Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See
When I got in my truck today to drive to the gym, I had the radio on talk-radio. The host of the show was vomiting up lust toward some woman who just finished doing the local news. He was trying to justify his actions by telling his producer that all men do it. He told his producer (a woman) that her husband does the same thing and it is alright since he is faithful outwardly but all men fantasize about other women. His technician (another man) was agreeing with him. I turned the radio to K-Love before I heard the conclusion.
This radio host was saying it is alright to lust after someone of the opposite sex. Our society (for the much part) will agree with this guy. As a Christian, I do not measure my standards by our society because society’s standards change constantly. Instead, I am called to measure myself against the constant standard; the Word of God. I can easily come across as holier than thou if I compare myself with this radio guy, but if I measure myself against the ultimate man; Jesus Christ, I am found waiting or lacking. Only because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I am free from lusting after women. Being human, I can fail from time to time, but if I have a consistent walk with Christ my soul becomes stronger than my flesh so I am more likely to resist this temptation.
Going by the old adage of What Would Jesus Do, I have to go and read what He said about lusting after someone of the opposite sex. Jesus addresses this idea of lusting after someone other than your spouse as committing adultery in Matthew 5:28;
“but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
That is plain and simple, when you read what God (in the flesh) said about it.
You maybe asking, “Why is it so bad if I fantasize about someone other than my spouse?” Lusting after people in your mind is a seed that will produce sin. In James 1:14-15, we are told to be cautious of playing with sin;
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
This death is talking about Spiritual death (going to hell), but for a Christian this could be the death of trust between spouses if one is allowing his eyes to look at porn on the internet. Don’t be failed guys, the women hate this and it hurts them to the very soul.
Don’t allow yourself to be drew away what is right. Keep your eyes to yourself. Staying pure in mind is pleasing to the Lord and will keep you from sin. Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.
When I got in my truck today to drive to the gym, I had the radio on talk-radio. The host of the show was vomiting up lust toward some woman who just finished doing the local news. He was trying to justify his actions by telling his producer that all men do it. He told his producer (a woman) that her husband does the same thing and it is alright since he is faithful outwardly but all men fantasize about other women. His technician (another man) was agreeing with him. I turned the radio to K-Love before I heard the conclusion.
This radio host was saying it is alright to lust after someone of the opposite sex. Our society (for the much part) will agree with this guy. As a Christian, I do not measure my standards by our society because society’s standards change constantly. Instead, I am called to measure myself against the constant standard; the Word of God. I can easily come across as holier than thou if I compare myself with this radio guy, but if I measure myself against the ultimate man; Jesus Christ, I am found waiting or lacking. Only because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I am free from lusting after women. Being human, I can fail from time to time, but if I have a consistent walk with Christ my soul becomes stronger than my flesh so I am more likely to resist this temptation.
Going by the old adage of What Would Jesus Do, I have to go and read what He said about lusting after someone of the opposite sex. Jesus addresses this idea of lusting after someone other than your spouse as committing adultery in Matthew 5:28;
“but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
That is plain and simple, when you read what God (in the flesh) said about it.
You maybe asking, “Why is it so bad if I fantasize about someone other than my spouse?” Lusting after people in your mind is a seed that will produce sin. In James 1:14-15, we are told to be cautious of playing with sin;
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
This death is talking about Spiritual death (going to hell), but for a Christian this could be the death of trust between spouses if one is allowing his eyes to look at porn on the internet. Don’t be failed guys, the women hate this and it hurts them to the very soul.
Don’t allow yourself to be drew away what is right. Keep your eyes to yourself. Staying pure in mind is pleasing to the Lord and will keep you from sin. Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
What The Bible Says Series
I’ve been thinking about starting a blog series "What Does The Bible Say?". The “What Does the Bible Say Series” will cover topics we Christians and non-Christians have either wondered about or discussed and show what the Bible truly says about it or if the Bible even addresses it.
The way to this blog is to go in my profile and click on the title "What Does The Bible Say."
I’ve been thinking about starting a blog series "What Does The Bible Say?". The “What Does the Bible Say Series” will cover topics we Christians and non-Christians have either wondered about or discussed and show what the Bible truly says about it or if the Bible even addresses it.
The way to this blog is to go in my profile and click on the title "What Does The Bible Say."
Monday, January 04, 2010
Beware of Assumptions
It’s easy to assume someone is a Christian because they faithfully attend church. Just because a person attends church doesn’t mean they are a Christian. Church attendance doesn’t matter; it’s what a person does with Christ that matters. Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I’ve made two assumptions regarding people and their faith journey. The first one was when I was leading a college aged singles’ group back in the 1990’s. A young man started attending with another young man whom I’ve know since he was in elementary school. The visitor seemed nice and came every week; he was more faithful then the friend who invited him. One Sunday after he had been attending for a few months, he asked me a question after class. As we talked, I felt the Holy Spirit want me to ask this young man the question. I asked, “DJ (not his name), have you ever accepted Jesus as your Savior.” He looked at me and said, “No.” After that moment, I showed how he could know for certain that he was going to heaven after he died. The Holy Spirit had been convicting him, but he didn’t know how to respond. I assumed because of his friendship and his attendance that he was saved. I was wrong.
The second one is with my cousin. She has been attending churches throughout her life. I just thought she was saved until this past Sunday. She has all the information; she just needs to make a decision. She asked me what does it really means to be saved. I shared with her what she needs to do and gave her Bible passages to read to confirm what I told her. I told her that this is something between her and God. It was something I said in my sermon that the Holy Spirit used that made her want to ask me the question. I will follow up with her later this week see where she is in her journey.
Never assume that a person is saved because they attend church; you maybe a person who has attended church all your life. Church attendance means nothing in the eyes of God; it’s what you have done with the Person of Jesus Christ that matters in God’s eyes. When you accepted what Christ did for us on the cross, you are sealed for all time in the blood of Jesus Christ (the sacrificial Lamb of Israel). Jesus had to die in our place because we are unable to do anything of worth to gain acceptance in God’s eyes. The ticket to heaven was paid for in blood; Jesus Christ’s blood. Where are you in this journey? If you have questions, feel free to post a comment and I’ll get back with you.
Romans10:13 “for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."’
It’s easy to assume someone is a Christian because they faithfully attend church. Just because a person attends church doesn’t mean they are a Christian. Church attendance doesn’t matter; it’s what a person does with Christ that matters. Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I’ve made two assumptions regarding people and their faith journey. The first one was when I was leading a college aged singles’ group back in the 1990’s. A young man started attending with another young man whom I’ve know since he was in elementary school. The visitor seemed nice and came every week; he was more faithful then the friend who invited him. One Sunday after he had been attending for a few months, he asked me a question after class. As we talked, I felt the Holy Spirit want me to ask this young man the question. I asked, “DJ (not his name), have you ever accepted Jesus as your Savior.” He looked at me and said, “No.” After that moment, I showed how he could know for certain that he was going to heaven after he died. The Holy Spirit had been convicting him, but he didn’t know how to respond. I assumed because of his friendship and his attendance that he was saved. I was wrong.
The second one is with my cousin. She has been attending churches throughout her life. I just thought she was saved until this past Sunday. She has all the information; she just needs to make a decision. She asked me what does it really means to be saved. I shared with her what she needs to do and gave her Bible passages to read to confirm what I told her. I told her that this is something between her and God. It was something I said in my sermon that the Holy Spirit used that made her want to ask me the question. I will follow up with her later this week see where she is in her journey.
Never assume that a person is saved because they attend church; you maybe a person who has attended church all your life. Church attendance means nothing in the eyes of God; it’s what you have done with the Person of Jesus Christ that matters in God’s eyes. When you accepted what Christ did for us on the cross, you are sealed for all time in the blood of Jesus Christ (the sacrificial Lamb of Israel). Jesus had to die in our place because we are unable to do anything of worth to gain acceptance in God’s eyes. The ticket to heaven was paid for in blood; Jesus Christ’s blood. Where are you in this journey? If you have questions, feel free to post a comment and I’ll get back with you.
Romans10:13 “for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."’
Sunday, January 03, 2010
What Does it Means to be Saved?
My two cousins came to church today to hear me preach. After my sermon, one asked me about being saved. Apparently her grandmother told her that she got saved as a child. She does not remember getting saved. She asked me what it means to be saved. It appears she has head knowledge but has not accepted Christ in her heart. I feel she knows what to do so I just encouraged her to talk with God like she was talking with me. She just needs to confess her sins to God and accept what Christ did on the cross for us. The Holy Spirit used my sermon to touch her heart. He will complete her journey. I will follow up with her later this week.
Where are you in your journey with God? The Holy Spirit illuminates the mind of the pre-Christian*, stirs their heart, and moves their will. God has done all the work in salvation. God the Father, before the foundation of the Earth, created the plan to reconnect with the human race; Jesus Christ paid the predetermined sin debt on the cross; the Holy Spirit draws people to the Father. God chooses His people and saves us.
With that said, below are some bulletin points for the person who is wondering what being saved is all about.
1. God wants you to know that He loves you.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “
2. It is important that you know that you are a sinner in the eyes of God.
Romans 3:23 “. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,. . .”
3. It is important that you are aware that you are now dead in sin.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
4. Jesus Christ died for you; He took your sin on Himself.
Romans 5:6-8 “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
5. You can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:30-31 “and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."’
6. You can be saved and know it for sure.
1 John 5:10-13 “The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
7. If you call on Jesus, He will save you.
Romans 10:13 “for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."’
*NOTE: The term pre-Christian is in reference to those God has chosen for the foundation of the Earth to be saved as St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3-6 (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.).
My two cousins came to church today to hear me preach. After my sermon, one asked me about being saved. Apparently her grandmother told her that she got saved as a child. She does not remember getting saved. She asked me what it means to be saved. It appears she has head knowledge but has not accepted Christ in her heart. I feel she knows what to do so I just encouraged her to talk with God like she was talking with me. She just needs to confess her sins to God and accept what Christ did on the cross for us. The Holy Spirit used my sermon to touch her heart. He will complete her journey. I will follow up with her later this week.
Where are you in your journey with God? The Holy Spirit illuminates the mind of the pre-Christian*, stirs their heart, and moves their will. God has done all the work in salvation. God the Father, before the foundation of the Earth, created the plan to reconnect with the human race; Jesus Christ paid the predetermined sin debt on the cross; the Holy Spirit draws people to the Father. God chooses His people and saves us.
With that said, below are some bulletin points for the person who is wondering what being saved is all about.
1. God wants you to know that He loves you.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “
2. It is important that you know that you are a sinner in the eyes of God.
Romans 3:23 “. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,. . .”
3. It is important that you are aware that you are now dead in sin.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
4. Jesus Christ died for you; He took your sin on Himself.
Romans 5:6-8 “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
5. You can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:30-31 “and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."’
6. You can be saved and know it for sure.
1 John 5:10-13 “The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
7. If you call on Jesus, He will save you.
Romans 10:13 “for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."’
*NOTE: The term pre-Christian is in reference to those God has chosen for the foundation of the Earth to be saved as St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3-6 (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.).
Friday, January 01, 2010
Elohim (Infinite Power and Absolute Faithfulness)
Romans 15:6 say, “so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I love praising God for His goodness and being able to point people to Jesus Christ; it’s my purpose in life to do so. The first name of God (used in Genesis 1:1) is Elohim which stands for infinite power and absolute faithfulness. This past month has been one event after another that God has shown Himself to me to be Elohim.
First God has given us Ripley after I’ve given up wishing for a child. Not only did He give Teresa and me a child, but He gave us a sweet adorable to little piece of Sunshine (my nickname for her). I get lost in time while holding her and looking at her.
Second, God carried Ripley through her Intestinal Malrotation and the Ladd Procedure to correct it. God showed Himself absolute faithful during this. Ripley has a scare that is maybe 2 inches long but with time will fade. I am so grateful for God’s faithfulness to us in healing her with no setbacks. He didn’t have to heal her but He did and for that I cannot praise Him enough.
With the last month of medical stuff, I am thankful for the insurance we have through Dollar Tree. The bills are starting to come; the amount not covered by the insurance is adding up. Teresa and I know that God will supply the funds to cover them either through the Flex Spending Account I have at work, the money in our savings account, or through another means. He has been faithful to this point and we have no cause to would now.
Just today (the reason I’m writing this) God saved us 10% on a new hot water heater. Lowes gives discounts to veterans and Teresa served in the Army in the early 90’s. This took a nice size out of the cost. Even in the little things God shows Himself. With Him being so faithful and loving to us, how can I not spend the rest of my life praising Him? It’s just practice because that is what I’ll be doing in heaven; praising my God and Savior.
Romans 15:6 say, “so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I love praising God for His goodness and being able to point people to Jesus Christ; it’s my purpose in life to do so. The first name of God (used in Genesis 1:1) is Elohim which stands for infinite power and absolute faithfulness. This past month has been one event after another that God has shown Himself to me to be Elohim.
First God has given us Ripley after I’ve given up wishing for a child. Not only did He give Teresa and me a child, but He gave us a sweet adorable to little piece of Sunshine (my nickname for her). I get lost in time while holding her and looking at her.
Second, God carried Ripley through her Intestinal Malrotation and the Ladd Procedure to correct it. God showed Himself absolute faithful during this. Ripley has a scare that is maybe 2 inches long but with time will fade. I am so grateful for God’s faithfulness to us in healing her with no setbacks. He didn’t have to heal her but He did and for that I cannot praise Him enough.
With the last month of medical stuff, I am thankful for the insurance we have through Dollar Tree. The bills are starting to come; the amount not covered by the insurance is adding up. Teresa and I know that God will supply the funds to cover them either through the Flex Spending Account I have at work, the money in our savings account, or through another means. He has been faithful to this point and we have no cause to would now.
Just today (the reason I’m writing this) God saved us 10% on a new hot water heater. Lowes gives discounts to veterans and Teresa served in the Army in the early 90’s. This took a nice size out of the cost. Even in the little things God shows Himself. With Him being so faithful and loving to us, how can I not spend the rest of my life praising Him? It’s just practice because that is what I’ll be doing in heaven; praising my God and Savior.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Answered Prayer
It’s almost been a week since we had to give Ripley formula instead of breast milk. The reason for the change was that Ripley was not gaining weight and her pediatrician was thinking that Ripley was rejecting the protein in Teresa’s milk. Our pediatrician gave us a sample of a special formula high in iron. I started to pray that we can at least start alternating from formula and breast milk. One, breast milk is best for Ripley and good for Teresa, and two, breast milk is free and this special formula cost $28 for a 16 ounce container.
Teresa called the pediatrician today and since Ripley is doing well on the formula, the doctor OKed us to start to alternate from formula and breast milk. This is an answer to our prayers because this will help with the cost and shows Ripley is doing well. She looks like she is rounder in the face and thus gaining weight. We will find out Monday if she is gaining and my main prayer to God is for the pediatrician to see her weight gain and just have us breast feed. That would be awesome.
Our God is the creator of the universe and He cares for us. He cares for every little thing concerning us. Teresa and I are His children; we have Jesus as our Savior and thus we are God’s children. God the Father has everything in the palm of His hand; making everything run perfectly and He takes time out to answer the small requests and the big. That just amazes me.
From the day Teresa told me she was pregnant, I have been praying that God will save Ripley. I pray that God will draw her to Himself and that she will accept the gift Jesus Christ gave by taking man’s place on the cross. Lord willing, when Ripley accepts Jesus we will not only a physical family but also a spiritual one, too. That will be an awesome answer to my prayers.
It’s almost been a week since we had to give Ripley formula instead of breast milk. The reason for the change was that Ripley was not gaining weight and her pediatrician was thinking that Ripley was rejecting the protein in Teresa’s milk. Our pediatrician gave us a sample of a special formula high in iron. I started to pray that we can at least start alternating from formula and breast milk. One, breast milk is best for Ripley and good for Teresa, and two, breast milk is free and this special formula cost $28 for a 16 ounce container.
Teresa called the pediatrician today and since Ripley is doing well on the formula, the doctor OKed us to start to alternate from formula and breast milk. This is an answer to our prayers because this will help with the cost and shows Ripley is doing well. She looks like she is rounder in the face and thus gaining weight. We will find out Monday if she is gaining and my main prayer to God is for the pediatrician to see her weight gain and just have us breast feed. That would be awesome.
Our God is the creator of the universe and He cares for us. He cares for every little thing concerning us. Teresa and I are His children; we have Jesus as our Savior and thus we are God’s children. God the Father has everything in the palm of His hand; making everything run perfectly and He takes time out to answer the small requests and the big. That just amazes me.
From the day Teresa told me she was pregnant, I have been praying that God will save Ripley. I pray that God will draw her to Himself and that she will accept the gift Jesus Christ gave by taking man’s place on the cross. Lord willing, when Ripley accepts Jesus we will not only a physical family but also a spiritual one, too. That will be an awesome answer to my prayers.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ripley Enjoying Some Formula
This week, we had to start giving Ripley formula. The doctor is thinking her body is rejecting the protein in Teresa's breast milk. Teresa took the below photos as she feed her today. Lord willing, we can go back to the breast milk. It's better for Ripley and good for Teresa. Besides the breast milk diapers are nice and smell free. I changed my first formula diaper today and it was not pleasant to say the least.
This week, we had to start giving Ripley formula. The doctor is thinking her body is rejecting the protein in Teresa's breast milk. Teresa took the below photos as she feed her today. Lord willing, we can go back to the breast milk. It's better for Ripley and good for Teresa. Besides the breast milk diapers are nice and smell free. I changed my first formula diaper today and it was not pleasant to say the least.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Daddy Time
The last few hours at work today went by so slow. All I could think about is how much I wanted to see my two ladies. When I got home, I gave them both a kiss. Teresa needed to do some stuff so I got to have some Daddy Time with Ripley. I just can’t get over how precious she is. She is so adorable.
Baby Ripley had her 1 month doctor appointment today. Teresa reports that she has grown 1 inch (she's now 20.5 inches long) and her head grew 1 inch (I knew she was smart; brain growing). She has not gained any weight so she is still at 7 pounds 8 ounces. We've felt that Ripley could have acid reflux because she tends to get this look on her face and she smacks her lips like she tastes something not good after she feeds. The doctor has prescribed something for us to give her. We noticed the other day that Ripley had a rusted look in her diapers and the doctor is thinking her body is rejecting protein from Teresa's breast milk. We have to buy this special formula and Ripley will need to feed on that for at least a week and then the doctor will see if we can go back to breast feeding. Teresa will pump this week and Lord willing Ripley can go back to the breast. Teresa told me that Ripley had a rough day because of the shot in her thigh. There is a cute little band-aid on it.
Teresa and I are in good spirits because this is something God will handle. Ripley is so adorable and precious. I look forward to seeing what type of person she will grow into. Ripley is in good health despite the rough first month of life she has done.
Through all this, God is good. He has provided me with a great job with great insurance. He is taking care of us and He will make sure Ripley grows and knows Him as Savior.
The last few hours at work today went by so slow. All I could think about is how much I wanted to see my two ladies. When I got home, I gave them both a kiss. Teresa needed to do some stuff so I got to have some Daddy Time with Ripley. I just can’t get over how precious she is. She is so adorable.
Baby Ripley had her 1 month doctor appointment today. Teresa reports that she has grown 1 inch (she's now 20.5 inches long) and her head grew 1 inch (I knew she was smart; brain growing). She has not gained any weight so she is still at 7 pounds 8 ounces. We've felt that Ripley could have acid reflux because she tends to get this look on her face and she smacks her lips like she tastes something not good after she feeds. The doctor has prescribed something for us to give her. We noticed the other day that Ripley had a rusted look in her diapers and the doctor is thinking her body is rejecting protein from Teresa's breast milk. We have to buy this special formula and Ripley will need to feed on that for at least a week and then the doctor will see if we can go back to breast feeding. Teresa will pump this week and Lord willing Ripley can go back to the breast. Teresa told me that Ripley had a rough day because of the shot in her thigh. There is a cute little band-aid on it.
Teresa and I are in good spirits because this is something God will handle. Ripley is so adorable and precious. I look forward to seeing what type of person she will grow into. Ripley is in good health despite the rough first month of life she has done.
Through all this, God is good. He has provided me with a great job with great insurance. He is taking care of us and He will make sure Ripley grows and knows Him as Savior.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
What a great day for us; we have our health, our baby, and the gift of God in our hearts. What else would we ever want or need. We are enjoying a quiet day at home with our little gift from God. Our families are safe in their houses and enjoying their days as well.
Today is a mix of old and new traditions. First the new, I made pancakes, eggs, and bacon and want for this to be a new tradition when we are together. The old tradition is reading the Luke 2 account of Christmas before opening the gifts. We were given some nice gifts and are thankful for them.
Below are some photos of Ripley and us. If you want to see more, go to FaceBook. Merry Christmas!
What a great day for us; we have our health, our baby, and the gift of God in our hearts. What else would we ever want or need. We are enjoying a quiet day at home with our little gift from God. Our families are safe in their houses and enjoying their days as well.
Today is a mix of old and new traditions. First the new, I made pancakes, eggs, and bacon and want for this to be a new tradition when we are together. The old tradition is reading the Luke 2 account of Christmas before opening the gifts. We were given some nice gifts and are thankful for them.
Below are some photos of Ripley and us. If you want to see more, go to FaceBook. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My Little Girl
I can’t say enough on how much I love my little girl. Ripley is so adorable and precious. She is a gift from God and I can’t believe she is here. It still feels like it was just yesterday I was talk to Teresa’s stomach and now she is 4.5 weeks old. She still just sits there staring at me with her big eyes. She is so tiny and fragile.
Ripley has been fussy today and Teresa has been holding her most of the day. After I ate our dinner, I took Ripley for some Daddy time. Teresa went down stairs to eat and I sat in the glider beside the bed. She had been somewhat claim when I took her but I could tell she was fighting the sandman; you never fight the sandman, he always wins. I just held her and glided looking at her fight the good fight and losing. According to Teresa, I look the same way when I’m tired and/or waking up (slowly). Of course, she looked adorable. After a good while, I looked down and she was out. So I just sat and glided and held my little bit of sunshine. She slept almost an hour while I held her.
Every time I looked down, I got caught by the beauty that is God. He formed this little girl from Teresa and my chromosomes; I’m hoping He took my best ones (all of Teresa’s are good). I thought how can someone so little and fragile change our lives so much for the good. Teresa and I are so blessed this year with God carrying us through the one income, the pregnancy of Ripley, the delivery of Ripley, and the surgery of Ripley. Our God is awesome. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness.
I can’t say enough on how much I love my little girl. Ripley is so adorable and precious. She is a gift from God and I can’t believe she is here. It still feels like it was just yesterday I was talk to Teresa’s stomach and now she is 4.5 weeks old. She still just sits there staring at me with her big eyes. She is so tiny and fragile.
Ripley has been fussy today and Teresa has been holding her most of the day. After I ate our dinner, I took Ripley for some Daddy time. Teresa went down stairs to eat and I sat in the glider beside the bed. She had been somewhat claim when I took her but I could tell she was fighting the sandman; you never fight the sandman, he always wins. I just held her and glided looking at her fight the good fight and losing. According to Teresa, I look the same way when I’m tired and/or waking up (slowly). Of course, she looked adorable. After a good while, I looked down and she was out. So I just sat and glided and held my little bit of sunshine. She slept almost an hour while I held her.
Every time I looked down, I got caught by the beauty that is God. He formed this little girl from Teresa and my chromosomes; I’m hoping He took my best ones (all of Teresa’s are good). I thought how can someone so little and fragile change our lives so much for the good. Teresa and I are so blessed this year with God carrying us through the one income, the pregnancy of Ripley, the delivery of Ripley, and the surgery of Ripley. Our God is awesome. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wondering Why
I received an e-mail today that made me think about what Teresa and I went through only 2 weeks ago with Ripley. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2 weeks since we found out about Ripley’s intestinal malrotation and the surgery to fix it. Not once did I ask God why this was going on with Ripley. I think Teresa asked why and I know for sure my sister was asking why but I never did. I’m not sure why I didn’t; I just had a sense of peace that God would carry Ripley through the surgery and fully recover and He did just that.
The foresaid e-mail was a forward from a friend of mind. She has been forwarding e-mails from missionaries to Mongolia about their sick daughter. I prayed as I received them. The last e-mail was of the family coming back to the U.S. to seek medical care. The newest e-mail hit very close to home for me and made me wonder why for the first time. The e-mail read;
“Dear Friends and Family,
We so much appreciate your prayers, thoughts, cards, concern… This past week has been very difficult for Lydia and I. On Monday, we met with the doctors and told them that we had decided not to do chemotherapy. It was a rough meeting with the doctors strongly pressing their case for chemotherapy. However, they have accepted our decision and Esther comes home today (12.23.09). We will do a small amount of traveling to visit relatives over the next month or so and then be in Springfield, MO until Esther goes home. The doctors have given 2 – 6 months, but no one really knows for sure. Once we are done with the traveling (we want to visit family in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana), we will have pediatric hospice involved. Our doctor in Bolivar and hospice will oversee Esther’s care. We appreciate your prayers as we go through this very difficult time.”
This message left me wondering why God carried my little girl through her ordeal, and not to heal this child. I know there is no reason that I need to know but it has left me to wonder what God has planned for Ripley. Was the malrotation about teaching Teresa and/or me a faith lesson? Or was it to reach one of our loved ones His love and show yes that God is in control. I may never know the answer to this question. I trust that God knows what He is doing and he will carry this family through the situation with their daughter and the aftermath of her going “home.”
Our children are not ours; they are gifts from God Himself. Commit them to His care, and He will take care of them. Never withhold your children from his prefect will for their lives. Whatever plans you may have for them pales compared to his plans for them. Give them back to Him.
Daily, I thank God for healing Ripley. The last if the surgical tape has fallen off the there is just a faint pink line that will just about disappear one day. I’m awestruck with God when I think about what He has done for my little girl. With the e-mail today, I’m felt wondering why He did what He did for Ripley and what He has planned for this family.
Please join me in praying for comfort and peace for the Elliott family; missionaries to Mongolia through the Baptist Bible Fellowship Intl.
I received an e-mail today that made me think about what Teresa and I went through only 2 weeks ago with Ripley. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2 weeks since we found out about Ripley’s intestinal malrotation and the surgery to fix it. Not once did I ask God why this was going on with Ripley. I think Teresa asked why and I know for sure my sister was asking why but I never did. I’m not sure why I didn’t; I just had a sense of peace that God would carry Ripley through the surgery and fully recover and He did just that.
The foresaid e-mail was a forward from a friend of mind. She has been forwarding e-mails from missionaries to Mongolia about their sick daughter. I prayed as I received them. The last e-mail was of the family coming back to the U.S. to seek medical care. The newest e-mail hit very close to home for me and made me wonder why for the first time. The e-mail read;
“Dear Friends and Family,
We so much appreciate your prayers, thoughts, cards, concern… This past week has been very difficult for Lydia and I. On Monday, we met with the doctors and told them that we had decided not to do chemotherapy. It was a rough meeting with the doctors strongly pressing their case for chemotherapy. However, they have accepted our decision and Esther comes home today (12.23.09). We will do a small amount of traveling to visit relatives over the next month or so and then be in Springfield, MO until Esther goes home. The doctors have given 2 – 6 months, but no one really knows for sure. Once we are done with the traveling (we want to visit family in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana), we will have pediatric hospice involved. Our doctor in Bolivar and hospice will oversee Esther’s care. We appreciate your prayers as we go through this very difficult time.”
This message left me wondering why God carried my little girl through her ordeal, and not to heal this child. I know there is no reason that I need to know but it has left me to wonder what God has planned for Ripley. Was the malrotation about teaching Teresa and/or me a faith lesson? Or was it to reach one of our loved ones His love and show yes that God is in control. I may never know the answer to this question. I trust that God knows what He is doing and he will carry this family through the situation with their daughter and the aftermath of her going “home.”
Our children are not ours; they are gifts from God Himself. Commit them to His care, and He will take care of them. Never withhold your children from his prefect will for their lives. Whatever plans you may have for them pales compared to his plans for them. Give them back to Him.
Daily, I thank God for healing Ripley. The last if the surgical tape has fallen off the there is just a faint pink line that will just about disappear one day. I’m awestruck with God when I think about what He has done for my little girl. With the e-mail today, I’m felt wondering why He did what He did for Ripley and what He has planned for this family.
Please join me in praying for comfort and peace for the Elliott family; missionaries to Mongolia through the Baptist Bible Fellowship Intl.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Levels of Commitment
With the snow hitting the east coast, many places had 12 inches plus and it shut down everything. We here in the south-side of Hampton Roads had a dusting of snow; less than an inch. I wrote a comment on FaceBook this morning, “We actually got a bit of snow here in the south-side of Hampton Roads. Not much but enough to cover cars. It makes me wonder how many will allow this to keep them from attending church?” We had maybe 45 people in total (including children) in church today. I called a gentleman to see if he will make it to the men’s class. He told me that the family would not come to church today. I didn’t ask why because I was in shock. Another gentleman from the class called the same man after me and was told the same thing and he asked why. The answer wasn’t a sound one. I guess he felt convicted from our calls and he and his family made it to church. I told him that God used us to convict him. His response was, “That’s alright Tom.” I looked at him and said, “I wasn’t apologizing for it; just making a statement.”
I’m not trying to sound judgmental, but we have levels of commitment. Some Christ-followers don’t see church attendance as important. Jerry Bridges comments in an article on commitment, “As I have watched the parade of people through our church, and other churches. I wonder why so few commit themselves to a local body of believers in a significant way. Many sit and soak and do little else, and they flee at the first sign of trouble or pressure. They fail to become involved or to give; the priority for corporate worship falls far down on the list. They criticize all that is wrong with a specific local congregation. . . What can we do besides comment or complain? We need to accept the challenge to commit ourselves to responsible membership.”
The local church is the first level of commitment outside of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The local church with all its imperfections is still the Lord’s major avenue through which he accomplishes His work. The church gathers for worship, teaching and fellowship to gain power to carry out the ministry as each member lives, works, and shares God in the world.
Hebrews 10: 24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
Church attendance and participation ranks with visiting Grandpa’s grave, calling your college roommate and viewing the new wing of the art museum. You have every intention of doing it unless of course something else important comes up. In far too many lives, church attendance seems to be put in last place. Commitment to church is deeper than just attendance to the worship services, but it does begin there.
Whatever you are passionate about, you put all your strength toward. I have a feeling a lot of Christ-followers aren’t as passionate (or committed) to church as our fellow brothers and sisters were in the first century. Just my thoughts.
With the snow hitting the east coast, many places had 12 inches plus and it shut down everything. We here in the south-side of Hampton Roads had a dusting of snow; less than an inch. I wrote a comment on FaceBook this morning, “We actually got a bit of snow here in the south-side of Hampton Roads. Not much but enough to cover cars. It makes me wonder how many will allow this to keep them from attending church?” We had maybe 45 people in total (including children) in church today. I called a gentleman to see if he will make it to the men’s class. He told me that the family would not come to church today. I didn’t ask why because I was in shock. Another gentleman from the class called the same man after me and was told the same thing and he asked why. The answer wasn’t a sound one. I guess he felt convicted from our calls and he and his family made it to church. I told him that God used us to convict him. His response was, “That’s alright Tom.” I looked at him and said, “I wasn’t apologizing for it; just making a statement.”
I’m not trying to sound judgmental, but we have levels of commitment. Some Christ-followers don’t see church attendance as important. Jerry Bridges comments in an article on commitment, “As I have watched the parade of people through our church, and other churches. I wonder why so few commit themselves to a local body of believers in a significant way. Many sit and soak and do little else, and they flee at the first sign of trouble or pressure. They fail to become involved or to give; the priority for corporate worship falls far down on the list. They criticize all that is wrong with a specific local congregation. . . What can we do besides comment or complain? We need to accept the challenge to commit ourselves to responsible membership.”
The local church is the first level of commitment outside of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The local church with all its imperfections is still the Lord’s major avenue through which he accomplishes His work. The church gathers for worship, teaching and fellowship to gain power to carry out the ministry as each member lives, works, and shares God in the world.
Hebrews 10: 24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
Church attendance and participation ranks with visiting Grandpa’s grave, calling your college roommate and viewing the new wing of the art museum. You have every intention of doing it unless of course something else important comes up. In far too many lives, church attendance seems to be put in last place. Commitment to church is deeper than just attendance to the worship services, but it does begin there.
Whatever you are passionate about, you put all your strength toward. I have a feeling a lot of Christ-followers aren’t as passionate (or committed) to church as our fellow brothers and sisters were in the first century. Just my thoughts.
Friday, December 18, 2009
No Go Zones
Since Ripley is doing very well and I have no new photos of my little angle, I thought I go back to writing down my thoughts. My blog originally started because a friend encouraged me to write about our church planting effects, and then it morphed into a way for me to sleep. You see I need to download my thoughts from time to time so I can sleep; if I don’t I just lay in bed thinking. Some of these thoughts have turned into introductions to sermons but most are just for me. I try to get the grammar and spelling correct in case other people read this blog. Sometimes I fail on both. ; - )
I’ve written this before but I avoid sweets. I’ve never been drawn to them even as a kid, but I choose to say no to sweets to maintain my weight loss. This time of the year, we have vendors who send sweets as a thank you for using their serves during the year. The Logistic Division is broken into three departments; Outbound Transportation (the department I work in), Domestic Inbound, and International Inbound (or Imports). The Departments have our own aisle, and this time of year the sweets are located at the end of the International Inbound aisle. This is what I call a “No Go Zone.” No Go Zones are anything place (physical or mental) where I do not put myself to avoid temptation.
Teresa and I went to a marriage retreat in the early days of our marriage. The speakers were a husband/wife team. In one of the breakout session, the men’s speaker said something that I never forgotten. He said that we need to set blocks in areas of our lives that we are weak. He used the illustration of if you have an issue with drinking too much and your favor bar is on the way home, you should take another way home even if it adds driving time. The speaker didn’t call these areas “No Go Zones” but I started referring to them as this sometime ago.
I do not see myself as all that; I can have a low self-esteem of myself steaming to my learning disability I had in elementary school so when I sense a woman eying me up, I avoid this person like the plague. The person becomes a No Go Zone; especially if I do not need to deal with her. I do not even want to give Satan a toe hold. I am so blessed with an awesome wife where I can get her help if I sense this. She confirms my concerns or assures me it’s my delusion. When Teresa isn’t around, I ask other women to help me because, like most men, I’m clueless if a woman is checking me out. When my concerns are confirmed, I become like one of the knights in Mighty Python and the Holy Grail; you know “Run away! Run away!”
No Go Zones can be anyplace, any person, or anything (like websites). You need to put blocks in so you can’t get to them. A block can be an accountability partner who you share things with that will help you overcome whatever is tempting you. A block can be web filters that won’t allow you to visit certain sites. Most blocks are mental ones that you put down yourself. Like the person with the drinking issue who goes a different way home because he has put blocks in the way on the old way home; these block were put in place in his mind.
What areas in your life should be No Go Zones? Not going to these No Go Zone will help you in your walk with God and strengthen you relation with others; especially your spouse. Thank about where you need to put blocks.
Since Ripley is doing very well and I have no new photos of my little angle, I thought I go back to writing down my thoughts. My blog originally started because a friend encouraged me to write about our church planting effects, and then it morphed into a way for me to sleep. You see I need to download my thoughts from time to time so I can sleep; if I don’t I just lay in bed thinking. Some of these thoughts have turned into introductions to sermons but most are just for me. I try to get the grammar and spelling correct in case other people read this blog. Sometimes I fail on both. ; - )
I’ve written this before but I avoid sweets. I’ve never been drawn to them even as a kid, but I choose to say no to sweets to maintain my weight loss. This time of the year, we have vendors who send sweets as a thank you for using their serves during the year. The Logistic Division is broken into three departments; Outbound Transportation (the department I work in), Domestic Inbound, and International Inbound (or Imports). The Departments have our own aisle, and this time of year the sweets are located at the end of the International Inbound aisle. This is what I call a “No Go Zone.” No Go Zones are anything place (physical or mental) where I do not put myself to avoid temptation.
Teresa and I went to a marriage retreat in the early days of our marriage. The speakers were a husband/wife team. In one of the breakout session, the men’s speaker said something that I never forgotten. He said that we need to set blocks in areas of our lives that we are weak. He used the illustration of if you have an issue with drinking too much and your favor bar is on the way home, you should take another way home even if it adds driving time. The speaker didn’t call these areas “No Go Zones” but I started referring to them as this sometime ago.
I do not see myself as all that; I can have a low self-esteem of myself steaming to my learning disability I had in elementary school so when I sense a woman eying me up, I avoid this person like the plague. The person becomes a No Go Zone; especially if I do not need to deal with her. I do not even want to give Satan a toe hold. I am so blessed with an awesome wife where I can get her help if I sense this. She confirms my concerns or assures me it’s my delusion. When Teresa isn’t around, I ask other women to help me because, like most men, I’m clueless if a woman is checking me out. When my concerns are confirmed, I become like one of the knights in Mighty Python and the Holy Grail; you know “Run away! Run away!”
No Go Zones can be anyplace, any person, or anything (like websites). You need to put blocks in so you can’t get to them. A block can be an accountability partner who you share things with that will help you overcome whatever is tempting you. A block can be web filters that won’t allow you to visit certain sites. Most blocks are mental ones that you put down yourself. Like the person with the drinking issue who goes a different way home because he has put blocks in the way on the old way home; these block were put in place in his mind.
What areas in your life should be No Go Zones? Not going to these No Go Zone will help you in your walk with God and strengthen you relation with others; especially your spouse. Thank about where you need to put blocks.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Wow Day
I just had one of those wow moment days. Today is my first day back to work; getting back into the norm after Ripley's surgery. I was stopped by Dean Jones, the V.P. of Transportation, and he told me that he was following Ripley's journey through my blog and that he and his family were praying for us. I was surprised that he was reading my blog. I know is a conservative Catholic but I never would have guess he would take the time to read my blog. You never know who reads these things.
Another wow moment was while driving to the gym for my daily exercise; Teresa called and gave me some great news. Ripley has gained 4 more ounces. That is great news since it took her 3 weeks to get back to her birth weight. This means that the Ladd’s Procedure to correct the malrotation has helped with her gaining her weight. God is good.
Our God is so faithful to us; even when we aren’t faithful back. He is so long-suffering. He gives us so many chances to correct our ways before He corrects us. God is not standing in heaven with a thunder bolt ready to throw it at us at any given time when we step out of line. He sent us His word so we can know what we should do and not do. He sends people in our path to help us stay on the “straight and narrow.” He gives us grace long before He has to correct us. Just like it is not pleasant when you need to correct your child(ren); it’s not pleasant when God needs to correct us. That’s way it’s so important to show our children the Love God shows us. Part of His love is His correction. Hebrews 12:6 says, “FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
Because God sees us as His children, He will make sure we are doing what He instructs us to do and behavior in a way worthy of our station. Our station is that as coheirs to heaven with Jesus Christ. If you are a child of God; you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are a child of God; and thus, royalty. When God draws us to Himself that indeed is the wow day because we will never be the same again. Thank you Lord for saving my soul and healing my daughter. I pray that you draw Ripley to Yourself at an early an age and make her a coheir with Teresa and me.
I just had one of those wow moment days. Today is my first day back to work; getting back into the norm after Ripley's surgery. I was stopped by Dean Jones, the V.P. of Transportation, and he told me that he was following Ripley's journey through my blog and that he and his family were praying for us. I was surprised that he was reading my blog. I know is a conservative Catholic but I never would have guess he would take the time to read my blog. You never know who reads these things.
Another wow moment was while driving to the gym for my daily exercise; Teresa called and gave me some great news. Ripley has gained 4 more ounces. That is great news since it took her 3 weeks to get back to her birth weight. This means that the Ladd’s Procedure to correct the malrotation has helped with her gaining her weight. God is good.
Our God is so faithful to us; even when we aren’t faithful back. He is so long-suffering. He gives us so many chances to correct our ways before He corrects us. God is not standing in heaven with a thunder bolt ready to throw it at us at any given time when we step out of line. He sent us His word so we can know what we should do and not do. He sends people in our path to help us stay on the “straight and narrow.” He gives us grace long before He has to correct us. Just like it is not pleasant when you need to correct your child(ren); it’s not pleasant when God needs to correct us. That’s way it’s so important to show our children the Love God shows us. Part of His love is His correction. Hebrews 12:6 says, “FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
Because God sees us as His children, He will make sure we are doing what He instructs us to do and behavior in a way worthy of our station. Our station is that as coheirs to heaven with Jesus Christ. If you are a child of God; you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are a child of God; and thus, royalty. When God draws us to Himself that indeed is the wow day because we will never be the same again. Thank you Lord for saving my soul and healing my daughter. I pray that you draw Ripley to Yourself at an early an age and make her a coheir with Teresa and me.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
God’s Kiss Mark
Teresa’s parent headed back to Kentucky this morning. It was great having them help us with Ripley. We had it good this last week. My parents were able to come and sit with us during the surgery, and Teresa’s were here the first day after we brought Ripley home.
We have a follow up doctor appointment on January 11 to see how Ripley is healing. The scare should be just a very fine line after a while. The doctor used surgical glue and a new type of tape instead of stitches. I’ve decided if Ripley asks about how she got the scare, I will tell her that it’s a God kiss mark where God kissed her booboo and made it better.
Since Ripley is doing so well, I’m planning on returning to work in the morning. I’ll use my last two vacation days in January. Our follow up doctor appointment lands on my 40th birthday so what better way to celebrate it by getting confirmation that Ripley is fully healed.
Below are some photos taken this last week. Again, thank you all who prayed for us and our little girl.
Teresa’s parent headed back to Kentucky this morning. It was great having them help us with Ripley. We had it good this last week. My parents were able to come and sit with us during the surgery, and Teresa’s were here the first day after we brought Ripley home.
We have a follow up doctor appointment on January 11 to see how Ripley is healing. The scare should be just a very fine line after a while. The doctor used surgical glue and a new type of tape instead of stitches. I’ve decided if Ripley asks about how she got the scare, I will tell her that it’s a God kiss mark where God kissed her booboo and made it better.
Since Ripley is doing so well, I’m planning on returning to work in the morning. I’ll use my last two vacation days in January. Our follow up doctor appointment lands on my 40th birthday so what better way to celebrate it by getting confirmation that Ripley is fully healed.
Below are some photos taken this last week. Again, thank you all who prayed for us and our little girl.
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