Here is the question Mary-Lou asked:
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
I answered the first part earlier this week with my testimony. Now on to the rest of it.
I would say my biggest challenge is submitting to God. I like to be in control. I like to do things myself. But, I know things would be easier if I let God have the pilot seat and I took the co-pilot role. He has shown us that He is in charge, and even then we got mad at Him. We we found out we were pregnant with AJU5, it took us about a month to accept that it was His will. We did learn from this and didn't get upset with the most recent pregnancy (which ended in a miscarriage), but we did ask why! I wish I was better at handing even the simple things over to Him though. I find that when I pray about even simple issues, they work out a lot simpler than when I try to do it on my own!
I would say my greatest joy is AJU5. Now, she is also a big headache, but as some of my colleagues have said, I seem the happiest now with her. God called me to be a mother, and I am enjoying it.
Jesus is more Savior to me each day. But, I should lean on Him more as teacher and Lord. Like I said above, I tend to take control and not hand things over like I should. I like to be lord of my life, but He should be the Lord. I am also learning from Him through His Word, but I don't study as much as I should. Hopefully I will continue to grow in these areas!
Feel free to answer these questions yourself!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Testimony
Here is the question Mary-Lou asked:
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
So, today I will post about how I came to know the Lord as my Saviour. I will tackle the other questions later :)
My family went to church (Methodist) until I was 6. We moved to a new town, and my parents weren't big fans of the church there. So, we became Easter/Christmas "Christians" for a while, and as I got older, even that stopped. There were times in high school that, looking back, I can see God calling me. But, I was not ready or willing. I ended up going to a "Christian" college. My degree required me to take two religion classes. I put these off until my senior year (partly because I was working on a double major, etc and had to front-load those classes). In the fall, I took a class on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and in the spring I took a class on the heroes (and heroines) of the ancient world. Through these two classes, I came to the conclusion that there was a God, and the most likely, at least what I had read of the Bible, was true. But, I had VERY little of the New Testament.
Then I met my husband. We actually met online through one of the online chat programs. He was raised in the church and had accepted Christ at a young age. Some of our first conversations were about religion and Christianity. He (I don't remember how) got me to read one of the Gospels. I asked him and a female friend of his questions as I read through it. What I read, to me, was obviously true (with the exception of things I just didn't understand/was confused about - which is why I asked questions). This was all during the roughly two months I spent at my parents before going to grad school. At the end of this period, AJU1 also convinced me to find a campus ministry to attend. I chose the one that had some things online, including a Yahoo Group, so I could get to know people before I started to attend. Within a few weeks of attending that campus ministry and church, I had accepted Christ as my Saviour. I can't say what day it actually happened though. See, during the two months of really searching and studying, I prayed a lot of possible "salvation" prayers. Many of them where of the "If you are really there" type, so any of those could have actually been the point of my salvation. I just know that I am certain I am saved now!
I don't know if you have already posted this, but I always love hearing abut the personal spiritual journeys of people. How did you come to Christ? What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your greatest joy? How do you related to Jesus... Lord, Teacher, Savior? (I ask that last one because I think he is ALL of those things, but I realize that I tend to turn to him more as Lord than Teacher, etc. It is something I work on, continuing to develop all aspects of my relationship with him.)
So, today I will post about how I came to know the Lord as my Saviour. I will tackle the other questions later :)
My family went to church (Methodist) until I was 6. We moved to a new town, and my parents weren't big fans of the church there. So, we became Easter/Christmas "Christians" for a while, and as I got older, even that stopped. There were times in high school that, looking back, I can see God calling me. But, I was not ready or willing. I ended up going to a "Christian" college. My degree required me to take two religion classes. I put these off until my senior year (partly because I was working on a double major, etc and had to front-load those classes). In the fall, I took a class on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and in the spring I took a class on the heroes (and heroines) of the ancient world. Through these two classes, I came to the conclusion that there was a God, and the most likely, at least what I had read of the Bible, was true. But, I had VERY little of the New Testament.
Then I met my husband. We actually met online through one of the online chat programs. He was raised in the church and had accepted Christ at a young age. Some of our first conversations were about religion and Christianity. He (I don't remember how) got me to read one of the Gospels. I asked him and a female friend of his questions as I read through it. What I read, to me, was obviously true (with the exception of things I just didn't understand/was confused about - which is why I asked questions). This was all during the roughly two months I spent at my parents before going to grad school. At the end of this period, AJU1 also convinced me to find a campus ministry to attend. I chose the one that had some things online, including a Yahoo Group, so I could get to know people before I started to attend. Within a few weeks of attending that campus ministry and church, I had accepted Christ as my Saviour. I can't say what day it actually happened though. See, during the two months of really searching and studying, I prayed a lot of possible "salvation" prayers. Many of them where of the "If you are really there" type, so any of those could have actually been the point of my salvation. I just know that I am certain I am saved now!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Post Ideas
I don't know who is reading this regularly. But, I just haven't had any good ideas stick in my brain long enough to write a post. So, if you have topics you would like me to write about, let me know! I am more than willing to write my views and beliefs on just about anything!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What Is Number 1 In Your Life?
As a Christian, God should be number 1 in my life. But, often times I put life and my family before Him. There are days I don't spend more than 5 minutes with Him in prayer or reading. I do listen to Christian music a lot, but sometimes it is more entertainment than worship.
What ever is number 1 in your life is the god of your life. Everyone has a god in their life - whether they admit it or not. But, is your god God?
If you want God to be the number one thing in your life, what do you do to make Him number 1? I am trying to getting some reading in in the morning before my daughter wakes up. I am hoping that starting the day off on the right foot will motivate me to spend more time in prayer even when I am busy doing other things. Hopefully it will also allow me to actually listen and meditate on the words of the songs I listen to on the radio.
Thoughts?
What ever is number 1 in your life is the god of your life. Everyone has a god in their life - whether they admit it or not. But, is your god God?
If you want God to be the number one thing in your life, what do you do to make Him number 1? I am trying to getting some reading in in the morning before my daughter wakes up. I am hoping that starting the day off on the right foot will motivate me to spend more time in prayer even when I am busy doing other things. Hopefully it will also allow me to actually listen and meditate on the words of the songs I listen to on the radio.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Problem with the Medical Industry
Here is what It hink needs to happen to make medical care more affordable:
People need to stop blaming others for things!
So, I bet you are think what is she talking about!
Well, I think the main reason costs are so high is because of malpractice insurance. Doctors, hospitals, etc are being sued so often that their insurance is high. As a result, they pass that cost on to us. Now, I am not saying we shouldn't be able to sue these people.groups. But, I think something needs to be done to make it so they aren't being sued in cases that nothing (within reason) could have been done. If the doctor followed standard procedure and something happened, then I don't think it is the doctor's fault. Now, if the doctor made a mistake or didn't follow standard procedure, then he/she should be sued.
I think lawyers are partly to blame (and not all lawyers - just some). Have you seen the commercials some of them have? They are just fishing for people with cases that could go to court. I bet they have a pretty large stake in these cases - receiving a good percentage of the award. Maybe legislation should be passed to set guidelines for lawyers?
I don't know exactly how we are going to get people to sue less, but if it were to happen, I bet medical costs would drop! Maybe then health insurance would be affordable! Maybe then a simple visit to the doctor wouldn't be so expensive!
(I am not a fan of socialized health care. I do not want the government controlling insurance, etc. See some of my comments on this back in November - after the election.)
People need to stop blaming others for things!
So, I bet you are think what is she talking about!
Well, I think the main reason costs are so high is because of malpractice insurance. Doctors, hospitals, etc are being sued so often that their insurance is high. As a result, they pass that cost on to us. Now, I am not saying we shouldn't be able to sue these people.groups. But, I think something needs to be done to make it so they aren't being sued in cases that nothing (within reason) could have been done. If the doctor followed standard procedure and something happened, then I don't think it is the doctor's fault. Now, if the doctor made a mistake or didn't follow standard procedure, then he/she should be sued.
I think lawyers are partly to blame (and not all lawyers - just some). Have you seen the commercials some of them have? They are just fishing for people with cases that could go to court. I bet they have a pretty large stake in these cases - receiving a good percentage of the award. Maybe legislation should be passed to set guidelines for lawyers?
I don't know exactly how we are going to get people to sue less, but if it were to happen, I bet medical costs would drop! Maybe then health insurance would be affordable! Maybe then a simple visit to the doctor wouldn't be so expensive!
(I am not a fan of socialized health care. I do not want the government controlling insurance, etc. See some of my comments on this back in November - after the election.)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Baptism
Baptize is from the Greek word "Baptizo" which means immersing.
Chronologically, one of the first mentions of baptism in the Bible is in Matthew 3:
5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. ...
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Here John the Baptist is baptizing Jews prior to Jesus beginning His ministry. This baptism was a symbolic washing away of sins committed. It was similar to the washing the high priests did before offering the prayers of the people up to God in the Temple.
Later in that chapter, John the Baptist baptizes Jesus:
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus did not need to have the cleansing from sins - as He was sinless. Instead, He was baptized as an example for us. (These verses also give us evidence of the Trinity in that all three parts of God are described individually).
Later, at the Great Commission, we are instructed to go and baptize:
Matthew 28:
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
It is clear that baptism is something the saved should partake in. But, is it required for salvation?
I do not believe it is. First, salvation is by faith and not works. Baptism is a work. Second, one of the thieves at Calvary was saved but not baptized (Luke 23:39-43). There are verses that state baptism and salvation in the same sentence, but if you look at the sentence structure in the Greek, it seems clear that it is not a requirement of salvation (I don't remember the exact verses for this, but if you would like, I can look it up).
Now, for the method of baptism: If you read the first line of the post, baptism should be an immersion, because that is what baptism means. Also, that is how it was done in the New Testament - submersion in the river. So, I do not agree with the sprinkling form of baptism. I also don't agree with infant baptism. I believe baptism is something you do in response to faith. It should be done by the saved as an act of obedience to God. It is a form of public confession of our faith. An infant is not able to make that statement of faith, and therefore I don't believe an infant should be baptized. I know some parents do it as a sign they are going to raise the child in the nurture and ammunition of the Lord, but I think a dedication service is a better fit for this statement.
Questions? Comments?
Chronologically, one of the first mentions of baptism in the Bible is in Matthew 3:
5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. ...
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Here John the Baptist is baptizing Jews prior to Jesus beginning His ministry. This baptism was a symbolic washing away of sins committed. It was similar to the washing the high priests did before offering the prayers of the people up to God in the Temple.
Later in that chapter, John the Baptist baptizes Jesus:
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus did not need to have the cleansing from sins - as He was sinless. Instead, He was baptized as an example for us. (These verses also give us evidence of the Trinity in that all three parts of God are described individually).
Later, at the Great Commission, we are instructed to go and baptize:
Matthew 28:
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
It is clear that baptism is something the saved should partake in. But, is it required for salvation?
I do not believe it is. First, salvation is by faith and not works. Baptism is a work. Second, one of the thieves at Calvary was saved but not baptized (Luke 23:39-43). There are verses that state baptism and salvation in the same sentence, but if you look at the sentence structure in the Greek, it seems clear that it is not a requirement of salvation (I don't remember the exact verses for this, but if you would like, I can look it up).
Now, for the method of baptism: If you read the first line of the post, baptism should be an immersion, because that is what baptism means. Also, that is how it was done in the New Testament - submersion in the river. So, I do not agree with the sprinkling form of baptism. I also don't agree with infant baptism. I believe baptism is something you do in response to faith. It should be done by the saved as an act of obedience to God. It is a form of public confession of our faith. An infant is not able to make that statement of faith, and therefore I don't believe an infant should be baptized. I know some parents do it as a sign they are going to raise the child in the nurture and ammunition of the Lord, but I think a dedication service is a better fit for this statement.
Questions? Comments?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sanctity of Life
Thirty-six years ago, Roe v. Wade was decided, allowing abortion on demand in the United States. I have already posted my views on abortion, but after suffering a miscarriage at the beginning of the year, I have an even greater feeling for babies aborted at six weeks or later. I have ultrasound pictures of our Junior #2 that measured him/her at 6 wks 5 d (although now we feel that the baby may have been old gestationally). It looked like a baby. It is our baby. Our AJU5 is a big sister, with a baby brother or sister in heaven waiting for us. Focus on the Family has a campaign to get women considering an abortion an ultrasound to see their children. I hope this helps these women see what they are doing...
Today in the local university's student newspaper, a letter to the editor claims that those of us who are pro-life want to return to the back alley abortion days. This is not the case! We want no child to be aborted (with the exception of to save a mother's life). I wish we lived in a world where sex was saved for marriage. I wish no child was conceived to parents that would consider to abort it. I wish we lived in a perfect world. But, we live in a human world. And our human sin nature is always causing problems. Children are conceived to parents who aren't ready and willing to raise the child. They are conceived to women who aren't wiling to allow the chld to grow inside of them and then give the baby to two adults that are willing to raise it. Instead, we live in a selfish society. We live where what "I" want is more important than what is means to others around me.
Today in the local university's student newspaper, a letter to the editor claims that those of us who are pro-life want to return to the back alley abortion days. This is not the case! We want no child to be aborted (with the exception of to save a mother's life). I wish we lived in a world where sex was saved for marriage. I wish no child was conceived to parents that would consider to abort it. I wish we lived in a perfect world. But, we live in a human world. And our human sin nature is always causing problems. Children are conceived to parents who aren't ready and willing to raise the child. They are conceived to women who aren't wiling to allow the chld to grow inside of them and then give the baby to two adults that are willing to raise it. Instead, we live in a selfish society. We live where what "I" want is more important than what is means to others around me.
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