What were you expecting?

I learned some great things in church today.
  One of them was about marriage.
The speaker thought he had found the perfect girl. Then he went on a missions trip and she was with someone else.
  He then asked us if any of us found someone perfect would they want us?
Not a single hand was raised.
  So I beg the question; especially for those of us who are married;
  Are we expecting too much from our spouse?
  Many people blame Eve for the fall of the human race. But I say, couldn't Adam just have said no? Ever since then women seem to have been second class citizens.
  My point is that no one is perfect.
 Do we expect too much of ourselves?
Do we take our failures out on others?
  Maybe at work the pressure our bosses feel makes them cranky even if we go above and beyond the call of duty.
  If you mess up say I'm sorry.
If our spouse or kids foul things up instead of yelling say, oh well we can try to fix it. And then maybe hug it out.
Because despite my flaws I'm hoping God will say well done good and faithful servant when I get to Heaven.

Crazy?

Some people are convinced that Jesus was just a crazy person. Same for his mother who claimed to be a virgin.
  Maybe he knew the scriptures and found ways to back it up.
   History says that he performed miracles.
Although some say he was a fraud and history is full of lies or at least half truths.
    Certainly crazy people have had huge impacts on the world.
   But here's my take.
    So what if he was crazy?
    And yes people have twisted his message and even killed in the Name of Jesus.
But I'm convinced that Jesus saved my soul. I believe his mother was a virgin.
I believe that Jesus was without sin.
He was killed for what he believed about himself and his mission from God.
  I believe his sacrifice alone will get me into Heaven.
  I may not be a terrible person but I'm not perfect.
Praying to God through Jesus had saved me in ways to numerous to count.
 Faith in Jesus can save you too. Some say he is the only way to eternal life.
  It works for me.
So call me crazy but can all of us who follow Jesus be wrong?
 I encourage you to try God, especially if nothing else is working.

Kind Of Like Star Trek

This may seem like a strange comparison but I think my life could be like Star Trek.
Not the content of the show mind you.
No, rather more like the resiliency of the show.
Star Trek was a show that originally aired in the 60's and just after three seasons it was cancelled.
The show survived in re-runs, movies, four spin off TV shows (a fifth coming in 2017) and three reboot movies.
Not bad.
I might not be flying through space on a starship, fighting hostile aliens. I will probably never save Earth from certain doom, but I have been told how my simple words have changed at least one persons life for the better.
My life came close to being canceled more than once but here I am still chasing the life that Almighty God has given to me.
I had a recent setback.
Or so I thought at the time.
Turns out that despite the pain of it, it wasn't a setback so much as a wakeup call.
The so called loss showed me that God was impressed with my tenacity while at the same time telling me that I'm on the right path but I need to take a turn in the road that I wasn't expecting.
God may do the same for you.
Or maybe he just did.
Worry not. God may have prevented you from plunging off a cliff.
The Lord does give and take away. And it's for good reason.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He wrote our story we just have to learn to trust His direction.
To boldly go where no one has gone before.

Don't be that guy.

I just listened to a very inspirational message about taking a leap of faith.
I didn't know who I was listening to, but it was very much something I NEEDED to hear.
Then I found out who the speaker was and I was surprised. But not in a good way.
Because the speaker seems to have slipped from the godly person who spoke those much needed words.
It made me sad (a little).
I'm not saying that this person is bad. Maybe just a little just in the midst of a backslide. I'm not passing judgment, I've been there, done that.
What I'm saying is this; many people are surprised at the man of God I've become.
I'm shocked at who I am versus who I used to be.
And it's by the grace of God that I'm here at all.
God can use anybody to inspire people.
That means you.
You don't have to be a preacher to share the good news of God.
You can be a teacher, comedian, football player, banker, janitor, recovering addict, etc....
Wouldn't it be nice for people to see how far you've climbed instead of people gossiping about how far you've fallen.

What's Been Started

When you look back The Kingdom of God started in The Garden of Eden.
Adam and Eve sinned and things went downhill.
The human race became so sinful that only a chosen few were saved.
Prophets came and went up to the time of John the Baptist.
The enemy of God thought that killing John would be the end of his message.
A message and warning. Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Then Jesus took his place as prophet, teacher, healer, and messiah.
The words and actions stirred the hearts of the people. Some loved him and some hated him.
The enemies of The Christ, thought that if they killed him then that would be the end of the supposed great and powerful new kingdom.
Not true. Oh  sure Jesus did die. But He didn't stay dead!
He's alive to this very day! And he's coming back to destroy the devil once and for all!
What I'm getting at is this;
The plans that God has for you can't be stopped by our enemies.
The good work that God began in you will be accomplished!
The devil stalks the earth like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
But like Daniel in the lions den, God shut up the mouths of the lions.
So don't listen to Satan, a loudmouth and a liar.
Listen to God who speaks to us in a still small voice.
His voice can calm any storm.
Life isn't perfect. And there will be pain.
But lean on the shoulders who took all our pain, and conquered the grave.
For with God all things are possible.
We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.

The Same Sin Over And Over

Do you struggle with one particular sin over and over?
And for Catholics, do you go to confession for the same thing nearly every time?
What gives right?
You know it's wrong and you keep slipping in the same way.
So why bother asking God for forgiveness?
The good news is that no matter what sin you've committed God forgives it and forgets it EVERY time.
Especially in sincerity.
More good news.
God will give you grace to overcome.
If God weren't inside you, you wouldn't know right from wrong. And you wouldn't care.
God will provide a way of escape for every temptation.
We may fall but God will pick us back up.
Don't let the excuse "I'm too embarrassed to ask God for forgiveness" keep you from God's everlasting love and grace. After all pride leads to a fall.
Seek out God.
Seek out support groups.
Seek out counseling.
And be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

He Made Me Do It

 God created everything. The universe. The galaxy. The earth and all that lives in the earth. He also created the angels. God created us. He gave us and the angels free will. One angel in particular was the most beautiful. He was strong. He thought he could rise above God. He tried and failed. The light bearer became the adversary, the devil.
  The devil isn't everywhere but he has plenty of helpers.
Sometimes without being fully aware, we become our own worst enemy.
Oh sure a fallen angel may point something out to us that catches our eyes. "Hey look that person over there. In the next cubicle. They're quite good looking aren't they? You should say
hi."
  You admit they are attractive. You say hello and hit it off. You feel a connection. Your co-worker wants to hang out after work. You may be single but your co-worker isn't.
  Reactions may differ at this point.
Would you purposely hang out with someone that's married?
One thing can lead to an other and next thing you know you're having an affair.
Or maybe you back off.
 Choice is yours.
The devil can't force your hand and neither can God.
Be assured that we may not want to face our sinful choices right now but one day we will.
Besides saying yes or no to sin is up to us so is repentance.
You choose to sin. You choose to go before God and not just say "sorry" but take it further and to "Go and sin no more"
Saying sorry and being sorry are two different things.
Don't stop there.
Don't let your resistance to sin fill you with the feeling of being invincible.
You're not.
As you rely upon God to say no, you must remember that it's Jesus that was tempted in every way and yet never sinned.
Remember God pours his spirit upon all who call upon him and who do so with sincerity.
God spits out what's lukewarm.
God rejects the proud.
God will never reject a humble and contrite heart.
Even the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.
And it's through the willing sacrifice of Jesus that our sins are wiped out.
Recognize your sin. Believe that Jesus is The Son of God. Believing in Him as The One who faced sin and yet lived without falling. Running into the arms of Jesus makes sense.
Jesus pleads before God on our behalf.
Run to Jesus.
He will help you overcome the call of sin.
When you're forgiven of your trespasses is when the greatest healing begins.
When Jesus forgave and healed those who came to him they jumped for joy, sang, and ran.
Confession and healing go together.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, the man without sin.
   

"Communion Every Day"

Acts 2:46
"Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and breaking bread in there homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart."
  I'm glad the church I attend not only has service every day but also offers communion.
  Jesus said to partake of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of his sacrifice.
  Why wouldn't you? When you partake of the hosts you are joined with our savior.
  Of course many churches only have Sunday service. Some of those churches only offer communion once a month. The reason being that the leaders don't want communion to become "a ritual or just a somewhat trivial routine."
  Some church leaders want to distance themselves from The Catholic Church.
  In that scense I understand but at what cost? Our relationship is with The Lord and we are to examine ourselves before we partake of the body and blood of Christ.
  The church (in my opinion) shouldn't decide for us when we can join ourselves with God and each other. We should take ourselves before God in repentance of our sins prior to joining our souls with The Lord.

"Miracles and Hardened Hearts"

Gospel of Mark 6:45-52
  "After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain  to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on the shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought is was a ghost and cried out. "Take courage, it is I. do not be afraid." He got in the boat and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened."
   What can be made of this?
   Why is it that the hearts of the disciples became hard?
One thought has popped into my head, Jealousy. And confusion.
    This band of travelers and friends meet this guy who is only 30 years old. To some of the followers of Jesus they may have thought that he was just young and arrogant.
   But I'm sure some were indeed jealous.
   In my own life I get angry when someone (especially fellow writers) can sit down and write effortlessly. I applaud their gift but then get into a brief depression because I often struggle to write a single well written paragraph.
  So now put yourself in the mind of the disciples.
   They're hanging out with Jesus. He effortlessly heals the sick, cast out demons, and take a small amount of food and feed 5,000 people just by praying. Now this guy can walk on water and calm the storm?
   Some might say Jesus was a show off.
   How can a mortal man do such things?
  Think about the account of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus. But when he sees a huge wave and takes his eyes off of Jesus, Peter begins to drown.
    Have you ever thought that you don't measure up to God. Truth is you never will.
   But there's good news.
     Chances are you'll never walk on water but you may save a life as a skilled surgeon.
  Your kindness toward a beggar may give the person who has next to nothing a new spark of hope.
 As a counselor in Substance Abuse Counseling I hope to reach at least one person to never again pick up their drug of choice.
    Your prayers will show a desperate person that in deed God not only exists. He is in the miracle business and above all he loves us.
    Let go. Let God.
  And may you be filled with the spirit of understanding that comes from knowing the creator who is the author and finisher of our faith.

The Coming Of The Lord

Well next Sunday is the official beginning of Advent.
  Advent is the celebration that culminates on Christmas.
  We rush around looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones.
   How about we slow down.
   Take a breath.
    And like Martha when she poured out expensive perfume onto the feet of Jesus.
    She took time to be with The Son of God.
    What will it cost us to lavish our love upon The Lord?
     I guarantee every second spent waiting for the Lord will be worth it.
     Yes Jesus is coming one day in the clouds.
    But never forget that The Holy Spirit is already here. He prepares us to bring Jesus to those who don't know Him.
    For them it's a personal advent.

"Zombies For Our Children" (Happy Halloween)

I went to the library today to get some CD'S.
  There were some Halloween and Harvest Time decorations up. Nothing really "bad".
   Then as I was leaving the library I walked past the Halloween books for kids. Targeted for kids ages 6-10 or there a bouts. There were books about the origins of Halloween, Ghost stories, costume ideas, pumpkin carving tips, and zombies.
  I'm a Christian and felt sick to my stomach.
  Zombies? It's bad enough that teenagers and adults alike have this obsession but to bring it to the attention of innocent children?
  I can't imagine trying to make zombies "cute".
  Rotting corpses reanimated by evil wandering around seeking out human flesh as a meal is the thing of nightmares and down right demonic.
   Is the idea to desensitize our children so that they won't find such movies as Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, and Resident Evil disturbing by the time they reach puberty? Is this a tactic to have family movie night be a zombie marathon?
   There are even Barbie type dolls that feature the living dead. Why? So girls can try to live up to being in a horror movie VS dolls that give girls insecurities about their bodies?
   If you give out candy on Halloween be prepared to see mommies little zombie.
   And for that matter a 12 year old girl not only dressed as a scantily clad cheerleader but as a zombie cheerleader.
   I wonder when this all started.
   A bigger question may be will it ever end?
  It's true we're all going to die.
    Most people are afraid to die.
  But does normalizing zombies really alleviate the fears of dying?
   Is this meant to say that dying isn't all that bad?
   Another good question may be shouldn't parents protect themselves from zombie movies?
  Why do we allow these images into our house.
   Many parents make sure their kids don't watch the news. So why is it OK to let them dress as the living dead? Maybe because zombies aren't real.
    I say zombies are real enough.
    They are of the devil and the devil is out to keep us in our flesh and rot our brains.
      God is too much to handle.Too controversial.
      So why not join the crowd of people that are diving head first into the zombie apocalypse?
   I say that we should dive head first into godly things.
    Many churches choose to celebrate the memory of the loved ones that have made their way into heaven. All Hallows Eve (all Souls day). Or then to celebrate the people throughout history that are examples of living for God. All saints day.
      We celebrate birthdays. The day life began.
      The day the creator brought us into being.
        In the world not of it.
      Dead to sin.
       Alive in Christ.      

Have Nothing Have Less

Taken from Luke 8:16-18
To paraphrase
To him who has much, more will be given to that person. To the the person who has little more will be taken.
This scripture baffled me since the first time I heard it.
Then today while I was at Mass The Lord spoke to me and gave me an explanation.
A person whom is full of The Spirit of The Lord, and shares what The Lord has given is filled with the energy to keep giving.
On the flip side when a person is near empty that person looses what they had and become to worn out to even try.
In other words:
Have you noticed in your own life (or witnessed in someone else) that when you run low on energy that making effort to do much of anything, including getting out of bed a task that only seems possible for a superhero?
I've been there. And it's not pretty.
In the throes of a deep depression, I stayed in bed most of the day, my personal hygiene suffered, my diet was horribly unhealthy, I gained weight, my laundry piled up, and my room resembled a garbage dump.
I had no get up and go and an attitude where I said, "Who cares. What's the point?"
If God hadn't intervened I can honestly say I wouldn't be here now.
But I am here.
And I am constantly be filled with life.
And people can tell.
When we look at the beginning of this passage from Luke I am a bright shining light that people are drawn to.
Like a lighthouse warning ships of danger.
If you're in a slump and feel empty ask The Lord to come into your life and light up your soul.
Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your soul with the oil that will keep your light shine before men.
Like the day of Pentecost when The Holy Spirit fell like fire let the zeal of The Lord burn within you.        

Keep Praying

   Many years ago a woman named Monica fervently prayed for her husband and son to come to the saving grace of Jesus. Eventually her prayers were answered.
   This woman is now known as St. Monica and her well known son is St. Augustine.
  St. Augustine was on the road to ruin. He was an alcoholic and womanizer to the least.
   Monica knew that living a life of sin wasn't what God has in mind for any of us.
   Living in sin is a life of separation from the fullness of God's presence. And a life without God isn't a life at all.
   It was the fervent prayer of a concerned mother that reached her sinful son.
   I can attest to the power of such prayer and intervention in my own life. I know that the prayers of the faithful have brought me and my wife to the loving grace of God. We both go to church as much as possible and prayer every night before bed.
   All of have called into the loving arms of God.
   We are all called to be children of the king of universe.
   Prayer changes things. Prayer can send pleas to The Holy Spirit to stir the hearts of those who don't know The Lord and warm the hearts of those whose hearts who have grown cold.
   It's God who shows us the error of our ways and proves that indeed his ways are far above our ways.
   So like the faithful St.Monica if we truly love someone who has gone astray we will see the fruits of our passion and will see the yield of the harvest when we enter the eternal Kingdom of God.
   Pray without ceasing for we cease without praying.        

"Weeping Rich"

   In the Book of Matthew Jesus meets a rich man who asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life and what it would take to follow The Lord.
   Jesus tells the rich man that he must keep the commandments.
   The rich man smiles because he has always kept the commandments. So this eager man asks if there is anything he must do to follow Jesus.
   Jesus replies that he should give away all he has to the poor. The rich man walks away sad for he had
much.
   And that's the last we hear of this rich man.
   But I dare say that wasn't the last that wealthy fellow heard of Jesus.
   I know from personal experience that a relationship with Jesus is of utmost importance.
   I have given up much to be with him. But giving up those things made me a better person.
   I feel that sure when God gets a hold of a persons heart and if we nourish the flame of his love no matter how much or how little we have every sacrifice is worth it's weight.
   So maybe if your unemployed and it's alcohol that got you to a state where you couldn't perform your duties at work. Maybe it's time to put that bottle down and get back on your feet. Beating addiction is
possible. I have nearly 6 years without alcohol or pot. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
   Maybe you're well off. You have all you need and then some. But I've heard it said that money isn't everything. Money can't buy you love.
    It can't buy you a place in Heaven either. So maybe you can give to charity. More importantly maybe you can get to church and feed on the richness of The Holy Spirit.
   Maybe volunteer as an usher at church.
   Go through old clothes. How long ago have you worn that "favorite" sweater?
   The point is you have something you can give.
   Giving=Receiving      

May The Force Be With You

   Ah, Facebook. Just another place to discuss whatever is on our minds.
This includes Star Wars.
   You might think that Star Wars fans could discuss things peacefully. After it's all one franchise right? You would be wrong.
   A Star Wars fan group I'm in can argue and cuss just as much as any other group where freedom of speech allows.
   It often starts with arguments over The Prequel Trilogy. Then it drifts into online gaming and then the novels.
    Then there are arguments about Light, Grey,and Dark Jedi's.
    Then comes name calling and personal attacks all based on a Sci-Fi entertainment franchise.
  Isn't Star Wars supposed to be entertainment?
  Why is it that the human race seems set on destroying each other?
  Why isn't there peace?
  We know that religion and politics are the biggest causes of conflict.
   It seems that human beings will find any reason to fight.
  We've all been hurt by people (including our closest friends and family members) who don't agree with our point of view.
   They just don't see it.
    So we clam up. We fight back. We find a weakness and attack. We bring up the past. And we lose friends. I have.
   Why do we put so much energy in fighting when we can put that energy into:
Healing
Praying
Loving
Laughing
Creativity
Peace
Understanding.
    I don't have all the answers. None of us do. And that's the point.
Instead of defining the truth in terms of my way is the only way. Why don't we look at what is missing?
    Peace is missing.
   If you're a Catholic are you going to let what something a Baptist preacher said that you don't agree with ruin your day?
    Or will you take a piece of The Prince of Peace and let offenses roll away?
  If you're a Muslim will you allow something a Christian said ruin your day or will you find peace in the fact that there is a God and that only He is all knowing?
    If you're a Democrat will you're life be ruined by the ways of Republicans or will you see that there are problems that need to be fixed and setting aside differences and just find a solution?
     Instead of being afraid of what we don't understand why not find a way to try to understand it?
   If you value life then live!
   If you want peace create it.
  If you desire beauty make beautiful things. This would include saying beautiful words.
   Life is short.
  Make every moment count.
   I assure you we won't argue about anything in Heaven so why argue about it here?
  Instead of Hell on earth why not create Heaven on earth.
May the Force be with you
May Peace be with you  

"They're Ruining The Country"

I've heard it being said that fighting for equal rights for the LGBT community is ruining the country. Many times these words are being said by people that claim that the Christian savior Jesus, hates gays.
I've made this point before.
If Jesus is the Son of God and if God is love then how can Jesus hate gays?
Simply stated, He can't.
Some Christians like to put the "sin" of homosexuality (or any lifestyle that isn't heterosexual ) the greatest of sins.
Some of these people say that allowing gay marriage in this country is inviting wrath upon The United States. So let me point something out.
Many Native American tribes allowed gay marriage. It wasn't a taboo. It wasn't a sin. It was a celebration of two people in love forming a sacred bond.
Then the white man came.
They brought the values of Christianity with them.
They brought slaves here.
They killed "savages" one village at a time.
I suppose that the Native Americans thought that Christianity ruined the country.
So before their was a fight over who can get married me must look at other things that are destroying The United States.
Religious intolerance. This includes infighting among many Christian denominations.
Looking the other way when someone that we trust puts our children in danger.Whether it be a doctor touching a young patient in a sexual manner. Or maybe a teacher having sex with an underage student.
Pornography often portrays women as being "daddy's little girl" and yet we wonder why so many of these girls are being sexually abused and even sold so that girls who ARE underage can become the play things of men that prefer prepubescent girls as a conduit for their depraved sexual cravings.
No matter how you feel about abortion Christian extremists take it upon themselves to kill abortion doctors After all it's a life for a life. But doesn't The Bible say that vengeance is the lord's and that he'll repay?
Mocking, hating, and killing Muslims is OK because we're in a Holy War.
Mocking, hating, and killing Christians is OK because we're in a Holy War.
Perhaps if homosexuality wasn't seen as an abomination perhaps Christian ministers wouldn't lead a double life where they have to sneak around to have sex with people in their own gender. While covering their tracks by getting married and having kids.
Adultery is a sin but isn't stopped husbands from cheating on their wives.
Lust is a sin but some of our pastors look at pornography. They even download pictures of children being sexually exploited.
I'm not saying all of this to declare that I'm not guilty of sin.
I need not point out the speck in your eye.
I need to allow God to help me remove the beam from my own eye.     

I'm Back Even Though God Never Left

It's been a while. I'm back.
Why the absesnce?
I got mad at God. Silly huh?
Especially since I have written about NOT getting mad at God.
It's not His fault that I was taking things the wrong way concerning friends. Heck it's not all their fault either.
I chose how to react.
I was the one who yelled and screamed.
God doesn't force our hand.
God gives us what we need to react in every situation.
Is school hard? Then study hard. Ask questions.
Jesus studied the scriptures and he asked questions.
He even asked His father if salvation might come in a way that didn't involve him being
whipped
,tortured,
spit upon,
mocked,
crowned with thorns,
nails driven in his hands and feet into the wood of a cross
put on display. Naked and ashamed.
Entering a grave.
Going into the pits of hell.
But did Jesus gave into all of that.
Sure he felt that his father had forsaken him. But Jesus didn't shake his fists. He didn't cuss God out. Jesus even asked his father to forgive all who were responsible for the sins he shed his blood for.
The Father was always there.
Jesus is always there.
And through the Holy Spirit we all can communicate directly to God.
No matter where we are.
No matter if the drugs and alcohol made me do it.
Even if my mental illness caused me to sin.
No matter the excuse.
No matter how far we stray from God.
He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Getting Ink?

     I have this idea that I want to get a tattoo. My ink will have something to do with dying to self I become eternal.
     To me this is the essence of my life. I have to die to self in order for God to be able to fill the void that is left.
     That was the case when I overcame addiction. I couldn't just walk away from the booze, weed, pornography, horror movies, and violent video games.
     The chemicals killed my brain cells.
      The pornography killed my innocence.
      The horror movies killed my empathy.
      The violent video games killed my peace.
   But then I gave God a chance to heal those things.
      God used my substance abuse to direct me to get a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling.
      God healed the damage done by pornography by helping me see just how awesome women are. Women are beautiful and not objects.
     God healed the damage done horror movies by putting it in my heart to heal people.
     The violence of the video games helped me see how beautiful peace can be.
     Garbage in garbage out.
     God in our hearts God in our speech.
      So what do you cover yourself with?
      If it's a tattoo really think about what message you're sending.
     Already have a tattoo that may speak to how you used to feel? Perhaps you were angry. Perhaps you felt abandoned. Have you memorialized being depressed and suicidal?
      It's not to late to live beyond what the ink on your body says or implies about who you are.
    Maybe you don't have tattoos but something else no longer fits you.
      Have you lived your life without smiling?
      Like the famous saying says,
              "Smile God loves you."
  

Men, How Does This Make You Feel?

     They say that one of the greatest tragedy's is when a parent has to bury a child. Sometimes such a child is stillborn. Never breathing a single breath.
     I know first hand how horrible this is. My fiance is in a support group dealing with such loss. I know that despite the fact the child isn't mine he has touched my life in ways I never imagined.
     It hurts. I cry.
     I cry despite being taught that crying makes me a "sissy." In my life crying has been a strength. Crying is like free grief counseling.
     So why did I bring the subject of stillbirth up?
     Because so often the women who go through such loss are deemed imperfect. Often husbands leave.
     Why? I feel in part, that the pressure to carry on the family name.
     When people get married there is a great expectation to have kids. If it doesn't happen try try again.
     Not always a choice.
     We sometimes ask ourselves why do bad or unfit parents get to have kids when so many "deserving" parents never have such a chance? It may suck but we may never know in this life.
      There is the hope that once we get to Heaven all will be revealed.
     Faith is the evidence of things unseen.
       We don't know everything.
      God's ways are far above our ways.
       Guys, when the Bible says that we are to be the head of the household we are being pressed into a role similar to Jesus is to the church. We should be there for our wives. We are to be man and like Jesus who does what he sees His father in Heaven doing.
     Jesus would never abandon anyone.
     We are to love unconditionally.
     Like Jesus we are to be OK with laying down our lives for our wives.
      That may mean letting go of the expectation of producing an heir.
     God's calling is as unique for all of us as there are people on the planet.
     So be a man.
      Take up your cross.
      Be like Simon who helped Jesus carry his cross when he no longer could.
         

"If A Friend…" Messages From The Pulpit

1 Corinthians 8:13
 "Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall."
  OK so maybe eating meat isn't a sin per se but with my fiancé's family always has meatless options for my fiancé and I who are vegetarians.
 As a person who has over 5 years without a drop to drink I always appreciate when
those same people don't drink beer or wine coolers when me and my fiancé are around.
It is so awesome when people close to us are so supportive.
  We are currently in the season of Lent.
For many people this is a time to give up one thing or another as a sign of restraint.
Of course the most well known of these self imposed restrictions is giving up red meat on Fridays. Many people replace Fish for red meat which lead to Friday fish fries.
There are endless things we can fast from at least once a week during Lent. But how much of a sacrifice is it? And would you be willing to give up said indulgence forever?
 Will you really miss it?
I'm giving up candy this year. Everyday for 40 days.
Just two days after Ash Wednesday it hasn't been too hard.
I admit I will miss my favorite candy, Hot Tamales but I know that I can do it.
  No matter what you may give up during Lent (or New Years or any other day for that matter) it is my prayer that you find at least one person to support you.
You may even find that your friend may find that they too can live without….
Giving things up that we love which may not be good for us isn't always easy.
  But remember that Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert for 40 days. Jesus never fell for the temptation Satan threw at him.
Jesus used scripture to counteract Satan's silver tongue.
  And as children of God we have the same arsenal at our hands.
Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us about the spiritual weapons of warfare.
The Whole Armor of God. The Belt of Truth. The Breastplate of Righteousness. Shod our feet with the Readiness of The Gospel of Peace. The Shield of Faith which can quench the fiery arrows of the devil. The Helmet of Salvation. The Sword of The Spirit.
Stand ready. Stand together. Stand with Jesus who overcame sin by dying on The Cross.