Eternal Focus

Eternal Focus: The story that literally changed my life!

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:59:00 +0000

This is the story that literally rocked my world, stopped me in my tracts, and totally changed my life from that moment on...

"An experienced big-city firefighter was charged recently with grave neglect of duty. Prosecutors maintain that he abandoned his responsibility and betrayed the people of the city when he failed to release rescue equipment during a recent fire, resulting in the needless and tragic deaths of a family of five.

The lead prosecuting attorney said that for more than three minutes after arriving at the scene, the firefighter sat in his vehicle, wearing earphones and listening to a CD, while a family of five screamed to be rescued from the sixth floor of the burning building. Horrified bystanders reported that as flames licked at the mother's clothes she cried out in terror and fell to her death, still clutching an infant in her arms.

The distraught onlookers also said that the father held two terrified children as the massive flames engulfed him. This terrifying drama took place in full view of the firefighter as he remained seated in the fire truck, listening to the CD.

Eyewitnesses were sickened when they discovered that the reason the firefighter had remained in the locked emergency vehicle was simply to test a new high tech CD player that he had purchased as a gift for the fire chief.

The chief immediately distanced himself from the defendant and dishonorable discharged him from the fire department. IN a prepared statement, the chief said that there were no words to describe such a betrayal of those the firefighter was sworn to protect.

At the trial, the defense pleaded, "no contest," but added that the defendant had gone to great personal sacrifice to purchase the expensive gift for the chief, and he hoped that the judge would take that into account when passing sentence.

What do you think would be a fitting punishment for this fire fighter's serious crime - probation? Two years in jail? Twenty years? Life? Death? What sentence would you give the negligent firefighter? Please make a judgement.

Do you enjoy worshiping God? Most people in the Church would say they do. Every Sunday all across the country, auditoriums are filled with hand-raising, God-loving Christians singing their praises to God. That's understandable, because when the Holy Spirit dwells within us, it's not hard to worship our Creator. IN the light of the Cross, it's as natural to worship God as it is for flowers to open their petals in the warm sunlight.

May I ask you a personal question? When was the last time you share your faith with an unsaved person? When did you last go out of your way to witness to a stranger? In his book, The Coming Revival, Dr. Bill Bright notes that only two percent of American churchgoers share their faith with others. That is tragic. IF the love of God dwells in us, how can we not be horrified by the fate of the lost? Yet, many professing Christians today are so locked into worship (with the volume turned high) that they seem to give little or not thought to the fact that all who die in their sins will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

Did you know that if you allow another human being to die when it's within your ability to save him, you are guilty of something called, "depraved indifference?" They are applicable words. "Depraved" means that it's as low as you can get, and "indifference" means that you couldn't care less. Think now of the terrible neglect of that firefighter. What sentence did you give him? Did you throw him in jail for two years? Did you think that such a hard-hearted human being (someone who could be only concerned with himself_ should be given the death sentence? Then judge yourself by the same standard because if you are not concerned for the lost, then you are that firefighter. If you are not seeking to save them with fear, "pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh" (Jude 1:23), you are guilty of the serous crime of "depraved indifference."

Am I saying that if we don't evangelize, we're not saved? Of course not. But if we would expect a firefighter to make saving lives a priority, are we honest enough to judge ourselves by the same standard? Are we doing all we can to rescue the lost, or are we sitting passively in the pews while people perish?

I know that what I am saying is hard to say without sounding harsh and judgmental, but I can't think of any other way to say it. Please, don't be offended. Stay with me. My purpose is not to offend, but to get your attention and present things as they really are, and they are not good. My story of the firefighter was fictitious, but what is happening in the contemporary Church is real. Think of it; only 2 percent doing what we are commanded to do. Oswarld J. Smith said, "Oh, my friends, we are loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the Church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost, is almost entirely neglected." We have been gazing to the heavens while sinners are sinking into Hell.

Worship is the highest calling of every Christian, and we can see in the book of Revelation that the Church will one day be consumed in worship before the throne of the Almighty. We are going to worship God for eternity. But when we look back at the book of Acts, we don't find the Church consumed with worship. Instead, we find it was obsessed with reaching the lost, to the point that they willingly gave their lives to preach the gospel.

So, please, reevaluate your priorities, take off the earphones, unlock the doors, become equipped, and demonstrate the depth of your love for God by rescuing those who are about to perish."

If you are interested in reading more you can read the whole first chapter of the book that this story is from free! I guarantee your perspective will never be the same!

Pages 4-7, The Way of the Master; By: Ray Comfort

Eternal Focus: We have to stop putting off our life with Christ.

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Do you ever say to yourself...next week I'll start obeying God or His Word...next week I'll stop doing this particular sin....next week I'll start trying to talk to my mom, who doesn't have a relationship with Christ... I don't know about y'all but I've found myself in that situation numerous times and I had 2 things heavily convict me today (specifically regarding witnessing and getting back on the wagon) and I thought I would write about it.

I read "My Utmost for His Highest" devotion daily. Today's devotion got me thinking...why do I put things off...why not start NOW...in whatever situation I"m in...here's the part that got me....

You say, “Yes, Lord, just a minute— I still have this to do. Yes, I will abide as soon as this is finished, or as soon as this week is over. It will be all right, Lord. I will abide then.” Get moving— begin to abide now. In the initial stages it will be a continual effort to abide, but as you continue, it will become so much a part of your life that you will abide in Him without any conscious effort. Make the determination to abide in Jesus wherever you are now or wherever you may be placed in the future.

I find myself continually going through spurts...speaking to EVERYONE about Christ...then going back into my comfort zone and not doing so much..."Next week I'll buy more tracts"...."Next week I'll write an INCREDIBLE blog entry"...next week comes and goes....so then I read that devotional...and then next out of nowhere I get a text from a 2011 Senior Client of mine with the following verse:

"Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:7-9

And right then and there I got back on the wagon...I stopped making excuses that because I'm out of tracts I can't witness, or because I've written about witnessing 1,000 times I shouldn't do it again. I need to meditate on His Laws...and teach others to do just that....and as I was going about my daily routines, paying bills or mailing out invoices I started writing http://www.needgod.com/ on the back of the envelopes. I do this often, but then again sometimes I talk myself out of it by saying my mail lady is probably sick of seeing this...or that same accounts payable chick probably thinks I'm a religious freak...but you know what I don't care...if that one website allows people to look at God's Law and use it as a mirror to see their own sin and repent and stop making excuses and living their life for Christ...then I've done my part as His Witness...and helped bring another sheep into the fold....and if no one comes to Christ through this action...then no harm done, at least I"m being obedient, and THAT...that's what it's all about. Let's start obeying Christ...and letting His Spirit do the rest.

You can witness anytime anywhere, you just have to be creative! Use http://www.needgod.com/ whenever you have to hand write anything credit card receipts, checks (in the memo), envelopes....possibilities are endless!

So I challenge you... start writing http://www.needgod.com/ on the back of your envelopes...think of how many hands it will pass through...and how curious people are to read your little hand written note...and let's face it that web address is pretty catchy and easy to remember....so starting today add that to your outgoing mail.

2012 Senior Photo Shoot Contest for the Baton Rouge and Surrounding Area!

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:09:00 +0000

2012 Seniors are you interested in winning a FREE photo shoot with Eternal Focus Photography????

To see more senior photos visit http://www.eternalfocusphotos.com/

Eternal Focus Photography is running a contest starting June 10th.

What do I win?

FREE sitting fee (A normal shoot requires $250.00 upfront)
1 hour shoot
Unlimited outfit changes
Location of your choice within the Baton Rouge and surrounding area
15 images on a CD (Images on a CD can cost up to $100 each and yet you're getting 15 FREE).
1/2 off any prints, books, or canvases (You could literally save hundreds of dollars on all your senior printing needs including wallets, announcements, coffee table books, and canvases)

Because facebook has new rules and regulations regarding contests things are going to be a little different. To enter please do the following:

Email a snap-shot to eternal_focus_photos@yahoo.com using "2012 Senior Contest" as the subject. Photos will be posted on Eternal Focus Photography's Blog in a entry entitled "2012 Senior Contest with Eternal Focus Photography" within 24 hours. Any snap shot will do, it's just so you're friends and family recognize you...so get those phones out and snap a pic :)
Have friends and family leave a comment on the blog stating that they are voting for you. (They will need to have or create a google account, live journal, WordPress, TypePad, AIM or OpenID)
Make sure you and your friends/family share this info by clicking the facebook, twitter, blogger, or email button toward the bottom of this page/entry so that you can have even more people know about the contest and vote :)
You, and anyone that you want voting should "LIKE" Eternal Focus Photography's facebook because I will be posting the blog updates with contestant pictures and updates on who is currently in the lead. (Although this isn't required it's highly recommended)
The person whose picture has the most votes by 12 noon on Monday, June 20th wins.

Interested in booking a session or would like to see more of our work visit http://www.eternalfocusphotos.com/ or call 225-439-5444.

What's the condition of your heart?

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:38:00 +0000

"But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."

Luke 8:15

For years my heart fell into the category of the shallow soil upon the rock...then the rock was removed yet the thorns of life choked out the seed...finally after years of plowing up the soil and thorns being uprooted my heart was finally prepared for the seed to take root...Don't give up on that person...continue to plant seeds, you never know what is going on in someones heart. ~ Brooke

"At any time, the receptiveness of your heart will determine your response to God's Word (Luke 8:5-18). If your heart is like the trampled ground, hardened by the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness, you will be unable to accept a message from God. Though you hear the words of the message, you will remain unchanged. If your heart is like the shallow soil on top of a rock, you will accept God's Word in your mind, but the truth will not penetrate you heart to make a difference in your actions. A heart like thorny soil is a life that is distracted by the cares of the world; the pursuit of earthly pleasures prevents God's Word from taking hold and produing righteousness. The heart that is like good soil recieves a word from God, applies it, and brings forth fruit in due time. This is the heart that Jesus desires in us, for the fruit will by a Christlike life.

Any time you hear a word from God, whether through bible reading, prayer, or worship, the way you respond will depend on how you have cultivated you heart (Hos. 10:12). How do you develop a heart that is like good soil? Repent of any bitterness, anger or unforgivenss. Meditate on God's Word until it enters deep into your heart and not just you mind. Let Him bring His Word into reality in your life (Gal. 6:9). See that you don't devote all of your energy to worldly concerns, rather than to pursuing your relationship with God. The condition of your heart will vary, depending on how you cultivate it. If it was receptive to a word from God yesterday, this does not guarantee it is receptive today. Daily prepare you heart for the word God has for you!"

~Exoeriencing God Day by Day, By: Henry T. Blackaby Y Richard Blackaby

April's Contest Winners: Kala & Cory Sides

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Man was this a fun contest to watch! Kala & Cory were neck and neck with another couple all the way up until the end...it was a nail biter to say the least! I had a blast on this shoot, and stepped out of my comfort zone, and actually TOUCHED a spider! EEEEEK!!! Turns out Kala thinks they are ickier than I do, so me being the photographer/super woman than I am, saved the day :) This sucker was 2-3 inches round...the fact that it was a granddaddy-long-leg is besides the point....

Back to Kala and Cory...what a sweet couple!!! Although the great outdoors isn't actually their "thing", they were the perfect customers, willing to do as Kala says "anything for a good photo". Now that's my kinda girl! We had a blast camping, picnicking, walking, dancing...the list goes on and on! Hope y'all enjoy the pictures! If any of you are interested in a shoot visit http://www.eternalfocusphotos.com/ or call 225-439-5444! Thanks to everyone for participating in last months contest, I will be doing another one once I hit 1,000 "LIKES" so spread the word!!! And if you know Kala and Cory feel free to copy & paste this blog address as a link to show off on your page!

I think he must've liked what he saw.....

Because , boyyyyyyy did he move fast, but Kala didn't seem to mind...granted, she played the faux innocent part well :)))))

This Social Media thing is kickin' my tail!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Me + website = DISASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday I was having MAJOR issues trying to redesign my website. I facebooked my brother-in-law, which is an AMAZING graphic designer and web designer with T2, but I got impatient when I didn't get an immediate response....I know I know, patience is a virtue....one in which I'm still actively seekin' :) So I remembered I had another friend who just got out of school for programming I messaged her and she said she would look into but hours went by with no changes....I thought maybe she couldn't start doing stuff till after work yesterday....so I started trying to mess with it again and decided to try a different template (even though I had fallen in love with the one that I was having major problems with). I changed all the pages to reflect the new template and then all of the sudden the computer ...or the site became possessed by Satan (or so I thought) and started changing everything back and my website was alllll screwed up again! Turns out me and the lady started working on it at the same time and she was changing it back, lol...I thought it was fixed and the pages were "starting" at the top like they were supposed to (the problem was the text and pictures were showing up half way down the page leaving a GYNORMOUS amount of blank space at the top)...until we added sub-pages and then it turned back into a disaster....sooooo I'm going with the different template idea again...sighhhhhh.....I wish I had found a magic lamp and had 3 wishes! Oh, by the way, after I got the issued resolved I fb'ed by brother-in-law again to tell him that it was fixed and not to worry about it, and he promptly responded "glad I could be of service" or something stupi...eh-hmmmm...I mean brilliant like that....NO MORE FAMILY PICS FOR HIM AT CHRISTMAS TIME...I may just wrap up some cat poo....MERRY CHRISTMAS BUDDY!!! lolololololol......oops sorry....****THINK CHRISTIAN THOUGHTS*****....ok I'm back...

I better get off of here....too much coffee it looks like! Check out the new and improved website when you get a sec, I'm still updating the gallery...so check back again later to see even more updates ... I better get off here now...too much coffee...

I wanna schedule a photo session, but I need to lose weight first....

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:55:00 +0000

"I wanna schedule a photo session, but I need to lose weight first."

How many of you feel this way? Well trust me, you are NOT alone!!!! I hear this line weekly, and quite frankly, I gave this line to a fellow-photographer this year! I've got good news....I found something that WORKS!!!!!!!!!

During the Thanksgiving holidays I traveled to the Smokies to celebrate with family, and of course I brought my camera along. Since starting up Eternal Focus Photography, I have been the one BEHIND the camera...well I asked someone to snap a shot of me and my dad and then one of me and my husband on this trip and HOLY GUACAMOLE....my BEHIND needed to get back BEHIND the camera!!! Where in the world had all this weight came from, and why had I not noticed it before these pictures??????? So then after Thanksgiving comes Christams and while celebrating the birth of our Lord, I, of course have to celebrate with every dessert known to man and then some known only in a couple of distant galaxies. Then comes New Years...and well you get the picture....and speaking of picture here is the pic of me and my husband from the Smokies...

I contemplated not posting this due to old high school friends...but Oh well....I refuse to make it bigger though due to the muffin top and large moon face...it's still morning time and people need to keep down their breakfast.

After 17 attempts to take a self-portrait with my cell phone...this is literally the best I could do..I'll have to get some professional pics done this summer...and yes it's May and I have a polar fleece jacket on, my office is FREEZING!

After the 1st of the year I decided to do something about it. I bought P90X, which I'm positive works...but when I started gaining muscle and not shedding the weight fast, I became discouraged. I know that sounds silly, but surely someone out there knows how I feel, lol. Then I got back on Weight Watchers, which worked with my baby weight...but for whatever reason I just couldn't stick with it this time. So I did low carbs again...I lost TONS of weight on that before...it just wasn't coming off this time. People were saying "It's because you're getting older, your metabolism slowed down"....Oh great...I"m only 33 and I"m in the OLD category! I know Jesus died at this very age, but come on....I'm not THAT old!

So a friend of mine brought the HCG diet to my attention, just before I was going to get back on diet pills. I started doing a little research and thought.."Eh...it's worth a try". OH MY GOODNESS....IT WORKS!!!!!! I have lost 27 pounds in 35 days!! I should have lost more...but when I did my research, I didn't do a very good job, lol....a read the main points and skipped the rest. Soooo for all of you looking for something that works let me tell you what I did.

Google HCG diet and they will tell you the basic do's and don'ts etc. The 1st step is the Prep Stage to cleanse your body. I picked up some info from my local health food store and it gave you 39 (Literally) different things to do, some of which were crazy like THROW AWAY your microwave....ummmmm...not gonna happen. So I googled a natural body cleanse and the first thing that popped up was the Cabbage Soup diet....don't roll your eyes and stop reading...it's not as bad as it sounds...this is a diet given by doctors for heart patients and it's not ALL cabbage soup...so check out the cabbage soup diet I lost 8 pounds in a week with this. I bought my HCG spray from a health food store and it says Pharmeceutical-Homeopathic, incase you were wondering. When you start the Low Calorie diet...follow the diet to a "T"...I didn't lose weight some days and even gained weight by taking a bite of things I wasn't supposed to eat. It's not JUST about the calorie count...it has to do with the kinds of food and how it responds chemically with the HCG hormone...there are NO SUBSTITUTIONS. For example I had 1 Cheeto...ONE...and I skipped my fruit for the day, thinking I could swap calories....and I didn't lose wait....so don't make this mistake. Also when it says to eat apples....eat only green apples...red apples have more sugar.

So if you are interested...it sounds rough but while taking HCG you're not starving...just drink tons of water and you will be thrilled with the results :)))) After my 40 days...I plan to start back on the P90X to firm up and then just watch my calories...

A few more of the 17, I'm terrible taking my own picture and I'm HORRIBLE taking pictures with a cell phone...it's like I had wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too much coffee b/c every picture was blurred!

Eternal Focus Photography: April's Couple's Picture Contest Rules and Info

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Hey Guys! This month I'm running a contest for COUPLES :)))) They are my absolute FAVE to photograph, after all! The winner will receive a FREE MINI photo shoot with a CD!!! The cutest couple can be from anywhere between highschool all the way to 100years old!!! Cute couples don't have to be Ken and Barbie, they are merely the ones that everyone says, "Oh, they are just so great together" or "I want my marriage to be just like theres" or it could be a great way to REKINDLE the flame with your hunny!!! Photo shoots are fun and romantic, so give it a try, you have NOTHING to lose and everything to gain!!! Here is an example of an everyday photo that could be entered:

Me and my cutie-patootie husband :)

Here's what you do:
1. Post a Picture on my wall of you and your hunny.
2. Post the same picture on your wall, tagging me, and telling people they have to "LIKE" Eternal Focus Photography's page and "like" or comment on your picture.
3. Voting/"Like-ing"/Comments will last all the way to MIDNIGHT on the last day of April. Winner will be announced the following day. (Comments left at 12:00am on the last day and later will not be accepted.)
4. Pictures DO NOT have to be professional....they are NOT judging the quality of the picture...they are voting for YOU!!! Get all your friends and family involved...and their friends and family involved.
5. HAVE FUN!!! If you don't have a picture of yourself....take one!!!!!!!
6. Winner is the couple with the most "LIKES" and comments in total.

HAPPY POSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Couples Photo Shoot: Alyssa & Aaron

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:56:00 +0000

If it’s gonna be a rainy day,
There’s nothing we can do to make it change.
We can pray for sunny weather
But that won’t stop the rain.
Feeling like you got no place to run,
I can be your shelter ’til it’s done.
We can make this last forever,
So please don’t stop the rain.

Let it fall.

Eternal Focus: How do you know the Bible is true?

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Since I began talking to anybody and everybody about their faith, I have run across many who don't believe in God or the Bible at all, and others who aren't sure if it's all true and question the authenticity of the actual Bible. This blog is for you as well as for others who are trying to be bold in their faith and have been confronted with the question: "How do you know the Bible is true?"

There are many ways to know that the Bible is the Word of God. For example, it has amazing continuity. If you take any biblical theme (for example, the subject of "blood") and follow it from the Old Testament into the New Testament, you will find incredible continuity and harmony, even though the Scriptures were written over a period of 1,500 years by about 40 different people from all walks of life.

Or if you study the nature of the Creator - that He is perfect, holy, just, and good - you will find the same consistency throughout the Scriptures. This is because the Bible was written by one Author - GOD, who used men to write His words to mankind, just as you would use a pen to write a letter.

You can also know that the Bible is the Word of God because of its hundreds of fulfilled prophecies. Unlike other books, the Bible offeres a multitude of detailed predictions - some thousands of years in advance - that have been literally fulfilled. No other religious text has specific, repeated, and unfailing fulfillment of predictions many years in advance of events over which the predictor had no control.

The Scriptures predicted the rise and fall of great empires, foretold the destruction of cities, and prophesied of the reign and death of national leaders. Even more important are the many prophecies of a coming Messiah. God said He would send someone to redeem mankind from sin, and He wanted there to be no mistake about who that Person would be. There are over three hundred prophecies that tell of the ancestry, birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth. All have been literally fulfilled to the smallest detail. Only one who is omniscient can accurately predict details of events thousands of years in the future. God provided this evidence for us so we could know that the Scriptures have a divine Author. In all, over 25 percent of the entire Bible contains specific predictive prophecies that have been literally fulfilled. This is true of no other book in the world. And it is a sure sign of the divine origin.

In addition, archaelogical evidence attests to the accuracy of the Scriptures. There have been over 25,000 arcaelogical finds that relate to people, places, and events in the Bible, and not one has ever refuted a biblical statement. The Bible is not only historically true, but it gives a purpose for history. History is not merely a series of unrelated events. The Bible tells us the beginning and shows a progression to an end, and promises that the world in which we live, with all its corruption, will one day be made into a new world without sin.

However, there is another way to know that the Bible is the Word of God. It speaks to the experience of the Christian.

Imagine if you were given a dry, complicated instruction book that didn't make much sense to you. Then someone gave you a very complex appliance that you had no idea how to operate.

You wondered if the instruction book was made by the appliance manufacturer, so you opened it with that in mind. It said to plug the appliance into an electrical outlet, and then to adjust three switches on the left, and a red light would come on. When you flicked the three switches, the red light came on.

If gave you fifteen more instructions, which you diligently carried out. You then flicked the main switch, a blue light came on, as it said it should, and the appliance turned on and ran perfectly. Your experience proved to you thtat the instruction book in your hand was for the complex appliance.

You are the complex appliance, and the Bible is your instruction Book. Do what it says and you will experience that it was indeed written by the Manufacturer (AKA the Creator - God).

~WOTM

I HEART FACES PHOTO CONTEST | SUN FLARE

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:51:00 +0000

Sooo excited about this weeks Photo Contest with I HEART FACES considering Sun Flare is my FAVE, b/c I love the light at sunset and love love love capturing sun flare!!! This is one of my favorite pictures...quite possibly b/c the couple is one of my favorite couples. They are so comfortable around each other and they listen so well to instructions and yet it's so natural and unposed at the same time!

When we really examine creation, how can one possibly claim to be an evolutionist?

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Questions for Evolutionists

by Dr. Kent Hovind

The test of any theory is whether or not it provides answers to basic questions. Some well-meaning but misguided people think evolution is a reasonable theory to explain man’s questions about the universe. Evolution is not a good theory—it is just a pagan religion masquerading as science.

1. Where did the space for the universe come from?

2. Where did matter come from?

3. Where did the laws of the universe come from (gravity, inertia, etc.)?

4. How did matter get so perfectly organized?

5. Where did the energy come from to do all the organizing?

6. When, where, why, and how did life come from dead matter?

7. When, where, why, and how did life learn to reproduce itself?

8. With what did the first cell capable of sexual reproduction reproduce?

9. Why would any plant or animal want to reproduce more of its kind since this would only make more mouths to feed and decrease the chances of survival? (Does the individual have a drive to survive, or the species? How do you explain this?)

10. How can mutations (recombining of the genetic code) create any new, improved varieties? (Recombining English letters will never produce Chinese books.)

11. Is it possible that similarities in design between different animals prove a common Creator instead of a common ancestor?

12. Natural selection only works with the genetic information available and tends only to keep a species stable. How would you explain the increasing complexity in the genetic code that must have occurred if evolution were true?

13. When, where, why, and how did: a) Single-celled plants become multicelled? (Where are the two- and threecelled intermediates?) b) Single-celled animals evolve? c) Fish change to amphibians? d) Amphibians change to reptiles? e) Reptiles change to birds? (The lungs, bones, eyes, reproductive organs, heart, method of locomotion, body covering, etc., are all very different!) How did the intermediate forms live?

14. When, where, why, how, and from what did: a) Whales evolve? b) Sea horses evolve? c) Bats evolve? d) Eyes evolve? e) Ears evolve? f) Hair, skin, feathers, scales, nails, claws, etc., evolve?

15. Which evolved first (how, and how long, did it work without the others)? a) The digestive system, the food to be digested, the appetite, the ability to find and eat the food, the digestive juices, or the body’s resistance to its own digestive juice (stomach, intestines, etc.)? b) The drive to reproduce or the ability to reproduce? c) The lungs, the mucus lining to protect them, the throat, or the perfect mixture of gases to be breathed into the lungs? d) DNA or RNA to carry the DNA message to cell parts? e) The termite or the flagella in its intestines that actually digest the cellulose? f) The plants or the insects that live on and pollinate the plants? g) The bones, ligaments, tendons, blood supply, or muscles to move the bones? h) The nervous system, repair system, or hormone system? i) The immune system or the need for it?

Kiss & Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Had an opportunity to work with SarahBess Brown with Kiss & Makeup a couple of weeks ago, and I just wanted to put it out there, that she ROCKS!!!! I know you guys have seen some of the posts I've made about her, but I mean I seriously just want to call her up to come do my makeup just for date nights, lol. Here are some pics from when our model Dawn, first sat down in the chair all the way to the finished "look". If anyone wants more info you can contact me for her number or you can just visit her facebook page! Prom dates are probably booking up fast...so I wouldn't wait till the last moment, also it's officially wedding season so make sure your date is saved before it's too late!

Glam-Rock Bridal Shoot with Dawn Illest

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Model: Dawn Illest Matthis

Makeup Artist: SarahBess Brown with Kiss & Makeup

Song of Solomon 8:6

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

Song of Solomon 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

Song of Solomon 2:16

My lover is mine, and I am his.

Proverbs 15:17

A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

Song of Solomon 1:2

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Solomon 4:10

How delightful is your love, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!

Salty Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:41:00 +0000

"Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." Mark 9:50

"Salvation is a radical thing. It is a call to all that Christ has demanded us to do. Real Christianity will make a salty difference, in our family, in our waking up, in our work, in our relationships, in the way we spend our money, and in the way we spend our leisure time. Real Christianity is not casual. It is dynamic. It goes beyond mere intellectual assent to correct doctrine.

Real Christians who want to know real Christianity, who are not content with games and masks and only images of the truth, must rise from our comfortable pews and leave our 'one stop Christian service centers' and go out into the world and make a salty difference!"

~Guy Rice Doud, Joy in the Journey

**There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.**

Jodi and Jeremy ~ ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:21:00 +0000

The photo shoot with Jodi and Jeremy was such a treat! They giggled just as much and were just as sweet as a couple is, at the beginning of a highschool sweetheart romance.

They may have first seen each other at a church function, but they didn't start talking or get to know each other until they began talking on the net. I'm sure shy people thank God for the internet all the time, lol...after months of communicating via AOL they met up once again at a Youth Lock-In and spent a good bit of time getting to know each other face to face. A few weeks later Jodi thought it was time for her parents to meet the guy she had been slowly falling in love with over the past 6 months, so she invited him over for a bonfire. The night flew by and before he left he turned to Jodi and asked her to be his girlfriend. That was the first “yes” of many more to come. This all happened on Jan 14, 2006 and they have been together ever since.

"Later, my mom told me when she first saw Jeremy, she said it was like looking at my dad when they met minus the belt buckle. I guess its true when they say daughters marry guys that remind them of their dads." ~ Jodi

“Let’s just go ahead and seal this deal! Will you marry me?” Of course I said yes with tears running down my face... ~ Jodi

Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start.

I see it in your eyes, you can feel it from my heart.

From here on after let's stay the way we are right now,

And share all the love and laughter

That a lifetime will allow.

I cross my heart and promise to

Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.

In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,

And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.

As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,

So let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.

I cross my heart and promise to

Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.

In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

And if along the way we find a day it starts to storm,

You've got the promise of my love to keep you warm.

In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine,

A love as true as mine.

April 14, 2012

{{{{Crews and Kelsey}}}}

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Kiss me
out of the bearded barly
nightly
beside the green green grass
swing swing

swing the spinning step
you wear those shoes and
i will wear that dress.

ohhhh......
kiss me
beneath the milky twilight
lead me
out on the moonlit floor,
lift your open hand
strike up the band and
make the fog lights dance
silver moon sparkling.
So, kiss me.

Kiss me

Down by the broken treehouse
Swing me

upon it's hanging tire,
Bring bring

bring your flowerhat
we'll take the trail marked on your
father's map, ohhhhh

OHHH....kiss me
beneath the milky twilight
lead me
out on the moonlit floor,
lift your open hand
strike up the band and
make the fog lights dance
silver moon sparkling.
So, kiss me.

Nicole's 17th Birthday Photo Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Forever Young

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young

And when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young

How can you know you're saved?

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:42:00 +0000

A two-year-old boy was once staring at a heater, fascinated by its bright orange glow. His father saw him and warned, "Don't touch that heater, son. It may look pretty, but it's hot." The little boy believed him, and moved away from the heater.

Some time later, after his father had left the room, the boy thought, "I wonder if it really is hot?" He then reached out to touch it to see for himself. The second his flesh burned, he stopped BELIEVING it was hot, he now KNEW it was hot! He had moved out of the realm of BELIEF into the realm of EXPERIENCE.

Most Christians believed in God's existence before their conversion. However, when they obeyed the Word of God, turned from their sins, and placed their trust in Jesus, they stopped merely believing. The moment they reached out and touched the heater bar of God's mercy, they moved out of BELIEF into the realm of EXPERIENCE. This change is so radical, Jesus referred to it as being "born again" (See John 3:1-5).

The Bible says that those who don't know God are spiritually dead (see Ephesians 2:1; 4:18). We are born with physical life, but not spiritual life. The apostle Paul said if you are "in Christ," you are a brand knew creation (See 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Becoming a Christian isn't a change of mind. It's not an adherence to religious belief or dogma. It's a complete rebirth. It's not a wax and polish, a tune-up, or a new paint job. It's a brand new car. That's what astounds me about Christianity. A true convert experiences the power of the invisible God giving him a brand new heart with new desires.

Those who now have God's Spirit living in them will love what He loves and desire to do His will; they will have a hunger for His Word, a love for other believers, and a burden for the lost. The Holy Spirit also confirms in their spirit that they are now children of God (see Romans 8:16). Those who believe on the name of the Son of God can KNOW that they have eternal life (see 1 John 5:12, 13). A Christian is not someone who has a "belief," but someone who has a relationship with the living God. They come to know the God of the universe experientially.

At the risk of being redundant, I don't "believe" the He exists. I know Him. Personally, I have a living relationship with the Creator. I talk to Him through prayer, and He guides me through His Word and by His Holy Spirit. I have known the Lord since Easter 2006,

I not only know Him, but I love Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. He is my life, He's my joy, my Creator, my Savior, my Lord and my God.

Suppose two experts - a heater manufacturer and a skin specialist - walked into the room just after that child had burned his hand on the heater. Both assured the boy that he couldn't possibly have been burned. But all the experts, theories, and arguments in the world will not dissuade that boy, because of his experience. Those who have been transformed by God's power need never fear scientific or other arguments, because the man or woman with experience is not at the mercy of a man with an argument. "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance..."(I Thessalonians 1:5).

My earnest hope and prayer would be that those of you who don't have a personal relationship with God would soften your sinful heart, and repent and trust Jesus Christ, so that you too can testify to this unchanging truth: "This is eternal life: that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and the One You have sent - Jesus Christ" (John 17:3).

(WOTM)

KaylaJo & Michael

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Their story began just over 6 months ago.,,,they just happened to be at the same place, at the same time.

Stolen glances...bashful smiles...

Friendly conversations...

...and suddenly..... romance blooms

you are the cheese to my macaroni you are the horizon to my sky

you are the bacon to my eggs you are the laces to my sneakers

you are the jelly to my peanut butter you are the smile to my face

you are the gravy to my mashed potatoes you are the bubbles to my bath

you are the milk to my cookie you are the ketchup to my french fries

you are the water to my ocean you are the icing to my cupcake

"...excited to document where our love has blossomed, and to look forward to what's ahead as we contine to grow." ~Kayla Jo

My Love

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:48:00 +0000

I've been lookin' seekin' searchin'
For somebody like you
Then my prayers were answered
Baby heaven sent me you

I've waited for you so long
Love will never forsake you
It's like heaven on earth love
With my darlin' so near

I'm yearnin' for your sweet kisses
And your lovin' embrace
And that cute little smile
Glows on your angel face

Anthony and Brittany

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:22:00 +0000

When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down

When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Tryin' to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comfort
Sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way it ought to be

Well, this man loves a woman
I gave you everything I had
Tryin' to hold on to your precious love
Baby, please don't treat me bad

When a man loves a woman
Down deep in his soul
She can bring him such misery
If she plays him for a fool
He's the last one to know
Lovin' eyes can't ever see

When a man loves a woman
He can do no wrong
He can never own some other girl
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're my world

When a man loves a woman.....

How confusing is a BLOG????

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Ok...I've had people ask me how do you "follow" a blog...and how can I be notified when there are new posts. You would think that would be easy...I was under the assumption you just clicked "FOLLOW" and then followed (no pun intended) the directions. Obviously it's not that simple. I've done a little research....and if you're interested in following this blog, I've ATTEMPTED to make it easier.

At the top of each post their a "POSTS" icon with a little arrow. Click on it.
A drop down box will appear. Click on the last choice: ATOM
Follow Directions
Updates should be able to be viewed when you click on your "Favorites" star located on your internet tool bar. It's normally at the top of the page on the bottom left of the tool bar...it's a YELLOW single star.
Eternal Focus Should be listed.

I don't think there's a way to be notified...but if there is and you're a BLOG pro....please enlighten me, lol...b/c I am completely new to this. Feel free to comment.

If you REALLY care...you'll talk about that earthquake!

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:39:00 +0000

The title sounds crazy, I know....but, let me explain.

When talking to strangers, co-workers, or the lost in general, "it may be a relief to know that you shouldn't walk up to someone and begin a converstation by talking about Jesus. They'll most likely think you're strange. Bright lights in the eyes is always offensive. Instead, start in the natural realm (talking about everyday things) & then swing the conversaton toward the spiritual realm (talking about spriritual things). That's the way Jesus did it in John 4:7-26. When He met the woman at the well, he began talking about natural things (a drink of water). He then swung the conversation to sprititual things ("living water").

You may start talking about football or the weather, and then perhaps use something in the news to swing to the subject of spiritual things"...LIKE THAT HUGE EARTHQUAKE IN NEW ZEALAND. After you bring up something like that you can then say something like "What do you think happens when a person dies? Where do they go? You haven't mentioned God, sin, Judgement Day, or Hell. You are just asking they what they think. SO you won't feel uncomfortable. Most people are pleased to give their opinion on anything." If you aren't comfortalbe sharing the gospel yet (because you need more practice) then bring tracts. Tracts to me sound "old school" and boring...but there are some really cool ones out there that aren't a bore to read at all and will actually cause people to ask for more...it happens to me all the time...in fact they ALWAYS bring a smile to people's faces. Go to http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ and hit the store tab and their are TONS of different ones to choose from.

"It doesn't matter how you do it (swing from the natural to the spiritual), only that you do it. Again start in the natual realm so they don't think you're a religious nut, and then make the trasition any way you want. that will lead you directly into a conversation about the things of God. Remember, most people are not offended when the subject of God comes up, despite what our over ripe, fear-filled imaginations tell us."

To read more concerning this...check out the only other Book, besides the Bible that changed my life. Click on the following link and the entire book is found on line.

http://books.google.com/books?id=heslYqAfdGcC&pg=PA189&lpg=PA189&dq=start+in+the+natural+and+swing+to+the+spiritual&source=bl&ots=DEpdlGB8r6&sig=03ELREpHgaJHbF8Ld_Y8-NFAZ3E&hl=en&ei=R-JjTZyxB5Catwe2nbncCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=start%20in%20the%20natural%20and%20swing%20to%20the%20spiritual&f=false

Once again...thanks for taking the time o read this.

There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.

A chance to get to know the REAL person behind the camera!

noreply@blogger.com (Eternal Focus) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:59:00 +0000

I said the prayer of salvation when I was in kindergarten. I said it several times actually…I can remember doing it several times as I was running out to play “just to make sure”. You know the prayer basically “come into my heart”. I knew even way back then I wanted to go to heaven and not hell so I prayed the prayer. I was in Christian schools up until my senior year.

The chunky chick on the far right would be me. This was on Thanksgiving I was a pilgrim :)

I grew up as a very trying child…full of pride and pretty disrespectful. I started having “relations” at a very young age (keeping it PG J ) and started smoking at 15. By my senior year in high school I was getting drunk on a regular basis, dabbling in drugs, and cursed like a sailor.

That's me right smack-dab in the middle.

By 19 I was pregnant and out of wedlock….all this while still claiming to be a Christian. If you were to look at my life next to a “non-believer’s” life and I didn’t tell you I was a Christian…you would never know…I never bore any “fruits of the Spirit”. My life pretty much looked like this for years. Yes, I would go to church sporadically …sometimes every Sunday for a couple of months and then sometimes I would skip several weeks. Yes I would read my Bible…sometimes Books at a time…sometimes months would go by without a single verse. Yes I would pray.....sometimes several times a day…but sometimes I would go weeks without speaking a word to Him. I often wondered if Jesus were to come back right now….would I be named among the righteous? Something just didn’t feel right…I would think how can I live like this knowing it’s wrong and still go to heaven. My friends would tell me…you’re saved you BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and asked for forgiveness of sins and He lives in your heart…but it didn’t add up.

I got remarried in February of 2006 and on Easter of 2006 I visited my parents church, and decided to “rededicate” my life to God…now keep in mind I had done this a dozen times before over the years…but this time was the only time I said “not my will Father, but Yours”. I told God I had been doing things my way my whole life and I wanted to do His Will now…after all my way hadn’t worked up until that point. Although my heart changed and I was sincere I didn’t completely change overnight. I got baptized on Mother’s Day that same year and we started looking for a church to call “home”. We tried several in the area and didn’t feel lead to continue in any of them. I began to pray for a church that God wanted me to be in and for friends that were Christians …since I had moved I hadn’t made new friends. In December of 2006 a new family moved into our Condo’s. Makala (my daughter) started playing with the new family’s kids and she told me their dad was a pastor. I wasn’t interested in getting to know them because as horrible as this sounds I thought a pastor and his wife sounded like boring people (keep in mind I was new at this God’s will thing).

That's me (Brooke) on the right...the preacher's wife (now one of my closest friends) is in the middle, and my other bff is on the left...another God-send.

Anyway, I ended up meeting the wife a month or so later and felt at home with her immediately (maybe because looking at her is like looking in a mirror...take a look at that pic again...don't we look like sisters???), they invited us to church and after a few weeks of talking about it we finally decided to give it a try (This was in early February 2007). We began to attend to attend the church regularly and I began to make daily Bible reading a part of my life…and this is when I began to grow in my faith rapidly and the “fruits of the Spirit” began to be apparent to more than just my family….I became a whole new creature in Christ. I'm gonna stop here and leave the "rest of the story" for another blog, another day.

Sooo...what's your testimony? If you died today are you 100% positive you would go to heaven? Think you're not going to die today? Well, ya never know...150,000 people die every 24 hours...we aren't guaranteed another second on this earth. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to "Examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith" (this statement was written to the actual church members)...make sure that you are a TRUE convert. You can go to http://www.needgod.com/ and take a quick quiz or if you have a few minutes listen to this:

This is part 1 of 5 of True and False Conversion...the 2 of 5 through 5 of 5 are also on Youtube if you're interested.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I urge you open your Bible and see what God's Word has in store for you today...AND go to church this weekend...if you don't have a church you call home come to The Freedom Church with us!!! We now have 3 LOCATIONS!!! Denham Springs, Frost, and Springfield. To see if you may be interested go to http://www.thefreedomchurch.com/. Have a great weekend!!!!