Silencing the Stones

Content and Still Relevant

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:05:00 +0000

It's obvious that this blog has been dormant for a while now. And it will remain that way until I am once again inspired to write on here.

But I didn't want you to take that for the death of this blog. No, I feel that much of the content of this blog, especially the content about the falsehood of the LDS church is as relevant today as it was when I was writing it. I want to leave it here for others to find. I still get messages when comments are made, so I want to be able to respond to those with questions. I want those who are seeking and/or questioning to have somewhere to come where they are welcome to read and decide for themselves. There is sufficient evidence here to realize what the Mormon church is and is not. I don't want to lose that by removing this blog.

And there are other topics that were inspired to be written. I want that information available as well.

So the blog stays.

And I'm not saying that I won't be back to write. It's just that the season of this blog has temporarily passed. When it returns, this blog will be here for me to write again!

Until then, please read all you'd like. Ask questions...even argue if you'd like. I will still be here to respond. But for now, I am content to let this blog just exist.

My Choices Were Influenced by WHO?!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:42:00 +0000

Take a moment. Think of your 3-5 closest friends from high school.

Where are they now?

Do you even know where they are living or anything about them?

Do you talk to them now once a week or more? I am not talking about just surface level "my dog just ate my remote" on Facebook. I'm talking about real conversations. Are they still your friend or are they more of an acquaintance?

You see, those people who were once so very important to us and who so strongly influenced what we did, who we thought we were, or what we believed are typically no longer in the picture.

Isn't it strange how me make choices as a teenager that can forever alter our lives, and those choices are influenced by people who will not be around to see us live with those consequences.

Kinda' makes you wonder why you listened to them. I wish we could convince today's teenagers of this.

Are You Saying that Mormons are Evil?!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:19:00 +0000

I received a comment on a post yesterday that I felt needed to be addressed with more than a responding comment. It needs a post of its own. So this is that post.

The comment was “So are you saying that Mormons are evil?”

To find the answer to that question, I beg you to try to read this entire post and save your reactions to the end. I would like you to hear the entire story.

On this blog, there is a huge series of posts (see the table of contents in the drop down menu on the header) regarding the LDS Church (aka the Mormons). These posts address the teachings and further the deceptions of this faith that so many people stand by. These posts were inspired by a friend who was being drawn into the faith and his newfound friends who were the missionaries he was discussing the church with. In love to my friend and concern for my (later acquired) new LDS friends, I wanted to publicly address this faith.

It is one that is strong. It is full of incredible people—some of the most good-hearted people I have ever met. It has an incredible family-oriented image. It paints a beautiful picture of God’s love from those looking in from the outside. However, there are many beliefs and tenets of that faith that are just not biblical. Sure, the missionaries that may have come to your door seem well versed in scripture from your very Bible. They are. To an extent. They are also very good at leading you slowly step by step into their faith. They believe these teachings with all that they are and want you to as well, as they feel they are leading you to the true path to salvation. However, if they were to shock and awe you into all of the teaching of their faith you would be shaken and realize immediately just how different their faith is from yours.

That is what these posts are all about.

The question as to whether I think Mormons are evil stemmed from this post where I strongly urged those who embarked on reading the full study to surround themselves with a prayer of protection every time they started reading about this faith.

Trust me. I totally get the comment. I totally understand the horror with which its author probably wrote it.

Religion and politics are two very volatile topics. Two topics that will immediately incite riots. They are passionate topics and those which people will vehemently defend. I really would not expect anything but a defense of one’s faith. I would do the same thing regarding my faith. I hope you would too.

However, I would like to explain myself and that call to prayer.

If you, whether you are a member of the LDS church, a member of a traditional Christian faith, or a non believer, will read more into the study, you will find that there are many, many differences between traditional biblical Christianity and the beliefs of the Mormon faith. The differences are addressed in a manner that I intended to be respectful, yet thorough and mildly confrontational. I look into these beliefs using the LDS canon and compare it to the words from the KJV version of the Bible (which is the only version of the Bible that the LDS church recognizes). I examine various teaching and proclamations of the Elders and Prophet of the LDS church and compare those to both Biblical scripture and the other books of the LDS canon. I basically compare notes and see what fits and what does not.

I personally, after finding all of this information out for myself through both discussions with LDS friends and study, feel that the Mormon faith is not biblical. In other words, it is not Christian.

Does this make LDS members evil? Yes and no.

KEEP READING.

Inherently, yes. LDS members are evil. But no more than me. And no more than you.

You see, the Bible clearly states that in our natural state, we are evil. We are born into sin with a sin nature. We are not inherently good. A (not so) few examples—all from KJV to follow suit with the study:

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men (Ecclesiastes 6:1)
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. (Ecclesiastes 9:3)
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. (Matthew 6:23)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:20-23)
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:14-24)
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

So you can see, we are all evil on our own. The only way to overcome that evil is to live in Christ. Christ is the one who overcomes it, not us. We just have to humbly accept His gift and allow Him to live through us. Without Him, we are all evil.

So are LDS members evil? Yes. In the above sense.

Are they more evil than I am? No.

But the LDS church does not teach the right path to salvation.

Does that mean no member of the LDS church is saved and will make it into Heaven?

Well, that’s really not my call to make. You see, a relationship with God is a very personal thing. And I can look at your works and your life and make an estimate about what your standing is in the Kingdom of God, but in all honestly, not only is it just an estimate, but it is not my place to make that call.

Only God knows your heart. Only He knows where you stand with Him. You can have that assurance through Him, but I cannot tell you whether you have that assurance or not.

Are the teachings of the LDS church evil? I believe the teaching of the LDS church to be controlled by the most frightening of evils.

You see, the members and even leaders of that church wholeheartedly believe that they are right. They are trying to persuade others into what they believe to be the truth. However, most of the members of the church do not even realize the full picture of their faith compared to the Bible. They have been taught out of so many other books that they consider scripture alongside the Bible that they do not really know what the Bible itself says when it stands alone…because they do not believe it can stand alone.

They are not trying to get you to join a faith that will mislead you. Not intentionally.

However, they have been misled. By others who have been misled.

They are misleading and do not even realize it.

And why is this evil? They fully believe themselves to be Christian. They convince others they are Christian. They believe many things that are similar to the Chrsitian faith. However, many other things are so anti-Christian that I really do not see how they can be called Christian. I will not go into those differences now (that’s what the study is for), but they have a completely different definition of who God is, who Jesus is, who the Holy Spirit is, who man is, the plan of salvation, the definition and description of both Heaven and Hell, as well as many others. With just an ounce of the Truth included, they feel that the entire teachings of their church are Truth.

And it is very, very sad to me that one cannot trust his/her own church.

They are told (and will encourage the same of you) to search their hearts for the Truth. However, that too is unbiblical. For the Bible states:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

So do you find Truth in your heart? Do you find it in your church? Do you find it in the scriptures? Have you personally read and studied your scriptures well enough to know the Truth if you saw it?

I challenge you, that if this post has either piqued your interest or even just angered you, please, read the study. You can start either with who I am and why I am writing this, you can start with the background of the church to gain some perspective, or you can dive straight into the core information. You can argue with me. You can debate me. I welcome both (although if they are not done is the same respectful manner that I attempt to address this entire topic, they will not be posted or responded to). However, I ask you to seriously search for the Truth—in my words, in your teachings, but most importantly in the Word of God. If you find anything in your canon that seems to be out of sync from what can truly be found in the Bible (not in what you are told is there, but in what you find there for yourself), it is certainly worth further investigation in my opinion.

Godspeed.

The Story of Zac Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Just wanted to update this post and note that Zac died on 05/16/10. I pray his family and friends know peace while missing this inspirational man.

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

Question on Injustice

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:46:00 +0000

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it.”

“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”

“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”

(Anonymous) -a quote from A Hole in the Gospel, by Richard Stearn, President of World Vision.
___________________________________________________

This was an eye-opening quote that I read yesterday. Please go read the remainder of the post where I saw it.

Do Some People Think You Stink?

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:11:00 +0000

I was doing my daily Bible reading a couple of days ago and came across a passage that I've never noticed before (isn't that strange how you can read OVER a passage many times but actually read it another?).

Here it is:

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? (2 Corinthians 2: 15-16, NIV)

This scripture is further evidence that real life as a Christian plays out in very real ways.

It seems that when we are walking with God and living out loud, other believers find a sweet aroma. Those who are seeking experience the "fragrance of life" that can only be found in God. However those who have the burden of sin upon their lives find us offensive...the very "smell of death" whether they recognize it as that or not.

If they are not ready to meet God, they will often reject you, your life, your beliefs, your faith, your morals. They might mock. They might ignore. They might attack. All because you are the smell of death to them...their own God-given consciousness is reeling at your presence because of the weight of sin bearing down on them. Conviction is weighing heavy on them.

But if they are ready...they will encounter an aroma unlike anything they know in their current state. You will appeal to them in a way they cannot explain. They will be attentive to your ways and your words. They will be watching and learning. They will seek what it is that makes you smell so sweet to them.

Strange that one person can effect people in two very different, very polar ways.

You never know where a person is in their path to faith. It is up to us to leave a path in our wake that will draw others to God. Maybe they will mock. Maybe they will be attuned to God. All we must do is live in the way that He commands and let Him work out the rest in whatever way He wants.

So be who you are meant to be in Him. Let the reaction of others not phase you nor discourage you. Their perception of you might well be tied up in their heart condition.

And remember--if you absolutely reek to some people...you just might be doing it right.

Hello. My Name is Martha

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:01:00 +0000

You know, I've always looked down on Martha.

You know...Mary's sister.

See, Mary was the good one. The one who wanted to listen to Jesus. Martha was too wrapped up in her little world of cooking, entertaining, and preparing the house that she wouldn't take the time out to spend some time with the Lord. What was she, stupid?

This is how the Message tells the story (Luke 10:38-42)

As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

Seriously...who would spend time in the kitchen when JESUS HIMSELF sat in the next room speaking?

Obviously, I would.

Martha was loved by Jesus. She obviously had a good heart. She obviously had a servant's heart with good intentions. But oh, how her intentions were her focus rather than the Master.

I've decided that as disgusted with Martha as I once was, I'm actually a lot like her. It's like realizing that you grew up to be just like your mother (which in the end, isn't so bad, you know?).

You see, too often I realize that I hustle and bustle around in the morning to get ready for the day and have everything in order for the kids that I walk out the door before realizing that I haven't read my Bible.

I'm too busy with busywork that I neglect to spend time with the Lord when He is near and wanting to teach me.

I. Am. Martha.

Nice to meet you.

I'm trying to work on my Mary-ness though. Twice this week I have been THIS CLOSE to being late for work because now I read my Bible before doing some of the things that I MUST do before leaving in the morning (like getting dressed). And I have vowed not to rush through it.

I'm making an effort to spend time with my Lord, because it is essential. And I'm choosing it.

Spiritual Gifts - The Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

You probably already have yourself, or your spouse, or your best friend (or all of the above) pegged. You want to verify that or just figure it out?

I have put together a quiz to help you determine just that.

It is a 37 question quiz. I apologize for the first two. They have nothing to do with the rest of the quiz, but were a requirement from the site that helped me created the quiz.

Word of warning that I must heed myself when taking the test:

Please don’t answer how you think you should or how you wish you could. It’s not about your shortcomings in any of these areas, as we all have them. Honestly answer the questions as they describe you at this moment in your walk with God. Otherwise you just won’t get a clear depiction of who you are or who God is working you out to be!

Just for fun, when you are done, come back here and post a comment with your results. I think it will be fun to see how everyone is different and how we all can be used together as the body of Christ.

Okay…click here to quiz!

*This quiz was taken from Lifeway resources here.

Spiritual Gifts - Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do you find yourself being drawn to people who are needy, hurting, sick, disabled, or elderly?
Do you often think of ways to minister to those who are suffering?
Do you sense a great deal of compassion for people having personal and emotional problems?
Do you find that when you visit those who are suffering it brings you joy rather than depressing you?
Do you find yourself responding to people more out of compassion than judgment?

Summary: Like servants, these people are critical to non-believers coming to a relationship with Christ as often their example touches others to find out what Christianity is all about. And in the meantime, they make others’ lives just a little bit better.

Mark Twain might have something here...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand. --Mark Twain

Spiritual Gifts - Administration

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

When things are poorly organized do you get frustrated and want to help fix things?
Can you bring order out of chaos?
Do you naturally organize your life, schedule, finances, priorities, etc.?
Do you become energized working on tasks and projects?
Do things like efficiency and promptness matter more to you than most people?
Do things like spreadsheets, budgets, organizational charts and software, files, highlighters, and label makers make you happy?

Summary: These task and people managers offer a key piece of the puzzle to effectively working for God. These people are the go-getters, the organizers, the planners, the team-leaders. It takes these people to get the rest of us to work together sometimes!

Spiritual Gifts - Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do you tend to see the needs of others more than other people do?
Do you enjoy giving your time, talent, and treasure to others?
Do you see giving to a worthwhile project as an exciting honor and privilege?
Do you give to the church regularly, cheerfully, and sacrificially?
Do you often hear people commenting that you are a generous person?
Do you find yourself looking for opportunities to give your money—even when no one asks?

Summary: These people can always be depended on to support a ministry of the church that is God-filled. They provide much-needed resources to reach out to the community and the world-wide mission field. Without the money to perform tasks, those getting their hands dirty would not be able to serve in their capacity.

Spiritual Gifts - Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do people seek you out for advice and encouragement?
Do you enjoy walking with someone through difficulties?
Are you attracted to those who are hurting and needy?
Are you patient with people?
Would you rather speak personally with someone about their problems rather than send them to someone else for help?
Do you find it easy to express joy in the presence of those who are suffering?

Summary: Often these are the people who have been the biggest influence in the lives of people and have had a major role in them finding a relationship with Christ as they see God’s love in action.

Spiritual Gifts - Teaching

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do you enjoy studying and researching?
Do you enjoy imparting biblical truth to others?
Do others come to you for insight into Scripture?
When you teach, do people "get it"?
When you see someone confused in their understanding of the Bible do you feel a responsibility to speak to them about it?
Do you enjoy speaking to various sizes of groups about biblical issues you have strong convictions about?

Summary: There are those people who can read something and then immediately retell it with an explanation that seems to bewilder the rest of us. They have a gift of seeing what is right in front of us and showing us how to use it in our own lives. Where would we be without our teachers? A confused bunch I am sure.

Spiritual Gifts - Serving

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do you enjoy helping others become more effective in their work?
Do you prefer to labor behind the scenes?
When someone is doing a job poorly is your first instinct to help them instead of criticize?
Do you prefer to work in a supportive rather than a leadership capacity?
When you hear of someone with needs, do you offer your services if possible?
When someone asks for your help, do you have difficulty saying no?

Summary: This is a gift that we all should work on developing even if it is not our primary gift. There is nothing more fulfilling than grasping what it feels like to have a servant’s heart. When those of us who are not servants feel the joy in the mundane, we understand why there is always such a smile on the face of the servant.

Great Quote to Share

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:34:00 +0000

I heard Max Lucado say something awesome this morning on the radio. He was speaking of Jesus' humility. It went something like this:

Jesus walked on the water, but He never strutted on the beach.

I thought that was awesome.

Spiritual Gifts - Prophecy

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

This is a series put together to examine the spiritual gifts discussed in Romans 12:3-8. The focus passage is as follows:

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Definition: The gift of prophecy can be a touchy and therefore sometimes taboo subject, due to a misunderstanding of the word. Well, not really a misunderstanding, but more of a mis-focus of the word. Prophecy is typically defined today as the foretelling or prediction of what is to come (Dictionary.com, definition 1). However, the Biblical use of the word is more like that of the third definition from the same source, which says: a divinely inspired utterance or revelation. How is that any different? Simple.

The best definition I’ve heard is that prophecy is not foretelling; it is forthtelling.

There were many times in the Old Testament that the prophets predicted things that were to come due to revelations they received from God. But they were not fortune-tellers or mystics. These were revelations that they did not figure out on their own or work to get…they were simply words that God wanted to share for that place and time.

Prophets are found in the Bible speaking about the future, the present, and even about the past. Sometimes they just spoke about a truth that God wanted to present for that time and place. Prophets are still alive and active today. They are the ones who are inspired by utterances from the Holy Spirit to speak truths and messages.

Although many people will argue that the Bible notes that prophecy is no longer needed because the complete truth and gospel have been revealed (Ephesians 2:20), I feel that prophets are used today to speak the truths of God without apology. Not that they are revealing new truths but rather speaking the truth for a time and place as God instructs.

These are speakers of the truth. Plain and simple.

Jesus Models This Gift: It is obvious in Jesus’ lifetime how he lived the life of a prophet. He spoke of His own death and resurrection. He told the woman at the well how she was living and how the Living Water could quench her thirst. He told of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. People believed He was a prophet even when they denied He was the Messiah. Today that still holds true.

Other Biblical examples of this Gift: There are many examples of prophets and even books in the Old Testament based solely around their lives and work for God. Elijah and Elisha will immediately come to mind as you think of Messianic prophesies. Daniel spoke boldly with the truths of God. Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and others who are considered “minor” prophets are also easily recalled. In the New Testament, you have Agabus who predicts a famine (Acts 11:27-28) and Paul’s sufferings. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. Judas and Silas are named as prophets in Acts 15:32. Paul received revelations from God via an angel in Acts 27:23-24, exhibiting that he too had prophetic gifts. Peter proclaimed to Ananias that he had lied due to the truth given to him by God in Acts 5:3. And of course, John gave us the entire book of Revelation, given directly to him as a prophetic vision.

Strengths: The major definition of a prophet’s gift is he/his unapologetic adherence to the truth of God. They must speak the absolute truth. They often can remind people of God’s love and guidance for them because God is reminding them. They can speak up with God’s will is being pushed aside. They simply cannot keep silent when God is stirring within them.

Pitfalls: These people do not mince words. Seriously. If you don’t want the truth, plain and simple, don’t ask a prophet for truth. Often their bluntness, even if delivered in a kind manner, is offensive because of the conviction it lays on people. These usually are not “people persons” as we too often don’t like to hear the truth even when we need to. These people are often considered to be judgmental and often may have to fight this tendency within themselves as the gift takes over some of their thoughts.

Just another note…prophecy, although it sounds like a cool gift to have, is a gift to be cautious of if you possess it. Not that it should not be used…quite the contrary. However, prophets will be held to whatever they say on God’s behalf. They must be truly familiar with His voice to be sure that the word that they are receiving is His.

Ideas of How to Work for God using this Gift: The purpose of a prophet is to help us live by God’s word and will in the time and place that we live. How do we apply his word to today? How do we live differently as He has called us to? Prophets can tell us, as God speaks through them to answer our questions. People with this gift are great for speaking about current events, lifestyles, and apologetics for today. Cult study would be another good one, as a prophet can receive revelation about how the word is being misconstrued in some of the belief systems of today.

Do You Have This Gift? (ref The Resurgence - Spiritual Gifts)

When studying God's Word, do you find that you discover the meaning and its implications before others do?
Do you seem to understand things about God's Word that other believers with the same background and experience don't seem to know?
Are you able to apply biblical truth in a practical way to help counsel others to make good life choices?
Do you get frustrated when people make foolish decisions that damage their quality of life, because you know what they should have done instead?
Do you find that when people have important decisions to make, they come to you for prayer and biblical counsel?
Do you find that when you counsel people, God the Spirit gives you wisdom to share with them from Scripture, which they accept as God's truth to them through you?

Summary: So has this changed your view of what a prophet is or what their purpose is? Do you have prophetic tendencies? Is this your main gift? These speakers of the truth are vital in the survival of Christianity in an ever-changing world.

Spiritual Gifts - Intro

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Technorati claim code

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:23:00 +0000

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The First Step Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:35:00 +0000

...admitting it. Or at least that's what I've always heard. And there must be some validity in that because after admitting that I have no idea what I'm supposed to do next, I received inspiration.

I have a new series of posts coming up on spiritual gifts. I hope it will be educational, insightful, stirring, and helpful in all of us finding out better what God wants us to do.

Right now it's just a plan floating around in my head, but my research has already begun and it seems to be coming together nicely. God is awesome, you know?

So, stay tuned...it starts on Monday!

Hurry Up and Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:13:00 +0000

It has been forever. I know. I would apologize, but I haven't felt very inspired to write over here and frankly, I would rather just wait until inspired than to fill this blog with mindless drivel just for the sake of posting something.

The talk lately is of resolutions. What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to do differently? Who do you want to be? It's a fresh opportunity to start over, you know.

I hate new year's resolutions. I think I just hate the principle of them. Why not change because we truly feel a need to change? Why does a new year bring about a reason to change? Maybe that's why I'm not very good at keeping resolutions.

And I'm not very good with making changes.

Don't get me wrong. I make them frequently. My problem lies more in sticking with them.

You see, I'm easily influenced. Give me a good emotional story, a good heart-warming tale, a good fuzzy memory, and I'm likely to buy whatever you're selling me. This is evident in the fact that we own a timeshare that we're currently trying to sell.

Too often I hear pleas to help somewhere or do something different. I hear stories that inspire me to want to be a better person. I jump on the emotional bandwagon and then when the newness wears off, I feel disappointed and ashamed that I no longer want to work for this goal...especially when I can see that it truly is a worthy cause or a wise goal.

Then I begin to wonder if it was me that God was speaking to or did I just assume that? If God did speak to me, am I now letting Him down by falling away from it? What does He want from me?

And you know...I'm just not sure.

Sure I know I'm supposed to be a good wife and helpmate for Chip. Yes, I know I am to bring up my children in the ways of the Lord. Those are "givens." What else does He want me to do?

Volunteer for children's ministry? Did that...liked it...but it doesn't seem to fit into our life right now. Write on this blog? Did that...liked it...haven't felt like I've had much to say in a while. Sign up for a women's Bible study? Did that...liked it...can't seem to get into the groove again though.

What is it that God wants from me? I have no idea. That's my problem. I really need to be still and listen. So that is my goal for now...to wait on Him. To see what He opens up for me. To rely on Him to establish the timing for what He needs me to do. To hopefully grow in Him more than I dreamed possible.

Until then, I'll be waiting I guess.

Every Moment is His

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:03:00 +0000

I love it when God touches you at the most ordinary, mundane moments and claims them for Himself.

This morning our local Christian radio station interviewed Chris Tomlin, and he talked, among other things, about a new Christmas album he has released for this holiday season. I need to get my hands on this one!

One moment in the interview that I cannot get out of my mind came when he was discussing the lyrics to one of the songs, Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground). He talked about how God was silent to his people for about 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. Then the silence was broken...by the sound of a crying baby.

What a beautiful picture that painted.

Thank you for sharing that, Chris. God spoke to me in my car through your words and made my daily commute extraordinary today.

It Speaks to Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:09:00 +0000

This song really speaks to me right now.

Too Big for Our Britches

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:52:00 +0000

We are quite arrogant, aren't we?

How many times have I said, "no" to the Creator of the Universe? How many times have I ignored Him or put Him off or tried to wriggle my way out of something He wanted me to do?

He gave us the free will to do what we choose, and too often we choose to tell Him, "No."

How is it that the Voice that spoke creation into existance can have such a minute impact on our lives? His very voice put the planets in orbit. His voice placed every one of the billions of stars in the sky. His voice created the delicate ecosystem we reside in. His voice created all of the intricate biological functions that make us function as the superior earthly beings. And we tell Him, "No."

I think we are a bunch of arrogant fools sometimes...too often, really.

Tuesday Tunes - I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Love it!