King, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he wouldn’t go to the games himself, “and I don’t think I would send my family.”
I plan on making sure to pray for those who are traveling to Russia for the games and participating in them. I pray that they are protected from those who are bent on retaliation and hate crimes. Many have expressed hatred towards the US and I pray that nothing happens to anyone from any country. I enjoy watching the games and I admire all the dedication that countries and athletes have put into doing the games. This should be a time of unity, not threats and dissension.
I know we can’t live in fear and worry about the what if’s. But sometimes we should use a bit of caution. Especially with these kinds of threats. I know that most if not all of the past Olympics have had issues and threats. But something is telling me this is different.
I just finished reading the book ‘Blasphemy”. It is about a Christian m wife and mother who got the death penalty for drinking water from a cup of a Muslim lady. So they threw her into prison for that and that’s where she sits today. Her days are numbered and at any moment her death by hanging will happen. She is appealing her case, but that is rare for the government to reverse her sentence.
As I read her book, her words are humbling. We are fast to complain in our country when things aren’t just right. We get into spats every now and then over stupid things. I have to say that I have had my own share of excuses. There were many days that I didn’t go to church because of that blasted organ that Marilla would play at church. It gave me a migraine every-time I would hear it. It wasn’t really her fault that I know of, but still, it gave me a headache. So I would try to stay clear of the church service when she played it. Usually the night before I called someone on the worship team to make sure who was playing.I was NOT into enduring that horrible pain that went straight through the temples of my brain.
There are a ton of excuses that can be used to not go to church. Maybe a person doesn’t like the music, pastor, sermon and the oddest excuse is that the pastor is no fun because he only preaches from the Bible. He isn’t exciting, lol. I got a kick out of that one because I think if they are wanting exciting and a sermon that isn’t from the Bible, they need to be evaluating why they are in church to begin with. When it comes to what I like when I go to church, I want music that is alive and upbeat, but I do love the hymns too. I don’t want sugar coating and I don’t like mean spirited pastors or people. Now, back to Asia Bibi.
When I was reading her book, I thought of Paul and of Job. I honestly don’t think that 99 percent of the people in the world would be able to live through the horror that Christians in these other countries are having to endure. Asia wakes up in a cell without anyone to talk to. Once in a great while her husband will visit her. They moved her 5 hours away which makes it hard to see her. When they moved her, they made sure she is alone. Yet, she wakes up and goes to bed praying to God. She is beaten and endures more than any human I have heard of. She is being treated like a prisoner of war. And this is because she is a Christian.
She finds comfort in knowing that people are praying for her. So, please pray for her and all the other persecuted Christians. The one thing that got me about this book is how she described a little spider that was in her cell. Asia was laying there on her rope bed. She was cold and alone like any other time. She started watching this spider make its web. She continues to watch this spider that doesn’t have a care in the world. It is focused on doing its web. As she is watching this spider, she finds comfort as it makes its web. She feels blessed by little things like this.
In Asia’s book she talks about the guards there at her prison. One is absolutely horrible and will do anything to hurt her. She is treated worse then the child molesters in our prisons. But there is this one guard that is a female that will give Asia a smile or talk to her. Even if it is only a few minutes. That contact from this female guard brightens her day and she is happy to see someone or hear a voice. She has nothing and she praises God. Would we be like Asia if we were in the same situation? I know that is hard to know since we aren’t. I know for myself, I would have a very difficult time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Asia is being tested like Job and being treated like Paul was. She lost everything, but she still has hope and her faith.
I think about how trivial my things are in comparison to someone like Asia Bibi. Yeah, I have my own medical issues, bills and whatever else. But my life is a breeze compared to hers. I have no room to complain, even though I do. I can talk to my daughters, see my grand kids, go to church and a million other things that a Christian in another country can’t do. She has so little to look forward to each day. She thanks God every morning for giving her another day. She thanks God for the guard that smiles at her because everyone else is horrible. I wish I was like Asia in many ways. I think I need to pay more attention to the little things that God is doing in my life. Now granted, I don’t like spiders and I plan on keeping it that way. I have been blessed in ways I don’t deserve. We are told in the Bible that Christians will be hated and despised. I don’t think we Americans have an inkling of what that means because we are very spoiled in most ways.
While Christians are persecuted everyone and we are warned that we will be. I think here in America it is a different kind of persecution. I think the media is a big source of that persecution. There is always someone crying foul play when it comes to Christians not going along with what is popular or the political correct way of doing things. I am very happy that we don’t have the same kind of persecution. But at the same time, all kinds destroy and hurt.
I’m going to just leave this topic and invite you to go look at the website for persecuted Christians. Pray for them and help get the word out that they are there. They need help. Christians are dying for thier faith and they need all of our voices. If you are reading this, then you have access to a computer. Use this tool as a way to spread their message.
Oh my goodness… My dog Jasper is fat. I have been trying to watch his diet closely because he should only be about 18 pounds. But, that is not the case. He is close to 30 pounds.
Last night as I was watching him lay there and then mentioned the word food. He went for an all out run, if that’s what you call how a fat pug runs,lol. But as soon as he heard food being put in the dish of our other dogs food bowl, he was up and out of the room. He was on his way to gobble up Patsy and Parker’s food.
Yeppers… No Hour Glass Body, lol
He had his food gone within a minute or two, and then he sits there and waits for Parker to turn his back and gobbles his down. After that he is waiting at the back door to see what is left in Patsy’s bowl. So he eats three days worth of dog food in a ten minute time frame. So now, he is grounded to the bedroom when he eats and has to wait till the others are done. Jasper is none to pleased over this.
I was reading up on how to make him loose weight. I may not be his favorite on this topic.
They say that pugs should have an hourglass shaped body. The shoulders and hips should be about the same width. There should be a small indention at the waistline. If your pet has a rectangular shaped body, then he is probably overweight. Jasper doesn’t have the perfect hourglass shape at all. I hope he isn’t going to get a complex by me calling him fat. But it is what it is, lol.
A standard adult Pug weighs between 14 and 18 pounds.
What Jasper should look like… The hour glass figure that Jasper doesn’t have.
Feeding a Fat Pug: 1 cup of kibbles contains about 700 calories. For example, if the recommendation is 1 cup of kibbles to maintain a weight of 18 pounds, you may want to feed the animal ¾ of a cup. You should always use a standard measuring cup to measure your pet’s food.
It also says that in order to control obesity, I have to eliminate all table scraps and snacks until I can bring Jasper’s weight under control. Then, you can give him a treat every once in awhile. I don’t think Jasper will be seeing things my way on this and it may be a battle of the wits. Not sure who is going to win out on this one. He also has to get more exercise. Our other dog Parker is good at keeping the house going in that area and gives Jasper exercise.
I have been keeping up with the news of medals given out in Sochi. But mostly I have been watching the love and warmth these athletes have towards the dogs and puppies of Sochi. Here are some of the athletes that are turning the games into something to be proud of. Homeless dogs are being smuggled out of the area to save their lives. For me, these are people who are making a difference to these animals lives.
Senseless Ramblings of the Mindless 