HIGH RAW ADVENTURE

Gone, But Not Really

2012-01-20T16:57:00.001-07:00

Losing a friend is always a painful shock. But when they are no longer walking among us where do they go? Is death final? Is heaven a concept or a real place? Is everyone going there after death?

John 3:16 For God so love the world that he sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

My favorite of all the Scriptures. Actually, the very central theme of the whole Bible.

Why did God send Jesus? The answer is because he loved us and knew there was no way we could get to heaven on our own merits. We were drowning in the sea of our sins, and Jesus came as a divine redemptive life-ring to rescue us. That He would step down from heaven and come to this lost world as a baby on the path to a cruel Roman cross is amazing. That He would take all of our sins on his perfect God-self is off the scale.

In the aftermath of losing our friend Morris, heaven is very much on my mind. And hell, too. When I worked with Morris and saw him often I talked to him about the Lord, because it's my job. Because the Lord is part of my everyday conversation. Matt. 28:18 Go...and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I heard a saying long ago that you can't take anything to heaven except people. As I get older and have even more of a sense that time is short, I have even more urgency about helping to put others on the path to a secure eternity.

When Morris and I worked together he seemed uninterested in hearing about the Lord. Never accepted invitations to church, or any of the Bible classes we have in our home. I've heard the question of how could a good God send people into the fires of hell? He doesn't. The simple reality is that we send ourselves there. By rejecting Jesus' sacrificial death to cover our sins while we are alive, our holy God has no choice but to exempt us from heaven when we die. After all, why would a person want to spend eternity with God and his people when he had refused that opportunity on earth?

I was completely heart-sick when I heard that our 45 year old friend Morris Bitsie had died, because we had seen him recently. And my assumption was that Morris was still resisting Jesus. Then, his close friend Larry gave us an update on Morris's eternal destination. Raised in a close Christian family, Morris finally accepted the lifeline from Jesus when he was facing his heart-valve surgery a few months ago. He accepted Jesus as his Savior. So the bottom line of this way-too-early death of a good friend is that it's not the tragedy it could be. Morris is in heaven. And while we will miss him terribly here on earth~we can see him again. Not at military welcome-homes, not at the balloon fiesta, not when packing boxes for the military, not at Tea Party events~but in heaven.

Two Questions for Morris

2012-01-15T13:16:00.001-07:00

A good friend passed away unexpectedly a few days ago. No warning, just time up~~now. We're all going to face that end-moment someday. Some, much too early.

I have two questions for each of you. The time never seemed "right" to ask them of Morris, and, of course, there was plenty of time left. Right? Wrong. So I'm asking them of all of you, as a memorial to Morris.

Here goes. Question #1~ If you died now, right this minute, where do you think your soul would go? If you haven't thought about it or don't know, read on. The choice is yours. If you answer that you think you're going to heaven Question #2 is~what do you base that on?

Maybe your basis is having been raised in a Christian family. I'm sorry to have to say that's not good enough. God has no grandchildren. We all have to make our own individual decision to follow Christ. Or maybe you base it on being a regular church-goer. Going to church is good, but even that isn't a ticket to heaven. That answer reminds me of an old joke that going to church no more makes you a Christian than going into a garage makes you a car. Or maybe you might believe that all roads lead to God. True, but then what?

John 14:6 I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man (or woman) comes to the Father except by me.

The one correct answer to question to #2 is that you have believed in Jesus Christ and have accepted his sacrificial death on the cross for your salvation. Nothing else. Nothing more and nothing less. Period.

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

Think about these very important questions. If you've answered correctly and your eternity is resting safely in God's hands, ask yourself who you need to ask these two questions. Do it now while there's still time.

This post was written in honor of Morris Bitsie; a US military veteran, an active and faithful patriot, a very unique man who gave much to the military community, and a good friend who will be missed a lot. Goodbye, dear friend.

UPDATE: Morris accepted the Lord before his heart-valve surgery a few months ago. Heaven is his new residence.

Raw Update, Election Jitters, and the Truth

2012-01-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead I do what I hate. Romans 7:15 NLT

Raw Update. I'm still struggling to eat more raw, but making slow progress. My fingers are still sore, but better now. This flare-up is the consequence of my own foolish acts. The stress-induced candy binge before Christmas satisfied on the short-term, but is exacting an on-going revenge. Will I remember this painful lesson the next time I'm stressed, or will I stupidly self-indulge again? I really want to do what's good for my body.

I'm sprouting again, after a hiatus of a few weeks. Dinner tonight was a big salad of leafy sprouts topped with sunflower sprouts, and pickled red onion, with my rendition of kedgeree with chicken. Delicious and healthy, but more cooked than raw. Room to improve there.

I've also started making yogurt again. Easy, very delicious, very healthy and~~very inexpensive. But not raw. Yogurt, with some fresh fruit. Or as a salad dressing.

Election 2012. My fear is that none of the Republican candidates will be able to beat Obama, and that this lawless man will then have four more years to finish his destruction of America. Every time I see a new Obama bumper sticker I pray the person will open his/her eyes. But socialists vote for socialism, no matter the consequences. Socialism has never been successful anywhere. Why, then? Good question.

Ever hear of the Reverend Jim Jones, Guyana and the deadly cups of Kool-aid? Today fellow Americans are handing out cups of deadly nation-destroying lies. Don't drink it. Open your eyes and look for the truth and pray for America. Before you cast your vote in November, examine your heart and then do the right thing. Ask God and He'll help you know what that right thing is. This upcoming election may be America's last chance.

John 18:37 I (Jesus) was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.

John 8:32 ...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Raw Revisited

2011-12-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

My high raw adventure began several years ago. Raw vegetables and fruit are proven to be nourishing, curative and protective. Linked below are three websites. There are literally hundreds more to peruse on the subject.

Despite knowing what I know, and having proven it in the most conclusive way~in my own body~ a constant struggle goes on to keep my diet in the high raw range. I feel incredibly supercharged at about 75%. A no-brainer then, right? You'd think so. But lack of discipline, my love of cooking, old persistent eating habits, remembered tastes and textures, plain old laziness, and emotional stress eating~ are all on the side of eating cooked foods. Good reasons? Not so much. Pretty pathetic excuses, actually.

My justification is that when eating high raw I feel hungry all the time, and that's the reason I often lose the struggle. But, let's be real here. Is this true hunger? Hello! With a tummy full of vitally fresh and living, enzyme-rich foods, true hunger is simply not possible. I crave lots of cooked foods even knowing I'm not going to feel well after I eat them. Are these junk foods and processed foods I crave? Not usually. They're pretty healthy foods, just cooked.

So how do I know when my diet has slipped into the too-cooked red zone? Energy levels dip into the lethargic range, arthritic joints become stiff, inflamed, and painful~and digestion goes from good to not-so-good. All in a span of minutes to hours. Shouldn't those be good enough reasons to stay on the high raw path? You'd think so, right? I'd like to be a stronger person than that. I am a stronger person than that.

Having already proven over and over how vibrant and healthy I feel when eating a high raw diet, and because pain and lethargy are my current state of being~~what am I going to do about it? Here's my plan, starting today. Every breakfast is going to be a raw green smoothie. And before I eat anything else the rest of the day, a raw salad or a savory raw soup will go down first. Then and only then, after I'm well nourished with colorful, vibrant and life-giving raw foods, will I allow myself to eat small amounts of cooked foods. Stay tuned for an update.

Do you want to be healthier, thinner, and have more energy in the days ahead? What's your plan?

Is this a New Years Resolution? Not really~just a promise to the Lord, to myself, and to you.

Genesis 1:30 "And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." That's includes us! It's the first mention of food in the Bible. I don't think it's a coincidence.

Empty Holidays or Christmas

2011-12-19T11:31:00.001-07:00

What is Christmas?

Is this a holly, jolly time that you eagerly anticipate every year? Or is it a stressful time of emotional turmoil from November through the New Year?

Is it all about shopping and giving gifts? About struggling to find just the right gift? And maybe struggling to pay for it for months to come?

Is it all about red, green, white, silver, and gold decorations, twinkle or icicle lights, stars and snowmen, and reindeer, and chubby, jolly red-suited men?

Perhaps it's a time of sadness. For many it is. Suicide rates soar during this time of year. For some this is a supremely, unrelentingly time of loneliness and isolation, when everyone else seems to be jolly and happy and blessed~and you're just not feeling it.

Perhaps you have you been fortunate enough to discover that Christmas is not about the above accoutrements, but instead is about Christ? About remembering the birth of Jesus, who left the majesty of heaven (John 1:2) to come to earth and be born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, allowed himself to be crucified on a Roman cross~~as a sacrifice for my sins and your sins. And almost, almost the best of all is that He has given us Himself and the Holy Spirit so that we can be assured that we'll never be alone again. Never. Be. Alone. Let that soak in.

He has said in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you or forsake you". Do you wonder if this is too good to be true? Or do you wonder why it even matters? Or how to appropriate it for your own life?

Here are a couple of questions to ponder in your heart. If you died right now, right this minute, where would your soul go for eternity? Or would it just be the end? Fini. If your belief is that your soul would go to heaven, what do you base that belief on? Do you think being a "good person" gets you a ticket to heaven? Or going to church? Or giving generously to the poor. All of those things are good, but... Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And Romans 6:23 says ...the wages of sin is death. Oops! So it looks like we can't get to heaven by our 'goodness', or by our loose association with His church, or any other way that we or the world might devise. He (Jesus) says I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by Me. John 14:6

I've heard it said that all roads lead to God. True, but then what? Does your soul then go to heaven to live with Him for eternity~~or~~does it descend to hell.(Revelation 20:12 and 21:8) Hell is a place of fire and darkness and eternal separation from God that we consign ourselves to by rejecting the Way, the Truth, and the Life. While you still draw breath on this earth it's not too late. Do you want to stick with your way or are ready to reach out to the only Way?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believed in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

That's love! You can know it's true and take it to the bank, because the God of the universe stands behind His promises. Do you have trouble believing? Do you wonder if this is all myths and fairy tales? Pray and ask God to help your unbelief. You are reading this on some sort of computer. The Internet is bursting with Bible websites. Many are wonderful, but some aren't. Check out Bible Study Tools. Check out marshillchurch.org for some great teachings by Mark Driscoll. Is he perfect? No. Is he an excellent teacher who loves the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes. Read the Scriptures online. Buy a Bible. Start going to church. Get baptized. Tell a friend or two what you've done. Begin this miraculous journey right now, one step at a time. One that will give you the best life possible, as well as the best eternity.

Now go and enjoy the Christmas festivities, but keep tucked in your heart the One this season is really all about. Share Him. He's the greatest gift you can give anyone. Matt. 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

P.S. Check out some more trolley stops on the Roman Road to Salvation~Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13, Romans 5:1, Romans 10:13, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:1, and the sweetest promise Romans 8:38-39. Be blessed.

Totems and Other Idols

2011-11-25T13:05:00.001-07:00

Sitka, Alaska. Rain, and the precious multi-green plantscape that follows the rain. And around every corner something else to marvel at. The Totem Trail. We marveling at the detailed carvings, but it was also a bit chilling. Spirit guides, ancestors, protector spirits with scary looking faces. Idols.

1 Peter 4:3
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

Although idols left by primitive peoples are interesting to muse over, I don't have idols. Or do I? My idols, while not especially scary are idols nevertheless. TV, books, and ~ even and especially~food. But how can such innocuous things be idols? It's been said that anything we replace our devotion and service to God with is an idol.

The Scriptures show even Jesus taking time for himself. He often went off by himself to pray. He often ate and socialized with friends. But He was always about His Father's business. In taking time for myself, how much is too much? And especially, am I being about my Father's business?

Could it be that if I struggle here it's egged along by a certain old snake in the grass? Think about it. Who has the biggest motive in stealing my time away from the Lord? So if Satan is the problem, what's the solution? Why Jesus, of course. 1 John 4:4 My dear children, you belong to God... and God's Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.

But can we blame it all on the snake? I think not. My sinful nature is always right in there encouraging me to splurge on self. Like overindulging in food! Remember I told you that food is one of my idols. But the more I have of Jesus the less room there is for me-ness.

I'm by no means an expert here. But here's what I'm trying to do, until the Lord shows me a better way. I want to have my focus on being about my Father's business~whatever and wherever.

Matthew 28:19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Where can I share an encouraging word or Scripture, plant a seed for the Lord, pass on a smile, leave a tract for a seeking soul, or send an uplifting text message or email? And through it all I want to pray 'without ceasing'. My God is an awesome God, more satisfying than any idol, and so worth sharing.

Deuteronomy 8:10-18

2011-11-20T08:20:00.001-07:00

Hello friends, back again after another long hiatus.)o: I really mean to post more often.(o:

God does so much for us, every day in every possible way we can imagine. Let's always remember to give thanks to Him, not only on Turkey Day. Here's a big Thanksgiving reminder from the One who is our Alpha and Omega, and who provides everything good to us.

Deuteronomy 8:10-18When you have all you want to eat, then praise the Lord your God for giving you a good land.11 Be careful not to forget the Lord your God so that you fail to obey his commands, laws, and rules that I am giving to you today. 12 When you eat all you want and build nice houses and live in them, 13 when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase, when you have more of everything, 14 then your heart will become proud. You will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, where you were slaves. 15 He led you through the large and terrible desert that was dry and had no water, and that had poisonous snakes and stinging insects. He gave you water from a solid rock 16 and manna to eat in the desert. Manna was something your ancestors had never seen. He did this to take away your pride and to test you, so things would go well for you in the end. 17 You might say to yourself, "I am rich because of my own power and strength," 18 but remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich, keeping the agreement he promised to your ancestors, as it is today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

National Day of Prayer 2011

2011-05-05T11:52:00.000-06:00

America and the world is a mess financially and in every other way. Most of our leaders are out for what they can grab with both hands. Who can we trust? God is the only one. Have any of your friends or family died for you lately? Mine haven't, although I love them all to distraction. So who then? Jesus. Jesus died for our sins. It's a free and wonderful gift, but we are under no obligation to accept it.

Look around you. Most of the world, bent on selfish gain, and me, me, me philosophy don't give a flip for Him or His free gift. Even if they go to church, the other 6 1/2 days of the week are spend ignoring Him and his precepts and principles.

It's time to get serious. Accept His free gift, cherish the Holy Spirit who takes up residence in your heart the very instant you believe. Start living each day like you are in possession of the most precious pearl ever, because you are. And pray~ today and every day for America, Israel, and the rest of the world, and those around you, and those around the world~~and everyone God brings to your mind. Every day is a day for prayer.

Heaven, Hell & Sprouts

2011-04-06T12:37:00.000-06:00

HEALTH UPDATE. Just finished my 3rd liver flush. I now have gotten rid of over 800 gallstones. And the best news is I feel great. But I have much more bodywork to do, more flushes to do. More diet modifications to do. More sprouts to eat.(o:

GOD UPDATE. He's an awesome God. Get to know Him. Decide to follow Him. It is the singularly best decision you will EVER make. Below is a teaching on heaven and hell by my favorite preacher~~Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Have the courage to listen. Then decide to follow Jesus. Then read your Bible, and follow Him~~every day.

Spring Clean Your Heart and Liver

2011-03-24T10:38:00.000-06:00

HEALTH Spring cleaning, preventive maintenance, proactive health care. If any of those sound interesting could be you'd like to hear what I've been up to for the last couple of months. My history in self-care alternative health care is long and has proven to be very useful. After a nearly 40 year career in the allopathic system of sickness care as an CRTT and RN I've developed a definite skepticism about that whole perverted system. Seems the folks who hand out potentially dangerous and likely useless prescriptions, and are enamored with cutting and burning retain the right to prosecute health care practitioners who are trying, by less harmful methods, to help people learn to be well. If what the 'system' did worked so well why are they afraid of competition?

My latest foray into do-it-yourselfness has been in the arena of liver cleansing. This is not the first time I've done it, but I'm serious this time. With lots of online research I've come to believe that our liver is the organ that influences health, for bad or good, in most other parts of the body. We were told in nursing school that our liver performs over 500 functions. An unclogged liver should perform them all better. By going gluten-free a year ago I did a great service to my body. My arthritis is better, but not gone. But there is more work to do. So I've chosen to vigorously clean out my liver and gallbladder.

I'm not going into great detail here, because the information is just a Google away. There is also a great book on the subject, "The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush" by Andreas Moritz. I've done two flushes a month apart with good results. I'm now 430 stones lighter, and feel better. But I know I need to keep going this time until all the stones are gone.

It's a simple, yet not especially easy procedure. But it is effective. I don't go the great lengths some folks do in retrieving and taking photos of my stones. UGH! I just count them. And that's very satisfying in its simplicity.

My diet is still high in raw veggies, with a little fruit thrown in. I especially love sprouts and raw crackers and know that is helping my body by nutrient-loading. But I consider this liver thing a major tweak. I'll be reporting more on it as the months go along.

PRAYER Now, on to really important stuff. Are you in prayer for the lost in America, and around the world? I implore you to be. I've been especially burdened by the disaster in Japan. Over the last year or so I've come to believe that only a revival, not an election, is going to avert America (and the world) from disaster. Matt.18:20 Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be also. And 2chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land. Will God put His hand back on America? Maybe not, but He always has His hand of blessing and protection on His people.

Let's all be in prayer, without ceasing, and continue to watch God work in this dark world that we Christians have allowed to darken by our own inattention and lukewarmness. And by our desire to 'get along'. Maybe God wants us to stand up for His principles, loudly. And especially in the voting booth.

Here's a song I simply can't get enough of. Enjoy!

Metamorphose Your Life

2011-01-03T12:10:00.002-07:00

A new look for the New Year!

Do you have the desire to make 2011 the most incredible, unforgettable year of your life? Would you like to change your life so that every day will be better than all the days that came before? I don't mean this in a name-it-and-claim-it, prosperity theology, God-If-I-Believe-In-You-Can-I Have-A-Hummer kind of way. But instead, I'm talking about establishing a precious relationship with the God of the Bible, through His Son, Jesus Christ~with His promise to 'never leave us or forsake us' thrown in as an amazing bonus.

Isaiah 49:16, God says, "I HAVE ENGRAVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS." You can't get forgotten if you're written on God's hands. Think about that concept a minute. Remember high school and scribbling notes on your hands? Whatever was there didn't get forgotten until it was washed off. But God won't ever erase you from His hands. You won't ever be forgotten. That's encompassed in the never-leave-you-or-forsake-you promise of Deuteronomy 31:6.

You can make it happen for you today. Turn to Jesus. Repent and become His. Be forgiven, saved and engraved. Be changed from hell-bound to heaven-bound in a blink of an eye. Metamorphose the path 2011 from another same old/same old year of uncertainty~~to one overflowing and abounding with hope, and joy and security in the certainty of the love of God. Today.

New Year's Resolutions/Prayers

2010-12-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made them? You know~~to lose weight, to exercise until you drop, to study the Bible more? Those are some of mine from years past, but they've never worked for very long. Why? Because they depend on me. And I'm fickle and not too reliable. But I have an all new strategy this year. And I think it will be great. Why? Because it depends on God, and not me. And God is faithful and always reliable and always wants the best for us. Here goes~

Father God, please help me to be so immersed in your Word that I, with my sinful nature, am completely invisible, and only Jesus can be seen and heard in me. Grant me the steadfastness to 'pray with ceasing', and the patience to wait while you do a mighty work in America. And direct me to be about Your work as I wait. ...In Jesus name, Amen.

God wants these things for me even more than I want them for myself, so I expect this one to be accomplished. Want to join me in praying for America? Our land is dark, and we people must open their eyes, realize we got into this mess by turning away from God, and turn to, or back to~Him. Prayer is all that's going to work. For sure the politicians aren't going to fix our country, and we have no power ourselves to fix America, even if we knew how. But God does. And He wants it even more than we do. All the power and the glory are His. Amen

The Birthday and the Savior

2010-12-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

This holiday season can, at once, be the hardest and the easiest of the year. It all depends on our focus. If our focus is on Santa Claus, and how big a Christmas tree we can have, how many gifts we can frantically buy with money we don't have, or how much unhealthy food we can greedily stuff in our bloated stomachs, or how far behind the Jones's we are in our quest for 'toys', it may well be hard and depressing.

But if our focus is on Jesus it can be sweet and easy. Focus on the baby who was born to a poor Jewish virgin, who later was crucified on a Roman cross for our sins. My sins and your sins- past present and future. He came, He conquered death, and now He sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for those who belong to Him. Let the sweet Santa story rest~~and arise and go to Jesus.

His birthday is the one we celebrate during this time. Despite political correctness, Jesus is always what Christmas is about. Always and only~~and forever. My wish is for you all to have an amazing Christmas season and a blessed 2011, always resting in the capable hands of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Jesus Loves You, Plus Flax Cookies

2010-11-29T22:35:00.001-07:00

"For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

What a deal, huh? While I was a miserable sinner Jesus loved me enough to die for me, and for you. And we're still sinners~~but now sinners saved by the grace of God. And if you aren't, why not! Hell is hot, and eternity is long and living your life following Jesus is simply the best. There is no time like today. Can any of us really count on tomorrow?

Okay, now onto another topic. A good one. An important one, but not even in the same universe as the above topic. I worked up this version of a Flax Cookie. The recipe started life as an Oatmeal Cookie in the book Simple Cooking by John Thorne. As a gluten free cook I changed so many things that poor John wouldn't recognize his own recipe. But they are made in the very spirit of his book~~simple.

1/3 C brown sugar (I used light muscavado)
1/3 C melted butter
2 T gluten-free flour mix
2/3 C flax, ground
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
pinch salt

I put the ingredients into the mixing bowl pretty much as listed. Mix well. Mixture should be able to be spooned onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them 2-3 inches apart because they spread. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 8 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet, then move to cooling rack. These cookies are a soft, cake-type and are a good and healthy edition to a yummy cup of tea. I prefer cookies not too sweet, as this recipe reflects. If you want them sweeter add more sugar. This recipe makes 6 big cookies.

Why flax? Google "flax" and find out. It's an amazing food. If you care about your health it's a good ingredient to add into your diet.

As I close this out I want to remind you again to pray for America, and ask all your friends to, as well. Our country is in big trouble, and this election just edged us back slightly from the abyss. Join me in repenting and praying for revival. (2 Chronicles 7:14) God is the only one who can fix us.

Recession: Satan's Plan or God's Plan

2010-11-28T17:10:00.001-07:00

I've just discovered a wonderful source of sermons that are above and beyond. Dr. John Piper from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. I'm also blessed by Mark Driscoll marshillchurch.org. He's in Seattle, in one of the fastest growing churches in America. Dr. Piper is one of Mark's mentors and close friends. Both are treasures in my quest to follow Jesus more closely than ever. Here's the link for Dr. Piper. www.desiringgod.org

Has God been calling you to Himself? Calling you to pray for revival in America? Calling you to repent of your sins and immerse yourself in the things of God and His worldview. He has been calling me to each of those things, and I'm fervently praying that he will call you, as well. As I get closer to Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to direct me I lose sight of being frightened and depressed about our world. I'm calm, but resolute in doing what I can in my tiny sphere of influence. Be of good cheer, Jesus says. We will have tribulation in the world, but He has overcome the world. Now, that's good news.

Here's a song I love. Enjoy.

This World is Not Our Home

2010-11-13T11:19:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone, I'm back!!!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted! I hope, by the grace of God to post often again. Life has been so busy! I was totally consumed by the direction the socialists who are in power in America were taking this country and busy praying and fighting the good fight. I'm so thankful for the election results, that God caused His people to arise and take back some power. I pray this movement will only strengthen in the days, months and years to come. But I now understand that the fight isn't about politics, not about Democrats and Republicans, not about socialists or conservatives. This war we're in is a spiritual one. If America moves back to God, we will automatically move away from socialism. Please be in pray with me for that!

I just want to give you a little update in my life since I last posted. First is the above. Secondly and recently we have been doing some RV traveling. Just arrived home yesterday. This last trip was through TX, OK, AR, TN, NC, VA, WVa, IN, IL, KY, and back home to NM. It was a great blessing to take our son and family to Dollywood. Great fun, although I'm not much of a rider of twirly and twisty things, but it was so much fun to see the happy faces of our grandchildren.

Throughout the trip, as much as good WiFi connection allowed, I've been studying the Bible through the teachings of the pastors at Mars Hill Church in Seattle,marshillchurch.org. I highly recommend them. The website is good, but not perfect. The teaching though~~ is amazing. I think little demons are busy causing interruptions and glitches in the podcasts frequently. Just be patient, restart then as needed, and thank God for being so well taught from His word. I'm in the series called "TRIAL" right now. It's excellent. I do miss Pastor Mark's worn jeans. His suit is handsome, but somehow it doesn't seem right. I thought I'd accidently stumbled onto a Baptist website when I first saw him in a suit.(o:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY In 1Peter 1:1 Peter calls Christians 'elect exiles'. "Elect" meaning we were chosen by God. He's chosen you. Have you chosen Him? "Exiles" means we are missionaries, and not of this world. It's rather freeing to realize that no matter how we despair of America being changed forever into the image of socialism, marxism and lots of other unhealthy 'isms'~~it is not our world. We are to follow Jesus, be salt and light to those around us, and do what we can to change this world back to a God-fearing one for those who come after us. But, as believers, this is the only hell we will ever know. As soon as we close our eyes and breathe our last we will go to be with Jesus~ to our real home. So pray hard against the enemy (Satan) and fight hard to turn our government around, but remember this world is not our home. We're only exiled here.

For you classic C&W fans here's Jim Reeves singing about just this thought. Enjoy! May God richly bless you.(o:

Spiritual Warfare~~Today's battle

2010-08-28T15:07:00.001-06:00

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The Lord's love never ends. His mercies never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness, O Lord."

This Scripture is so powerful it gives me happy goosebumps. Think about what it really means. Family and friends and acquaintances and the whole world can write us off, but God never does. His love NEVER ends. Think about that a minute. Never! No matter how you blow it. No matter that you turn your back on Him. No matter what. Every morning we get a new package of mercies. And it's a big package. Enough to cover all the times and ways we messed up yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Think about this as you go about your day. God's love NEVER ends. Isn't He a God amazing enough to make our center, our portion, our hiding place? If we ever needed a hiding place, this is the time.

This is a scary world we live in. We can't be sure we even have a tomorrow. Our President of the United States has stated that in conflicts he will be on the side of the Muslim world. He said that on television. National Day of Prayer was cancelled, but a Muslim celebration was held in our White House. And because we are supposed to be so tolerant, so saccharinely politically correct~~very few said anything.

We have heard his position on the mosque at Ground Zero. He's for it! That infuriates me. NYC bigwigs won't allow the rebuilding of the Greek church that was flattened on 9/11, but will allow the building of an even larger building by the very group who attacked us on 9/11~~Muslims. I can only think of one thing to explain how I feel about this absurdity. All I think America needs to know about the Muslim religion we should have learned on 9/11.

Hello! Is everyone awake out there? Pray for America, because without God as our captain in this fight we are going to lose. Do you want America to be Saudi West? Or United States of Islam? Do you want your children to grow up in the kind of world that we have created by stepping away from God and his principles? Please say 'NO'. And pray. And look around and see who you can bring to God, who you can help to understand the mess we're in. And who will stand in the gap for America. Will you?

As you can see from the Lamentations verse above, God has great mercy on us. So, if we want this life we seem to have chosen, this Muslimized America~ then do nothing. Remain apathetic. But if you want a godly America let's go to work and fight the opposition. This is spiritual warfare, plain and simple. This is a war against the dark forces of Satan. Please pick up your sword and fight.

Our Treasure~Where Is It, Really?

2010-07-17T12:48:00.002-06:00

Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

So~~where's your treasure? Is it in your high-paying job, your big, fancy house, your muscle or luxury car, or all the money and other 'things' you have amassed here on earth? Or~~is it in God, the Creator of the universe, the One who sent Jesus to die for our sins, the One who sends the Holy Spirit to indwell us the very moment we accept this great free gift?

Does that mean we have to give up all our 'goodies' to get right with God? Of course not! But a simple change of focus is in order. We can enjoy the 'goodies' at the same time we enjoy great and wonderful fellowship with God. Enjoy life and it's righteous pleasures~~but treasure God. The new focus changes absolutely everything.

All of our possessions stay behind when we die~~the cars, the houses, the jobs, the things, and the money. But if we have repented of our sins and have accepted Jesus' sacrificial death for us, and asked Him into our lives, we'll go to heaven. It's a sure thing, because God said it. (John 3:16) But the only thing we can take to heaven with us is other people. How do we do that, you ask? By pointing them to Christ. It's always up to the individual to listen or not. Repent or not. Accept or not.

The choice will determine eternity for each of us. Do we want to spend it in a place of torment, eternally separated from God~~or in heaven, a safe harbor in the eternal presence of God? Either way eternity is a long time. Choose wisely.

Get Rid of the Broken Cisterns and Embrace the Flowing Fountain

2010-07-02T10:54:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah 2:13,"But my people have changed their Glory for what does not profit. Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid. Be very desolate, says the Lord. For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn for themselves cisterns~~broken cistern that can hold no water."

When I read this a few days ago I was struck by how it describes America today, and in a large sense the world as well. Right in synch with 2 Chronicles 7:14. What have we done? Is there any wonder our world is in the mess it's in? That our beloved America has elected this evil regime is a sign that we are embracing broken cisterns and not God.

There has always been evil out there. Out there, away from us. Can you remember a time that evil was invited in to dwell and to rule? There are lots of instances. Hitler, for one. He made it seem okay to annihilate a peace-loving and hard-working people who dwelt among them. Have you heard the media spout about the "violent Tea-Partiers"? I've been to every Tea Party I could get to and a more America-loving and God-loving group you could never find. The violence is in the Chicago thug we have in our White House~~and his multitude of minions.

If you are awake to the far-reaching dangers presented by this socialist takeover~~rebel, but do it non-violently and respectfully. But do rebel! Rebel with word and deed and with your precious dollars. Help those who don't have a machine behind them get elected. Before it's too late. November is coming and we need to take back America. It won't happen if we sit on our duffs like the Germans did under the Nazis.

Let's pray 'without ceasing', and work for good change. Let's bring America back to God, and to goodness and to financial stability. Before it's too late let's embrace the Fountain of Living Water and get rid of these broken cisterns. Send the Dems home so they can't do any more damage to America.

Lawlessness Defined

2010-06-18T12:50:00.000-06:00

What do you suppose it means to practice lawlessness? Webster's definition of 'lawlessness' is 'the quality or state of being unrestrained by law'. But whose law? As a Christian I think I must take that to mean God's law. His Word. The Bible. A lawless person is not living according to the Bible. Oops Lord, forgive me, but that sounds a lot like me sometimes! Okay, okay~~more often than sometimes.

So what does 'practice' mean? Webster defines it as 'a frequent or usual action; habit; usage; usual method; custom; convention. As I see it, and I hope God does as well, is that this excludes the occasional fall into an area God would not want us to be in. An accidental slip of the tongue, an occasional bad attitude, stubbornly 'going your own way' about something. Would that include continuing to vote Democrat/Progressive when I know it's casting my vote against God's principles? Your decision.

In Matthew 13:37-43 Jesus explains the Parable of the Tares. 37 'He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man (Jesus).

38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom (believers), but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.

39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is at the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.

40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.

41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of the kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,

42 And will cast them into the furnace. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father. He who has ears let him hear!

I really desire to be one of God's righteous ones, not one of the lawless ones. God's grace covers our sins, but are we under God's grace if we commit the same sins over and over, not seeing and confessing them as sins? When I have a reckless disregard for God's law, or don't care enough to read His Word to know what that law is~~am I practicing lawlessness?

I'm going to examine my heart often, confess my sins to God, and read His Word. Join me?

A Quick Hello--and a Promise To Be Back Soon

2010-05-25T16:12:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the unannounced dropout! I badly needed a hiatus. We're on the road--NM to piedmont NC to Outer Banks, NC. Back to piedmont NC. Now on to Ohio, then wending our way home. Whew!! Just a note to let you know~~I'll be back, as the Terminator would say.

The only piece of wisdom I can provide in this political mess is~~keep praying~~and November is coming! I'm praying for every race, that the true conservative will win. I wouldn't vote or pray FOR any Democrats because they have demonstrated a complete lack of concern for will of the American people and every sign of endeavoring single-mindedly to turn America into a socialist nation. Do you want that? I sure don't.

Mostly I've been encouraged by the results, but I'm still reeling from losing the race for Mertha's seat in PA. But~~November is coming. Not sure what God's reasoning was there, but He has the big picture so I'll rest in Him and trust His will is being done!

Matt. 7:21-23 (spoken by Jesus) Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'

"And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

So what's lawlessness anyway? Good question! I'm struggling with that myself. In the light of 2 Chronicles 7:14 we'd all better figure it out lickety-split. Otherwise how are we going to 'turn from our wicked ways'. Gotta know what's wicked first, right? I've started with the ten commandments, then Jesus condensed version,

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul~~and love your neighbor as yourself."

Easy? Mercy no! But do we want God to heal our land? I sure do! Would you pray and search your heart and do the God business necessary in your own life? I'm doing mine. May God richly bless you as we strive to save America.

Praying Without Ceasing: A Tutorial

2010-04-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

Forgive the stuffy title. Sounds so professorial, but alas, I'm not, never have been and never will be. But I know about praying. Let's pretend this is a newspaper article; who, where, when, why. Just the facts.

First of all there is who. It's a pet peeve of mine for someone to say they'll think good thoughts for me. Or send positive energy to me. I'm unaware of how that helps anyone other than the thinker/sender.

There is no power there. But there is power in the blood. Good song title, huh? Who~ is God Almighty himself, Creator of the universe. Now there is power. Pray to Him. If you don't know him introduce yourself, not that He needs it, but it's only polite. He's known you and everything about you all the days of your life and before. Tell him you're sorry for not following Him in the past, and that you'll do better in the future. And mean it, and do it.

Where and when are kind of one. Where? Anywhere. When? I Thessalonians 5:17 says, "without ceasing." Praying doesn't have to be done on your knees with your eyes closed. As a matter of fact, please don't close your eyes when you're driving and praying. That's my favorite time to pray. It keeps me cool and calm and is the best counter for road rage I've ever known. And it makes the miles and hours fly by. And every prayer doesn't need to be long. When a crazy driver on a cell phone pulls out in front of me sometimes my prayer is simple~~"Lord...!" You're talking to God. Just say what's on your mind, tell Him who He is to you, ask for His divine help. Confess to him how you've blown it today and ask Him to help you do better.

Why~~is, to me, completely self-evident. Why would you not want to be plugged in to the power who created everything and rules everything, the One who holds the stars in place. And the One who died on the cross for you and me? And the One who makes the sunsets? Don't forget to thank Him for those, and the flowers, and the birdsong, and your family and friends~etc. That's prayer in a nutshell~adoring, confessing, thanksgiving, and supplication. A-C-T-S. It will order your day and right your spirit like nothing else.

Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God~~and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

A Battle Cry For November

2010-04-14T12:07:00.002-06:00

A tough climb is ahead for those of us who would fight to take back America from those intent on destroying her. Are you up for it?

Please don't sit back and watch and hope that you don't have to get your hands dirty, that others will do all the work. The Tea Parties are tomorrow, approximately 650 around this great land. Get involved. Carry a sign, wave to the driving-past throng. Pray for America.

There may be 'infiltraitors' among us. Just pray and ask God to open their eyes. Be nice to them, but don't let them change our message. We want America back, but it must be a peaceful, but firm message.

Have you ever read the story of Joshua and Jericho? Joshua, chapter 6. Joshua's small army went against Jericho, a walled city. And won. Took the city, when the odds were against them. An impossible task? No, nothing is impossible when God is behind it!

Our situation today is rather like going against a walled city. But the walls today aren't rocks, but are a Democratic majority in both Houses of Congress, and a President who will do anything to advance his evil agenda, better known as socialism.

Does it seem like an impossible task, to win a majority in both houses in November? If God is behind it, we've got mighty power on our side. And winning is not a certainty, but a good possibility. But we have to do our part. 2 Chronicles 7:14. And that's just the beginning. There are myriads of things to do in the here and now; today and all the tomorrows until November.

Tea Party tomorrow~~GO! If you can't go and carry a sign and wave (come on, how hard is that!), drive by a few times and honk and encourage those who are. Or make signs for those who can carry them.

Pray~~without ceasing!

Educate your friends. If some of them are die-hard Dems~~pray for them. Their eyes are closed.

Donate! Watch the primaries, and if the strongest candidate needs $$$, give a few. But do not give to any committees or groups who call you on the phone. Most, if not all, of them are PAID fundraisers! Give any monies you choose to directly to the candidate.

Work~~stuff envelopes, make calls, email; whatever. Just help. Did I mention to pray?

And VOTE! No matter what! Vote for the strongest and most conservative candidate. Please don't vote for an underdog simply because you like him. If he's not the strongest, then your vote is wasted! Don't waste a vote. W need every one of them, because November is coming.

Tea Parties, the Voting Booth, and November

2010-04-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

Honesty and integrity seem to be in short supply in our world today. If we don't stand for good, and for God's principles in America who will?

The Tea Party movement is large and active, but very peaceful and orderly. Comprised of a large group of Americas, many who are Christians, we simply want to restore our freedoms and stop this evil socialist train and it's engineers. But as you might expect, we have much opposition.

It seems that the opposition has infiltrated us and are trying to be disruptive and discredit us. I ask you to get involved this whole week. Thursday is the big day. Can you give a few hours to show up for your local Tea Party? A show of numbers is what we need to get the message across that we are coming in November to root the Dems out of office.

Your local Tea Party will have a website and a place to meet. Please join in and let's make this the biggest one yet. It's good for America, and it's good for each of us to see how very large this movement is, and it's good for the drive-bys to see all the people and the signs. Despite all that Obama/Reid/Pelosi and all the Dems have done to tear apart America there are still people who are die-hards and will vote to keep them in! The more of them that we can influence to change their minds the better.

If you've never protested anything maybe it's time this week for you to stand. God bless you all. Let's put God and reason back in America. Let's take back our country one election at a time! Pray, protest peacefully, and especially~~vote. Your local voting booth is the arena for change, but a good change this time.

Zebra Shadows and God's Love

2010-04-09T10:24:00.000-06:00

Some things are not what they seem. The horsy images to the left are merely the shadows of a herd of zebras. Our eyes can be fooled, especially by our preconceived notions.

Did you ever have someone dismiss Christian beliefs as old-fashioned and stodgy and out of touch with today? Of course you need to consider the source. Those on the run from God will use any argument to discredit Him.

Boiling down Christianity to it's tiniest atom, you see that God loved us in our unbelieving ugliness, while we were still squirming in your sins. Why? Because He's a loving God and saw it as the best way to give us heaven. That's why He sent Jesus. That's grace. Unmerited favor. We didn't deserve God's goodness, but we got it anyway.

G.R.A.C.E. God's Riches At Christ's Expense. How can we ignore that? If you don't already follow Him, then it's time to start. Turn away from your sins~~to Christ. Only He can give you life abundantly. In these scary times ahead We need not only courage, but to cling to the One who bestows it.