Called and Free

I've been pondering over this Phil Robertson "thing" for a couple of days. Honestly between a family member in the hospital and a sick boy I just haven't had time to respond. First I give props to GQ magazine for the publicity stunt, though I haven't even heard them mentioned much during this controversy. Second, was is no one shocked that the drunks and terrorist aren't offended also? Anyway, let me say that no one has or ever will walk this earth that showed as much or as equal of love than Jesus. We as humans will never love as He did. He also is the ONLY one that is without sin, we are all sinners. Now, jumping a little late on the Duck Dynasty ban wagon I can honestly say that Phil and His family are a great representation of a "normal" christian family. I think it is interesting that most magazines are known for piecing together interviews to fit their needs, but all the sudden GQ magazine is now the Gospel. I mean really....?? My Pastor so elo...

What an amazing day for our family as we dedicated our boys to God. Of course this is a special event for any family making this commitment. Even more special for us as the Holy Spirit was ever so present in service today. This event started with a decision, was followed by preparation and ended with an amazing moment of dedication. What I was more in awe about though was The Holy Spirit's dedication to us. Making His presences known with amazing worship and a Spirit filled service, that cannot be questioned. I was overwhelmed by His love for us and our church today. There was such a clarity and confirmation of our promise to God and His promise to us. I felt a love today that I have been unfamiliar with in my past life. Today I just want to take the time to give praise to the Almighty God. He is never failing and always loving......amazed and in love!!!

During praise and worship this evening my spirit was so touched as I could hear a person in the congregation singing their heart out, and lets just say it was not the best. As I worshipped and began to pray, I was reminded how beautiful we sound to God no matter how "well we sing". He wants us to be real no matter how we sound. Tears came into my eyes as my Spirit stirred with love. Love that transcends all understanding. What amazing beauty there is in our worship for Him. I could see Him smiling over us as we worshipped and not just at the ones that can carry a tune. Actually, I felt His love even more because I could feel the love for Him exuding from the off-key singing. It honestly was the most beautiful form of worship I had heard in a long time. Though I believe it is important to please Him, I think sometimes we get lost in the doing, and lose the point. We should come to Him in all of our imperfections, all the time. Yes he wants us to strive to be like Him, but we m...

 I struggle with people who feel like it's okay to treat others abusively just because they can. Whether they are having a bad day or it's just their personality.... I really struggle with these people. I feel the need to protect those that are weak from them even if I am not the target. Why is this type of behavior not recognized as abuse? We make excuses...that's just the way they are or they're in a bad mood.  How do I through Christ love these people? Honestly, I know the scripture and believe the scripture, but when is enough enough?  Well, recently I have faced this questions and as I have pleaded with God to please help me to understand the hate in these people and help me to love them. He has reminded me that they are lost. It is my job to pray for them...their hate only reminds  me of their sadness. It's easy to blame the enemy for their behavior, but I have to remember I am warrior and they need me. Who will pray for them if I don't? I have been called...

We live in such a "super-sized" society that I feel like we have forgotten what "in moderation" means. I will be the first to admit that my weakness in regards to food is portion control. Luckily I do not eat a lot of fast food, but I like food. I mention this because the biggest thing that comes to mind when we hear "super-sized" is food. But, I was thinking the other day how we kinda treat God the same way. We starve ourselves of Him and then we are so hungry we take in a large portion at one time, only to feel "satisfied" enough, not realizing that we need Him constantly. One of the highly recommended ways to eat healthy is frequent small meals throughout the day. This they have shown keeps your sugar levels consistent, which in turn is much better for your health. What if we consumed God the same way? All throughout the day? Well, I believe that this is better for your spiritual health. I know so many people that starve themselves of His pres...

As I began my journey with God and really started focusing on our relationship I began to hear Him speak to me. At first I would hear a word, just one word and then  I would get confirmation. For instance, in praise and worship I would hear God give me a word and during the sermon Pastor would confirm that word. Well, as this occurred I would wonder why He would only give me a word and what was the purpose of that one word. As, I have continued on my journey with Christ I have realized that he was preparing me to really hear Him. At first I only was mature enough to hear one word, but as I become more mature and trustworthy in His eyes He has given me much more to hear. John 10:27(NLT) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.   John 16:13(NLT) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. The most amazing thing to me is that God trus...

"I don't have to go to church to be a Christian", "Churches are so hypocritical"....yes, I used to be that person. I've had many people say to me, "Oh, so you go to church, yeah I don't because....". Here's the thing, church can change you and support you in so many ways. I feel like I would never have been a good nurse unless I put in the time. First, I went to school and I continue to work to maintain my abilities. If I stopped going to work, I would eventually lose my ability to be a good nurse. Yes, I could relearn, but unless I had to do this why would I choose to do this. Yes, no where in the bible does it say your salvation depends on your church attendance, but it does say we should fellowship with one another. Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Also, it is explained in I Corinthians that we are the b...

Recently got schooled on stepping out on faith thanks to one of my spiritual sisters. Love that I have people in my life to keep me accountable. I like to think that one of my gifts is faith. Being able to trust God without worry is one of my strong suits. I also try not to blame everything on satan, I just don't give him the time of day. But, I am not blind to his workings. On this particular day I had left my house without a necessity. Again, trusting God I did not worry I knew he would provide. Well, as the day went on and I was in need of what I forgot, I began to get a little anxious. I know it's hard to believe but sometimes social situations or asking for help is difficult for me. I did step a little out of  my comfort zone...just enough where I was still somewhat comfortable. Needless to say my friend stepped out in faith for me and at the end of the day I not only had what I needed, I basically had what I needed times 3. The lesson for me was that even though I did bel...

Sometimes it's hard to see what changes we can make as opposed to looking at how others need to change. I recently experienced this personally. After becoming frustrated with how some people act I decided instead of being frustrated I would pray that God would help them.  After loading up my two children, one is a newborn, and finally making it to church I had a revelation. Being so blessed to have a very free worshipping church, I tend to hear God during our praise and worship. As I began to pray for the people that were frustrating me, you know...God please bless them, help them....uh, The Holy Spirit took over. Then as the Spirit rose inside of me, the revelation came...God help me to change, how can I become more like you. Change me God so I can reflect you in me to these people. It is so easy to see the flaws in others, but not so easy to see our own flaws. Asking God to change you will change the atmosphere around you and others will notice . Matthew 3:8 Change your hearts! A...

Today I am thinking about my grandfather. Not only a retired chaplin in the navy, he was a minister and my grandfather. He did not die while serving in the military, but he did serve in so many ways. During church yesterday I was reminded by my Pastor that God promises our inheritance to our children and our grandchildren. This reminded me where I came from and how now, as an adult and parent, I realize that my grandparents prayed and believed for me. Not only for themselves, but for me. What a blessing I received from them. Not only did my grandfather serve our country, his congregations, and many others in need, he served me. He left a legacy that I can be proud of and pass on to my children and grandchildren. Today Lord, I thank you for my grandfather, John Fryer for blessing me as his grandchild. Though he now watches over us from heaven, his spirit stays with me because of you and your promise.

A phrase I have heard repeatedly over the last month or so, "it's all relative." The first time it came up  was in regard to the size of my newborn. I mentioned  to his pediatrician that he was so small at 7lbs 10oz and her response was "that's relative because he is not small just small compared to his brother" (who was 9lbs 5oz). Yes, of course this was accurate. Anyway, over the next couple of weeks it kept coming up, how things are relative. Well all this talk of relativity got me thinking of how this relates to our journey with God. Our circumstances are relative to our experiences and our knowledge, but more importantly our experiences. In 2 Corinthians Paul is writing a letter explaining the Christian gospel to encourage the Corinthians in ministry. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.  This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not our...

Constantly amazed by God's grace and unfailing love I find myself in awe. What a blessing to know, really know that God is faithful and that I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength. We are constantly faced with looking at just how much faith we have. It is so easy to allow the trials of the day to become our focus and to lose our spiritual direction. As the world moves with the motivation to entice our flesh we must stand strong in Gods' faith to us. We are constantly given the oppurtunity to look to the Great One for direction in our everyday lives. As we all know we were never promised a stress free life we were promised that He can guide us through anything we face . Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through ourLord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have ccess by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. There are many other passages in the scripture that remind us how impo...

We are all so different. Then why do we compare ourselves to each other so often? The best short answer I have is....Flesh. Sometimes I think instead of embracing our differences we wonder why we are so different. I realized long ago that we were all made to do different things, which was so perfectly planned. If we all did, and enjoyed the same things how could the world really function. Okay, so that's not so hard to see, but what about how we respond to God. This has been difficult for me in regards to the types of churches I have attended throughout the years. Plus, in how I was raised and the experiences I have had. It is so easy to say "why can't I do that", "that is so much easier for them to do". But really unless you are referring to someone you know very closely you do not really know how they are reacting. Be careful when you compare yourself to someone else as reality may not be what it seems. Have you ever been shocked when the news or shall I s...