Halloween is upon us and since the church is not having the usual Trunk to Trunk, many have asked, "What do we do now?" Sammy is two, and playing dress up is fun, so I did buy a costume. I'm not huge into Halloween, but prior to having Sammy, I enjoyed passing out candy and seeing the fun costumes. I don't get into the scary, although I know it's part. To me, Halloween has always been one of those "American traditions" where a sense of community actually exists. I never put thought to the pagan roots because, really, how many other "American traditions" have pagan roots? Easter baskets are fun and I put Biblical themes into them, but the root is actually pagan. The Christmas tree is pagan, but I can't imagine not putting one up. The other bonus of Halloween= free candy, DUH! And, with Sammy being so young, and never having had Alexis for Halloween, I guess we just haven't talked much about what we want to share with our kids about Halloween. All I need is for my brilliant kid to say, "Well, if we can't celebrate Halloween, why do you put a Christmas tree up? It's all just good fun, right?" Grrr...
I don't decorate for Halloween, but I do love the look of pumpkins. We don't carve them, mainly pure laziness. I decorate for fall, and have a friendly scarecrow on my door. It was a dollar at Dollar Tree. I don't see the big deal in trick or treating, except we don't go because Sammy is so young and frankly, it's usually cold and rainy. This year though it's supposed to be nice.
Yes, participating in church-sponsored "Harvest parties" is technically celebrating. Providing an alternative may give the impression that there is reason to celebrate Halloween. But, Alexis at 10, doesn't even know there are pagan roots. She doesn't know what pagan means. To her, it's one big dress-up party. Do I tell her and put thoughts in her mind, or let it go because her mom is ALWAYS going to celebrate it?
We don't do witches, goblins or ghosts. We don't go to Haunted Houses, although I will admit, I think they are fun. But, because of convictions, I can't support it. My kids will not participate in psychic readings, Ouija board games, or cultish rituals. We don't watch horror movies, because really, why put that in your head? Beetlejuice was stupid and funny. Alexis's loves Witches of Waverly Place on Disney and it's doesn't seem evil. hmmm.....
Why do stores get so into Halloween and decorating, but when it comes to Christmas, many are being careful not to "offend" so they just say Happy Holidays? If I tell them I'm a Christian and offended when they tell me Happy Halloween, do you think they will stop? Will they take down the decorations if I threaten to stop shopping at their store?
And off the Halloween topic, I read an interesting email about a pastor who gave Sarah Palin a word about being a modern day Esther. Dang it, I knew I should have blogged about that a while back. Marty and I had a good conversation after she was announced about how God raised up women when men were failing. So knowing God raised up Palin, anyone STILL voting against a move of GOD and for Obama? Why would you vote against a known Christian who is God-fearing and bold about it? Nothing personal, Obama. But I truly, deeply feel that God appointed Sarah Palin for a time like this.
And by the way, I think we are going to the Heritage Park safe Halloween thing a ma jig. 5pm tp 7pm tomorrow night. Kennedy High School is doing a trunk to trunk tonight from 6pm to 8pm but it is secular so there will likely be scary trunks. Marty is taking Sammy anyway for some free candy.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My thoughts on the election....
I'm not one who is afraid to talk politics or share who I'm voting for. I'm not ashamed by it at all. But, I avoided for a while blogging about it because it is what it is, and I'm not afraid if Obama gets it. God will take care me. Yes, it is a scary thought, but it will confirm that the end times are opon us!
What I am just annoyed and sick about are 1) Christians who aren't going to vote because they can't morally vote for Obama, and they don't "like" McCain. 2) Christians who feel they can morally vote for Obama because "there are more issues than abortion that need to be handled."
Well, I vote by principle and by the way that Lord has instructed us. He told us to choose life. He instructed us that marriage is for one man and one woman. He told us to go forth and preach the gospel. Democrats are wanting to impose more censorship on preacher's on tv and even in churches. They want to consider it "hate speech" to preach against homosexuality and abortion from the pulpit. Everyone knows what happen to the youth of our world when prayer was removed from schools, what will happen when public broadcasting of the gospel is eliminated, and our pastors can't preach truth from the pulpit?
How can you NOT vote and claim that morally you can't vote for Obama? Ok, well...sure you didn't vote for him, but hey, Pilate didn't "vote" to put Jesus on the cross, but he sat back and didn't stop it either when he had the chance.
The war and the economy concern me. I am concerned about what kind of world my children will be living in. But, I know that my God will supply all my needs. I know that I will one day go to Heaven and that everything on earth will pass away. I know that I do not want to worry about my right to free speech when I want to share the gospel. I know that I do not want homosexuality to become a "norm" and a choice in my children's future. Think about it. 50 years ago, man and woman married and stay married. Divorce was rare and when it happened it was shocking and shameful because the Bible was against it. Now, it is accepted, even among Christians because "it's a different time". The Bible hasn't changed though, it still is against divorce but hey, God forgives. So does that mean 10 years from now homosexuality and abortion will be accepted because it's a different time? Do you want your children raised in that kind of world? Christians who vote Obama because his view on the economy or health care need to remember, this life is temporary. God has promised to supply all our needs. But we have to be faithful to Him and what He has instructed us to do.
What I am just annoyed and sick about are 1) Christians who aren't going to vote because they can't morally vote for Obama, and they don't "like" McCain. 2) Christians who feel they can morally vote for Obama because "there are more issues than abortion that need to be handled."
Well, I vote by principle and by the way that Lord has instructed us. He told us to choose life. He instructed us that marriage is for one man and one woman. He told us to go forth and preach the gospel. Democrats are wanting to impose more censorship on preacher's on tv and even in churches. They want to consider it "hate speech" to preach against homosexuality and abortion from the pulpit. Everyone knows what happen to the youth of our world when prayer was removed from schools, what will happen when public broadcasting of the gospel is eliminated, and our pastors can't preach truth from the pulpit?
How can you NOT vote and claim that morally you can't vote for Obama? Ok, well...sure you didn't vote for him, but hey, Pilate didn't "vote" to put Jesus on the cross, but he sat back and didn't stop it either when he had the chance.
The war and the economy concern me. I am concerned about what kind of world my children will be living in. But, I know that my God will supply all my needs. I know that I will one day go to Heaven and that everything on earth will pass away. I know that I do not want to worry about my right to free speech when I want to share the gospel. I know that I do not want homosexuality to become a "norm" and a choice in my children's future. Think about it. 50 years ago, man and woman married and stay married. Divorce was rare and when it happened it was shocking and shameful because the Bible was against it. Now, it is accepted, even among Christians because "it's a different time". The Bible hasn't changed though, it still is against divorce but hey, God forgives. So does that mean 10 years from now homosexuality and abortion will be accepted because it's a different time? Do you want your children raised in that kind of world? Christians who vote Obama because his view on the economy or health care need to remember, this life is temporary. God has promised to supply all our needs. But we have to be faithful to Him and what He has instructed us to do.
Friday, October 24, 2008
M&M E-votional 10/24/08
Romans 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony….”
Like many people, my testimony has become such a part of me, the impact of it often does not even affect me. I think people will not really care to hear it or it is not that big of a deal. My life has completely revolved around God and all things Pentecostal. I have always gone to church, went to a private school for much of my schooling, was very involved in youth group and leadership for as long as I can remember, went on missions trips and my main circle of friends-though it has changed many times-have always been Christians.
When I went to Bolivia in January 2004, the testimony of my healing was dramatically changed. First, for those who do not know, when I was three I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. When they found it, it was in 98% of my blood cells. The doctors told my mom there was nothing they could do and that she should take me home. I would be dead in a week, so she should enjoy her last few days with me. My mom was shocked. At 32 years old, her husband (my dad) had left a few months prior and moved to Texas with another woman. My brother was seven, and having difficulty dealing with the loss of his dad. He had also recently been diagnosed with severe ADHD. And now to add to all of it, my mom was being told her daughter was going to die and that there was nothing that could be done.
Well, my mom insisted on treatment. She immediately called all her “prayer warriors” and the church. Word spread and people all over were praying for my healing. One night, the Lord gave my mom the scripture John 11:4, “….for this is not a sickness unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.” Long story short, it’s no surprise, I was miraculously healed! Within a year, the cancer was completely gone. I have never relapsed. I have been cancer free for 25 years!
Fast forward to my trip to Bolivia. All the team members were told we would be sharing our testimonies. I felt like mine was so lame compared to some of the others who had been through drugs, horrible childhoods, abuse, etc, but I shared the testimony of my healing anyway. What was I going to do, make something dramatic up? NO! Afterwards, Pastor Galvano, an evangelist on the trip with us, said he wanted to speak to me. He told me that when I was sick, Satan had me in his grip. I was supposed to die. Let that sink in. I was meant for death. Cancer had taken over 98% of my blood cells. How does a three year old survive that? Only by the grace and mercy of God! Pastor Galvano said that when my mom pleaded and cried out to Him, He heard her cry and had mercy on her. I was saved because of my mother’s prayers. She could have succumbed to the diagnosed, accepted it and planned for my death. But, she refused to sit back and watch me die.
There are so many “mini-testimonies” within my testimony and I am open to talk about it but if I kept going now, this devotional will turn into a book!
What are you believing for? Are you accepting the “diagnosis” or are you standing on the promise of God that He will give us grace and mercy?
Scriptures to read: Romans 10:17, Romans 8:11, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 30:17, Jeremiah 33:6, Matthew 18:19, John 10:10
Like many people, my testimony has become such a part of me, the impact of it often does not even affect me. I think people will not really care to hear it or it is not that big of a deal. My life has completely revolved around God and all things Pentecostal. I have always gone to church, went to a private school for much of my schooling, was very involved in youth group and leadership for as long as I can remember, went on missions trips and my main circle of friends-though it has changed many times-have always been Christians.
When I went to Bolivia in January 2004, the testimony of my healing was dramatically changed. First, for those who do not know, when I was three I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. When they found it, it was in 98% of my blood cells. The doctors told my mom there was nothing they could do and that she should take me home. I would be dead in a week, so she should enjoy her last few days with me. My mom was shocked. At 32 years old, her husband (my dad) had left a few months prior and moved to Texas with another woman. My brother was seven, and having difficulty dealing with the loss of his dad. He had also recently been diagnosed with severe ADHD. And now to add to all of it, my mom was being told her daughter was going to die and that there was nothing that could be done.
Well, my mom insisted on treatment. She immediately called all her “prayer warriors” and the church. Word spread and people all over were praying for my healing. One night, the Lord gave my mom the scripture John 11:4, “….for this is not a sickness unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.” Long story short, it’s no surprise, I was miraculously healed! Within a year, the cancer was completely gone. I have never relapsed. I have been cancer free for 25 years!
Fast forward to my trip to Bolivia. All the team members were told we would be sharing our testimonies. I felt like mine was so lame compared to some of the others who had been through drugs, horrible childhoods, abuse, etc, but I shared the testimony of my healing anyway. What was I going to do, make something dramatic up? NO! Afterwards, Pastor Galvano, an evangelist on the trip with us, said he wanted to speak to me. He told me that when I was sick, Satan had me in his grip. I was supposed to die. Let that sink in. I was meant for death. Cancer had taken over 98% of my blood cells. How does a three year old survive that? Only by the grace and mercy of God! Pastor Galvano said that when my mom pleaded and cried out to Him, He heard her cry and had mercy on her. I was saved because of my mother’s prayers. She could have succumbed to the diagnosed, accepted it and planned for my death. But, she refused to sit back and watch me die.
There are so many “mini-testimonies” within my testimony and I am open to talk about it but if I kept going now, this devotional will turn into a book!
What are you believing for? Are you accepting the “diagnosis” or are you standing on the promise of God that He will give us grace and mercy?
Scriptures to read: Romans 10:17, Romans 8:11, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 30:17, Jeremiah 33:6, Matthew 18:19, John 10:10
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
And on life goes...
Eagle's Wings was AMAZING. As you can see by my last blog, I did not receive the HUGE word I was praying for. Silly me for having a list. I never do that, thought I would this time and I'm pretty sure the Lord laughed at me as he blew my expectations! I imagine Him sitting on His throne with this robust laughter saying, "Silly child, those things I've already taken care of. Let me show you how to just be free..." And He did. See last post for details.
The big word I wanted was to not have to work full-time anymore. I have anxiety in the morning and I feel like I'm really going to have a heart attack. I miss being with Sammy. At first I was fine. It's not like he'll remember all this, right? But I will. These are years I'll never get back. And the stress of finding sitters everytime Alexis comes to town. And then there is the reality that soon she will be coming here and neither one of us want me working full-time once she does. And the reality is she could come at anytime with or without warning. No, we aren't battling in court, but God works in mysterious ways! All the errands, appointments, projects, etc that must be done and have to be crammed in after work. I can't handle all the pressure and I truly feel I need to be home more! I have just been waiting on Marty. He's the one who says no way, can't afford it.
But, guess what? The other day Marty said to me, "You know what, Sarah? Go ahead." I was like, "Go ahead, what?" It was just so random! "I was thinking, I think it would be better if you were home more. Let's take this leap of faith. Just quit." We weren't even talking about it! I was washing dishes, he was watching tv. I was shocked. Then overwhelmed with the idea. This is it! I finally can do what I really feel I need to do!
No, people. I'm not quitting anytime soon. But, I have the release. I still need to wait on God for timing. Certain things need to fall into place and I love the two people I work so closely with. I would never leave them hanging. BUT, the time is coming. It has been confirmed that I will not be withering away behind a desk! (so, I'm not really withering away...CLEARLY. I need to go back to the Y to do that!) Oh, and don't go calling my work trying to get my job because I haven't said anything yet! It may be weeks, it may be months! Maybe a year? Who knows but God.
The big word I wanted was to not have to work full-time anymore. I have anxiety in the morning and I feel like I'm really going to have a heart attack. I miss being with Sammy. At first I was fine. It's not like he'll remember all this, right? But I will. These are years I'll never get back. And the stress of finding sitters everytime Alexis comes to town. And then there is the reality that soon she will be coming here and neither one of us want me working full-time once she does. And the reality is she could come at anytime with or without warning. No, we aren't battling in court, but God works in mysterious ways! All the errands, appointments, projects, etc that must be done and have to be crammed in after work. I can't handle all the pressure and I truly feel I need to be home more! I have just been waiting on Marty. He's the one who says no way, can't afford it.
But, guess what? The other day Marty said to me, "You know what, Sarah? Go ahead." I was like, "Go ahead, what?" It was just so random! "I was thinking, I think it would be better if you were home more. Let's take this leap of faith. Just quit." We weren't even talking about it! I was washing dishes, he was watching tv. I was shocked. Then overwhelmed with the idea. This is it! I finally can do what I really feel I need to do!
No, people. I'm not quitting anytime soon. But, I have the release. I still need to wait on God for timing. Certain things need to fall into place and I love the two people I work so closely with. I would never leave them hanging. BUT, the time is coming. It has been confirmed that I will not be withering away behind a desk! (so, I'm not really withering away...CLEARLY. I need to go back to the Y to do that!) Oh, and don't go calling my work trying to get my job because I haven't said anything yet! It may be weeks, it may be months! Maybe a year? Who knows but God.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Expecting the Unexpected: He is more than Enough
This weekend was a great weekend for me. I went to the On Eagle’s Wings retreat with several other women from our church. I went with high expectations, asking God for a specific word. I wrote out my list, committed it to prayer everyday for over a month and knew I would receive my word. At Friday night’s service, one of the leader’s, “If you came expecting something specific, you can throw that out the window.” I was shocked! But, then I gave it to God. I simply prayed, “God have YOUR way, not mine.”
I did not receive my specific word. Many of my friends received words and confirmations of words and I thought, “Hey! What about my word? Where is mine?” I tried not to dwell on it, and just kept praying my simple prayer. We sang a song, “More Than Enough” (Gary Oliver) and the words spoke to me. Our God IS more than enough. We don’t have to keep “reminding” Him of our wants and needs. He knows. There is nothing wrong with expecting to receive, but why limit God with specific requests?
My unexpected blessing came during worship. I was able to worship Him freely with no inhibitions: no 2-year old clinging to me, no obligations to minister to someone else; I was there to receive and just BE with God. It was a weekend of refreshing, relaxing and building relationships with wonderful, Christian women. During worship, I continually praised Him, thanked Him and honored Him. That’s what He wants, and so many of us get caught up in the asking to receive, we forget to give Him the praise and glory He deserves! If He does not answer our specific wants, isn’t He still more than enough to do all that we ask, seek or imagine?
I received so much more this weekend by saying, “Your way, not mine.” I saw friends filled with the Holy Spirit, friendships made stronger, callings come to life, brokenness healed, sickness defeated, and new visions. He spoke to me about just being still. We don’t always have to be so busy! I was able to rest in Him, something I’ve always heard but not really understood.
Slow down. Are you expecting specifics? Have you truly given them to God, and are you being thankful for what He is doing and going to do in your life? Be in the word. Study it and commit it to memory. Then be free in worship. Worship is His time so don’t use that time to keep reminding Him of your specifics. He already knows them! Use that time to just be with Him and open your heart to receive what He wants to do for you.
Verses to read: Psalms 27:3,4; Psalms 46:10; Nehemiah 9:5
I did not receive my specific word. Many of my friends received words and confirmations of words and I thought, “Hey! What about my word? Where is mine?” I tried not to dwell on it, and just kept praying my simple prayer. We sang a song, “More Than Enough” (Gary Oliver) and the words spoke to me. Our God IS more than enough. We don’t have to keep “reminding” Him of our wants and needs. He knows. There is nothing wrong with expecting to receive, but why limit God with specific requests?
My unexpected blessing came during worship. I was able to worship Him freely with no inhibitions: no 2-year old clinging to me, no obligations to minister to someone else; I was there to receive and just BE with God. It was a weekend of refreshing, relaxing and building relationships with wonderful, Christian women. During worship, I continually praised Him, thanked Him and honored Him. That’s what He wants, and so many of us get caught up in the asking to receive, we forget to give Him the praise and glory He deserves! If He does not answer our specific wants, isn’t He still more than enough to do all that we ask, seek or imagine?
I received so much more this weekend by saying, “Your way, not mine.” I saw friends filled with the Holy Spirit, friendships made stronger, callings come to life, brokenness healed, sickness defeated, and new visions. He spoke to me about just being still. We don’t always have to be so busy! I was able to rest in Him, something I’ve always heard but not really understood.
Slow down. Are you expecting specifics? Have you truly given them to God, and are you being thankful for what He is doing and going to do in your life? Be in the word. Study it and commit it to memory. Then be free in worship. Worship is His time so don’t use that time to keep reminding Him of your specifics. He already knows them! Use that time to just be with Him and open your heart to receive what He wants to do for you.
Verses to read: Psalms 27:3,4; Psalms 46:10; Nehemiah 9:5
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I'm still alive....
Just thought I'd check in with the blogging world and say I have survived my weekend! I don't have time to blog much right now, but later I'll be posting the devotional I'm working on for M&M.
The retreat was as expected, fantastic. It was more than anything a wonderful time of relaxing, refreshing and bonding with my girlfriends! There was also some much needed goofing off...who says that you can't belly flop onto your bed at 28 years old (and older?). Good to be a kid again, sometimes! The ranch was so beautiful and gave me a renewed appreciation of Michigan in the fall. Maybe I'll post some pics later, but I can't make any promises! We had so much fun taking goofy pics throughout the ranch, although Amy was missing! I did think of Kelly much of the pic taking time-we had some great photo opps...you must come next year!
It took leaving the retreat and reflecting on the weekend to realize how much I came away with! Although I did not receive a HUGE WORD on my future and working, there was a lot I did receive and it was great to see my friends filled, healed, and dance in the spirit!
When can we do this again?
And Angela...watch the dang video! Remember, you said you were glue!
The retreat was as expected, fantastic. It was more than anything a wonderful time of relaxing, refreshing and bonding with my girlfriends! There was also some much needed goofing off...who says that you can't belly flop onto your bed at 28 years old (and older?). Good to be a kid again, sometimes! The ranch was so beautiful and gave me a renewed appreciation of Michigan in the fall. Maybe I'll post some pics later, but I can't make any promises! We had so much fun taking goofy pics throughout the ranch, although Amy was missing! I did think of Kelly much of the pic taking time-we had some great photo opps...you must come next year!
It took leaving the retreat and reflecting on the weekend to realize how much I came away with! Although I did not receive a HUGE WORD on my future and working, there was a lot I did receive and it was great to see my friends filled, healed, and dance in the spirit!
When can we do this again?
And Angela...watch the dang video! Remember, you said you were glue!
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