Lifestyle Worship

"A Call to Discipleship" Book Review

2015-03-01T16:48:00.004-08:00

"A Call to Discipleship" is the second book by Susan Heck I have had the privilege of reading and encourage you to do the same. Just Like "A Call to Scripture Memory" it is a short easy read packed full of goodness.

In this book Susan tackles the issue of discipleship specifically as it relates to women in the church. Which seems to me to be something that is lacking in majority of churches.

Why is that?

I believe that the "me-centered" lifestyles the world encourages have seeped into our churches, leaving attendees void of accountability,and biblical discipleship...i.e. be a disciple and make disciples ( Matthew 28:18-20)

Susan addresses the questions:

-What is discipleship? -Why should we disciple? -Who should we disciple? -What do we teach to those we disciple? --And when, where, and how do we disciple?

Using Titus 2 to find the answers to these questions, we find the biblical model for women disciplehip:

"But as for you, teach what accords with psound1 doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, psound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 qOlder women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, rnot slanderers sor slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, tpure, uworking at home, kind, and vsubmissive to their own husbands, wthat the word of God may not be reviled."

Of course the book goes into greater detail breaking down what the verses mean but I wanted to give a quick overview of some points that really stood out to me regarding disciplining women on how to treat their husbands:

We are commanded to love our husbands
-it is a Privilege to love them not a burden
-we are to love them physically, emotionally,& spiritually
-you are to recognize importance of taking time to listen to husband even when what they are talking about doesn't interest us.
-greet him at the door cheerfully not with a list of things to do
- (do not nitpick) our focus should be on what he does do, not what he doesn't do. We should be grateful that we even have a husband."

So I hope you get this book and may it challenge you to go out and make disciples and learn ways to encourage women in your church to be more like Christ

Matthew 28:18-20

"And Jesus came and said to them, h“All authority iin heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 jGo therefore and kmake disciples of lall nations, jbaptizing them min2nthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them oto observe all that pI have commanded you. And behold, qI am with you always, to rthe end of the age.”)

"Jesus What A Wonderful Name" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

2015-02-22T11:43:00.001-08:00

This is a great recitation of scripture given by Nancy Leigh DeMoss titled:

"Jesus What A Wonderful Name"

for transcript click HERE

"A Call to Scripture Memory" by Susan Heck

2015-02-22T11:32:00.003-08:00

A friend of mine recommended Susan Heck to me because I was looking for female teachers who presented the Word of God without fluff, presented the Word of God accurately and encouraged women to live a life worthy of the Lord in all that they do. I can say that Susan definitely exhibits all three characteristics I just mentioned.

This past Christmas my parents gifted me with three of Susan's books - "A Call to Discipleship", "With The Master:In Fullness of Joy", and the book I want to tell you about today called "A Call to Scripture Memory."

This is a quick easy to read book pamphlet that you can finish within an hour since it is only 21 pages. Although Short it is packed full of reasons why women specifically should memorize scripture and why we should memorize full passages. This is a description taken from Susan's website: With The Master :

This is a women's challenge and a methodology to memorize large portions of God's Word. It answers the questions: Who should memorize Scripture? Why should we memorize Scripture?What Scripture should we memorize? Where should we memorize Scripture? How does one memorize Scripture? Also within this booklet you will find 11 reasons why you should memorize Scriptrue, and valuable tools to teach you how, what, and when.

One of the most interesting reasons Susan gives for memorizing scripture is that if God allows us to reach an old age what do we want coming out of our mouths? She says "How we act as we get older is really who we were when we were younger, but that we can't mask it any more." She goes on to say "So, you better start transforming your mind now."

Memorizing Scripture is one of the only ways to constantly keep our minds stayed on Christ and encourage others, especially in times were we don't have access to a physical bible.

So go get the book and be sure to check out these links for more on memorizing scripture

Top Four Ways to Memorize Scripture

John Piper: If my words abide Sermon

Beautiful Life by Trip Lee feat V.Rose

2015-02-22T10:54:00.001-08:00

I came across this song while looking up the artist V.Rose on YouTube. It is now one of my favorite songs mainly because it showcases the beauty of Life that God gives in children. This is the best pro life song that I have ever heard and now want to share with you.

Be sure to stay up to date with Trip Lee and V.Rose on FaceBook and support them by purchasing the song on iTunes

"Beautiful Life"
(feat. V. Rose)

Beautiful life inside
Living, moving, breathing
So let hope arise
God knew what he was doing when He gave
Beautiful, beautiful life

Dear sister, I hear the place you at
I know there ain't nothing easy about going through that
There's a baby in your womb
But you wasn't trying to do that
You'd take it all back if you knew that
But you ain't have a clue that
That time with your boyfriend, that late night
When you thought you was making love that you would make life
And now it's feeling unfair
Man, it ain't like you ain't got a life
Shoot, the time, it really ain't right
Can't quite tell you that I understand your pain
But I know you shouldn't feel discouraged and ashamed
And I know that baby in your stomach ain't a game
It's got a heartbeat
He's about to grow a little brain
He's dependent on his mama
God already knows his name
You're made in God's image and that baby is the same
Give him life

Beautiful life inside
Living, moving, breathing
So let hope arise
God knew what he was doing when He gave
Beautiful, beautiful life
Let it live

Brother, I bet you were caught off guard by that seed in her stomach
So your heart aches hard
Feeling trapped like prisoners behind those bars
The hand's been dealt, but you don't wanna take those cards
Homie, stop and think about the choice
That baby in her womb, she ain't really got a voice
So she really needs her daddy to love her and rejoice
She's a blessing from the Lord
She don't need to be destroyed
Don't abandon her mama
Love her and support her
She's in pain now, too
She needs someone there for her
But don't let her hurt you
Baby girl alive in the womb
Cause homie, you'll be looking in her eyes pretty soon
Hey, don't get me wrong
Look, I agree that we should give women rights
That goes for unborn women, too
Give them life

Beautiful life inside
Living, moving, breathing
So let hope arise
God knew what he was doing when He gave
Beautiful, beautiful life
Let it live

Dear friends, I know this probably hurts
For those of you who wish you would have gave that baby birth,
But it's too late now 'cause you're child ain't around
I know it hurts to your core, that guilt that's weighing you down
But I've got good news and some healing for your hurts
Christ Jesus came
He descended to the Earth
But he ain't come for good people, or even the just
He came into the world just for sinners like us
So yeah, he's really grieved when we take a baby's life
'Cause he made 'em, but he came to save us from our plight
He came shining light that he could save us from our night
Erases all our shame, homie
He can make us right
Confess it and believe it on the one who paid the cost
He died in your place
There's forgiveness at the cross
So you could give them life

Beautiful life
Don't be afraid
God himself gave you life
Beautiful life
He'll be right there

Potty Training Our 20 month old

2015-02-21T12:45:00.005-08:00

Ok so I was a little skeptical of the "potty training in 3 days" blogs I have seen but let me tell you it has definitely worked for us for the most part. I told myself get through 3 days of really focusing on potty training and if she has no interest try again another time.

We started Tuesday and since yesterday we have had no accidents.
I will give a brief outline of what happened the last few days.

My daughter is 20 months. We stayed home most of the first 3 days to focus on pt.

Tuesday 1st day of pt:
Many accidents all day long, only peed on her toilet when she woke up in the morning and after her mid day nap, had towels and cleaning spray all over the house, left her naked from waist down. only put diaper on during nap and bedtime.

Wednesday 2nd day of pt:
Peed in toilet when she woke and after nap, same amount of accidents but they were in bathroom on floor next to toilet instead of all over the house, she would mid way stop peeing/pooping on floor to get on toilet and finish there. we went out to a bible study put her in diaper and she didn't go in that at all. Again while at home she was naked from waist down.

Thursday 3rd day of pt:
About the same as day 2, although toda-y was first time she actually pooped in toilet, she cried at first trying to poop while sitting but she did it.

Friday 4th day of pt:
No accidents at home , got up and went straight to potty to pee, I put her in pull ups went to park, took her to bathroom there but she did not go. As soon as we got home she went in her potty, took a nap and when she woke up went back to potty to pee, The rest of the day she went to bathroom if she had to go. We went out to a b-day dinner for a friend she had a pull up on and peed in that mainly because I forgot to take her to use bathroom when we got there.

Saturday day 5 (today):
No accidents. Wore pull ups when we went to store and park, been going poop and pee in her potty all day, and now trying out underwear while we are home to see how she does.

Side notes:
-Now every-time she goes to potty she wants a high five and gets all excited
-She takes a small piece of toilet paper and trys to wipe, I then go ahead and use wipe to really clean her
-At first to get her to sit down on potty long enough i let her watch a show on my phone, now she is going fast without having to sit there long.
-When she had accidents on floor id take her to bathroom show her toilet and explain this is where you go potty
-She sometimes gives me cues when she has to poop like whining and doing a "poop" dance as I like to call it, most times though i have to ask her if she has to go, or ill take her when I have to go and she goes too.
-She has has not gone pee/poop in public bathrooms yet, but she willl go in her potty soon as we get home.

So that is our journey so far Potty Training

Hope this helps some other mommies as you start the process.

Here is the Potty my daughter currently uses:

We currently use white Cloud Training pants from Walmart.

Remember Potty Training can be frustrating and tiresome, but hang in there, your child will become a pro at it soon enough. Until then May the Lord use this area in parenting to grow your patience and endurance.

P.s. As I am finishing this blog My daughter had an accident on me.....I must get better at remembering to take her to bathroom every so often......and the journey continues.

Much Love and Happy Potting Training

Galations 5:23 esv
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Update: We just ordered the Potette potty on the go to use while were out and about since she is not ready to use big toilet

Americas Most Tolerated Sin

2015-02-21T12:11:00.002-08:00

Because Gluttony is a sin I struggle with more often than anything else I want to share a part of this article I found on DesiringGod.org (to read the whole article click on link below)

To read more of my journey and struggle with this sin go Here, Here and Here.

America’s Most Tolerated Sin

Johnathon Bowers is Instructor of Theology and Christian Worldview at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, MN.

Gluttony is perhaps the most tolerated sin in American Christianity. I say this, not as someone who is immune from the attractions of the buffet line, but as someone who needs all the help he can get. And I think if we’re honest with ourselves, most — if not all — of us have a dysfunctional relationship with food. We love it, and we hate it. We often find ourselves careening between stuffed stomachs and crash diets. Or perhaps we’ve given up altogether, watching with resignation as our waistlines expand into the distant horizon.

And then there’s that pesky issue of guilt. Restaurants use it like forbidden fruit to get us to save room for dessert. Fitness programs use it like a cat o’ nine tails to whip us into a lifestyle overhaul. Our own conscience, even, can rebuke us with how often we fall short of glorifying God with our stomachs. Guilt is powerful. Like the lawyers of Jesus’s day, it loads people with burdens hard to bear, and yet it will not lift a finger to help (Luke 11:46).

So as we consider the issue of gluttony, my aim is not to shame you into injecting more kale chips and chia seeds into your diet. My aim, to use the language of Hebrews, is to strengthen your hearts with grace (Hebrews 13:9). Gluttony, after all, is food worship. It’s table idolatry. It’s more about the direction of our loves than it is about the contents of our cupboards. How, then, do we discipline our appetites? One answer — and the one I want to explore here — is to quite literally turn the tables on gluttony by coming to the Lord’s Table with fresh resolve and fresh hope. In other words, I want to encourage you to see the Lord’s Table, not simply as a weekly or monthly or quarterly ritual, but instead as a training ground for self-control.

Gluttony is more about the direction of our loves than the contents of our cupboards.Tweet

Here are eight ways the Lord’s Table helps us in the fight against gluttony..........

.....................Read The Rest of The Article

20 Week Pregnancy Update

2015-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

ITS A GIRL!

Her name will be Trinity, and we cant wait to meet her. So far this pregnancy has been uneventful until now. At the 20 week ultrasound we found I currently have Placenta previa. It is not complete previa so there is a chance it might resolve itself in a few weeks. I have been scheduled for another ultrasound at 28 weeks to see if anything changes. So until than I have been put on "pelvic rest" and have to take it easy as far as lifting anything,and no more running to help prevent any bleeding from happening.

I am at peace with all this and praying God uses this to help me trust Him through whatever happens.
I will post an update after my next ultrasound.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Baby #2 On The Way! Preparing for a VBAC!

2014-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we announced the big news to our family and friends and I am finally getting around to sharing it with my blogger friends........WE'RE PREGNANT. Baby # 2 is officially on the way. We cannot thank God enough for blessing us with another precious baby. Chasing my 16 month old around along with the fun of morning (which lasts almost all day) sickness has been keeping me busy these last 12 weeks.

If you have read my post about Healing From Traumatic Birth then you know I have had a c-section with my first baby. This time around I am planning, praying and hoping to get a non medicated VBAC. I have already transferred care from a womens clinic to a midwives group that has 83% vbac success rate. I was not getting the confidence I needed in the clinic as to attempting vbac, and I feared they would act supportive up until the last minute and then try to push a section on me. When I had my consultation with the midwives I felt like God had filled my heart with peace in transferring to them. I am more prepared now that whatever happens if a vbac, or another c-section I will rely and trust Gods perfect will for how this baby will enter the world.

I would love to hear your success stories and advice regarding vbacs. please feel free to post links in the comments as well as any advice on having a toddler and new born at the same time.

Here are some pics we used to make the announcement

We were hoping to get pregnant before our cruise vacation because I saw this idea on Pinterest and really wanted to copy it.

We are so thrilled to become parents once again

I will be posting updates along the pregnancy, so stay tuned!

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

The Attributes of God

2014-09-30T05:44:00.002-07:00

I have been wanting to study and learn the attributes of God for a while now. If we claim to know God and yet do not know anything about His attributes, we fall into creating God in our own image and how we want Him to be. I did not want to fall into the latter way of thinking, I want to know God and all of who He is according to His word. As I started researching some resources to help me learn I came across Shai Linnes "Attributes of God" Album on iTunes.

I rarely purchase a full album from anyone because I normally don't like all the songs they have. Well this album turned out to be one of my favorites. I have listened to it over and over since purchasing it. Since I am a musician, I naturally find things easier to learn when set to music. As I continue to hear the songs I am also learning about Gods Attributes.

To preview the album on iTunes click HERE

My Favorite track so far is "The Holiness of God (reprise)"

Chorus 1

Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD!Holy, Holy, Holy is our God!Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD!The whole earth is full of His glory!Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD!Holy, Holy, Holy is our God!Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORDWho was, and is and is to come! (repeat)

Chorus 2
Who is like You, O LORD, Among the gods?Who is like You, O LORD?Who is like You, awesome in power!Majestic in Holiness, working wonders every hour!Earthly kingdoms pass away, howeverThe LORD shall reign forever and ever! (repeat)

The lyrics are based off these verses:

Isaiah 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips;your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Exodus 15:11“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
Exodus 15:18
The Lord will reign forever and ever.”

Another resource I have found that I am highly enjoying is the book " Attributes of God " by A.W. Pink, and right now it is free on kindle so go check it out.

Comment below if you have any favorite books or resources when learning the Attributes of God.

Jesus And Food: The Will and Work of The Father

2014-09-12T06:46:00.001-07:00

I am finally at a place in life where the Lord has given me a more healthy and biblical view of food and physical weight. I daily try to not make food an idol as I have done before. So as I started reading through the gospel of John I was pretty surprised how much Jesus mentions the issue of food and compares Himself to Bread and Water.

In John 4:13-14 (ESV) We find Jesus at the well with the Samaritan women:

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Then shortly later the disciples come around wondering why Jesus was talking to the woman and why Jesus was not hungry:

Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.John 4:31-34

This got me thinking. What if every time I am about to eat physical food to nourish my body, that I would remind myself to find true nourishment in doing the fathers will and accomplishing His work as Christ had done.

What if we all did that?

Our minds would consistently be on accomplishing the Lords work.

Every time we eat we should also remind ourselves that we " shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Like I said I am so amazed how much Jesus is compared to food and how much it is mentioned in the bible.

John goes on to write about the food we should be seeking:

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:25-27

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32-33

And finally Jesus reminds us that when we eat food it will give us temporary life, but when we partake of Him we will find true everlasting life:

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”John 6: 53-58

so lets just say next time I go to eat something I will be reminded that only in Christ, true nourishment is found.

Matthew 6:31-33 ESV

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

for more on this topic check out

Jesus The Bread of Life by Ligoner Ministries

New Youtube Channel

2014-09-10T17:21:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to invite you all to check out my videos on my new Youtube Channel.

Be sure to comment, like and Subscribe

-Vilmaris

Sunday Sermon Notes:7 Day Spiritual Gifts Challenge

2014-08-25T10:52:00.002-07:00

This past sunday our pastor challenged us to examine our lives by keeping a journal for the next 7 days to see if we are running the race God has called us to and to see if we are using the gifts God has given us for His glory.

A few questions to consider during this challenge:
-Do you have a spiritual father? Someone who you can be accountable to.
-Are you a spiritual father?
-Are you making spiritual children?
-Are you making disciples?
-Are you sharing the Gospel?

In order to be fully effective in running the race God has called us to and sharing the good news of the Gospel, we need to figure out what spiritual gifts God has given us and focus on strengthening and using those gifts.

1.The Heidelberg Catechism addresses the use of gifts in Q&A 55

Q. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?

A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts.

Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

Romans 12:4-8 ESV

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Philippians 2:4-8 ESV

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

2.Paul tells us specifically that God Himself has arranged all the members of the body of Christ, putting us in specific positions and giving us particular gifts for the good of the whole (1 Cor. 12:18). Just as each organ and member of the human body has its own role and function, each Christian has a calling that is indispensable to the health of the church. Not all of us are teachers and administrators. These public leaders are important to the body, but they are not more important than those who may work behind the scenes caring for babies in the nursery, cleaning the sanctuary, making meals for new mothers and sick families, or performing any of the other tasks that might seem lackluster (vv. 14–17, 27–30). Our gifts and talents are all necessary for a well-functioning church.

So how can we figure out what gifts God has given us?

One way is to take some time out and honestly answer questions on this Spiritual Gifts Assesment Test. After completing the test, it will show you where your strengths and weaknesses are. You can than take time to ask God how to use your strengths in being Intentional about sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

Then for the next 7 days keep a journal of how you are being Intentional about using your gifts for Gods glory.

To recap:
These are the 3 points Pastor Scott wants us to focus on:

1.Discover
Discover the gifts God has given you.
2.Define
Define how God wants you to use those gifts.
3.Do It!
Go out and use your gifts for Gods glory

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 ESV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:1-4, 6-7 ESV

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

For defintions of gifts after taking test http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gifts

To listen to full sermon by my pastor Scott Collins click HERE

1.https://www.rca.org/heidelbergcatechism

2.http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/the-body-of-christ/

image from:http://www.bethanylb.org/other/positions/Spiritual_Gifts.php

Book Review: Defending The Faith: Apologetics In Women's Ministry by Mary Jo Sharp

2014-08-21T19:27:00.006-07:00

I just finished reading this book and It has definitely made my favorites list. I want to encourage everyone who works in or leads a women's ministry to get their hands on this book.

Many women can carry on endless conversations on fashion, tv shows, make up and things of trivial matters, yet when pressed on more important, deep issues of the faith many become quiet, or even dismissive.

We say God is the most important part of our lives but in reality there is a huge disconnect in our daily living.
Mary Jo explains this disconnection in the mind of women: "I (know) I am a fallen being who is prone to corruption, yet I believe I am usually right in all my thoughts and reasonings." because of this thought process , "women are not generally ones who meticulously investigate how we know something we believe is true and who love discovering truth."

In Matthew 22:37 we are commanded to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Women usually excel at the heart and soul level yet completely neglect loving the Lord with all their mind.

When our feelings change (and we women know too well how often that happens) we need a firm foundation in our beliefs so that we will not waiver. As C.s Lewis puts it, " Faith is holding on to what your reason has already accepted in spite of your changing mood."

This is why apologetics is so vital (for all christians) but especially in womens ministries. Women have the most influence over the next generation, so we need to not only live out the gospel daily but need to be able to articulate to our kids why Christianity is true above all other beliefs.

In this book Mary Jo goes over top reasons why women shy away from engaging non Christians in conversations about God including "a lack of confidence in what she believes, a lack of knowledge , or lack of commitment to the truth, and putting too much burden on herself to have all the answers." Mary Jo than gives practical tools on how to start tackling these objections and how to start engaging your church and womens ministries in apologetics.

Here are a few points from the book that Mary Jo elaborates on through the chapters which every leader needs to consider pertaining to womens ministry.

"-We need to take an honest look at womens ministries and ask how or if they are effectively making disciples of all nations.
-Get back to the basics of hard doctrinal truths.
-Get women to analyze their lives to know whether they actually believe what they claim.
-Train them how to stand their intellectual ground and even advance against worldly pretensions.
-Take them out into the community to do good works and to spread the good news.
-Take some risky opportunities to testify to the most important event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Even though this book is focused on engaging womens ministries in apologetics, im sure even leaders of mens ministries can glean some Insight in introducing mens groups to learn apologetics.

so what are you waiting for..... go get this book, read it and make sure leaders In your church get a copy too.

blessings
-Vilmaris

Book Review: Counsel From The Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick

2014-08-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

If you follow my blog you might notice how much I love Elyse Fitzpatrick. I was so excited when my husband got me her book, Counsel From the Cross. It is a 30 day devotional that directs your attention to the gospel in every page. I took a little longer to finish it because some days I stayed rereading a certain day over and over because it really spoke to something I was going through.

We need to be reminded of the Gospel daily.
We need to be reminded that its not about our self righteousness but Christ's perfect righteousness.
We need to be reminded that we can rest in the finished work of Christ at Calvary.

And that's exactly what this book does.

Each devotion is only a few pages long so you can go through them before your day starts or right before bed.

I definitely reccomend this book, and I will be reading it again.

Happy Reading

Flour-less 2 Ingredient Pancakes

2014-07-29T07:11:00.001-07:00

Our friend Kelsey sent us a pic of this recipe and we decided to try it.

I'm always looking for foods that are easy to make,and easy for my daughter to eat and feed herself. This recipe worked wonderful for us. I'll be making more to keep on hand as a snack for her

Requires one banana and two eggs

(We have some store brought purred bananas so we used one jar)

Beat eggs and banana until smooth

Put skillet on medium heat and spray with butter spray or coconut oil

And that's it!

Enjoy :)

Mercy loved these

Home-made Hummus Recipe

2014-07-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

This recipe I got from my friend Crystal. I Couldn't wait to try it out so tonight I made it along with the 1905 salad (link below)

I think in the future I'll try different seasonings to experiment with the hummus flavor. But I think It came out pretty good for the first time.

If you try this recipe let me know what you think or if you have another hummus recipe for me to try comment below.

Drain about 2/3 liquid from Chick peas can then dump into food processor

Add about 1 clove of minced garlic (or more if you like more garlic)

Add about 1teaspoon lemon

Add 2-3 spoons olive oil

(I used about 1.5 cans of peas for this batch)

Process until smooth or your preferred consistency (you can add water if too thick and if too liquidy add more peas)

We paired the hummus with homemade 1905 Salad (from the Colombia restaurant). Took Cuban bread dipped it into the 1905 salad dressing (recipe HERE) and then added the hummus on top. It was quite wonderful.

Happy cooking
-mari

Resources for Teaching Kids (& Adults) Apologetics

2014-07-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

A very easy to understand tool for learning apologetics is Truth Made Easy

you can youtube "Apologetics made easy" to view their videos. I like them because they use many visuals and illustrations, which helps me in remembering important information
(based off the book "I don't have enough faith to be an atheist").

Reasonable Faith resources for parents
Ratiochristi.org/boosters
Stand to Reason parent-resources

These are a few resources I got from a video by Doug Potter:
Teaching Children Apologetics

As I find more resources I'll add them to this page.

Looking Well to My Household: Teaching Kids Apologetics

2014-07-03T17:58:00.001-07:00

Im so happy to be back blogging, the last 2 weeks have been pretty eventful for us. I was sick with food poisoning one week all while preparing for my daughters first birthday, then my mom in law came to town and we have been at the beach for a few days stay-cation. Now its time to get back into our routine and prepare for the future.

I wanted to share a verse that keeps popping up into my head that I want to focus on this year:

Proverbs 31:27 ESV

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

when I read this verse it makes me wonder how can I "look well" to the ways of my household? what can I change or improve upon?

The first way that I immediately think of and is something that is constantly on my mind is how to raise my daughter in the Lords ways. Now that she is a year old and growing fast, I want to learn how to instill in her a love for God and an understanding of the Gospel. I also want her to know what she believes in and why she believes it. This is where christian apologetics comes in.

looking well to the ways of my household includes giving my child a firm foundation in Christianity so that when she is challenged she will be able to stand firm In the faith and not be tossed to and fro as waves in the sea.

Did you know that about 70% of Christian youth leave the church after high school?

This percentage is way too high for my comfort level. I do believe that many parents and especially moms have not been looking well to their households in this area. We have sent our kids to Sunday school once a week thinking that is all they need and will be able to stand firm when reaching adulthood and college. Sadly this is not true.

Moms.... dads..... your children need you to give them that firm foundation to accurately and logically understand the Gospel/Christianity.

How can we do this? By introducing apologetics as early as we can to our kids.

As I said my daughter is only a year old, so my experience In teaching children apologetics is virtually non existent. So to help me "look well" to the ways of my household in this specific area I will be hosting a small discussion group at the end of the month tackling the topic of engaging kids in Apologetics . So I am basically on the hunt for resources to share with other moms providing age appropriate activities and lessons regarding apologetics.

so far this is a really good youtube video I found that breaks up by age/grade level how to introduce apologetics and what the child can understand at each age:

Teaching Children Christian Apologetics

If you have any ideas, suggestions, videos, sermons, websites regarding teaching children apologetics please comment below. I will greatly appreciate any information you can send my way.

Have a great 4 of July weekend everyone

P.s. there is more id like to share about prov 31:27 but I will leave that for another post :)

Reformed Bloggers Link Up #21

2014-06-20T12:04:00.001-07:00

Cultivating Gratitude: life is a Vapor

2014-06-19T15:48:00.001-07:00

This past week ive been hearing of many tragic deaths of infants being left in cars, a family friend who died from stomach cancer, and a friend of my mom who lost her son and his two best friends in a car accident.

I am reminded how short life is. At any moment, without warning, death can strike ourselves or our loved ones. we take so many things for granted, and thats why I started these cultivating Gratitude posts to help me not take anyone or anything for granted.

I am reminded to tell my family members how much I love and appreciate them.

I am reminded to not take life for granted both physical life and the new life Christ has given me.

I am greatful this week for the time God has given me with my family.

what are you grateful for?

check out Renown and Crowned for their latest Gratitude list

Reformed Bloggers Link Up #20

2014-06-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

Cultivating Gratitude:Fathers Day Edition

2014-06-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

Last week I started my first post in a series on cultivating Gratitude (here), and this week I have many things to be thankful for.

And since father's day is coming up I have dedicated this post to honoring the two men in my life... my wonderful husband and the best dad I could have ever asked for.

Cultivating Gratitude towards my husband, a few reasons I am thankful:

•celebrating four years of marriage with my best friend
•his hard work to provide for the family
•his example in reading and studying Gods word and prayer
•his passion for apologetics
•his love and affection towards our daughter
•his love and respect towards my parents
•his heart to provide for his Compassion kids in Africa
•his desire to know God and honor Him
•I am most grateful for the way he loves me

Cultivating Gratitude towards my Dad, a few reasons I am thankful:

•his sacrifices throughout my childhood to make sure my siblings and I had what we needed and at times to give us what we wanted
•his outward display of affection toward my mother
•his love for teaching others how to have a Godly marriage
•his love for fitness
•his respect and love towards my husband and taking him in as a son
•his love for my daughter
•his love for apologetics
•his love for God

HAPPY FIRST FATHERS DAY TO MY HUSBAND

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO MY DAD

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord , the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Learning to be thankful is a discpline we all need to work on.
How can you begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude?

Psalm 105:1-5 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord ; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

Getting to Know Christian Rapper/Speaker Javier Cruz.. music, marriage & the Gospel

2014-06-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

Javier Cruz is a dedicated to glorifying God through Rap and speaking. He and his wife have a huge heart for ministry and sharing the Gospel to all the world. Check out his website www.javiemusic.com for his blog, tour dates, and be sure to download his FREE mixtape "Shine Before Men"

◆Alright so many of my readers are meeting you for the first time, what is one thing you'd like them to know about you?

When I first got saved, my friend used to sit next to me in service and every Sunday he would tell me, "Bro, you should do a rap about Jesus!" I repeatedly shot him down and explained that you couldn't make Jesus sound cool in a rap song. He aptly replied with, "Yea, but you could be the guy that changes that." That's how my gospel rap career started.

◆What is your process for writing a song? Do you purposefully make time to write or do the lyrics just come to you?

Actually, both! My most common approach is this: I will make the beat first, listen to it for a couple of days, then brainstorm and pray about what the topic of the song should be. From there, spend the next few days writing and re-writing. It's a pretty boring process, but in my mind it is exciting because that is when I get to be the most creative. However, even when I am not purposefully writing a song, I'll often come up with lyrics and write them down in the back of my journal. It makes for a good kickstart when I'm battling writer's block.

◆I know you are recently married, please share a word of wisdom you have learned as a newlywed:

Expectation Communication!!! The pastor that married us hammered that into our heads during premarital counseling. Initially we really struggled with telling one another what we REALLY wanted. For example, my wife's love language is quality time. To me, that just meant that all I had to do was be in the same room with her. She made it clear to me that quality time, to her, means giving her my undivided attention and engaging in an intentional conversation. Now, when I get the hint that her love tank is dwindling, I know exactly what she is trying to communicate to me. Before that, I would just get frustrated because she was upset and I didn't understand why.

◆How has the Gospel impacted your life thus far?

Oh man, where do I begin! Well, it has forced me to change my outlook on life. How i view money, time, people, relationships, education, EVERYTHING! Because of the gospel, I chose to marry who I married, I changed my major, I make an effort to live frugally, etc. I almost feel like i'm boasting but the point I am trying to make is that I am a completely different person because of the good new of Jesus. I'm thoroughly confident that several people in my life can attest to that, especially the ones who knew me before I met Jesus. God has truly given me a heart for youth ministry and I get lots of opportunities to minister to them through music that they find appealing and relatable. That is a mission field that my heart is burdened for and if it weren't for the gospel, I don't even know what I would be doing…it kinda scares me to think where I would've ended up had it not been for God's grace and mercy.

Javie and his wife Rox have three huge goals:

1) Travel the country (especially in the summer) to speak and perform for camps, churches, and faith-based programs.

2) Not be tied down by debt and be available for missions trips whenever God calls.

3)Live in a camper full-time for at least 3 years in order to STOP renting a home and be able to save what we do have to build a shipping container home and eventually adopt/foster many kids and teens

If there is any way you can give to support them please go to www.gofundme.com/javiecruztour to contact them or donate.

Banana-peanut butter ice cream

2014-06-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

I heard about homemade healthy ice cream on a nutrition video I came across the other day and since I had some bananas at home I decided to try it out. (I hear you can also try this recipe out with mango and other fruits but I've yet to try it).

First cut bananas into smaller pieces and freeze for a few hours. Since I really love this recipe I will always keep a supply of frozen bananas on hand.

I took about 2 bananas and put them into my food processor, you can also use a blender if you have one.

Keep processing until it has a smooth and creamy texture

If your a peanut butter lover like me,now you can add about a tablespoon into the processor (if you don't like peanut butter then scoop out banana ice cream an enjoy)

Process for a few seconds until blended

And that's it

Super easy and quick way to make healthy banana-peanut butter ice cream

Enjoy :)

Reformed Bloggers Link Up #19

2014-06-06T14:11:00.001-07:00