Divine Betrothal

Abortion and The Gospel

2011-12-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

Over and over we hear of the many millions of babies aborted each year because they are not seen as babies, but rather just groups of cells. They are not seen as precious souls, but rather a mistake, "to be easily fixed."

To the medical industry the abortion of a baby is seen as a money making scheme. Costing from $500-$1000 for the first trimester.

Since I trust that most if not all of you reading this blogpost agree that abortion is murder, I wont go into the biblical truths, the physical truths and the emotional. But will rather insert a video that has been changing the hearts and minds of many people.

This has often left me thinking, "how many babies could of been saved if these people would have been informed." If these men and women would have seen what their baby looked like, would they have still aborted their child? If they knew that it had hands and feet and eyes and a brain...would things of changed?

Abortion and the Gospel

Recently this thought came back to me, but in a different way. In the country of India there is a different form of abortion going on. That of "selective breeding". What this means is that men are the preferred gender and if a lady has a baby and the male finds out that it is female they, either abort it, neglect it, or murder it after it is born. Women are seen as a burden, why? because of the expensive dowery they have to pay when they are married.

How many of these abortions could be stopped if this country would turn to Christ. If they would let the gospel of Jesus and His Salvation impact and change them. If they could see that each person (Man, Woman, Boy and Girl) are precious to God, it would change their view of women. Would it cause them to value life over money?

There is a desperate need in countries like this for missionaries who will go and tell the Gospel of Christ, that lives might be changed and that social norms, like selective breeding, would stop. Who knows you might be the one God uses, are you willing?

Millions of Missing Girls

I invite you to watch a video about the millions of missing girls in India.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/tech-15749651/india-s-deadly-secret-27566497.html

For a free copy of an excellent book on abortion and how God can restore anyone who has had an abortion. Please contact www.JamesWilkins.org/survivor-abortion

Send an e-mail to web@jameswilkins.org and mention that you saw this link and they will mail you a free book while supplies last.

At Any Moment I Can Become Like You...

2011-11-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

"At any moment I can become just like you, but you can never be like me again."

Those were the broken hearted words of young Jennifer as she responded to the girl in her high school.

Jennifer was a very beautiful young lady. Her countenance radiated purity. She had made the commitment to keep her emotional and physical purity until the day she was married. This was a commonly know fact among her high school peers.

Often times she had been made fun of because she chose not to date or flirt with the guys like the others girls.

She was known as a prude, and often referred to as a "good little Christian girl".

All of this never bothered her, in fact she thought of it as a good thing, because she knew others had taken notice of her commitment to her Lord and her future husband. She would humbly pray for opportunities to share her testimony of Salvation and her reason for not dating daily.

Until one day...

She was confronted by a girl who was under deep conviction. Jessica was also raised in a Christian home and had made the same commitments of purity as Jennifer. But as soon as Jessica made it to Middle School, the temptations and peer pressure to date were so overwhelming. Jessica desperately wanted to fit in and be thought of as cool that she turned her back on those commitments and started dating Tim. Before long Jessica and Tim were pretty close, they had held hands and kissed and soon they had given in to each other.

It wasn't long after that, that Tim dumped Jessica. Jessica was heartbroken.

After a few weeks Jessica seemed to be a different person, she had seemed to lose her sense of worth and value. Her dress standards became less and less modest. And she began to flirt with more and more guys. She started dating more frequently and with various partners.

She started to give her body to just about anyone who would give her attention. In the next year or so, she seemed to have walked so far away from the Lord and everyone seemed to notice except Jessica.

Until one day in the commons area Jessica heard Jennifer talking to another girl about the Lord and her testimony of Salvation and purity. Jessica was quietly listing to everything Jennifer was saying and it seemed to convict her heart. In that moment of conviction her heart was hardened. Instead of coming back to the Lord she let her bitterness and pride get in the way.

Jessica raised her voice and said "poor little Jennifer, she has never had a boyfriend, she has never dated. She is destined to be a lonely old lady, they only things she will have to love her are cats.

No man would ever marry on old prude, no man will ever want to marry her, she wouldn't even know how to kiss. Men want a girl that has some experience. You have never had a boyfriend because you are ugly and you just use God as an excuse!"

Jennifer was so hurt by the ugliness of Jessica's words. She was also so embarrassed that someone would call her out and say such mean things. But the thing that hurt her the most was knowing just how wrong Jessica was. Knowing how much pain she must be in to have said such hurtful things. Knowing that if her heart didn't change she would never experience true love. Love that is pure and holy.

Jennifer responded with tears in her eyes and such brokenness for Jessica, "At any moment I can become just like you, but you can never be like me again, but I know a Saviour who can make all things new."

"Jessica I love you and I know God does too. Please open up your heart."

It wasn't long until Jennifer was able to help Jessica get right with God. Jessica seemed to have her own Psalm 51 experience. She was closer to the Lord than ever. She was growing everyday. As a result Jessica and Jennifer became very close friends and were the maid and matron of honer at each others weddings.

Today Jessica and Jennifer are both Sunday School teachers in their local churches They are both happily married to wonderful men of God. They both have beautiful families.

Jessica loves to share with young ladies her testimony, she shares the scars and pain she has had to carry as a result of her sinful choices, and the power of God to make all things new.

If you are reading this and you think, "well I can mess around and everything will be ok in the end", you are sadly mistaken. Sin has its consequences.

Jessica often says, "As amazing of a testimony as I have, as amazing as God is to have given me a second chance, I wish that I could stand up in front of you all and say I kept my purity, but I can't. I wish I could tell my husband that his hand was the first hand I ever held, his lips the first kiss, but I can't. BUT YOU CAN!"

Jessica came back to the Saviour and He did make all things new. And he can for you too. But know that if you make the decision to go into sin, you can expect some severe consequences.

Cover Up For God

2011-09-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

I recently came across this article on yahoo and was pleasantly surprised!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Ladies-Rocco-Grimaldi-requests-you-cover-up-for?urn=nhl-wp13663

In this day where it seems like sports stars are more of a bad influence then just about anyone in the secular media, it seems that this young man is an exception.

Normally you wouldn't expect someone to take such a bold stance for Jesus, especially if they are a sports star. It seems that if someone is a Christian they are "undercover" Christians.

I would encourage you to read the article.

If you haven't heard already we have a new blog...please follow. :-)

New Blog!

2011-09-20T10:49:00.001-06:00

After much prayer and consideration, Samantha and I have started a new blog that will continue to share Our Journey together. We will continue to use this blog to share ideas, testimony's and thoughts about Divine Betrothal, dating ,courtship, and marriage and will use the other blog to share a little more of our life.

We would like to take all of you with us and invite you to join us at http://continuingjourney.blogspot.com/

A Case for Christ

2011-09-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

Click here to watch the compelling documentary of one man's search for truth.

Is there really evidence that Christ existed? Is there really proof that He was more than just a good man? Is there any truth to the thought that He could raise from the dead?

Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God

2011-09-13T13:53:00.000-06:00

Powerful message, and a powerful plea!

Patriot Day

2011-09-11T08:45:00.000-06:00

Take a moment today to remember those lost ten years ago today, and to pray for our nation and elected officials.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psalm 33:12

Labor Day Conference

2011-09-06T21:39:00.001-06:00

Each year our church attends the Labor Day Conference at Bella Vista Baptist Church in Albuquerque.

This year Samantha and I ran the book table for Dr. James Wilkins. It was really a lot of fun.

There was lots of great preaching and great fellowship.

The conference starts at 1:30 and ends at 7:30 with a 1 hour break for dinner. For the rest of the time it is packed with preaching!

The last preacher was John Bishop. Click here to hear his wonderful story.

For dinner we had Powdrell's Barbeque. It was pretty good!

All in all this was a blessed night!

Fun at the Museum!

2011-08-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

This weekend Samantha took some time to celebrate our 5 month anniversary.

We spent the weekend in Albuquerque. While we were there we went to several thrift shops and found some pretty good deals. We got a nativity set for 20 dollars and ceramic little village. I got a beautiful wood plaque that is a page out of a songbook with the words to the song "It is well with my soul."

My brother Alex

While we were in Albuquerque we went to the New Mexico Natural History Museum. My brother Alex lives in Albuquerque so we were able to spend the night at his house and bring him along to the museum. Alex has a way about him that makes things seem more fun. He is always cracking jokes, or making funny comments. He kept making Samantha and I laugh.

It has been quite a while since we had visited the Natural History Museum. I (Adam) can remember running all over that place on a field trip in school. It seemed so big, and so mysterious when I was little.

One of the best parts of going to the Museum of Natural History was getting to watch an educational Dynamax (IMAX) presentation about the Ocean and the science of waves. It was pretty neat to see it in 3-D.

As a Christian who knows the truth, that God is the creator and that evolution is a lie. It gave us a sense of freedom to walk around and enjoy, some of God's creatures. But I couldn't help but think that someday when Samantha and I take our children here, I will have to explain that some of the things that they will hear and read will not be true. While I was there I could hear the voice in my head of a little girl saying "Daddy God made the dinosaurs, not evolution."

You guessed it! It was Alex's idea to take these picture!

As a youth, one of the most exciting things at this museum was the exhibit where you could walk on lava/magma! When I was little it looked so cool! I would get all excited and a little scared. I really thought I was walking over lava...lol

Next we got to make our own earthquake. The floor has built in seismographs and you get to jump up and down and watch the needle go crazy!

Create your own earthquake!

Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

Lo now, his strength [is] in his loins, and his force [is] in the navel of his belly.He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass; his bones [are] like bars of iron. Job 40:15-18

Behold, he drinketh up a river, [and] hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.

Job 40:23

Betrothal Documentary....

2011-08-23T17:34:00.002-06:00

This past week I received and e-mail from a lady at a company (Kinetic Content) that is doing a Betrothal Documentary. They are looking for people who are currently going through a betrothal.

Please understand that not everything in this video will be something we necessarily believe. There will be a few different religious backgrounds represented. They will have their own understanding of what betrothal is. We have chosen to post this because we have some readers who might fall into this category. We thought it might be interesting for you guys to see how different families approach the subject of Dating, Courtship and Betrothal.

To see how Samantha and I did it please visit the Betrothal and Wedding tabs above.

They are currently doing a documentary on a young lady in Atlanta, (see video) and have become very impressed/intrigued with Biblical betrothal, that they are seeking 4 more families to follow.

They are willing to pay them to share their experience on film. The film crew would film some of the events, but they have stated that they will not intrude or be over bearing.

They are also looking for people who have already gone through betrothal experience to share some of their thoughts and insights.

They have also stated that anyone who participates will have the ability to view the portions of documentary they are in and the footage before it is aired. So they can make sure they are not being portrayed in any way but factual.

This company is not a Christian company, so please take that into consideration.

I have included the entire e-mail and also a sample video that they have already been working on. Please read it all the way through, then if you are interested you can contact her.

This might be a great opportunity to share your testimony.

Please watch the video and read the following e-mail.

IMPORTANT!

Please pray and seek God before you do anything, also be wise with your information before you give anything out.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:16

Hi Adam,

My name is Andrea and I am the one that contacted you via youtube regarding your betrothal story. I came across your youtube link and your blog and would love to speak with you further about your betrothal experience. Right now I am in the process of researching Biblical Betrothal with the ultimate intent on doing an unbiased, informative documentary series where we follow families (hopefully up to 4 different families) who are going through this unique process.

We are currently filming with a family based outside of Atlanta who have a 20 year old daughter who is going through the process. It has been such an interesting and beautiful path to marriage, that we would like to expand this documentary to include other families as well. Please see the links at the bottom of the page to see a sample of what we've filmed with them and to get an idea for our vision with this project.

I work for a production company called Kinetic Content based out of Santa Monica, CA. We are a fairly new company (have been around for less than a year) and focus on documentaries and docu-series for film and television. We are a secular production company but our staff consists of a variety of religious backgrounds. I myself, grew up in an Anglican household and am a firm believer in God and the power of prayer. While Kinetic is not a Christian company, we are mature and seasoned documentarians who feel that this topic should be properly documented and shared. Betrothal is such a fascinating idea and we've seen the proof that when done correctly and centered around God, it really works.

I wanted to reach out to you to see if you know of any other couples who are currently in the process of going through a betrothal who might be interested in working with us on this project.

The series will follow young couples as they enter this important life transition. This is a wonderful opportunity to spread the word about this path towards marriage to a large audience.
Ideally, we would like to film each family during the most important betrothal steps...ie- the betrothal ceremony, the preparation of the home, wedding preparations and then the actual wedding ceremony. We wouldn't be filming every single day, just the important moments that highlight the steps of the Biblical Betrothal process.

I would also like to mention that in return for allowing us to be part of these very important occasions, each couple we film with will receive $1,500 for each part that they are in. We are hoping to break the documentary into an 8 part documentary series. Ideally we would love to have them featured in each of the 8 parts which could lead to
a total of $12,000 appearance fee. We are also offering a $500 "finders fee," for anyone that can direct us to families who end up participating. Or we will gladly donate that fee to a charity of their choice.
While we know that we have nothing but the sincerest intentions with this project, we completely understand that letting us film such intimate and important moments of their lives can be scary. Therefore, we would like to let all potential couples know that we would like to offer them the option of viewing clips of their segments before they air and welcome their feedback. We want them to be at ease with us and this process and want them to be able to know that they can rest their trust in us and in our intentions with this project.

As of right now, we have three different networks interested in buying this documentary series. Discovery Channel, History Channel and the Oprah Winfrey Network have all expressed interest and we are currently working with them to find the best home for this project to air on.

I am still doing preliminary research and any tips or resources he can point me towards would be appreciated. Any ideas on newsletters, blogs, churches or any other ways to reach out to these families would be greatly appreciated.

If you know of any couples that you think would be interested in participating, I would love to speak with them. Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone you think would be interested or know someone who would be. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Many blessings,

Andrea McHugh
630.745.0906
www.kineticcontent.com

Five Months

2011-08-19T01:09:00.016-06:00

Happy Five Month Anniversary!

Five monts ago today, Samantha and I became husband and wife. It sure has been a busy five months. A lot of ups and few downs!

Through it all God has been our constant strength, and has richly blessed us with His presence in our life and marriage.

It's truly hard to explain how you can love someone so much, and how that love can grow stronger each day.

Teen Fellowship at Our House

2011-08-15T15:31:00.004-06:00

This Saturday we had a teen fellowship at our house.

Ever since camp, Samantha and I had wanted to have our teens over for food and fellowship. But unfortunately our schedules had been rearranged for us. With losing the baby the day we were to move in our new house, things sort of got rearranged. We suddenly found ourselves very busy with doctors appointments. And had to set aside time for ourselves to heal over the loss.

But now that things are pretty much back to normal, were were able to have some of the teens over.

The plan was to have the kids meet us at the church at 9:30am for Saturday visitation and those who needed a ride, we would pick up on a van as we went out. Well 9:30 rolled around and none of the teens were there, so we set out on a mission to go get them! Sure we had to wait for few to change out of their PJ's but they came!

Samantha and I as well as others had noticed that many of our teens have taken a step away from the Lord this summer. I think that with all the idle time, they got lazy in the areas of Bible reading and prayer. But we hope that with monthly meetings, God will reignite the fire!

We had a total of 10 people go out soul winning.

After we picked up the last kid, we paired up and went our ways. When we have teens we like to door knock an area where we will all stay close. So we can all keep an eye on each other.

One of the boys that went with me got to personally witness to two men. It was neat to see him giving the plan of salvation out. He told me, "I used to be scared, but now I know that Jesus is with me, I'm not scared anymore." AMEN!

The other boy that was with me, just got saved at camp. He is a little rough around the edges but he is very fervent. He kept saying lets hurry! Lets go talk to them! AMEN! AGAIN!

AFTER VISITATION WE HEADED TO OUR HOME

Some of the kids played volleyball, while others stayed inside and talked with Samantha and the other ladies.

By the end of the day all the kids were having so much fun. They were so bummed out, that it was time to go home. But I think just between you and me, they had just as much fun on the ride home!

Both Samantha and I fell really blessed to be able to open our home up to the youth of our church and we pray that they will always find our home as a place that they can come to. We pray that we will provide a place where they can come and talk and share what is on their hearts.

We want to thank everyone who brought food and who helped out. We couldn't of done it without you! Special thanks to Pastor and Mrs. McMath, Lindy (mom), Jaclyn, Jeff, Mom and Dad Leeder.

Thank you all for coming, you made our new home feel very special. All in all we had a total of 18 people! Next month were going to try for 30!

Emergency Room Visit - updated

2011-08-09T11:15:00.004-06:00

Sunday night Samantha had to rushed to the ER for severe pelvic pains. She was passing a lot of blood and blood clots. The bleeding was so bad that we had to take her in. In addition to the large amounts of bleeding she was in "the worst pain she ever felt". I was very worried about this because the night before she was in pretty bad pain, but after some Ibuprofen it went subsided.

We had an appointment for monday morning and we both were kinda hoping to avoid a trip to the ER and instead just go to our scheduled appointment, but the pain was unbearable.

I knew that it was getting bad, but I kept waiting for her to let me know when she thought she needed to go to the ER. Sunday afternoon she wasn't feeling good so I told her to stay home and rest. I kept my phone on silent just in case. Well about 10 minutes after the service ended, I got a text message that said come home. Then I got her call. She was in so much pain. It was time to take her.

I called the after hours, emergency number for our doctor and was transferred to the OBGYN on call at the ER. I talked with him and explained what was happening. He told me you better bring her in. So we hurried along to ER.

I could tell she was in tremendous pain because she was crying and couldn't stand on her own. This was pretty scary. I was so proud of Samantha, even in all that pain she still was trying to sing hymns and was praying. It is pretty amazing how God began to calm her and reduce her pain from a 10 to even and 8.

Once we got the the ER we were given a room and the nurses helped by setting up IV's and then the doctor on call give Samantha some powerful pain medication. It was so powerful they were expecting her to pass out, but she didn't. Even with such a high dose she could still feel the pain.

God was really watching over us, he gave us a wonderful lady at the check in who protected and consoled Samantha and I, within about 5 minutes we were in our room.

A special part of this visit, that I foolishly left out, was having Mom Leeder there. With all of my fear and excitement, I mistakenly left out another lovely lady, who loves Samantha just as much.

Her presence in the Emergency Room, helped calm Samantha. It was especially nice for me to have her there to comfort me and help me make decisions. It was extremely special to see the love that Samantha and her mom share. I know that without a doubt the two people who love Samantha the most were in that room.

Mom Leeder drove up once she heard we were heading to the ER and stayed the whole time by Samantha's side. I know that she must of been tired by the end of the night, having a busy Sunday. But we both are so thankful she was there.

Then two of the nicest nurses I have ever met attended to us. They were so kind and so gentle and very very helpful. One nurse was new and the other had been a nurse for 20 years, working in the NICU, previously.

About 2-3 hours after the first dose of pain medicine, a new nurse came in with a 2nd dose. Our new nurse was a little uncertain of giving her another high dose, but the pain was still present and she received the full dose. Even the doctor and nurses were surprised that Samantha was still awake.

We have really been blessed, the day after the visit to the ER, the on call ER Doctor give us a call at home to see how we were doing. Both Samantha and I were pretty amazed that an ER doctor would do that. During his exam of Samantha he had been real gentle and thorough. But we didn't expect his level of concern and care to be so high.

After the examination and some passing for lots of clots and blood, The doctor determined that it was safe for her to go home. Samantha's blood level was not anemic and was actually not to bad by the end of the night. They gave us a prescription for pain and naseua.

We arrived at the ER about 8 pm and were discharged about 1AM. We picked up the prescription and the next day at 9AM we had to be back in Santa Fe for more blood work and a doctors visit.

"With all this blood work, I'm running out of veins!"

In all we Samantha has had to have blood drawn about 6 times in two weeks.

After our appointment it was determined that all is going well, aside from the severe pain last night, but it looks like we will be able to proceed naturally, with no need for surgery.

Our OBGYN and her entire office has been a tremendous blessing to us, they have been so sweet and supportive. God has really been present in the mist of this "storm". Through it all he has been showing us in little ways that we are not alone. And that He is holding our hand, leading us and guiding us.

In addition to our wonderful doctors, our family and friends have gone out of their way to help us. By bringing us food and flowers calling us to see how we are doing and just being there for us they have show just how much they love us.

Continue to pray for us during this time and as things try to get back to normal.

Last night during a prayer time Samantha prayed to God and said "Lord thank you for the gift of hurting the gift of grieving and the gift of healing." It blessed my soul so much.

Sunday Blessings!

2011-08-06T22:18:00.002-06:00

With everything that has been going on in our lives right now, we have not stopped ministering to our teens. In fact our teens have been a source of encouragement to us. Helping them grow in the Lord has been helping us heal. Taking time to deal with the issues that are near to their hearts, has helped us heal from the issues that are near to our heart.

God has been truly comforting us as we comfort them.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God has supplied comfort for our souls, as we purpose in our hearts to seek out others, and try to meet needs in their lives. The more we seek out others, the more comfort God has gives us. I have found that if we as Christians start to neglect others especially when we ourselves are hurting, it is almost as if the flow of comfort stops. God says he will comfort us, so we can comfort others. If you are hurting, look for a need that you can meet.

This is very clear principle in scriptures, we see it in the area of knowledge, God gives us wisdom (talent) in scriptures so we can teach others, if we do not teach, God limits our knowledge. Matthew 25:28-29

We see it in the area of giving, God gives to us so that way we might give our tithes and offerings. If we start to hold back that which we ought to give, not only will we rob God and have a curse set on our finances, but God will stop supplying. Malachi 3:8-11

Sunday School Class Fellowship

This past Sunday morning we had a teen fellowship for our Sunday School class at Bro. and Mrs Roybal's. It was really alot of fun. Some of the kids got to play basketball, ride horses, ride a two person bike or just sit and talk with Samantha and myself about issues teens go through.

We were also using this time to celebrate Christopher birthday (a faithful teen in our youth group). We have been trying to get his parents to come to church for sometime now, and they have been reluctant, but when they heard that we were having a birthday party for Him, they wanted to make the cake for him. Not only did they make it but they came to the party and were more open about coming to church.

Baptism!

Then for the night service we were blessed to see a teen that got saved this year at camp, get baptized. Her name is Sonia and she has been a great blessing to Samantha and I. Each week we have had the privilege to disciple her. It has been pretty amazing to see what God has been doing in her heart.

Not only did her parents, brother and sister come but she also brought her grandma, aunts and uncles. Continue to pray for her as she will no doubt face many battles going back to public school. Pray specifically that God will work it out to where she can enroll in our church's Christian school.

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Psalm 122:1

Slowly Getting Back to Normal

2011-08-02T12:57:00.000-06:00

I first off want to thank everyone for their kind words and many prayers during this time. You all were so comforting to us.

Samantha was really blessed each time I would read a comment you left for her.

So far everything seems to be on the right track in the area of healing.

Emotionally it has been good to cry painful tears.

Spiritually it has been good to cry out to God and seek His wonderful comfort.

Physically Samantha's body seems to be responding good and going through all the normal actions. Both of us had been really exhausted from it all.

For Samantha and I it has been a time for us to get closer to each other. Being only married a little over four months we are still newlyweds, but it has been nice having time just the two of us.

I think that when something like this happens in a married couples life it is so important that the two of them seek comfort first from God, but secondly from each other. God has really used this time to help us in every way.

I am grateful for everything that God does. I sometimes wish at the time it was different but deep down inside I know that what ever God does its for our good. And I can see how it is already having an impact. God is so good!

Be Still and Know That I am God

2011-07-28T17:41:00.022-06:00

As "bad" things happen in our lives we as Christians can choose to get bitter at God or at others or we can choose to let God make us better.

No not everything that happens in life is good, but God never promised us that it would be, His promise is that He would work it all out for good.

We can use these seemingly bad things to draw us closer to Him and to each other, or we can let them drive a wedge between us.

We can let these events get us down or we can use these events to help us to look for others who are hurting and reach out to them.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The Lord is so precious, and loves each one of us so much that he sends things into our lives to make us more like Him and to increase our fellowship with Him.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Psalms 139:17

Samantha sang this as a church special the day before we found out that our baby's heart had stopped.
Hearing this song sung by Samantha, brings a calming peace to my heart.

I know that I can be still and know that God is God.
-----------------------------------------------

Wednesday night at church I was looking through the Births page in my Bible and found something I wrote a long time ago (see caption). Then as I was sitting there it was almost as if God whispered in my ear, "Even to heaven, Adam" Immediately I wrote that in and peace flooded my soul.

Children: You have to be willing to let them go where ever God calls them, because they are God's...even to heaven.

My Grace Is Sufficient

2011-07-26T00:44:00.000-06:00

Sometimes things dont go exactly as we plan. But no matter what comes our way we KNOW that God is in control and that God is ALWAYS good. It is with a grieving, yet hopeful heart I write this.

Today Samantha and I were scheduled to have our 10-week pregnancy exam. We were scheduled to meet with our doctor to see how our baby was progressing. It was suposed to be a quick doctors appointment with a few errands to run afterward.

Instead, during our exam, the doctor was not able to locate the heartbeat of our baby. This worried us because we were able to hear it so strongly at 6 weeks. After a few minutes of trying with the handheld speaker device, she decided to take us in a room with an actual ultrasound machine. But she was still not able to find the heartbeat.

She immediately sent us to an X-Ray and Ultrasound specialist that confirmed what I believe our doctor already knew. Our little baby's heart had stopped beating. We had a miscarriage.

The whole way to the specialist I tried to comfort Samantha, I was worried too, but I wanted to be strong for her. I kept thinking well maybe they just got the weeks wrong and they think they should hear/see something that is not quite developed. But after I saw the screen I knew that what I was seeing wasn't right. It broke me, and it was all I could do from breaking down into tears right there. Samantha must of been able to see it in my face. I could see the screen but she couldn't.

From there we were sent back to our doctors office.

This was some of the most painful new I have ever had, and I know it was especially hard for Samantha. I think it is for every mother. The felling of loss is almost unbearable. I know that she was so very excited about being a mommy. And I know that she had already developed a special connection with our baby. All we could do was cry and praise God through the tears and hurt.

Everyone at our doctors office was so kind and gracious to us, the really were a blessing during this time, they were patient, comforting, gentle and genuinely compassionate, as they explained everything to us.

Now as I write this, it still seems like a bad dream. It really doesn't seem real. I think of all the planning and preparation and it hurts, it hurts a lot. I miss our baby.

I am so proud of Samantha, I know she is hurting but she turned to God in faith and claimed the promise of Romans 8:28-29 and as we both had done before, we told God once again, "This baby is yours. Your will be done."

I want to say thank you to all those who already heard about it, for your kind words and prayers. Please continue to pray for us, and especially Samantha during this time. We trust that God knows what is best and we believe that He will send us a baby in His perfect time.

Adam and Samantha

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

PS Little one, we are excited to meet you in heaven.

Family Night - At Isotopes Park

2011-07-22T14:24:00.001-06:00

Every month Mom and Dad Leeder try to have a time where all of the family gets together for a time of food and fellowship.

With everyone's busy schedules, families of their own, and either in ministry or the work force, it can be hard to get everyone together. This week we were all able to meet for a fun time at our local minor league baseball team's game.

It had been some time since I was at a baseball game, and it was really a lot of fun.

Check out this lady's cane!! It's a baseball bat.

GO TEAM! GO!!

Little Roddy running the bases at the end of the game.

We were all tired and ready for bed by the end of the game.

PS sadly our team lost 5 to 8, but it was a fun time anyways.

Sam The Sergeant

2011-07-19T14:43:00.000-06:00

Sam Hunter is twenty-four and is out to obtain the perfect life. After successfully landing a great job with the electric company and purchasing a brand new house, he feels sure no one will ever discover his carefully guarded secret. But when things start to go wrong, he realizes God isn’t done with him yet. As a last attempt to escape from his past, Sam joins the Marine Corps and becomes bent on ranking sergeant. Not until he learns to make God Sergeant of his life, is Sam able to reap God’s blessings – including the wife God has chosen for him.
This book can be found at Local Church Bible Publishers

Running From Your Past

Everyone has made mistakes in their life. Things we wished we could rewind the hands of time and fix. Often, it seems like those mistakes constantly haunt us. They seem to follow us around like a shadow, no matter how fast we run or how well we hide, we know its still there.

If our mistake is a known mistake, by that I mean if it is something that others know about. We live with the constant feeling of failure. We feel like everyone has already labeled us as a liability or as a failure.

We feel as if we can never fulfill God's plan because we have messed up so badly. We feel as if we have disqualified ourselves from God ever using us again.

If it is an unknown mistake, by that I mean something that we have kept secret. Something that we did, but no one knows about it. We live with the feeling of fear.

Fear that at any moment someone will discover what we have done. So we try so hard to not let that happen. It's exhausting.

We let this mistake and the fear of being discovered cause us to live a lie, a facade and pretend to be something or someone we know we are not.

If your mistake is something that you have never come to Jesus about, then now is the time to get it right with Him. To seek true repentance and forgiveness.

You might be thinking "Adam, you have no idea what I have done." Well your right I dont know what you have done, but I do know that no matter what you have done, Jesus can forgive you and still use you.

If your mistake involves another person, you might need to go to them and ask them for forgiveness as well. For some of you, you might need to go and tell your parents, pastor or spouse. Scary! I know it is, but trust me it's worth it. There is nothing like having peace with God and peace with others.

Don't let the past, hold you back from having a future. Get your heart and life right with God, accept what ever punishment comes and thank God for Him loving you enough to chastise you. With your mistake under the blood let God use your life. He has a calling and a plan for you. Don't run from it!

Lastly, learn to forgive yourself, If you have received forgiveness from God, others, but you feel like you just cant let it go. Then you need to learn to forgive yourself.

Let this mistake make you more aware of sin, and become a spokesperson for how easily it is to get caught up in sin. Let God use your testimony to help others avoid the same mistakes.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:6

Running From Your Calling

Because those past mistakes seem to haunt us. They make us think that we cannot serve God any longer. So instead of seeking a life in the ministry we seek a life in the world.

Now I'm not saying that we seek an evil, sinful profession. But we seek a job outside of where God would have us. The thought constantly crosses our mind, "I guess I will just have to be a good laymen. I can no longer do what I was called to do now."

If this is you, you know God has called you to the ministry and instead you feel you have so messed up that you must head in another direction for your life.

It is true there are some sins that destroy our ability to serve in certain positions. They make us no longer fit for certain positions of authority. But 99% of us DO NOT fall into that category. Most of us have made mistakes that God can and still will use you life.

A lady who has given her body to man, can still be used of God.

A man who had given his body to drugs and alcohol can still be used of God. HOW?

The key is having true repentance. Coming to God and making things right, going to people and making things right, once and for all. Having an attitude that you are so sorry for your sin, and not just sorry for the consequences. To be sorry for hurting God and not just sorry that you will have to face some judgment.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

Psalm 51:4

Sometimes it can be a pride issue that makes us run from God's calling. Pride? Yes pride.

I know what it is like to be a twenty something year old, still living at home. Still under the authority of my parents. Serving God where He put me, until God moves me.

But at the same time I know what it is like to have all of my lost family and even some of my saved, think "You should be out on your own by now, your already in your twenties."

I have experienced being made to feel like a failure because I was not married, not living on my own, not off at college. Working at my local church on a small income.

And I have felt what it is like to have extended family make you feel like you are a bum or a freeloader for still being at home. (If the Lord blesses us with daughters I would like them to stay at home until God brings them the one.)

Now don't get me wrong, I knew I was in the perfect will of God, I was working, I was helping out at home, I was being a faithful soul-winner, I was trying my best to be an asset to my family and not a liability. But there is a very real sensation and even pressure that says, "I need my own place, I need to get out on my own. I'm already getting old."

And there is nothing wrong with stepping out on your own, but if it not God's will you might be putting yourself in world of hurt.

In the story Sam the Sergeant, Sam is faced with the very same decision, forced by pride and self will, to get out and start his life. He needs to prove himself to the world.

Beware of this trap of Satan, he desires to get you out of the will of God, and he doesn't care how he does it. He would like nothing more then to get you out from under your parents authority. I know that anytime a person steps out of the will of God they are headed for trouble.

But there is something extra dangerous when a young person moves out of the house on their own. There comes a host of temptations that were never there before. Why? Because under the watch and care of parents, the reality of getting caught would squash those temptations in a second. But now as the saying goes, "When the cats away the mice will play."

By the way this is also a very big danger for Bible college students. With the watchful eye and accountability of parents, young adults have a easier time resisting temptation, but at college, with a lot more free time, and much less personal accountability, the encouraging of pairing up, and the ability to go off campus and not have to report as strictly, to where and with who you are going. Satan takes full advantage and does his very best to draw you away into sin. If it is God's will for you to go to college then go, but be aware of his tricks.

Stay in the will of God, no matter who makes fun of you!

Sometimes its fear that keeps us from doing what we know God is calling us to. I have spoken with many a young person who, I know, they know and God knows they are called to do something, but for some reason the fear kicks in and keeps them in a spiritual state of paralysis.

It can be scary to surrender your life to Christ, to surrender to do and go where ever He wants you to go, with out knowing the details. But that is how God grows us, (as my pastor often says) "from faith to faith".

God will reveal a little bit to you and then you have the choice to obey or disobey. To step out by faith or to shrink back in fear. But with each step of faith we take, God then grows us and prepares us for the next step. Then soon God reveals to us another piece of the puzzle. And again we are placed at the fork in the road of "obedience or disobedience".

For a few years I knew God was calling me to the ministry, to preach, but I was afraid, and a little greedy and didn't want to have to "live like a preacher". I had dreams of having houses, cars boats, ect. And I really didn't see how I was going to get all of these things if I was a preacher. I told God, "Thank you for the offer, but no thanks." (Insert Pride and Ungratefulness)

And that started a downward spiral of pain that I wish never happened. My testimony is that once I told God "no!" that one time, it became so much easier to say no to God in other areas. It became so much easier to say yes to the flesh and sin.

By the end of it I was very much like the prodigal son, ready to come home, but not sure how. I had already had a taste of the world and my flesh wouldn't give up that easy. It was a battle to come back. You see when you let sin get a hold of you it wont let go until it is finished with you. So many people think they can fool with sin and then when it gets to bad they will walk away from it. Not so.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 1:15

I was afraid to let God direct my paths, because I knew exactly where God would lead me, and I (thought) I didn't want that.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Don't run from your calling! The day I surrendered was one of the greatest days of my life. I quit my job and had the desire to go and do what ever God wanted me to do. The day I surrendered God set in motion some pretty amazing things. Now looking back on my life, every great thing that has happened to me was because I choose to obey God.

The good thing about it is, that God never let me go, he let me be miserable, he kept convicting me, he kept using people to prompt me to get right with Him.

To know God's will and not do it will make you the most miserable person in the world. You can try to drown out the feeling with money, possessions, people, music, video games ect. but it just wont work, nothing will make you happy until you obey God.

Running for Nothing

If we are not careful what will happen is we will get Saved, go to camp or to some revival meeting or a regular church service, hear a message preached and go forward at the altar call. Knowing that God has called us to a specific area, (to preach, to be a missionary, to teach a SS class, to be a preachers wife, ect) then through some sad circumstances we will fall into sin, and live with the shame.

The the Devil who is the great accuser of the brethren, comes and whispers in our ear "look how evil you are and how much of a hypocrite you are. You want to serve God after all you have done!" And in our hearts we know what he is saying to be partially true so we run from our call.

We either dismiss it altogether and think it never happened, or we feel we have messed up so much that we couldn't possibly follow that call. And so we end up running in a different direction.

Where once we were running for Christ, now we are running from Christ. And end up with a life that the world might think is successful, but find out that once this life is over and we stand for Christ we truly ran for nothing. We missed the call and wasted our life, because we missed God's PERFECT will for our life.

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.

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Well What about Psalm 37:4?

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

"That verse isn't talking about God giving you what you desire, It's talking about God giving you what to desire. New desires"

God has changed my desires, He has given me His desires. Or better yet His desires have become my desires. I had never desired to be a preacher, a SS teacher, or a youth director, but now I can think of nothing better I want to do for the rest of my life. I no longer want to run my life for nothing.

Right now you might feel the same way. You don't want to do _____________(you fill in the blank), even though you know God is calling you to do it. I would challenge you to delight in the Lord, and let Him make His desires your desires. God says what ever life you could dream up for self, God has an ever better plan for you, if you will only let Him give it to you. But you have to do it HIS WAY!

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.I Corinthians 2:9

You will never regret surrendering to God.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

Week 8 - Baby/Mommy update

2011-07-16T19:33:00.000-06:00

Not a lot has been happening to my body on the outside, but on the inside however, I can tell our little one is growing and growing fast!

This past week I was in Arizona visiting my memew with my mom. We had decided to go maternity clothes shopping, just us girls!

But on the way down there, full blown morning sickness had kicked in. I really thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones who didn't get it. But not so :(

My "morning sickness" has been more of an "all day sickness". I will be fine, then all of the sudden I will get nauseous, then after a while it will go away, then sneak back up on me. I have found that if I eat little snacks all day long it helps. Also one thing that has been helping is the little mints you get from Sonic.

But now that I think about it, I am kind of glad to have it, because it reminds me not to over exert myself. It has also helped to ease my mind and remove some of the fears and questions that had been popping into my head. Questions like "what if my baby isn't healthy or growing right?"

I have been reading the book "What to Expect When Your Expecting" and it has been helping me understand what my little baby is doing and what he or she is doing to my body. I got my copy on e-bay for pretty cheep but I have included a link for Amazon for the book for anyone interested.

I would love to know if any of you (or anyone you know) have ever read this book and what you thought of it. My version is a little older and has a lady in a dress. I liked that! :)

See you next week!
God bless,
Samantha

IT'S VBS TIME...AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?!?!?

2011-07-13T14:13:00.000-06:00

Excited kids screaming at the top of their lungs!

Extremely exhausted workers!

Great food!

Sweaty bus drivers and even sweater kids!

Penny offerings!
Pie in the Eye!

Great preaching!

And of course lots of precious little souls saved!!

Boy we sure had a great time this year! I think I can speak for everyone, when I say, we had a great group of kids and a lot of fun!

My fun group of kids on "VAN # 3!!!!!"

Scale for penny offering

We were able to raise quite a bit of money through the penny offering.

For those of you who do not know what the penny offering is, it is a competition between the boys and the girls. Each night kids bring in what ever money they have and exchange it for pennys to be placed in a balance.

Look how innocent she looks!!! :-)

Each night several men and women are chosen to represent the boys or the girls. With the loser of the penny offering (boy's side or girls side), the adults get pied in the face, by the adult team who won (Men or Women).

This night our boys lost, but on the bright side the pie was pretty good...and I'm soooo glad I didn't have to pie my sweet wife.

In four days the total amount for the penny offerings were a little over 3000.00 dollars, Each year the money raised gets sent to Haiti to a national pastor, Bro Wilner, who has a Vacation Bible School just outside of Port Au Prince.

Each year they use the money raised from VBS to supply the food for over 150 children for the entire week. The remaining money will go to missionary David Fox, who has served on the mission field for over 10 years in the country of Haiti, to help supply some of his family's needs during the aftermath of the Earthquake and the building of his home. I think right now their biggest need is a well. Right now they are having to transport water.
Here is a link to a story I found on them.

VBS in Haiti

This year we had Pastor Don Rice and his wife come down to help us with VBS. Pastor Rice and his wife were a great blessing and each night Bro Rice brought a great message on true treasure.

In all our highest attendance was about 120 kids. With over 60 kids makeing professions of faith.

Another great blessing to me was that some of our teens were able to talk to kids about the Lord for the first time because there were so many kids that went forward the last 2 nights.

Two teens that I personally worked with both got saved and were extremely excited.

What an exciting time this VBS was. Can't wait for next year!

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14

Setting Up A Tent...A Rather Large Tent!

2011-07-10T20:15:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday I had the privilege of helping some of the men in our church set up a big 'circus style' tent for Pastor Paul Jones. Pastor Jones pastors The First Baptist Church of Costilla County. This church is located in San Luis Colorado.

Before Samantha and I were married I had the wonderful opportunity to preach at his church while he was on a mission trip.

Pastor Jones is going to be using this tent for a Revival Service and Vacation Bible School.

Each year our church sends a group of men to set up the tent and to later take it down.

I had made the trip a couple of times to help take the tent down, but this was the first time I got to help set it up.

It really was a lot of fun.

Now for a little walk on the tent?!?!

Yup Me and two other guys went up top to help close the Velcro rain flaps. It is pretty amazing how strong these tents are!

Me hanging on to the top pole!

I know I look goofy, But I was using one hand to hang on and the other to take a picture!

We also had to drive about 15 miles away to load up all the chairs and tables from the church building and bring it over. Once we got it all set up it was ready for men and women, boys and girls to get preached at and SAVED!

There is something very special to think that, we will have had a part in some boy or girl getting saved, because we helped to set up a place for them to come and hear the Gospel preached.

Eternal riches!

The Little Town of San Luis

Week 7 - Baby/Mommy update

2011-07-08T11:38:00.000-06:00

Each week we hope to have a picture up, and a little something written by Samantha about how she is feeling and what new things she is learning as her pregnancy progresses and as our little one develops in her belly. These blogs will be written by Samantha. I (Adam) am excited to be able to document this whole process. I think years from now we will look back on it and be amazed.

It has been strange because I (Samantha) recently started to have morning sickness. Up until this point I was just tired, really tired.

I have found that if I eat little snacks throughout the day the nausea seems to go away. As for the tiredness, it seems that I have traded having a little energy for morning sickness. But no matter what my body seems to throw at me, all I have to do is think of our little baby and it all seems to melt away. We are so excited!

Feel free to ask me questions or comment on this or any of our posts.

God Bless!! :)

Teen Bible Camp

2011-07-05T16:35:00.001-06:00

We recently got back from the Rocky Mountain Teen Camp, held at Camp Oro Quay, near Edgewood, New Mexico. This year Gospel Light Baptist Church, Rio Rancho hosted the camp. They did a wonderful job and we appreciate all the hard work that went into this years camp.

As many of you know already Samantha is pregnant and the first trimester can make the body a little tired...OK a lot tired! I am so proud of how she toughed it out. She was not able to play games or do other physical activity, but she was so much of a blessing to the youth. She helped out at the altar calls and during the scripture memorization. I am very thankful for her.

Pastor Tim Ruhl

This was a great time for all who attended. In all I believe we had about 120 campers from about 7 churches. From New Mexico and Colorado.

Just like most years, the kids the first day were excited to be there, but you could tell their heart were still a little hardened from the worldly influences.

But as the days went on, as the preaching was heard and the invitations were given, many of the kids were saved, decided to be separated or surrendered to full time Christian service.

Here is a picture of all those who surrendered their life to full time Christian Service

The preachers for camp this year were the father and son team of Pastor Tim and Gabe Ruhl. Each one with their different styles of preaching really spoke to the hearts of all those who where there.

For some of the kids with harder home lives, they really enjoyed Pastor Tim, for some of the kids that have been raised in Christian homes, Bro Gabe touched on issues they face.

Pastor Tim Ruhl is the pastor of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

http://www.pvbaptist.org/main.html

Many young people made life chaning decisions. But as it is with all camps, they must come to an end. And the kids are headed back into a wicked and hostile world. A world that seeks to destroy them. A world that seeks to mock and criticize every decision they made at camp. For some kids the hardest opposition will come from their own families.

Plese pray for them as they head back home, as they leave the safety and protection of camp. Pray that they will stay faithful to their calling.

We have already started on following up on all those who made it to camp. We had our Saturday visitation and we had almost all of those who were at camp attend.

Soon we will be having VBS and already those kids who went to camp volunteered for jobs and to help out.

The key will be to keep these kids active in the ministry. We will be having activites at the church and soon at our home.

Continue to pray a hedge of protection about them.

Below is a sample of Pastor Tim Ruhl's Preaching.

Pastor Tim Ruhl: WCBC Baccalaureate Service from Lancaster Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T10:34:00.000-06:00

Each year we celebrate the day that we as a nation declared our independence from Great Britain. Each year we are so thankful for the brave men who risked their lives and wealth to give us the independence that so many of us take for granted.

It is at this time each year that I am reminded of another independence day. The day that I was made free from Sin. The day that I put my trust in Christ as Saviour and gained my independence from Sin, and was made free!

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:18

This day ought to be a day of thanksgiving, for our God and His great gift! For our Nation, our godly founding fathers, and for our military who each day risk their lives to secure our freedoms.

This day ought to cause us to reflect on how great of a Nation we have and GREAT of a Saviour we have. This day ought to cause us to pray for those in leadership in our nation, from our President on down.

Lets use independence day as not only a day to celebrate our nation but as a day to set souls free!

We ought to live today as better Christians because we love God and realize that we are FREE FROM SIN!