Author: Sandie D

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.

My Confused Brain- The Trinity

Published on January 10, 2014 by Sandie D3 Comments

My friend Dena Allen and I would have this conversation so many times. She has since passed away. Dena use to be a school teacher and she was very smart when it came to the Bible. Dena was like my adopted Grandma when I moved here to Utah. She and I would get into the discussion of the Trinity. And it would be hours and we would always come to the same conclusion. If I had questions about the Bible, she knew them. She was a whizz!

When people or pastors say that Jesus is God, I get confused. The reason I get confused is when the trinity is explained as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Now since they are described in this way, it seems separate. Because you have God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I had one pastor explain to me that it is like a play and when you go to this play, there is only one actor. You have this cast of one and when they change into a different character, they will change cloths and put on a mustache. And that would be like God. God came down to earth as a baby but He is still God. I’m giving this pastor a stupid look by this time.

Then I proceeded, which gave him a stupid look and he thought I lost it big time. I asked him about a few verses in the Bible.

John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In Matthew 27:45-46, it says, “Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. ⁴⁶And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” If Jesus is God, why would He say this?

Luke 2:47-49, “And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, Son, why hast thou dealt with us in this way? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And He said unto them, did you not know that I must be about My Fathers business?”

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ²After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ⁴Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ⁵Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“‘He will command his angels concerning you,and they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.⁷Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’⁸Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” ¹⁰Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ¹¹Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Baptism of Christ

Matthew 3:13-17, 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

OK, so those are some of the verses that confuse me on this topic. In my brain when I think of the Trinity or God Head, I think of my daughters. There is me (Sandie-Mom) and then there is Jessica (daughter), and then there is the spirit or the traits we each have. Jessica isn’t the same as me, but she is still a part of me. She has certain traits that we both share, blood types and views. And at the same time she is her own person and she has her own free will. Now when it comes to the Holy Spirit, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

I guess the way I see it, which could be wrong or I’m making things harder than they need to be is that God is God, Jesus is God’s Son, which would make Him of God and then you have the Holy Spirit which is of God. Hm..The picture of the Trinity I posted has me confused too. I was never good with charts.

This is one of the topics in the Bible that confuses me and I don’t think the analogy of a one man act is helping me understand this any better. There is one thing that I’m not confused on is that the Bible is the truth and that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He died for my sins.

Simple Mistakes Can Cost a Life

Published on January 9, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

How many times have we said or done something stupid. I know I have had plenty of mistakes that could have turned out much worse than they did. By now, you’ve probably been hearing about the deadly consequences of texting and driving for at least a year or two. Stories of accidents, near accidents, injuries and deaths are in the headlines almost daily. I was watching this video on wimp.com about two vehicles on a road. it wasn’t necessarily about texting, but could have been any one of us driving. And what a simple mistake could cost someone. Here is the link!

There are many mistakes that may not affect others and then you have some that could devastate many people. The kind I’m thinking about is those who drive drunk, impaired or not paying attention.

When I was younger, there was so many stupid things we did and how we lived to tell is beyond me. We would go out to the dry lakes in Willcox, AZ and hang onto the hood of the truck, on the outside. While we were holding on, we would be doing donuts while trying to not fall off the truck as it was going around in circles at pretty high speeds. There were a few friends who got killed doing this when they fell off the truck and got run over by the vehicle or the vehicle flipped over while standing in the back of the truck while trying to keep our feet planted to the floor of the truck.

We never should have been doing this, but at our age, we didn’t realize what could go wrong and how stupid we really were. After one of my friends died, I never did it again. But that is because it became real to me. I seen first hand what could happen. I often wonder if that is why kids and adults text, drink and drive and try to beat a train/vehicle or whatever else. They don’t see that it can happen to them because they have never been affected by it. It wasn’t real and they see it as just talk and empty warnings.

The Nelvels before a drunk driver killed his wife and their mother Katy

Lauren’s Journal: February 28, 2013 – In a hospital since the family’s car was struck by a alleged impaired driver, forced off road and hit a tree on way from TN to TX for Thanksgiving which killed her mom & almost killed me, leaving her severely injured (Traumatic Brain Injury, collapsed lung, 3 broke ribs, broke femur, de-gloved foot & lost 4 toes).

I honestly don’t think a driver gets into a car with the intention of hurting or killing anyone. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. There is this family the Nevels that I have been following for a very long time on Facebook. They were hit by a drunk driver on Thanksgiving. The mother was killed, and the daughter Lauren was in the hospital for many months. She now has a brain injury and had to have some toes removed. Her life and her families life will forever be changed because of a drunk driver. Not only was this families life affected, but also the drivers life and his family.

While I was watching the video it got me thinking about how many times I drive when I shouldn’t. Or when my husband and I are driving. He thinks he has enough time and I don’t. We are seeing things from two separate points of views. When he decides to go, it always panics me. He usually makes it across, but one day cutting it close may be the time when close wasn’t good enough.

Here in St. George the police have started to video tape drivers that are distracted by texting and in other ways. They are posting their pictures on their website. The information and logo below is from their website.

Heads Up Thumbs Up is a effort from the St. George Police Department addressing the top behaviors that are injuring or killing people on America’s roads. This includes behaviors such as texting while driving, using social media apps, drowsy driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving. When you are driving with your head up and your thumbs up, you are paying attention to what is happening around you when driving.

They also have it where you can take a pledge to not text and drive. There are many other ways that drivers can get distracted and cause accident by making stupid mistakes.

National Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

About 660,000 drivers use cell phones at any given time during daylight hours in the United States.
Texting while driving makes a driver 23x more likely to crash.
Drivers talking on a cell phone are 4x more likely to have a car accident.
Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70 year old.
Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. That is enough time to travel the length of a football field.
Studies have found that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
94% of drivers support bans on texting while driving.
74% of drivers support bans on hand-held cell phone use.

OK! For now I’m done doing this topic of driving impaired. Well, almost done 🙂

Don’t Drink and Drive or Text and Drive

Making a Difference

Published on January 7, 2014January 7, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Not the actual customer- Just a random picture

My Mondays are pretty routine. I go get my husbands check, do my errands and go out to breakfast. My friend Jennifer picked me today because I was just feeling like driving.

There is another think that happens on my Mondays and it would be awesome to see people do this. I listen to a radio station called KLOVE. It’s a Christian station and they do a thing on Mondays. It’s called “Make a Difference Monday.” What you do is just do something nice for someone else. You don’t expect anything in return. Today we went to the Black Bear Diner and like many other Monday’s I try to pay for someone’s breakfast that I don’t know and vice versa.

Jenn and I were already almost done eating breakfast and in comes this older couple. They both had medical problems and problems getting around. She had prosthetic arms and her husband was severely hunched over. This was the couple for my “Make a Difference Monday.” So I go up to pay for our meal and then I tell the waitress to take the $20.00 and apply it to that couples meal. I do this just as much for me as I do for others. I have been blessed in so many ways and ways I can’t begin to count.

What got me was the shock on the cashiers face. She looked taken back and I explained to her what I do, but to not let the couple know who it was and just apply that to their bill.

Normally I don’t mention much about these things, because when we give gifts to others and it is unexpected, it is like what God does in my life. I don’t deserve the blessings, but He still blesses me. I’m mentioning this though because it is kinda sad that the cashier was shocked that somebody would do something nice for a stranger. Makes me wonder if she has had anyone do anything nice for her. Has she ever been on the receiving end of an unexpected gift and does she understand what God’s love and grace is about. I could tell she was getting emotional about it and was taken back. My friend and I left and I could hear the girl talking and how nice that was.

I also got to thinking that maybe she needed to see that it’s OK to be kind to one another and to strangers. I hope one day that she will be the one standing behind me and I can in turn treat her. And if it isn’t me, maybe someone else will come into her life and show her that people care and not just on Mondays.

After my friend and I got into her car, which is nice that she drove me around doing my things. She asked me what that was all about. I explained and told her why I do that and that it’s nice to make a difference in someones life, even if it is only $20.00.

So, if anyone of my readers don’t think they can make a difference in someones life, I want to say you can. Maybe it isn’t paying for a meal. Maybe you can go to a neighbors home and sit with them. In our church we have many elderly people and shut ins. Spending time is a wonderful way to give of yourself and much more valuable then any dollar amount. Or what a great surprise it would be for someone to see that their lawn has been mowed or garbage taken out to the curb.

This is a parable from Matthew 25:37-40

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

My grandson JJ loved this couple at church. Roy and Sally Crouch would come in on Fridays to sharpen pencils. She passed away and Roy moved. But each time we were there, Roy would let JJ help him sharpen pencils. It wasn’t much, but it was a big thing to JJ. He got the biggest smile on his face when he sharpened those pencils. Roy would help JJ guide them into the sharpener and they would count to three and it was done. The time that Roy took to make a difference in a then 3 yr old boy made a world of difference to JJ.

During the Christmas season, there are people all over the place that is making a difference. But I would like to challenge everyone to make a difference all year round. There is always someone that needs someone to show them they care and they are loved. It doesn’t take much to make a difference to someone to else.

What Will Heaven Look Like?

Published on January 5, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

I think about heaven alot and what it would be like. I don’t see it as a fluffy cloud and all harps either. God loves us and why would He have us sitting on our hinnys on a cloud and playing a harp? And why do people think everyone just sits on a cloud and watches everything happening on earth?

My idea of heaven would have clouds that have all kinds of shapes. I love watching lightening storms and the rain. I can’t imagine heaven without rain and the beautiful displays that streak across our skies. I can see God putting whales and dolphins together in the ocean with all the other sea creatures and they hang our and play together. Not eating each other. When God created the land and the ocean here on earth that’s how it was to begin with. I can’t see that it would not be that way in Heaven.

Maverickindreamland2 — Maverick Snoozing- RIP

I see dogs and kitties playing in the meadow. God knows that my hearts desire is to see my dogs and loved ones there. My hope is that Brandie, Maverick, Pepper Puppy and all the other animals that I loved here on earth will be there to meet me. I also can’t imagine heaven having no rainbows or rivers. I think that Heaven will look like what the Garden of Eden looked like to begin with. Before man destroyed it and sinned. I can totally see Heaven looking this way. The Bible talks about a New Heaven and a New Earth. Maybe the new earth will be as it was intended without sin. I’m sure God has it all figured out and I will trust that. Even though I think the snakes and spiders need to stay away.

The Bible says that there will be no more death or tears. And when I read that I wonder if we will have the memories of those who are not in heaven. Because if we have those memories, we would be sad that they aren’t here with us. SO, I’m putting this out to everyone I know and care about, you best get your life in order and accept Christ. Now I do hope we have tears of joy. Because there is nothing like having that feeling of peace and happiness weel up inside us and we can’t help but let the tears fall where they may.

I heard this one girl tell me that she believes that Heaven is a place where you can go after you die and you will come to the pearly gates and if you didn’t decided to believe or live according to Gods(Jehovah) will, then you can still enter and get another chance to live there. I actually found this sad in many ways.

Where Pearly Gates Comes from;

Gates Made of Pearls from EHOW

In John’s vision at Revelation 21:21, the gates of heaven are actual pearls: huge ones that cover the 12 entrances to the city. In Bible times, pearls gathered from the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea commanded a high price. Jesus used this fact to illustrate the value of God’s Kingdom in his parable of the priceless pearl, recorded in Matthew 13:45-46. A merchant finds an exquisite and very expensive pearl, and eagerly sells all his other wares to acquire the rare jewel. Gaping at the celestial gates made of unusually large pearls may have convinced John that heaven was more magnificent and impregnable than any city on earth, including mighty Rome.

Tying in the symbolism of Jesus’ parable about the merchant who sold all his goods for one pearl of high value, readers may discern that the pearly gates of heaven represent an individual’s choice to give God exclusive devotion. Doing so ensures entrance into the grand future that awaits them when God’s kingdom rules over mankind. Countless people worldwide express this hope when they pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.” Revelation 21:25 says that at that time the gates of heaven will remain open day and night, since all humans will be living in peace, as described at Isaiah 65:17-25, and nothing will disturb the security of heavenly Jerusalem.

I asked some people on Facebook what they think heaven will be like and here are a few of the answers I received.

Facebook Comment 1– Heaven is the place where God dwells. It is a location that is wholly spiritual in nature. Christianity defines Heaven as being in the presence of God with places prepared for the faithful by Jesus and is viewed as eternal bliss beyond that which can currently be known. Those who are allowed into heaven are given new bodies that do not decay and death will be gone.
Facebook Comment 2– Heaven will be a place that we will have all we want and desire. Everyone will have their own kind of Heaven.
Facebook Comment 3– When we get to Heaven we will be welcomed by those we loved on Earth. We will be judged before we get to enter the gates and if we were good enough, then we can go through them and be there otherwise we will be cast into hell and God wouldn’t be in Hell.
Facebook Comment 4 (Child) – Heaven is a place where you are happy and Jesus is there. It’s going to be really pretty and everyone will love each other. There is going to be angels there singing too.
Facebook Comment 5– There is no Heaven or Hell. Everyone is believing there is this guy they called God. There is no God!
Facebook Comment 6 – After the Kingdom of Heaven begins on earth, after Christ’s return, the New Jerusalem descends out of heaven and heaven, in the New Jerusalem, will then be on earth. Revelation 21:1-2
Facebook Comment 7- We will have perfect bodies and the streets will be lined with Gold. It’s going to be something bigger and more beautiful that we can imagine.
Facebook Comment 8- If you die before Jesus Christ’s Second Coming you will go directly to heaven and be in the presence of God. If you never see heaven, you will most certainly see hell and that is also a one-way trip from which there is no return.

I live in Utah and many times the LDS will talk about three heavens. And I believe these are the context they are talking about. The Old Testament has no word for universe, and to express the idea there is the frequent “heaven and earth.” We read of “the heaven and the heaven” (Deuteronomy 10:14), and of a man’s being “caught up into the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2). With God in heaven are likewise the souls of the just (2 Corinthians 5:1; Matthew 5:3, 12). In Ephesians 4:8-16, we are told that Christ conducted to heaven the patriarchs who had been in limbo (limbus patrum)

Now when it comes to marriage in heaven, some people get a little hostile over this topic. It can be argued till the day till this world is no more. But here are a couple of verses that I found on the marriage thing.

“When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Mark 12:25
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Matthew 22:30

Luke – Chapter 20:34-36

34. Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.
35. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage,
36. and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.

I guess I took this post in different directions, and it can be a bit confusing. So I put a question on my Facebook page to get ideas of what others think Heaven will be like.

The Begats of the Bible

Published on January 5, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

Why is it so difficult to read the Bible? I want to read it and every now and then I get it in my head I need to start from the beginning. Well, the thought is good but the beginning is what gets me lost. Usually when I open the Bible to read, I will do just that. I open it and where it falls is where I start reading. If something grabs my attention, then I will dig deeper until I get it. When it comes to understanding the Bible, the way I do it is not the best way to study and read it.

We should take time and apply it to our lives. Reading and studying the Bible isn’t just for us, but it’s also for those around us. I know this and I get it. But there are parts of the Bible I would prefer to jump over because I don’t get it.The Begats and the book of Job is my least favorite places in the Bible.

Now, I have to admit I have a hard time reading the Bible all the way through it. I start off doing well until I get to the begats and the whole genealogy thing. The begats can be found in Genesis. I try to justify skipping over those parts because they actually bore me and I lose track of why I need to know these things. It must go back to learning history in school. Some was OK, but other parts I just got lost in it. Do you think it is OK to just skip the begats and then go to the next book in the Bible? Am I missing something important in the begats?

The Meaning of Begats:

be·gats

[bih-gats] Show IPA
plural noun Informal.
genealogical lists, especially those in the Old Testament

Most of us that love the Bible love to read portions of the Bible that give accounts of winning over evil, miracles, love and forgiveness and such. What I don’t enjoy reading are where a certain person begat a son or daughter, who in turn begat a son, thus beginning a long list of begats.

I do have those topics that I love to study and understand. Most of those are from the book of Daniel, Ecclesiastes and the books on Prophecy. I do need to spend more time in the Word. I have plans starting in January on hosting a story night that a guy at my church that is also a pastor will come and teach. He is going to start at the beginning. I’m pretty excited to do this and I wonder how much I will get out of this form of study.

There are different styles of literature in the Bible. It has history, poetry, law, songs, prophecy, letters and law. Each has to be interpreted differently. Of which, interpretation is not one of my gifts. I want to interpret it the way that works best for me. I guess that’s why I’m not a pastor or church leader. I do think that personal letters may pertain to us more today. It may not be applied to us in the same way it did to those in the past, but they are equally important. Maybe understanding that there is a difference in the types of literature it will help us become less confused. Or at least help me become less confused. That is not always an easy task.

When I think of the Bible, I think about how it is about life. The Bible tells us everything we need to know about living a life full of love and grace. It is the story of God and all of God’s people that lived throughout history. Each one of us is part of the story. It is full of God’s love for humankind and it is about us. So! I will do my very best to read the entire Bible, and not just all the parts I like. My friend Lisa bought me an new Inductive Bible and I will be using that for my new kick off in starting once again to read the entire Bible from the beginning.

In Closing I want to say that I had to look up info on the begats and such and came across this statement from a website that had information on why they are important to us and why we need to study the, “Remember, all of God’s Word is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” — and that includes the “boring begats”! (2 Timothy 3:16).” Click Here to read more…

Suns are AWESOME!!!

Published on January 3, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

It’s been coming and I have been waiting patiently for this to happen. And I don’t want to say it out loud too much because it will get me in trouble with the basketball angels in the sky, lol… Just kidding on the basketball angels. Even though we never know when it comes to God.

So I want to say this for all the doubters out there. The SUNS are awesome this year… This last game the Suns played the Clippers and they won with a score of 107- 88… OH YEAH…. It was happy dance time considering the Clippers at the time of this post is in the number 1 spot with ( PCT at 647) and 22 wins-12 losses spot and the Suns are in the number 2 with a the pct at 633 with 19 wins and 11 losses. That is like a difference of a game or so.

Suns and the Clippers on December 23rd 2013

This is the way it should be!!! Nash on our team, not the Lakers

The Suns are playing tonight against Memphis and I hope they win. If they can beat the clippers, they should be able to beat Memphis. So I hope I’m not putting bad energy out there by posting my happiness with my team. It has been such a long time since they have done this good. I think it has been since Barkely, KJ, Ainge, Majerle has played. Well, they did good also with Nash when they won the Western Conference in 2005.

We lived in Phoenix when the Suns and the Bulls went head to head. And oh my gosh it was a tension filled house hold. My husband and daughter Beckiah was for DA BULLs and Jessica and myself went for the Suns. When the Bulls pulled out the win, my husband got in his car and honking horns. Not cool…

But there were houses painted Suns colors and most windows had placards in the windows. It was craziness. But fun at the same time. We were already living in Utah when Nash helped get the Suns to the Western Conference in 2005. I was still happy and I was glad the teams that got to the playoffs was the ones that did. It’s nice to see my team doing what it should be doing. They are a bunch of newbies and rookies, but they are doing great so far. So we need to keep it that way guys.

Nash was awesome on the Suns and it still bugs me to no end that he is playing on the Lakers. It was suppose to be his chance at winning a title. And guess where the Lakers are right now? OK! You don’t have to guess, I will tell you! The Lakers have 13 wins and 19 loses. They are next to the bottom for the Western Conference. They have lost 6 in a row now. I’m OK with that. But I do still miss Nash on the Suns team where he belongs.

I’m thinking I need to make a trip to Phoenix to watch the Suns play. I have been wanting to do that for the longest time and have never made it. I also wish I could watch the Suns on my TV or computer because they never show them here. I’m pretty bummed over that. I gather the networks only had one televised game of the Suns based on last years and previous seasons game play. ESPN did add a couple of post Christmas games to the roster, but they are slacking in my book.

All in the Name of Love

Published on January 2, 2014January 2, 2014 by Sandie DLeave a comment

My friend Jennifer and I were talking about at what point do you not take part in something. I’m paraphrasing this conversation though.

There have been events and activities in the past that I have felt OK with going to while others I wanted to stay clear. I wanted no part in it. God has gifted me with this intuition on things. When I follow my own lead, I always end up regretting it. And when I follow His lead, things go much smoother.

I try not to be judgmental of other groups and love others as God tells me to do. But there are some groups and organizations that I have problems with. If they aren’t following in the same God I believe in and that is the God in the Bible, I have issues. I don’t tell anyone they have to believe the same as me. But I think that when we associate with groups that aren’t like minded, it is like we are saying it is OK. Some people and groups believe that churches must be united at all costs, despite its different theologies, belief systems and denominations.

And I’m not OK with that. I do think I use to be more tolerant, but something happened with my thinking. Maybe it’s a God thing. When I pray and have God search my heart and make me aware. Sometimes I’m not prepared for His answer or my reflection.

I do want to say that we are commanded to love others as God loves us. We are to forgive others as we have been forgiven. I have friends of many faiths and those who have no faith at all. I have friends that are gay, lesbians, straight and a little off kilt and we are to love all. I don’t always agree with those around me, because I’m pretty direct in what I believe. But I also refuse to judge others because they don’t see things the way I do. Not sure why that is, lol. But it is what it is 🙂

I have been reading this book about Asia Bibi who is on death row for drinking from a cup. The reason I bring her up is that she is a Christian living in Pakistan. Pakistan is a Muslim country and Christians are the lowly of the lowliest. She made a statement in her book about how she would hear the prayers 5 times a day coming from the mosques. I believe that is what they call them. I don’t understand or know anyone that is Muslim and I’m sure for the most part they are loving people. Well unless you live where Asia does . She never went to pray or take part in holy days because she worshiped God. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith and prayers only went to Him. She only used the voices over the speakers as a way to tell time and know when her kids and husband would be home. She felt it was a sin for her to take part in those things around her, even though it was law and she could be killed for not doing it. She didn’t cave in and do what was popular or expected of her. She did what God wanted her to do and that was to pray to only Him and to serve Him alone. I think we as Christians could learn from her imprisonment. We buckle under simple pressures and ideology. She stands up to her captures and will lose her life to stand up for God.

I was talking with another friend today and he pretty much hit the nail on the head and I can’t argue. Well, I can, but it would do no good since he is right. This is what he said. “It seems like some in this city are worshiping tolerance more than the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” And I have noticed that a lot over the years in so many ways. We are getting to where anything is acceptable if it is in the name of unity and love. I’m all for loving others and being united in Christ. But to what point are we willing to do anything in the name of unity and love. And if you don’t agree with others choices or freedoms, then all the sudden you are racists or judgmental. That’s hogwash. I know Who I believe in and why I believe. And that is who I need to praying to and those who profess to be Christians should be. Really all people should, but I can’t force anyone to do that if they don’t want to.

For myself I would much rather hear what God says and what the Bible says instead of what is OK to everyone else. I think as a whole our society and world has gotten away from God. And the reasons we are getting so far away from Him is because we are in the people pleasing business. We aren’t worried about pleasing God anymore. We just don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by opposing their thoughts and views.

There are a number of things that take place all over the world that calls for unity and love and I’m all for loving others. But I also feel that as a Christian I need to focus on what God wants me to do. Even if I may not like it at the time, I still need to do that. And as Christians we should be in the pleasing of God instead of the pleasing of people.

My prayer for all those around me, in our world, leaders and missionaries will be that they learn to listen to what God is putting on their hearts instead of what man is spewing out. Mans hearts are easily deceived, but when we allow God to be in control of it, we will be OK. Things may not be easy and I’m pretty sure I have plenty of my own bad thoughts and that horrible sinful nature seems to raise its ugly head.

Laboring is NOT in Vain

Published on December 31, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

It’s 5:15 am on New Year’s Eve. I have been up and down most of the night. When I have nights like this my thoughts get wondering. And tonight was no different. In between my dreams I think about or analyze them. Tonight it was about tithing and what we as church members should be doing for our church and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I don’t remember much of the dream that brought on this thought. But I do remember that as Christians we should be willing to serve in whatever way God wants us to. There is no position in the church that is greater than another. Even though I don’t see myself climbing ladders and things like that.

There is always something that someone can do as long as they are alive and breathing. I did find it interesting that my cell phone notification sound is what woke me up from this dream. I have a kinda eerie sound on my phone when I get emails or messages. It says “I See You”. If you remember the show Sixth Sense and where the boy says that he sees dead people. This is kinda on the same line. Since it woke me up I decided to see what my notification was. It was my verse for the day from KLOVE Christian radio station.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGING WORD – 12/31/2013- So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
–1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT

My thoughts on this are that we need to keep on working for the Lord. Nothing we do for the Lord is in vain. I looked up this verse and commentaries on it and there is a slew of them. Here is a link to a list of sermons that cover this verse… http://biblehub.com/sermons/1_corinthians/15-58.htm

I think I need to spend some time in researching this verse since I had a dream on this and then it comes into my inbox on my email. I think I will have to ask my pastor for a deeper and easier overview of this. But for now, I get the idea that we should be steadfast in our work when it comes to doing things for the Lord. I enjoy the things I do for the Lord and my church. I don’t like to go into the things I do for my church because I don’t think that we as believers should draw attention to ourselves. My way of thinking is that all the things I do are for the Lord.I may have to ask Pastor Ray if I am understanding this verse as I am taking it.

I will go into just one thing I do for the church because it’s also a healing thing for me. I enjoy building websites and creating things. I like to start from nothing and see something come alive. With my churches website if they had to pay an outside service it would be extremely costly and most places charge right around $40.00 to $75.00 an hour to create a website. Then you have the updates and such. Now my feelings are that if God gives us a talent and a way to serve our church and share the gospel, you don’t charge the Lord. Click here to see our churches site. You can post prayer requests and praise reports too…

Those outside of my church or those who build websites can’t fathom why I would donate my time and the cost of the website when I could be making thousands for the kind of site we have. And I find it very simple. I do it because I love the Lord. I don’t do it to draw attention to myself. I have many medical problems that make it impossible for me to work. And doing the website for my church is just as much of a blessing to me. It gives me a way of feeling like I’m doing something. I may not have a lot of money for tithing and donating. But I do have the gift that God has given me. And I know that there is no way our church would be able to afford the type of site we have. Well, they may be able to afford it, but why do that if God gave someone the gift to be able to do it. That money is better spent on missions and outreach.

Those that don’t understand giving to the Lord and not charging for this kind of work don’t understand the blessings I receive. When I see new people coming to our church because they found us on the internet, it makes me happy. And I know it makes the Lord happy too. How can you put a dollar amount on reaching others for the Lord? I never went to school for building websites and doing things on the internet. I never had the desire and for the most part I fought getting a computer for many years.

Due to illness, there are times it takes me longer to do certain things. And if I get over tired I may miss something here and there when I do the power points for my churches Sunday Service. Thankfully, I have the pastor and a few others to help correct things. But all these things I do computer wise and website wise helps me keep my mind off the things going wrong in my life and health and allows me to focus on Christ alone.

I have had people come to me to ask me to do websites for their companies and they would pay me a pretty penny for it. If we paid an outside company to do our churches site, it would cost anywhere from $7000.00 on up and that doesn’t include the monthly updates and such. But for me it is priceless to reach those who may never have a chance to hear the Word. Even if only one person walks through the doors of our church that needs to hear how much God loves them just as they are, it’s worth it.

God has given me this gift I think just as much for me as for the church and other places I do sites for. I don’t do websites as a business though because I can’t do things that need time schedules and due by dates. I don’t know how things will be from one minute to another. But God does give me the strength to do what I need to do for Him and our church.

I would like to add though that our church is a very blessed church. We have many people who donate their time, money and heart when it comes to members of our church. Some churches have just a few here and there and that is far from our church. God is alive and working at St. George Community Church. I feel blessed and honored that I can do what I can do for our church and congregation. For the most part our church that is mostly seniors has no idea what it takes to do a website or to get the program to work on Sundays. But that’s OK. Because when they see the site and the power point and they share it with friends and have a smile on their faces it makes me happy. I love to make people happy. I love to do for the Lord in whatever capacity that may be.

One last thing and this is about our new pastor and his wife. I feel really blessed by them because they allow me to be creative and use my gifts. When they need something for the site or want something for our Sunday Service, they are very kind when I make a blunder, lol. Which is nice, because I do have many of those moments where I forget what I’m doing or it takes me a bit longer? I think when a pastor and the leadership board allows those who go to church and want to do service for the church and more importantly for the Lord the tools and encouragement to do those things, it is a blessing.

My daughter Jessica has a heart for service too. She loves children and is going into teaching. She wants to start a couple programs at church for children. I think she is in the right place to do that. You can’t find a more encouraging and loving group of people. They have to be the most supportive Christians and church I have ever gone to.

I need to close this because it is becoming a book. But these are my rambling thoughts about the email I got from KLOVE radio stations. So I will end you with Today’s ENCOURAGING WORD -So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
–1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT

My Year in Review

Published on December 31, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

2013 is almost over with. Soon we will be going into a year year. I got thinking about what the difference is between 2013 and 2014 and I have decided nothing but one number.

We will still have our ever loyal newscasters telling us all the bad things happening and once in awhile, we may hear of something good. We will be shocked and surprised by who died and what is going on in our country. We will still have Christians persecuted, put to death and martyred in the name of Christ. To them is just a number and another day.

I guess for me, I don’t really pay attention to New Years. Now I do pay attention to getting older and that I’m not impressed over one bit. But when I think of how we measure time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, it doesn’t really matter. Time is a man made thing, not a God thing. We measure everything by time and gauge our happiness, successes and failures based on time.

People ask me what I’m going to do on New Years Eve and my answer is the same. I will wake up, grab something to eat, watch some TV, and go to bed. And of course there are all the other things that we put into a 24 hour time slot.

My theory is on New Years is that hopefully if there is some kind of good luck thing, which I’m not into the whole superstitious thing. But if there happens to be, I would hope that if I go to bed early, have a peaceful night then maybe that will continue though the year. So far that has never worked. And I don’t expect it to because life happens. Everyday there is something new to look forward to or surprise me.

Like I said, there is only one difference between 2013 and 2014 and that is the last number. Even though I would have to say if Christ came again, that would be AMAZING!

If you happen to be one of the millions of people who crowd into huge groups to watch the ball drop or waiting to kiss a loved one or stranger, I wish you a Happy New Year. My wish for you is to know the true blessings of Jesus Christ and to find peace that only He can bring.

Here in our area we have “Prayer Over the City”. I don’t think I will be going to this event this year, but I do want to offer a prayer for everyone all over. I didn’t write this, I don’t know who did. But I thought it was fitting.

A Prayer for the New Year

What shall I ask for the coming year
What shall my watchword be
What should thou do for me, dear Lord
What can I do for thee?

Lord, I would ask for a holy year
Spent in thy perfect will
Help me to walk in thy very steps
Help me to please thee still.

Lord, I would ask for a trustful year
Give me thy faith divine
Taking my full inheritance
Making thy fulness mine!

Lord, I would ask for a year of love
O let me love thee best
Give me the love that faileth not
Beneath the hardest test.

Lord, I would ask for a year of prayer
Teach me to walk with thee
Breathe in my heart the Spirit’s prayer
Pray thou thy prayer in me!

Lord, I would ask for the dying world
Stretch forth thy mighty hand
Thy truth proclaim, thy power display
This year in every land.

Lord, I would ask for a year of joy
Thy peace, thy joy divine
Springing undimmed through all the days
Be thy days of shade or shine.

Lord, I ask for a year of hope
Looking for thee to come
And hastening on that year of years
That brings us home to you.

How Great Thou Art

Published on December 30, 2013December 30, 2013 by Sandie DLeave a comment

I have been going to church as long as I can remember. I wasn’t brought up in a Christian home per say. Many of those around me where Christian and from them I got to know more about God. Over time, I was able to understand what a real relationship with Christ meant.

There are times when I look around and wonder how things came into existence. Like at night when I take pictures of the moon and the stars. I can’t help but wonder about them and how they were created. My mind will get wondering to clouds too. When I look up and can see shapes in clouds, I believe they are for me to enjoy and learn from.

Have you ever just stopped to notice the small things around you and then you get that Ah HA moment and realize it isn’t small at all. It may be for God, but for us we can never create the wonders of our universe. We don’t create the cute puppy dogs and angels in the clouds. God does. But there are times when I wonder how God created them.

Then I think about how wonderful God really is. He put everything in order. He provided a way for us to overcome sin. And that provision is Christ Jesus.

What got me thinking about this is the song “How Great Thou Art”. Having heard this hymn from the time I was little, at times I took it for granted. But now when I hear it I think of all the wonders around us. I think of sweet Dena Allen at my church that loved this. She got the biggest smile on her face and a sense of peace when it played on the organ. She is with the Lord now, but I can’t help but think of her when we sing this song. There would be times tears would be streaming from her face.

My church is an older congregation and when this song is sung, the voices raise and there is a joy about them. I notice it more when we sing songs they may not know as well. But as soon as How Great Thou Art starts, there is a difference in the house of the Lord. This song touches me in different ways. I guess it depends on what is going on in my life. I want to include a awesome version of this song. And I got chills as soon as I heard it.

Video – Click Here to Listen to How Great Thou Art

History of the Hymn How Great Thou Art

Stuart was inspired to write his hymn over a period of fourteen years and first included it in his gospel magazine Grace and Peace on the 15th April 1949. His inspiration came from his own personal experiences in the Carpathian Mountains, and from hearing Ivan Prokhanoff’s Russian hymn Mighty God based on Carl Boberg’s Swedish poem ‘O Store Gud’

About the Poem (From Wikipedia)

The inspiration for the poem came when Boberg was walking home from church near Kronobäck, Sweden, and listening to church bells. A sudden awe-inspiring storm gripped Boberg’s attention, and then just as suddenly as it had made its violent entrance, it subsided to a peaceful calm which Boberg observed over Mönsterås Bay. According to J. Irving Erickson:

Carl Boberg and some friends were returning home to Mönsterås from Kronobäck, where they had participated in an afternoon service. Nature was at its peak that radiant afternoon. Presently a thundercloud appeared on the horizon, and soon sharp lightning flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. The thunder pealed in loud claps. Then rain came in cool fresh showers. In a little while the storm was over, and a rainbow appeared.

When Boberg arrived home, he opened the window and saw the bay of Mönsterås like a mirror before him… From the woods on the other side of the bay, he heard the song of a thrush…the church bells were tolling in the quiet evening. It was this series of sights, sounds, and experiences that inspired the writing of the song.

According to Boberg’s great-nephew, Bud Boberg, “My dad’s story of its origin was that it was a paraphrase of Psalm 8 and was used in the ‘underground church’ in Sweden in the late 1800s when the Baptists and Mission Friends were persecuted.”The author, Carl Boberg himself gave the following information about the inspiration behind his poem:

“It was that time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest colouring; the birds were singing in trees and everywhere. It was very warm; a thunderstorm appeared on the horizon and soon thunder and lightning. We had to hurry to shelter. But the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared.

“When I came home I opened my window toward the sea. There evidently had been a funeral and the bells were playing the tune of ‘When eternity’s clock calling my saved soul to its Sabbath rest.’ That evening, I wrote the song, ‘O Store Gud.’

If you would like to read more about this hymn click here…

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