A Gentle Answer Ministries Christian Blog

The Eyes of Hate

2013-04-19T23:39:00.001-05:00

Those eyes used to be so full of life, sweet, beautiful, full of hope.

But now...

I've seen those eyes before. But now, on the news...all day long... they were dark, cold, void of any feeling save that of hate and anger with a touch of ego. The face was grown up but the little boy dark eyes were still the same. I'm trying to recall the details...

Yes, now I remember. I had just gotten off of a lame horse in the 110 degree heat of the sunny June desert. I was with someone who had injured her foot and could not go on to the back side of the remarkable beauty and artistry that is Petra, Jordan with the rest of our group of 17 missionaries and tourists.

We opted out of the last leg of the tour and stayed back in the only shade we could find and bought a 4 dollar hot Coca-Cola in a can. We decided we better head back toward the entrance of the hidden passage.

You've seen this amazing site before if you ever watched the Indiana Jones Movie. Remember, the one where they are seeking the Holy Grail? This is Petra.

As my sister-in-law and I walked slowly being cautious of her now severely injured foot, several young men and boys stopped us on our path. They seemed to come out of the caves hidden inside the mountain.

At first we were greeted with a cheerful, "Welcome to my country" followed quickly by a change in tone and an evil stare demanding, "GIVE ME A DOLLAR, AMERICAN DOLLAR!" It was amusing, momentarily. Then...it wasn't!

Suddenly the youngest of the boys put a rock that had been painted (with the colors from the natural sands in that area) on the part of my arm that bends at the elbow. Picture my arms folded and the crevice that would form in the bend of my arm, sort of making a place to tuck in the painted pebble. He put it there and said, "You buy NOW...you MUST BUY...You took!" I dropped my arm causing the pebble to fall to the ground. This was repeated 3 times. The yelling boy tucking the rock into my sleeve or pocket or arm and me dropping it to the ground. We had already purchased several items as we entered the area.
The tone of the happy "WELCOME to my country" now turned to sounds of one teen threatening to call the police. I let him know that the armed uniformed officer from the government of Jordan who was walking behind us at a distance was our personal body guard and I would be happy to let him explain to the guard what had just happened.

I told in him in the name of Jesus to go from us right away. (did you know we are not allowed to speak the name of Jesus in that country?)

The boy called me "SHAYTAN" and spat near my shoe. He threatened that this woman next to me would be harmed (speaking of my sister-in-law) because she could not run away. He motioned to the men up in the hills.

The look in this young pair of eyes...it was the look I saw today in the news. A look that came from years of grooming. Years of hate filled words. The "dark, cold, void of any feeling -save that of hate and anger- with a touch of ego" eyes. He looked justified, he felt proud of his hate.

Betty and I continued walking toward the entrance as we noticed the older men watching up in the hills. They were the ones who send the younger boys down to isolate and extort money from those who seem to be easy targets and as the guard told us later, usually without men by their sides.

At first I was angry. Then as anger turned to fear...I had to make a choice to remember why we had come here in the first place. We were between stops...Israel to Egypt. Our goal was to get to a Sudanese refugee school in the "Trash City" area of Cairo. Having just left Jerusalem early that morning, we had seen the place where OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST walked on water. We stood where the great High Priest Whose Name is Love, Lived and Died for Me...Of course there was evil, and hate. And it had been passed down quite perfectly to this generation...all over the world, right in our own country as witnessed by this horrific week of hate wearing back-packs.

My sin...nailed Jesus to the cross and if not for someone telling me about my sin, and the Love Jesus had for me...You would today be looking into my dark, cold, void of any feeling- save that of hate and anger- with a touch of ego-eyes too!

As I watched this manhunt unfold on television over the last two days, the picture of the boy/man about the same age as my sons, had that look. The look I'd seen before face to face as I was called "Shaytan"- Satan-The one who came to steal, kill, and destroy-6 years ago in the Middle East.

By the time I got to the trail back out of Petra and got a different horse to get us out of the caves, my heart could not help but wonder what that beautiful little boy could have become had someone told him the truth of the Love of my savior.

I go into this night with great heaviness of heart. I hear cheers coming from the television. I am relieved that the people of Boston can sleep tonight. Yet I have such mixed feelings of what brings this kind of terror and tragedy into the lives of men and children and women.

Only one is the enemy and author of the lie these boys/men believed...I know because I've seen him in the eyes of another...I have seen SHAYTAN at work!

I know that "Greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world" and I will trust Him. I only wish for that little boy whose picture was the face of terror to our country this week, to the new group of little boys still peddling rocks at Petra, to the little boys and girls learning to hate me because of the God I worship, that those who would follow behind in their footsteps, could yet be reached with the truth of the ONE TRUE LIVING GOD!

We must, MUST, go in the all the world a be the image of the living God.

Billy Sunday put it best, "If you want to drive the devil out of the world, hit him with a cradle instead of a crutch."

Praying with a heavy heart tonight as, once again, I have looked into...the eyes of hate.

Just Thinkin',
Kathy

(Who do you need to pray for tonight? Who needs to know about your hope, your savior?)

Clutz: It's Not Just For Breakfast Anymore

2013-03-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

Those who know me well know the kitchen is my spot.

I love to cook and bake and I am quite happy serving wonderful food.I am actually a good cook. I do okay in that room.
However, once every 20 years or so I have one of "those" days. For those who knew of the house fire back in '93...this was not like that. That's a story for another day.

However, today:
I thought I would make a nice brunch since my son is home from college this week.

The first order of the day was to spill pineapple juice. I calmly turned to get the paper towels and tripped over the dog. After he ran from the room with a look of betrayal in his eyes, I bent down to clean up the juice. I raised up and bumped...no...no smashed...no slammed is a better word...slammed my head on the cupboard door corner slipping on the juice.

But don't worry, when I (by instinct from the pain) raised my hand to the throbbing goose egg on my head, the platter I was carrying of sausage, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and a side of fresh pineapple was somehow left unshaken as I hugged the floor.

Too bad the platter was made of plastic though, because the smell of melted plastic doesn't go well with pineapple. Melted you ask? Oh, right. You see, as I stood up, I accidentally set the food down on the hot burner so I could steady myself to get up. Only the platter and one of the biscuits melted right to the stove, so overall...it was a good morning, considering there were no vehicles with flashing lights involved.
I sort of felt like I was stuck in a really bad Laurel and Hardy bit.

When I finally gained composure to serve brunch, I sat down with the boys to eat...the phone rang, it was my daughter and we always answer our children when they call if we can. I raised the phone to my ear...hit my plate and dropped my breakfast on my leg and on the chair. I'm in Texas and wearing a little white gravy is okay, it's still before Labor Day ya know.

Maybe a "fast" is in order. Or maybe in my case, a "slow". A "SLOW DOWN"... A "BE STILL"!

Do you ever have these kind of days? Days when it just feels like nothing will go right?

I felt frustrated after the initial spill, but after the slamming and slipping and then the burning, I started to actually get angry. I lost focus on serving a wonderful meal for my family and felt quite pitiful. Do you do that? Let the picky little failures or disappointments steal your joy?

One of the messages people have requested when I am asked to speak "What Is Your Purse-onal Worth" compares the way we see ourselves to the way God actually sees us. I use the Greek words "Doxa" and "Hustereo" to give examples of "praiseworthy" or Glory (having value) vs. "hysteria" (lacking in value) to show when we are competent (sometimes even full of ourselves) verses when we feel like a clutz.

Either of these two feelings can be a hazard.
Pride is pride whether on the ego end of the spectrum or the low self-esteem end.
One says I am good because of my own effort or talent and one says God did not make me very well.

Guess which one the enemy of my soul would like for me to focus on today?

Well, just because I have a frustrating or "off" day doesn't change who I am in Christ. Some days are successful, some...not so much.

I will choose to focus on HIM and the things that are praiseworthy.
The Bible tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). So even if my dog focused more on the fearfully part today, I will focus on the truth found in the bible instead of the mess found on my kitchen floor.

Common Doxology:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise HIM all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! AMEN.

Clutz...It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore...so at work, at school, in ministry, with your spouse, our clumsy days do not take God by surprise.

I hope when (not if) you have "one of those days" in the future (even if not in the kitchen) you will remember to feel God's love. He's crazy about you! He knows how your "off" day will show up, and He is still worthy to be praised.

Well as soon as I look up "how to remove melted plastic from a cook top stove", I am done for the day and seriously will NOT be moving around or driving or making decisions or possibly even thinking for the rest of the evening...so...

I better go now, I am on an electronic device ya know...I don't recommend I operate any machinery today.

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

OH BROTHER!

2013-03-03T20:50:00.002-06:00

Family Feuds, are nothing new. Many are seeing the truth of scripture for the first time played out on The History Channel for the next few weeks by watching the series THE BIBLE .

Many will be hearing stories of brothers and sisters, uncles and nephews, husbands and wives, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, friends and foes behaving very badly.

Dysfunctional families are not new!
"Nothing new under the sun."

From the beginning of time, anger, jealousy, resentment and selfishness have fueled generations of family feuds.

Have you been fueling a feud?
Have you passed down your resentment?

You have a choice:

A) Continue to focus on old hurts and act like Cain toward Abel, Jacob and Esau, Ramses toward Moses, and possibly even you toward your own brother or sister (biological or in the body of Christ)

Or:

B) Ask God to work in your own heart to help you understand the truth that Jesus was the only sacrifice provided on your behalf to make way for the forgiveness and reconciliation needed in your family. Ask for our country, even our world, to seek God's will in admitting our sins and turning to HIM.

"You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:21-24

Heavenly Father,

I ask for hearts to be softened to the truth. Not just that we sit in churches hearing a good message and then going on with hardened hearts, resentful hearts, but I ask that we would truly understand that the sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ, makes it possible to receive forgiveness of our selfish choices and that we should willingly extend that same forgiveness to others. I ask now that even our desire to leave an offering at your altar not be a reason for the delay in settling a matter with another brother or sister.

I pray that we would bring an acceptable sacrifice...that of praise, before you.

Lord, forgive us our trespass as we forgive those that trespass against us. Save us from evil.

In Jesus' name,
AMEN

Words of Grace

2013-02-12T13:12:00.002-06:00

Just an observation on words: (You can scroll on away if you don't want my observation...no worries)

Several times in the past few weeks, I have had encouraging notes or phone calls or conversations from various friends, acquaintances, and even some strangers. Encouraging words are fuel for the journey and have been very welcomed. However, may I be honest enough to tell you...I did not take all of them to heart?

Here's why:

From a few (very few thankfully) came the encouragement, then within a short while came also gossip, slander, words rooted in jealousy or fear. That duplicity gives me pause to consider motives and sincerity.

Feeling so awkward and not really ready to commit to "whoa Nelly (or Nelson) you are a two faced -gossipy-hurtful-and double minded- scaredy cat judge and jury who needs to stop this mess right now"... I think I just look away or try to end the conversation, making a mental note to guard my heart in the future. I realize...that is not enough!

My reason for posting this is the following:

DO I DO THAT? DO YOU? Do we:
Vent (even if somehow justified in the emotions) to others about another person? Allow old hurts or wounds to sneak into a conversation and slam someone not present?

YUCK! EEWWW! Blech!!!

What motivates us to harm others with our words? Some say, “I'm not gossiping, it's true!” That does not mean it is not slander or gossip. If it is not yours to share...don't share! (Previous post covered that)

The spirit that lived in the jealous heart's of Cain toward Abel, and Saul toward David, still lurks around looking to squelch the work Our Lord has for us to do and make our offering an offense. We all need encouragement in our lives. Look for what God has for you to do and stop minding other people's business.

Speak life! We need to trust the heart and motives of those who speak life to us.

Jealousy is looking around at other people's lives and deciding they don't deserve who or what they have in their lives, so we begin to tear down. This is sin...confess it as such!

STOP LOOKING AT OTHER PEOPLE'S PAPER! In this life, we have our OWN test to worry about.

Build up...or..shut up! (Yes I am very aware we don't say shut up at my house!)

I am very thankful for the people prompted by the Spirit of God who have left wonderful notes of encouragement to me personally or to the Ministry of A Gentle Answer Ministries ...Thank you, deeply!

For those who have used their words to tear down, I challenge you to ask yourself WHY AM I DOING THIS? Who do I serve? What does God have for me to do and do well? Who can I encourage and do so with a sincere heart?
Who do you/I need to apologize too? Do you/I have a tendency towards jealousy or envy that leads you/me to fear which causes you/me to stop trusting God? Have your/my words harmed any one's career, personal life, ministry, friendships or character? If so, then do you/I need to make amends? Tell the truth? Ask forgiveness?Repent of this behavior?

Ask yourself again...WHY DO I DO THAT?

Proverbs 16:28

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Psalms 41:7

All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Titus 2:2-3

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good...

I am going to:

-Strive to use my words for good...Words of Grace

-Guard my heart against known gossips or jealous minded people

-Change the subject when one tries to include me in gossip or slander

-Confront those who have harmed me with gossip and seek to forgive

-Ask God to show me any error in my heart regarding this topic (jealousy, envy, strife, gossip) and seek forgiveness when needed

How about You?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 3:13 - But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Corinthians 3:13 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

Scrubbin' Toilets and Praising God

2013-01-31T10:42:00.001-06:00

I Always thought, "who cares?" when folks post what they are eating, cleaning, sorting, watching...now I realize...we either want to love and support our friends or we don't. Maybe the post from the same friend is always a picture of themselves (themself ??grammar police?) or what they had for lunch...but if you love, love unconditionally! I need to work on the judgmental girl in my head that evaluates a post as unworthy of my time.
Having said that:

I am home for the first day in 8 days...I will be watching the recorded Downton Abbey, I am going in to scrub toilets, I saw my friend Timothy D. Perez on Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns (you rock the bad boy image, friend!) then I will, after having thoroughly disinfected my arms and hands...go cook a much awaited meal for my two manly men who kept things running while I was away!!

Oh, and by the way, I CAN SCRUB THE TOILET TO THE GLORY OF GOD!!! PRAISING IN THE BATHROOM IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS THE PRAISES IN THE TABERNACLE IF DONE WITH A GRATEFUL HEART!!!
What is God asking you to do today? Maybe no one but Him will notice...
Changing diapers?
Cleaning house?
Fixing a meal?
Reading your Bible?
Sending money to a friend in need with no trace back to you?
Forgiving someone?
Starting something He's asked you to start?
Stopping something He's asked you to stop?
Sitting in silence waiting on HIM?
Smiling at the waiter?
Smiling at the person in front of you with 25 items in the express lane?
Well...put on the full armor of God and do your work as unto HIM!

Whatever your hand finds to do...do it to HIS GLORY!!

( and I have it on good authority...in Heaven...there are no FREE WILL TOILETS...once cleaned always cleaned and the lid is always UP!!!)

Don't send me hate mail...I think I read it in the book of John....
Ummm...

ANGRY JESUS JUKES CAN BE SENT TO
kathy@Getafunnybone.com

Ecclesiastes 9:10
English Standard Version (ESV)
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,...

5 Simple, Sure-Fire, Certain, Tips To Effectively Study Your Bible 2013

2013-01-15T09:58:00.000-06:00

A New Year has come and not even a month has past and you find you are well into the same old rut.
You want to draw closer to God...You desire to study your bible...You intend to clear the spiritual clutter...
But, Alas...you find, you are still finding exactly HOW to do these things a mystery.

Today, I am giving you a money back guarantee (well free advice is free) on the guaranteed 5 Simple, Sure-Fire, Certain Tips to Effectively Study Your Bible in 2013:

1) Schedule Time On Your Calendar To Open Your Bible

2) Honor Your Calendar Time Scheduled To Open Your Bible

3) OPEN YOUR BIBLE

4) READ YOUR BIBLE

5) APPLY TRUTH FOUND IN Your Bible to your daily life then repeat steps 1-5 everyday until
Dec. 31, 2013

I know...rocket science, right?

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105"

*If you follow these steps and do not see results...send us your address (which is obviously on another planet because that is the only way this won't help you succeed in reading your bible) and we will send you a bible written in the actual language that you speak.

Ready, Set, Go!

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

Look at That So Called Christian

2012-11-28T17:04:00.002-06:00

Look...that so called Christian is a hypocrite.
Look how she seems perfect. Look how she has her act together, or does she? I think she spends more time on her reputation then on her character. Is she constantly in a soft marketing program for self? Doesn't she know God sees the heart? Doesn't she understand, the heart is wicked? Does the spirit of Ananias and Sapphira call her?

Wait...that's...that is my mirror...in my own house. Why are the streaks in the mirror. I've cleaned this over and over. What has happened? I never noticed with the bulb burnt out. The light is showing me...it was never actually clean. I... was never actually clean. I needed the light.

I have discovered in the light that I have a great capacity to act wickedly and do great evil. Yet, God is interested in my thoughts? But why? Why is He interested in my motives, my desires, my thoughts? (Jeremiah 12:3) Does He see the streaks? Does He love me through the streaks?

Did I honestly think...I could out think God? Does God ask the impossible in asking me to be obedient?
He knows my heart, yet asks me to "fear NOT"?

Is this an impossible God? Am I impossibly doomed? Should I pull my skirt over my head at the public square? Shamefully showing my sin which I thought was so well hidden safely out of the way?
Do I stop bathing and admit I can't stay clean?
Does He ask me to stop praying since I fall off the same tall fence over and over as I hopelessly ignore the "no trespassing" sign?

Do I give up hoping that He sees even an ounce of courage in my heart? Is there any hope for real change?
Should drought and famine and sword cause me to cover my head?
Will God let me down? Is that a real fear; that God...will let me down?
Or, should I silently put my hand over my mouth and remember Nothing, not even my own self made struggle or unfounded fear, is too hard for the Lord The God of All mankind! (Jeremiah 32:27)

He is, after all, the restorer, the Holy One, the everlasting, the One who loves and forgives a repentant soul. He is the creator, the sustainer of all things? Am I included in "all" things.
Yes, it is right here..."NOW NO CONDEMNATION" written in blood.
He has signed HIS name in blood on a binding contract to purchase my life back from the very pit of the Hell I created in my disobedient heart.

So I will give thanks to the Lord Almighty
Maker of Heaven and Earth.
I will praise the one who called me to Himself. I will see the reflection of the maker. I will strive to become the very image of the Living God.
Mirror mirror, you don't get to judge me any longer. The light revealed the streaks and the master has cleansed me.
God is my judge.
He is good, His love endures forever...and forever begins right this moment.
He is the Lord of the Promise, and HE knows my thoughts and loves me even still.

Establish the work of my hands, Lord, yes establish the work of all who want to serve you. Keep the light on as we seek to clean out the temple. I've maybe too little oil, yet, is anything too hard for you, Abba, Father?
Come now:
Dwell in your temple.

Look at that so called Christian.. called so by the Living Spirit of God.

Kathy Lonsinger
Fall 2012

Sitting In The Hallway

2012-09-09T22:28:00.000-05:00

Some of the best family memories we have are those memories with the hallway light on, doors to all the kids rooms open, and me sitting in the hall as they were going to sleep reading to them. The Magicians Nephew or A Horse and His Boy, or perhaps A Wrinkle In Time, and even scripture kept little wide eyes asking for "please the next chapter, just one more, please".
After they seemed to all be sleeping...I would just stay in the hallway waiting for their dad to get home from his second shift work at an aircraft plant in Wichita, Kansas. Most times I was praying,or just thanking God for the quiet. Thanking Him for the mysterious way a child's mind thinks and asks questions. Questions that made me go to my Father and ask some questions of my own. It gave me a chance to draw nearer to God. A chance to remember as these peaceful little ones slept...they were a blessing from God and not just an endless list of chores or a to do list, a carpool or a sporting event to attend, a skinned knee that needed a bandaid or a broken heart that needed a hug. They are a gift. We don't spend enough time cherishing our gifts.

I miss sitting in the hallway.

I Hope this is a tradition that will continue into the next generation. Parents...turn off the media/computer/iPad-pod-everything else with an i...and sit in the hallway. You won't regret it!

Love,

Kathy

Goodnight!

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Godmay be competent, equipped for every good work.

Blushing in Gray (or is it Grey)

2012-07-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

Several friends have asked if I have read the book 50 Shades...yet...

I was going to read it in order to review it, as I am never a big fan of folks who give critic's reviews without reading. I was not too fond of Pelosi asking us to pass and only then find out what the healthcare bill contained...sorry...back on subject now.

SO...as I took the steps to settle this in my mind and heart and make this activity line up with my Christian World View...this is my one and only review on this book... And by the way I sooooooo much love and respect the conversation with the most vocal fan of this book and genre I have visited with so far. I appreciate very much your perspective (you know who you are :) )

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving...
-so...after reading just a bit...I will not be reading or reviewing this content.

This does not speak to what I think 'you' should do because you live your life before God, not me.
However, As for me and my house...(if you can finish this sentence, you know it is tough sometimes to take a stand but sometimes it is just plain simple)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A3-10&version=NIV

Love,

Kathy

Resources - A Gentle Answer Ministries

2012-05-10T20:59:00.001-05:00

Resources - A Gentle Answer Ministries

If you want to shop online for Christian Books or DVD's, we've added recommended resources and Christian Cinema to our site.

Hop over and check out the Books and Gadgets we Love and the Family Resources page.

Thanks,

A G A Online Magazine

A G A Online Magazine

2012-05-09T02:48:00.001-05:00

The new Summer Issue of A Gentle Answer Ministries Online Magazine is out. We hope you will stop by at read through the articles and check out the resources on the site. Don't forget to pick up your groupon, or shop for a Christian film while you are there. www.agentleanswer.com Enjoy the articles and features by some of the folks pictured below.

Thanks,
Kathy

Lori Marett...Writer/Screenwriter Read Lori's Story "Up All Night"

Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival

Stewart Redwine...Director/Writer/Filmmaker Read Telling Stories by Stewart Here

Torry Martin...Featured Actor/Writer/Humorist/Filmmaker Meet Torry on A G A

Life on the Sidewalk

2012-04-29T13:24:00.001-05:00

I've notice that there is a rush to walk dogs in our new neighborhood in between thunderstorms.
It seems it is also a time that parents encourage some of the children to go out and run around before the next round of windy rain blows in.
Yesterday I was part of the mad "dash" to beat the storm. As I walked through the area with our little dog Shadow, I noticed three brothers on the sidewalk ahead of me. Two of them looked to be under 10 and their older brother, a teenager, was running on the sidewalk as the younger ones looked on.
When the teen got to the end of the sidewalk having run full speed the length, he turned to the little boys and said, "GO!"
After one of the little boys--who was now clearly racing his brother-- tripped on a stick that had blown from the overhanging tree, the older brother quickly ran to his little brother's side to check on him.
After they determined the only damage was a skinned knee and bruised pride, the older brother had the brothers wait back at the race starting line. As they waited, the teen carefully inspected the path where the younger ones were going to be traveling. He removed the sticks and pebbles and crumbled parts of the sidewalk making sure the path was clear for those soon to follow.

1 John 3:17

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Proverbs 22:9

Whoever has a bountiful^[a] eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.

Who are you leading? Who is watching you? Are you a stumbling block? Do you leave debris behind?

Or like this brother, do you clear the path so others are safe to run their race?

Sometimes, it is simply a matter of noticing other's needs.

I hope we will actively "notice" the sticks and stones in the pathway of our brothers and sisters.

Are you part of the clean up crew as we live life on the sidewalk? After all, someone is watching how you run your race in order to prepare for their own.

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

SHOW ME!

2012-04-24T12:08:00.002-05:00

SHOW ME!

Just show me what to do!

Have you ever cried this plea to God?

A few years ago, I found myself in a volume elevated (ok,yelling) discussion (ok,argument) with my husband. I can't remember the details, just that I spewed a rude crack when I had not managed to make my point (ok,criticism) effectively...it went something like this....

WHY DON'T YOU LEAD BETTER?

And with a hurt and frustrated look, Richard simply turned to me and softly said, "I've been trying, but you won't scoot out of the way." He was 100% correct.

I realize I do this with God quite often too. I get stuck on a "what to do" moment and blame God for not showing me what to do. Often I try to go it on my own, only to end up angry, lost on the wrong trail, and perplexed over why God is so quiet in my need. When I still myself long enough to hear HIS answer, Our Father seems to softly tell me, "Kathy,I need you to scoot out of the way".

I know many times I already know what the Spirit of God has shown me to do in His Word, but I have chosen not to obey. I get in the way, I take over and begin my own plan of mapping out what to do next.

May I encourage you NOT to try this at home?

Dear Kathy,
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Love,
Your Father

Remembering that EVERYTHING is covered in HIS WORD if I will just go there for direction:

Just Thinkin',
Kathy

P.S. This post has no reflection on the fact I have recently moved to the SHOW ME State! (WARNING: Not sharing this post with your stubborn friends will cause you to develop hives)

REALLY?

2012-04-01T22:17:00.005-05:00

DEATH ABOLISHED?
REALLY?
Hey Friends,
This is a precious week to those of us who claim Christ as Lord and Savior. Regardless of your opinion of who Christ is, the sentence below from 2nd Timothy should make you want to find out just what the bible claims about Him.
It boggles the mind that some people argue about the bible without ever having studied what it REALLY says.
If you are on this ministry site, it is because we care about each other so, for me, would you check this out?
...the appearing of Jesus Christ our Savior who, [he says,] abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. {2 Tim 1:10b RSV}Timothy was in prison and knew he would die soon.
Timothy had nothing to gain by saying this. "ABOLISHED DEATH"...What? People still die right? So what does this mean...that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. {Heb 2:14b-15 RSV}

Don't let the fear of death keep you in a mental prison. T. S. Eliot put it best when he said,"It is not what we call death that we fear, but what, beyond death is not death. That we fear, we fear."

Fear of the unknown? God has made Himself KNOWN through Jesus Christ. I am not afraid...I know HIM!!!
"Kathy, how can you KNOW HIM?" you ask. He is on every page of scripture. John 14:9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Yes...even Christians can fear death....but when we remember the cross...we have nothing to fear. It has been handled. Jesus said, " IT IS FINISHED!!!!"
I don't cherish the idea of the process of death of this body, but I am not afraid of eternity with God. What an adventure is ahead! I hope you accept your invitation to the party!

Got a few minutes? You know you are going to waste that much time on facebook or tv tonight...so....why not take a look at these few scriptures and see what you think. "I don't have a bible" you say. So get on BibleGateway.com and look this up! No excuses...technology is so cool!

You know...it has been my experience that someone HONESTLY seeking truth will find it and someone HONESTLY looking to justify their own actions and excuses not to give up their comfortable version of "truth" Won't find it (truth).
It's hard to find something you don't seek!

I love you; But more importantly, God loves you and wants a relationship with you. The bible tells us the ONLY way to have salvation, heaven and eternity with Almighty God is through the acceptance of Jesus as your personal savior. If you are breathing right now...you have sinned. If you have sinned you have separated yourself from God. You need a savior.No other way. Sorry....NO OTHER WAY! No other name under heaven by which you may be saved.Acts 4:12"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

I hope you seek the truth...you will find it!

Just Thinkin',
Kathy

Hmmmm....~ Worth reading 2 Timothy Hebrews 2 and Acts (come on... you can handle the whole book)

Holiness...It's a Beautiful Thing

2012-01-04T11:33:00.006-06:00

I was writing an article about what Holy Living in an Unholy World looks like.
It made me think of God's instruction that we "BE HOLY"...not a suggestion, an order...BE!
Years ago my husband Richard and I taught a class on the book of Leviticus. At first I thought I would rather have a root canal than study this overwhelming book. Then, as we studied, I realized I loved this book. Jesus was on every page. Holy Living is not a call to the rules and regulations that bind but a call to live a life set apart to live out our freedom in Christ.

The late Pastor and teacher Ray Stedman has this to say about a particular passage in Leviticus:

You shall be holy to me; for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. (Lev. 20:26)

Ray Stedman writes;

"Perhaps you were turned off right away by the word "holy" in this passage. I don't know what you think "holy" means, but you probably read into it things from your past experience which make it unpalatable to you. Most of us associate it with some kind of grimness. We think "holy" people are those who look as if they have been steeped in vinegar or soaked in embalming fluid. I used to think of the word that way, and holiness was not attractive to me at all. It repelled me. But I ran across a verse in Scripture which spoke of "the beauty of holiness," Psalm 29:2 (King James Version)
2Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. I asked myself, "What in the world is beautiful about holiness?" When I found out, I had to agree that holiness is indeed a beautiful thing."

Because we are His, he wants us to live a life that is "WHOLE",or,holy. He can take our brokenness, our mistakes, our hurts and disappointments and make us new. If you've ever thought, 'Who am I to be holy?', remember: Through Jesus Christ, God sees us as Holy.

God's command to His people to "BE HOLY"(although challenging)is a beautiful thing!

I'll pass on the root canal and see how to be "Set Apart" for service- Holy-Whole!

THE ANGELS NEVER SAID

2011-12-24T14:30:00.007-06:00

THE ANGELS NEVER SAID
Copyright 2011, Paul Spite

There are so many who claim to speak for God these days. I’ve been guilty of it
myself. But so many conflicting messages can’t possibly come from one Author who
never lies. So who does speak for God?
We have some direction from God on whom to believe. In the Old Testament,
God spoke to His people directly, through divine messengers called angels. He also
communicated through prophets, even sometimes through nature. In the New Testament,
His church was given the five-fold ministry. But in the transition between the New and
the Old, at the change between Grace and Law, at the turning point of time, God sent
divine messengers again. Resounding down through countless celebrations of the birth of
a Savior are the messages from the angels.
Listen closely to what they never said.
Listen while they speak to Mary in the first chapter of Luke. The joyous news is
proclaimed of her selection to be the mother of Jesus. She has found favor and will give
birth to an eternal King. The Holy Ghost itself will overshadow and impregnate her. And
all of this will happen, though she has never known a man.
But the angels never said, having God inside her would be easy. They just said
delivering salvation, to a lost and dying world, would bring her blessings. They never
said what was inside her would be well received. They never warned her that her heart
would be bound to what she delivered. It would be broken, as what she had to give was
ultimately spit upon, trampled underfoot, and mocked. When she risked her life to bring
salvation, the angels never told her the vast majority wouldn’t care. Make no mistake, she
did risk her life.
In Mary’s time, being espoused to one man but giving birth to another’s child
was a probable death sentence. So hear what the angels say to her wronged fiancé. Listen
as they tell Joseph, in the first chapter of Matthew, that God Himself had usurped him.
He was not to fear taking Mary as his wife. She was faithful, and had always been so.
There was just one thing. Contrary to Jewish custom, the son to be born was not to bear
Joseph’s name. It was not his child.
The angels never told Joseph, that any other name would suffice. If he wanted to
speak to God, regardless of God’s age, he’d have to do so using the name of Jesus. If he
needed help, He could ask Jesus. If He wanted to know what would happen in time to
come, he would need to speak to Jesus. He never really had a right to claim the boy as his
son. But he was given the right to call him his Salvation.
To the shepherds awake in the night, came a heavenly host. Listen as they speak
to guardians of the flock in the second chapter of Luke. These were the first to hear of a
possible end to sorrow. They were told where to find God and how to identify him. To
them, it was revealed that a manger filled with hay would be the first king sized bed.
But the angels never told shepherds, they had brought them great joy. No indeed!
They came only with tidings of where and how great joy could be found. The end to
sorrow had been forever made available that night. But the shepherds had to leave their
comfortable surroundings, surrender their sleepless nights, and go find it. They had to
leave behind what gave them their identity and get themselves into the presence of God.
The great joy was not found where they normally existed.

Sin within us, always has and always will, cause us to fear what is holy. The
prophet prostrated himself before God to cry, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean
lips.” We identify, for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So men
of old came trembling, as we come trembling, to extend the wreckage of our lives as an
offering to a pure God. We know our lives are unfit to offer a King, but it’s all we have.
So a lonely God came to our world to reconcile us to Himself. He came to create
a cover for what offends His holiness. He offers to cover our nakedness with righteous
blood. Since He came, we can now ask. Now that He’s been here, He can now be faithful
and just to forgive us our sins. All that hope, and all that blessing, was contained in words
His messengers failed to utter long ago.
You see, the angels never told anyone, they would ever need to fear God again.
Because of that night, we can now come boldly before the throne of grace. If we listen
close, we can hear the angels’ words once more.
“Fear not!”

Read Paul's latest Publication on ebook "The Power Of A Pawn" and following his series The Game of Life on Facebook.

I'd like to thank Author Paul Spite for being our guest blogger during this time of transition to Kansas City. His insights are very thought provoking and I know you will enjoy reading his latest article.
Thank you all and Merry Christmas. See you back here on the 1st!
Love,
Kathy and the Prayer Team at A Gentle Answer Ministries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read Luke 1 and 2 HERE

Something To Ponder

2011-12-08T14:53:00.006-06:00

Something To Ponder
by Paul Spite

The second chapter of Luke tells us Mary pondered all the supernatural events surrounding the birth of Jesus and kept them in her heart. A once popular song asks “Mary, Did You Know?” Did she really know what miracles her child would perform? I wonder if she meant to trade her personal relationship with God for personal satisfaction.

Other than one incident, scripture gives us no indication the life of Jesus was anything besides ordinary for his first three decades. At the wedding in Cana though, there was a pressing need for more wine. Mary became impatient. She had been pondering way too long and demanded her son to deal with the problem. Obviously not bothered by the lack of drink, Jesus told her it was not yet time for him to act thus.

Ignoring Jesus, Mary gave the servants timeless advice we could all use. “Whatsoever he (Jesus) saith unto you, do it.” He then did what only God could do to meet a need. He changed part of creation from one state to another. She finally uncovered the God she knew He surely must be and lost her son in the process. She had her needs met, but lost her relationship while doing so.
We are not told what Mary was thinking. Perhaps thirty years of suspected infidelity finally took its toll. Perhaps her personal pride at having given birth to the son of God needed to be made public. Perhaps it was just typical parental impatience at a child failing to live up to his potential.

I personally think she just failed to ponder long enough. I am sure she knew Isaiah’s prophecy that “JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” She definitely knew Jesus had been given for the purpose of saving His people from sin. As a Jew, she surely knew life was in the blood, and without the shedding of the blood in their daily sacrifices, there was no remission of sin. I think she failed to think it through, that her son’s actual destiny required His blood be shed to remit the sins of His people.

I wonder, had she pondered longer, would she have spoken at the wedding? She received vindication and they received wine, but what a loss. We never read again of Jesus acting as her son. As God, once His power became known, there were too many other needs to be met. At one point, He declined to come out of a meeting to speak to His mother and brothers, denying their relationship. One of Mary’s last visits with her boy came when He was writhing on a tree of crucifixion.

I think we also trade our relationship with God for our satisfaction. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt, I was created to be an eternal companion to a once lonely God. There is joy, peace, and beauty in my relationship with God and in His presence. It should be enough to have God completing me spiritually, but I have other pressing needs. Sometime I just want Him to give me what I need, that only a God can supply. Because He loves me, He supplies. But what does it cost me in terms of our relationship?

I wonder if God ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the praises you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if God ever misses my first love. How I felt before my needs became the most important part of our interaction.

Sometimes, we do the same thing in our relationships with those we love. We are given earthly partners to ease our loneliness and complete us at the level of our souls. In those relationships, there is joy and peace and beauty. It should be enough. But we also need housekeepers, launderers, chauffeurs, gardeners, providers, mechanics, babysitters, and so on. Time passes. Our lives fill up with our activities in the meeting of needs, instead of one another and the meeting of our souls.

I wonder if anyone else ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the compliments you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if anyone else misses their first love. The one before daily needs and tasks became the most important part of our interaction and relationship took a back seat.

Is God really concerned about such things? In one incident, His friend Mary chose to sit and talk with Jesus while her sister Martha worked hard accomplishing tasks. Jesus responded to Martha’s rebuke of Mary by telling her what Mary had chosen to do with her time was needful. Who needed to know they were appreciated and loved? It was the physical manifestation of God on this earth.

So I wonder. If God never met another one of my needs, could I still love Him for who He is? Could I just respond to His hunger for me with my time and my attention? Could I forget my personal and unstated definition of God as a being who exists to serve me, long enough to let this lonely God know I just enjoy being with Him? And I wonder what my relationship with God would be at this point, had I remained focused on enjoying the relationship I first found with Him. I don’t know. I don’t think Mary did either or she would never have spoken.

But I ponder all these things and keep them in my heart.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We welcomed Paul Spite as our featured writer for the Teachable Moment on A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazine.
Paul is the author of a 6 novel series called The Game of Life. Paul and his wife Sally live just outside of Nashville and desire to honor the Lord with their talents and gifts. You will find Paul's writing to be thought provoking, challenging, and spiritually sound. You can visit the fan page for his series on facebook which has been optioned for an upcoming movie. We encourage you to check out some of Paul's writing by following Paul Spite or go to his facebook page at Paul Spite on Facebook.

Become a Fan on Facebook

THE GAME OF LIFE by Author Paul Spite
The first in the series "Power of A Pawn" is coming out this month available to you by ebook.
Paul and Sally Spite

Find Author Paul Spite's series The Game of Life on Facebook

Why A Partridge?

2011-12-07T11:30:00.006-06:00

This was originally posted last Christmas.

A Partridge? A Pear Tree? Not Danny Bonaduce? Not David Cassidy? Oh...my Bad!

The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Meaning Behind The Song

The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.

Dear Butter,

2011-11-27T14:16:00.006-06:00

Dear Butter,

You have made me feel bad for the last time! (Well...til Christmas Cookies with Buttercream frosting anyway)
We have been through a lot together. The moments with "Alfredo", the gravies, the pie crusts! I remember the tender pats when no one was looking; mostly on my baked potato!
I often had to clarify my love for you to others...no wait...I clarified you...my bad.
Alas, I did love the way you melted when ever I came around (the stove)...but you must have known...I was just using you, to make myself feel better...well, and my cookies taste fabulous.

I know this is hard to understand...like you are when I put you in the freezer...so I must allow you to set out for awhile ..to soften ...this news!!! Here it is: You kind of...well...make me fat!!! So, I have to draw the line. I am breaking up with you.

I'm seeing a therapist who thinks you are bad for me....okay, so really...I watched "The Biggest Loser" and they want you out of my life.
For now,
I must "omit" (if desired) all connections to you...don't send your cousin from Land O Lakes or Miss Margarine to try and butter me up to let you back in. Maybe someday...(I hope it is by Christmas) we can just be casual friends. I will be able to look at you with out being "renedered" speechless. Please, please know...It didn't matter if you were salted or unsalted...you added flavor to our time together. You were often more "cultured" than your neighbor Olive, Olive Oil, but spending time around her makes me think...I can do better for myself with less of you. There will be days when I am crying over the stove thinking, "I Can't Beleive It's Not Butter"...but this too shall pass.

So, Dear Dear Butter,

I will miss you...but mostly just the way you made sugar into toffee!!!

Love,

Kathy

P.S. Tell Paula Dean...she can have you now!!!

Can He Get a Thank You?

2011-11-21T13:15:00.004-06:00

What a wonderful thing it is to set aside a day to give Thanks. May I just ask, however, why just a day? And who are you Thanking?
I realize our National Holiday was established on the fourth Thursday of November by Franklin D. Roosevelt. I know history teaches us it was celebrated (we think) in 1621 by the surviving Pilgrims after a harsh winter of 1620 along with Samoset, Squanto and some 50 other Wampanoag Indians. I realize my family celebrates a reason to have pumpkin pie before Christmas!!! What I want to know...again, Who are you giving thanks to on the fourth Thursday in November? Do you know the God of the Bible? Do you know His son, Jesus Christ loves you and thought you were important enough to not just shed a tear over but shed every last drop of His blood so that you may be forgiven and live as Holy before a Holy God? I am so thankful for many things today. Thankful for the freedom to write this down and tell you I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am free also to pray for my President and leaders to guide us...even ones I did not vote for or agree with. I am so thankful for the men and women who won't be home to have pumpkin pie with their families because they think my freedom is worth fighting and even dying for. (So I ended in a preposition...get over it! I'm free to do so!). I am Thankful for the women who study God's word with me, the Pastors and teachers who mentor me on my walk with God and in His word. I am thankful for food and shelter and clothing and transportation. I am thankful for the mercy and forgiveness I have been given and beg to show the same to others. I am thankful for my family, my freedom and my future. I am not telling you life is easy and happy, happy, joy, joy all the time. I am telling you to know... God loves us, He cares about what matters to you. He is worthy of Honor and Glory and Praise.
Thanks Be to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His work on my behalf on the cross.
I thankfully accept it, and hope you will too.
See if starting today you can (during the rest of November) set aside daily a time to give thanks to God.

Jonah 2:9
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

1 Timothy 4:4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

1 Timothy 2:1-7
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

I am Thankful for you. Thanks,also,for taking time to read this.

As always...Just Thinkin',

Kathy

Gone Fishin'?

2011-10-29T08:03:00.003-05:00

My husband and sons fish. They each have a tackle box with various lures for different types of fish. From experience, they have learned what is best for each type of fish.

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19-

Do you have a fishing trip planned soon?

And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17
And by the way, blasting with dynamite is illegal, muddies the water, kills ALL the fish in the pond, and shakes the folks watching from the shore.

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

WE DON'T SAY SHUT UP AT OUR HOUSE BUT....PAT...SERIOUSLY...COME ON..."BE STILL...BE SPEECHLESS"

2011-09-16T00:23:00.006-05:00

The original content of this story to MR. Robertson was in regard to his inappropriate response to the earthquake in Haiti. I had to update it today...or blow a gasket!!!!
Thanks,
Kathy

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

Dear Mr. Pat Robertson,

Please only say what the bible says. It is God's word and He does a great job of speaking for himself. Since my children know we don't say SHUT UP at my house...In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman, Mr. Robertson PLEASE:"BE STILL....BE SPEECHLESS".
Think about it...(yes I am saying shut up)...I will stop this car and come back there if you don't stop!!!
In the mean time please Note the few problems I have had with your advice and proclamations the past few years:
Instead of condemnation for the people of a country suffering from an earthquake or natural disaster, pray for Haiti, let God decide what HE is up to... and if I am crushed under a building at any point in the future, please HELP ME FIRST...evaluate my circumstance all you want later!!!
Next:
Read scripture regarding the commitment of a husband and wife. Stop telling folks what YOU think and let's leave the advice up to what GOD declares.
Based on the criteria you gave as to a wife "not being" there...shouldn't most of your viewers feel free to move on to another "prosperity preacher" now.
Thank you,

Kathy

P.S. A GENTLE ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH BUT A HARSH WORD STIRS UP ANGER Proverbs 15:1

Just Thinkin'.... No...no this time I am not just thinkin... I am just a bit ticked and sad....you have a responsibility to get things like this right or simply say I DON'T KNOW LET'S SEE WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS!!!!

Every life is precious and deserves the commitment of a loved one to continue whether there is one thing left besides a heartbeat.

Kathy Lonsinger Founder and Speaker and WRITER for:
A GENTLE ANSWER MINISTRIES....GENTLE DOES NOT MEAN PASSIVE!!!!! So I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE!!!! I realize I need to let my words be few as well...I will work on that.
Kathy

DEAR JASON:The Quarter Horse and The White Horse

2011-09-10T23:33:00.014-05:00

Dear Jason, - Shortly after 9:00 am 9/11/2001

My sweet little child... We dropped your brother off at school and made our way to your favorite place; the grocery store. Near the exit there is a “Quarter Horse”. You love to be on your sweet behavior in order to ride that pale pony before we leave the store. Today, for some reason, I put you up on the horse before we shopped. The delight on your face as the music started and the pony raised up on his hind legs was priceless. I wanted to capture that memory forever. But not like this. As you rode, I kept my hand on your back. You are only 3 years old, after all, and need to be helped as you explore your world. We love this horse because it lasts longer than the one at the drug store. As you rode, I looked up and wondered what movie was showing on the television mounted up high in the customer service box. I stared. I was taken by the realistic way the movie was being shot. The smoke looked so real. The commentary seemed authentic. And as you smiled and galloped on that grocery store quarter horse…I watched a plane fly into a building next to the one on fire on the television. I saw the local Tulsa television news affiliates logo flash on the screen. My heart sank. I was watching someone who has never seen you smile, crash a plane into our lives; into the lives of mommies and daddies of children far away from our little happy section of the country. How will I ever explain this to you? How will it ever make sense that there is this kind of hate in our world…the world in which your father and I are raising you? If the men flying those planes had met us…had heard your giggle as the horse started to gallop, would they still hate you? I have learned, probably, yes they would still hate. I will have to explain to you a world that teaches hate to its children, teaches grown men to fly planes into buildings. And yet, Dear Jason, how will I teach you to love and to forgive this kind of cruelty? My God calls us to forgive. My God calls us to love. My God calls us…but for now we have to leave the store...overhead in the parking lot there are many, many planes circling the skies over our city near the Tulsa airport. We must get home.

Broken hearted,
Mommy

Dear Jason, 9/11/2001

We have been home from the store for nearly 3 hours and I could not put you down. You fell asleep in my arms and I have been standing…rocking you back and forth watching the horrific things that are happening so far away from us here in Oklahoma, yet so near to our lives.
People have asked the question “Why is God allowing this to happen” all morning and now into the afternoon. I will tell you exactly why…you will ask someday…I will say with certainty….I have no idea. May God, the creator of the universe, maker of all that has been made, incline His ear to us as we ask Him for answers, AMEN.
Numb,
Your mother

Dear Jason, My Birthday, Sept. 18, 2001

A week ago those planes killed thousands of people. No...hate bred in men killed those people. Today, when we got home from dropping your brothers and sister off at school, dad’s truck was home. He is never home at 9:15 in the morning. It is my birthday so I thought he might be home to surprise me. There are roses on the dinning room table for me! Your father is a good and thoughtful man. Your daddy is home because…this morning…he lost his job. He builds airplanes. No one wants to fly right now. The country is afraid. I continue to want to ask why, but have decided to praise God and ask what is next instead. I am scared. I know in your life you will face fear. I know you don’t have to face it alone. We will continue to tell you of one who will always be with you. The master of the universe is still on the throne. He will keep us. Someday, I pray you know the love of His Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One day, HE will return…it will NOT be on a Grocery Store Quarter Horse. He will ride into battle on a White Horse and He will conquer evil once and for all. He promises us no more tears, no more death, no more sin….no more hate-filled men in planes… Oh, Dear Jason, He Loves us so………I think we shall go ride the Quarter Pony today.

Hopefully,
Mom

Dear Jason, Sept. 10, 2011

Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of 9/11. You are 13. You have grown into a smart, funny, serious, quick young man who knows the love and promise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have since Sept. 2011 suffered only in the worlds eyes. We have lost all of our savings. Your college money we had before you were even 3 is now gone. Our world is spinning on a new economic axis since you were three. We are moving from the home you love, the friends you cherish, the church family that has supported us in prayer, very soon. I have been sick for many of the years that you can remember. Yet, our family is stronger than we were before 9/11. I still don’t understand most of the reasons for this happening. I simply trust God, and believe his promises to those who love Him; promises that you now have read and accepted for yourself. Praise the Lord this day, Dear Jason, for the evidence of God’s love to those who saw miracles on that day 10 years ago. Those who did not make it into work because of a flat tire, a spilled cup of coffee, a missed appointment, an alarm that did not go off. Praise God, my precious child, that you love and serve a God who knows every hair on every head of every child right now…sitting on a quarter -horse at the grocery store. Bad things will continue to happen in a fallen world. God, however, is good ALL THE TIME, according to scripture. He does not do things the way I would choose…but I do choose to trust Him and hope you continue to do so too and I pray you continue to grow in strength, truth, and in the light of the Living God who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. In the meantime, keep giggling, keep praising, keep your eyes on HIM and the truth found in scripture, and soon…we will see HIM face to face.

I love you son...you still make me smile as I watch you find your way in this world.

Your Mother…Kathy Lonsinger…Joint Heir (as are you now) with Christ who is "Faithful and True" ….AMEN.

English Standard Version Revelation 22:6
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

English Standard Version Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

STOP THAT...QUIT IT!!!

2011-08-18T13:44:00.008-05:00

I sometimes forget that not everyone is on facebook. Here is the story about the Spork and when it is okay to give up or quit. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Well, I usually try to be encouraging...I must tell you I have heard many people this week talk about NOT GIVING UP...Never quit...DON'T STOP....on a variety of messages on ministries via radio...fb...twitter...our ministry too...then I realized I was part of committing a disservice to those reading or listening.....(as well as abusing this etc..... thingy)

So..... let me amend....
NEVER GIVE UP....DON'T STOP....NEVER QUIT.... UNLESS....

You... smoke, bite your nails, bicker, complain, argue over stupid minutia, go to the left or the right when GOD says NO, gossip, spit on sidewalks, pick your nose, floss in public, or try to eat grilled chicken with a spork!
Give it up! STOP THAT! QUIT IT!
I'm sure there are more....help me out! Just don't STOP Believing!
And have a wonderful weekend.

Amended:
We have had others add:
~Stop putting 22 pillows on the bed, 2 is enough.
~Over 30 shopping in Juniors department..QUIT THAT!
~Sing outloud, off key, and saying I can't get that out of my head...you did!
~Talking with your mouth full
~pretending unless you are in a movie or stage production...be real!

Just Thinkin',

Kathy

JAMAA.....means Family

2011-08-09T16:14:00.003-05:00

I had the honor of sitting in a private screening of the film "JAMAA" this week. I was so moved by this beautiful film based on a true story. If you have a chance you will want to see it. This film is partnered with World Vision.

The line that struck me the most in the picture was: "If you loved Jesus...love what He loves."

Do you love the things...the people that Jesus loves? Do the things that break HIS heart break yours? What can you do to help another person or family that Jesus loves? Right in your own circle of influence, you can be Jesus' hands to someone else
Be part of JAMAA...what are you waiting for?
http://jamaa.worldvision.org/about/faqs.html

Just Thinkin',

Kathy