Bubbling Springs and Random Things

Signs of the Fall of Empires

2012-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

I recently read a book by Dr. David Jeremiah named 'What in the World is Going On?' The title alone captivated me because frankly, I wonder about things like that! This world doesn't feel like such a safe place to me. I hope for the best but when I look around me - I ponder.

There is an excerpt from the aforementioned book that I would like to share with you. It outlines the progress of the rise and fall of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history (attributing to them an average lifespan of approximately 200 years). Here is the outline, according to Dr. David Jeremiah.

"From bondage to spiritual faith

From spiritual faith to great courage

From courage to liberty

From liberty to abundance

From abundance to complacency

From complacency to apathy

From apathy to dependence

From dependence, back into bondage."

It makes sense to me because I’ve seen the latter 5 parts of this list following WW1 and WW2. Can we figure out where exactly our nations currently sit in this cycle? What are some of the signs we should look for?

In the book “Family and Civilization” by Dr. Carle Zimmerman, there are 11 symptoms of final decay which were present in the fall of both the Greek and Roman civilizations. Do these look familiar to you?...and I quote:

1. No fault divorce

2. Increased disrespect for parents and parenthood

3. Meaningless marriage rites/ceremonies

4. Defamation of past national heroes

5. Acceptance of alternative marriage forms

6. Widespread attitudes of feminism, narcissism, hedonism

7. Propaganda of anti-family sentiment

8. Acceptance of most forms of adultery

9. Rebellious children

10. Increased juvenile delinquency

11. Common acceptance of all forms of sexual perversion.

I have to admit, looking at this list is also a little disconcerting. We currently exhibit all of these symptoms, and I believe many of our world’s nations exhibit these symptoms to some degree.

So then, what in the world is going on? What are your thoughts on it?

Thanks for stopping by!

Carmen

Finding My Way

2011-11-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

I’ve been a Christian for many, many years. In that time I have served in many capacities and really enjoyed it. However, to my dismay things began to change. It all began to feel like a facade, and the words that kept going through my mind were ‘are we the modern day Pharisees?’

I did some Bible research and realized that many churches are missing the mark set out in Scripture. At the time I was serving in a leadership role, and though I was a volunteer, I was asked to attend all staff meetings, which I did. In fact, most of my time was spent at the church. But now, I felt like something was wrong.

I stopped going initially, although I did try going regularly numerous times after that as an attendee before walking away for good. It’s not that I’m a loud, insistent person. I’m really more of a guarded person who truly desires to reflect Christ to others, and I often get used and taken for granted because of that quality. I prayed to God, I wept...but I still felt like a stranger amidst His people, even though I’d known many of them for years.

I was at a crossroad not knowing which way to turn. So I stopped there and went nowhere until I could find my way again.

For those in between years, on that Crossroad, I continued to read the Word, pray, study, meet with friends, etc. I even hosted and taught a Bible study on eschatology for a year. I loved it!

I’ve recently started attending a little church in our community. It’s been there a long time, but the leadership changed about 5 years ago and I have been watching it grow. A couple of my children and their spouses attend there and love it....so I thought I’d try it.

There’s something different there. Something very real...and maybe, just maybe I’ll finally feel like I fit in again. I really hope so.

Pray for me, will you?

Blessings,

Carmen

When the 'Going' gets Tough!

2011-10-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

It’s so nice to finally get where it feels things are falling into place in my life again. Not that so much has changed...but time has passed. Time is truly a friend when something needs healing, and you know, I think that’s just fine! The world runs at too much of a hurried pace. We need to stop and take time to get a clear perspective on the things that really matter!

So I’ve taken time to do that, and I’m glad I did!

A little distance sometimes helps too. Now I know some of you would disagree, but for me - it works! I can’t think or see clearly when I’m in the middle of it...a step back can be a necessary tool to recovery - depending on what you're going through. While I don’t see the point in detailing what those circumstances were for me, I have found that the answer lies in Scripture.

The answer always lies in Scripture. It’s really quite amazing!

I’ve been going back to the same scripture verses lately.

“Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of the Spirit in the binding power of peace.”

Be eager......Strive earnestly......Guard......Keep.

Those are the words that stood out to me.

People are always going to disappoint. Maybe that’s not the way it should be, but that’s the way it is! Christ did not give himself in complete trust to people because he knew what manner of persons they were. He is our example, so I think we also aim to be like Him. Yet, to attain that Christ likeness; that harmony and oneness in His Spirit, we will have to practise these words, in His strength.

Remember that.

Then consider this verse:

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk worthy of the calling to which you have been called with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.”

Even though we are going to have situations where we disagree with a brother or sister, we should always be willing to do what is right so that we can set an example with the goal of harmony, oneness and peace in Christ.

It’s truly not for the faint of heart.

So, I will do my best to do this–and to do it all in a spirit of love and joy...in His strength!

Wanna walk along?

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings!

Carmen

Ephesians 4:1-3
Galatians 5:22,23

Viewing This Blog

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Well, I've made quite a few changes already, as you can see! There are still some more things I want to do to make it easier to find related posts.

The new template I'm using is called 'Dynamic Views.' The reason for this is that you, the viewer, can change how you view this blog by running your cursor over the top left hand side of the page under my Blog Title.

There you will see a bunch of options; Classic, Flipcard, Magazine, Mosaic, Sidebar, Snapshot and Timeline.

I have it set on 'Timeline,' as this highlights a post for each month I've been blogging, and showcases other titles along the right side of the main post. This, in my mind, makes things easy.

I feel some of the other views are less simple, incomplete, or do not show much of my work at once, but check them out and see what you think.

There are some drawbacks to these views. The major one is that I no longer have followers displayed, and I'm not even sure if you can follow...so you'll have to bookmark this Blog if you like it, or place me on your list of blogs if you have a Blog, or Subscribe at the top right.

Also, in going over everything, I've realized that I never did complete my series on the Churches of Revelation, and hope to do that soon. I will also be writing some lighter inspirational type posts in the next while.

Thanks for visiting!

Carmen

Time to Make a Change

2011-10-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

I will be making some changes to this blog in the next few weeks. Some of my posts will be deleted or changed, and my post labels will have a more simplistic format, such as:

1) Creative writing
2) Positive inspirational
3) Thought provoking
4) Update

I want to bring a more upbeat feel to this blog, because although things are not always wonderful, you can always find hope in the darkest of places. It only takes one small light to break through the darkness.

I want to be a bit of that light.

Please bear with me as I make these changes, and thank you!

Carmen

Abducted!!

2011-09-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday a little 3 year old boy named Kienan Hebert was abducted from his bedroom during the middle of the night in Sparwood, B.C. Although not sure, police suspected he had been taken by a man named Randall Hopley, known to be a sexual deviant. Eventually an Amber Alert was issued and search teams were dispatched. Then as the days wore on many people prayed and candlelight vigils were set up all over BC. The media recorded messages from the childs’ family and also from the abductors’ mother pleading with Randall to just drop the baby off somewhere. A Facebook page was started for Kienan and people everywhere were outraged and prayed for Kienan’s safe return day after day.

Photograph by: Stuart Gradon, Calgary Herald

Last night I cried as I again prayed for this little man to be returned home safely. When I awoke this morning I prayed some more. The fact that so much time had gone by increased the urgency of my prayers even more.

Then this morning I heard the news we'd all been waiting for. Kienan had been found! Someone had phoned the police to tell them he ‘would be’ returned home. So at 3 AM this morning police entered the family home, which was still under security tape, and found little Kienan sitting on the couch with his blankie.

Unbelievable!! How incredibly wonderful!!

Police stated this was unheard of in a situation like this. It was a truly happy ending to a tremendously tragic few days.

Yet, as I lay there in the early hours this morning, I believe God impressed something on my heart. You see, everyone was united in the single purpose of finding Kienan. People did whatever they could. People were passionate!! A child had been abducted by a person of sinister intent who would abuse him in some way. His sole mind was to trick him into doing what he wanted - and not for Kienan’s good.

The Lord spoke softly to my heart. Why can’t you see others and feel for them in this way? There are many who are under the influence of something, or someone sinister in their lives. Why do you not urgently cry out for these ones? Why don’t you passionately intercede for those who are blinded by the father of this world? Is it not the same? Are these not abducted as well? I realized it was true.

Afterwards I spent some time praying for people who I know have not found the way to eternal life, and even for some who have just strayed from the path. I did this with a fresh outlook and an urgent heart. Perhaps I’m learning to see them as God sees them-- because each one of them is like a Kienan to God, every one matters just as much!!

There may not be an Amber Alert for them on the roads and billboards, and there may not be a search party. Yet, as Christians we are alerted to pray and with urgency – the time is short and God cares for them so very, very much!

In your focus on your journey, let's remember to pray for the many who are still lost. :)

As for Kienan Hebert -- Welcome Home Kienan!! - We are all so happy for you and your family! You'll always know there are many people who truly do care!!

Blessings!

Carmen

For the story on Kienan Hebert, click the link below

Missing Boy Found!

Sibling Rivalry

2011-08-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Check out "Coincidences, Warnings, or Judgments," for the post in conjunction with this one where I outline some disasters that seem to coincide with meetings and plans that focus on the dividing of the land of Israel.

Photo Source: Oh Baby! Baby Blog

All this is, is a case of sibling rivalry gone terribly wrong!

Here’s what the Bible tells us:

Isaac and Ishmael's fight (fight between Jews & Arabs) over possession of Jerusalem has drawn the whole world into it - just as the prophets predicted. It is the culmination of Ishmael's 4,000 year-old hatred of his half brother Isaac, the forefather of the Israelites."

So Then Whose Land is it?

Well, my guess is - whoever God gives it to.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.

Psalm 105:8
He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

(That’s over 70,000 years y’all!)

So if God gave the land to Israel, what happens to those who try to divide it?

Joel 3:2

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

Obadiah 1:15

The prophet Obadiah warns that God "deals with any nation in direct relation to how that nation interacts with Israel. If a nation blesses Israel, God blesses that nation. If a nation curses Israel, He curses that nation.

"For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near. As you have done (to Israel), it shall be done to you. Your reprisal shall return upon your own head"

Zechariah 12:3

A prophecy God made 2,500 years ago through the Hebrew prophet Zechariah.

"And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples..." (meaning the entire world). All who would seek to heave it away will surely be cut in pieces."

"The original Hebrew makes the meaning of this even clearer. It reveals that everyone who tries to remove the heavy burden of the Jerusalem crisis will be utterly destroyed for getting involved with it."

Prophetically speaking, who is involved?

Psalm 83;1-8

O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants

Let’s identify these nations:

Tents of Edom: Jordanian descendants of Esau (the twin brother of Jacob). These have taken the name of Palestinians and are a nomadic people.

Ishmaelites: Arab descendants of Ishmael (1/2 brother of Isaac, Hagar’s son). Modern day Egypt.

Moab: Also Jordanians

Hagrites: Egyptian descendants of Hagar (Sarah’s maid). The distinction between Hagrites and Ishmaelites, are that the Hagrites are children from a father other than Abraham.

Byblos or Gebal: Located on the Meditteranean coast of modern day Lebanon; the northern part which borders Syria.

Ammon:These are also Jordanians that refer to themselves as Palestinians.

Amalek: These are from the huge pot of Arabs in the Middle East

Philistia: Arabs in the Gaza strip who are descendants of the Philistines, but not necessarily Palestinians. Basically Arab peoples who reside in the Gaza Strip today.

Tyre: Southern Lebanon, which has been taken over by Hamas today.

Assyria: Literally Syria, Iraq and Turkey.

Well folks - I may be old, but I guarantee you, I didn't write this in the Bible. How could they have known?

Keep watching!

Thanks for visiting,
Carmen

Coincidences, Warnings, or Judgments?

2011-08-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Photo Source: The Armenian Weekly

We don’t always see what’s right in front of us, do we? Often we don’t see the bigger picture! So today I want to talk a little bit about America and Israel. I’m going to do it in point form. You decide if it’s coincidence, or if there’s a bigger picture there.

October 30, 1991

As President George Bush Sr. Opens the Madrid (Spain) Conference to consider “land for peace” in Israel’s Middle East role, the Perfect Storm develops in the North Atlantic which creates the largest waves ever recorded in that region. The storm travels 1000 miles from “east to west” instead of the normal “west to east” pattern and crashes into the New England Coast. During this storm, thirty-five foot waves crash into the Kennebunkport home of President Bush.

August 23, 1992

The Madrid Conference is moved to Washington DC and the peace talks are resumed. The same day Hurricane Andrew produces an estimated $30 billion in damage on the Florida coast. It is the worst natural disaster ever to hit America!

January 16, 1994

President Bill Clinton meets Syria 's President Hafez el-Assad in Geneva. They discuss a peace agreement with Israel that would include Israel giving up the Golan Heights. Within 24 hours a powerful (6.9 on the Richter scale) earthquake rocks Southern California! The Northridge earthquake becomes the second most destructive natural disaster to hit the United States behind Hurricane Andrew.

January 21, 1998

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coldly received at the White house by Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. They even refuse to have lunch with him. Shortly afterwards on that same day, the Monica Lewinsky scandal breaks into the mass media and begins to occupy a major portion of Clinton's time.

September 28, 1998

Secretary of State Albright works on the final details of an agreement in which Israel would give up 13% of Judea and Samaria. Hurricane George, with winds of 110mph gusting up to 175mph, slams into the United States Gulf Coast...then it stalls...

Clinton meets with Arafat and Netanyahu at the White House to finalize this land deal. Later Arafat addresses the United Nations about declaring an independent Palestinian state by May 1999. Hurricane George pounds the Gulf Coast causing $1 billion in damage. At the exact time Arafat departs the country, the storm starts to dissipate.

October 15-22, 1998

Arafat and Natanyahu meet at the Wye River Plantation in Maryland. The five day talks have a focus on Israel giving up 13% of Judea and Samaria. The talks are extended and conclude on October 23rd. On October 17th Southern Texas is hit with incredible rains and flooding and continue until October 22nd and then subside. The floods ravage 25% of Texas and leave over $1 billion in damage. On October 21, Clinton declares this section of Texas a major disaster area.

November 30, 1998

Arafat comes to Washington to raise money for a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as the capital. A total of 42 other nations were represented in Washington. All agreed to give Arafat $3 billion in aid. That same day the Dow Jones average drops 216 points. The next day the European Market had its worst day in history. Hundreds of billions of market capitalization were wiped out in U.S. and Europe.

December 12, 1998
Clinton lands in the Palestinian-controlled section of Israel to discuss the "land for peace" process.        The House of Representatives votes four articles of impeachment against Clinton.

May 3, 1999
This day Yasser Arafat was scheduled to declare a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.        The most powerful super tornado storm system ever to hit the United States swept across Oklahoma and Kansas. Winds are clocked at 316mph, the fastest wind speed ever recorded.
The declaration is postponed to December 1999 at the request of Clinton, whose letter to Arafat encourages him in his "aspirations for his own land".

October 11 1999
Jewish settlers in 15 "West Bank" (Israel) settlements are evicted from the covenant land in Israel.        That week the Dow Jones financial averages loses 5.7% in the worst week since October 1989. On October 15 the Dow lost 266 points.

On October 15 a hurricane slams into North Carolina.
Then the morning of October 16, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocks the Southwest in the fifth most powerful earthquake in the 20th century. The earthquake was centred in the California desert and did little damage but was felt in three states.

August 2005
In response to the American Foreigh Policy pressure exerted by Condoleeza Rice, Jewish families were evicted from their homes in the Gaza communities as part of Ariel Sharon's "Disengagement" plan. As the Jews were being removed from their homes, a weather system was forming in the Atlantic. This storm became Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed New Orleans, Louisiana - and an area the size of Britain, rendering thousands of Americans homeless and leaving thousands dead.

Coincidences? Warnings? or Judgments?

You decide.

Keep watching!

Carmen

Check out "Sibling Rivalry" for the continuation of this post.

The Feast of Trumpets 2011

2011-07-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

The seven feasts of the Lord are prophetic in nature and rich with meaning!

While the first four Feasts have been fulfilled, the last three remain to be filled. The first four are referred to as the "Feasts of the Former Rain." and the last three are "Feasts of the Latter Rain." There is a strong possibility that the first of these remaining feasts could be fulfilled shortly. I don't propose to set any dates, but I do want to awaken you to the fact that it may be soon.

I want to give you some basic information on the Feasts, and that is most easily done with the chart below. Note that I mention what each feast meant to the Jewish people, which ones are fulfilled, how they're fulfilled, which ones are awaiting fulfillment, and what they may symbolize.
The 7 Feasts of the Lord

Leviticus 23:5	Passover Feast (redemption from sin through the Lamb. 1 Cor 5: 7,8)	Fulfilled! Exact day and hour of Crucifixion "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, surely He bore our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed!"
Leviticus 23:6-8	Feast of Unleavened Bread (cleansing from sin. 1 John 1:9)	Fulfilled! Exact day of Christ’s Burial
Leviticus 23:9-14	Feast of Firstfruits (3 days later) (giving first fruits to the Lord; Messiah, the first from the dead. 1 Cor. 15:20)	Fulfilled! Exact day of resurrection of Christ (3 days later)
Leviticus 23:15-22	Pentecost (50 days later) Aka: Feast of weeks (body of Messiah, empowered! Acts 2:1-4)	Fulfilled! Birth of the church (50 days later)
Leviticus 23:23-25	Feast of Trumpets Aka: Rosh HaShanah Aka: Wedding of the Messiah and Church (gathering of the people together; we are gathered up to the Messiah. 1 Thess 4: 16,17)	Symbolic of the Rapture of the church. Unique to this feast is that they did not know the exact time this took place. More below.
Leviticus 23:26-32	Day of Atonement Aka: Yom Kippur (solemn assembly for repentance; perfect atonement through the Messiah Hebrews 2:17)	Symbolic of the Second Coming of Christ Jesus
Leviticus 23: 33-	Feast of Tabernacles Aka: Feast of Booths Aka: Sukkot	Symbollic of the Millenium

Today I'm going to briefly outline some things that are leading up to this years Feast of Trumpets, which is to take place sometime between Sept 29th and 30th, 2011 (as no man knows the exact day or hour)!
A quick outline:

1) The UN wants to pass a resolution this September recognizing a Palestinian State using pre-1967 borders. This will move Israel's boundaries, or borderstones. This may start a war, and it will definitely anger God and set in motion an unstoppable momentum according to Scripture. Zechariah 12:1-3; Psalm 83:1-8,12

2)The Fall Election in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood, whose campaign slogan last year was "Islam is the solution," claim they will not be running a religious state, should they win, which they almost certainly will. Considering their past involvement in many events...what do you believe?

3) Speculative in its effect, but worth mentioning nonetheless, Comet Elenin is expected to pass quite closely between the sun and the earth September 26-28, 2011.
On one side, NASA is claiming this is nothing more than a comet that will have little effect on the earth, on the other side some scientists and private researchers claim it is a large planetary body; possibly a brown dwarf star, which may have calamitous effects on the earth. Many expect it will increase seismic activity on the earth, and some even claim it may bring days of darkness on the earth.

4) September 29-30, 2011 Israel celebrates the Feast of Trumpets. This Feast is unique in that no one knows exactly what day or hour this Feast begins. The Rabis keep watch during the dates of the Feast and blow the Shofar to signify the start of the Feast at the sighting of the New Moon. This has been difficult at times in the past due to clouding. Imagine how difficult it would be if something were in the way and the moon could not be seen.
Many believe that this Feast signifies the Rapture of the Church. If Elenin does affect the earth with darkness, the statement "I come as a thief in the night," becomes even more notable. If this were the case, no one could know the exact day or hour.

Again, I do not know when these things will take place. I don't know if the Rapture happens this year, but I'm watching. I do want to mention this Scripture though:
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4

As christians, we are to be watching, awake and aware of the season that is upon us! I know this is overwhelming and perhaps nonsensical for those who are unfamiliar with the Bible. The amazing thing about the Bible is that it's truth is not only felt in our spiritual core, but it fulfills itself through many passages from the past right up until this day, if only you'd look. It is truly amazing!

Our belief is by faith in God, and yet, in His grace and mercy, He has given us many signs; many fulfilled prophecies, and many prophecies that are currently in the process of fulfillment. What an incredible day and time we live in. The signs are everywhere!

If you do not know Jesus as Lord, click on the icon in my left bar called "The Story of Jesus."
I hope to get my own testimony on this blog soon, and will revert you to that at the end of future posts.

Keep watching!

Blessings,
Carmen

Watching the Middle East

2011-05-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping a close eye on the Middle East these days. There are so many voices and rumblings going on. I'm wondering how things are going to pan out this September, when the U.N. General Assembly will put in their vote to recognize a Palestinian state along Israel's 1967 borders. This would be catastrophic for Israel, and could force them to war.

So today I wanted to post a video on just how this looks for Israel.

It appears that a UN resolution to recognize a Palestinian State within 1967 borders would be illegal according to jurists and international lawyers from around the world according to this LETTER written to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon.

Truthfully, I wondered how on earth they could just claim the territory as theirs and then put Israel in a place of defense on their own borders....whether the Palestinians recognize them as such, or not. Israel did win the land during a war that Israel did not start. I am not anti Palestinian, but do not agree with their methods regarding this issue.

Thanks for watching and have a good week!

Carmen

Defining God and Magog

2011-05-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

I’ve been reading Joel Rosenberg’s Blog today and wanted to share something of his. I am intensely interested in eschatology, and I’m realizing that this will probably become a regular type of post on this blog. Life has been busy lately with my other blog and my personal responsibilities here at home. This is my main interest, so it is the one I naturally study the most, and is also the easiest to write about

After studying various thoughts on the identity of God and Magog, I can agree with the way Joel has outlined them here, although as time goes on, the identity of these peoples and nations will become much clearer. I know eschatology is a difficult subject for some people, and there are various interpretations, but it is interesting nonetheless so I hope you’ll review these points below which come from Joel's point of view on Joel’s Blog.

Defining Gog and Magog

The Hebrew Prophet Ezekiel lived in Babylon (Iraq) more than 2,500 years ago and the Lord gave him a vision of events that would take place in the future.
Ezekiel 38:16 specifically tells us these events will take place in the “last days” — that is in the End Times before the Messiah comes to set up His kingdom on earth.
Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37 set the stage for the “War of Gog and Magog” by describing that Israel will be reborn as a country in the last days, the Jewish people will come back to the Holy Land from exile all over the world, the Jewish people will rebuild the ancient ruins and make the deserts bloom again. These things have all happened, and this suggests we are getting closer to the fulfillment of the next set of prophecies.
Ezekiel 38:2 tells us that the war will be led be someone known as “Gog.” This is not a personal name. We’re not looking for someone named David Gog. Or Ahmed Gog. Or Dmitri Gog. Rather, “Gog” is a title, like a “Pharoah” or a “Czar.” Through the prophecy, this Gog is described as a military leader, a political leader, and a coalition builder. In Ezekiel 38:10 he is described as developing an “evil plan,” we know this is an evil man, a tyrant.
The Hebrew prophet gives us more clues. This “Gog” is going to be from the “land of Magog.” One has to do some historical detective work to determine what Magog is, but it is possible. Flavius Josephus, the first century Roman historian, wrote in his famous book, The Antiquities of the Jews, that the people of Magog are the people whom the Greeks called “Scythians.” This is a critical clue because we know from history that the Scythians were a people group that migrated from the Middle East northward and settled north of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea in the region we know today as Russia and the former Soviet Republics.
There are other interesting clues, as well. Ezekiel 38:15 says that Gog “will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north.” Ezekiel 39:2 says Gog will come “from the remotest parts of the north” and come “against the mountains of Israel.” The country that is farthest to the north in relation to Israel is Russia.
Thus, we can determine that a Russian dictator will build a diplomatic and military coalition to surround and attack the State of Israel in the End Times.
The question then is what other countries will be part of the coalition?
In Ezekiel 38:5, we learn that the first ally Russia will have is “Persia.” Until 1935, of course, Persia was the legal name of the country we know today as Iran. So we know that Russia and Iran will build an alliance in the last days to attack Israel.
Ezekiel tells us that another country in the alliance will be what many English Bible translate as “Ethiopia.” The Hebrew word, however, is “Cush” and Cush is the upper Nile region that we now know as Sudan. While the current state of Ethiopia may also be involved in the war, the focus is really Sudan, which today, of course, is a radical Islamic Sunni state closely allied with Iran and Russia and deeply anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
Next, Ezekiel says a nation called “Put” will be part of the alliance. Josephus identifies “Put” as “ancient Lybios” — the territory that today we call Libya and Algeria. Interestingly, both countries today are deeply hostile to Israel and closely allied with Russia.
The next country mentioned is “Gomer.” When one does the historical detective work, one learns that Gomer is what we now call Turkey. For much of the past 80 years, it didn’t make sense that Turkey would turn against Israel. Why? Because Turkey was a NATO ally, and a friend of Israel, the U.S. and the European Union. But in the last few years, the Turkish government has swung dramatically away from the West, towards Russia and Iran, and become deeply hostile towards the State of Israel.
The next country Ezekiel mentions is “Beth Togarmah.” This is the Turkic-speaking peoples that spread out from Turkey across the Causasus, and across Central Asia. We can’t be certain precisely which modern nation states from this area will join the anti-Israel alliance, because these are almost all Muslim countries with close links to Russia and Iran.
Interestingly, Egypt is not mentioned by Ezekiel as part of the Russian-Iranian alliance against Israel. This is interesting because Egypt has been such an historic enemy of Israel and the Jewish people. That said, perhaps Egypt’s non-involvement in the War of Gog and Magog could be explained by the peace treaty Egypt signed with Israel in 1979. This treaty is now in danger of unraveling, but at least for the near term Egypt is still unlikely to be in a position to strategically threaten Israel.
Iraq — whether under its biblical names of Babel, Babylon, Babylonia, Shinar, or Mesopotamia — isn’t mentioned in the prophecy either, yet it, too, is an historic enemy of Israel. Still, given the liberation of Iraq in 2003, the subsequent violence, and the rebuilding now going on, Iraq is not likely to be a threat to Israel in the near term.
Syria and Lebanon are not mentioned by named in the prophecy either. However, Ezekiel tells us repeatedly that the main military force that will be coming against Israel will be coming from the north, which means they will be coming through Lebanon and Syria.

I think the above is good information to keep handy for future reference. As for the final outcome - we'll have more insight as time goes on. Until next time,

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings,

Carmen

A Call to Anguish - David Wilkerson

2011-04-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

As I write this post, my heart calls out to God, "Lord, what should I say?" You know, in my 33 years of being a christian, I've said a lot of things, I've heard a lot of things, I've seen a lot of things. What I'm seeing today makes me sad. What makes me even sadder is the condition of my own heart, though I long for more. This morning I read the lyrics to a song by Casting Crowns called "Stained Glass Masquerade," and I knew it was true.

The East cries out and calls us heathen because of the lifestyles we live, and you know, they're not far from wrong...I'm not saying they're right in how they behave, but they're not wrong about us. We live a stained glass masquerade, and we long to be pampered. We have bought into the lies so rampant amongst us. If we truly had the heart of God, then we would cry out in anguish over what we see around us; our families, our friends, our neighbors, and we would pray! I'm not pointing fingers here, without pointing them at myself first. No wonder our churches do not impact the world when there is no notable difference between the church and the world.

The time is short, it really is. There are those who say that many people in the past have said that they lived at the time of the end. That is true, but not all Scripture was fulfilled. Never before have we been so close to seeing all prophecy fulfilled. It is close, even at the door. Where is the sign of his coming? It is everywhere. In the church, even in its people, and in the world. Signs everywhere. Do not miss them! Read the Word!

Here are the words to Stained Glass Masquerade. Once you've read them, check out the video below for a heart felt call to Anguish.

Stained Glass Masquerade

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

*Chorus*
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is CONVINCING
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Chorus x2

Well if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

by: Casting Crowns

A Call To Anguish, by David Wilkerson

I hope and pray that this post touches you. I have always studied end times doctrine and find it fascinating. Yet the more I read, the more I realize that the time truly is at hand. My intent is not to uncover, upset, or scare anyone in any way. My intent is to warn you that the time is at hand. I hope you'll take note.

Thanks for watching,
Carmen

Whispers

2011-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

I awaken.

Shards of glass lay scattered across the aged wood floor in an attic room. A large mirror leans against a post, most of its glass gone. The pieces that cling onto the haggard frame reflect the light coming through the dusty old window sitting crookedly in the slanted ceiling. I take it all in. Other than the beams of light reflected here and there, the surrounding tone is subdued.

Then I hear them.

Whispers...

Whispers fill the room.

Things move about mysteriously in the pieces of glass. I realize that each one is very familiar and tells its own story. I pick up a piece of the glass and smile- lingering at its memory, feeling its warmth and heart swelling up inside of me, hearing the words it speaks.

Music comes from different shards of the mirror. I hear a mixture of happy, sad, reflective, playful, hard and boisterous music. Each song cries out a story within it; and I notice that some of the music has created the story echoed in its glass. When I hear them, their messages return full force. Realizations grasp me, bringing forgotten awareness.

Another piece displays the innocence and selfishness of youth. With renewed interest and amusement I observe for a long time, relieved at the wisdom that comes with age, but at the same time knowing there is still much to learn.

Many pieces lay face down. Curiosity invites me to turn one over, but with horror and disdain I throw it back on the cold hard floor! My stomach aches and a churning feeling overtakes me. Hot tears flow. Why? Why did I? How could I? It mocks me.

They mock me.

I back away and leave them there, face down, to keep their stories within themselves. I cannot bear them now.

Still another piece brings no emotion at all; deadness, helplessness, hopelessness. The story from the glass stifles as I fight to keep it from enveloping me with its long bony fingers. This lack of emotion is the hardest to break away from. It has eyes; dark, emotionless, life quenching eyes.

I forcingly break its hold and lunge back, numb.

Try as I might, I cannot walk away. This is my life. I cannot change it, I cannot fully embrace it. Yet it is my life. It is what I made, while I was too busy to notice.

Overwhelmed, I close my eyes, and am transported. Warmth embraces me and I soak up the much needed, much anticipated love. It is a reward I do not deserve, yet it holds me closely, dearly. It is my only desire. I want to stay here forever.

But my life is not over. There is more.

Whispers...

Whispers fill my heart.

Come to Me weary one; full of troubles and worries. I will exchange my easy burden for yours, and I will give you rest. Learn about Me, for I am gentle and humble.

My soul sighs. I breathe. My hope is restored.

He whispers -- think of things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Accept that which you cannot change as forgiven, and live purposefully.

I embrace Him. He whispers -- I will never leave you or forsake you. No, never.

Gratefully, tearfully, I whisper...

thank you!

The Value of Time

2011-01-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

Just a little video that blessed me.

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day!
Carmen

Are You Hearing and Seeing Correctly?

2011-01-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

It surprises me how I can read portions of the Bible, and miss things over and over again. Has that ever happened to you?

It is common knowledge that the Jews killed Christ. Isn't that what we hear being preached? Isn't that one of the reasons the Jews have had such a tumultuous history? Wasn't that Hitler's (and others') peeve with the Jews?

Yes, the Jewish leaders of that day wanted Christ dead and enticed the people to ask for his death. That is true.

However, it was not by their hand that he died.

The usual punishment of that day for Jews, was death by stoning. For Romans, it was death by crucifixion.

I came across this Scripture today that I've read time and again. This time something stood out.

From the words of Christ (AMP)

Luke 18:31-33

Then taking the Twelve aside, He said to them, Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written about the Son of Man through and by the prophets will be fulfilled. (Isa. 53:1-12)

For He will be handed over to the Gentiles and will be made sport of and scoffed and jeered at and insulted and spit upon. (Isa. 50:6)

They will flog Him and kill Him; and on the third day He will rise again. (Ps. 16:10)

This may not be news to you, and it wasn't really news to me. I know how the story unfolds.

However, I had still believed the common teaching that the Jews killed Christ.

In fact, it was a combined effort! The Roman leader Pontius Pilate, with the co-operation of some Jewish leaders in Jerusalem brought about the death of Jesus.

Even the saying in Matthew 27:25 ("His blood be upon us and upon our children") is best taken as referring to the crowd ("us") manipulated by the leaders, and to the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70 ("our children")~ not to the whole Jewish people for all ages.

As Christians, we need to be sensitive to the tendency in the Gospels to blame only the Jewish people, when clearly the Romans played a direct role.

Most of the Gospels give the impression that the Jewish leaders manipulated Pilate and that they turned Jesus over to him for execution. The Gospel of John even seems to imply that all Jesus' opponents were Jews. You have to remember that at this time Jerusalem had been destroyed and Christians were still adjusting to life within the Roman Empire. When taken out of context, these texts can contribute to, and seemingly justify anti-Judaism.

In the end, it isn't even all that important who killed Jesus. What's more important is what His death, and in fact, what His life brought about. Simply stated; through His life, He gave us an example of how we ought to live; through His death He provided an entry into eternal life for all those who would repent of their sins and believe in Him.

" They have eyes but do not see, they have ears but do not hear."
Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2; Mark 8:18; Acts 28:26,27

Therefore, the aim of this post is to encourage you to read your Bibles prayerfully, with your eyes and hearts open to understand what is written.

Thank you for visiting and have a good weekend!

Carmen

The Ultimate Gift

2010-12-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

Thank you all for following this little blog, even through my many absences. Life just gets busy sometimes, and this blog (which requires a lot of thought and effort) gets put on the back burner.

I hope you're all relaxing now and waiting for that special day to come! Here's something I wrote a week or so ago that seemed appropriate for Christmas. I hope you enjoy this somewhat lengthy thought about the gifts we encounter through life.

The Ultimate Gift

It didn’t just dawn on me. In a way, I guess I’ve realized it all along, but never in this way. Isn’t it like that sometimes? We notice little things throughout life here and there, then one day they all kind of come together and there’s a larger, or a more complete realization. That is what I’m talking about here.

We come into this world a gift. We are a gift to our parents, our families, our friends, even to the world. Everything we experience from the moment we are born is a gift. As infants, most are gifted with the initial constant watchful care and unconditional love of a mother and father. Then, as we grow up, life brings many, many gifts our way. Sometimes we view these gifts as good, bad or ugly, but they are still gifts.

Everything we encounter in life seems to have some kind of purpose. With the benefit of many years behind us, we look at life differently. We realize that each situation we’ve dealt with has helped us in some way. That is, if we’re looking for help. There are some that refuse to see and hear, and therefore they cannot learn and grow. Some may even become bitter, resentful and hard. This is the easy road to take. But the purposes we encounter in life, are also gifts.

The weak may actually be the strong, and the strong may be the weak. It’s just in how we view it. For example, it isn’t easy to be ridiculed, made fun of, spat upon. It takes a strong person to allow it, realizing that the problem is not with them, but with the others. The strong may perpetrate sorrow, anger and hurt to others, and believe they are the strong. But in this case, it’s harder to receive than to give – and the weak become the strong. All of these lessons are gifted to us.

There is a narrow road to travel. It’s a difficult road, full of potholes, crazy turns, some ridiculously steep hills, and down slopes. But this road enriches you and makes you whole. It teaches you the lessons that life was meant to teach. It causes you to see and hear and grow. This too is a gift.

Often we overlook the small gifts. For example, we can take for granted the laughter of a child, the smell of a rose, the touch of a hand-- to name a few. We rarely appreciate bad things. Yet they are there to teach us. Sometimes someone treats us, or someone we love with hard hearts. This teaches us patience and the realization that we have probably done the same in the past, and has developed a desire to do better next time.

Yes, some of you may say, but some are born into a dire situation—how can you call that a gift? Some things are hard to understand; the child born into a world of disease and starvation. This is a result of the greed that exists in this world. There truly is enough for everyone, it’s just that some people hoard it and expend other’s lives in return for more pleasantries of their own. This is why we have wars – but this was never the intention when life was given. The intention was the gift of love. For everyone!

There are some things that seem unnatural. For example, death – even though death is a fact of life. If you can receive it, death is actually the entrance into a spiritual life. Though our bodies die, our spirits live on. We were made to live forever, yet the life we now experience determines our outcome after death. So we must recognize this gift for what it truly is; an entrance into another, more perfect life.

More importantly, we must recognize the Giver of the gift of life!

This Christmas, may you open your eyes to the Giver of gifts. Every breath you take, He has given, every move you make, He has known beforehand. There is nothing that takes Him by surprise. There is no reason to hide. He knows you. He loves you anyway, unconditionally- which is a miracle in itself.

All He requires is that you learn the lessons on the way, and repent of anything that was borne short of love, and to recognize and accept the Giver as the Ultimate Gift.

Merry CHRISTmas! Merry CHRISTmas! Merry CHRISTmas! Everyone.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Carmen

Happiness, Resilience, and Well Being Through Life.

2010-11-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

People’s resilience through tough times always amazes me! Although here in the West, we do so much better than a lot of other parts of the world, it seems that our freedoms are no longer free. We have no control over our money, often only receiving what’s left after the government and various other agencies take what they deem is rightfully theirs. Then on what we finally do get, we’re taxed again! It seems that prices are going up all the time, but wages are not. Any way you look at it, it’s a lot tougher now than it used to be.

It’s easy to let that get you down. It’s easy to feel like giving up...but what would be the point in that?

I’m so encouraged that things truly do come-- to pass. Even more encouraging is the fact that todays’ hardship may be tomorrow’s blessing. Odd as it sounds, I see it all the time. It’s the promise that God has our back and that he’ll turn that thing that has you down, into a blessing (when you love Him and are called according to His purposes). In fact, He’s so merciful, He will do this for those who don’t know Him sometimes as well. He’s a gracious God!!

Life isn’t easy! When I get down, sometimes it may take a while to come around, but when I do, I finally get into His Word, and it makes me want to.....

SING!

Like these guys....

Note how some of the people in the crowd scowl, and are almost uncomfortable with this display at first, until they relax and take it all in.

Then they’re looking for their cameras...because, after all, they can get many more smiles out of that moment later on.

Remember to keep the good memories close to your hearts and minds, and the bad ones far away. Just like the good ones continue to make you smile, the bad ones will continue to tear you down.

In closing, do you want a recipe for happiness, resilience and well-being? Here it is...

"Whatever things are good, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, or of good report...if there be any virtue, if there be any praise...think on these things!!"

I'm humbled that you've taken the time to read this post! Thank you!

Have a wonderful week!

Carmen

A New Christianity

2010-11-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

In recent years, a falling away has taken place. During this time I've read many articles written by various Pastors suggesting that the falling away spoken of in the Bible was evident by the droves of people leaving the church. Personally though, I wondered if the falling away spoken of in the Bible was actually a watering down of the gospel by the church. After all, it is the truth of the gospel that draws them in.

Many of you have probably noticed user friendly tactics employed to lure people into many of our churches. Usually this comprises of a plan that draws people in and makes them feel comfortable and welcome. On the outset this is not a bad thing, as long as you’re teaching them the Gospel. Unfortunately, many of these strategies involve some kind of compromise at the expense of truth. The problem with this is that you get people who don’t know the Word, haven’t repented of anything, and think they will receive God’s blessing while continuing on in their old, unchanged lifestyles.

There are many new doctrines out there which are supposedly christian...but are they Scriptural? We rely on our Pastors, our Reverends or our Priests to tell us what the Bible says. Even though the Bible says that we have no need that anyone should teach us because we have the Holy Spirit who will teach us all we need to know. Do we know our Bibles? Can we tell the difference?

Sadly, I believe that for most people, the answer to the above questions is...no.

I guess this is why so many people are falling for the deceptions that are rampant today. One of the most subtle is the Emergent Church doctrine. They are the proverbial wolf in sheeps' clothing, as they come in the guise of Christianity, using Christian speak and promoting Christian doctrine in their statements of faith. However, what they teach is something completely different. It’s subtle, it’s attractive, and it’s convincing. In an effort to make the church more ‘real,’ Emergents are turning away from a belief in absolutes (modernism), and embracing postmodernism (no absolutes). There is a great danger in this kind of teaching, since the Gospel is an absolute. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripturally, there is no other alternative.

However, Emergents see doctrine as bad because it causes division. They oppose a rigid belief system and feel we must be accepting of other doctrines. Yet, to do this is to betray the Gospel! When we are absolute in our stand as Christians, it is viewed as spiritual pride. Under the guise of humility, they tell us we must have an open mind and question our beliefs. I can agree that it’s good to question our beliefs, as long as the standard we base this on is the Bible.

Emergents may be pure in their efforts to be ‘real’ in their doctrine, however, their methods are extremely dangerous. Our churches are dying because they are not holding tight enough to the Scriptures and are veering away from the Word of God while embracing doctrines of men (2 Tim 3:10-17). We are told to tell people the truth so that they might be saved, which is not what the Emergent Church seems to promote.

Perhaps the Church needs something old, not something new!

It needs the Gospel, not the doctrine of men!

If we want to fill our churches with real Christians, we must give them real Truth!

“Contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3)."

Thank you for stopping by today!

Carmen

Trusting Through the Valleys

2010-11-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know how the people of this world survive life without the encouragement found in the Bible. It is the only thing that really pulls me out of a funk.

For over 20 years I have suffered quietly with a painful medical issue. The doctors kept thinking it was something else and would treat it for that, but instead of getting better it was getting worse. It got to the point that I was in so much pain, I could not sit or move without terrible discomfort. It wasn't a continuous thing, but when it came it stayed for months at a time before it would mysteriously go.

It was one of these days that I sat with the Bible and read the words of Jeremiah 15:18

"Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you indeed be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail and are uncertain?"

Ah...someone who related. Someone who spoke out the very words I had thought myself. Where was God in all of this? Why did I have to suffer with this incredibly painful issue for so long? Why could the doctors not figure out what it was? My eyes filled with tears as I read on.

"Therefore, thus says the Lord (to Jeremiah): If you return (and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair), then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile (cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness), you shall be my mouthpiece. (But do not yield to them.) Let them return to you--not you to (the people)."

I love the Amplified Bible because it puts in brackets what you find in a Concordance. It was a settling word for me. I had formed thoughts of distrust and despair, and I had wondered about God's faithfulness. This might as well have been me God was talking to.

It was enough to get me on track, and shortly afterwards my condition was diagnosed. It was something completely different than the doctors thought, and it was easily treated. What a relief!!!

Lately, although I've been very busy, I've been depressed. Life is not what I thought it would be, and it's been getting harder and harder. Again I began to question God. Where are you? Have you left me? Again I found encouragement in the Word of God. This was spoken to Israel, but since I am a christian I felt it could have been spoken to me.

Isaiah 43 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you (ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives); I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor till the flame kindle upon you..."

This is the Word that settled me today, and I am seeing some blue skies of hope through those clouds of depression. It's going to be a good day!

Thanks for your company on my journey!

Carmen

Life's Satisfaction

2010-10-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a ponderer. Yes, I am. I read and think, then think and read some more. I look around and watch people, and I ponder. Sometimes I even learn a thing or two.

Like satisfaction or happiness, for instance. It's something we all desire, but yet it seems elusive to so many. Why is that?

Life can be hard, unrelenting, invasive, and demanding. I see it all around me. People striving for whatever it is they feel will satisfy. They are willing to work very hard to get it. I watch them walk by with empty eyes, frowns on their faces, hurried steps. They have no time to look around them. They are focused on their needs and wants, because it is in these that they hope to find satisfaction.

But perhaps it's in the simplicity of life that we find pleasure and happiness.

I watched a portion of Home Makeover last night. They featured a family of seven people living in a house that was ready to crumble all around them. They used paper plates to eat on because their kitchen cabinets could not hold the weight of regular plates. The support joists under their home were crumbling from termite damage. Their children shared one bedroom between the five of them with two bunk beds. They had one bedroom closet between them.

Regardless of these things, this couple were infectious! They were the epitome of joy! They aimed to make their own home a happy one; teaching their children the happiness in family. They also helped people with marriage problems in their spare time. They had very little, yet they exuded happiness. They laughed at their problems and wore a smile in the worst of situations. Really, it was what it was, but they made the best of it!

It made me realize that it isn't in receiving that we find true happiness. It is in choosing to be content and by helping others out, in loving and laughing without boundaries and in being thankful.

We forget to be thankful for what we have because we're so focused on the 'more' that's out there.

How many of us look around for whatever new thing we can find to make us feel satisfied or be happy? Yet the strange irony of life is that satisfaction does not always come from receiving; the one with the most toys doesn't actually win because it is never enough. There are always bigger and better toys. It's a never ending cycle.

There's true satisfaction that comes from giving. Maybe it's just a smile, a hug, a cup of water, but it may mean everything to someone, and that will make both of you happy. Perhaps it's a gift of money or of time--whatever it is, it will bring you happiness, though you give and not get.

Our example in Christ is one of giving without boundaries. His life in exchange for ours. Not because we deserved it, but because He loves us. He also exemplified joy and thanksgiving to us.

Maybe it's not so much about things...but more about how we see things, and how we treat others.

Just pondering...
1 Timothy 6:9-11

Thank you for visiting!

A Light to our Paths

2010-08-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

I know these last few posts have been hard. I want to write about the things that challenge me because I think that they probably challenge you too. All of us would rather hear the good, the easy and the encouraging words, but if that’s all we heard, we would be missing half the story. Life gives us the good, the bad and the ugly.

Scripture is the same, because it deals with the lives of mankind from the view of a God who loves us and wants the best for us. He must point out who we truly are so that we realize our need for Him.

I found myself reading in Matthew again today.

Chapter 15 begins with a challenge from the Scribes and the Pharisees. They question the fact that the disciples do not practise the rules handed down from their ancestors. Jesus makes it very clear that their rules are mere pious traditions which are often in direct conflict with the Word of God. He reminds them of the words of Isaiah;

“These people draw near Me with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me.” 15:8

I would prefer to think that God is thinking of the unsaved here...but that thought is quickly squashed in the next verse.

“Uselessly do they worship Me.” Uh oh!

There are so many things that cloud my thoughts and affect my priorities and take me on a detour. It’s so easy to be led off track--even by those who are religious guides (pastors) and teachers. Jesus makes a statement that has become a familiar phrase even today. “And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch.” We are responsible to know what the truth is ourselves.

Then Jesus gathers them together—such comforting words!

He tells them ;

“It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles him.”

“But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles him. For out of the heart come evil thoughts such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech.”

Did you notice those last few? False witnessing ? That can be as minor as leaving out or changing a small detail!

Slander? That would be insults, libel, smearing, defaming, complimenting...complimenting! Think about that one!

What about irreverent speech? That could be considered cheeky, mocking, impertinent, rude, impudent, flippant, bold and disrespectful according to my Thesaurus. Ouch! I think we’ve all been guilty of that!

The problem is that it reveals our heart conditions, and thus who we are! Our hearts come out through our mouths, and the words we speak reveal who we truly are. Once again, God is not mocked. He knows us, but do we know ourselves?

Are our lives a reflection of the latest tradition to come down the pike (no smoking, no dancing, no dating—not that those things are good or bad, just that they do not affect our salvation), or is the Word of God, with the important truths it points out, a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths?

But hey, don’t believe everything I say! Go check it out for yourselves!

I do appreciate your visits, especially through these difficult posts! Blessings!!

Carmen

If This Gospel is True...2

2010-08-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

I’m told that video games are very addictive. I won’t allow myself to get into them because I know I’ll be in trouble if I do, and this is the case with many people. They play virtual games for hours on end waging battles, building gardens, and even having virtual relationships via an avatar. It’s as if we’re living in an artificial matrix. I use this as an example, but it’s true on so many levels these days, and particularly in the west.

The thing is, we’ve lost touch with and become sedated from the battle that’s going on around us and in some cases, within us. It’s blinded us to reality.

There are almost 7 billion (6.7) people on this speck we call Earth. Out of those almost 7 billion, 1/3 claim to be Christians. Some of these make this claim because it’s socially or politically acceptable or beneficial. Which means then that this 1/3, may unfortunately be even less. In any case, that still leaves over 4 billion people that are spiritually lost to Christ.

Did you hear what I said?

Have you grasped the reality of their eternity?

I was reading Matthew 9:36 today. Honestly, Jesus amazes me. It says there that when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion (the yearning of the inmost soul for the objects of sympathy). These crowds were spiritually fainting, starving, broken and cast down individuals who were not comforted by the legalistic, loveless, controlling religion around them. They were sheep without a shepherd, and Jesus was moved with deep pity and sympathy at their plight.

Why?

Because He knew the eternal reality they would face if they stayed in this condition. He realized the unending starkness and suffering of their eternal separation. He knew.

The cost.

He felt their suffering and described them as harassed, helpless, downcast, and destitute.

What did Jesus do with these people? He touched them. He touched without hesitation, even those who were diseased and unsanitary. He demonstrated His love.

Love involves touching.

We can only have this kind of compassion if Christ is in us. If, when we see sin, instead of disgust, compassion rises within us, and we reach out in love...and we tell them the truth.

We cannot ignore the crowds. There are supernatural battles at work all around us, and the workers are few. What does Jesus recommend we do?

Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers that will fight the very real battle--that rages on even as you are reading this post.

This is just a little more of what I've been pondering this last while. I'm sure there'll be more coming.

Thanks for visiting! I do appreciate your time and your comments!

If This Gospel is True...

2010-08-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

I’m not going to lie...I’ve had some struggles lately. I’ve asked a lot of questions and spent a lot of time wondering. Is this unusual for someone who has been a Christian since 1978? It seemed so simple back then, but I can’t help but wonder now.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not questioning my faith. I am questioning what I believe—or perhaps, how much of the Bible I believe.

Because, you see...if I don’t believe all of it, I really can’t believe any of it.

There are many ‘difficult’ passages in the Bible. These are things that I, and perhaps you, ‘gloss over’ to deal with another time. I’d rather read all the nice things about how much Jesus loves me; about how He’s there for me; about how He’ll never leave or forsake me. Those are the kind of things that we all love to read and meditate on.

But there’s more.

I’ve been truly challenged lately. Here’s a big one I’ve been dealing with:

If we all become like Jesus, the Bible says that the world will hate us! This tells me that the danger of our lives increase in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Christ. The more we become like Him, the more people will treat us like they treated Him. I believe that amounts to rejection, scourging, hatred, even death.

Here in the west, we practise a comfortable Christianity. It is a philosophy of church based on how we can best mimic the world in order to appeal to it. Does anyone else see anything wrong with that? What does the Bible actually teach?

What do you think it means to be a Christian?

Carmen

A Birthday Cake and a Song

2010-08-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

It's my husbands birthday Sunday, and I am still as much in love with him as the day we were married...more, actually. We're onto year 27 now! But, that's another story.

I wanted to make him a beautiful cake to celebrate his birthday, one that Buddy would be proud of!

You know Buddy, from Cake Boss fame?

My husband is a fisherman at heart, so I wanted to make him a cake covered in light aqua fondant to represent the ocean. Then I was going to make an undersea garden of colored fondant and various types of candy (he loves candy). Something like this:

Only without the "Noah is 3 (grin), and including a guy fishing out of a fishing boat.

Did I mention I've never made fondant before (I was going to make marshmallow fondant from scratch so it would taste good as well). I had such wonderful plans!
But, when I told him my grand plans, he said "do you know what I'd really like?" Well, he had my attention. After all, this was his cake, and I wanted it to be extra special!

"I'd really like a white cake with whipped cream and strawberries."

Oh!

My creative genes are pouting. I can't even make heart shaped strawberries, well...I can, but all I have to do is slice them. Bo-ring.

Still pouting.

But, if that's what he wants, that's what I'll happily make for him. = (
Oops...I mean = )

Do you know what my fisherman got for his birthday? Another fishing trip to Port Hardy. Yes, I said "another!" We just got back from there a couple of weeks ago. Here's the smile he had on his face when he got home and showed me the fish he caught:

Look at that smile! I'm not sure I've ever seen that smile before. Here's another:

Yep, it took this smelly, slimy thing to produce that smile.

I'm just kidding now--it really wasn't smelly.

Yep, he's a happy boy, and when he's happy, I'm happy. Truly.

Happy Birthday Graham! I LOVE YOU!

On another note, here's a song that's been going through my head a lot lately.

It's been really busy here lately, and I'm not getting things done as I normally do. I love having lots of company, but after a while without as much concentrated time with God, I just long for more time in the Word.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
Carmen

Sometimes Things Just Happen

2010-08-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/96061/

Sometimes things just happen to me.

We were waiting in the car line up at the Ferry Terminal on a recent trip when my husband decided to leave the car and go into the building to look around. I was in the middle of writing something, so I decided to join him when I was done.

A few minutes later, I went to open the door and quickly realized that hubby had locked it. So I unlocked it. At the very same time, the Jaguar in front of us decided to start honking. Talk about annoying. Not only that, the driver was sitting in his car and doing absolutely nothing about it. I knew it was his car because the lights were flashing on and off in tandem with the horn honking. Jeesh...some people!

So I sat there for a minute wondering if he was ever going to do something about his predicament...and then it hit me! Those were not his lights flashing...they were the reflection of my lights flashing onto his lights. It was our car honking!!

Upon this realization, I scrambled around in my purse looking for my keys, but there were none to be found. My son had borrowed my car key to use while we were gone, and hadn't placed the rest of my keys back in my purse. Argh!

So I sheepishly opened the door, walked away quickly in search for my husband...who had the other key, while my horn kept insistently blaring. How embarrassing! When I found him, he informed me that the horn stops after 2 minutes. Not much of an encouragement. I tried not to look at anyone in the line up when we went back to get in our car and board the Ferry.

Some moments are just better than others.

: )

Carmen

More of Me

2010-07-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

There are some who run from one place to the next and from one person to another looking for something more. They are looking for a new experience; further revelation; some emotional high, even for some ‘new’ kind of truth. They think that they need these things in order to be better Christians.

Some, I’ve noticed, seem to want to stand out from the rest, to be favoured--if that were possible. Yet others do this out of a real desire to have ‘more’ of Christ. We are told in 2 Peter 1:3 that He has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. We already have Him, and therefore we already have everything we need within us.

Our desire should be to yield and listen for ways that He shows us we need to change. My thought is that if something is missing, it’s not because I need more of Christ , I believe it is that He needs more of me. I believe that I need to turn more of my life over to Him in the specific areas God reveals to me.

It makes sense that you cannot discover the kind of person that God wants you to be, nor truly reflect Him unless you study and understand His Word. As we come to know and rely on God’s promises, we become strong and able to escape the evil and corruption that surrounds us. To reflect the kind of faith that works, we must live a faith that, through practise, brings forth growth and maturity as He opens our eyes to aspects of our character that are not in line with His will. If we posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus. 2 Peter 1:8

Unfortunately, Christians who do not live according to this faith are blind. Their conversion experiences have little effect on them. We’ve met many like this, for they have left themselves open for doubt, backsliding and self-destruction through sin. Not only that, they’ve left a bad taste in the mouth of the world, since they believe our faith is ineffective. As a result, they quickly turn away. We must not allow this to happen to them, for God truly loves them. The reason God delays, is because He waits for them to repent.

So for their sakes, and for our own, we are to be eager to make our calling and election sure. For if we do this, we will never fail to truly reflect Him to them. 2 Peter 1:10,11

Thanks for visiting!
Carmen

Hidden Message in Genesis!!

2010-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while! It has just been so terribly busy. Sometimes life just takes over and demands all your time. In amidst general life, holidays and visitors, I just have not had much time to write. I hope you haven't all given up on me. Things will get back to normal by September!

The weather here has finally come around. This morning I got up, opened all the windows....then I closed all the windows and turned on the air conditioning. Yep...it's THAT hot here! The forecast is for 36 degrees fahrenheit!

Anyway, I just found a short video that I want to share with you here. I will break it down below the video if you want to write it down somewhere. Have a look.......

Genesis 5:1-21 The Genealogy from Adam to Noah

Adam = Man
Seth = Appointed
Enosh = Mortal
Cainan = Sorrow
Mahalalel = The blessed God
Jared = Shall come down
Enoch = Teaching
Methuselah = His death shall bring
Lamech = the despairing
Noah = Comfort, rest

Here is the message it speaks to us:

Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow. The blessed God shall come down teaching, (and) His death shall bring the despairing comfort.

HOW COOL IS THAT?!!

Hope your day is a bit cooler than mine is going to be!!
Thank you for visiting!

Free Hugs

2010-07-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!

A friend sent me this video and I want to share it with all of you in Blogland. Also, Happy Canada Day to all you Canadians out there!

Thank you for visiting and consider yourself hugged! :))

Carmen

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

2010-06-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a day late, but I wanted to post my "Then Sings My Soul Saturdays" anyway.

This song really speaks to me. In a day when it's so easy to get caught up in worldly things, I am impressed with those who are in the midst of fame and glory, and can still keep their feet on solid ground. The heart is heard through music. Enjoy this video!

Thanks for visiting!
Carmen

Reflections

2010-06-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

It’s funny how we carry our pasts with us

Those little idiosyncrasies

Like shackles on our lives,

Tripping and hanging us up

So that we cannot move ahead.

Iluminating the fears around us

Refusing to let go

Like Wasted moments

Of our lives

They are the proof

That we still do not trust

Him completely.

So here I am once more

Reaching out to Him

Requiring Him as my daily need

Not just for a moment

But for every moment

My heart beats.

Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in Thee." Isaiah 26:3.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

Carmen

A Whole Lot of Blind Faith?

2010-06-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law told me a story from many years back regarding one of his teachers at bible school. That particular day they were studying the end times and he touched upon the two witnesses in Revelation. The passage is found in Revelation 11:3-13

As he spoke to them he made something very clear (my rendition of how it went):

“The bible says that the beast shall kill them, and their dead bodies shall lie in the street and the whole world shall see their dead bodies for three and a half days. I know it isn’t possible today, but God will make it happen. Now, I don’t know how God is going to do this, but the Word of God says that the whole world will see them, and so therefore I believe that the whole world will see them!"

Sounds like a whole lot of blind faith to me!!

Oh! But....wait....

Fast forward about 55-60 years, and -- welcome to cyber space!

That’s right, it’s possible TODAY!

For the first time in known history, it is possible for the whole world to see these two witnesses lying dead for three and a half days in the streets of the city. The whole world will rejoice because these two witnesses have brought so much torment to those who dwell on the earth. They will send each other gifts in celebration!

These two witnesses are the second of the three ‘woes’ that come upon the earth in the last days. The only thing I find disturbing about this passage is that the whole world hates them. Why? Because of the words they preach, the power they wield (over weather, water, plaques) and because any that oppose them die in a ball of fire. Wow! These two are invincible until God allows them to be killed. Yet amazingly, God calls them back to life three and a half days later, and they instantly go to be with Him, having fulfilled their calling.

Say what?

Sounds like a whole lot of blind faith to me!!

Oh! But...wait....

Revelation 11:3-13 KJV

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie inthe street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. and they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and thier enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Thank you for visiting!

Carmen

Works of Faith: The Sheep and the Goats

2010-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

These particular sheep belong to a research flock at the US Sheep Experiment Station near Dubois, Idaho, USA Image taken from http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/ (Image Number K4166-5).

Have you ever watched someone while they didn’t realize you were watching them? Often, we are privy to seeing the actual person behind the facade they choose to reveal. Now before you think I’m pointing fingers, the fact is we all do it. We all want to put our best face forward and perhaps there’s nothing wrong with that -- most of the time. We all have to get along; we all have good days and bad days, and that’s okay -- as long as our bad days don’t reveal the person whom we are most of the time.

So it is - and this is the difference, between the sheep and the goats. First a few observations:

1. The distinction here isn't between sheep and wolves.

2. Both the sheep and the goats believe they are doing what's right.

3. Both are surprised by the Lords words.

4. Neither are given a change to speak, at this point their fates have been decided.

5. Their outcomes are dependent on their works of faith or love.

By the reaction of the sheep, it seems they have no immediate knowledge of ever doing the right thing. They have done it out of a heart of love. They have responded to the needs that were presented to them because something needed to be done, and they had the ability to do it. They heard the cries of the hungry, the lonely, the poor and those needing help, and they acted upon that. No big deal. This is why, with a surprised look, they sincerely ask, ‘Lord, when?’

The goats are even more surprised at the Lords words. Aren’t these the very things they had been doing?(I hear the echo of another scripture verse...”but Lord, did we not drive out demons in your name, did we not heal the sick in your name?” ) Had they been so busy doing what was right in their own eyes that they passed alongside the man lying in the street needing help. Had they ignored the beggar, the prisoner, and the poor man because they were too busy doing the ‘Lords’ work? Yet these reply in honesty when they ask, ‘Lord, when?’

Selah!

Deeds done for the eyes of men (they already have their reward), or deeds done for private satisfaction or merely to ‘win the prize’ are in the same category. This is what the Lord meant when he said, ‘Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.’ If we are truly living the christian life, we are living a life of love out of concern and appreciation, not to get something in return.

Godly good deeds are an automatic response of a heart indwelt by Jesus Christ. Good deeds that are contrived to make one look good, or those done in the hopes of receiving a reward are not done out of love.

The test comes through our instinctive unplanned response through works of a faith in the living God.

I have often told you that much of my writing is looking inward. Am I truly living in a loving response to those around me? Am I filling the needs around me that I am able to fill? Am I truly reflecting Christ?

Thank you for visiting!

Until next time..

Carmen

The Works of Faith: The Sheep and the Goats

2010-06-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Most people would agree that the church is at an important junction right now. The times we live in are amazing times. Knowledge has increased, and with that we are becoming aware of a sinister undertow at work. The news of natural disasters seem to intensify with each passing year. There are wars, rumours of impending wars, and a world that is focused on a tiny speck of land with increasing hatred and intolerance. Then there’s the church in contrast to that. Or is it? Even the church is affected by the world we live in, though it should be the other way around.

My husband and I run a small home based audio visual company on the side. A lot of our customers are churches. We sell projectors and large screens which they use to project the words of songs, scriptures, and sometimes to play videos. I think it’s wonderful that we have this type of technology available to us. My only concern is that it has made us lazy. There are so many versions of the bible available today, that people will put down their bibles opting to rely on what’s on the screen. In short, many people don’t check up on the content of what they’re told.

This may be the downfall of the individual christian today! On my facebook profile, under religious views mine specifies ‘read your bible’ and I mean that with a passion! We have a responsibility to know that what we believe is the truth! There is ONE mediator between God and man—the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone else that pops in between there is to be treated as a man with an opinion. Please, read your bibles and see if it is so!

To get back to the church-- I’m not referring to the church as a whole but am specifically referring to the individuals which make up the church; the sheep and the goats. Have you ever wondered about the portion in Matthew that speaks of the two? I sure have. It’s one of those passages that keeps rolling around in my head.

What does it mean?

I believe it is a test of the works of faith, and a crucial test--a deciding factor. This is a passage we don’t want to glean over. It is too important.

However, this post is long enough for today, so I will be back in a couple of days with the rest of this post.

The works of faith; the sheep and the goats. Matthew 25:31-46

Thanks for visiting, and please check back!

Have a wonderful day!
Carmen

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

2010-06-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

This one just touched my heart. Every one of us has times of feeling alone, but He is always with us. He will not leave or forsake us!

Carmen

A Dainty Morsel

2010-05-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Did that title catch your attention? We all love a tasty morsel, don’t we? I know I do because I love good food, but that’s not the kind of morsel I’m talking about today. When this kind of morsel is put in front of us, we should want to cover it with a napkin and throw it out.

I always considered it as a form of friendly fire because it involves people we know-- but I was wrong. It’s more like collateral damage, because it isn’t directed at a real enemy, like friendly fire is. However, its damage can be deadly and its wound can be almost impossible to cure; hanging on like a bad odour!

The answer to ‘Who Am I’ is...

Gosssssip!

Dorothy was the closest when she mentioned the tongue (in the comments). However, gossip is so much more than words. Our body language can be used as a vehicle for gossip. Any knowing look, wink, shrug, even a sigh can imply a negative message. Proverbs 6:12-14

We need to be so careful.

A brother offended is harder to win back than a fortified city. We all know how this story goes. First it was someone laughing a lot and having fun, then before you know it the story has morphed, and finally he was drunk and behaving badly. It is a body blow to the innocent. Proverbs 26:22

The victim of an untrue statement can become distrustful and eventually pull away. It creates an untrusting community that internalizes their struggles, refusing to open their hearts to each other. No wonder God hates gossip! (Proverbs 6:19) He ranked it right along with fornication, adultery and murder! Ezekiel 22:9-12

Receiving and believing gossip is just as bad as repeating it. In Psalm 15: 2,3 we are told to speak the truth in our hearts. Recognize gossip as something which is misconstrued, having been chewed on and added to; a poison which we have to avoid at all cost!

If you have something against your brother, go tell him/her! If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, take someone (you both respect) along with you, and deal with it ( Leviticus 19:16-18). If you don’t do this, you will end up hating your brother in your heart, and you will gossip about him.

Gossip comes about through unforgiveness, but when you cover a transgression by forgiving, it is an act of love (Proverbs 17:9). Unfortunately, it seems we usually choose to repeat a matter...all the while ‘glossing over’ our own shortcomings. Perhaps it is because we are so guilty ourselves, that we pull a man down hoping to look just a little better. Psalm 64:3,4

The right thing to do is to abstain from every appearance of sin. This does not necessarily mean that we don’t do things which look like they’re sinful, but it means that whenever we hear of sin we should nullify it by covering and forgiving it. Not by repeating it, and especially not by glorifying it in some way!

Remember – we all have a dark side that requires His grace in our lives. None of us is exempt.. not one. We all say things we shouldn’t. We all do things we shouldn’t. We are not so different from the next guy.

A couple of cautions:

1. Gossip is never done out of spiritual concern for someone. You don’t need to know the details in order to pray for Gods will in their lives.

2. Gossip backfires. “Debate your case with your neighbour and do not disclose the secret to another; lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.” Proverbs 25:9,10

If you still really want to partake in a tasty morsel...here's a piece of cake! ;)

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely or of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things!

Philippians 4:8

Thanks again for visiting! If you have a moment, I love reading your comments!
Carmen

Who Am I ?

2010-05-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cruel and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I'm nobody's friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and ruin marriages. I destroy careers and cause heartache and sleepless nights. I wreck churches and separate Christians. I spawn suspicion and generate grief, make innocent people cry on their pillows. Even my name hisses.

Who Am I ?

By: Charles Kimball, Preaching Now

In the next few days I will reveal the answer along with a write up on it.

Thank you again for visiting! I really love your comments and appreciate the time you take reading my long-winded posts. Thank you!
Carmen

Dedicated Ignorance

2010-05-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

History serves to show us the frailty of a humanity that is prone to cycles of failure. The books of the bible show us the same lessons, but on a more personal level, through the lives of its subjects.

Every Christian is engaged in warfare. As such it is important to know who your enemies are and how they attack. We think we can control our thoughts, our anger and our lusts; but if we are honest with ourselves we realize that is not true. Instead we go through this cycle of messing up, realizing our mistake and making it right, then continue doing what’s right—for a while—until we mess up again. Have you ever wondered why we repeat this cycle so faithfully?

Judges 21:25 sums it up nicely. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

It isn’t necessarily that people don’t want to do what’s right. Most people want to do what’s right and want to be loved and accepted. When we do what seems right in our own eyes, and because we all see through a glass dimly, we set ourselves up to do something wrong. Not because we want to, but because we don’t always know any better.

It is called ‘dedicated ignorance.‘

This is our historic past, our present, and unfortunately our future too since the Bible tells us that God allows a strong delusion to come in the last days. It is such a subtle delusion that even God’s people could be fooled if it were possible.

Over the years I’ve read up on the New Age Movement, The Emergent Church, The Secret, etc. I’ve studied some of the conspiracy theories concerning our governments and 9/11. I’ve looked at the United Nations, Islam, the New World Order, etc. What’s interesting is that we seem to be moving at breakneck speed on a highway that shows us many of the things that the bible talks about coming to pass! And not just in politics, economics and the environment, but in religion too! We are moving towards a global religion, and some are already on the bandwagon!!

How do you unite all the religions of the world? In a nutshell, you tell them God is in them and therefore they are little gods. Since they are all little gods and part of the whole, they can unite into one Global Religion. Hmmm....does this ‘ye shall be as gods’ sound familiar to anyone at all?

Then they’re told that since they are little gods, they can just live positively and believe-- and it’ll happen! Wow! Who wouldn’t want some of that? They are the constructors of their own lives. Anyone notice the faith twist?

Does anyone want a bite of this apple?

Well thanks, but no thanks.

How do we avoid dedicated ignorance? By exposing ourselves to God’s truth!

Before I stayed home to care for my children, I was a banker. Every day hundreds of thousands of dollars passed through my hands, and so it was important to know the difference between real money and fake money. The only way to tell at that time (now they have little machines that do it for them), was to know all the details of the real bills. FYI, the real bill is always better than the counterfeit. A trained eye can tell the difference.

How well will we know the delusion when it’s in front of us? I repeat--some are already on the bandwagon, and many more are eyeing it up! They are powerful people, they are dedicated to their task, and someday they may ask you to be dedicated to yours. Can you stand and will you know the difference?

If you aren’t already, now is the time to get familiar with God’s Word. Don’t just skim the surface, but really dig in and get to know it. It’ll give you wisdom, understanding, and a clear vision!

Bon appétit!

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1

Thanks for visiting!
Carmen

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

To all the Mom's out there, from my heart to yours...

Happy Mother's Day!

Motherhood is one of the most beautiful yet difficult things we encounter in our lives. Initially we stumble along trying to figure out how to do it just right. In the end we realize that there is no perfect way. We must simply love and care for them, and teach them what we know to be right. Then as they grow independent of us, we watch and pray--and we hope that the imprint they leave in the lives of others, will reflect their God.

Carmen

Those Who Are With Us

2010-05-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Something extraordinary happened to me a while ago. I went to say a prayer over a meal one night, and God spoke through me to everyone at the table that night. It was the strangest experience, because I really had no control over my voice. Nor did I want control—it just flowed, and I listened--mesmerized and exhilarated by the experience.

Why am I telling you this? Reading in the book of Daniel chapter 10 this morning, I was reminded of that time. So many people underestimate the value of prayer and time with God. Yet, that is the key that unlocks so many things.

Let me explain.

There is a physical finite world, and there is a spiritual infinite world. The two co-exist, although those in the physical cannot usually see into the spiritual. It is the opposite with the spiritual. Those who are in it, can see the physical as well. This is the world menagerie we find ourselves in.

Yet, there were times that the spiritual world was unveiled to someone in the physical world. Daniel was one of those people, as were John and Elisha to name a few. As they were shown the spiritual they learned something that is significant for us all to know; that those who are with us, are more than those against us!

In the case of Daniel, he was told that his answer was on the way immediately when he sent the request, but that the angel was held up and indeed needed help to come. Now that IS interesting, isn’t it?

What takes place behind the scenes when we pray?

The NT tells us that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be the heirs of salvation. (Hebrews 1:14). They do God’s will on the earth.

Note that I said, “God’s will.”

Prayer is not meant to be used as a way to get what we want. Prayer is getting involved in what God is doing on the earth. We do not need to persuade God or harass Him. Prayer is not telling God what He ought to do. Prayer is to involve us with what God is doing.

Here’s the formula we’ve been given:

Ask: just ask (ye have not because you do not ask, or you ask amiss).

Seek: study God’s word, understand what God is doing today.

Knock: When you understand what God is doing, keep coming back and praying according to His will.

However, there may be delays according to how we want to see things done. We still have an enemy that tries to frustrate the work of God. Still...the answer is on the way, whatever it may be, and it is never late.

The thing we need to understand is that men are not the final issue. What others do is not necessarily with reason. There are invisible powers at work controlling the minds and thoughts of men. That is why things are the way they are. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. People are not our problem--there’s something more here that we often do not see. We are involved in a spiritual conflict that affects the physical. So stop blaming people, and get to the heart of the matter.

Ask, understand God’s will, keep praying.

We are told to pray for those in authority over us. Yet, do we? Do we even believe that prayer is effective, or do we secretly believe that God is not interested in the affairs of men?

What is mankind that God is mindful of them? Yet He does everything with us in mind, because of the very great love that He has for us. Understand the initial cause, recognize the curse, accept the sacrifice. God is for us.

When I write these posts, I am often writing to encourage myself. It is so easy to get off track! Yet if we want a vibrant, happening relationship with God, we need to spend time with Him and believe what He says. There are no shortcuts to this. God uses those who make themselves available. Additionally, we need to trust what he does in our lives, especially when we don’t understand what is happening. He truly is with us!

Thanks for visiting and have a nice day!

Carmen

Does Life Seem Meaningless?

2010-04-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

Does it seem like life is meaningless? Are you doing all the right things and saying all the right words, and yet you feel empty? Have you prayed and prayed and still walk away feeling like you’ve only just prayed a list of “things”?

I think it is so easy to get into a rut. This life isn’t meant to be a mechanical list of do’s and don’ts. We are much more complicated and multifaceted than that, and we will never find fulfillment in merely doing things.

Life is about relationship.

Without relationship, we slowly die. I am reminded of a story I heard a while ago about an infants’ orphanage in a third world country. The babies were taken care of as needed, but were not cuddled or played with. These children did not develop properly because they were not loved and had no relationship. They merely existed.

We were made to be loved and have relationship...and the same thing happens to us without it. We merely exist.

It’s time to take care of yourself! This is not a “take care of number one” post, it is a “take care that you do not neglect the very thing you need for life” post.

Let’s start with those sheets of prayer requests and lay them down. That’s right...put them away for now. You can do it!

Now, go before God and just take time to praise Him for as long as you want. Praise Him in word or song, and bask in His presence; truly enjoy the relationship. Then talk to Him about all the things in life that are dear to your heart, like you’re sharing them with a close friend, and remember to thank Him for everything. Do this every day until your joy returns and you feel a sense of restoration. Keep this up and add in any prayer requests He lays on your heart as time goes on. Life will begin to have a sense of fullness again. Your prayer time will be a time of growing relationship and mutual concern for others.

Fretting about a prayer list is the same as fretting about anything in life. It’s futile. Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t have prayer lists...but don’t allow it to become a redundant routine. Remember what’s really important. If you don’t have a vibrant relationship, how can you fervently pray for others? Without relationship, we’ve missed the key that opens the door to a life of joy and meaning.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why art thou disquieted in me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Phil 4:6

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Psalm 150:2

Thanks to all for stopping by and have a wonderful day!
Carmen

The Testing of our Faith

2010-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

The testing of our faith comes when we least expect it. It comes when we are searching hard and think we are making progress. Worse yet, it often comes from the people we least expect it from. That is what has recently happened to me.

It'll come through those we love, those we thought were stronger than us, those we respect, and those whom we know are smarter than us. It doesn't only come from those who oppose us.

Testing catches us unaware as we try to ascertain what is happening. Worst of all, it makes us doubt.

We may doubt for a moment, a day or a lifetime, but testing will make us re-evaluate what we believe.

This is the nature of a test. It is meant to make you stop and think. The purpose in it is to see what manner of person you are. It is to show you where you are in this walk.

Are you ready to give an answer?

Who will you turn to?

What is the strength of your faith?

Where will this lead you?

Testing also gives you direction as you come face to face with your weaknesses. It will cause you to consider what you believe and why. Testing, in fact, can make us stronger.

How will you hold up under testing when talking to a New Atheist Scientist or a New Age advocate? How about those in the Emergent Churches, or those who have embraced Christian Mysticism...do we even know what those things are? Sometimes the fire is supposedly “friendly” fire. We must be ready.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

Thank you for stopping in!
Carmen

Life's Ponderings

2010-04-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Life’s been strange lately. It wasn’t just the lack of snow this winter, or the lack of extreme cold temperatures. That was odd for Kamloops, but nice for a change. Then, this morning we suddenly got a flurry of snow. It didn’t stay long and can hardly even be considered 'real' snow due to the fact it didn't even stick to the ground.

Right now I can hear the wind howling. It’s not that I’ve never heard a windstorm before, but here I usually hear it at night. I just peeked out my window from my perch up on the hill and saw a huge dustbowl where the town center of Kamloops is nestled amongst the hills. I’ve decided not to take my much needed walk after all. A mouthful of dust just doesn’t appeal to me. I’ve opted for a coffee instead.

Even the rain has been appearing in the daytimes and more of it than usual, which is good, but it’s just strange. When the summer finally does bear down on us in its full splendour, I am curious to see what will happen. This is semi-arid country after all and the Thompson Rivers are quite low and dry in spots. The snow shed is small this year and temperatures in the 30’s (92F +) are not unusual in the summer. It may be a very dry year.

I’ve been feeling a bit dry lately too. My passion is strong, but subdued...if that’s even possible. Maybe it’s a sign of a quiet maturity. I hope it is. I find myself contemplating so many things in greater depth. Things that I used to accept as fact are now up for reconsideration. Perhaps I’ve been too quick to accept what I’ve been told in the past. What does the Bible really say? At the same time doors are opening, but not the kind of doors you may think of. They are showing me things that I don’t know what to do with. Things I cannot change; things that must be. It amazes me how God has outlined it all beforehand, and often we still miss it until it is upon us.

In the midst of this there’s a peculiar peace, unlike the wind still howling outside my window. Yet, all is well. God is sovereign. My trust lies in Him even amidst the storms of life. I’ve been clinging onto my Bible a little closer these days. It keeps me on a straight and narrow pathway.

Yes, it’s good to ponder things in my heart.

Oh, did I mention that the sun is shining brightly and the sky is clearing up right now. You'd think we were in Calgary!

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the web.

Carmen

Wisdom VS Foolishness, Part Two

2010-04-03T18:52:00.001-07:00

Chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes has quite a few insights on how to live. I have highlighted some verses and expounded on them a bit, then split them up into two posts. The first post can be found here.

``If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no use for a charmer.`` The damage is already done. Basically this tells us that whatever the situation may be, we need to find help before it is too late.

``The words of a wise mans` heart are gracious and win him favour, but the lips of a fool consume him.`` Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Well, not according to this scripture. Words have weight, direction and influence for good or bad. One simple word can lead to devastation, like a spark can light a whole forest ablaze. Do not be mistaken, words are powerful.

Secondly, a fool multiplies words. This is one of my pet peeves. I really dislike listening to someone who multiplies words. It becomes a plethora of words devoid of meaning. It`s maddening and boring all at the same time--and worse, you lose the direction of the conversation and go round and round going nowhere. It's almost as if he just enjoys listening to himself/herself speak. It's best to think about what you`re saying before you say it and keep it clear and concise.

``The labor of fools wearies them, because he does not even know how to get to town.`` Honestly, I think we`ve all been here. Everywhere we turn there is emptiness and futility. We don`t know where to go or what to do and we become confused. The answer is simple really. It is to look for guidance in the right place. We can`t make it on our own, we need help. God shows us which step to take, and one step leads to many. Consider Him in all you do.

``Through indolence the rafters decay and the roof sinks in, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.`` This one is rather self explanatory. I think that most people want a life of ease, but here we are told that industriousness is a good thing. Hard work is its own reward. Not only does it make us feel good when we accomplish things, but on a larger scale it strengthens a nation when its people are industrious and informed.

Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. This certainly seems true under the sun. Almost everything we can have is gained by money. Money comes through hard work. So in this version we are told once again that hard work is its own reward. Remember though that this is "under the sun." There is still more to life than money, but we do need money to live.

However, my Amplified version reads like this: ``(Instead of repairing the breaches, the officials) make a feast for laughter, serve wine to cheer life and (depend on tax) money to answer all of it.`` This speaks of a corrupt system that burdens its people and relies on everyone else's money for their own pleasures. It speaks of a system that is not responsible with the power they wield.

``Curse not the king, not even in your thoughts, curse not the rich in your bedchamber, for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and a winged creature will tell the matter.`` How often we have heard people say, ``a little birdie told me,`` or, ``the walls have ears.`` Words have a way of getting to the wrong ears, and usually they have been magnified. It is better to keep your complaints to yourself. If you don`t want to work to change something that is wrong, than keep quiet. We should all learn this lesson, because it can have grave consequences for us. Truly in today`s world, the walls do have ears and there are eyes everywhere. You can walk outside and be photographed at every corner. Privacy is truly a thing of the past, so take heed to this verse.

Well, that`s the end of chapter 10.

Here it is in a nutshell:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 (Ephesians 4:23,24 says virtually the same thing).

Thank you so much for visiting! I love hearing your comments and insights!

Carmen

Wisdom VS Foolishness, Part One

2010-03-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes has quite a few insights on how to live. I am just going to highlight some verses and split them up into two posts.

As the Preacher showed us previously, things are not always what they seem to be. Sometimes we make decisions that look right, but turn out to be wrong. The decisions we make, if not made with wisdom, can hurt ourselves and others — especially if we are people with much influence or power.

Dead flies putrefy the ointment, so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honour.`` As a young teen, peer pressure can be overwhelming and the insistence of friends can turn us into fools. Sadly it`s a lesson many of us must learn over and over again throughout life.

``If a rulers` anger rises against you, do not leave your post. Calmness can lay great errors to rest.`` Sometimes our first impulse at trouble is to run the other way. However, that just makes us look guilty. A far better way is to show deference. A soft answer turns away wrath, and acknowledging another persons` feelings and rights can remove offense. It shows that you are a reasonable person that has a willingness to work things out. This is true when dealing with a friend or someone in position of authority.

``Ì have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves.`` This verse actually refers to favoritism. You`ve heard it quoted, ``it`s not what you know, it`s who you know.`` Sometimes those with great ability go unnoticed, while those who have the right friends are put in positions of great authority. Perhaps this is one of the reasons government is so corrupt.

``He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who quarries stones will be bit by a serpent.`` This is not talking about actual pits or quarries. It is speaking about what we do to ourselves and to each other. The first part of this verse tells us that if you try to set someone up for a fall, you may be the one hurting in the end. The second one tells us that when we work to get something of great value to us, something precious—we may get it, but it might hurt us in the end. Money is the thing that comes to mind. We all want more, but sometimes less is more. Yes, we all need money to live, but the love of money can corrupt us.

``If the axe is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.`` Think carefully about how you go about things. Consider how you approach a matter because there is usually an easy way and a hard way. Careful consideration will make the job faster and easier. This is true when doing something, or dealing with others.

I`m going to stop here and post the second half of chapter 10 over the weekend.

Thank you for visiting! I appreciate your comments and insights!
Carmen

Spurgeon on Deception

2010-03-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've often been concerned about some of the things passed off as gospel in this day and age. Deeply concerned. When I came across this article, it was too good to pass by. It's interesting that this has been going on since the beginning. We really need discernment, especially in these trying end times. ~ Carmen

Shall we Fraternize with Those who Bury the Gospel Under Wagon Loads of Trash?

I have not much patience with a certain class of Christians nowadays who will hear anybody preach so long as they can say, "He is very clever, a fine preacher, a man of genius, a born orator."Is cleverness to make false doctrine palatable? Why, sirs, to me the ability of a man who preaches error is my sorrow rather than my admiration.

I cannot endure false doctrine, however neatly it may be put before me. Would you have me eat poisoned meat because the dish is of the choicest ware? It makes me indignant when I hear another gospel put before the people with enticing words, by men who would fain make merchandise of souls; and I marvel at those who have soft words for such deceivers.

"That is your bigotry," says one. Call it so if you like, but it is the bigotry of the loving John who wrote—"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

I would to God we had all more of such decision, for the lack of it is depriving our religious life of its backbone and substituting for honest manliness a mass of the tremulous jelly of mutual flattery.

He who does not hate the false does not love the true; and he to whom it is all the same whether it be God's word or man's, is himself unrenewed at heart.

Oh, if some of you were like your fathers you would not have tolerated in this age the wagon loads of trash under which the gospel has been of late buried by ministers of your own choosing. You would have hurled out of your pulpits the men who are enemies to the fundamental doctrines of your churches, and yet are crafty enough to become your pastors and undermine the faith of a fickle and superficial generation.

These men steal the pulpits of once orthodox churches, because otherwise they would have none at all. Their powerless theology cannot of itself arouse sufficient enthusiasm to enable them to build a mousetrap at the expense of their admirers, and therefore they profane the houses which your sires have built for the preaching of the gospel, and turn aside the organisations of once orthodox communities to help their infidelity: I call it by that name in plain English, for "modern thought" is not one whit better, and of the two evils I give infidelity the palm, for it is less deceptive.

I beg the Lord to give back to the churches such a love to his truth that they may discern the spirits, and cast out those which are not of God. I feel sometimes like John, of whom it is said that, though the most loving of all spirits, yet he was the most decided of all men for the truth; and when he went to the bath and found that the heretic, Cerinthus, was there, he hurried out of the building, and would not tarry in the same place with him.

There are some with whom we should have no fellowship, nay, not so much as to eat bread; for though this conduct looks stern and hard, it is after the mind of Christ, for the apostle spake by inspiration when he said, "If we or an angel from heaven preach to you any other gospel than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

According to modern efficiency he ought to have said, "Let him be kindly spoken with in private, but pray make no stir. No doubt the thought was original, and we must not question his liberty. Doubtless, he believes the same as we do, only there is some little difference as to terms."

This is treason to Christ, treachery to truth, and cruelty to souls. If we love our Lord we shall keep his words, and stand fast in the faith, coming out from among the false teachers; nor is this inconsistent with charity, for the truest love to those who err is not to fraternise with them in their error, but to be faithful to Jesus in all things.

Well said Mr. Spurgeon!

Thank you you so much for visiting! I will continue on with the last two chapters of Ecclesiastes soon.

Carmen

Death and Hope

2010-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 9 is probably one of the most misunderstood chapters in Ecclesiastes. It states that the same thing happens to everyone alike and that we are all destined to die and be forgotten. It seems to say that it doesn’t matter if you are a “good” person or a “bad” person, we will all end up the same.

Life is so full of disappointment, isn’t it? How many people do you know that suffer from depression? Sometimes it feels like we just live from one day to the next; like nothing makes any sense. In the deep recesses of our hearts we wonder why we are really here.

We all have a need for significance and meaning. Without that, we are not truly happy. We have expectations and make assumptions of how life should be. Life is too complicated for us to figure out, but still we keep searching. In fact, the Bible encourages the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.

Chapter 9 starts with a bang— here it is paraphrased:

“I have come to the conclusion that even though we may understand that we are in the hand of God, nevertheless it is difficult to know from the events that happen to us whether we have His approval or his disapproval.”

Sometimes the righteous suffer, and the unrighteous get away with things. God’s ways are beyond finding out. We have to trust Him. There is no other way and life will continue to be a mystery to us. It is past finding out. One thing is for sure...we must all die.

I really do not like going to funerals, especially ones where there is no sliver of hope. They just make me cry. There is a good thing about funerals though; they have a way of making us come to terms with reality. We just don’t spend a lot of time thinking about death in our culture. Many are unsure of what lies on the other side, and well...that’s just uncomforting. We want to forget about death and just live. But it is truly better to go to the house of mourning than the house of feasting. It builds us...but why must we die?

*Death is a result of sin. It is the disease of the human race which none can escape...it has been passed down through the generations; we are born with it. Sin came into the world, and death through sin. (Romans 5:12) Solomon isn’t quite as curt about sin....”Also the hearts of men are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live.” Nice! No chance of misunderstanding that phrase. That is why we needed a Saviour. Adam and Eve gave away the inheritance, and the only way to get it back was through a redeeming death. Their disobedience brought death through the generations. His obedience gave Him the ability to conquer death, since it could not hold him; and it removed that penalty of disobedience (death) on our behalf (if we will accept it).

It’s quite an amazing thing!

Now, before I go on too long, I want to address Solomon’s statement that all alike will die. The reason this is so confusing to so many is because there are actually two deaths, yet it is only appointed to men to die once.

Yes, we must all die.

Good and bad alike. However, hereafter there are separate judgments for the wicked and the righteous. The righteous, according to several scriptures, will inherit eternal life and not go through the second death. When you understand this, it is not hard to make sense of this portion of Ecclesiastes.

Some may still have a problem with verses 4 to 6. You must understand that this is “under the sun,”as clearly stated. This does not mean there is no life after death. It means we cannot return to life on this earth or anything associated with that (love, hate, envy) after death. We only have one chance at this life, and so we must do what we can to make it full and worthwhile. We must stop running after empty pleasures and meaningless experiences and make life count for the good.

Ask yourself: What is the purpose of my existence? What is it all about?

But then, suddenly there is a change of weather in these verses. Right here in this chapter, amidst all the doom and gloom of death, we find a beautiful glimmering diamond of hope. I quote: “Go eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already approved what you do.”

WOW!

I love that verse! Here is a recognition of a relationship of righteousness that has already been established (see * above). It is applied to all the people in the Old Testament as well as in the New; to those who have repented and believe His Word. Once that is done you can believe that God has approved you, and on that basis you can live your life to the full, under the grace God has given. A life filled with the fruits of the Spirit, full of good works, knowing that sin no longer has dominion over you. A life lived in peace is rooted in trusting God, who knows what He is doing, and who teaches us on the journey.

Well, it’s 3:45 A.M. and I really need to get to bed!! Maybe I’ll post this on Tuesday so I can read over it first. ;)

Thank you so much for visiting!!

I am quite surprised that there are actually people who want to read what I write. Have a wonderful day!

Carmen

Power in the Right Hands

2010-03-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Government—we can’t live with it, and we can’t live without it. How we love to hate those who impose their rules on us. Why obey government when it is rife with injustice, inequity, and nepotism? When unfairly high fines are levied on us and when they can detain us at their discretion?

Well, although all of this is true of government, it is also true that government can protect us. It can make things easier for us and provide us with laws that keep us safe. Government has the power to enforce, and the power to protect. You can’t have one without the other. Power is a good thing in the right hands.

“Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.” This is truly prevalent in our day. It takes forever for anything to be resolved in the courts. Depending on the judge, or whether a police witness shows up, or whether or not the lawyer has followed proper procedure—the wicked can walk away free, while the wounded pine away their lives, unable to move forward; forever trapped in that moment.

The truth is, the wicked know how to work around the system. Those in authority can be bought. Life can be unfair and government can be a part of the problem. However, opposing government can be a problem too. A mere man cannot easily contend with the unrelenting machine of government. They have the power to squash you. It’s foolishness.

So the wicked keep doing what they want without cost, and good men experience undeserved wickedness, though they live righteous lives? What’s up with that?

Short-sightedness, that’s what.

We see through a glass dimly. We only see part of the picture. Do you think this is all there is to life? Do you think this life is the end-all be-all of existence? Can we truly see with our eyes shut!

Verse 13 is a key verse. “But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear and worship God.”

“Like a shadow.”

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”

Oh yes, there is life after death. "It is appointed to men to die once, and then the judgment." There is a reckoning coming, and this Judge is a fair judge. This Judge cannot be bought. This Judge does not abuse His power. There are days without measure beyond this earthly grave. Living a life of debauchery without regret will cost you. There is a price to pay eventually. There is a reckoning, and the righteous shall shed tears of gladness.

I am reminded of Al Capone, a notorious criminal with no conscience who died while living a life of immorality. His gravestone reads, “My Jesus, Mercy” Did he ever make any of it right? God is not mocked. He is a fair Judge—and a few good words without any meaning to the speaker are unlikely to sway him. Only God knows.

“Then I saw all the work of God that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun – because however much a man may toil in seeking, yet he will not find it out; yes, more than that, though a wise man thinks and claims he knows, yet will he not be able to find it out. “ Ecclesiastes 8:17

There are some things we are just not going to know in this life. So much of life is faith based. We have faith that the sun is going to rise in the morning; that this earth will continue to provide us with all that is necessary to maintain life. We live in an uncertain world, and 90% of what we do is based on faith. It’s really not a strange concept. Why is it then that we have such a hard time trusting God? He is power in the right hands, He will bring it all to light, and He will make it all right.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable are His judgments and how untraceable are His ways. For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has been His counsellor? Who has first given God anything that he might be paid back or that he could claim a recompense? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen. “ Romans 11:33-36

Thank you for visiting! I love to hear your comments and insights!

Carmen

The Crooked Path

2010-03-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

One of my guilty indulgences is watching American or Canadian Idol. I enjoy listening to the kids sing and love watching them grow through the experience. Many of the people that try out have some type of religious background, which is not surprising since churches and music are virtually intertwined.

As I watched the other night, one of the judges told a contestant that he probably wouldn’t make it through the next week, to which the young man replied that he knew his God; that God and him, they were “homies.” His statement, although full of faith, seemed to imply that because he is a Christian God will put him through to the next week. A couple of nights later the boy went home, albeit with a good attitude. It seems that doing good and believing in God does not always guarantee that life will be smooth.

I’ve never been a fan of our “instant” Christianity. It promotes a salvation that omits the need for the repentance of the heart. It is a watered down version that turns out uncommitted church attendees or people that spout the lingo, but have no depth of heart invested. God wants passionate people transformed into the likeness of Christ, who will live out His example of Christianity. Without a correct understanding of this, you may breed a church full of people who believe that they are somehow better than others. It’s called Pharisaism, something which completely turns God off according to the NT. Wickedness isn’t just stealing, killing, etc., but it includes things such as unsavory attitudes, unwillingness to forgive, misplaced arrogance, unwarranted anger and more.

One of our goals should be to live in the world and do what’s right regardless of the wrong that surrounds us. We are to be effective in this world, not affected by it. Don’t be easily offended and remember that we are human and in need of grace and mercy, as much as the next guy. Always give people the benefit of the doubt, even though there is no just man on this earth who does good and does not sin. (vs. 20)

The epic verse in this chapter is “He who fears God shall come forth from them all.” To fear God is to revere Him, not to be scared of Him, as some would have you believe. It means to acknowledge His presence in your life and to live a life that He requests. Did you notice I didn’t say a life that He demands? You know He could, but instead He has given us free-will. We will always have a choice, but we will also live with the consequences of the choices that we make.

The trouble of this world is not with God, but with man. We want to do it our way. Then one day, in a quiet time of our lives, we realize that we are lonely. This loneliness is so penetrating that even in a room full of people we recognize that void of loneliness. This is because true, lasting fulfillment can never be found anywhere --except where God says it is found – in a relationship with Him. That relationship can only be found through the deep searching of our hearts which comes to terms with what kind of persons we honestly are. Only then can we approach God with the right attitude.

God is not mocked—He knows us better than we know ourselves, and when we approach Him with a penitent heart, we are enveloped with His love and acceptance. It is then that we realize He has been watching and waiting for us as if we were the most important thing on His mind. With wide eyes and a mouth wide open, we suddenly and amazingly grasp that having this relationship is His utmost desire and one that has cost Him dearly! He willingly paid a price for the possibility of this relationship with us, with you!

Even so, life isn’t always going to be smooth, in fact it’ll be full of bumps and sharp corners. But we are guaranteed never to have to travel it alone. Plus we are assured that all that happens in our lives, He will turn to good. This is His promise to us!

A side note:

Solomon had many wives and concubines. Could it be that his desire for women made it difficult to discover who the women truly were? With men he was unhindered by these sexual desires and therefore he could appreciate them differently. In the same way that sex outside of marriage hinders the mutual process of discovery and may hinder a budding relationship, Solomon was arrested by his desire for women and could not see beyond that to see any depth of character, wisdom or knowledge.

Thanks for visiting!!

Based on Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Carmen

Life is a Bowl Full of Cherries--and Pits!

2010-02-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been through a painful situation that you can do nothing about—a situation that you just have to live through and make the best of? Loss, grief, sorrow, pain, betrayal , regret--they touch every one of us at some time in this life, in one form or another.

A long time ago, I was kidnapped by the Satan’s Angels bikers. It almost seems surreal to me now. The situation brought a lot of fear, pain, grief and regret. It was a hard thing to live through. There were changes that came about because of it and I had to choose. The pressure was indescribable at the time, and the possibility of death loomed over me. Yet, here I am on the other side of it--but I am not the same person.

That situation changed me forever. The very thing I thought would bring death, brought life instead. When confronted with death, you set aside shallow issues and deal only with the reality and facts of life. It makes us better people in the long run. When you’ve journeyed through and come to the other side of an originally bad situation, the end result can be gladness and wisdom. Why? Because we’ve adapted; we’ve learned something about ourselves and about others; we’ve grown and changed!

I guess that’s why Solomon tells us that perfume only lasts so long, but we take a good name to the grave. We all love money, ease, beautiful things—but do these things last? I want the memory of me to be sweet in people’s minds. How do you choose to be? What is important to you? These are things we should think about during this vapour of life.

We tend to think that prosperity (in any form) is good, and adversity is bad, but prosperity and adversity both come from the same place. God has designed life to be full of the unexpected and we need that. It’s good to realize that neither are inherently good or evil. In fact, adversity can do good things for you, but prosperity can bring about undesirable effects. What may seem good or bad at the start may bring the opposite result at the end. It’s vital to remember that when going through life.

Trials and afflictions teach us the most. It’s the sandpaper that smoothes, the burn that cleanses, the kneading that softens. They have the capacity to change us for the good. They can make us stronger and cause us to be merciful and understanding, because now we relate on another level. Our focus has changed.

Depending on the situation, sometimes a sound rebuke will help us more than agreeable smiles. It takes a good friend and a strong person to be willing to tell us the truth, but sometimes that’s just what we need. Agreeable smiles can bring us to a dead end when truth is lacking. It’s pointless.

Wisdom is a defence, just like money is. Still, God is the one who brings things about. It is Him with whom we have to do. He does this for our good. To help us find Him—for without Him, we are only living “things” under the sun.

This portion was based on Ecclesiastes 7: 1-14

Thank you for visiting! I love your comments and insights!

Carmen

Proud to be Canadian

2010-02-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hello!

The Olympics are half done in spite of a fatal incident just prior to its beginning and unusual rioting, amongst other things. I originally embraced the Olympics with mixed feelings due to initial as well as ongoing costs, and the limited amount of people able to enjoy it. Even so, I was saddened by the issues that have come about due to the games.

My heart especially goes out to Nodar Kumaritashvilli's family, the Georgian Luger who met his demise on a practise luge run. I hung my head in shame when I witnessed the behaviour of the riotists, a loosely organized bunch of thugs from Central Canada who are known to align themselves to any cause. Their anarchistic mindset did not portray a correct picture of most Canadians, who are normally peace loving people.

I was happy to see a short video with Tom Brokaw that explained what Canada is all about. So I've decided to include it here. I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch it. The scenery is beautiful, and the message is more in tune with what Canada and its people are about. Enjoy!

Thank you for visiting!

Carmen

Through the Looking Glass

2010-02-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

They say the grass is greener on the other side—so you hop over the fence and look back only to see... that the grass is greener on the other side! Things are not always what they seem.

We dream about what it would be like if only we had money. We look at others and think, if I had their job, their house, their looks—things would be better. We would be better. Is this wise? Is it even true? There are lots of people in this world who seem to have everything. You want what they have, but then the next thing you know, they’re going through a messy divorce; they’re dying of a sickness; their family wants nothing to do with them or they are hopelessly addicted to drugs. They have everything and yet it’s not enough to make things better, nor are they happy.

I mentioned (in an earlier post) a man who worked himself to the bone in this life. When he died, his wife fixed their crumbling home and his children spent his money. When he was alive, he could have lived in a nice home, he could have gone on a vacation now and again. Instead he spent his spare time going through garbage bins to make some money on the side, though he was a millionaire. Somehow he was not able to enjoy the abundance that he had. Why is this?

“...for apart from Him, who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the man who pleases Him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy:” Ecclesiastes 2:25,26 RSV

You are probably wondering why God would give someone something, but withhold the ability to enjoy it. I just want to point out that God gives good things to the good and the bad alike. That is His love at work. We are on this earth to learn something and God gives us what we need to learn it. When He withholds something, and I know you’re not going to like this, but-- it’s for our good. It is so that we can learn what He is teaching us.

“For to the man who pleases Him.” Many have misread this to mean some kind of formal religious service, like going to church or some other religious performance. Not that going to church is bad, but clarity is important here. Many have worn themselves out in religious performance. They’ve done the right things, said the right words, received their reward through the pleasing looks of mere men--but even good things can be done in vain. God looks at the motivation of the heart.

How do we please God? Faith is what pleases God. Believing that He is; trusting Him with your life and the lives of those you love; acting on what you believe; knowing His Word and living it through your lives. It’s faith that pleases God.

Most people work because they have to. They need food, clothes, and a roof over their heads to survive, but most people don’t stop there. They fill their needs, and then they want. They want more, and more, and more. Never giving a thought to those who are less fortunate, they spend lavishly on themselves only. Yet they are not satisfied because fulfilled wants do not always satisfy.

So I wonder, do the rich have an advantage over the poor? Do the poor have an advantage over the rich? Now I don’t want to minimize the destructive capability of poverty, but there are people who have very little, and who are still happy. The rich, though they have everything, can be unhappy and sometimes lead horrible lives in spite of their wealth. Why is this? It truly depends on the person’s viewpoint.

Those that are happy practice thankfulness. They’ve resolved that it is better to be content with what they have. They realize there’s no point in dwelling on what they do not have. They don’t go about thinking that they have a right to things; as if the world owes them a living. So they are grateful for what they have. It is an attitude that puts their trust in something other than themselves and their money.

When things go bad, people feel stuck in their situations because they cannot change them, and so many prefer to lash out at God. Why did He allow this to happen? I think we've all been there. Yet none of us knows the beginning from the end and therefore cannot intelligently understand all things.

Yet, He waits. He waits for us to come around and trust Him. The things that happen in our lives, they happen for a reason and yet things are not always what they appear to be. From this earth bound point of view we cannot see clearly, but we look through a glass dimly--so consider. Can we seriously contend with Him who is mightier than us?

We have some tools available. There is the word of God, which has survived impossible odds through the generations. Do we seek Him in its pages? He has left us His Spirit. Do we accept Him or shun His influence in our lives? He loves us and made a way to eternity for us, and He wants us to know Him on these terms. Will you seek Him? Will you embrace Him? He is waiting for you.

This post was based on Ecclesiastes 6
Thank you for visiting!

Carmen

On Money and Happiness

2010-02-08T15:50:00.001-08:00

We are such a privileged people. Seriously--who wouldn’t want to live in this century? We have so much that previous generations never had. Think of airplanes, vehicles, computers, Rock Band, TV, radio, cell phones, natural gas, electricity, indoor toilets, mega grocery chains, and much, much more that we won't think of because it is commonplace to us. Never mind that some of this technology is only 20 or 30 years old. I sometimes wonder if all that hasn’t clouded our minds and kept us too busy thinking about things that have no lasting value. They are but temporary pleasures that mean nothing in the reality of eternity.

There are enough resources in this world for all of us to be comfortably wealthy...ALL of us. Yet, it’s all owned by a handful of families. That’s the reality of the world. Therefore there’s always going to be violence, injustice and sin. There will always be someone bigger with more authority. Why? The more we have, the more we want. Our greed takes no rest. It is never enough and money is a way to get us where we want to go, and so it corrupts. Yet we wilfully overlook the fact that money can sprout wings and fly, and suddenly. Money is no guarantee of anything and it doesn’t guarantee happiness.

The truth is, contentment is hard to find on any level. We’re not satisfied with money (ask the rich), we’re not satisfied without money (ask the poor). We’re not happy with the way things are run in our lives, in our economy, in our world. We try to usurp authority, whether it is in government, in church, in our homes. We have so much, and yet we’re not happy.

Why does happiness elude us? Solomon sums it up in verse 18-20 of chapter 5:

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

God enables us to enjoy wealth and possessions, our work, our lot in life. Just having money doesn’t guarantee happiness. We need His favor in our lives.

I found that last verse interesting too. How many of you know people that live in the past. All they do is relive their youth; their glory days. However, someone that God has given the ability to enjoy his days doesn’t dwell on the past. He is content with his life today. That certainly is a gift, whether rich or poor!

I came across this little video a while ago and it just tickled my funny bone. The embedding has been disabled, so you’ll have to follow this link if you’d like to see it. I really, really, really encourage you to check it out! Enjoy!

Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy!

Thank you all for visiting! Come back soon!

Carmen

Sacrifice of Fools

2010-02-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Most days you will see me in jeans and a shirt because that is how I'm the most comfortable. When I go to church, I am usually wearing a pair of clean jeans. I believe that God is not as concerned about what we wear as He is about who we are. Of course, there is protocol with God—but it’s not so much about the clothes we wear. This is where we begin chapter 5.

First of all, God doesn’t play games. He knows us at the core of our beings and we can’t fool Him. When we come to Him we are approaching the Author of life! Our lives are a mere vapor in His hands! Still, for some reason He is mindful of us. Even more mind boggling than this, He actually loves us--even in the quagmire of our humanity. What we don't always realize, is that God is a realist. He doesn’t play around with our lives (actually, that would be us), there is too much at stake.

If you were invited to meet the Queen of England, how would you approach her? Apparently there’s a whole team of people delegated to make sure you use the correct protocol. She is but a representative; an earthly Queen.

How then should we approach God?

The only way to approach God is with awed reverence and honesty, realizing Who He is! He is worthy of our awe and reverence, our praise and worship! If we’re honest with ourselves, we realize there’s really nothing much we can say to God that He isn’t already aware of. So when you come, open your ears, listen carefully and watch your words so you don’t give the sacrifice of fools.

Speaking of words, many years ago I read a little book called “The Power of the Tongue.” It claims our words are powerful and can set a whole forest ablaze! Have you ever witnessed a forest fire? Just watching it leaves a huge impact, not to mention the damage it leaves behind. As we watch, we realize that once it’s been set, it’s very hard to control. It is very much like that with our words. We often don’t realize the damage we are doing with them--and not just to others, also to ourselves. Their reach goes beyond what we can imagine.

[photo of Lillooet Fire]

Remember that little saying...”sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me?” Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” It seems our words have some pretty amazing power.

An encouraging word has the power to pull someone out of depression; give someone that boost they need to try something new; make someone feel better about some aspect of their life. Words that curse also do things. They make people angry, bitter, resentful, and even vengeful. They bring hurt not only to the hearer, but also the giver of them. What kind of words do you speak?

That said, I am also guilty of saying things I shouldn’t say. Before I realize it the words are out of my mouth and the damage is done. Sound familiar? It’s just foolishness! It’s better to say nothing at all.

I’m only responsible for the thoughts I accept. Just because I’m thinking it, doesn’t mean it’s my thought! We have so many things bombarding us through television and radio programs. Music is also a huge culprit. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself thinking lyrics I don’t agree with. I’m so drawn to the beauty of the music that I don’t always realize the words I’m listening to. Very subtle!

It would be wise to examine the thoughts we are having. In other words, if the thought in your mind doesn’t line up with what you believe...don’t speak it! While you’re at it, purposefully recognize that thought and discard it by replacing it with a true thought that you do believe. Our thoughts are intertwined with who we are and who we become. This is one way that we battle the lies we are bombarded with on a daily basis. I believe that the cleaner and purer our thoughts are, the easier it will be to hear that still small voice that we so desperately need to listen to.

Try it, you'll like it!

Well, we only got partway through Chapter 5—but then, what’s the hurry? I’ve realized that I often try to cover too much in one post, so I’m taking things a little slower.

Thank you for visiting! I appreciate your comments and insights!

Carmen

Life Isn't Fair!

2010-01-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

Courtesy: Flickr, zoomar's photostream

There is one question that most people have asked themselves at one time or another. It doesn’t matter whether they believe in God or not, they still ask it.

If God is a God of love, why does He allow bad things to happen?

Most of us have noticed that life isn’t fair. Good things happen to bad people, and bad things happen to good people. Solomon tells us that there are times and seasons in our lives. In essence he is saying that God has a perfect plan that includes everything we need, including the bad and the good.

I've realized that the sum of everything I’ve experienced makes me who I am today. I am thankful for the bad and the good things of my life. Not because I like bad things to happen to me, but because I know that God has a purpose in allowing me to go through them. As well, we sometimes do things or say things that inevitably bring us to bad places in our lives. The good thing is, if we survive them, we can learn from them. This is our freewill in motion! God allows freewill because He wants people that truly love Him...not puppets that merely serve Him.

Motivated by envy and ambition; the strong prey on the weak and the helpless, and therefore injustice thrives. Solomon observes that, “all skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbour.” I thought that was interesting because it tells us something we’re probably not immediately aware of when we go about doing things. It’s not necessarily that we want the biggest house, the most expensive car, the most appealing spouse. Although it’s nice to have those things, what we actually want is to be admired and recognized! Look at me! I’ve done well for myself...I’m a self made whatever. What it comes down to is a selfish search for significance, without God.

To be honest, I don’t desire abundant riches. Oh sure, I like to spend money once in a while—but if I don’t, I’ll do with what I have. I’m fairly easy going as far as that’s concerned. “Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with painful effort.” There’s much to be said for living that way if you ask me.

I know of a man who worked at a very well paying job. When he was done his hours at the job, he spent a good deal of time going through garbage bins, etc. Here is the strange thing...the guy was already a millionaire. He was also a miser; not willing to spend money on the things that were needed, let alone things that were wanted. So when he died, the first thing his wife did was fix all the things around the house that had been neglected for years. Then she bought some things she’d been wanting. Some of the money went to his adult kids, whom he never really had great relationships with.

He never stopped to ask the question, “why am I working so hard for money I don’t need, when tomorrow I may die?”

Painful effort and vain striving—it’s meaningless.

I am so thankful that I have a great husband and good friends. People I can rely on, and who can rely on me. The one thing that I value above all other things is relationship. We can’t take anything from this earth with us; though many have tried, as evidenced by the treasures found in the tombs of ancient Egypt. If we take anything from this world, it will be the relationships which extend beyond our lives on earth. I truly believe that the end of this life is the beginning of eternity.

Solomon seems to value relationships too. It's true that we need each other, but Solomon goes beyond that. “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” My husband quoted that scripture to me when we were going out, and before we were married. I had no idea what it meant at the time, but now I know. A relationship that includes God is not quickly broken.

This raises a side note. I know that the divorce rate in churches is as high as in the secular world. It’s scriptures like this that make me wonder why this is happening in our churches. Are we taking seriously God’s commands and living as we ought? Are we Christians in name only? God forbid! Perhaps that’s a topic for another time.

The next phrase is interesting. Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer heeds a warning. Now that I’m getting a little older myself, I can relate to this one. As we get older, we seem to resist change. We also think that we’re older and wiser. The truth is, things change, and that is very observable in our present age of technology. I know I don’t need to expound on this as most of you have children. ;) Age doesn’t guarantee wisdom, or knowledge, for that matter.

However, we choose whether we learn from our experiences or not. When you think you’ve arrived, you’re probably pretty far behind, as I’ve learned. It’s like I said in an earlier post, the more we learn, the more we realize we don’t know.

Wisdom is different than knowledge; it comes through utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight. There is much wisdom available to us in the Bible, but we can still lack wisdom if we don’t take it to heart and apply it to our lives. Even those who come after us, endowed with knowledge but not having wisdom, will repeat the same mistakes. That is why history repeats itself; that is why there’s nothing new under the sun. We think we’re so smart...but are we?

So this too is meaningless—and the earth continues to turn on its axis, and we continue to wonder.

What is the purpose to life?

Why are we here?

*I’ve really been enjoying your comments on my past posts on Ecclesiastes. They have been spot on and in many ways address the answers we’re looking for. LOL! But that’s a good thing I suppose! I love your insights!

Thanks so much for visiting!
Carmen

Turn, Turn, Turn

2010-01-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

I’m reminded of a famous song often abbreviated to “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The lyrics were lifted almost word for word from the book of Ecclesiastes and were sung by a number of different artists; most famously, The Byrds. Here is the original in Ecclesiastes:

To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Life is full of seasons! There is no living in the now. Not really. The “now” is ever changing into the “past” and the “future.” Truly, we cannot live only in this moment, nor were we created to exist only in what happens this very moment. There is so much more to life than existentialism.

Was all of it just meant to keep us busy? I would guess that someone wants to show us something—but what?

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds (a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing *under the sun* but God alone can satisfy), yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

The fact that I question this is proof enough for me that the reason I struggle so much with this earthly existence, is that things are not meant to be like this forever. There is definitely an internal longing for more.

God has planted eternity into our hearts and minds. A longing that is an implanted sense of purpose-- that only God can satisfy. You could say that as long as we ignore that longing, it is void, empty, unfulfilled. It needs to be filled—with God.

“And God does it so that men will (reverently) fear Him (revere and worship Him, knowing that He is).”

That word fear doesn’t mean being scared of Him. It’s a respect, a reverence and an understanding of who He is. God wants a relationship with us. He wants a relationship that puts Him first in our lives, knowing that without Him--what’s the point? We are made to go deeper than what this vapor of life; this momentary existence offers. We are made for eternity. We are made for God.

Solomon goes on to say that God is trying us. He is sifting and separating us. “So that we may see that by ourselves (under the sun, without God), we are but beasts.“ The same fate certainly happens to man and beast. We all die, and we are but dust in the wind.

Aren’t we basically good people inside though?

I know of people who have walked into a prison and talked to murderers, child molesters, etc., and asked them if they’re good. They’ll all tell you they’re basically good people—sure they messed up here and there, but basically they’re good.

Did you notice that the reason God tries us is so that we may see ourselves as we really are. God already knows who we are—but He wants us to see it. We look at ourselves with rose colored glasses on. We forgive ourselves so easily, but who are we really?

I’ll leave you with that question.

Thank you for visiting my little corner of the world! I so appreciate your comments and insights!

Carmen

Under the Sun

2010-01-24T15:23:00.001-08:00

If only.

We like to think about it. We love to fantasize about it. We believe it will make all the difference in the world.

If only I could do whatever I wanted...

If only I was like him/her...

If only I were rich...

Then I would... be happy ; be a somebody; have no worries; (insert your own here).

Do you ever spend any time thinking about this stuff? Would any of those things really make a difference? Well, I think that it would make a big difference--for a while anyway, until the circle we’ve created starts spinning out of control, or (heaven forbid) gets boring. For as long as we live our lives “under the sun,” none of it will ever really fulfill our deepest need.

How we love to enjoy ourselves! Slogans and sayings, such as “Just Do It, Live for Today, Take Care of #1, We’re here for a good time, not a long time,” are all reflective of a lifestyle lived under the sun.

What’s wrong with enjoying ourselves? Well--nothing really--everything in moderation. As long as we don’t expect it to make us completely and eternally happy!

Let’s see what Solomon says: “And WHATEVER my eyes desired I kept not from them. I withheld not my heart from ANY pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor, and this was my portion and the reward for all my toil."

Whoa Solomon...there’s a whole lot of stuff in whatever and any.

This king spent his time enjoying many pleasures and doing great works (houses, vineyards, gardens, orchards), He had many, many servants, gold and riches (apparently silver was worth little in his days since he owned so much of it). He was a great king who was heralded for his wisdom. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? If only we were like Solomon...right?

Solomon doesn’t stop there, but goes on to say: “and behold, all was emptiness and a striving after the wind, and there was no profit under the sun; what can the man do who succeeds the king? Nothing but what has been done already.”

So...what’s the point? I’m sometimes flummoxed by the rich and famous. They seem to have everything they could possibly want. More wine, guilty pleasures and money than most ...yet eventually all they end up with is emptiness. Why? They no longer derive any pleasure from it. Some need counseling and rehab just to get back to normal--all the while regretting the wasted years. Was it all meaningless in the end?

As we read on, Solomon becomes discouraged and asks “For what has a man left from all his labor and from the striving and vexation of his heart in which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are but pain and sorrow, and his work is a vexation and grief; his mind takes no rest even at night. This also is emptiness.”

Then he comes to a premature conclusion and states that there is nothing better for a man than that he should eat, drink and be merry (sound familiar?). And almost as an afterthought, "even though this is from the hand of God."

Hmmm--interesting! That's right, God does want us to enjoy our lives. I guess it got Solomon thinking...and the following verse is a gem--a bright, glimmering bolt of truth:

“For who can eat or who can have enjoyment any more than I can (Solomon, the man who had everything!)--apart from Him?

What’s Solomon saying?

It’s all futile without a hope in God.

And that’s where I’m going to end this post. Thanks for visiting my little corner of the world!

Carmen

The Circle of Life

2010-01-23T12:39:00.001-08:00

Image Courtesy "Views of the Solar System"

What if?

What if you were in a position of leadership and had ultimate wealth? Let’s say you were living at a time of peace and had nothing but free time on your hands. Then what if you also had a very keen, knowledgeable mind and were curious to discover what life was all about? What is the purpose of life and why are we here?

Ecclesiastes—it’s been called the inspired book of error. It is one of my favorite books, and possibly also one of the most misquoted books. The very rich and wise author of Ecclesiastes was a King who lived at a time of prosperity and peace, and who set about to answer the questions I’ve asked above. The significance of this book is that it looks at life from the viewpoint of both a human and eventually a divine perspective.

In his quest for understanding, the King begins the book with this phrase:

Vapors of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher, Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and vainglory).

In other words... everything is utterly meaningless!

This is probably the reason so many people don’t read Ecclesiastes. They believe Solomon was depressed when he wrote it. They claim he was in a state of backsliding and did things he shouldn’t have. Well, I can’t argue that he did some surprising things in his quest to get understanding. However, I don’t believe he was depressed.

The book has some amazing insights throughout, and if you hang on until the end, you realize that there is a light at the end of this sometimes very dark tunnel of an existence.

All the philosophies that people have tried to live their lives by are attended to in this book. He covers it all. He tries it all. He withholds nothing. Then he graciously shares it with us in the hope that we can escape much of it and come to the final conclusion through the words of his journey.

At times I drive myself crazy thinking circles around it. What is the point of our existence?

This is the first item that Solomon covers; the circle of life.

He looks at mankind: We get up, go to work, go to sleep, get up, go to work, go to sleep...

Our generations: “One generation dies, and another generation is born...” Vs.4

Our days and nights: The sun rises, the sun goes down, then it rises...

The wind: “It goes to the south, and circles about to the north, it circles and circles about continually, and on its circuit, the wind returns again.” On and on and on....

The rivers: “All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place which the rivers come, to there and from there they return again.” Another circle.

When looking at ourselves, no matter what we do or where we are in life, are we ever satisfied? What has been will be again, for there is nothing new under the sun. We lose the knowledge of the ages, and in turn, future generations will lose the knowledge of our time. They know now that in ancient times, they did cataract surgery (prior to 1 B.C.), brain surgery (3000 B.C.), cosmetic surgery (1 B.C.) and other types of surgeries.

http://www.crystalinks.com/ancientmedicine.html

I want to point out that there is a lot of truth in the Ecclesiastical passages above. We see and experience these things every day. They are common knowledge, and from a purely human point of view, this is what life seems to amount to. There is a reason for that.

Solomon goes on to say that, “Even wisdom brings vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” I’ve noticed that the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know, and then I go about to learn more, only to find that there’s still more to learn, and the circle continues in a never ending spiral.

The older I get, the more I begin to understand people. I look at myself and see the things that are dark and dangerous. I look at my past and I sorrow over my own foolishness—but yet I’m helpless to change it. I try to be a better person, but often fall back into that same old person that I want to change...it’s kind of like losing weight.

Solomon’s findings are that the universe goes on and we are lost in its grasp. This philosophy is the conclusion of reductionism: the belief that life can be reduced to mere mechanistic processes. There is no soul, no spirit, no God. The universe is a machine. We are machines with no significance, no meaning.

Before I depress you, remember that it takes at least two for a debate, and there is still another perspective on all of this. It is that apart from God, there really is no meaning to our existence. Then, we truly are just bits of dust spinning around on a little fleck of a planet in the grinding gears of a mechanistic universe. Our meaning lies in a hope, or a belief if you will. There is a God and nothing has any true and lasting meaning or value without this basic understanding.

Point of Interest: Scientists didn’t discover the circuit of the wind until centuries after Solomon wrote this. They also did not understand the evaporation cycle of the waters .

I hope this hasn’t been too detailed. I would love to cover some of the other things Solomon looked at in his quest to find the meaning of life in future posts.

Thanks for visiting!
Carmen

The Company One Chooses

2010-01-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

“Lazarus, Come Forth!”

These have to be some of the most powerful words on record that Jesus spoke. With them, he penetrated through death and into life. Effectually, He stirred the power of death using words of light, and with them He offered Lazarus another chance at life.

In a myriad of ways this passage speaks through many, many centuries, for those are the very words he speaks when he calls us to him.

Prior to this, when Martha realized what Jesus was going to do, she saw nothing but barriers. “But Lord, it’s been too many days...by now he stinketh!” Yet, a little stink didn’t hold Jesus back, and I’m so glad it didn’t. Especially when I realize that—well--we all stinketh when He calls. He knows and sees the possibilities that He can work into us because He is the potter, we are the clay.

Then another amazing thing happened.

“And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him and let him go.” John 11:44

First, he came forth from the grave bound. Lazarus could do nothing. He was completely bound from head to foot. His wrappings would have made it impossible to move, to see, and probably hard to hear. Could it be this is how He finds us?

Second, his friends unwrapped him. Whether we like it or not--we need each other through this journey. Some are like a balm, others like sandpaper, and we need both. We learn best and most often, through the challenges we face, and yet we all need the encouragement that others have to offer.

Death... It is something so familiar to us, and yet unfamiliar because we don’t realize that we are dead and in need of a Saviour. In Christ’s view, that is how He finds us...dead in our sins; unaware of our condition. In our view, death is what awaits us, and as mortal men our bodies will die. Yet it is the second death we really want to avoid. The death of the soul.

This is where He offers us hope.

We need strong friends by our side who journey with us through this life. I am so thankful for these friends and value them immensely. Those you choose as friends will impact you immeasurably, make no mistake about this. You will become like them; for our good or otherwise. Choose carefully and value those you choose.

I want to end with this little poem:

The Company One Keeps

One day in late October, when I was far from sober

Returning with my load with manly pride

My feet began to stutter, so I lay down in the gutter

And a pig came near and lay down by my side.

--A lady passing by was heard to say:

“You can tell a man who boozes by the company he chooses,”

And the pig got up and slowly walked away.

Author Unknown

Thanks for visiting!

Please leave me a comment...I love to hear from you!

Carmen

Bubblin' Crude

2009-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

Today there’s a song going through my head. Remember those wacky, backward, oblivious kinfolk, the Beverly Hillbillies? That’s the show...and this was the song:

Come and listen to the story of a man named Jed.

A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed.

And then one day he was shooting for some food

And up through the ground come a bubblin’ crude

Oil that is,

Black gold,

Texas teeth!

Well the first thing you know ol' Jed’s a millionaire

The kinfolk said, “Jed, move away from there!”

Said, “Californy’s the place you ought to be.”

So they loaded up their truck and they moved to Beverly.

Hills that is...

Swimming pools,

Movie stars.

Photo Courtesy Wikipedia

I used to love watching the Beverly Hillbillies! They were aliens in a foreign world. They brought their strange ways with them, which was often a challenge for them and those around them. Yet, they lived happily in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to them. They were amongst people whose customs were strange and different from what they were used to. In so many ways, we’re just like those hillbillies. One day we come upon some bubblin’ crude, and we are changed forever!

Oil....The world fights for it....People die for it....The rich are corrupted because of it.

Bubblin’ crude seems to envision something alive, and in many ways it is, for it changes those who possess it. We need oil for many things in this world...so it is worth much. We also have an inordinate desire for wealth, power, ease of living...and oil makes much of that possible. Yet often it leads us on a path to war, death and corruption.

The good thing is, there’s another kind of oil.

Some refer to it as the pearl of great price.

When men find this oil, it also changes them. They begin a journey to live in a world which no longer relates to them, and often they do so happily. However, some are foolish and begin to take things for granted. Then one day they wake up and realize that their oil is running out and that soon they will no longer be able to see; for the oil brings light and without it they walk in darkness.

Unfortunately, this is where some have found themselves. They suddenly realize that they have compromised themselves to the world and are peering through the darkness in futility, thinking there was still enough light. Unlike the oil of the world, this oil is free for the asking and there is enough for everyone...so they are without excuse.

Do you have more than you need for your journey... or do you live life foolishly, thinking that a little light is enough to light the pathway ahead?

My cry is, give me oil in my lamp and keep me burning! I desire to live in the light! I want to be the best ambassador that I can be. I don't want to compromise! God help me!

Is your crude a bubblin’?

Is it spilling over?

John 1:4,5

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness comprehends it not.”

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

John 8:12

Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Thanks for visiting!

Carmen

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for visiting me in my little corner of the world! May your Christmas be filled with family, friends and fun! May you have hope, faith, love and an enduring belief in the One who made it all possible!

With love and hugs,

Carmen

What's It All About?

2009-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

When I was six years old, my mother, father, baby sister and I immigrated to Canada. Moving to a new country took some adapting. People were different, the language was foreign, even the houses and the streets were not the same. It wasn't long after we immigrated that my parents began to realize that Christmas in Canada was unique to the "Kerstfeest" we celebrated in Holland.

Instead of Santa Claus, we had Sinterklaas, who looked like a Pope with a big staff, and rode in on a majestic white horse. Accompanying him on foot were at least two Zwarte Piets with their colourful striped baggy shorts and their big burlap sacks to gather up the bad boys and girls. They would actually take someone out of the crowd, throw them in the sack and take them away...to the wide eyed stares of the rest of the kids. Yes, I know...unbelievable, but I saw it happen with my own eyes.

Then of course there were the Pepernoten (sweet little dutch spice cookies...no pepper included), that Zwarte Piet threw in handfuls to the masses, and which the kids scrambled to collect off the road and pop into their mouths. Strange, since the Dutch have a reputation for being clean (please call before dropping by)...;). Now they just hand the kids the pepernoten...so much better! Most of the kids liked Zwarte Piet...and Zwarte Piet was always nice. I think the "bad kid pick up" was pre-arranged for entertainment value...cos they never grabbed me!

At night we put out our wooden shoes with a carrot and a bunch of hay for the horse. When well-behaved children awoke the next day, they found the carrot and hay gone, and their shoes filled with nuts, candy and other surprises. Of course the parents played it up. “Gee, I hope you’ve been good this year...I’m just not sure what you’ll find in your shoe in the morning. I’ll try and put in a good word for you....wink, wink.” Here’s the big eye opener...they weren’t even wooden shoes! No people, not everyone in Holland owns a pair of wooden shoes. We lived in the city, not on a farm...so we put out normal shoes or boots. You have to wonder about a tradition that involves putting candy where your feet have been. I guess it’s complicated.

Anyway...we did celebrate December 25^th, but it was strictly a celebration in honor of the birth of Christ. We had a nice dinner (often salmon instead of turkey), and entertained family and friends. Today some of the dutch also celebrate with a Christmas tree and gifts. It’s not a hard tradition to embrace, after all. They also continue to celebrate Sinterklaas on the 5^th. Here’s the main song we used to sing for Sinterklaas:

Sinterklaas kapoentje

Gooi wat in mijn schoentje

Breng wat in mijn laarsje

Dank u Sinterklaasje

Translation:

Saint-Nicolas Little Rascal,
Put something in my little shoe,
Put something in my little boot,
Thank you little Saint-Nicolas!

Go figure!

After moving to Canada we adopted the western Christmas, much to my delight. All our extended family lived back in Holland, and so my parents did their best to make Christmas fun for us. Often that fun came in the form of many presents. I loved getting the presents!

Even more than that, I loved buying gifts for my own family many years later, especially when the boys were young. Now my youngest is 20, and things have changed. There are less gifts under the tree this year. They are nice gifts...but there are less of them. This Christmas will seem sparse as the focus will not be on presents...and yet I’m looking forward to it more than ever.

I’m looking forward to the playful dance of a crackling fire; the Christmas music playing softly in the background; sitting around our warm living room in our jammies with a cup of coffee; and of course, the big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Most of all, I’m looking forward to being with family and friends throughout the holidays. There’s so much to talk about, so many hugs to give out, and so much love to share. There’s so much to be thankful for!

I guess it doesn’t really matter what your Christmas looks like. For me, Christmas is in the heart. Christmas is really about love and relationships. The gifts will get old, broken or empty, and be thrown out at some point. But we can always nurture the love, because it’s really all that Christmas, and life when you get down to it, is all about. Remember to share some love every day of your lives!

A very merry, love filled Christmas to each one of you!

Vrolijke Kerstfeest!

Thank you for visiting!
Carmen

Random Dozen December

2009-12-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to participate in the Random Dozen over at 2nd Cup of Coffee. I've been very busy, but wanted to post something fun here. Hope you enjoy!

Without further adieu, here we go....hang onto your sleighs...

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?

My shape! I'm very pear shaped, which in itself is not bad except that you really have to watch your weight when you're pear shaped, or you end up looking like a light bulb...and everyone knows it. I have a few drops of spanish black in me...okay half the drops are black...that's where it's from.

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?

Mrs. Partridge! All that singing and joking around. She was the "cool" mom. I liked her eldest son more, but you know...I was young and single at the time.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
I speak Dutch fluently. Well...at an age 6 level...however, it still helped me out when I worked in a bank and some Dutch people who couldn't speak english showed up. I also used to speak some french and would love to relearn it again.

4. Who is your personal hero?
Jesus Christ is my only hero. I know that's not what you meant...but I don't really know of any others worthy of heroship.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
Ugh! I don't have just one. Butter tarts, fudge puddles, nanaimo bars, moose poos (those oat, coconut and chocolaty things...my kids name for them...even today..."Mom, did you make Moose Poos?" Very appetizing, no?), shortbread. Oh, and my homemade antipasto!! It's all good!!

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
I have three wooden ornaments that I just love. I think they're antiques but can't remember how I got them. There's a duck, a bear and one other (can't remember...meno brain). They usually sit on my fireplace because I like to display them where they can be seen. I just love them!

7. How do you feel about snow?
Love the look of it. Especially when it lies in mounds undisturbed. However, I don't like to shovel it (and believe me, I've done my share of shovelling snow), and I don't like to drive in it. I don't like it when it looks dirty, or when it freezes....well, except for the sparkly effect when it freezes. That's really pretty!! I love the way it crunches when the top is frozen too. I love watching it when it falls lazily to the ground, and I love it when there's huge snowflakes thundering down (but only if I'm inside watching it...not when I'm driving on the Coquihalla and can't see further than a foot and can't see the edge of the road and it's a mountain pass...and yes, that's actually happened...a few times...scary!!!). Footnote...my husband does the driving, and for him it's just a challenge.
Okay, enough on snow.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
Do you mean hours of undisturbed sleep? Well...usually 3 or so. I can wake up 6 or 7 times a night...and believe me...it looks like it. Sorry, no photos available.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
Honestly...I think it was Donny Osmond. It's kind of weird seeing him on Dancing with the Stars. It's weird meeting his wife on there too....like there's something about him and me she doesn't know. Hehehe.

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
I would write whatever was floating around in my head...and yes, it wouldn't make any sense to anyone but me, there would be random notes everywhere and it would go from one subject to another in mid sentence. That's just the way I think.

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
I dress for the current temperature. The weatherman is usually a day ahead anyway. I also dress in layers this time of year so that if the weather decides to do its weird things, I'm ready for it.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
This was a hard one because I love Christmas movies a lot. Hmmm...on the sentimental side, I'd have to say It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. On the humorous side, I'd have to say Elf and The Santa Claus. On the dramatic side, A Christmas Carol and also the remake, Scrooged, The Grinch who stole Christmas, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (well, they were dramatic to me).

Anyway, that's my post for today. Hope you enjoyed it. Thank you all for stopping by my blog so faithfully! Merry Christmas Everyone!! Hope it's filled with family, friends, presents, and lots of love!!
Carmen