An example to our Children

I attended a Children's Equipping Conference this weekend. During this time the Lord spoke very clearly regarding a few different issues in my life, one of which I want to share tonight.

The conference focus was on the 6-12 year old children. My daughter is six and so I was very excited about this conference. I desparately want to see my children know the Lord, but I don't want it to be forced on them and I want it to be real. However, I went into this weekend with expectations as to how my daughter would react and interact with others. If you had asked me prior to the first night, I would have denied it, but looking back I now realize I did have them.

At one point I was actually getting angry and frustrated because instead of going up with the other children during worship, she was sitting in her seat and actually fell asleep at one point. Then all of a sudden it hit me, God spoke to me. Not in an audible voice, but it was Him nevertheless.

"Let it go, my daughter. She is in my hands and I'm drawing her to me. The seeds are being planted even if you can not see it."

This was Friday night. On Saturday the speakers addressed specifically the issue of parents letting go. But that is not all God said to me. I have a bit of a control issue that the Lord is revealing to me. I've known it for awhile now, but He is showing me how deep it runs. So in my normal fashion, I figured I knew better than Him and started to argue.

"But God, she's not even trying. She's falling asleep! How can seeds be planted when she is not even awake?"

That's when He really struck deep.

"How will she know how to seek me, if she does not see it modeled for her? Let it go and just seek me yourself. That is all I require of you. I will do the rest. Let it go."

That brought me to my knees. My responsibility as a parent is to show my children who God is in MY life. They watch us and learn more from what we do than from what we say.

Who has ultimate authority?

I've been seeing a lot of posts in the blog world and comments in the news regarding the statements made by James Dobson regarding the Rebulican candidates and his choice to possibly vote for a third party candidate. If you are not aware of this statement, you can read the transcript from Dobson's appearance on Hannity & Colmes here.

I was originally not going to get into this, but the Lord has laid it on my heart to speak up. I know many of my friends will not agree with me and I respect that. I totally understand where they are coming from and until recently I thought the same way.

I have to go out on a limb here though and say that I support James Dobson in his choice. Here is why:

Being Pro-Life is a very important issue in my life. I will be the first to agree that we can not legislate morality, only a change in the hearts of Americans will change our laws and more importantly the actions of our nation. However, I can not in good conscience support someone who is not actively pro-life.

Now I know many will say you must vote for the "lesser of two evils" because if we throw our votes to a third-party candidate we are giving the election to the worse of the two. I have always thought this way and agreed 100%.

However, the Lord has been teaching me something lately and it has come up too many times in too many situations in the past days for me to ignore any longer or for me to keep to myself.

I have made a decision to give up trying to control my life. It is all an illusion anyway. Only God can do that. Therefore, I've committed to trust Him in everything I do. If I have made a commitment to value human life, to oppose abortion - how can I then compromise and vote for someone who does not give the same value to human life?

Yes I know that means Hilary Clinton could very well win the election and I would NOT want her as the president of my country. However, by voting for someone who is not actively pro-life, am I not telling God that I don't trust Him, that I know better than he does? That I'll commit myself to something, but only if it makes sense to me. As soon as I feel things may not be going the way I think they should be going, I'll falter and do what I think is best. What do I really know compared to God?

Is my God really not big enough to ensure a third party candidate wins if that is what He chooses? And if Hilary does win, does that mean God is no longer in control? (Maybe Hilary in power is what we complacent Christians in this country need to wake us up and cause us to take a stand for our God!)

Last night in my house church we watched chapter 19 of The Gospel of John with our kids. One part of the scene really stood out to us adults and we talked to our kids about it.

Jesus has been brought before Pilate who is questioning him. Jesus is not responding so Pilate tells him "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."

(John 19:10-11)

God is in control, even when it appears that things are out of control. I have to trust that in the end, He is the one who gives the ultimate authority. I may not always understand it, but I serve a God who is all-powerful. I don't need to try to take control, I don't need to compromise in order to "help" Him. He already has it all planned out.

This is not only a matter of me learning to trust God though. I want to raise my children to know the Lord, to love Him and to trust Him. I say I trust my Lord, I talk the talk to my children. Can I walk the walk as well? They watch what we do much more than they listen to us.

So this election, I will be taking a stand a bit different than I have in the past. There are certain issues in this election I feel the Lord has told me are critically important. These are things that are so important I am not to compromise my beliefs in order to try to control what happens in the election. I am to vote based on these issues and trust God to take care of the rest.

Bound4Life

You may have noticed that I have a new link on my sidebar that looks similar to the picture above. This is for a site called Bound4Life. Bound4Life describes itself as a grassroots prayer mobilization movement. The movement is most know for:

"Silent Sieges" - these are done in front of courthouses and abortion clinics. They are not protests, they are silent prayer meetings.

When LIFE is written on a piece of red tape and placed on our mouths, we are identifying with the silent cries of the unborn and of those who have no voice. Our stand is not a protest, but a silent prayer meeting. We make our appeal to the Judge of the earth and ask Him for speedy justice to be released. It is a plea— “Oh, that God would subpoena the conscience of America!” ~Bound4Life

Life Bands and the PRAY, VOTE & OBEY covenant - The red bands with LIFE written on them remind those who have taken the covenant to pray for the end of abortion. They are making a covenant to vote only for those who are actively pro-life. They are also making a covenant to obey God in acts of compassion and justice. There is a 22 word prayer they pray and is imprinted on the red band:

“Jesus, I plead your Blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America.”

Our vision is to mobilize millions of people lifting up this prayer to God day and night for the ending of abortion. ~Bound4Life

I highly encourage anyone who feels the leading of God to take a stand against abortion to check out this site. I'll be the first to admit that I don't believe we can legislate morality. The hearts of this country must first change and then the laws will change. However in the meantime I will NOT support those things that I believe are a direct affront to my God and human life. I believe this movement may be the way to do it. They are not depending on themselves to make a statement. The strength of this movement is in prayer. Prayer for the nation, for God to change the hearts of this nation to end abortion. They are not obnoxious in your face, instead they show compassion for those who have been fed the lies of the Enemy.

3 Words

Hey check this out. Becki over at BlogMommas is organizing an activity for Tuesday, October 23rd. Based on a video she saw on Good Morning America Weekend edition (see video below) she is organizing an activity where we can all come up with our own 3 word picture or video. We will post it on our blog on Tuesday and then link to Becki's post. She'll have a Mr. Linky on her site to do so.

This is the original video and can give you some ideas.




If you want to participate here is what she is doing.

1. On Tuesday, October 23, those participating will post on their blog either a picture or a video with 3 words defining their week/life/feelings of the moment.

2. After posting, the participants will go toBlogMommas.com and sign the Mr. Linky with a direct link to their 3 Word post.

3. Participants are so excited that they will go around and visit other participants (blog exposure ) - I know I am excited!

4. Once the day is over she will compile a list of all the links and will submit it along with a letter to Good Morning America and iCaught - you just never know, we could end up on TV for this!

I'm going to participate, won't you? Start thinking of something. It's just three words!

My 3 Word Project is posted on my A Moment in My Life blog. Check it out!

Susan G Komen & Abortion

Carla responded to my last post with a comment that the Susan G. Komen foundation gives to Planned Parenthood, which is the nation's top provider of abortions. This is information I was not aware of. After doing a bit of research I've found the following articles on the internet if anyone is interested in learning more.

Breast Cancer Foe Gives Big $$ to Top Abortion Provider

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Link to Abortion

There are many more if you do a search on the web.

I do find it ironic that a foundation that is trying to find a cure for something that can be such a threat to women, is also giving large amounts of money to an organization which not only provides services to kill our children, but also scars women physically and emotionally. I know many will jump to the defense of these organizations saying that Planned Parenthood provides breast cancer screening and other services to help women, however one good does not negate the other. And considering that the largest service they provide is abortions, I find it hard to rationalize the few "good" things they do. Many other worthy organizations can provide tehse services and are more worthy of our money.

Another thing to consider is research supporting a possible link between breast cancer and abortions.

I do want to note that from what I've been able to determine the Breast Cancer Site which I've linked to in my sidebar is not part of the Susan G. Komen foundation nor gives to Planned Parenthood or supports abortion. They do list Susan G. Komen events on the website though.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Click Here

I had mentioned recently that when I went home to celebrate my mother's 50th birthday, we played in a Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure Golf tournament. I'm sure everyone is aware as you now see pink ribbons every where you go, but in case you've not left your house recently - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

So, in order to do something else to help, I've added the following link to my sidebar. By clicking on this link you can help give free mammograms to women who would not be able to get one otherwise. This is financed through advertising on the website. Some of the items are pretty nice, check them out. If nothing else visit the site daily and Click!

Church

Last week I was asked what church I attend. In the past couple years I've gotten a vast array of responses when I answer this question. You see, I do not attend a traditional church any longer. I have nothing against traditional church, it is just that the Lord has led me in a different direction at this time in my life.

For a little over two years now, I've been part of a house church. We are a group of about 6 families that meet together weekly for fellowship. We eat together, worship together, pray together and study the Word together.

We were all originally part of a traditional church which for financial reasons was no longer able to meet in the way we normally think of a church meeting. At that point in time we had an emphasis on small groups and were studying the way the early church had interacted with one another in the 1st century. The concept of house churches was a natural progression for us. I believe the Lord led us down this path for a reason.

This experience has been more interactive and intimate than what I have every experienced in a traditional setting. We are actively involved in one another's lives outside of church and our children are a part of our worship, prayer and study time. Sometimes they are actually participating with us, other times they are in the other room doing an activity themselves. However they are always very aware of what their parents are doing in regards to fellowship with one another. I cherish this aspect of our church family. And that is what these people have become to me, family.

As I mentioned above, I have received very mixed reactions when I try to explain to others what my "church" is like. Some are really excited by the idea and want to know more. Others have implied I am not going to a "real" church and that I need to start attending a traditional church. They then start telling me about their church and with good intentions invite me to attend with them. And then there have been some that have flat out told me they think it sounds like a cult.

However, I can tell you, in the past 2 years my walk with Lord has grown more than ever before and has become more intimate than ever. I have also developed relationships with other believers which I was never able to develop in a traditional church setting.

I know the type of church I attend may not appeal to everyone and that is fine. The Lord speaks to each of us and puts us on the path He knows is best for us. It just so happens that at this point in my journey, my path leads here.

I have mentioned my House Church is various posts on this blog. Below is one post I made specific to this topic. If you are interested you can read that post. Or feel free to post a comment and ask me any questions you may have.

House Churches

Unequally Yoked

Angela asked what makes my marriage unequally yoked and I figured I would just do a post instead of a comment. I figure someone else may have this same question and is just not as direct as Angela (that's why I love her!)

No, I don’t mind sharing. It is not a big secret or anything, I’ve just not really shared about it on here before.

Shaun does believe in God (although when we were first married, I don’t know that he would have admitted to it). He says that the Big Bang Theory and evolution don’t logically make sense when you think about it. However, he believes we were created by “something” (probably God) who then walked away and has left us on our own. He believes you have to make your own way in the world and spending time in prayer and study of the Bible is a waste of time.

When we were first talking about having kids (about 5 years into our marriage) he was very adamant that he wanted them making up their own mind about religion and did not want the going to church with me (I had just come back to the Lord at that point and attending church). However, once we had children he started to change his mind. Then when our daughter was old enough to start school he decided that he did not want her in public school. He does not agree with some things the public schools (especially in CA) teach. It is kind of funny that we have many of the same values, although for different reasons. In the end, after talking to our daycare provider (who is a Christian) he made the suggestion that we put her in a private Christian School. We both really love the school, although he does not agree with some of the things they teach about God. But he is willing to overlook these things because he knows they are teaching her the same values we are at home and he knows the things about God she is learning, I am teaching her anyway. He figures it does not harm her and so as long as we don't push it on him, he is fine.

Sometimes I get frustrated because as my walk gets more initimate with the Lord and He becomes more and more a part of my everyday life, I feel I cannot share some of these important things with my husband. But when I look over the 12 years we've been together I can see that the Lord is working on him. I just keep praying for him and trying to show him the love of Christ through my life (which I must say I fail at miserably at times!)

In the end, I love my husband dearly and know the Lord has put him in my life for a reason. God has used my husband to teach me alot over the past few years and I know there is still more to come. I'll keep praying over him and asking the Lord to open his heart and I'll keep doing my best (through Christ's power) to love him the way the Lord wants me to love him.

Spiritually Unequal Marriage

Some of you may not already know, but I am in an unequally yoked marriage. My husband and I have been married for 12 years, we were high school sweethearts. We've had our ups and downs, just as any marriage does. We are learning that love and marriage is not just about a "feeling". It is a day to day decision we both make.

My walk with the Lord has become much more intimate in the past months and I believe the enemy is very unhappy with that. So he attacks where he knows it will hurt the most, through my marriage. We've had some pretty rocky times in the past 2 years. Sometimes it is not something we are necessarily going through together. It is something I'm going through and dealing with because of things God has been showing me. My husband in some cases has no idea of the feelings of hopelessness I may be feeling. At other times he may realize I'm upset, but has no idea as to why. Since our views on God and His role in our lives are not the same, I'm not able to even begin to explain to him how I feel or why.

One thing I'm learning is that many times my expectations of my husband are not realistic. Especially considering he does not know the Lord. I struggle in my walk with the Lord and being the person I should be. If I do that while in an intimate relationship with my Lord, how much harder must it be for my beloved when he does not know Jesus?

I've been praying lately for the Lord to show me my husband through His eyes. To enable me to love him the way God does. When we go through things, the Lord is slowly showing me how to react to the situation in a way that shows my husband the love of Christ. Instead of reacting the way I want to (lashing back at him), God is showing me how to love my husband through ALL things. I just have to remember to turn to Him in those times. I still mess up alot, but I'm finding it is getting to be easier for me to go to God instead of being disappointed in my husband for expectations he cannot fulfill.

". . .and if you call out for insight and cry alound for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
~Proverbs 2:3-5

The Bible says if we seek out the Lord and his wisdom, He will give it to us. That is what I've been doing lately.

Yesterday I "stumbled" onto a site called Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I believe the Lord led me to this blog for encouragement in my walk with Him, in my marriage and most of all in those times when things seem so dark and hopeless. This blog is definitely being used by the Lord to touch others. Even if you are not in an unequally yoked marriage, you can find inspiriation from this site and I encourage you to visit it.

Mathetes Award - Excellence in Discipleship

I started this blog to have an avenue to write which is something I love. I tend to work through things better by either talking it out loud or writing, so it is also a way for me to work through what God is currently teaching me in my walk with Him.

I feel blessed that God has chosen to use this blog to touch the lives of others. Thank you Rebecca for the nomination for the Mathetes Award and thank you Melly for your mention of my blog in your post as well. I find it amazing that God has led to me such great blogger buddies.

Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples.

The Rules: In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other “disciples” to pass it on to. As you pass it on, mention and provide links for:

(1) Dan King of Management by God as the originator of the award.
(2) The person that awarded it to you.
(3) Name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.

I've not been online lately as much as I used to be or as much as I'd like. I've nominated many of the same individuals for various awards in the past so this time I'm nominating five blogs that are new to me or ones that I've found awhile back, but have not been visiting regularly until recently.

Holy Experience - I was recently introduced to this blog by a good friend of mine and have already found it full of inspiration. Ann's posts are an amazing testimony of how living a life with God as your focus can be fulfilling through everything that comes your way. She is a great example to others, an inspiration and definitely loves the Lord.

Praise Fiddler - This is a blog I've not visited as often as I should. She speaks of her beliefs and the Lord without shame. I believe this is a blog that touches anyone who reads it.

Titus 2 Heart - This is another blog I've recently found. From what I've read thus far I can see the heart of God in this blog. This is a blog I will continue to read and I recommend it to you as well.

Christian Working Mom - This is a blog I find very helpful in my walk. I myself am a Christian mother who works full time outside the home and this blog is one that I believe is touching many women who are in this situation. I know firsthand how sometimes the church (most times unintentionally) can be discouraging and cause guilt for women working outside the home. I find this blog inspiring.

An Help Meet for Him - This is another blog I recently discovered. I am constantly seeking to better understand God's view of my role as a wife to my wonderful husband. Especially in light of the fact that he is not a believer. This blog encourages me with ideas of how I can be a better wife to my husband and a better example of Christ's love.