Anomaly in Gen Y

MOVED!

2009-10-08T06:25:00.001-07:00

Hey All!

I've officially moved on over to a Wordpress blog (I'm still learning, but it has some great features to utilize!)-- so come visit me:

NEW blog-- gracefilledsaltseasoned.wordpress.com

Jewish Teaching Doesn't Command a Welfare State

2009-09-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Letters to the Editor in today's Wall Street Journal. I agree...and it frustrates me when Judeo-Christian values are distorted to prop up welfare state initiatives.

I am a proud Jewish conservative who took part in the Sept. 12 march on Washington. I take exception to your Sept. 14 letter writers, responding to Norman Podhoretz's "Why Are Jews Liberals?" (op-ed, Sept. 11), who use the Jewish religion to explain their extreme liberalism.

My religion teaches that the highest form of charity is giving a person independence (work) so that he or she will not have to depend on charity. Creating a government that makes people dependent on a nanny state from cradle to grave is far from what my ancestors had in mind.

Rita Lilie, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

It is true that social justice and compassion are deeply rooted in Judaism, but not in the way modern liberal thinking would have you believe. Giving charity is a Jewish tradition, part of a large body of commandments in the Torah called mitzvahs. What the secular Jewish world seems to misunderstand is that mitzvahs are responsibilities incumbent upon each and every Jew, and are personal ones. They are not responsibilities that can be delegated to an agency, like the government. One cannot perform a mitzvah by having the government take one person's property and give it to another. That is not charity or a mitzvah, even though it may make a liberal person feel good.

And there is no argument in the Torah that requires that all people be made materially equal. On the contrary, the Torah recognizes and promotes the value of individual excellence and achievement and requires that those who achieve make provision for those unable to achieve, but the requirement of equality of result is not found in the Torah. The Torah demands personal responsibility from all Jews at whatever station they hold in life. Thus, socialist and statist arguments, while often espoused by secular liberal Jews, represent a misunderstanding of the Torah and Jewish values.

Paul C. Ross, Rydal, Pa.

All of the letters essentially state that Jews are liberal because the religion teaches concern for the poor and disadvantaged. I agree but strongly contend that the policies suggested and currently being enacted by the government will in the long run do just the opposite.

Over the past 150 years classical liberalism and free-market capitalism revolutionized economies and did more to improve the conditions of the poor than any other competing system. Many of the current proposals are undermining the economy and will adversely affect all segments of society.

A basic religious teaching is that we should learn to control our appetite for immediate gratification in order to gain extended benefits.

Abraham Irwin, Passaic, N.J.

Nowhere does the Bible instruct us to tax others and rely on government to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. In fact, the able-bodied are required to work for the aid they receive. The Book of Ruth says the poor are to gather the after-gleanings left in the field, not wait idly for someone else to do it for them.

If the modern welfare state operated this way, the result would be less poverty and a lower cost to society.

Ken Powell, Munster, Ind.

My Enemy, My Brother

2009-08-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 49:5-6
And now the LORD says— He who formed me in the womb to be His servant to bring Jacob back to Him and gather Israel to Himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength-
He says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

I've mentioned Joel Rosenberg before, but he's doing amazing things for the LORD so he's totally worth mentioning again :)

Check out the foreword he wrote for My Enemy, My Brother. In Joel's mass email today, he wrote:

We all know how dangerous it is when a Palestinian boy becomes a Radical Muslim and a devout follower of jihad. But have you ever stopped to consider just how beautiful -- indeed, miraculous -- it is when a Palestinian boy becomes a Revivalist and a devout follower of Jesus instead?

A fascinating new book, My Enemy, My Brother, has just been published that was written by a Palestinian man who was born and raised in Jerusalem. You're not likely to hear about it on the Today show or Good Morning America. But I commend to your attention. I have known the author, Hanna Shahin, for nearly two decades, and I can tell you first hand that his is an extraordinary and must-read story.

During the 1967 war, as the fighting between Jordanians and Israelis was at its most intense in the battle for the Holy City, Hanna begged God to save all the members of his family from death, and if God did that, he promised to serve the Lord in full-time ministry for the rest of his life. In a series of gripping events that Hanna shares in the book, the Lord heard that prayer and answered it in an amazing way. In time, Hanna went on not only to become a minister of the gospel, but one of the most influential Revivalists in the region, using the power of radio broadcasting to beam the good news of Jesus' love and mercy to untold Muslims and nominal Christians throughout the epicenter.

It was my honor to write the foreword to this book at Hanna's request, and I have posted it on my weblog to give you a sense of the man and his message. I hope you will take a look at it, and pick up a copy of Hanna's book from Amazon or your favorite Christian bookstore, as well as consider sharing one with a friend.

Excerpt from Joel's foreword....

The book you hold in your hands is, at its core, a love story – one of the most beautiful and powerful I have ever read.

It is the story of God’s extraordinary love for a Palestinian boy in Jerusalem, a boy who grew up lonely and sad and afraid until one day Jesus Christ personally reached out and took this little boy into His arms and told him, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

It is the story of a young man who becomes transformed by Christ’s love, a young man both called and compelled to share the good news of that powerful love and amazing grace with his fellow Palestinians, and eventually with the entire Arabic speaking world.

I'll certainly read this...let me know if you pick it up, too!

Sovereign LORD

2009-08-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months, I have become much more aware of the sovereignty of the Lord. I want to share some of the stories that stand out as a testimony in my life to the absolute and supreme power of God.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I love planning. I hate surprises. I like to think out the consequences of any decision, create alternative plans and think a few steps ahead. When I was younger, my mother would praise this attribute in me—being a planner is not a bad quality.

But this often manifests itself as a desire to “be in control” of my life. I am not in control though— the Lord is the only one actually “in control”. Proverbs 19: 21—I can make plans all day, decide my steps—but ultimately the Lord's will prevails.

Some might throw up their hands in distress and frustration—but this gives me great comfort. My own heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) but the Lord is holy and perfect. Psalm 119 speaks a lot to burying our hearts in the will of the Lord—

Verse 2: “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

Verse 7: “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.”

Verse 10: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.”

Verse 11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Verse 30: “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.”

Verse 32: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”

Verse 34: Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”

Verse 36: “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”

Verse 58: “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”

Verse 69: “Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.”

Verses 70, 111, 112, 145 and 161 also pray for the condition of our heart. Over 15 times in ONE Psalm, man’s heart is mentioned—must be pretty important.

This truth—that my heart is deceitful against the Lord-- was shoved in my face while in London. Anxiety and a fearful heart grip me. I have become an expert at orchestrating my situation so as to avoid fear. I purposely live in a “safe” neighborhood with the police station literally around the corner. I carry pepper spray and have it prepared in my hand when I have to walk a block from the metro to my place at night. When both my roommates are out of town at the same time, I either ask a girl friend to come over and stay or I leave and stay with someone else. The first thing I do when I go home is check my shower to make sure there is no one in it. I have become an expert at creating a superficial safety net.

But in London, I was stretched and pushed to the limit. While ministering one day on the street, I felt threatened, I felt vulnerable….and that night I didn’t sleep at all. I was paralyzed in fear. All I could think about was getting on a plane and going home. And this was only day four of our trip.

Through prayer and submission of my heart to the Lord, I had to start the process of learning to let go of my very superficial control. I am learning to pray about my deceitful, fearful heart—and to bury it in Word of the Lord. When I have those moments of ugliness—when I feel that fear coming on—I go straight to praying the name of Jesus and opening my Bible—usually to a Psalm.

Trusting in the Lord's sovereignty means bending my fearful heart to Him because we are sanctified by Jesus-- John 17: 15-19,

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

You are called BELOVED

2009-08-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I bought this necklace for myself with this verse (in Hebrew), " Ani L'Dodi Ve-Dodi Li," from Song of Songs 6:3 which translates, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

I wear it almost everyday as a reminder of just how infinite the Lord's love is for all His children (Romans 9:25-26), including me, that He would look past all my sins, mistakes, disobedience and He would lovingly choose to call me BELOVED (Romans 5:8).

Tenth Avenue North has a song, Beloved, that connects Biblical truth in a powerful way with how much the Lord loves us. I encourage you to listen to it and reflect on the words of the song...

Real Liberty: Freedom in Christ

2009-08-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Listening to the continued debate over health care reform, I came across an article on HotAir featuring Bishop Harry Jackson warning Christians that universal, government run health care is immoral. See Bishop Jackson's interview below:

This interview reminds me of a note on a friends Facebook, "I am free in Christ. I don't owe a single natural liberty to any military or politician." I think this is the heart of what Bishop Jackson is referring to in his interview comments...our freedom in Christ.

Romans 8:1 explains we are set free because of Christ Jesus-- He freed us from the law of sin and death. Because of Jesus, we do not live under the condemnation of the Old Testament law-- instead we live with Christ as co-heirs (Romans 8:17-17).

But in this freedom, we are not to squander it away. Galatians 5:1, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

What is the yoke of slavery that we are to avoid? Anything that works to separate us from our relationship with Jesus. Romans 8:38-39 explains that nothing, absolutely nothing, "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in ALL creation," can "separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

It is a form of bondage against our relationship with Jesus to be beholden to anyone other than Christ.

As Galatians 5:1 explains we are to use our freedom in Christ not to indulge our flesh, but "through love serve one another." It is not men or a government that we are working for, but the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).

John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Life is lived to the full with Jesus Christ.

Come... and DIE

2009-08-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Now that I’ve been home for almost two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to process and talk through some of the things that the Lord taught me. I want to share the praises, the prayers and the work that the Lord is doing in the South Asian communities of London. I am sure that this entry will be one a few about what happened while on mission.

First, I want to start with something that happened in one of our morning sessions.

We had the opportunity to ask the long term missionaries serving in London questions about their life, how the Lord called them to London, etc.

One of the women on our team asked an older, married mission couple: “What are your hopes and prayers for our generation?”

Her answer was simple and direct.

COME and DIE.

I thought about this the rest of our time there, and it’s been on my mind as I’ve walked back into life in D.C.

I’ve come to Jesus, but am I ready to die to Him? And what does it mean to die?

So far, I’ve been able to break about this idea of dying in two parts:

1) Jesus calls us to die and become a new creation in Him

2) Jesus calls us to literally be ready to lay down our lives for His glory.

1.) Dying and becoming a new creation in Him.

In Romans 12: 1-2, Paul writes for us to no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by renewing of our minds so that we can test and approve God’s will—and to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.

In 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21, Paul writes to the church of Corinth, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” We are NEW creations with Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit actively lives within us.

Lastly, 2 Corinthians 5: 15, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” It stands out to me that we no longer live for ourselves but for HIM. Oswald Chambers writes, “God’s friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all— we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same.”

2) Lay down your life and glorify God.

“Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus suffered and died—walking with Him involves being obedient.

And Jesus tells us in John 15:20, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

Jesus calls us in Mark 8: 34, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Jesus. Three steps. Are you trying to follow Jesus without denying yourself? Are you trying to follow Jesus without taking up your cross?

Christy Nockels “Life Light Up” song sums it up….

I may live and I may die
Either way you’re glorified
Bless the day I give my life away

Jesus denied Himself by going to the cross and dying for us. Has anyone ever said, “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything that I haven’t already done myself?” That’s what Jesus tells us. Are you ready to follow Him even if it hurts?

Romans 8:16-17 tells us that the reward is GREAT..."if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory."

God GIVES. God TAKES.

2009-07-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Job 1:21,

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."

Philippians 4: 4,

"Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: REJOICE!"

Spiritual Warfare

2009-07-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

This skit depicts for me the struggle between God and Satan. Luke 11: 24-26 explains,

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first."

This passage from Luke reminds me of just how persistent Satan (1 Peter 5:8) is to bring us down—when he see’s us chasing after the things of the Lord, he will aggressively wage warfare (Ephesians 6:12) on us.

But our God is all powerful. The victory has already been won with Jesus going to the cross for all our sins—past, present and future. We see this in the skit as it comes to a close—the girl is thrown out of the struggle and the man steps in to deal with the situation. Jesus dying and rising again ultimately throws us out of the struggle and into eternal life with the Father in heaven (Romans 5:8).

When we hand our lives over to Jesus, we are called to lives that shine for Him (Philippians 2:15), lives that are changed because we are ALIVE in Him and DEAD to sin.

Romans 6: 11-14,

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”

Lastly, God gave us weapons and protection to combat the warfare that Satan wages—refer to Ephesians 6: 14-18 and put on the full armor of God!

Clip on Generosity

2009-06-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

A friend posted this video on his blog and I felt moved to share it with all of you. I encourage you to watch it-- and become a follower his blog!

Sally from Dorian Belz on Vimeo.

Rooftop shouting in Iran: GOD IS GOOD

2009-06-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

On Drudge, I saw a report pop up that protesters are shouting from their rooftops "God is good!" in response to the recent election. I found this video on YouTube:

I don't know if they are Muslim or Christians...they are saying Allah, so I am guessing Muslim? What a demonstration of faith though-- and it made me think of just HOW good God really is that He would convict these Iranians to take their roof tops to shout (considering that there have been reports of protesters being killed for speaking out).

Last night, I just started reading Inside the Revolution by Joel Rosenberg. I encourage you to pick it up if you want to understand geopolitical events, especially Iran. The introduction sets up the book as such:

"Iran's senior leaders have taught in recent years that the Revolution is now reaching its climax. They have stated publicly that the end of the world is "imminent". They have taught that the way to hasten the arrival or appearance on earth of the Islamic messiah known as the "Twelfth Imam," or the "Mahdi," is to destroy Israel, which they call the "Little Satan," and the United States, which they call the "Great Satan." They have vowed to annihilate the United States and Israel and have urged Muslims to envision a world without American and Zionism. They have come to believe that Allah has chosen them to create chaos and carnage on the plant.

Put simply, the leaders of Iran believe that Allah is on their side, the wind is at their back, and the end of Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it is near.

I believe just the opposite. As an evangelical Christian with a Jewish father and a Gentile mother, I worship the God of the Bible-- the God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, who is also the God of the New Testament. I do not believe that God is on the side of the zealots that run Iran. Rather, I believe that the end of their reign of terror is increasingly close at hand. Every day I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Every day I pray for peace throughout the Middle East. What's more, I pray for the salvation of the leaders of Iran and the salvation of their terrorist allies, and I encourage others to do the same. And because I serve a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God, a wonder-working God of miracles, I firmly believe that God in His grace can change the leadership in Iran."

Look for more to come-- and pray for the people in Iran.

CHALLENGE: What does your routine look like?

2009-06-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me a few weeks ago and I've been sitting on it. I've probably watched this clip over a dozen times.

It really made me think...What DOES my routine look like? Am I clinging to the beam? Am I so focused on not falling that I compromise my routine?

CHALLENGE: I hope this clip from Francis Chan makes you think about your routine, too...

There's a barn raising and I need YOU!

2009-06-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Friends, family, and blog readers...

Time for a barn raising! Taken from trusty Wikipedia,

"In earlier American rural life, communities raised barns because many hands were required. Barn raisings occurred in a social framework with a good deal of interdependence. Members of rural communities often shared family bonds going back generations. They traded with each other, buying and selling land, labor, seed, cattle, and the like. They worshiped together. They celebrated together, because cities were too far away to visit with any frequency on horseback. Despite traditions of independence, self-sufficiency, and refusal to incur debt to one another, community barn raisings were a part one's life."

Ok, so I am not literally raising a barn...I don't think that would go over well in Arlington County. But I am going on a mission trip THIS July for two weeks to spread the Gospel in England... and I need many hands to help do this work!

How can you help?

1.) Prayer support.
Pray for me to seek the Lord in my preparation.
Pray for the team to be a light to all that we encounter.
Pray the softening of the hearts of those that do not yet know Christ.

2.) Financial support.

You can make your tax-deductible donation at www.frontlinedc.com/global. Click on “Global Impact Support” and follow the instructions. You may be asked to log in with a username and password but you will not be added to any mailing lists or promotional materials. Select the England team and type my name (Kim Cotterman) when it asks for team member. If you choose to make an anonymous donation to the team just type ‘General-anonymous’. If the team is successful in reaching our financial goal, all excess funds will be applied to either the needs directly related to the ministry of this trip or to fund additional mission needs within the Global Impact ministry. You can learn more at www.frontlinedc.com.

Thank you advance. Both prayer and financial support are critical to this "barn raising". Spiritual warfare on our team can only be combated with prayer support. Paying for the work we will do in England is possible with your financial support.

Romans 10: 14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Joel Rosenberg: Liberate Iran

2009-06-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

I encourage you if you do not read him already, check out Joel Rosenberg's website and subscribe to his blog. Here is the most recent update Mr. Rosenberg wrote on the geopolitical movements in Iran...

A NEW REVOLUTION IN IRAN? Reformers are on the streets

Hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy Reformers are flooding the streets of Iran, taking their stand against the Radicals.

A cry for freedom in Iran is rising. Why is the White House silent?

"I’ve been tracking events in Iran closely over the past few days. Not since the Islamic Revolution of ‘79 have we seen such ideological ferment and such passion in the streets of Iran. What fascinates me is how hungry the Iranian people are to overthrow their current regime. They want change. They want democracy. It’s not Mir Hossein Mousavi they want (after all, 70% of Iranians are under the age of 30 and don’t remember how bloody, despicable and tyrannical he was in office during the 1980s). They just want someone — anyone — to lead them out of the darkness Khomeini, Khamenei, and Ahmadinejad have dragged them into. They want someone who will lead the fight for their God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Will is the White House silent? Why won’t President Obama endorse and support the Reformers in Iran, rather than engage the Radicals who run the regime?

As I describe in Inside The Revolution, tens of millions of Iranians have abandoned Islam. Most are Reformers at heart, looking for political liberation. Millions are Revivalists, experiencing spiritual liberation. Both groups deeply oppose the Radicals that are strangling their country and destroying the lives of their children. Let’s keep praying for the full liberation of Iran, spiritual and political. And let’s be clear: the Ayatollah Khamenei is not really the Supreme Leader of Iran. Jesus Christ is — the King of kings and the Lord of lords. May His name be lifted up in Iran today."

Check out Joel's previous post-- "War is likely outcome of Iranian elections."

Being Bold

2009-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

As I prepare for the mission in July (less than a month away!), I have become acutely aware of how important it is to be bold for HIM. He demands it of me-- and really, how can I declare my love for Him and then shrink away from men? How can I deny Him first place?

It is a struggle. It's nice to be liked among men, it's tempting to just be a people pleaser. It's hard to hold your closest friends accountable for the Lord and easier to just go along with their choices even though you know they aren't in line with what God desires for them. It's hard to speak truth to your family even though you know they need to hear it.

It brings me to a Philippians 3:8 and reminds me that for Christ's sake I am to lose myself.

Does this mean abandon others and just focus on me and God? No. We are commanded to love each other as Christ loved us (John 15:9-12)-- to serve them and put them before ourselves (Philippians 2: 2-4).

We are challenged to be uncomfortable and sometimes that means making others uncomfortable. In getting out of our comfort zone, we become completely dependent on God to work in and through us. 2 Corinthians 12: 10, "That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Pastor Francis Chan sums it up with Luke 6: 22-23:

As Pastor Chan asks-- are you really saying everything that God wants you to say-- because if so-- there will be plenty of people who will be against you (John 15:18).

Arlington: THE RAP

2009-06-12T07:11:00.001-07:00

This made my Friday morning...thank you A for emailing this! :)

Grab HIS hand

2009-06-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I ran my first road race. Just a 5K, 3.2 miles, but for someone who hates running, this was a moment. I finished.

And I plan to run again. [shocked? me too. but I want to run again for THIS]
I was on the last turn of the race when I felt like giving up. The course was rolling, big change from the comfortable treadmill back at the gym. I had my music going, and it was about the time that Chris Tomlin's, "Holy is the Lord," came on-- and for the first time I really heard the opening verse,

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down, worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

At about the same time, up on my left came an older man with his teenage daughter. He was holding her hand as they ran-- and by her run, you could tell that she tired and like me, ready to stop. They didn't even realize it, but seeing them was exactly the inspiration I needed.

I could see him talking to her, not sure what he said, but I am sure they were words of encouragement. He didn't let her hand go. She kept going.

What a great imagery of how our God takes OUR hand at times. He holds our hand when we get tired and whispers encouraging words. He see's us through to the END of the race. Isaiah 40:29-31.

Don't elevate gifts above the Giver

2009-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ[.]" (Philippians 3:8)

Blackbelt: Spiritual Judo

2009-05-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

On the ride up to NYC, I listened to sermon by the senior pastor at MBC, Lon Solomon, on Esther and the story about Mordecai, Xerxes and Haman.

As I finished the sermon, I felt incredibly blessed that I downloaded and listened to this on the ride, mostly because of things that have been going on in my life. Here's a short synopsis of the story in the Book of Esther.

The characters:

Queen Esther, a Jewish woman, is the wife of King Xerxes (he doesn't know she is Jewish).

King Xerxes, ruler of Persia.

Mordecai, uncle of Esther (raised her), saves King Xerxes from an assassination plot. Refuses to bow down to Haman.

Haman, noble to King Xerxes, hates the Jewish people, plots to kill Haman and all the Jews living in Persia.

Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman because of the commandment to have no gods before the Almighty God. Haman, angered by this, decides that he will not only kill Mordecai but ALL the Jews in Persia, and he has a gallows built just to hang Mordecai. Haman is a noble in the land and a friend of King Xerxes, it looks like the cards are stacked in his favor. How do Esther and Mordecai respond?

Well, Esther, goes to her husband, King Xerxes and asks to have a banquet with him and Haman, which he grants. Esther 5: 6, "As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted."

Then, Esther 5:7,8: "Esther replied, "My petition and my request is this: ⁸ If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king's question."

After this, Haman goes home to brag about his dinner party-- yet in spite of all that is going well in his life, he cannot forget his hate for Mordecai, Esther 5:13. This is when he decides to commission building the gallows for Mordecai.

That very night, King Xerxes cannot sleep and he asks for the book of chronicles to be brought and read to him (Esther 6:1). In this reading, the account of Mordecai saving the King is read and Xerxes asks what was done to reward Mordecai for this-- to which the answer-- nothing (Esther 6: 2-4).

Just then, Haman comes to talk to King Xerxes about hanging Mordecai-- but before he can ask-- Xerxes asks Haman, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" (Esther 6:6)

Haman replies with every imaginable honor he can think of because he thinks King Xerxes plans to honor HIM! Boy, is he surprised when the king reveals that he wants Haman to go and carry out all these honors for the very man that he just built gallows to hang-- Mordecai!

So how does the story end of Haman? King Xerxes finds out about the gallows and has Haman hung on them! I don't think that worked out the way Haman planned.

Lon connected this story very well to our lives as Christians living in the 21st century. As Christ followers, we will encounter Haman's through out our lives-- 2 Timothy 3:12 promises that if we are living Godly lives, we will be persecuted.

How are we to fight these Haman's? With GOD as our DEFENDER. Lon gave a great quote from A.W. Tozer, "Whoever defends himself will have himself for his defense, and he will have no other; but let him come defenseless before the Lord and he will have for his defender no less than God Himself."

Lon highlighted that God loves to use the scheme of the schemers against them. It's SPIRITUAL JUDO. Judo is the art of using the enemies momentum against him-- allow him to provide the inertia to flip himself. That's what God did with Haman-- Haman constructed the gallows to kill Mordecai, but it was Haman that hung.

And as Lon pointed out in the sermon, God does this throughout the Bible because He has the black belt in spiritual judo:

1)Genesis: Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery to keep them from ruling over them and God puts into motion a series of events so that Joseph does rule over them but he is able to help them during famine.

2) Exodus: Moses-- Pharoh traps the Israelites up against the Red Sea and God uses this to humble Pharoh and destroy his chariot force by closing the Red Sea in on them but allows Moses to cross safely with the Israelites.

3) Daniel: Daniel's political enemies try to use his prayer life against him, have him thrown into the lion's den but God flips the situation around so that the king hears about Daniel and has the enemies thrown into the lion's den and eaten.

Our human nature is to respond with vengeance-- we want to get down there and mud wrestle with the Haman's in our life. But God does not want that for us. We need to step aside and leave room for His wrath, revenge is His to repay-- see Romans 12: 17-20.

As God commands us in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

In conclusion-- give your Haman's up to the One that is our ultimate defender!

Afternoon in Central Park

2009-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday in New York City with Jess. She indulged my desire to go to have a picnic in Central Park....these were the things we saw. Enjoy!

{Hippy with guitar}

{Father and son playing catch}

{Mother blowing bubbles}

{Daughter chasing bubbles}

{Bench plate}

{Two guys reading on a bridge}

{Sunbathing turtles}

{Horse and carriage ride}

More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Choice”

2009-05-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

I think we have the current administration to thank for this shift-- check out Gallup's May 2009 poll that shows MORE Americans are Pro-Life. Just another reason that we need to leave this decision up to the people and put it to a vote in the STATES to decide and not leave it to the courts.

Definitely check it out-- here is a little slice of the report:

Bottom Line
"With the first pro-choice president in eight years already making changes to the nation's policies on funding abortion overseas, expressing his support for the Freedom of Choice Act, and moving toward rescinding federal job protections for medical workers who refuse to participate in abortion procedures, Americans -- and, in particular, Republicans -- seem to be taking a step back from the pro-choice position. However, the retreat is evident among political moderates as well as conservatives.

It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be "pro-choice" slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."

Happy Birthday Israel!

2009-05-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Today in 1948, Israel was re-born. Check out Joel Rosenberg's post.

Isaiah 66:7-8,

"Before she goes into labor,

she gives birth;

before the pains come upon her,

she delivers a son.

Who has ever heard of such a thing?

Who has ever seen such things?

Can a country be born in a day

or a nation be brought forth in a moment?

Yet no sooner is Zion in labor

than she gives birth to her children."

Bathe, Maine in May: City of Ships

2009-05-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

I spent the last two days in Bath, Maine and had some time between meetings to snap pictures and capture a slice of the "City of Ships". The locals: friendly, warm, real America. My favorite place-- Bath Sweet Shoppe.

The owners, Joan and Paul Fraser, told me they worried that they may not be in business much longer if the state is successful in placing a tax on sugar. They talked about how this would ultimately affect their bottom line and possibly drive them out of business along with the other 100 small confectioners in the state of Maine. These are real Americans.

Check out their website, you can order a lobster dinner (made entirely of chocolate):

And for some of the snapshots I took in Bath....

{Bath City Hall}

{Hallet's Drug Store Clock}

{Merchant}

{Looking down the street}

{Merchant}

{Bridge since 1932}

{Other side of bridge: Sea Brewing Company}

{Looking up on the bridge}

{Does it get better than bubble makers on the street?!?! I think not!}

Disturbing Video

2009-05-02T20:14:00.001-07:00

Once a RINO, always a RINO

2009-04-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

Shocked about Specter officially becoming a Dem? I'm not.

You are invited: Global Warming Beach Party at the EPA

2009-04-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Bring your spring colors, flip flops, and come crunch some granola with the Young Conservative Coalition!

Where:Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW DC (Located at Federal Triangle Metro Stop)
When: TODAY!!! 12:45pm-1:45pm

Incentives:
I'll be there (that should be enough)
LUNCH-- pizza and granola
Rounding out the environmental debate with market based solutions

Guest speakers:
Andrew Langer, President of the Institute for Liberty
Chris Horner, Author of "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming"

Leave your carbon footprint all over this!

Another reason I want a dog

2009-04-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

So I can do amusing things like this:

Scottish Imports Stolen

2009-04-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

Supposedly, Jennifer Aniston is dating Gerard Butler. Not possible:

Go read: Obama's New Book Series

2009-04-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Pied Patter has the breaking news on Obama's New Book Series. MUST READ.

Time in Ecclesiastes

2009-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

I came upon this passage from Ecclesiastes last night while praying and a couple of things stood out to me...

Ecclesiastes 3: 9-14
⁹ What does the worker gain from his toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on men. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. ¹³ That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

1) This life on earth is a struggle. We toil away. We live in our sinful state. We have burdens here (vs. 10),
2) But I have hope, vs. 11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." God is sovereign over our lives and when it will be made beautiful.
3) I cannot possibly know everything God has done from beginning to end. I need to focus less on "why" and more on following Him.
4) Satisfaction and good things come as a gift from God for me to enjoy. Nothing wrong with living a good life but remember where it comes from. In high school I worked at a shoe store and one day I remember watched a woman write a check for payment-- and on it she wrote, "Thank you Lord for these shoes." I didn't understand at the time why someone would do that, she earned that money, not God....I know now though. Everything is from the Lord.
5) God has a plan for my life, vs. 14, and nothing I do can add or take away from that plan. This is comforting to me because I so often get things wrong.
6) Lastly, everything is so that "men will revere Him." Everything we do, do it for the glory of God. My words, my actions, my thoughts, how I spend my time should honor Him.

Holding politicians accountable

2009-04-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Congressman Gresham Barrett didn't expect this kind of reception last week...

Maybe Representative Barrett shouldn't have voted for the TARP bill and then say,
"The tyranny of excess debt must end, the gluttony of reckless spending must be stopped. And above all-- taxation without hesitation must be examined, exposed, and extinguished."

You can't say that you will end reckless spending and then vote for bailouts--- your conservative crowd WILL CALL YOU OUT on it.

And especially laughable, "I have devoted my life to the conservative cause."

Friday's Thoughts: Don't Mess with US

2009-04-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bernard: Stimulate This

2009-04-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Bet Obama didn't think of this...

Raising taxes is like a stimulus
It creates a bunch of businesses to evade them.

Enjoy April 16th
(notice today is sunny?)

Introducing....BERNARD!

2009-04-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Born on the mean streets of Northwest D.C., Bernard has risen up from the projects and moved on to conquer the even meaner streets of North Arlington. He brings a fresh new perspective to the table--armed with a rich knowledge of pop culture originating solely from uncensored rap lyrics.

His comments will be short and are intended to provoke thought and response amongst the readers. Bernard is not politically focused, though he enjoys his bright pink polos and popped collars. His expertise: how to handle money and fashion.

In his spare time Bernard enjoys foreign cars, finance, awkwardness and steamed shrimp by the pound.

Bernard joins as a guest blogger, his first post going up in just a few minutes!

Shout out to welcome him in the comments!

Rocks: You're on notice, Mr. President

2009-04-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is appalling. A new low of lows. This week, Obama made a speech at Georgetown University and asked that the monogram of Jesus be covered up while he spoke.

Luke 19:40...Jesus said, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

God cannot be stopped. EVEN THE STONES will cry out.

Obama you are on notice, the stones are watching.

Global Impact video: Team Kenya

2009-04-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I had the great opportunity to listen to Global Impact Team Kenya talk about their recent mission trip. They made a short video of their experience that I was able to find on the web (one the women on the trip posted it):

Kenay Team Video - Short Version from AnnieLaurie Walters on Vimeo.

I've watched this video several times and each time I am touched by the joy on the children's faces. It just reminds me that no matter what our circumstance we are commanded, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Here in America (and other developed nations), people are turning away from God, disowning Him and spitting on His name. But the church is growing leaps and bounds in African countries-- so much so that African missionaries are now pouring into the United States and abroad. A place that has so little in the way of material comforts raises up thousands of followers for Christ every day. Praise the power of the Lord!

David Crowder Band-- You Make Everything Glorious
(first song on the video)
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

Name who said this!

2009-04-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

I know this is late, but congratulations to Michael for being the first to correctly guess the picture game last week!

Answer: Washington Monument. (I took the picture at night and turned it...sneaky, sneaky).

Instead of a picture today, name who said this! (Googling it is CHEATING!)

“That’s no good, I can't steal from the fairly well off and give to the moderately impoverished! That’s not gonna swing, is it?”

Guess in the comments!

The inevitable: Taxes and Death

2009-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today is the day-- APRIL 15th! You must file your taxes or file for that extension.

I did my taxes over the weekend (yes, I usually wait until the last minute) using FreeTaxUSA. I choose it because 1.) It sounds patriotic, and 2.) my AGI is not over $56,000 (I hope to change this one day soon!).

It amazes me the things you can use as an deduction. Here is an article on 25 Most Ridiculous Tax Write Offs of All Time.

There is a way to eliminate this painful process: Flat Tax.

Are you a fan? Why or why not?

With a flat tax, the rich actually pay more and the poor pay less.

Obama's tax plan does not ACTUALLY help the poor, rather, it just burdens the rich with more taxes. But wouldn't that help the poor? No. Just because the rich have more of the burden, does not alleviate the poor of any of their tax obligations.

In fact, it hurts the poor. The "rich"-- they provide jobs. They are small business owners that now need to layoff employees under Obama's tax plan. They are the ones that buy more goods because they have more disposable income... but now, they buy less which means that companies are selling less...which means the companies need to layoff due to the slow down in sales.

So let's just be done with it all and institute a flat tax. Oh wait, Obama won't do that because he doesn't actually want to help the poor...he wants to keep them dependent on him and big government.

For further reading, check out Forbes' flat tax plan.

RACEtoLIVEWeLL

2009-04-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Do you like clean water? Do you like to run? Do you want to be apart of change in this world?

Then come out on MAY 31st for RACEtoLIVEWeLL!

RacetoLIVEWell supports the mission of LASTWELL:
1) Provide clean water to the entire nation of Liberia by 2015, and
2) Invigorate our generation to share Christ with the church being the change in the world.

So why clean water in Liberia? Mothers in Liberia have a choice: do I give my child dirty water that might kill them or do I let them dehydrate? It's a sad situation...but one that we CAN change. Liberia is on the edge of Africa, therefore restoring and building wells there are relatively inexpensive!

Here are the numbers:
Restoring a well: $2,500-$3,000
Digging a new well: $5,000
Water for one year to a child: $1
Saving lives: Priceless

What can YOU do?
You can run!
You can support a runner!

This is change I can believe in :)

Things I want when I am sick...

2009-04-14T19:31:00.001-07:00

You don't realize how much your love your toes until you stub one...well I didn't realize how much I want the following until sick,

1) eye mask
2) blackout blinds
3) massage
4) man friend (aka boyfriend) to bring me soup and just sit with me
5) jello

Atheist Investigates Christ: Lee Strobel

2009-04-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Must watch!

One central issue that decides everything: Did Jesus or did He not return from the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."

The Four "E's"
Execution-- Jesus was dead on the cross
Early-- accounts/reports so early rule possibility of mere legend (creed 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
Empty-- even enemies of Jesus conceded tomb was empty
Eyewitnesses-- appeared to over 515 people

Lee's conclusion: it would take MORE faith to remain an atheist than to become a follower of Christ.

John 1:12, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

Ezekial 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!

Friday Thoughts: Michael Scott

2009-04-10T13:00:00.001-07:00

The past two Friday Thoughts have both been by British men, so in breaking with that theme, today's:

Michael Scott

...From the British inspired show, The Office.

If you don't watch, YOU SHOULD. Every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. on NBC. DVR it or Hulu.

My favorite line from last nights show,
"Who would’ve thought that the thing that would save this company would be work... and pancakes?"

And a few of my other favorite Michael Scott thoughts....

"Do I want to be feared or loved? That's a good question. I want both. I people to be afraid of how much they love me."

"David, I will be honest with you. I do want the credit without any of the blame."

"When I discovered YouTube, I didn't work for five days. I did nothing. I viewed cookie monster sings chocolate rain about 1,000 times."

"{on helping Holly} She's my friend,and ultimately my strategy is to sort of merge this into a relationship without her even knowing."

"I just don't want my employees thinking that their jobs depend on performance. I mean...what sort of place is that to call home?"

"I have an enormous amount of trouble trying to get people to come to my place. I hate it. I can't tell you how much leftover guacamole I have ended up eating over the years. I don't even know why I make it in such great quantities. "

If you have a favorite Michael Scott quote, throw it in the comments for all to enjoy!

I'm not just sittin' by the phone waiting for Him to call!

2009-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

I received this someecard from a friend.. and while he probably meant this to be sarcastic, I hope for the return of Jesus-- but until that happens, I know He is here with us. And in the time that we anticipate His return, He has tasked us with a great responsibility to build His kingdom.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, the disciples anxiously questioned Him about when He would return. He had risen from the dead and spent 40 days among them-- eating with them, letting them see Him alive-- and instructing them to do His work. But still-- they desired knowledge and security in knowing exactly when to expect His return.

{kinda like how I need to know before company arrives...}

Acts 1: 6,

'So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"'

And Jesus responds, Acts 1:7-8,

'He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."'

Jesus didn't want us to focus on when the kingdom of God would arrive-- instead, He wanted them to focus on the duty that He had given them-- focus on doing fulfilling the duty until the time arrives, whenever it arrives.

What is the duty then?

Jesus makes it clear in v.8, "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem...and to the ends of the earth". He instructed the disciples to be witness for Christ, starting in their backyard, Jerusalem, and spreading out in concentric circles to eventually share the message of Jesus Christ to "the ends of the earth."

So while we celebrate Christ rising from the dead-- remember the duty that He calls us to here in our backyard of Washington, D.C. and to the ends of the earth in preparation for the day that God may look upon you and say (taken from Matthew: 25:23), " Well done good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!"

*part of this blog inspired by Pastor Lon Solomon's message on "Jesus' Ascension and Promised Return," December 8, 1996.

It's gettin' hot'n here...soo

2009-04-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

The president's new science adviser said Wednesday that global warming is so dire, the Obama administration is discussing radical technologies to cool Earth's air such as....

Giant ice cubes in fun shapes.
Create a hole in atmosphere to let cool space air in.
Systematically and genetically alter warm blooded human beings to become cold blooded.
Americans turn up their AC and open their front doors, yes Mom, we are going to cool the outdoors!
Time travel machine to the ice age.
Most yummy meat comes from animals that create methane gas, we need a bailout that buys steaks for all.

Are you wondering how egging the metro went!?

2009-04-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

FANTASTIC!

Last night, Frontliners took to the streets of Arlington to share Christ with our community. We handed out plastic eggs and cards with information on Frontline. I know several of us had engaging conversations with Arlingtonians about what Christ offers and a few of us even had the opportunity to share a testimony!

If you were apart of the egging, please feel free to share your stories in the comments!

"A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest."
John 10:10

Almost FRIDAY Picture!

2009-04-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kimmie for getting yesterdays picture! She knows how much I love that place :)

Answer: hangers at The Container Store.

Don't let her win today though!

You know where to put your guess!

TOP TEN NEW DEFENSE PROJECTS

2009-04-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

I read IMAO (courtesy of Allysen)...and this post is just funny-- especially #9 (I not so secretly desire a Snuggie)...

With Obama cutting missile defense, what will Obama spend all the defense related money on? Here’s what he’s currently thinking:

OBAMA’S TOP TEN NEW DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS

10. Classes to teach Marines to be more concerned about their enemies’ feelings.

9. Camouflaged Snuggies.

8. New ways to distribute propaganda to the enemy that apologizes for Bush.

7. Automated drones that can safely seek out high-priority targets and give them a hug.

6. Tree-planting missiles.

5. New guns with a special safety feature that keeps them from firing if pointed at a person.

4. Preventing nuclear attacks by posting signs specifying that nuclear missiles are not allowed.

3. Bio-degradable tanks.

2. Study on the effects of replacing camouflage with tie dye.

And Obama’s number one new defense related project…

Genetically engineering a unicorn.

EGG the METRO!!

2009-04-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

There will be an EGG THE METRO today at Rosslyn-Courthouse-Clarendon-VA Square-Ballston metros at 6:00 p.m. 'til we run out of eggs!

Look out!!

Ok, don't let Allysen get this one!

2009-04-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, AGAIN, to Allysen for getting the answer correct on the last picture game!

The answer: Kennedy Center.

But that means that we can't allow her to win yet again! You guys can get this one:

Guesses go in the comments!

QandA: Part Two!

2009-04-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

Question:
Where is salvation for those who don't hear the Word or who lived in pre-Christian times?

This is really a two part question-- first, I will answer, "Where is salvation for those who don't hear the message about Jesus?"

God clearly reveals Himself to us-- Romans 1:20,

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

The book of Romans goes on to explain that although God clearly reveal Himself to us, in our sinful nature, we reject and rebel against God, Romans 1:21-23,

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

Deuteronomy 4:29 explains that those who seek after God WILL find Him,

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."

So where does this leaves those that already call themselves Christians?

Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure that they hear. We are called to spread the Gospel throughout the nations (Acts 1:8). The fact that we know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only through accepting the God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God in hell.

It is interesting that the first instruction Jesus gives to the disciples (Simon and Andrew), Mark 1:17,

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

And the LAST instruction Jesus gives after He is risen, Matthew 28:18,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Ultimately, God is all powerful and all knowing. He see's to it that ALL have the opportunity to receive Him or reject Him.

I will answer the next half of the question about salvation for those before Christ in my next post. Look out for it!

Can you guess this?!

2009-04-06T20:48:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Allysen for answering the last picture correctly-- it was the inside of a metro. Looks like I stumped y'all on it ;)

I promise a real blog post soon, I've just been really busy!

Until then...a new picture for the game!

Guesses in the comments!

Try this!

2009-04-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's answer: the side of the State Department building in Rosslyn. Congratulations to Kimberly for being the first to answer correctly (it might help that she also works nearby...).

Interesting fact: this is actually a piece of art, I maintained for the first year of working in Rosslyn that it was metal on the outside of the building to deflect the rays of spies trying to hack into the State Department.

Turns out, they are actually steels disks and pins on injection molded plastic panels.

Here is another example of Ned's work in Holland:

Today's picture...

You know the drill!

The file name doesn't reveal the answer!

2009-04-01T07:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's answer to the picture game: Key Bridge, the connector between Virginia and Georgetown. Congratulations to "Anonymous" for being the first to answer correctly!

Today's picture is a little more challenging....

Guess in the comments!

GAME!

2009-03-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

I am starting a game today! I will be posting pictures of random objects and you will have to identify...

1) What the object is in the picture,
2) Where the object is located.

Now, most of these will be in and around Washington, D.C., but to allow everyone to participate, I will occasionally throw in things that someone living outside of DC can also guess. Don't want to be a DC snob :)

Post your guesses in the comments!

Questions and Answer Series: Part One

2009-03-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

QUESTION:
Jesus died to save us. So, what else do we need to do? He took the sacrifice, we're good, right?

Yes, if you believe that Jesus died to save you and sacrificed Himself on the cross for us, then you are good.

John 14:6 tells us, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Is faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior your one-way ticket to heaven? Yes.

Does that mean we go one living a life in sin, doing whatever we want because we know that Jesus has already paid our ransom for sin?

No.

James 2: 14-24,
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Faith in Jesus will produce life change—a heart truly transformed to seek out God produces a new life. James points out in this verse that “Even the demons believe and shudder!” Even evil recognizes the reality of God! But acknowledgment of Christ is NOT enough.

2 Corinthians 5:17 explains how when we accept Christ, we become changed,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Galatians 2:20 elaborates that we essentially “die” and we now LIVE in Christ,

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Conclusion:
Only God truly knows the condition of your heart and the sincerity of your belief in Christ. Following Biblical truth, Faith without a transformed life/deeds is dead faith.

Question and Answer

2009-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Over the next week, I am taking the time to answer several questions raised in recent comments on my blog.

Why? The questions are important to address and rather than comment back, I think it's necessary to take the time to address each one in a series of posts.

....And everyone can share in the answers!

Look for more to come, starting tomorrow! :)

2009-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have a few personal items that I keep on my desk, among those:
A picture of my small group,
A growing collection of snow globes from Jess,
And a Verse-a-Day calendar for 2009.

Today's verse really speaks to me in light of things going on...

1 Timothy 2:1-3
"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live."

It speaks for itself.

I love you too much not to tell you the truth

2009-03-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I realized while at a workshop, the responsibility we have as Christians to tell people about who Jesus is and what He did. It's one of those things that you know you're supposed to do, but sometimes you get scared... you doubt your words and you limit God.

This workshop focused on sharing our faith-- and one of the short video clips that they used featured the comedian, Penn Teller, an atheist that speaks out often against Christianity. In this short clip, he talks about an experience after a show where a guy gave him a Bible-- what struck me though, Penn says, "How much do you have to hate a person to not tell them the truth?" He uses the example, if you see a truck coming at a person and don't tackle them to protect them, how much must you hate them? Go here if you want to watch the clip.

He is an atheist and he understands how bold we must be for Jesus if we really, truly believe in Him.

I challenge you, if you do believe in Jesus, step outside of your comfort zone and tell someone! And if you don't believe in Jesus, I challenge you, why?

This clip from Fireproof struck me as valuable to share with both Believers and nonbelievers...because I love you too much not to tell you the truth:

Friday Thoughts from....

2009-03-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Daniel Hannan
{Bold & Honest Politician-- perhaps the next Prime Minister?}

"Prime Minister, you cannot carry on for ever squeezing the productive bit of the economy in order to fund an unprecedented engorgement of the unproductive bit. You cannot spend your way out of recession or borrow your way out of debt. And when you repeat, in that wooden and perfunctory way, that our situation is better than others, that we’re ‘well-placed to weather the storm’, I have to tell you that you sound like a Brezhnev-era apparatchik giving the party line. You know, and we know, and you know that we know that it’s nonsense! Everyone knows that Britain is worse off than any other country as we go into these hard times. The IMF has said so; the European Commission has said so; the markets have said so – which is why our currency has devalued by thirty percent. And soon the voters too will get their chance to say so. They can see what the markets have already seen: that you are the devalued Prime Minister of a devalued government."

Followed by an interesting interview with Neil Cavuto:

Obaminator

2009-03-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hilarious but true!

Got it from IMAO, "Unfair, Unbalanced, Unmedicated."
(at least they are honest about who they area!)

50% off SALE!!!

2009-03-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

ALERT! SALE!!!

Only $15 for the FULL Armor of God based on Ephesians 6:13:17,

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Order here before the sale ends!

Makes for a great gift for your favorite toddler...or for yourself! :)

Blog To Watch

2009-03-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Besides mine, of course :)

HOT AIR

Add it to your favorites!

What I'm reading...

2009-03-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

... you should read, too!

I usually pick my next book based on recommendations, sooo.... I've decided to start blogging on "What I'm reading..." to share with you good reads to pick up next time you are browsing the aisles of Barnes and Nobles.

One of the books I am reading now: A Hunger for God by John Piper.

I was pretty excited when this arrived in the mail! If you've never heard of John Piper-- check him out and his ministry, Desiring God. Piper identifies himself as a "Christian Hedonist," because "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

Piper challenges: re-think the way I achieve satisfaction in my life. Although this is a book about fasting from food, you can apply fasting to other parts of your life. Identify what you place as the thing that makes you feel content-- maybe it is food-- but for others-- maybe it's television, shopping or words of affirmation from others.

And why do this? God gave us food. God gave us everything that we enjoy. Yes, true.

But God didn't give us things to replace Him. They are gifts to enjoy, but not to idolize and place before Him.

Piper points to Matthew 4:4 to explain God wants us to desire Him for our total fulfillment,

"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Piper goes on to emphasize that God feeds His people from an everlasting table, turn to Deuteronomy 8: 2-3,

"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. "

I pray that you will feast at the Lord's Table! :)

Friday Thoughts

2009-03-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Brought to by....

WINSTON CHURCHILL
A true statesman.

"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle."

“When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.”

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

"Appeasement is feeding the dragon hoping he will eat you last."

"You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life."

The Gathering Storm should be a MUST READ for all American students.

The Stand-- go ahead, pray twice.

2009-03-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Music has an amazing way of connecting and digging up emotions that you didn't know you had inside. I've always enjoyed listening to music-- especially reading lyrics.

My Grandpa Paul used to always tell me, "When you sing, you pray twice." I didn't know at the time that he was quoting St. Augustine, I just thought Grandpa was trying to hook me up with a way out of prayer!

{Christmas 2005}

Nope, he wasn't, but Grandpa was a wise, wise man, God rest his soul.

So I share with you, The Stand, by Frontline worship band:

The lyrics that resonate with me the most in this song:

"You stand before my failure/Carried the Cross for my shame/My sin weighed upon Your shoulders/My soul now to stand.

So what can I say/What can I do/But offer this heart O God/Completely to You."

I love the acknowledgment of what Christ did for us-- He took our sin that upon Him and nailed it to the cross. I love the question of "What can I say, what can I do?" And then the realization that the only thing to do is to offer ourselves up to the Lord.

My other favorite part of this song:

"So I'll stand/With arms high and heart abandoned/In awe of the One who gave it all.

So I'll stand/My soul Lord to You surrendered/All I am is Yours."

Stephani e has an amazing voice to sing this song out to the Lord. Check her out on Itunes.

Come join us-- and pray twice! :)

The Deafening Silence: Conservative Leadership for the 21st Century

2009-03-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

“The ideology of conservatism has failed. The Republican Party is in tatters and will never rise again. Conservatives should just shut up and get out of the way for the new “progressive” regime. Any questioning of any liberal policy is racist.”

This is the story being spewed by the Democrat Party machine and their allies in the liberal media. It is, of course, nonsense. The Democrat Party was shut out of the presidency from 1981-1993 but no one said that the party was dead. The Democrat Party lost seats in Congress in 2002 and 2004, only to come roaring back in 2006 and 2008. Liberal ideology was a stigma through the 1980’s only to come back to haunt us now.

Here is the principle problem with these attacks from the left: there is no one to counter them. The American people, while still remaining center-right, have abandoned hope in the Republican Party and embraced the false prophet. Most of the prominent conservatives from the 1970’s and 1980’s are dying off, literally and figuratively. The only real conservative leaders in the 1990’s were Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh. Gingrich has more baggage than an international airport and Rush is more interested in ratings than policy. The Bush administration is widely, though incorrectly, blamed for all of the problems that plague this country, making anyone connected to that administration toxic. Other conservatives are only interested in their TV presence. As we look for conservative leadership for the 21^st century one thing is clear: the silence is deafening.

There are many who want to take up the mantle of conservative leader but few who are capable. The Republican congressional leadership, save for Eric Cantor, is weak and uncharismatic. Cantor is one to watch. As House Minority Whip, the position Gingrich had before being elected Speaker, he has potential to craft legislative strategy and attract news media. However, since he is new and the minority so small he needs a few years of seasoning before becoming the spokesman for the party. Michael Steele, the new party chairman, wants the party to appeal to nontraditional Republicans, such as minorities, women, and youths. His initial stumbles show how difficult this will be. The calls for his resignation or impeachment show how embedded the problem is. Without attracting new voters the Republicans can never hope to regain power. The only other conservative on the national stage is Mitt Romney. His problems are twofold: religion and experience. Many are unwilling to accept him because he is a Mormon. His extensive and successful experience in business is both a blessing and a curse. While it shows he can manage economics I doubt the American people are willing to trust a venture capitalist CEO at a time when CEO’s are being portrayed as greedy, untrusting and corrupt by the Democrat Party (which is also all of those things).

There are two conservatives who stand out. They are Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. Huckabee had a successful career as a Baptist minister, lieutenant governor, and spent ten years as governor of Arkansas (the same position held by Bill Clinton, of course). Palin is a successful state governor and managed to excite the right-wing during the last election. They both have one thing in common: they were skewered by the liberal media. Huckabee, because of his religious past, was portrayed as some kind of religious extremist. Palin was portrayed as being stupid because she did not read a major newspaper and had an accent. This shows the biggest problem for the modern conservative movement: avoiding media characterization. I cannot remember the last time a conservative was positively portrayed in the national media. Thus, to start our new beginning, conservatives MUST learn to master media strategy. Without an effective media strategy 2008 will be but a mere taste of what is to come in the future.

In my next post I will further discuss the media woes of conservatives, as well as how conservatives need to win the next generation through education reform and the need for a populist conservative if we ever hope to win the White House again.

{Jastor}

Introducing....JASTOR!!!

2009-03-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

For a couple weeks, Jastor has waited patiently on the sidelines of my blog. But today, I bring you, Jastor!

Periodically, I will feature his thoughts, opinions and ideas. His area of coverage: politics and other cultural observations. Since Jastor is not paid, he has some liberties in his writing J

So who is this Jastor?

He hails from the northern part of the United States, raised in a middle-class American family. In the early 2000’s, Jastor packed up and headed south to attend college in Arlington, Virginia. After finishing his undergraduate studies, he went on to law school and will finish his degree this spring.

In 2004, Jastor supported John Kerry for president. After Bush won his re-election, Jastor stayed in his dorm room for 3 days in mourning for the Democratic Party. In the 2008 elections, Jastor supported Hillary Clinton and then John McCain once it became clear that B. Hussein Obama was to be the Democratic presidential candidate.

So where does he stand politically today? After a few influences and further reading on Nixon, Jastor has converted to become a conservative. His knowledge on American politics surpasses most, even giving “experts” and political pundits a run for their money.

Juggling a busy law school schedule, he will only be able to appear about twice a month. I am excited that Jastor has agreed to join as a guest voice on this blog—he truly represents an Anomaly in Generation Y!

Tomorrow, I will feature his first post, “The Deafening Silence: Conservative Leadership for the 21^st Century.”

Diversify your 401(k)

2009-03-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the expression, "Don't pull all your eggs in one basket"? In the world of investments, it is seen as wise if you take your money and invest in an assortment and thus mitigating your risk to lose everything.

Is it possible to still lose it all? Yes. Just ask someone what their 401(k) looks like right now, probably not so hot.

God has a different plan for our 401(k)'s....look to the gospel of Luke. Jesus is teaching the people to not fret and worry about things of this earth, Luke 12:22-34,

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

As God's children-- we are to concern ourselves with the Purse that will not wear out and that none can destroy. We are building up our treasures-- not here on earth-- but in heaven.

Unlike Bernie Madoff, God will keep that treasure safe, Ephesians 1: 13-14,

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory."

Don't be like the Washington Monument

2009-03-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

You probably don't struggle with wishing to be a monument. You didn't tell your mother, "I want to be the Washington Monument when I grow up!" Ok, maybe YOU did, but most of us didn't :)

(Though I do remember telling my mom I wanted to be Big Bird when I grew up...not sure where that desire came from!)

(actual view from my bedroom!)

But we all had or still have things we want to be when we grow up. What does God want us to be though?

To expand on this....

I found this great clip on YouTube from our teaching pastor, Todd Phillips. In this short clip, Todd does an amazing job of tying together history/DC and the story of Joshua:

And as Todd points out, Joshua knew that his life was not about being a military leader (though he did an awesome job!) but Joshua was called to lead something more eternal than just battles.

Joshua was a spiritual leader first and foremost-- he was to be a servant for the Lord before anything else. How amazing for Joshua to embrace the Lord's plan for his life-- I challenge-- you are?

Todd is right-- God calls his body of Believers to not worry about being remembered but to point others TO remember the one true God.

Instead of working to be a Washington Monument-- a memorial to mortal men-- work for something greater-- and eternal. When God places that calling upon your heart-- maybe it is kind words to nasty co-workers, giving up your Saturday morning to help someone move, or walking away from a job that forces you to compromise your integrity-- know that just as God was faithful to Joshua, God is faithful to those that believe!

Joshua 1:9,

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Refined through the Flame

2009-03-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Check this out-- one of the great things about Frontline-- the worship team. We did this in worship, Desert Song, about a month ago and I've been listening to it ever since on YouTube. I did a little research to find out who wrote it and the read the lyrics...

Brooke Fraser wrote the song-- LOVE her. If you haven't listened to her music before (available on Itunes!), check out her out.

In my research, I found out that Brooke did this with Jill McCloughry-- check out the video and listen to Jill's awesome testimony.

As Jill points out, God uses trials to further refine us and draw us closer to Him.

Romans 5: 2b-5,
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Things That Go Bump in the Night

2009-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

You may or may not have heard that on February 3rd a British and a French ballistic missile submarines bumped into each other. To be fair, they are both the first in the ballistic missile class for these two countries, so maybe they are working on the kinks and decided to play bumper submarine. Next time guys, let's do it without the ballistic missiles and nuclear reactors. You gave a scare to neighboring countries and to the dolphins.

Or course, we could always blame the Germans for this:

You Can't Hurry Love/No, You Just Have to Wait

2009-02-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Name that song!

This morning, I had the opportunity to spend time with very special ladies at a senior living home in Alexandria. About 8-10 women from Frontline/McLean Bible Church hosted Pretty & Polished and treated each lady with a manicure. As an extra treat, we had two gorgeous flower pots that the ladies had an opportunity to win through a drawing.

I was deeply humbled and moved by the selflessness and love of these women. Many of them, including one of my women, Blanche told me, "No that's ok honey. I want someone to win those lovely flowers-- someone that will tend to them and help them grow."

W o w .

Then it occurred to me.

Dating is like a delicate flower. As Blanche realized with flowers-- dating comes with responsibilities.

I admit: I've never been a fan of Valentine's Day-- not because I'm a cynic-- quite the opposite. I'm too much of a hopeless romantic for Valentine's Day-- I find random, unpredictable expressions of love so much better than the obligatory flowers/chocolate/date on Valentine's Day.

The past two weeks at church, we've done a series called Dismantle/Repair. John McGowan put the series together to do what the title says-- Dismantle what our culture says about dating and Repair with the truth of the Bible.

Ambitious, right? Especially since the word "dating" is never actually mentioned in the Bible.

So how does God want us to approach dating?

Instead of approaching dating as a trial and error process (you aren't buying a car or new pair of shoes!)-- we are called to set our hearts and minds on the Lord first-- let's refer to Colossians 3: 1-3,

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

It stands out that we are to set our hearts and minds on God-- and not things of this earth. To be in friendship with the world is adulterous to the Lord because we are first and foremost married to the Lord when we become Believers.

So does the Lord not want us to marry? Not necessarily-- but He has a plan for how we seek a spouse.

1.) Become: Take the time to become the right person.

Psalm 26:1-3,
"Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."

2.) Develop: Take time to develop and grow Godly priorities.

Think differently (God's way!) for what you're looking for in a boyfriend/girlfriend-- Romans 12:2,

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- His good, pleasing and perfect will."

Where is "Follower of Jesus" on your "list"? Be honest with yourself.

3.) Establish: Take time to build a solid Christ centered relationship.

Perhaps one of the hardest things in Christian dating-- spiritual connectedness-- or being equally yoked together, and 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a tells us,

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in com

mon with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God."

Most of the above comes from John McGowan's first message on dating, so I don't claim credit for those ideas all strung together. But the Lord placed many of the pieces of John's message on my heart over the past year and challenged me to re-evaluate the way I approach dating. Submitting to the Lord's will is a matter of pride for me but in it, I find freedom and joy.

Fate of the Strawberry Chocolate Phone

2009-02-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Until a few weeks ago, I owned and used (frequently!) Verizon's Strawberry Chocolate phone. When it first came out, I had to have it-- it was pink, cute and only available online. So I bought it. Without really considering professional world-- I quickly learned: a bright pink phone gets a lot of looks, especially when working in a field dominated by men (military, former military and union leaders). To say the least, I felt out of place taking my bright pink phone on meetings.

So I ditched it. And I am now the proud owner of a non-pink, silver phone.

I decided, some other girl should have the joy of a pink phone, so I passed it on to Sofie-- an adorable 5 year-old that loves tons icing on cookies. She has a sweet tooth, nothin' wrong with that :) She adopted my Strawberry Chocolate phone.

I received this thank you note the next day-- and found out that we share more than a sweet tooth:

Yes-- like me-- she enjoys taking pictures!

I am elated. I may not be able to carry that cute little phone around anymore, but I know that it is in a happy home.

Walk Like a Potato

2009-02-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these plastic wrapped potatoes?

Apparently, you can buy these at your local grocery store, pop them in the microwave for 7 minutes and BAM! Perfectly cooked potato. Amazing.

What is more amazing-- have you ever noticed how potatoes continue to grow and sprout even after pulled out of the ground? How do you explain this? They aren't receiving any outside nutrients, but on their own, they grow "eyes". Amazing, again.

(Sidenote: I wish the flowers I buy would do this!)

Often, we are like potatoes.

(Huh? What, Kim is saying that I am a potato now?!)

Yes, a potato-- not Mr. Potato Head-- though he is cool and provides endless hours of entertainment.

But often God pulls out of our rich soil-- our family, job, home, our Christian community-- anything that we cling to that isn't the Lord-- and He places us elsewhere to continue our growth in Him.

Let's look to James 1: 2-5 (NIV),

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

When He pulls us out of our rich soil, it may often be in the form of a trial. He does this-- not because he is trying to be mean, but because He loves us. His love is so great that He wants us to mature in our walk with Him-- learn to rely only on Him-- and move closer to His righteousness.

So---Embrace your time out of the soil, potato :)

Pass the popcorn and the raisinets!

2009-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Last night, I went with a bunch of other wonderful women to see He's Just Not That Into You. The movie was sold out and packed full of groups of giggly women-- RP and EM commented that it was a "great big slumber party." Lot's of estrogen in one room.

Before I give my thoughts on the movie-- I should tell-- this morning, I woke up and watched FireProof while doing laundry and cleaning. My intention was to just have it on in the background as I cleaned, but I found myself fascinated by the movie and less interested in checking things off my list. I had low expectations for the movie, but came out pleasantly surprised.

I was disappointed with He's Just Not That Into You. I didn't like the women compromising themselves and things working out happily in the end-- to all those women in the theater-- I think it sent the wrong message. I am referring mostly to the Jennifer Anniston character and Ben Afflect. They play a couple that has dated for 7 years, Anniston finally asks if Afflect intends to marry her and he tells her he has no intention of ever marrying because he doesn't believe in marriage. Drama occurs-- they break up, she misses him, she tells him it doesn't matter if they ever get married because she just wants to be with him, he moves back in....and Hollywood twist: he proposes.

Really? So now, many of the women watching can think, "So if I am patient, give him what he wants, he will eventually come around!"

Now turn to FireProof. Caleb and Catherine are a very unhappily married couple-- they decide to get divorced. Caleb's father steps in and challenges his son to a 40 day dare. Caleb accepts because he loves his father and starts the challenge. Halfway through, Caleb becomes a Christ follower-- and that's when the changes really begin to occur. I won't spoil the rest of the movie for you because this is one that you should really see yourself.

I liked the way FireProof put the work on the man-- not the woman. Too many movies show the woman working to grow but not the man. I like that is showed the man leading. I blame a lot of this on our culture-- and it reminds me of the message from church this past week-- I definitely encourage you to listen: Dismantle/Repair by John McGowan at Frontline Arlington.

You can listen to it online or podcast it to your Ipod/MP3 player.

Have a wonderful Saturday--- and now back to my cleaning! :)

To fear or not to fear?

2009-02-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

In his inaugural speech, President Obama, before thousands on the National Mall and many more on their televisions, said:

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

Watching him give his speech, I remember wincing at the "hope over fear" reference-- feeling that in some way it was a dig at the Bush Administration-- they were mercilessly criticized for fear mongering the American people into war. But another part of me thought, "Give him a chance, hope is good."

But for the past two days, this is the new strategy of the President:

In order to push the stimulus package, which most agree won't actually stimulate anything except egos, the President has resorted to the fear that he only a couple weeks ago proclaimed hope had triumphed over.

The DC-Metro area is largely insulated from the realities impacting so many other American communities. But even then, I could name at least 10 people that I know have lost their jobs or their parents have lots their job-- in turn, this has made me think:

What would I do if I lost me job? Would I panic? Would I have enough saved up to get by? How would I make my bills?

But what I think about the most, "Where is the Lord calling me if I lost me job?"

God uses situations to speak loudly and clearly to us-- I know because I've experienced it in my own life. When it seems that everything is a mess, I know the Lord is just working harder to mold me because,

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)

God is our Perfect Love-- putting our trust and hope in Him drives out ALL our fears. Look to Him for your security.

And when I feel myself wavering, I am comforted by this verse (yellow post-it on my computer! gotta love post-its!) :

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)

Would you like a slice of stimulus package?

2009-02-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yes that’s me with former Secretary of Treasury, Hank Paulson back in October. Flying in and out of Reagan National airport, it’s pretty likely that you’ll run into “Washington Celebrities”—politicians/newsmakers/personalities that only addicted readers of FoxNews or Drudge would recognize. You won’t find them in the latest update of Perez Hilton and they usually wear black/red/blue regardless of the season.

Well a couple weeks after my rendezvous with Paulson, I run into Brit Hume (AMAZING) at Reagan National. I was even more excited for this DC celeb. He happily took a pic with me, and I told him about my run in with Paulson:

Me: Last time I was here, I met Sec Paulson.
Brit: Oh yeah? You shoulda asked him for a bailout.
Me: He could bail me out of my student loans!
Brit: If you were a lobbyist, I bet he would have!

So after admiring our pic together and calling at least 5 friends to tell them about my exciting encounter (and explaining who Brit Hume is…)--- I got to thinkin’….

Everyone wants a bailout or a slice of the economic stimulus package currently being discussed in Congress. As soon as the new Congress began, a sea of lobbyists descended upon Washington— white papers written, letters inked and talk sheets memorized about why the government should invest in their company or industry.

Why? Because something for “free” is attractive. And if they don’t go get a piece of the cake, then someone else will and they will be at a business disadvantage.

And as I watch the chaos ensue on Capitol Hill and read about the details on the front page of the Wall Street Journal of how the Congress and the Administration is working to “be fair” and distribute the dollars evenly…I know that not everyone will get something. Some will go home empty handed. No room on the playground for them.

But in God’s love--- guess what—there is more then enough to go around. No one goes home empty handed.

Let’s look first to Isaiah 53: 5-6 (NLT):

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

And now, turn to 1 John 4: 9-10 (NIV):

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

God sent His one and only Son as a sacrifice for us—this is a free bailout—a stimulus package for ALL.