tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42281934329275084152024-03-13T19:54:34.261-07:00The Accidental AnabaptistMusings and occasional *soapbox* rants on all that inspires me, and on the journey that shaped me. Thoughts on faith, friends, and family. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-21889172545845639082015-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:002015-09-07T13:09:46.121-07:00A Wedding, A Cake, and a Rainbow. Seeing Both Sides Of Controversy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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PERSECUTED FOR FAITH:</div>
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<a href="http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/intro.htm">http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/intro.htm</a></div>
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Click on the above to read about the Anabaptist Martys who died for their faith.</div>
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It's never been popular to be a Christian. <br />
And before I launch into that, let me make a statement: <br />
WESTBORO BAPTIST IS A HATE GROUP. I do NOT belong to a hate group. I am a follower of Jesus Christ and they (Westboro Baptist) are not following the Commandments of Christ. I can say without reservation they are ignoring them. But in America, they have EVERY RIGHT TO. </div>
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Now, if you think because your gay, that I, as a Christian would hate you, or even JUDGE you, YOU ARE MISTAKEN. I just won't bake you a wedding cake and your just going to have to get over that. <br />
Maybe just as you say Kim Davis should simply resign, you should just whip out the egg-beaters and go to town on your own cake? The most difficult part of irony is that one person doesn't *get it*.</div>
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Now I don't pretend to understand or relate to the huge, heaping coals of judgment that some bigoted Christians have dumped on you. I love you as a human. You have the same equal rights as any other human on this planet. I am a sinner, saved by grace and have no business judging you, lest I be judged very harshly by my Father God in heaven. KNOW that I love you, but do not believe that every gay person was born gay. It is my personal belief that I have no idea who is and who isn't born gay, but surely if we can, as humans, be born with BOTH genitalia, and be forced to choose whether to be a man or a woman by society, then surely only GOD knows the finer points of DNA and genetics. Amen? <br />
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So save me any blasting about the Gay-Christian struggles on any level and know that my heart goes out to all humanity for all struggles we each face. I am imperfect- and not qualified to point fingers. There, I got that off my chest. Let's move on...<br />
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For me, I see the global importance, regardless if your Gay or Straight, Atheist or Christian, to uphold every one's rights, not just the ones we like or that pertain to us. I uphold others beliefs OFTEN. That's not to say I agree... I just believe in Equal Human Treatment. That means- I'm part of that beautiful, complicated, equation. </div>
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I have a few friends who do not believe as I do, (and that includes some very far stretches from my belief system), should support me if they see me being persecuted. (The Bible says this will happen).. so heads up my friends.. The book of Revelation is coming into full view for all to see. Christians are being persecuted daily simply for being Christians.. but we know that accepting the calling of Christ, that this WILL HAPPEN. </div>
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<a href="http://en.radiovaticana.va/.../pope_francis_at.../1170070">http://en.radiovaticana.va/.../pope_francis_at.../1170070</a></div>
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The Pope on Persecution of Christians</div>
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The Pope on GENOCIDE OF CHRISTIANS</div>
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And that's just The Pope speaking. I chose those so that it wouldn't be qualified as a fringe group. (No hating on Catholics please)</div>
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Here's some of what the BIBLE has to say directly about persecution of believers (of Jesus Christ as Lord):</div>
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Psalms 9:13 Have mercy on me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, you that lift me up from the gates of death:</div>
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Psalms 119:86 All your commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help you me.</div>
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Jeremiah 20:11 But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.</div>
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Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.</div>
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John 15:18 If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.</div>
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John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.</div>
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Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?</div>
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1 Corinthians 4:12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:</div>
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2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.</div>
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1 Thessalonians 3:4 For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know.</div>
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2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.</div>
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Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst you became companions of them that were so used.</div>
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1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:</div>
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1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.</div>
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Christianity is ILLEGAL in many parts of the world. I remember having to explain to my children that the people who die for their religion are called Martyrs, and I know my life might have to end at the hands of someone who hates Jesus Christ. That's some heavy stuff to unload on a kid, but it's important that from the cradle that believing in Jesus won't be easy.<br />
I'm prepared for that moment- the time and place where I may have to be beheaded, or tortured because I WILL NOT DENOUNCE JESUS! This "resolve" is called: CONVICTION. I would also die for my gay brothers in Christ, (not for their gay position, but simply to lay my life down for them out of love and devotion, should it come to it. I'm not looking forward to it, but yeah, I'd take a bullet for most anyone in harms way. <br />
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Now, real conviction of which I speak is rarely glamorous. It's not the camera-grabing, media-induced attention that we typically are exposed to. But the media might just grab ahold of something genuine now and then by accident. And that is why I support Kim Davis. She's going by her gut... and I like that. And it's not that I care if Gay's marry in civil ceremonies. I don't. I just love that someone has the heart and courage to draw her line in the sand. It's the stuff that writes history and don't act like you don't either- because you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't. Right? Your pulling for one side or the other. <br />
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I think we, as a people need to see what's happening on both sides of an issue, not just the one that suites us. </div>
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Can I tell you something? The church I worship with has a ton of martyrs who died for their faith... who left their homeland in search of a place where they could worship God without fear for their life. They arrived here in the US. Now.. slowly but surely they are in fear of their liberties being eroded. Before long, and probably in my lifetime, I will bet you that churches will have to alter the bible, or throw it out altogether and go completely underground as they all will be considered *bigots*. Christianity will be considered hatred, as it's twisted around and around. </div>
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Now, there ARE bigots out there. Make no mistake. Ignore them and PRAY FOR THEM, because that is their ignorant self speaking. </div>
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I see a lot of "bending" of the issues on both the Christian side and the Gay side. Kim has now decided she simply wants her name not associated with issued licenses. That was, after she was jailed. I also see Gay's making a witch hunt out of this. Don't tell me the couple from Ohio couldn't get married in any other county? I'm not believing that. And because both Christians and Gays want to be heard, there is a lot of clutter to wade through on social media to get to the heart of this issue and other issues like it. It is truly difficult to understand any facts through the media because they paint the story they way they want it to sell. </div>
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Understand why I'm banging on my dishpan here: So that your informed.<br />
There is a hierarchy in my bible... God, Man, Woman, Children..in that order. Nothing will change that. I don't see women preachers in the Bible, but God used women in different roles... I'm not trying to change that. Deacons may only be the husband of one wife. Not challenging it either. But there is a whole process at work trying to water it all down. Wait and see. Either side your on.. wait and see.<br />
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Ultimately, Kim Davis will ride off in the sunset at some point. Another clash between believers, and anyone who opposes them, & their perceived rights will crop up again and again. Make particular note of what I just wrote: The clash will continue over and over. Additionally; there will be bigots. There will also be GOOD PEOPLE who are following their convictions REGARDLESS of what the GOVERNMENT has to say about it and paying the cost. Mark those words. John the Revelator sure did! <br />
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John the Revelator is considered to be exiled to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patmos" title="Patmos">Patmos</a>, undergoing a time of persecution under the Roman rule of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domitian" title="Domitian">Domitian</a>. Revelation 1:9 states: "I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation... was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."<br />
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Early Traditions and greetings in his letters, suggest that John was banished to Patmos by the Roman authorities. This tradition is credible because banishment was a common punishment used during the Imperial period for a number of offenses. Among such offenses were the practices of magic and astrology. Prophecy was viewed by the Romans as belonging to the same category, whether Pagan, Jewish, or Christian and they didn't discriminate. Prophecy with political implications, like that expressed by John in the book of Revelation, would have been perceived as a threat to Roman political power and order. Three of the islands in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporades" title="Sporades">Sporades</a> were places where political offenders were banished. (Pliny <i>Natural History</i> 4.69–70; Tacitus <i>Annals</i> 4.30)</blockquote>
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Kids- this isn't anything new. <br />
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Just know:I have no problem with the LGBT community setting standards anymore than I have a problem with all of humanity wanting equality. And if I see someone treating you as less than any other human- I will lay down my life for you. </blockquote>
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It's just that, well...I personally will not bake you a cake, but I will feed you if your hungry. And if your cold, I'll give you my coat. Sick? I'll try to heal you. I will love you like I love Christ. But don't ask me to compromise. I'll die defending my faith... just like others before me. And at some point- You'll see that the love I had was not my own. It was the love of Christ in me. </blockquote>
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So I've pointed out that all people are flawed. No one is making 100% informed choices and most everyone will support the side that best suites their own agenda. </div>
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My question is: Will YOU, the reader, Gay, Straight, Atheist, Agnostic, or just lukewarm or on fire, stand up for me and my right to believe in Jesus?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-86970243750974724812014-12-08T17:55:00.000-08:002014-12-08T18:02:04.296-08:00Wimpy Christians Unite!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ivvSBFOBaJPnzSDWBCxhJa-qRkX2gtp72ARqp6Llid3xtUh8lWd2oNcBgrYBS6S-z6DzqvUHSYZ3PwW0Jh-GEaep7CRFF-Ke0xgRkFIfegtnRfwpEg1Kj-CPN4AkO47GAn36MTcwklW/s1600/fishers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ivvSBFOBaJPnzSDWBCxhJa-qRkX2gtp72ARqp6Llid3xtUh8lWd2oNcBgrYBS6S-z6DzqvUHSYZ3PwW0Jh-GEaep7CRFF-Ke0xgRkFIfegtnRfwpEg1Kj-CPN4AkO47GAn36MTcwklW/s1600/fishers.jpg" /></a></div>
I haven't been blogging much this year, but I had to get this out there. This Sunday at our church, Brother Ainsworth gave the message, and it was about "Wimpy Christianity". Basically, he asked us to examine our hearts, and ask ourselves: "just how bold are we for Christ?" Do we make excuses when we have opportunities to witness? Do we avoid the actual conversation to actually ask people if they know Jesus? I have to admit; I'm guilty as sin. I'll talk about: Church, God, Christian friends, patients who bring up the subject of God first, etc... but to boldly ask someone face-to-face; "DO YOU KNOW JESUS?"... no, I don't. I assume.. I wait for them to bring it up, or ask me first about my beliefs. Oh yeah, I'll share, but it is usually under comfortable circumstances, once I've warmed up to someone. I do tell people often that I'll pray for them. I just don't confront them. So, yeah, I'm a wimp. So were most of the other people I was sitting around last Sunday, based on their show of hands. Brother Ainsworth gave a fantastic message that apparently hit us all pretty hard because.....<br />
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Get this- after the message, while we are all doing our usual Sunday-After-Meeting-Catch-Up, my husband Scott went out to our truck to get something. Upon approaching, he saw a Mexican man laying in our truck bed! WITH A KNIFE IN HAND! Well, you'd have to know Mr. Hunt. He' a take-no-poo kind of guy, with a take-no-prisoners kind of look about him. He can't help it, he looked that way in 3rd grade. So, he sachet's up to the guy with the knife, and utters the one of the 2 only Spanish phrases he knows: "Que' Paso?"... What Scott doesn't understand is he just gave the cue for: "Speak Spanish As Fast As You Can".. at which point Mr. Hunt realizes he's in over his head, and utters the second known Spanish phrase: "Uno momento", but he says it like: UNO MOMENTO AND IF YOU MOVE ONE INCH, I'LL BE ON YOU LIKE SPAM ON A SKILLET". So the guy just stays put, which was pretty smart on his part. Scott calls Jonathan, who is fluent in Espanol, and Jonathan starts conversing with the guy. <br />
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Here's where it gets GOOD: This man was apparently watering someone elses garden (fooling around with another man's wife, for those of you not from Texas), and got caught. He was running for cover, or so he says?<br />
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He appears nervous and afraid. Jonathan tells him it's ok, and he's safe here. Yeah, you got that right:Jonathan and Scott are actually COMFORTING THIS MAN (holding the knife). They invite him into the church, and he declines. Jonathan took it one step further and WITNESSED TO THIS MAN, telling him, although this may not be the best timing, YOU NEED JESUS!! He invited him to our church anytime and tells him we'll be praying for him!</div>
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How awesome is that???<br />
Two wimps-for-Christ go toe-to-toe with bad guy... yeah, they guy who probably (according to the Cleburne Police I spoke with today, who run that area), really wasn't hiding FROM anyone at all. He was probably going to jump me, or Scott, had Scott only not been as big and imposing as he naturally is. He probably made that story up, because, well, don't bring a knife to a gun-fight is the kind of situation he was in. Not literally of course, but you can see pic's of Scott on my profile.... you can put 2+2 together. <br />
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So, OUR GOD IS SO GOOD! He gave Brother Howard the message, He gave us ALL a prick in the heart, and He made sure Scott went to the truck and not me. (That would have been a whole 'nuther story). AND- He gave Jonathan the words to speak, the courage to speak it, and the compassion to not react in fear or hate!<br />
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I've heard stories like this my whole Menno-life (the past 20 years), of people cooking a meal for someone who was robbing them, and the like. I usually internally rolled my eyes, because I didn't think that was realistic. Well, I'm rethinking all that. God willing, anything is possible. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-72359325198785059412014-09-01T15:13:00.001-07:002014-09-01T16:29:39.462-07:00The Jesus Police<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7SFVDXQ02bMZ9rADtfqFYo3Baw3UDKqrrrJ4M2iBSBwUgsNjw3LjNVsht9x3BJdE6eSKcax3I3qRYwV0LGZDwrL409ZkgMxQGBrcR0Lke_QAkc-FXk1Y7Qvo35cOdpkMNqPSC9PJosOX/s1600/jesus+knocking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7SFVDXQ02bMZ9rADtfqFYo3Baw3UDKqrrrJ4M2iBSBwUgsNjw3LjNVsht9x3BJdE6eSKcax3I3qRYwV0LGZDwrL409ZkgMxQGBrcR0Lke_QAkc-FXk1Y7Qvo35cOdpkMNqPSC9PJosOX/s1600/jesus+knocking.png" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
I think we all know them, or know of them, or maybe, just perhaps, have BEEN one of them? Yes, you know of whom I'm speaking: "The Jesus Police". <br />
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We all have that well-meaning neighbor, cashier, waitress, co-worker, or spouse who is just chomping at the bit to get us on board with their kind of Christianity. They see the world as black and white. You are either with us, or against us. They police your life as if it was their business. They mostly hide on social media, or behind it. They pick apart what you say, or admit to, and hammer it to bits with scripture to support their attack. Never mind, that whatever the topic is, it's not really a hindrance to you. The TRUTH IS; it has been a hindrance to THEM. This is called: Spiritual Projecting, and it's how some people try to prove to God they are repentant, by calling out anyone they see as being in what they perceive as "harms way". They are trying like the dickens to bring Jesus to your door, and bring Him at their speed. <br />
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If you don't: "Worship on the right day, take communion every weak, day or month, adhere to a certain dress code, raise your hands in worship, keep your hands down, and follow the liturgy, free yourself completely, get married in a temple, get married by a preacher, get married by the laws of the land, confess your sins, accept complete grace, give 10 %, give a check for a thousand dollars, (Because God revealed to someone that you should), go to church every Sunday, go to church every other Sunday, go to church on Saturday, take communion with real wine, drink real wine, or distill your own shine, (for personal consumption or medicinal use of course), they will literally take you to take on little issues. <br />
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Now, these folks, The Jesus Police, they believe in God, every bit as much as you do. They are GOOD PEOPLE who are typically rather zealous about their beliefs. There is no doubt that they believe that being your personal HOLY SPIRIT is their job, although I do not believe they think of it in those terms. You see, they think they are *SAVING YOU*.from whatever it is that they believe you are doing wrong. They believe that they are simply bringing your shortcomings or oversights into focus, so that YOU may live a better Christian life, and walk a better walk. <br />
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Here's the problem: They are not THE HOLY SPIRIT. <br />
I doubt very seriously that they are even consulting God, or asking Him to move in us, in whatever detail of life that they think we are failing in? Nope! The Jesus Police are just whipping out their ticket pad and letting you know you've committed some infraction. They base their "authority" on their own close walk with Christ. Yep, they are just trying to help you. <br />
Usually, it's something that doesn't tempt you in the least, but rather one that the Sargent Fingerpointer believes he has mastered himself. Or maybe Sister Soinso, has a rather murky past, and she recognizes her own weakness, so she projects it on you. <br />
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There are a lot of subjects that I can use as an example, but for grins, I've picked two that represent the choices of two Christians and how an twisted sort of "pride" can lead one Christian to attack another:<br />
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1) Alcohol<br />
2) Professions<br />
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Alcohol<br />
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I once knew a man who was a member of many social media groups. He seemed to be older and wiser. He became a "Father figure" on these religious groups, and rather adopted many people as family. He was a good man, no doubt about it. <br />
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However, he had his own past. A past that was sullied with the memories of when he left his church family as a young man, and began hanging out in bars. The story isn't unique. It's one that haunts many Christians today, if Satan has his way? And apparently, this man in his older years took it upon himself to "police" the younger people on these social media groups and watch for any mention of alcohol. Alcohol was his weakness, and was what ruined years of his life. <br />
And he did this in his mind, as Christ would have him do, which in most cases, would be a good thing, since it's true that we all need others to kind of nudge us, encourage us, and keep us stepping in the right direction, right? ......................<br />
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Here's where it gets interesting and personal. Over time, me and this group became Internet friends. Some of these people I've met since then in real life, and others I've had phone conversations with. We've put effort into this group, and into encouraging each other. As you get to know each other you become more personal. We would greet each other daily and sometimes list what we were going to do that day. We would list things like: Milk the goats, or bake a cake. <br />
Well, baking a cake became my undoing. You see; I wrote, in "print" that I was going to bake a rum cake. Yes, a RUM CAKE. <br />
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Do you know that this man made it his JOB from that day forward to "police" my posts? He very openly denounced my said cake as being "from the devil". No matter that after his nasty-gram, I promised, if it unnerved him that much, on a Yahoogroup, living in the Midwest, probably more than 1200 miles away, that I would use RUM FLAVORING, and not REAL RUM, regardless of how much would burn off in that 350 degree oven, for 55 minutes,.. He still saw me "dabbling with sin"???<br />
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So on went his badge, and as Jesus as his Lieutenant, he went about policing my every post. It wasn't just about alcohol, but the point is; I don't have a problem with alcohol. I certainly respect that he did, but the mere flavoring of rum, (which is sold in Lifesavers Candy) should not be enough to elicit an attack openly on a forum, in the event that I may, at some point in time become too fond of the rum cake, and take to just drinking rum like a pirate, this would justify his need to cross personal boundaries, and do so publicly. <br />
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Now, if you were raised in the church, you certainly know about Matthew 18, and I would think he did too? More later on that...<br />
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So, this man removed himself eventually from our group (more than once), and started his own little groups that were "like-minded". On our group, he seemed to pick apart me especially, but others too. Mostly on issues like alcohol, or country music. Both seemed to provoke a part of his past to come to the forefront and he would go off like a time-bomb, both predictably and accurately if someone were to even hint at anything that didn't measure up to his perspective of Godliness, which included: Only hymns, (no Christian music), plain dress, veils, not kapps,no Internet (which he claimed he only had e-mail access) and anything popular at all. He was on many groups and spent a good deal of time telling other people how to dress, what to read, what to listen to, and who to associate with, and trust me, I wasn't on the list. <br />
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So the question became- Is he wrong to judge my rum cake? Yes, I believe he was. He was impulsive, and probably didn't react based on concerns for me, because he didn't really take the time to KNOW ME. If he did, he would have known I do not care for alcohol much, and use wine and rum in cooking 100 times over drinking. Even when I explained this to him, he became fierce about his stance, and would refer to his own misjudgements in life, speculating that I too would somehow find my way to the honky-tonk and be a slave to rum, neon lights, and Lefty Frizzell.<br />
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What he didn't know was- I've already done that. I have a similar story. But I never became an alcoholic... strong drink and hangovers just don't appeal to me. So instead of making this my "point of judgement", as a Christian, I just kept my past to myself, and reserved the mention of hard drinking to someone in a *PRIVATE MOMENT*, not on a public forum. This is where Matthew 18 comes into play:<br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv">Matthew 18:15-20</span><span class="passage-display-version">New International Version (NIV)</span> <br />
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<span class="text Matt-18-15"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>“If your brother or sister<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23743a" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23743a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-20&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23743a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> sins,<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23743b" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23743b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-20&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23743b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> go and point out their fault,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23743A" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23743A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-16" id="en-NIV-23744"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23744c" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23744c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-20&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23744c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23744B" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23744B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-17" id="en-NIV-23745"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23745C" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23745C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-18-17"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
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To me, it was obvious that this kind, elderly, father figure was genuinely concerned, but he also had a kind of backwards pride that made him feel justified as The Jesus Police? <br />
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The first question is: IS THIS A SIN??? Doesn't a real life Police Officer have to determine whether a crime has been committed? Of course they do. And they don't make the rules, they just enforce them. So what made this man break out the night stick on Kelly??<br />
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You see, for him,alcohol might have truly been a sin, where he to indulge?<br />
Maybe this man spent his life in constant remorse, rather than relying on grace? It's obvious he took issue with even the thought of alcohol. He had even suggested it wrong to be in mouthwash or used in herbal medicine. I mean, this man REALLY stood his ground on the subject! <br />
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So that tells me a lot about him. Not me. It's neither here nor there because it's no great temptation. And the bible says a lot about drunks, but it's clear that a little "for the stomach", (1 Timothy) is fine. <br />
In my mind, God is saying; "Don't abuse this!"... In this mans mind God was saying:"This will ruin you and you'll go to hell!" You have to be real with yourself to have an accurate reading of your own guilt in this situation. If you can't stop at one or two, or it's something you literally crave regularly and can't do without, you probably are dabbling in something that could hurt you. Otherwise, if your wired like I am, your not. But I doubt this man cared about saving my soul. I think he cared more about being right? I think he felt like he was winning his own salvation by doing this sort of thing. By pointing out a potential sin and policing my life? Neither were really necessary.<br />
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Next: Professions <br />
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I had my children early in life. I was rather the "Loretta Lynn" of my family. I was married at 17, not because I had to, but because I wanted out on my own. I was bitter over my biological parents divorce, and it was a springboard into rebellion.<br /><br />I threatened my mother that I would run away to get married in Oklahoma if she didn't agree to let me marry... I know she didn't want to and in hindsight I kick myself for tormenting her. But so much was changing so fast for me... at least it seemed? I was ready to run around and not be told what to do. So she agreed, and signed, AND drove me to the courthouse. She asked me if there was anyway she could talk me out of this? No,.. I was determined. For what, I still don't know?<br /><br /><br />I literally was sitting in Social Studies with a ring on my finger, in our rural southern town, with two other girls in my class who were also married and living on their own and still attending class. By the time I was 21, I had all my children, could have no more. (That's another story). My parents said to me that they were "too young" to be Grandparents, and although I was unaware that you could pick or choose that status, they really only had my kids on occasions, and kind of dropped out of our lives over time. <br />
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I knew by my own rebellion, that I'd have a hard row to hoe by myself. I had made hard choices for certain, and my parents were busy with their careers, and too full of themselves at that age to care much for us. I know I created that rebellion early in my teens, but you know, rebellious teenagers don't get that way all by themselves...<br />
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But I have always been a worker, and never minding holding down more than one job. I worked all the time. Now, people love to poke fun at me for having too many jobs! It's a running joke in our house. But I have done everything from build mobile homes, telemarketing, to making donuts, and driving a rural route for the U.S. Postal Service. I've been a waitress at about 25 different restaurants.<br />
I just never was happy with any of my professions for long. Until I learned accounting. A friend helped me get a job in Accounts Receivable, which is just a fancy title for: Business-to-Business Collections. If a business has service to lease out, like "The Yellow Pages", then they have customers who finance. It was fun, and easy work for me, because I'm a talker. I can talk the money right out of your wallet and into the checking account that it belongs in, and make you feel good about doing it. <br />
It was a win-win for me and the companies I worked for! I could do the job, and not loose the customer. That was key. <br />
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But a lot of Christians, were not happy about me working full time. They cited the "Keepers of the Home" scripture, which again, I will say this; You need to know me before you start judging me. <br />
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<strong>"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may
teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their
children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Tit. 2: 3-5).</strong><span style="font-size: medium;">
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This scripture is quoted in a way that suggests women shouldn't work if you read it just right. And at the time the scripture was written, there was so much dad-gum work to be done in a house, a wife didn't have TIME TO WORK! <br />
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The way I read this, (keeping in mind that I was not raised being aware of this verse), is: "<span style="background-color: yellow;">Older </span>women, be role models, be good, not drunks, or gossips, and teach the younger women."<br />
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t reads to me as: "Keep your priorities rights. Make your home your haven. Be obedient and love your husband and children. Live a Christ-like life before all."<br />
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Apparently there is no mercy for anyone who has raised her children and wants a career outside the home, regardless of how easily she keeps her home while she works? I mean, for heaven-sake, I have an electric dish washer! An electric mop, an electric vacuum, and a self-cleaning oven! WHAT IS IT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DOING??? I totally understand being a Stay-At-Home Mother, and I'm not suggesting anything to the contrary. I'm speaking of the empty-nester? What's the difference in a woman with an empty nest and a young women without children? Add this to the mix: My husband travels. A LOT!<br />
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So, 100 years ago, there were ashes to be taken out of the stove, wood to chop, and a stove to blacken after I'd cleaned it out. <br />
Did I mention that I just fling my clothes in a white box and push a button and I'll be hanged if they don't all come out clean in 15 minutes?? No wandering down by the river and heating up a washpot over a wood burning fire... <br />
Listen ya'll- I don't even iron! Nope! Dollar General sells a bottle of wrinkle remover for $1.50. If you don't have any, you need to go get you some. It's a lifesaver!<br />
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So back to the argument. You see, I believe in being a Titus 2 Woman. I believe my home is my first concern, after God and family. But I can clean that dickens out of that house on Saturday, do my wash as I go during the week and still have time to work if my husband wants me to! And that's what it boils down to, IF your truly measuring your goodness by the God-Stick and not trying to be the Jesus Police to others! Are you? <br />
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There is a big difference in raising a child to be a stay at home mom, and converting a mid-lifer into your ideal. Remember, HE IS GOD and has more than one formula...<br />
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Read on:<br />
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I had been working a few years when once again, on social media, I was attacked for not being a STAY AT HOME KEEPER OF THE HOME!<br />
Well, I tried to reason with them: "I had my children young, and now they are grown."... I'm 40 years old, and my husband has asked me to help, so that we can pay off all our debt (check your own scripture) and get a little bit stashed in savings? <br />
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OH NO.. that shouldn't happen! Just why is it that I think I can't have more babies, which seems to be the glue that holds this whole argument together, since you will surely see Amish women cleaning houses (because they are single) or running a business, if all their family is together. Babies it seems, is what I need to focus on, and the Jesus Police in this situation was not only a Keeper-At-Home, but also a Quiverfull believer also. Now, neither one bother me one bit. But I can't be a Keeper-At-Home if there's nothing to keep! This did not detour this Sister one bit. She actually sent me a link to <a href="http://www.blessed-arrows.com/">http://www.blessed-arrows.com/</a> . This is a ministry for women who have had tubal ligation's, and want them reversed. I post this with love for the ministry and I've shared it many times to others. But...<br />
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Did you stop to think that throwing this thought into mine and my husbands lap may not be a good idea? No, you didn't. You stood there defending your badge, and your place as The Jesus Police, making sure everyone you come in contact with knows what the rules are? Your not going to support a women who is obeying her husband, let alone take time out to pray for her husband it it's all that important to you?? And your going to hinder our ability to get out of debt? You think it's "one size fits all"? That makes no sense to me. How do we practice outreach to those who aren't, or never have been in the church??? With a cookie-cutter mentality?<br />
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Yes I am well aware that some people have babies into their late 40's and some miracle children are born over 50. But you know what??? This Christianity business, especially the ultra-conservative quiverfull theology was as new as the light of day to me! I mean, I had just gotten my husband accustomed to me covering my head for church and donning long denim jumpers everyday. You mean there's more I have to do to please God?? AND IT'S YOUR JOB TO POINT THAT OUT???<br />
All because you were lead by the Holy Spirit to do this? Really?<br />
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No Mam. It's not your place. It's the Holy Spirits job to lead me and lead me alone. You see, we didn't start the journey together, nor at exact times. You had different influences, and I rather admire you for that. Even more so, I kind of envy you, because you didn't have to figure out your place in life after you've made all the bad decisions.I certainly appreciate you helping me to understand what you believe, and I don't think it's wrong at all! I think it's beautiful. But it's too late for me. And no matter how hard you assert yourself, and your homestead-driven life and ideals, I'm still right where God met me. And I'm still in the palm of His hand. And it's the same place He has you in too! We will both be fine, but reserve your judgement and proclamations for yourself, because your not my Holy Spirit. You can't take a verse of scripture and make it a cookie cutter for Christians because some of these Christians weren't made of the same Cookie Dough as you. You know how you lay down your dough and roll it out? That's God. <br />
Then you pick up the pieces of the cookies and bake them? That's God! <br />
Lastly, you pick up the leftover, looked-over dough and roll it into unique little shapes that don't match all the others. THAT'S DEFINITELY GOD! He uses all his cookie dough and doesn't waste a bit. And we all come out fine. <br />
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So, in sharing these "for instances", I hope that you, the reader grasp that we aren't each others Holy Spirit, and chastising others, should come forth prayerfully, not eagerly. At the very least, I hope you get a bead on the next person posing as the Jesus Police and pray for them as hard as they try to save you? Be cautious that your exuberance for Christ, and your own past life, are not projected and heaped onto your brothers and sisters in Christ, but are cautiously shared with people privately, as you literally feel The Holy Spirit move in you? That is Christ-Alive. That is when we are at our humble best. Take time to get to know people intimately and let God work in your relationships over time. If, after you truly know someone, and you see something that is hindering them spiritually, go to them in earnest, alone, without an audience, and simply address your concerns, but OWN those concerns. Ask God FIRST, if this person is truly in sin, or are they in a place where God is busy working at His own time?<br />
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I guarantee two things; <br />
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1) If you rush in, you'll rush out, and you will do more damage than good. <br />
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2) If you pray hard about pointing out another sin, and your SURE it's sin, there is a biblical remedy for it in Matthew 18. Take that stance, and follow those rules. It's not just about the sinner, it's about those who are "ASSUMING" too. It's a spiritual equation that allows everyone to think long and hard about the situation BEFORE acting. If you want to be part of the family of Christ, take off your badge, and lay down your uniform and stand naked before God. Then, decide if you need to address the behaviour of others?<br />
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Blessings and Peace Out,<br />
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Kelly<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-66656730774945458552013-11-29T13:53:00.003-08:002013-11-29T17:57:57.604-08:00Traveling Options: I'll Take The High Road....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Waking up in a house full of wadded up kleenex, Nyquil bottles, and the smell of Unker's Salve spells one thing: We is ill at the Hunt household.<br />
You see, Mr. Hunt has his own upper respiratory mysteries going on, with much uncovered sneeezing which is followed by my lamenting about the spreading of viruses. He's making coughing/wheezing/snorting sounds as he goes about the house, speaking only in whispers, because his throat is sore.<br />
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I am on the tail end of a migraine. This does not bring out the best in my personality.<br />
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All this is said in pretense to the following: "IT'S HARD TO BE NICE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE POOP!"<br />
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Still, it's no excuse to be sharp, short tempered, or snarky, or is it? I admit, I've used my illness, or womens monthly issues, and headaches as a reason to justify my inner lunatic at times. No, I'm not proud of that. But you know, as you get older, you kind of reflect on your character, and on your habits, good and bad. There's some things you settle on, and other things you know must change if your going to continue on for another 40m or 50 years. Aim high I always say. <br />
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Here at mid-life, when you have the occasional reflection about your behavior, you want to ask yourself ; "HOWS IT WORKING???" For me, not so good. So I'm rethinking many things I do that usually backfire, and I'm reworking my behavior into an intentionally positive pattern, to make a NEW PATH. This path is called "The High Road". Perhaps you've heard your Mother speak of it? Or at least your shrink? Oh come on! Your guidence counselor for the love of Pete?? Someone along the way surely suggested you take The High Road, I know they did. <br />
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Beginning today, I am not going to use my headaches, my body aches, my frustrations, or my unexpected visits from my Aunt Flo, or hot flashes as a springboard to speak my mind. At least as much as I'm able. I will make a conscience effort to find my inner kindness, or as Mr. Hunt says I should do: "Take a kindness pill". (Not to be confused with a chill-pill, that's a whole 'nuther ball of wax)... I will intentionally recognize when I feel under the weather and CHOOSE to rise above it or lay low. I will take The High Road. Why? Because the Bible says to. Proverbs 31: She doeth him good and not evil, All the days of her life. (I see no exception clause, do you?) I want to do right by God and by my husband. That's my priority, even if it doesn't always come naturally to me. That's why we have the Bible... to help steer us on course when we loose direction. Besides, being calm, cool, and collected in the face of adversity is one to the greatest blows to the devils stradegy. Don't you think he wants to see you come completely undone, and go for each others throat?? Of course he does!<br />
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I'll use my own character flaw as an example: In the past, I was happy 27 out of 28 days a month. But day 28 kicked my butt. There is no praying my way through it, no making a choice that today is no different than any other day, no way to escape the oppressive, black cloud that hung over my head for a good 24, sometimes 36 hours .hours. But you know what? I can CHOOSE to be quiet...to walk away...to ignore... to wait 10 seconds before I respond and choose the tone in which I speak. I can select my words wisely. I will take practice, but it CAN be done. Truthfully, in my youth I thought it was everyone elses job to *lay low* on this day. I mean surely, they can see a pattern?? If I were in their shoes, I'd be marking my calendar to make sure I knew exactly what day Mom's going to loose her mind, and blow a gasket, or burst into tears over probably not much at all. <br />
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Now, I believe Satan knows a womans monthly cycle. I suspect he has a legion of mini-satans who's only job is to follow the lunar cycle of each fertile woman and day 28, (actually it's day 21, but you get the gist), they launch an assault on that woman by prompting every soul around her to test her limits. But you know what? I am a child of The King!!! Even at my weakest, at my most vulnerable, I am forgiven, I am loved, and I have domninion over anything un-Christ-like, including my behavior, my tongue, my tone and my eye-rolls. Even if I am only this way one or two days a month, it's not acceptable to use a headache or tummy cramps as an excuse to be ugly. But that's exactly what my flesh tells me I can! Well, that's just what Old Red Legs wants me to think. Guess what? He's in for a surprise!<br />
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Today is the day!! I will, regardless of my migraine, be a kind wifey to Mr. Hunt. I will not yell: "Shut the flippin' door!!" or sarcastically say; "Can you raise the volume so that those mortor shells sound more realistic?"... or better yet, as he lays on the couch, watching the same war movie he's seen so often he can lip-sync the dialogue, I WILL NOT ask: "Have we saved Private Ryan today???"... No, no I won't. I won't give the devil any fodder I tell you!<br />
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What I'm going to do is send the Father of Lies, back to the drawing board. I will gently get up and turn the volume down myself, and remind my inner madwoman that Mr. Hunt feels poorly too, and he probably can't hear the mortar shells and gun-fire because his head is stuffed up. I will dim my own lights, and make him hot tea in a dark kitchen, see that he gets his Alka-Seltzer every 6 hours, and do it kindly and pleasantly, regardless of any urge to rant, to eye-roll, to give him the stink-eye, because, gosh-darn I feel like poo too!!! <br />
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But truly, the real reason I'm choosing KINDNESS is: I will not give my husband any cause to resent me. Why give the devil a foothold? I will choose the path of meekness and love. The devil won't know what to think? He won't have a leg to stand on, he won't have ammunition to destroy! <br />
Seriously- look at any failed relationship and regardless of the details of the situation- the bottom line is: two people resent each other. The behavior is the cause of course, but the outcome is always the same: Resentment.<br />
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Today, I will ask God for the grace that is sufficient to get me through this migraine without damaging my marriage, or the Sheetrock.<br />
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As many women have mentored me, I try to mentor other. Wives, we have to be gentle to our husbands even when we are overwhelmed. The silent killer in all relationships, whether it be a marriage, or a friendship, is: RESENTMENT. Let nothing you say bring resentment into the fellowship. It's from the devil, and the wrench that loosens the bolts that keep your relationships hinged tightly. Ask yourself; "Am I snarky, quit tempered and hostile to my mate? How do I justify this? Is this what God wants for us as a couple?"....You probably have your answer by now, but just in case:<br />
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A few Proverbs will support this train of thought:<br />
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Clamorous, foolish women are empty-headed (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 9:13">Proverbs 9:13</a>).<br />
Gracious women retain their honor (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 11:16">11:16</a>).<br />
Lovely women without discretion are like jewels in a swine’s snout (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 11:22">11:22</a>).<br />
Wise women build substantial homes (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 14:1">14:1</a>).<br />
Foolish women destroy a home (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 14:1">14:1</a>).<br />
Contentious women are like a continual dropping on a rainy day (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 19:13, Prov 27:15"><span class="bibleref" data-bibleref="Prov.19.13">19:13</span>; <span class="bibleref" data-bibleref="Prov.27.15">27:15</span></a>).<br />
Brawling women are not easy to live with (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 21:9, Prov 25:24"><span class="bibleref" data-bibleref="Prov.21.9">21:9</span>; <span class="bibleref" data-bibleref="Prov.25.24">25:24</span></a>).<br />
Angry women are never good company (<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov 21:19">21:19</a>).<br />
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So, if like me, you find yourself not at your best when your overwhelmed by duty, illness, or tension... take joy in knowing you'll send the devil running if you act in Godly Character. It won't happen overnight. Your going to fail many times before you change a pattern, but if you keep working at it, your character will transform itself. But keep one thing in mind- be yourself, just try to be a better version of yourself. Never try to be *Sister _________, who always seems to have her ducks in a row, and looks like the perfect version of the Titus 2/Proverbs 31 Woman. God meets you where you are and made you to be divine and unique.<br />
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Remind yourself that IF YOU STAY AWARE of any behavior that causes *RESENTMENT*, it's easier to be conscience going forward, and cut Old Red Legs off at the pass. God will reward you with joy in your marriage as you journey together.<br />
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I'll see you on the High Road, won't I?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-72476376442432532532013-10-19T12:48:00.000-07:002014-01-25T11:29:38.394-08:00Longing To Belong..........The Long Road to Self Discovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever seen the video to Blind Melon's "No Rain"?? </span></h2>
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Here ya go, just in case you haven't. Go ahead and laugh at the *Bee Girl* who takes on the wrath of her peers just to be who she really wants to be, and ultimately finds herself in the process, as well as a community that is accepting of her, quirks and all. It's a wonderful story.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And, it's a visual metaphor that I can relate to. I would imagine many of us can, (?),which is why the video and song were so popular, and the *Bee Girl* captured our hearts. </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I could very well have been *The Bee Girl*. Perculiar, and awkward as a child, but always willing to try put me in so many situations where I had to learn flexibility. This in return created skills, both social, and occupational. I tend to embrace the wierd, the outcast, the loser who is simply not sure of who they are or what direction they should go. I'm supposed to, right?<br /><br />As I have grown spiritually and matured as a person, I can clearly see how my own awkwardness, and social and behavioral quirks have been a blessing. They've allowed me to think outside the box, learn to utilize my creative thinking, make friends with anyone who is willing, and take on bullies, realizing that they are truly the one in need of a friend. The older I have become, the more I've realized that whatever it is about me that makes me a bit peculiar to some, is also my strength. <br /><br />But recently, I joined an Aspergers awareness group, and as I learn more about what is simply my uniqueness and what is Aspergers-driven behavior, I have noticed a trend for Aspie's to gravitate towards sub-cultures. Probably because they do not feel like they "fit in" with normal everday popular culture? That's my guess. <br /><br />So, I had to ask myself; "Did I become plain, join the Mennonites, and submerge myself in Anabaptism simply to have a place to belong?".... (chew on that for a minute)<br /><br />Answer: "Possibly". <br /><br />Ultimate Answer: "Does it matter??"<br /><br />I would say that perhaps we ALL have a desire to fit in somewhere. I wasn't lucky enough to be born into a culture that was accepting of me *as is*. I had to seek and find. <br /><br />First I was with my Nanny many-a-Sunday among The Pentecostals, as a young girl. I think that may have groomed my perception of what I thought I should desire in a church?<br />Then I attened the Southern Baptist church for many years. It was good, and I don't have a bad thing to say about the experience, as it helped me understand the Bible, learn memory verses, help the poor, and learn the need to support missions, (God Bless Lottie Moon)<br /><br />But I do believe I related strongest to The Pentecostals. There was something about being all together as a group- all with similar habits, dress, and lifestyles that beckoned to me. Like a siren to a sailor, like a moth to a flame. I just wanted to belong. <br /><br />In my younger days, I combed through my geneology, seeking a race or culture to identify with, and yes- something to attach myself to and a place to once again: "BELONG".<br /><br /> You know, like some people can say: "I'm 1/4 Cherokee", (thus attend every Pow-Wow within driving distance and get sneered at by the local tribesmen) or "I'm Greek! Opa!!" Or SOMETHING... ANYTHING! But what I found, is a lot of interesting historical detail, and a legacy of a mutt. I am Scotch-Irish, Welsh, and African American for the most part, but I never got a Pow-Wow or cool drinking habit to claim. I DID find Slave History, but I promise you that I cannot walk around and claim to be black. It would be a slap in the face to any black person who has ever suffered racism. I can only claim the heritage, history, and have some interesting documentation of my GGG Grandmothers *emancipation* from slavery. But not enough of any ONE culture that I can identify with! Darn. Still, I make a good "American" and historically, that's what my descendants will refer to me as. <br /><br />So, here we are. I have invested a good chunk of my life learning why and what The Anabaptists believe, and trying to serve others in like fashion. Many times I fail horribly. Other times I do ok, and I think God might just be happy with this *odd little bird* He created? <br /><br />I worried for a while that my drive to BE Anabaptist in lifestyle and worship was not genuine, but more of a desire to fit in somewhere? But upon deep reflection, I think that might be a small part of a bigger pie of possibilities? Greater than that, I confess I have a problem with my enormous temper, my red-neckedness, my quick-wit-ed-ness, (that is usually a gift, but sometimes a curse), and compulsive behavior that rises up like fat in a bean-pot to bite me in the butt when not kept in check. I'm mouthy, stubborn, and don't really believe that we are supposed to **link** every single like-verse in the Bible to apply to what we <em>want</em> it to mean. I usually have an opinion about that too, (thus in trouble again). I am fairly sure there are alien beings if we have thus discovered other universes, but I try not to talk about it at church, unless it's to Eugene & Amanda Ulrich, who love astronomy. They will indulge me. </span></h2>
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<br />I also have problems with road rage and poor customer service. Brother Richard Miller and his lovely wife Tina understand me on that point. And I don't always understand the difference between biblical and cultural issues. It's a mind warp for me. Brother Jerry Ulrich and Sister Velma, as well as my adopted family "The Ainsworths" (Howard, Leslie, and brood), have spent hours trying to help me in all my awkwardness. Don't worry, I don't take myself too seriously. We've had loads of laughs over me...LOADS!</h2>
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<br />I've come to a place where I believe God not only wants me to be where I am, but possibly NEEDS me to just sit and stay, (which is an act of obedience), not just for my own spiritual growth, but also to challenge and sharpen the minds and hearts of those raised within the Anabaptist Culture, to help us all learn acceptance of what is not common amongst us.</h2>
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Maybe I'm wrong? But I see everyones hearts beating bigger, faster, and yearning to comprehend each other at every service I attend. No, I'm not a member at the Mennonite Church I go to. I likely never will be, because I'm D & R. That's another blog, but let me say: My church does not hold that against me. They just have a bar to keep held high to raise Godly generations. I'm not the norm. They can't make an exception without opening a can of worms. I get that. SO - they love me despite it, and let God lead both my and my husband. They also let me help in the communion and foot washing. It's hard, I admit, but I can sit with the Sisters and watch.. hold towels, and pray with them. Some people would insist that is horrible, or ask;"Why don't you go somewhere else?" I answer: "Because this is where I FEEL God placed me"... that's enough. And because of these people who put into practice much more than I'm able, I am a more BALANCED person. It actually helps me, with my compulsive behavior, out-spoken, mouthy, self... It SEASONS my heart and helps me see the bigger picture. It reminds me to take myself out of the equation, and love people, even people different than myself. It gives me the balance I need to shut up, be humble, and live for others. <br /><br /><br />I think it's where I belong and God knew what He was doing when he made me *a little different*.</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you *fit in*? Do you feel accepted? Are you where God can use you, and mold you more into HIS image? Are you willing to try?<br /><br /><br />Leave me a comment or write me at <a href="mailto:muttleyhunt@yahoo.com">muttleyhunt@yahoo.com</a><br />You can also find me on facebook under Kelly Watson Hunt</span></strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">God Bless!<br /><br />Kelly</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-64378449807742098092013-08-03T14:52:00.003-07:002013-08-03T14:55:14.891-07:00The Detour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rumbling through some old pictures from about 10 years ago, I stumbled upon these. It's of a cabin near Shirley, Arkansas that was fully occupied until the late 1970's. Scott and I were on our way home from a bluegrass festival in Mountain View, when we stopped to look at this cabin. I've seen it quite a few times on my way up there, but never had time to step inside and take a peek? It was one of those rare occasions that I actually got going on time, and we had plenty of daylight to burn, so Scott agreed to let me go poking around. </div>
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The door was closed, but not locked. At first glance, the main room that you enter had a fireplace on the left and an old bedstead with springs still sitting there. No mattress to be found. I'm guessing the mice got it piece by piece? The windows let in plenty of morning light, and I noticed a narrow set of stairs. Up I went and would you believe this little cabin had an upstairs room, completely sheet rocked, and a small closet! The add-on in the back is a make-shift kitchen. There was a sink, and a drain that had a pipe that just let the water out to the grass behind the cabin. No plumbing, but the outhouse was still standing! I took a look-see inside and it was still functional! (Good for me, we were in the middle of nowhere!). I saw a broom in the corner and I took to cleaning it out. You always leave a place in better shape than you found it, right? Little did I know that I was tidying up for myself! Our afternoon did not go as planned. <br />
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After I did all my investigating and was fully satisfied that I'd taken a glimpse back in time, we shut the door and left it the way we'd found it. I put my camera in the backseat of my car, and Scott asked me to drive. No problem, I love country roads! I put the key in the ignition, and tried to turn it. But it was frozen. My key would not budge. We sat there in the autumn air with the windows down for about 15 minutes trying every possible thing we could think of? Is the car in park? Yes. Well maybe we need to rock it forward? No luck. Eventually, it occurred to us that we needed help, but we were so far out in the mountains, that we couldn't get a signal on our new "cellular phones"! So, off Scott goes up a hill, holds the phone up to the sky and prays for bars! He was able to make a phone call to Triple A (AAA) and they actually knew about where we were, but said they had no idea when a driver could make it out that way? Just sit tight. </div>
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At this point, Scott and I realize we might actually be spending the night right where we were? We evaluated the situation, and decide to put our tent (never leave home without it!) inside the cabin. It was late October, so it would get nippy by morning, and this would keep any critters away from us. We had a case of bottled water, although there was a well behind the cabin if we needed more than just drinking water. We unloaded out car, and pulled out our folding chairs in front of the cabin, facing the road to watch for the wrecker that might or might not be on his way? <br />
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I have to say; I married a Boy Scout. Actually, Scott is an Eagle Scout, for real and for true! He shined like a brand new penny that day when he broke out a box of food I didn't know he'd stashed. We had canned ham on crackers, kippers, and oatmeal for lunch. When you THINK your going to go hungry, the most meager meal tastes so delicious! There was peanut butter and other foods for later. We could have lasted 3 or 4 days without worry. <br />
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I kept looking at my watch and Scott noticed I was getting a little nervous. You know there are BEARS in The Ozarks, right? My sweet husband pulled out his guitar and my mandolin, and we sat and picked out songs, and sang badly, just as some old pioneer probably did over one hundred years ago in the very same spot! I noticed I wasn't really concerned over the wrecker anymore, as I saw the sun start to get low in the west, and touch the tops of the trees. I noticed the birds, saw a raccoon, squirrels, and took note of berries and various herbs growing wild. I found that walking around, the Mullein was abundant, and realized I needed to pick as much as I can, because this will make a great salve! So I did, and Scott just chuckled at me for filling an ice-chest full of the fuzzy leaves.<br />
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Just about the time I think we need to light lanterns and get busy with setting up our tent, I hear a low rumble in the distance and a motor running. No one had been this way in hours. The wrecker arrived to see the two of us sitting in front of that cabin, playing and singing to our hearts content, and not really sure we wanted to go anywhere just yet? But we had to... <br />
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It was kind of sad when they hooked my car up to the chains and pulled it up the ramp. Scott and I hopped into the cab and they took us to back to Mountainview to a hotel. Ok, I've been stuck in The Ozarks before. I'm just telling you that their sense of urgency is not the same as say, someone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Not by a LONG SHOT. It took a week to get the starter in and have it installed. Something that would have been an overnight job in any big city. They didn't seem to be in any big rush. Then it hit me.. what a beautiful thing! I called my supervisor at work, and explained that this is going to take about 5 days according to Roy at the Auto Repair shop. Yes, it's the only shop in town. No there's nothing I can do about it. But that didn't mean they were slack on their customer service- not at all! They gave us a rental. A beat up model, with four wheels and 4-60 A/C. (That's four windows down, at 60 miles per hour)... </div>
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We spent five days a little miffed that we couldn't stay in the log cabin, but happy enough to be able to cruise around the mountains and extend our vacation! That's one happy detour, and it changed my perspective about what I think I "need". Truthfully, you don't need much to be happy. You just need "enough".</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-6973520686068288162013-07-18T17:41:00.001-07:002013-07-18T19:03:08.803-07:00Deep Foundations In A Shallow World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, my Grandson and I had a "talk" about God. He's a teenager, and still struggling with the concept of God, and in fact, the very need for a God. Is there a true need? I know the answer and you may know the answer, but many of today's youth are finding little need to God. They are simply opting for the agnostic route. It sounds arrogant,. Simply put; most American teens have never truly suffered anything. They've been handed a lot. School is easy. Jobs are easy. The economy is easy. Life is good. Few teenagers have ever broken a sweat for lack of air conditioning, and have never had to stoke a fire for warmth. Food is overly abundant. Not a whole lot is required of them compared to their great grandparents generation. </div>
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So, I have to ask myself, what will it take to make this generation humble? It seems horribly arrogant to think that God, Jesus, heaven, and the Bible are mere fairy stories? That it's without a purpose? That God gave His only begotten Son for no particular reason, or worse, that it's a fable? But that is a common thought among America's teens. </div>
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<br />However, if you're faith has never been challenged, it's possible that a person lacks it entirely. So here we are: the land of plenty. Majority of America is kept fat and happy by personal employment, the government, churches, and charitable organizations. It wasn't that way not so long ago.</div>
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<br />According to Census Bureau data for 2009 (the most recent year statistics are
available), of the almost 50 million Americans classified as poor, 96% of the
parents said their children were never hungry. Eighty-three percent of poor
families reported having enough food to eat, and 82% of poor adults said they
were never hungry at any time in 2009 due to a lack of food or money. And we are seeing obesity rates in children that historically have never been witnessed. Now, I'm not knocking today's children. They don't know any different and of course I want them fed! I'm simply making a comparison from a century ago when true hunger was a reality, and quite common.<br /></div>
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Death Rates by Cause of Death, 1900–2005</h1>
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(per 100,000 population)</h2>
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<tr><th align="left" valign="bottom">Year</th><th align="center" valign="bottom">Tuberculosis, <br />all forms</th><th align="center" valign="bottom">Malignant <br />neoplasms <br />(cancer)</th><th align="center" valign="bottom">Major<br />cardiovascular<br />diseases</th><th align="center" valign="bottom">Influenza <br />and pneumonia</th><th align="center" valign="bottom">Motor <br />vehicle <br />accidents</th></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1900</td><td align="center" valign="top">194.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">64.0</td><td align="center" valign="top">345.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">202.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">n.a.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1910</td><td align="center" valign="top">153.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">76.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">371.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">155.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">1.8</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1920</td><td align="center" valign="top">113.1</td><td align="center" valign="top">83.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">364.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">207.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">10.3</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1930</td><td align="center" valign="top">71.1</td><td align="center" valign="top">97.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">414.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">102.5</td><td align="center" valign="top">26.7</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1940</td><td align="center" valign="top">45.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">120.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">485.7</td><td align="center" valign="top">70.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">26.2</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1950</td><td align="center" valign="top">22.5</td><td align="center" valign="top">139.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">510.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">31.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">23.1</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1960</td><td align="center" valign="top">6.1</td><td align="center" valign="top">149.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">521.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">37.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">21.3</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1970</td><td align="center" valign="top">2.6</td><td align="center" valign="top">162.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">496.0</td><td align="center" valign="top">30.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">26.9</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1980</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">183.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">436.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">24.1</td><td align="center" valign="top">23.5</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">1990</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.7</td><td align="center" valign="top">203.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">368.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">32.0</td><td align="center" valign="top">18.8</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2000</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">200.5</td><td align="center" valign="top">340.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">24.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.2</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2001</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">194.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">323.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">21.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.4</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2002</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">193.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">318.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">22.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.5</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2003</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">191.5</td><td align="center" valign="top">310.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">22.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.4</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2004</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">187.4</td><td align="center" valign="top">293.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">20.9</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.0</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top">2005</td><td align="center" valign="top">0.2</td><td align="center" valign="top">188.7</td><td align="center" valign="top">288.8</td><td align="center" valign="top">21.3</td><td align="center" valign="top">15.3</td></tr>
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Mortality rates were very high in areas of disease, such as venereal disease, and sickness. Infant mortality was as high as 30% percent in some areas of America in the early 1900's. Penicillin wasn't even invented until 1928. That translates into: the average American teen witnessed a lot of death and sickness unless they were unusually fortunate. </div>
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Of course I do not wish any hunger, illness or death on today's youth. I simply wish history was taught accurately, and I wish we had better teaching tools? I sometimes long for a new invention like "smellevision". Yep, if today's youth could capture the average smell of a household from 100 years ago, they'd be thanking God for soap and water, let alone their deodorant, or Juicy Couture?<br /> I wish they average teen could be transported in time to see a real closet of 1900? My grandparents home was built in the 1920's and had no original closets. Each person had their own "wardrobe", a tall cabinet with a door. It was probably about 6" in height, and 3 and a half feet wide. There was room for perhaps 6 changes of hanging clothes at the most, 3-4 small drawers, and if you were lucky; a mirror on the inside or outside of the door. That was IT. You had ONE pair of shoes until you outgrew them, or wore them out. Underpants? Optional depending on how affluent your family was. Typically, a teen had 1-2 pairs of pants or skirts, and 2-3 shirts or blouses. Not drawers of designer t-shirts, and jeans. Not a small room we now call a closet full or clothes that get worn a dozen times then given away. People literally wore their closes out and even then, saved the remaining fabric for bandages (band aides were not yet marketed) patching other clothing, or cut into quilt squares. Nothing went to waste.<br /> </div>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /> Today's America is so vastly different than the America 1913. Imagine where your at? Did your town even exist? If it did, was their a train? If not your great grands where likely isolated and counted on family and close neighbors for any socializing. Days started early, because of the heat in the summer, and the need to milk the cow year-round, and to break the ice and stoke the fire in the winter, and yes, milk the cows, even in the bitter cold. All this before they went to school, IF they went to school at say, age 15? Many had to stop schooling by 13-16 to work on the family farm, or in a factory to help their parents pay the bills. By 1914, we were at war, and many young teenage males were called away to war on their 18th birthday by either choice or design, as the Federal Draft was in full swing by 1917. Poverty was very common and many young men chose to join the military to learn a skill, see the world, as well as serving their country. </div>
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I suppose the point I'm getting at is this: Our society is so affluent compared to the America of 1913, and also to other countries TODAY. My fear is; the youth no longer have a need for God? My question to you, the reader is; HOW do you teach Jesus to a society that lacks nothing? Medicine is readily available for most, food is not an issue, and today's youth have so many toys, games, and videos that those born just 20 years ago, don't even know what it's like to use their imagination! Bicycles are a novelty, not a necessity, and outdoor play is "scheduled" in play dates.<br />Most kids don't ever break a sweat and are more likely to strain their thumb on the playstation than any other injury. No one chops wood. No one totes water. So why would they need Jesus?</div>
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St. Augustine said: "If you plan to build a tall house of virtues, you must first lay deep foundations of humility." </div>
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<br /><br />How do we lead our teens to Christ when they have no humility? It's not their fault... they are arrogant because they have nothing to compare their world to. We, their parents and grandparents know to be thankful, because we've seen war, we've made do, we've seen others struggle, and we've watched technology evolve. We all remember when a digital watch was $200.00! So we appreciate the affordability and luxury of what we have. Our teens, not so much.</div>
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Now, I admit that I did my best to make sense of The Bible and the need for Christ for my Grandson, most likely because I've always believed in God? I don't recall a time when I didn't? My parents were agnostic growing up, but my Grandmothers were adamant about God, and drug me to church. Wow am I thankful! But, no matter how thankful I am, I need to know: "how do I answer today's youth when they suggest The Bible isn't real, and heaven is just a fable?" How do we present the need for a God? Or do we just give them the facts, and pray? </div>
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<br /><br /><br />One thing I know; faith is developed out of need. And basically TWO PRAYERS I've repetitively prayed: "HELP ME, HELP ME, HELP ME!!" And; "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!" I know my grandchildren will get there. That sometime in their life, something will challenge them to the point of prayer, even if it's in a God whom they are unsure of?</div>
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<br /><br /><br />I'd like to hear thoughts on leading youth to God, and how to develop their foundation in Christ? Raising Godly youth from the cradle is optimum, but what about those who have not been taught?</div>
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<br /><br /><br />Your thoughts are precious to me. Feel free to comment.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<br /><br />Kelly<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-83427552964264345222013-07-17T17:35:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:34:59.421-07:00All Labels Aside- Why Be Anabaptist?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPnCiTgmpcPLE1CKGyHTkaQ8eOTT8M05M0B-20J0Nm80oEkqnd-Yacp6WgM5Iw3ceUviXiekBk1tJcQtzdQe75nz43EskLrurl01wvKDwF0DHb7A1WbUiRjcAZ_ACA5IUblT-ANyZIPoP/s1600/holy-spirit-by-power5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604882848534965250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPnCiTgmpcPLE1CKGyHTkaQ8eOTT8M05M0B-20J0Nm80oEkqnd-Yacp6WgM5Iw3ceUviXiekBk1tJcQtzdQe75nz43EskLrurl01wvKDwF0DHb7A1WbUiRjcAZ_ACA5IUblT-ANyZIPoP/s400/holy-spirit-by-power5.jpg" style="float: left; height: 267px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a>
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Recently, I've been rather challenged to remain among The Anabaptists. I know I am not plain... I am not ultra conservative, nor am I so radical that I want to live in a colony.<br />
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I love the group I worship with, I certainly do. I agree with "most" of their doctrine, as I do agree with the most basic of Anabaptist theology. I certainly do not feel called to worship in any other church.. I feel connected and loved where I'm at<br />
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But that's pretty much where the rubber meets the road. You see, I'm not sure we can say for certain HOW God feels on a lot of issues? I can tell you how He feels about the issues surrounding the 10 Commandments, but then more questions arise when you put it to the test. Take Murder for example? Of course we are not to murder anyone. Right? What about war? What about the police? What about self defense for your family??? Yes, I know most Anabaptists are conscientious objectors and will not go to war literally. But would they protect their children from harm? What about voting? Some say it's a sin to be involved, and some participate. <br />
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"Some" Anabaptists seem to have a fairly firm opinion on how God feels about everything from divorce and remarriage, to alcohol, war, and even foster care? Yep, some people think they've got it nailed down. And all of it is by building a case, just as an attorney would with scripture. They take several scriptures, from different places in the Bible and link them altogether to form a defense for the subject they are trying to defend or prove. ... Unless you visit another church, which may have different views on the previously mentioned subject, with a nailed-tight scriptural opinion based on some other view of how the subject should be translated. It's a lot to digest! <br />
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I'll speak about what I've witnessed personally: Mennonites tend to reason much of the individual church theology, which can vary from church to church, district to district, committee to committee. Everyone has an argument and are willing to split what they at one moment call *the body of Christ* over it, and start an entirely NEW body of Christ a few miles away. Now, is this wrong? No, not if it's to end cult like control that can't be reasoned with. But the whole theology is to love each other so humbly... I'm perplexed WHY the most humble can't humble themselves with each other?
I suppose they are asking themselves the same question? I'm not here to judge... I'm just trying to wrap my mind around it all, and I've been doing this for over 17 years. But in the end, it's the people that keep me coming back, because after all; people are people regardless of their labels. The Mennonites seem to have a certain simplicity not only in their dress and habits, but also in their love of family. It's just not all that complicated to them and that is very appealing to me. <br />
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I've never known love and friendship like I've known among the Mennonites. I am not one of them... I am grafted in. Jesus had some thoughts on grafting in the ones who love Him and I believe while they have their flaws, as any human, the Mennonites I know personally have one character trait that really sets them apart and keeps pulling back to them; They LOVE with their whole heart. And as someone not raised in the Anabaptist faith.., I see things from a peculiar perspective. I've been Baptist, Non-Denominational, and attended a Lutheran Church (a.k.a. "Catholic Light"), for a reasonable amount of time. I spent many a weekend with my Grandmothers at their Pentecostal Assemblies...As a child I would secretly visit The Methodists and The Church of God to see how they compare to The Southern Baptist Church my parents assumed I was at? Yes, I know this was deceitful now, but as a kid, it seemed more like civil disobedience? I was a bit mischievous then. Guess I still am? <br />
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After all these years of attending various denominations, I find a sense of ease in the simplicity of The Mennonites, and I am also challenged to practice their belief in non-resistance. This doesn't always happen in a flawless, un-bumpy path. It is often a trail of regret that leads me to rethink my actions. I have always had a big mouth. Those who know me are smiling and nodding. And it's difficult for me to stand back, be quiet, stay reserved, and let God do things in His time. I'm more inclined to pop-off, lean in, raise an eyebrow, and stare someone down when challenged. But I see in the lives of my Mennonite sisters, that none of that is necessary. Most of the time, I am simply in the way, like a tree in the road. They have taught me to be patient, quiet, tender, and obedient. Not that it always happens that way, trust me, I'm still me. Still, my friends have been there, and prayed with me and for me as I work against myself day to day. I'm always envious that they were raised to be gentle. I was raised by wolves in comparison!<br />
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I think I've found my niche among the Mennonites, and I'm content to just be among them, and feel no pressure to be a cookie cutter version of them. I'm staying put. I just do my best to love God, take their interpretations to heart, and respect their culture, just as I have every domination. And all this travelling around various denominations paid off and created something neutral and unique: It gave me a beautiful perspective to love all denominations for whatever in them shines the brightest. For me, my Mennonite friends shine like diamonds in the sun. I have stopped worrying about what facet shines for what reason? I'm just thankful they shine. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-80542324044353316572013-04-23T15:52:00.003-07:002013-04-23T17:23:57.320-07:00A Thing Or Two About Nanny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSp06cggoFEXZ7d-tOCTznhOpkSF4scjb7kbVy7hi-oxBAH2EIPr01ynUhyphenhyphenKizAZXCfh6yNt4jUxltD_KQrKTg4vx-c7ZzcpUSAUcy5a7yW55T6KBKHirlYjuDXVdStq-gTVbQEz9xxn/s1600/Nanny+at+85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSp06cggoFEXZ7d-tOCTznhOpkSF4scjb7kbVy7hi-oxBAH2EIPr01ynUhyphenhyphenKizAZXCfh6yNt4jUxltD_KQrKTg4vx-c7ZzcpUSAUcy5a7yW55T6KBKHirlYjuDXVdStq-gTVbQEz9xxn/s1600/Nanny+at+85.jpg" /></a></div>
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Meet my "Nanny", Mary Cue Ogle Watson, pictured here at age 85, with one of my second cousins. She's been gone for nearly 20 years, and still I miss my Grandmother something fierce. I can hear her voice, I can imagine the smell of her Chamberlains Lotion, and see her smile in my mind. All of the cousins have a little bit of Nanny in them, but I have been told by most of them that I got hit with the Nanny stick pretty hard! I am very much like her both in physical features (I am tall, and have her bone structure and build), but also in her mannerisms, love for cooking; homemade biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, beans and cornbread, and chow-chow. "Country food". Oh, and I lean towards conservative churches, just as Nanny did. I tend to want to be a "separate people" as a follower of Christ.<br />
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Now, there's no *moral* hinging on the tale of this post. I just saw this picture in my files on the computer, and it conjured up such strong memories, that I thought I'd share? Let me tell you how I see this: This was taken at my Aunt Jo-Jo's house in the early 90's. Jo-Jo is her middle daughter and my beloved, old-fashioned Aunt. I take after her a lot too. Aunt Jo-Jo had a house filled to the brim with cool, old, antiques like that old piano, and bookcases filled with all kinds of stuff to fill your imagination. One thing that struck me as a kid was when Aunt Jo-Jo learned she was to become a Grandmother, she wallpapered her guestroom with beautiful Victorian floral-striped wallpaper and put an old-timey looking crib there. She literally made a nursery. I thought that was the sweetest thing I'd ever seen, and I vowed to have a crib in my guestroom when I became a Grandma too. And I did.<br />
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Aunt Jo also was huge into "Natures Sunshine" Herbs, and in this picture you can see a bottle of something herbal and 100% natural on the table beside Nanny. Aunt Jo had a kitchen cabinet full of herbal medicine in the 70's, long before it was popular, and mainstream. If one of the women had *change of life* symptoms, Aunt Jo gave them Dong Quai. If you were lacking "umph" and generally feeling poorly, we all went on "Alfalfa", the "Father of Herbs". If us teenage girls had cramps, we got a coca-cola. That's how I learned about herbs, and life from my Aunt Jo. She had no problem trying to cure any of us who ailed with some little something she had in the cabinet. And it usually worked! Pondering all of this, I realize I am about the age now, that my Aunt Jo was then. And my kitchen cabinet is full of herbs!<br />
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Back to my Nanny- I had never seen Nanny in anything but dresses, and her hair was long, long, long, as she was Pentecostal. This picture shows her hair a lot different than I knew most of my life. It's short and permed, and probably easier to handle, but it's a reflection of Nanny. She was hurt when the church she'd devoted her life to went through a split, and more of less dissolved because leadership didn't live up to what it preached. I don't want to gossip- so I'll leave the details alone, but I when I first saw Nanny's hair cut short, even though it was full, and feminine, I was probably in my 30's, and my jaw hit the floor. She was also wearing a pants suit, and I'm sure she was comfortable, but it was hard to wrap my head around, all this new dress and shorter hair! I used to brush that hair out at night, and it went way down to her waist. I thought nothing could be as beautiful as her salt and pepper locks that she called her "glory". As a girl, I wanted long salt and pepper glory too, when I became a Grandma. That could still happen. (grin)<br />
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Nanny is gone to be with her Savior, and Aunt Jo's house burned to the ground last year, along with all her beautiful antiques, but thank God she was spared. She now lives with her daughter, the same as Nanny lived with her. I'm glad I have a few pictures. I'm glad we can save these memories on computers, so that they live on, even if the original paper burns to ash. Mostly, I'm grateful that God granted me such a good family, and the good memories of them, even if it's in a photograph to take myself back in time to the sights, smells, and the emotional tug of an era gone by for a moment. I guess we all have closets full of random photo's? I suppose they all tell a story? Hope you enjoyed mine.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-73899689183708604472013-04-10T18:20:00.001-07:002013-04-10T18:33:11.406-07:00Free Indeed... (Helpful Links for Post-Abortive Mothers and Fathers)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't post my last post and just leave my blog to hang in the air. I want to follow up with a reminder to everyone; abortion has more than one victim. Even if you have no connection to abortion, you may know someone who may benefit from seeking help in recovery. The biggest problem with post-abortive Mothers is that they don't feel like they deserve to be forgiven. It's tormenting. And it's<br />
a lie from the devil.<br />
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Here are a few links that may help you, or someone you know find the road to peace on this issue. It starts with a confession, and asking God to forgive you- but living day to day with the consequences is often painful. <br />
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<a href="http://www.careabortionrecovery.com/"><strong>http://www.careabortionrecovery.com/</strong></a><br />
C.A.R.E Restoring Lives Wounded By Abortion<br />
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<a href="http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/articles/hopehealing.htm">http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/articles/hopehealing.htm</a><br />
Silent No More<br />
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In Our Midst<br />
<a href="http://www.inourmidst.com/making_church_safe.htm">http://www.inourmidst.com/making_church_safe.htm</a><br />
Articles on the churches role in healing after abortion.<br />
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<a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/abortion/after-an-abortion/post-abortion-syndrome-pas/">http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/abortion/after-an-abortion/post-abortion-syndrome-pas/</a><br />
Post Abortion Syndrome: NOTE: Every Pro Choice group, every agency that stands to make a dollar, and every feminist publication stresses that PAS does not exhist. Yeah, I remember when PMS and PTSD didn't exist either. That's a crock. <br />
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<a href="http://www.wakeupnet.net/healing.html">http://www.wakeupnet.net/healing.html</a><br />
Abortion Healing Resources.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/">http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/</a><br />
Post Abortion Healing/Retreat<br />
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These are just a few links. I am not connected with any, but hope they bring you, or someone you know the healing that only Jesus brings. Remember; He died not just for some of your sins, not just for the lesser of your sins, not just the socially acceptable sins, but for ALL YOUR SINS. <br />
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May you find forgiveness, and the peace that passes all understanding.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-82127272741228019682012-12-30T10:28:00.001-08:002012-12-30T11:46:13.664-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY8UvmvPJoJfmgaj7-FbxfXeyezF9w85qujDhmK7H_5KnzsE3jJnE-gBUoCnNpHU6pw8xQSsdokqIFVQi0R89_yVJ1J4wRS-p6acuxF2OPt4jTED_4BTOiB5l2nGN_L4_J07jmx8S8fvH/s1600/Mother.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY8UvmvPJoJfmgaj7-FbxfXeyezF9w85qujDhmK7H_5KnzsE3jJnE-gBUoCnNpHU6pw8xQSsdokqIFVQi0R89_yVJ1J4wRS-p6acuxF2OPt4jTED_4BTOiB5l2nGN_L4_J07jmx8S8fvH/s320/Mother.bmp" width="252" /></a></div>
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Question: WHAT KEEPS YA HUMBLE? </div>
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Answer: A GOOD LAUGH AT YOURSELF!</div>
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It's good to be able to laugh at ones self, and today that's just what I'm doing. I have been comparing lifestyles of the Amish/Mennonites and, well, ME. There is an appauling, visible difference in their simplicity in thier homes, especially their kitchens, and mine. It's like "sense vrs. nonsense", or "peace compared to chaos"? I always wanted to be the keeper of the home, yet I see my husband cooking breakfast, because I need some rest from working all week. I guess my mind is rather programmed to consider their way verses the way I am? Or the way "we" are as a couple??<br />
My husband actually likes cooking a hearty breakfast, and I don't. I'm great at lunch and dinner, desserts, casseroles, and appetizers. But I have a hard time focusing in the morning, and prefer to just sit and sip my cuppa joe will I wait for the fog to clear. I get sidetracked worrying about this. It's an internal battle of me wanting to be the haus-frau, but I'm terrible at breakfast! Shouldn't I be the very model of domesticity??? Well, too bad. I'm not. So I like to laugh about those little battles and I hope you'll laugh with me? Laughing at our weaknesses, and shortcomings is honest, and part of what keeps us humble. So off we go!<br />
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In my mind, my home should be neat, organized, and tidy. Like the Mennonites? Ok, more like some Mennonites, ...no, more like the Mennonites in coffee table books! There we go! Believe it or not, even Mennonite women have children who drag toys out. They have days when the dishes pile up, when the laundry is too much. They also get sick just like everyone else. The thing that they have that I probably envy the most is the sense of community that comes with church. It's not uncommon for a group of women to go clean another womans home when she's unable to keep up for any given reason. Most commonly; a new baby, illness, or a death. Still, they rely on each other. All churches of all denominations should be that way, and many are. Still, ya gotta give the trophy to the Mennonites for really going the extra mile in the sense of *community*. </div>
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But just like facebook, and pop-culture, people are people, and just because you post a picture, doesn't mean life is always that way. It means you captured a good moment. Life is full of chaos, disorderly kitchens, toys strung from one end of the house to the other, and trash that smells. You can't smell a picture, you can only capture the best moment of the day, and post it to leave the impression that life is organized and pristine. And as humans, we love to show our best side! Aren't we peculiar that way?<br />
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Life tends to be more random, reckless, and half hazard. Yet I think I need to rise to a higher standard? Truthfully, most Mennonites I know DO have orderly kitchens, but it's out of necessity. I fall so short in this department, likely because I wasn't raised Mennonite, and I didn't have a huge family that required this sort of forethought in the pantry, I'm guessing? But still, I carry some guilt about it, because I've spent so long trying to fit in with the Mennonites, that you'd think my kitchen would reflect this? Nah. Forget about it. I'll just enjoy my friends orderly kitchens, and do my very best to keep mine clean. I can live with that.<br />
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<a href="http://amishamerica.com/amish-canning/">http://amishamerica.com/amish-canning/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIQd_3AHEBHQbri-FWoGKEtb_U6sc2a86eDk9pyUond41Bb26NRGEetJfeTG_6Ls6ovwbneKgFsef4mEqewTcVkeMkVFBNHob6yWrxd4QknltDCc5TuoOY-q9eRoPNvbkfJ2eP6WoEAmK/s1600/MENNONITE-SOCKS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIQd_3AHEBHQbri-FWoGKEtb_U6sc2a86eDk9pyUond41Bb26NRGEetJfeTG_6Ls6ovwbneKgFsef4mEqewTcVkeMkVFBNHob6yWrxd4QknltDCc5TuoOY-q9eRoPNvbkfJ2eP6WoEAmK/s320/MENNONITE-SOCKS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is an image I relate to a little better, because SINCE becoming a Mennonite via the plain route, (no longer plain, but I should get brownie points for trying), I've become rather brainwashed in the laundry department. I have large drawer full of long black socks purchased through various catalogs in the past 15 or so years. My friend Patty Lockwood wrote about Mennonite catalogs here on ber blog; The Morning Ramble: <br />
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<a href="http://morningramble.blogspot.com/2006/01/amish-mennonite-catalogs.html">http://morningramble.blogspot.com/2006/01/amish-mennonite-catalogs.html</a>.<br />
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There are many nifty items including black socks that are easily purchased through stores that cater to the Amish and Mennonites. I sometimes find them at department stores, but rarely at a good price.. There is something about a solid pair of black knee socks that *for me* just reeks of trying too hard. Yet I've worn them for so long, that they have become a part of me, at least in the winter. My Birkenstock's are part of me in the summer.<br />
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All my very plain friends wear the black socks, and we all have little jokes about the number of black socks we own. My sock of choice for winter is by far, the polyester-cable-kit-knee-length-black sock. It's something that the younger Mennonites will probably move away from, but I suppose I'm stuck on them? Hey, I have bigger fish to fry, so I can live with the black sock obsession. Some people collect Star Trek memorabilia, just probably not The Mennonites. Really, this is nothing to be concerned with in the big scale of things. So bear with me, as I can't seem to get past the black sock thing? They are warm, they are modest, they don't show dirt! It's one small step for mankind. And they help me wear skirts because they keep my legs warm. They are warm under jeans. They are warm under scrubs. What's not to love?<br />
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Moving forward, my next investment, other than more black socks, will be a hangy-down, clothespin-covered, chandelier like product that you can hang your black socks from. It doesn't have lights, but it's functional in that it doesn't take up space, and one can dry socks indoors from it. It just looks like a chandelier... ok, a redneck chandelier...<br />
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I found one in The Budget, <br />
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(newspaper for the Amish/Mennonites,written BY the Amish/Mennonites) listed for $19.95.<br />
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With all these socks, this is a requirement, and absolutely so if I'm going to call myself Anabaptist, however, I fall short in every other area. Really.... I do. But such is life and it's all a struggle to put one foot in front of the other as we all step heavenward. Right? <br />
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I hope you've gotten a chuckle or two out of my perception of myself, my disorganized kitchen and my footwear? I'm not too terribly worried about what's on the outside, or who cooks breakfast, as long as overall, my motives are pleasing to God? He knows my heart. He knows I don't wake up and hit the stove running! He knows I fancy black socks. He also knows I love to laugh. Today, I looked at my kitchen and sock drawer, and did just that. Hope you did too. Blessings! Now go clean out your sock drawer!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-22331406736523384732012-09-01T08:14:00.000-07:002012-09-01T21:23:19.778-07:00Flirting With Disaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">My husband Scott and I flew up to Ohio to visit our children and grandchildren right in time to experience a natural disaster: Deracho 2012. A Deracho is as deadly as a tornado, but the winds are straight-line, and not in rotation. Kind of like a wall of fury coming at you all at once, wiping out everthing with any ounce of weakness in it's path. 100 year old oak trees are plucked up out of the ground like spring carrots and deposited in the neighbors pool. Roofs ripped off and power lines snapped in the blink of an eye. Your world is mowed down by an invisible force that you can only see coming by radar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Disaster is not something you plan on, or think will happen to you? Many Americans in 2012 think they are somewhat impervious to a true disaster, as if it's ridiculous to think that anything catastrophic could possibly happen? Or worse; that the government, The Red Cross, and other volunteer agencies will swoop in and take care of them? Right now as I write this, Hurricane Isaac has made headlines and families living as far as Arkansas are dealing with floodwaters and scrambling for cover, while trying to save pictures and a few keepsakes. Many leaving behind pets to fend for themselves. Don't think it can't happen to you. Fire, flood, drought, and wind can level a lifetime of accumulation. Which really makes me wonder why we all strive so hard to accumulate? But that's another post...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Well, I'm pleased to say that the community of Newark, Ohio really came together and worked through this ordeal. But I realized just how community oriented we all are in small snippets of daily life during the 10 days without electricity, and in the big-middle of the States most outrageous heat-wave in 50 years. It was hot, and it was humid. We took cold showers, and my very gracious family set up a camp stove outside, and had hot coffee waiting for us every morning. We pulled together with neighbors and family and had a good time doing so. But this taught me a lesson: Keep water and food on hand. And y</span><span style="font-family: Courier New;">eah, I know this could easily lead into a rant about "prepping", but I'm not going there right now. Instead I want you to picture with me how delicate our system is, and you can imagine on your own how something like this can affect you where you are presently? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Day one</u></strong>: I decided to venture out into the streets about 2 hours after the storm to see if any businesses were open and were in the world was the fringe of this storms path? Who had electricity, if any? Were people hurt? Could I help in any way? I drove my car carefully around downed power lines, wove around pine trees and oaks in the middle of the street, up to the "main drag" where all the stores are. The first thing I noticed besides the abscence of electricity and all the visual devestation, was that none of the stop-lights were operating. Nothing tests a persons character more than the ability for personal gain, even in traffic. People were driving like idiots, and horns were blasting, and middle fingers flying with wild abandon. It was like a trip to New York City, minus the great ethnic food and Broadway plays. I managed my way to the local store, and was stunned to see people coming and going It appears they had some emergency back up system, so I went in, grabbed lots of bottled, water, canned beans, fruit, bread, peanut butter, and snacks, because I felt deep down in my gut, that none of this would be available in a few days? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Day two</u></strong>: Need ice, and our telephones are not working! No gas is available, because the pumps operate on electricity. Plan: Drive out of town until we get a phone signal. Call everyone in Texas to let them know we are okay. Find gas, ice, and more food. We had a house full of family, and a diabetic Granddaughter. Make sure she has the right foods and plenty of insulin. Check.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Day three</u></strong>: Need more ice. Went by the grocery store again. They were out of ice, out of ANY fresh meat or cheese, and fruits and vegetables had been picked over. All that was left was cabbage, onions, radishes, and about 6 bags of potatoes. I grabbed a bag of potatoes, and went to the canned meat isle. Picked over, but I grabbed some spam, and a couple cans of soup. <br />Question: Why aren't they shipping more food in? <br />Answer: Because they have no means to store it. <br />This is scary. Kroger looks apocolyptic and it's 88 degrees inside, and it's starting to smell. No food coming in, and what's there is starting to get ripe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Are you getting the picture? This went on for 10 days. Everyday I drove into town and scouted for ice, gas, and a phone signal. The elderly and infirmed where being sent to Red Cross stations across town because they couldn't take the heat. I thanked God every single day that we were able to swim in my brothers pool, and sleep in my sisters cool basement. We really made an adventure out of it for the grandkids. We played board games, sang songs and just told stories. But in the back of my mind I couldn't help but wonder if there was more I could do to be better prepared going forward? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most amazing things I witnessed during this power outage was the fresh faces of teenagers, as they figured out how to spend their time without their cell phones? Seeing groups of teens walk the streets, sit outside in groups, and play board games gave me a lot of hope for the next generation, and I'll bet they'll have a story to tell when they are adults? I'll bet there was more than one teen happy that their parents had those board games, or a stack of cards in the drawer? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">What do you do to prepare yourself? Do you have any kind of emergency plan? Do you know how to make do, or do without? How do you store important documents? Do you keep emergency medicine on-hand? Is there emergency rations of food in your pantry? Do you have a plan?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Giving "food for thought" is like planting a harvest for tomorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">In Christ,<br />Kelly</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-84147944381926567872012-06-10T16:13:00.003-07:002012-06-10T19:08:31.443-07:00Singing the Tomato Blues...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When I was about 10, my parents divorced. My Mother moved out and I stayed at home with my Dad, visiting Mom at her apartment on the weekends. Not a very common arrangement for the 1970's... My mother was a nurse at the county hospital's emergency room, a bit of a feminist, and very handy with a gun. She was a bit ahead of her time. She was a good seamstress, and creative. But not a huge gardener in this stage of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But we never gardened until my Dad remarried. My stepmom was, whether she likes to admit it or not; "from good country stock". Her Mother became my Grandmother and took me in like I had always been there. I had new little brother to boot and scores of cousins. My stepmom brought with her, into this new relationship a myriad of skills that I had never learned, one being cleaning, but that's another post. I suppose I should tell you her name; it's Lawanna. And Lawanna was a force to be reckoned with. When she moved in, my world changed forever, and I have to say; for the better. No kid wants their parents to divorce of course, but I suppose I'm an optimist? We had our struggles and sometimes still do, but what she taught me I'm eternally grateful for. She taught me to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Of course at 12, I balked. I bawled, I threw every fit I could imagine, but nothing seemed to work. Lawanna persevered. She got me out of bed, dressed me in my grubbiest clothes (because they are just going to get grubbier,) and set me to work doing the hardest thing I had every heard of a kid doing: working a garden. I couldn't see the point in it? We turned the Saint Augustine grass over without the aid of a tiller. We combed the grass out and picked rocks for weeks. My new little brother "Clark" was not an exception to work, just because he was 5 years younger. We both moaned and complained but it did us no good. However Lawanna had mercy in her- she would stop us in the heat of the day, bring us in the shade for Kool-Aid and then let us run through the water sprinkler. Then back to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When the last rock had been pulled out and the rows were made nice and neat, Lawanna and Daddy planted the little plants they'd made from seed in the early, cold, spring. I thought the deal was done and I was free from my labor camp experience? No, I just had a reprieve. Soon I was *weeding* with a hoe before I could go out and play. The plants grew and before long we brought in bushels of green tomatoes. They lined the kitchen counters and we ate fried green tomatoes while we waited for the green to turn pink, then orange, then red. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly- there were more red tomatoes than we could possibly eat! We canned a bunch, but Lawanna was, if nothing else; enterprising. She sacked up the tomatoes, loaded my little red wagon full and sent me and Clark knocking door to door in our neighborhood selling "garden fresh tomatoes". At first I was shy and overwhelmed with the thought of talking to strangers. But Lawanna struck a deal with me: For every bag we sell for .50 cents, Clark and I get to keep HALF! Ok, keep in mind this is 1974. I got .25 cents allowance weekly which was immediately wasted on penny-candy at the 7-11 up the street. Did I mention we lived in the city and no one had gardens in the city in 1974??? We had a HOT commodity and it took off like gangbusters. Overnight, Lawanna got my respect as me and Clark looked forward to selling another wagon load of tomatoes and seeing what we could buy? Lawanna's a genius!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My new found fortune began paying off. Clark was a saver, and I was a spender. Like every young girl, I wanted cosmetic items, a manicure set, and Breck Shampoo. I believe I sent off for *Sea Monkeys* from the back of Tiger Beat Magazine, and was, like every pre-teen I knew, sorely disappointed? Never saw anything other than something greenish growing in that fishbowl. Nothing like the sales ad suggested, not even remotely close. But apparently, this is part of the nostalgia of the 70's, so I guess not all is lost? I just thought I'd have a *pet*?? Sea Monkeys are something that every kid in my era was fascinated with. After all, we had one-line rotary phones, and no internet. We had paper books and magazines with uber-cool ads that never live up to their promises. Such was the 70's... Oh well, live and learn. I bought yarn to crotchet with, and fabric to make pillows for my bed, and my first tube of "Charlie" colonge, that smelled more like turpentine, than perfume. I got a Madame Alexander Doll from Cox's, some lures for my rod and reel, and my stash of penny-candy grew to be the envy of every 7-th grader in my school! Remember; a quarter bought you 24 pieces of wrapped candy. I'm sure I was on a year long sugar high... Daddy, if your reading this- that may explain a lot?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /> But the best memories are of just walking through our neighborhood, in the hot July heat, and trying to give each neighbor that doe-eyed innocent look that will twist their heart into a knot and make them buy a bag of tomatoes. I haven't lost that touch, by the way. What's funny to me all these years later is; I suppose my doe-eyed look didn't carry as much weight as I thought? Now at 50, I realize how hard it is to grow your own good tomatoes, and how much better they taste than those bought in a store. The tomatoes were selling themselves, but God Bless Lawanna, she taught us a lesson in going out there and getting the job done! It only helped my self esteem to think *I* was doing any selling? It helped me develop a work ethic that I'm proud of. And it helped me realize I can make do or do without?<br />
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As I weed my garden and glance around at my counter full of tomatoes forty years later... I wonder;.. how much would a bag go for today? It's a thought, and don't think I wouldn't do it again just for grins? Thanks Lawanna. You planted a lot in me, and I'm better person for it. <br />
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In picture above: Kelly holding *Wrinkles*, Clark, (Rest In Peace little brother) Daddy, and Lawanna. Circa 1974.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-63782395572821174142012-02-04T10:21:00.000-08:002012-02-04T12:56:56.562-08:00Hand-Tooled Rustic Rawhide (Reflections on *50*)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Yesterday, while sitting with good friends on a sunny front porch, I realized how far I've come on my journey. I looked across her prairie pasture and I could see clear to Waco. Seeing that distance, and how easy it was on my eyes, It hit me like a ton of lead- just how far I've come in my nearly 50 years... in my journey...on the road to wherever I'm going, looking back at where I've been.<br /><br /> While sitting outside soaking up the warmth, a cold-front snuck up on us from behind and the temperature dropped. Clouds rolled in. The sky changed texture, and color. There were thunderheads behind little puffy cotton-boll-polka-dots in the sky. It was a myriad. Like God decided to break out his paintbrush just for us. It made me realize that life is so good at whatever phase and stage we are in. Those phases, like the clouds, change without warning to bring on something different, something drastic, or sometimes nothing but calm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Life is unpredictable, and I'm glad. Unpredictibility makes you light on your feet. You learn to become flexible and roll with the changes. You stop reacting and learn to adapt to the present and accept the past. Although I'm not as wild or stubborn as I used to be, I consider those attributes as part of the backdrop of who I am, and still reserve a little of that wild streak for a rainy day. It all helped to mold me. Maybe God used it despite me and my youthful arrogance?? In the end, I am pliable and functional just the way I am. Best of all; I am gratefully aware that my past is part of the road to here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Processing all this *past*...I feel a little older, but not worn out. Almost like I live inside a well worn pair of old boots. They are comfortable, and suitable for my every need. The dings and scars of self-induced drama, and defensive wounds have done nothing but add character and make the leather tougher, yet softer to the touch. Perhaps the sole (or soul) will need reattaching over time, but they are built for the long haul, the briar's, & the bull-nettle. </span><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">At first glance you'd think all this abrasiveness would take away from the beauty of the hand-tooling? But nah, it adds to it.</span><span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"> I guess I don't just wear the boots. I have become the boots? And thankfully, the boots fit fine.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-10346908794032051252012-01-22T14:16:00.000-08:002012-01-22T16:50:31.964-08:00Same Problem, Different Day - Historical Mennonites<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" id="twttrHubFrame" name="twttrHubFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html" style="height: 10px; position: absolute; top: -9999em; width: 10px;" tabindex="0"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm posting an excerpt from "Readings From Mennonite Writings, New & Old" by J. Craig Haas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I find it kind of interesting that this was considered an OLD problem in 1827??</span></div>
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JANUARY 17th</div>
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SAME OLD PROBLEM</div>
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Johannes Rissler, 1827</div>
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When a church has simply presumptuous piety, which is always paired with Pharisaical pride, it is likewise in its nature to fear the pure gospel and therefore resist and oppose it, especially when foreign (i.e., non-Mennonite) evangelists unite with it. The evidence for this is clear from the present back to Christ.</div>
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It is therefore also clear that the reasons given were only a pretext and that it was really not the men but the gospel that was feared. One is full of mistrust, as if the Holy Scripture had not given us plain standards for proving the spirits.</div>
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And even though he may not protest against all good proposals, neither does he promote them; and even if one merely passes his mistrust on to his neighbor he is nonetheless causing harm. Another feels his pride is injured because he is supposed to listen to outside counselors and this is sufficient reason for turning his back to them. A third party is so out of sorts that he closes his heart and ears to the truth and actually works against things that are good: he is in a serious danger that the truth can become for him an "aroma of death" (2 Corinthians 2:16)</div>
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In short, I must confess that in my eyes our church, in its CRITICISM OF IT'S OUTSIDE BRETHREN, has revealed itself as weakest of all. </div>
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Risser-1827 3, 4, translated by Eli H. Bender</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How is it that over 150 years ago, some Mennonites (or fill in your denomination of choice) were concerned about division between THE BODY OF CHRIST??? Because it's always been there and always will be. I despise hearing people comment on other denominations as if they, (being the members, the body of Christ) are somehow disenfranchised from us, those who think they know better? I cringe every time I hear an anti-Catholic remark, or something about the Episcopals and how liberal they all are. The energy it takes to spout off about human frailty, verses keeping our mouths shut is enormous, I admit. I know the temptation of getting a *dig* in, because I'm human. But every single day we are becoming more mature spiritually. When do we become accountable? When do we take responsibility for our negative, hurtful, behavior that does nothing to edify (build) the body of Christ, and has great impact on destroying it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another issue is a growing trend of *un-churching*, and casting religion aside to do our own thing. That's great if doing your own thing happens to be exactly what the Bible says to do. More often than not, it's somehow tied to loving our neighbor as ourself. The bible doesn't specify WHO our neighbor is, or which neighbor to love. It's blanketed. It's everyone. It's the church down the street that you can't stand, and the neighbor who won't shut up about their fellowship and how great it is. It's the crabby old lady at the grocery store, it's the drunk on the street. And yes, it's the other denominations besides your own. If you want to throw religion aside, read your bible first... here, let me help: *wink*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This is a very modern problem with a very historical pattern. We want to pick and choose and noone wants to be told what to do... by anyone. We can of course excercise common sense when it comes to who and what we are listening to. Can I get an amen? You see, the enemy comes with every intention of tearing the church apart, and his best stradegy is from within the core... the people... the brothers and sisters who serve the same God under different peripheral pretenses, yet still have the same focus: Jesus, our redeemer. He wants to destroy us by getting at the very heart of the body. Satan doesn't play nice or even play fair. We need to stand united with those who truly serve Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, we as humans, (myself included) have this inclination to legitimize everything we do. We will point the finger at another denomination, or person, or group, and not see our own short comings. (thus the plank in our eye!) We are ONE body. ONE. The denominational label will not exhist in heaven. It is only here on earth to define little peripheral details. Chew on that for a while or let me know if I'm out of line? But I believe there is both redeemed and decieved people in every denomination. Of course some of the teaching is historically irrelivant. Of course some of the practices need re-thinking. <strong>But ya know being Mennonite (or Catholic, or Methodist, or Penticostal) doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car!!!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Knowing JESUS intimately, knowing his sacrifice, knowing your unworthiness without his blood shed for your sin... and refusing His gift of eternal life when we truly repent of our sin... that's what makes you a redeemed follower of Christ.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Romans 10:9-11</span> If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is
Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved. For with your heart you believe and are put right with God, and it is
with your mouth that you confess and are saved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The bible says to not forsake the assembling of ourselves as a body... so be cautious that as your sorting through the man-made stuff you don't forget to commune with each other. That's what feeds our souls and keeps us strong in The Lord. That's what gives us opportunity to see others needs and reach out. That's when the body of Christ comes together and operates as one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10%3A25&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 10:25</span></a><span class="note"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Bible says there WILL be wolves in sheep's clothing. And we can expect it. But it won't be in the form of everyone EXCEPT the church your in. Mennonite or otherwise. So go forward and be kind and love thy neighbor, whoever they are, even those who you'd rather not... go ahead- love and accept them, even if their way isn't your way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Serve God with all your heart, and with all the humility you can muster to as many as you can fit inside that God-Shaped heart He gave you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peace. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ3ueb43ckUKiqvKoiff16dC9g0tO-Gv0IvIzcrSq2ZEbxdeVeI8hpfWEVOrmPeSLUkAWqyNC0ryuT040_JQAhqjF47oOKo635qdTsodoD34Fd_Lmr8gOnE92Z6LAm8zZoRGx9UYNQqtE/s1600/unity_in_the_body_of_christ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ3ueb43ckUKiqvKoiff16dC9g0tO-Gv0IvIzcrSq2ZEbxdeVeI8hpfWEVOrmPeSLUkAWqyNC0ryuT040_JQAhqjF47oOKo635qdTsodoD34Fd_Lmr8gOnE92Z6LAm8zZoRGx9UYNQqtE/s320/unity_in_the_body_of_christ1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-35848073030207154652012-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:002012-01-15T16:24:59.817-08:00The Headcovering- Same God, Different Cultures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZVSPomp-XaAT9j69jD9W0B3HDzDNww0r7Y94aRfbXqJOWNvC8EhTj204MDuGeNz8uaX54iKYGuC1t6_49FWUxho_u2qpxIDl7kOUbLSLDo09rb-0TieobzwAMd_6LGahDUVaZOYKh37R/s1600/hats-jr-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZVSPomp-XaAT9j69jD9W0B3HDzDNww0r7Y94aRfbXqJOWNvC8EhTj204MDuGeNz8uaX54iKYGuC1t6_49FWUxho_u2qpxIDl7kOUbLSLDo09rb-0TieobzwAMd_6LGahDUVaZOYKh37R/s320/hats-jr-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/nov/11/brandon-woman-memorializes-mom-with-ministry-ar-302181/"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/nov/11/brandon-woman-memorializes-mom-with-ministry-ar-302181/</strong></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2MPFttzkV2a0jefgnAGlo0oeEmYZCZ1qRkQ7I_Dbq3ahMCz0YI1sNHNuZWvwfc-5VgI-gHsu52gV_R_9AVWuuiPcP2SnV0nCa_xHoO6CoAZxbKAAjQ3GPRimp5B6IoSK8qRZT0NV75DV/s1600/Black_Lahu_121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2MPFttzkV2a0jefgnAGlo0oeEmYZCZ1qRkQ7I_Dbq3ahMCz0YI1sNHNuZWvwfc-5VgI-gHsu52gV_R_9AVWuuiPcP2SnV0nCa_xHoO6CoAZxbKAAjQ3GPRimp5B6IoSK8qRZT0NV75DV/s320/Black_Lahu_121.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dJHGRNXVEjHBSNl4C36x_Y4STOYwbrrKhxuGcI7wVOHR8B9L3fY1xbEa934hyUPXfzGwizx2ScGZ9A74U0PBxx16DlYrW11vPWJE0LRDMhUOdReQ9n_QbpV3x2HJmUBzRJHO4LaFO7Rg/s1600/Kapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dJHGRNXVEjHBSNl4C36x_Y4STOYwbrrKhxuGcI7wVOHR8B9L3fY1xbEa934hyUPXfzGwizx2ScGZ9A74U0PBxx16DlYrW11vPWJE0LRDMhUOdReQ9n_QbpV3x2HJmUBzRJHO4LaFO7Rg/s320/Kapp.jpg" width="273" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">What do you see in the first photo? I see a woman with a mission to give women a purpose...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Her name is Juanita Wesley and she is preserving her Mother's memory by wearing hats not only as a biblical headcovering, but she collects hats because her mother (and her culture) teach her that this is part of the different roles we play each day. She's created a ministry called "Women of Many Hats"and this ministry is designed to serve others. They serve the needy, and serve each other as women. I've included a link to the story. The video is great. But- would you agree or disagree that this honors God? Why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly, we have a woman in a third world country. The women all wear very colorful towels as headcoverings. The idea of vividness makes some people cringe. But to the people who's culture have taught them to serve, they are loving signs of obediance to a very vibrant God. Are they wrong? Are they too loud? Too proud?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, I've included what anyone outside an Anabaptist culture would consider a very modest prayer cap (or kapp). It's created by *Sowers Of Hope* </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SowersofHope"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>http://www.etsy.com/shop/SowersofHope</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> who offer a very wide variety of head coverings. They are beautiful, delicate and feminine, but they would not fly in a plain church. Why do you think that is? I can tell you why: Because it is embellished by an artisian who see's creativity as a way to honor God. But many in a plain culture would consider this *proud*. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing is mentioned biblically about Christians dressing uniformly. Plain dress is subjective to the culture and times. Amish dress alone is radically different from one century to the next. Just look how many inches the skirt alone has risen since the 1900's? What is considered modest by one culture may border on obscene by another. Let's compare The Victorians who could not even show the the turn of an ankle to just 20 years later when hemlines started rising. Big shift in a few years! Now, modern day Anabaptists accept *tea-length* (as it is known in the south, or mid-to-low calf) as proper and modest. I'm not knocking plain dress- I'm supporting it if that's where The Holy Spirit has placed you. I'm always in favor of modest dress and the headcovering.What I'm suggesting is that we all support each other regardless and stop thinking our way is the only way to do the right thing. After all, God created diversity when He made the individual tribes? He intended for us all to be unique.</span></div>
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<span class="crossverse" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/7-3.htm"><strong>Matthew 7:3</strong></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> "Why do
you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to
the plank in your own eye?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From my perspective: As I look among the **family of God**, which WILL include other denominations, I see that one sister may wear a beret, a wide brimmed hat with feathers, or a simple newsboy cap, while another may wear a simple veil made from a scrap of fabric. <strong>It's all the same to God. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Covering for prayer was the first step in leading an actively obediant life for me as a Christian. It humbles me, it reminds me of spiritual order, and it blesses me to be able to do just one right thing for the right reason that pleases God. There is so much that I do not do right... I am thrilled that I am simply *able*. But I feel like ANY covering worn in obediance should be *enough*. <strong>Their reasons are thier own and not subject to my condemnation.</strong></span></div>
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<span class="crossverse" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/14-22.htm"><strong>Romans 14:22</strong></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> So
whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed
is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not trying to give anyone a hard time. I'm just looking at the world from the outside-in. I see a lot of comments and discussion on facebook, and so-called Christian discussion lists that are not edifying. People making judgement calls on other Christians who serve the same God, but from a different angle. <strong>Why would we condemn anyone of a different culture? Why not appreciate them? Probably because we have been raised, or trained to believe that our way is somehow the best way. Common sense should tell you to look at creation, look at the animals such as zebra's and giraffes....birds such as a cardinal, or a Macaw, and realize we serve the original artist! </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going forward;</span> <span style="font-size: large;">when you see another woman from another culture, or simply another denomination who is doing what she's called to do, why not take a moment to thank God for His very colorful array? God made us all to be unique and individual. Why would we think we need to be identical and uniform? Let not the enemy divide us, allow the spirit to bind us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Romans 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at
whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who
pass judgment do the same things.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's the bible saying what I always tell my children: <strong>Don't point a finger, lest you have 3 more pointing back at you.</strong> Let's be careful that in Christ, we are not dissaproving of those who are not identical to us, but are faithfully serving as they know how. Let's instead say: "YOU GO SISTER!" for she is surely serving a living God from the unique place that He has placed her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoeG5XxNix49LGSdOPOwa6e8_RojKl3PgsMdWcawY-uCRo97ynPXH60kCib7KdExdZX3Dg48OcqFITmPyndF0sFKsBVcsxK9awHzvmPZpLFphd56CAX9UGWyUrhS_jwOTSdugXb-pnpUi/s1600/peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoeG5XxNix49LGSdOPOwa6e8_RojKl3PgsMdWcawY-uCRo97ynPXH60kCib7KdExdZX3Dg48OcqFITmPyndF0sFKsBVcsxK9awHzvmPZpLFphd56CAX9UGWyUrhS_jwOTSdugXb-pnpUi/s320/peacock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSR-Q-obgzx1ADrGwtZIpllCerIKRRLxYm-2gpohy4D3SGaRtUmOAiCLZ-XvV9tmSfv-MoYOOP_ZvPxGz8cEze1TSfr77b2hTbbigDucaJDK2Uhr4PC-oCGyq6xNs18MewQj4sqlAe9Gt/s1600/blue+frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSR-Q-obgzx1ADrGwtZIpllCerIKRRLxYm-2gpohy4D3SGaRtUmOAiCLZ-XvV9tmSfv-MoYOOP_ZvPxGz8cEze1TSfr77b2hTbbigDucaJDK2Uhr4PC-oCGyq6xNs18MewQj4sqlAe9Gt/s1600/blue+frog.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHJ-i8pxDc7UsoIrUt4nEexYreQ04DjqiLIMLaRsyZZQv3oAiAVFEIVq3MVi6FgZ6i7in4SBZ4zckEsqzd6OJ3j43Y4NOYLk8dtNAHcf12knvu3yin7h2htQIeY54AUIoMGXInNi7-6yW/s1600/zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHJ-i8pxDc7UsoIrUt4nEexYreQ04DjqiLIMLaRsyZZQv3oAiAVFEIVq3MVi6FgZ6i7in4SBZ4zckEsqzd6OJ3j43Y4NOYLk8dtNAHcf12knvu3yin7h2htQIeY54AUIoMGXInNi7-6yW/s320/zebra.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoeG5XxNix49LGSdOPOwa6e8_RojKl3PgsMdWcawY-uCRo97ynPXH60kCib7KdExdZX3Dg48OcqFITmPyndF0sFKsBVcsxK9awHzvmPZpLFphd56CAX9UGWyUrhS_jwOTSdugXb-pnpUi/s1600/peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-76757361474121568962012-01-10T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-10T16:57:15.205-08:00Dog's 'N Babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXp9_UDda6R9w4vKZZ4aO2yb8ZwQdMNmT54NA-CryPpVNdUfe-IS9drtSL8EvbX2y9Cc4JQVOriyxCG1z2z86fjBCGZxGjgUnk6EOl9JG3q-hQglhbBRR71E4PL8ane7PhgcdxKu2KCVC/s1600/buds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXp9_UDda6R9w4vKZZ4aO2yb8ZwQdMNmT54NA-CryPpVNdUfe-IS9drtSL8EvbX2y9Cc4JQVOriyxCG1z2z86fjBCGZxGjgUnk6EOl9JG3q-hQglhbBRR71E4PL8ane7PhgcdxKu2KCVC/s320/buds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My little dog Minnie Lou is just smitten with Silas, my 4 month old grandson. She is wildly protective of him, and won't leave his side. Silas is sometimes interested in Minnie Lou, and sometimes not. He usually likes to pull her ears and smack at her. No matter what he does, she is still there, by his side. She seems unaffected by his tugging. She is not going anywhere because, as dog are by nature, she is fiercely loyal. What a friend Silas will have in that little white dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I am blessed beyond measure to be able to sit with Silas and watch him do what babies do on any given Saturday afternoon. Sometimes he's just napping, and making funny faces, he occasionally fusses, only because he can't speak English yet, but mostly, he just sits in my lap and wonders about everything, including Minnie Lou who begs his attention. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I imagined being a Grandma since I was just a wee girl when I used to play house and instead of being a wife/mother, I'd often imagine I was a Grandma with glasses and an apron. Mission accomplished- I'm there! Well, this beats anything I could have conjured up playing house. It's wonderful and rewarding to see my grandson do just about anything from merely breathing to laughing out loud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Minnie is just waiting for Silas to come and play with her, and someday soon he will. But for now, he's just sitting pretty in my lap watching Minnie beg for treats, or chase a toy on the floor. She's patient. Maybe dogs just instinctively know that babies are babies until the time they are ripe enough to be toddlers and play? Minnie seems to know he's tiny and helpless and if someone rings the doorbell, all 8 lbs of her turn into a vile, ankle-biting machine, barking and jumping to make herself seem ferocious to protect little Silas. It's fairly comical to witness but it's the truth. She puts on quite a show all because she knows somehow, somewhere in here little doggy self that he is innocent, and belongs, and apparently, she believes it's her job. Far be it from me to interfere. But I know she's just waiting for the day Silas will play catch, or scratch her ears. It wouldn't surprise me if she wound up being mostly his dog and not mine. And I wouldn't mind a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> This precious baby time is fleeting and it's natural, I suppose? I want Silas to walk and run and play chase little Minnie Lou. I want him to do things on his own, without any one's assistance. But I also want him to just stay tiny and need our laps for just a little while longer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> I guess, just like dogs who are loyal, God made parents who are anxious to see their child grow. He also made Grandma's who are reflective and appreciative, so that this time can be savored. It's a grand privilege to behold a growing child at any age, but babies are especially sweet because they are only babies for just a little while. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Silas, take your time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Minnie Lou, you'll just have to wait a while. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-80867077161898505212011-12-30T09:27:00.000-08:002011-12-30T09:52:22.709-08:00The Ogre In Us All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73EKlOL8jb-Kv9DXlZ5ZLigSp8BvkoDvY9c0Zca8qby7xu2JN8i9nF1skHfqvcqayBHTrUhwokY7H-MfbQchFuAzFGBX-hDgPczGnBey6qsnTu7a_Ft20-7alZzoOxus4pfbkewWAqUXl/s1600/ab-snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73EKlOL8jb-Kv9DXlZ5ZLigSp8BvkoDvY9c0Zca8qby7xu2JN8i9nF1skHfqvcqayBHTrUhwokY7H-MfbQchFuAzFGBX-hDgPczGnBey6qsnTu7a_Ft20-7alZzoOxus4pfbkewWAqUXl/s400/ab-snow.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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“For every person, in every instance, either brief or interminable, cruel or civil, warm or hostile, there will be enough sin in all our relationships that forgiveness is required if they are to continue toward an end that is good” (Bold Love, Dan Allender)<br />
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Do you have an inner Ogre? I do. I try to keep it well hidden, and out of sight. But occasionally, the Ogre appears in the form of grouchiness, or cynicism, and usually towards the people I love the most. I hate that part of myself and I work hard to keep it buried. However, every Christmas season, I love to be reminded that my inner Ogre is really just anger, hurt, and insecurity that manifests itself through negative behavior. I do this by watching "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" sometime during the holidays. Say what you want about Santa, but the bigger message in this classic movie is about the flawed little toys, the *misfits* that rescue the Ogre that has been scaring the daylights out of everyone for years. The misfit's are the little toys that didn't make the cut at Santa's toyshop. They find an elf who really doesn't want to be an elf, he wants to be a Dentist. Lo and behold, the Ogre isn't really all that bad of a guy...he just has a tootheache, he HURTS, and society has labled him as a monster. The wanna-be Dentist/elf extracts the offending tooth and suddenly, The Ogres a lovable, furry, critter who befriends the misfits on their journey to find someone to love them.<br />
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The Abominable Snowman to me represents those who are very outward in their anger and defiance. He is frustrated, and hurt, and lashes out, all because he's in pain. I know a lot of people who behave abominabally (is that a word?), and fit the profile. Here is where it gets deep: We, as Christians have to learn to recognize this, and respond in love and do this repeatedly, all seasoned well with the grain of a mustard seed. The scriptures say so, yet good Christians seem to ignore this teaching.<br />
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"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." - Matthew 18:21-22.<br />
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We ALL have to deal with each others inner-Ogre, and helping to heal the hurt by responding in love. Does that mean we are to take what Ogre's dish out? No. You can respond in love and still be honest. Some Christians get this crazy idea that responding in love means to put a smile on your face and endure abuse. No, never... You can respond in love, and still be honest. You just need to be thoughtful in your response and not retaliate. Nothing that someone does to you in anger gives you the justification to reciprocate the same way. We have a responsibility as followers of Christ to hold ourselves to a higher standard. This is our calling. It's what separates us from the world. It's what defines us as *little Christs*. <br />
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Recently, I was witness to someones inner-Ogre. It was not the most attractive thing to behold. I had to witness someone I love who refuses to be accountable. This person is a major-league-finger-pointer. So, in love, I told them that I felt their behavior was not only wrong, but damaging to others, and they needed to be accountable. Failure to speak to them about this would only make me an enabler. But I did not say anything about them as a person, simply their behavior. I chose to address the problem with this person, because they claim to be Christian. But their behavior was childish, accusing, and hurt loved ones to the point that a whole family was broken. I had to speak to their Ogre, not them personally. I tried to get to the heart of their hurt. What came out seemed very petty, almost silly to me, but to them, (and their Ogre), it was a big, painful tootheache. God is the dentist and the one who extracts. So I said my peace and now I pray for God to extract their pain, and help them to see how they hurting others because they hurt. I also pray that God shows them that humility in admitting their own weaknesses, will help them to not only heal, but to have the strength to apologize to others, and move forward in relationships. That's accountability, and it is a great virtue!<br />
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It's going to be a long haul for the above-mentioned Ogre, but with God nothing is impossible, right? We should all try to find the peace to accept the smaller weaknesses in our brothers and sisters in Christ, but the courage to take on the Ogres, and do it with love. May you find that strength as you journey heavenward.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-40591099206669438952011-12-26T07:37:00.000-08:002011-12-26T07:43:46.923-08:00Grace under Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZvpuKQ-3D768DSu0WNhKueuIDVSIMbEi2dre3vDj8XNrZdn_XVIS5rZnxQr7G2qqYfi66nqyWuYQ3XHBhKyJ4rHHrvzcglBSKIfYSAv6nV7Y6ERufVFKFteLYiWjV5SP_-BodENRwogV/s1600/christmas-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZvpuKQ-3D768DSu0WNhKueuIDVSIMbEi2dre3vDj8XNrZdn_XVIS5rZnxQr7G2qqYfi66nqyWuYQ3XHBhKyJ4rHHrvzcglBSKIfYSAv6nV7Y6ERufVFKFteLYiWjV5SP_-BodENRwogV/s400/christmas-lights.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Christmas Day is always a mixed bag for me, and a challenge to stay composed. I am on one hand; joyous to celebrate and recognize the birth of Jesus. I am aware this isn't his real birthday, just a time to reflect on it. And on the other hand; I am sad because so many people I love are no longer with us. It happens every Christmas- I just have to take a moment to myself and cry. I usually steal way to a bathroom and have a good little sob, while wishing my Mother, Grandparents, Brothers, and friends who have passed on a *Merry Christmas*. I can't help but think back of all the wonderful times we had...and miss them terribly. But then I splash cold water on my face, and return to the merriment. They would want me to, after all, but it's a challenge to mask the sadness for the moment. <br />
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After the gifts are opened and exchanged, as carols play and lights twinkle, we start preparing for guests. Ribbon and wrapping paper is thrown away, and the cooking and baking begins. My kitchen goes from cozy-to-science-experiment in just a matter of hours. It is at this point that I have to just *breathe*!! Noone cares how my kitchen looks, they are here to celebrate. Just the idea that all these loved ones, friends, family and neighbors would take time on Christmas Day to come to my home and truly fellowship with us, and each other is so humbling, again, I almost cry. People are packed in, dog is barking, men are laughing, tree is sparkling, women are chattering and it's just such a beautiful mess. It's like no other holiday, and I'm always emotional, but trying to look like I'm not. My Mother In Law is telling a story and shes speaking so fast with her beautiful German accent- it sounds almost like tongues. My husband looks across the room at me and catches my eye to say; *All is well Mrs. Hunt*. <br />
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In amongst all this annual chaos, I am torn. I want to spend individual time with every person who has honored me and my husband with their company on such a precious day. But I can't. I only have a couple of minutes to spare here and there and I'm flitting about like a little bird, asking if everyone is alright? Pointing the way to the ice chest, introducing friends to family, picking up on a conversation here and a bit of news there. I have a baby asleep on my shoulder and I take a minute to rock him, feeling like I might be slacking on my hostess duties, but by golly- babies don't keep! This moment is sacred. It's my grandson's first Christmas! Silas won't remember this, but I will, and so will his parents. As I look around, I see everyone is perfectly fine. They have everything they need. This moment is meant to be. Silas is breathing softly on my neck and I think "Really, am I going to cry again???" No, not were anyone can see. But there it goes... that one little tear that I hope noone see's as I kiss his sweet little cheek and whisper "Merry Christmas Silas, Jesus loves you". <br />
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Cookies are munched on, pie is enjoyed, coffee is perked and a bit of wine is flowing. This day is such a roller coaster of emotion! Love for my Savior, and appreciation for His birth. It reflects in the faces of everyone present. My annual challenge is to keep my composure, as I often want to throw my head back and laugh out loud, cry like a baby, and kiss every single person who walks through my door. It's what my Mother called: "Grace Under Fire" and it's my number one homemaking skill. I often wonder if everyone doesn't feel the same on Christmas Day? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-59063120736912418422011-11-30T18:01:00.001-08:002011-11-30T18:10:36.260-08:00Cooking & Such!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PylFJqZBcTBFa5aDmhrpjIl3ew-umLGtEuRrPyHdkOwj6v2nv8ny30ClhuX9GOx0dyMLkDRXIrUwuT5aQlR9EVsvC5HEbc55nTHU2vuPnbotFaxl3Jn56NDixmYcQLzm_QPmiKG6_pkn/s1600/Cooking+and+Such+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="362" width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PylFJqZBcTBFa5aDmhrpjIl3ew-umLGtEuRrPyHdkOwj6v2nv8ny30ClhuX9GOx0dyMLkDRXIrUwuT5aQlR9EVsvC5HEbc55nTHU2vuPnbotFaxl3Jn56NDixmYcQLzm_QPmiKG6_pkn/s400/Cooking+and+Such+Image.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm so excited!! Celebrate with me if you will? I've been told that an article I subitted will be in the debut, December issue. Celebrate for a moment with me and do the happy dance, will you? <br />
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And check out www.sherrygorebooks.com for this publication AND for cookbooks and appearances by Sherry Gore.<br />
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My intention is to write more as time allows, and continue blogging and documenting my thoughts and perceptions of "The Anabaptist Journey", to encourage others as they seek God through Christ, His Son. I will also be sending in more stories for Cooking & Such, and hope that I can be a blessing to their publication as it thrives. <br />
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In Christ, Sis KellyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-16467942343419005802011-10-04T17:06:00.000-07:002011-10-04T17:10:47.780-07:00Blogging To Commence Right Soon!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFjOZYhoyJvzYbUVASXRfQPxe5Qq-l-hiFwEu-HaSmnhqJno7dfKmwZok-ZQorc4DvhqGzKAkGBTHscFzg2vGVKy58H7fZAxpl2PV1Gfsk20Z1b2Ha2jg85JLt_wN1IMJfbjr-Z45npBt/s1600/Kelly+5-6-11.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFjOZYhoyJvzYbUVASXRfQPxe5Qq-l-hiFwEu-HaSmnhqJno7dfKmwZok-ZQorc4DvhqGzKAkGBTHscFzg2vGVKy58H7fZAxpl2PV1Gfsk20Z1b2Ha2jg85JLt_wN1IMJfbjr-Z45npBt/s400/Kelly+5-6-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659793280078480642" /></a><br /><br /><br />I haven't blogged since April, when I began a full time college load. I do intend to make so adjustments to this site, and began blogging again in the near future. Content will be similar to the past, with focus being adjusted to Anabaptist Culture and how it affects the convert.. or something of the like ;-)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />KellyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-27426823399674884212011-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:002011-04-08T14:24:23.700-07:00A Clean Slate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM8kjvdYg4LyyqgYL_RPoJj8KXbCOICh5Me78jY8yX2_gh4EXq5fhvCZj0eYT2suHxZRUmnSaNwq2iUnVSwbtpT87X6aR7Kh2-B0HVhLGuXmmOoW5MBUpovR7MGOURaoVLzhFLK3mYF1a/s1600/Jesus%2527Blood-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM8kjvdYg4LyyqgYL_RPoJj8KXbCOICh5Me78jY8yX2_gh4EXq5fhvCZj0eYT2suHxZRUmnSaNwq2iUnVSwbtpT87X6aR7Kh2-B0HVhLGuXmmOoW5MBUpovR7MGOURaoVLzhFLK3mYF1a/s400/Jesus%2527Blood-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593324642016435122" /></a><br />Do you know God? I know this is a very personal, in-your-face kind of question, but do you? Have you given yourself over to HIM, and to His agenda totally, without reserve? I sometimes think we try to be followers, but do it our way, not His. Well, if you haven't, or you aren't sure, please take a moment to reflect and pray that God will give you a good pinch if your holding something back and need to hand it over to Him. <br /><br /><br /><br />You see, there is a wonderful benefit in casting ALL your cares on God.. because He's mighty and big enough to handle it. Nothing you've actively done, thought about doing, or wished on someone else can shock our Father in heaven. He wants to wipe your slate clean, but it's a little hard when you won't hand over the chalk. Are you keeping a little bit of your own agenda to hide for later? This is self-sabotage, and will keep you in a spiritual hamster wheel. And Old Red-Legs is crossing his twisted fingers hoping you will too. <br /><br /><strong>1 Peter 5:7<br />Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.</strong><br /><br /><br />Psalm 55:22<br /><strong>Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall not suffer the just to waver for ever.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Pay heed to the word *Cast*??? Have you ever casted a line or a net? You throw it far out into the water. It is an action of tossing with momentum away from yourself. Ponder that. <br /><br /><br />As long as you hold on to your fear, self-doubt, anxiety, (this is a tough one for me), and try to control everything yourself, you haven't given your LIFE up to God. It's like trying to be the pilot, when you don't have a license to fly in the first place. It's Gods JOB to guide you. But He also grants us free will. So when you get tired of the hamster cage...when your exhausted from worry, when your done trying to do things YOUR WAY, and your tired of worrying what everyone will think when you become *one of those Jesus Freaks*... Hand it all over. Don't you know THIS is FAITH? It's not a belief, it's a trust. Let God wipe the slate clean, wash the old you off the clean linen He created and work out the details one at a time. <br /><br /><br />But WHERE do I start? Simple; Like a child, on your knees. It's not magic. God doesn't make you totally unaccountable to the world, just to Him when we should be. He does give grace, and works on peoples hearts, and has given His children remarkable FAVOR when they deserved none at all. He makes your load bearable. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Isaiah 41:10<br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ </strong><br /><br /><br /><br />God may allow you trials. But He never forsakes those who give their life to Him. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Psalm 62:6<br />He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. </strong><br /><br />&<br /><br /><strong>Nahum 1:7 <br /><br />The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him </strong><br /><br /><br />This isn't spiritual dribble. It's real. Trusting in God takes a heartload of commitment, yet the faith of a child. It's about believing in HIM, and his Son Jesus, and trusting The Holy Spirit to work in you day by day. If your doing it YOUR way, my only question is; "Hows that working for you?" Chances are, it starts off ok, but leaves you empty inside with no sense of peace about your short life here on earth, let alone your unimaginable eternal life in heaven. In other words: Your life is void of true JOY. <br /><br /><br />Maybe you HAVE given your life to God at one time, but you've slowly taken back the chalk? The chalk is RIGHT THERE. God isn't going to hide it from you, or put it away for safe keeping. It's a choice.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let God wipe your slate clean. Let Him lead. All you have to do is follow in obedience and let the joy commence.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-45544874839161274822011-03-27T15:38:00.000-07:002011-03-27T16:51:55.166-07:00Acceptance & Evangelism Part II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcu4ZqtdVClocqN3ntLso70sNabD7P00h7Zxg92jFNDFXws-c9rg83vNBX6NiH4nV4WnRHuo-sBQvVQhoc0XtpWkpcFXXdtGixDkSApemWbYMgW15gARydkFAxwasijU0X1rAVq6gzBTb/s1600/hymn_trust_obey.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcu4ZqtdVClocqN3ntLso70sNabD7P00h7Zxg92jFNDFXws-c9rg83vNBX6NiH4nV4WnRHuo-sBQvVQhoc0XtpWkpcFXXdtGixDkSApemWbYMgW15gARydkFAxwasijU0X1rAVq6gzBTb/s400/hymn_trust_obey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588892803555328674" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Growing up, my parents were not Christians. However, I started to attend a Baptist Church with a friend at about age 6. About once or twice a month I went to church with my Grandmother, who was Pentecostal. My experiences showed me something that may not be apparent to the casual observer; Churches/Christians groom their young for spiritual success. We teach our children from the cradle to exhibit modesty, humility, kindness, and reverent speech. This gives the child who is born into a Christian home a distinct advantage within the churches social perimeters and obviously; an edge to understanding The Bible, and the values that God wants for us.<br /><br /><br /> <br />When I was a child, I didn't always relate to Christian families, and felt a little bit like an outsider for these very reasons. Bible lessons were all new to me, whereas my peers had been read these stories since they toddlers. I didn't know who all the Bible characters were, whereas my peers did. They seemed like fairytale characters for all I knew. My parents didn't talk about it, and every Sunday morning was a new set of stories for me to learn. I didn't understand protocol: such as bowing ones head for prayer, or what an alter call was all about? It was a completely different world than the one I knew in my own home. And my parents were good moral people. They just didn't know Christ, and therefore didn't promote ideals based on literal Biblical values with The Bible as a compass for my morality. If I had to describe them, I would call them *agnostic/indifferent* to spiritual matters.<br /><br /><br />Let me give you a little glimpse into my mind at about age 10 and how I related (or not) to what other children seemed keenly in tune with: At a service at the Pentecostal Church, I sat with my Nanny and sang all the songs & clapped to the music that was part of the praise and worship. Nanny raised her hands to heaven and whispered; "Sweet Jesus...Bless Them Jesus".... There was a circle of women gathered at the front alter who all had their hands raised and they were crying. Now, I'm 48 years old and I still don't know why they cried?? They were in a mess of blessed tears every single service that I attended over the course of a decade. It was just part of the Pentecostal culture, I'm guessing? I have no doubt that someone was in need of a special touch from God, so please don't think I am poking fun at them as a denomination...I'm just saying- It was in STARK contrast to what I knew at my own home... the home that I was born into, and raised by the people whom I trusted the most. People who didn't display a lot of emotion, and if they did, it was likely to be humor or anger. We were just kind of the model nuclear family of the 1960's for lack of a better example. <br /><br /><br /><br />So, here I sit in the midst of all this hand-raising, moaning, praying, and crying when my Nanny turns to me and says; "Kelly, do you want to go down front and get The Holy Ghost?".......................................................................<br />I want there to be a pause while you consider this through my 10 year old eyes. I was at best; CONFUSED. At worst; scared to death! I had no idea who this Holy Ghost was, but all I know is: it's making those women cry their eyeballs out! <br />So, the best response I could come up with at that moment was; "No thank-you Nanny". <br /><br /><br />I wasn't refusing The Holy Ghost- I was terrified, perplexed, and generally uninformed compared to the average 10 year old in the Pentecostal Church. Noone in my home spoke in tongues, cried out to God openly, or lifted their hands when they prayed. Noone. What was natural to the church families was only familiar to me from repeated exposure, but not as a lifestyle. For example; I knew going in what to expect in praise & worship, testimony time, and preaching. But I understood it from the outside in. Not from my homelife, from my cradle, from a parental example... not from the inside out. What I did learn over time is protocol, but it took much longer for it become concrete and resonate to me, vrs. how much more natural it comes to a child from a Christian family.<br /><br /><br />Now, you probably think I've forgotten about my title? No, not at all. This description of my 10 year old self is a model. I want you to consider this *mindset* the next time you evangelize. Keep in mind that the people *in the world* have most likely had little or no *Christian grooming and training*. At best they've had poor training, or perhaps they rebelled, and have utterly lost their values. They are not always going to like us. As a matter of fact, they will likely be very much unlike us. <br /><br /><br />We have the Bible to give us an outline of what Christ-like behavior looks like. (See Philippians 2:12-18 for a start, and study 1 Corinthians 13). We should exhibit behavior with so much kindness that the behavior itself reflects Christ, and is desireable to the new believer, or the potential convert. Until the time when The Holy Spirit convicts them as The Apostle Paul said: "our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake." 1 Thessalonians 1:4NIV ... we have to exhibit the utmost patience and forebearance with people as they learn and true desire to follow Christ genuinely grows. This is the essence of acceptance. Wehave to let our little light shine, and make people WANT to know Jesus the way we know Jesus because they want the joy, and peace that only Jesus brings. It has to be so real that they want to know Him too. Preaching AT people isn't genuine. Living out love through the power of God is. <br /><br /><br />We really can be body of Christ and reach out to the lost IF we visualize ourselves as his hands... hands that reach out to people in any state, and gently lift them up, hold them up, and pat their back as they learn to walk as followers of Him. We are his arms as we hold them as they repent and move forward. And we are His heart as we love them through triumph and failure as they *learn* to trust and obey.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-6951856280440430152011-03-26T12:17:00.001-07:002011-03-26T13:06:32.811-07:00Acceptance & Evangelism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwMskh07NdWdvUORddROpht07ZoBFN9XG7Jt9H4XIsIJwt6LGQ-vikaHJtMhIt02q4YOLuJswDja26lJ4gKZDmpkNJIgLXKGNL-KJ7ppkASrSMz2bA-myH1UAPbd_yu655zbsDJICl7jr/s1600/street_people1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwMskh07NdWdvUORddROpht07ZoBFN9XG7Jt9H4XIsIJwt6LGQ-vikaHJtMhIt02q4YOLuJswDja26lJ4gKZDmpkNJIgLXKGNL-KJ7ppkASrSMz2bA-myH1UAPbd_yu655zbsDJICl7jr/s400/street_people1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588470019884546866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yNH8pXkfX0XPTXHY8DgMcFRLRqXpXxiF9TeaQQ8kbKmwVkUEWqVzJj6T8LRNhz_6yX7BP2EnFZGHBTRSirFwjW5K5ZsYdpmzD2pLmSNECPxeq4kYFRudO7AJ8awKZ5waGLEc8oYPCfpa/s1600/punk.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yNH8pXkfX0XPTXHY8DgMcFRLRqXpXxiF9TeaQQ8kbKmwVkUEWqVzJj6T8LRNhz_6yX7BP2EnFZGHBTRSirFwjW5K5ZsYdpmzD2pLmSNECPxeq4kYFRudO7AJ8awKZ5waGLEc8oYPCfpa/s400/punk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469943398624658" /></a><br /><br /><br />Looking back at American History it's easy to see that Christians had an agenda when they tried to convert Native Americans and it wasn't just teaching them about Jesus. They wanted to change their culture and *Christianize* them. <br /><br /><br />Have things really changed since the 1800's? I'm thinking not. While I comprehend that we all go through a spiritual metamorphosis when we accept Christ as our Savior, it is The Holy Spirit that changes us from within. Additionally, reading the Bible will convict a persons heart in it's own time. So why do we constantly try to make these choices for people? Why do we take it upon ourselves to try to make them conform to the standards that we have already either been convicted of, or where groomed from the cradle to exhibit?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I think we need to be realistic about how we plan to change the heart of the world, and also be patient in the process. We have to be willing to reach out and take the hand of someone who's appearence may be off-putting, someone who might not smell great, someone who looks different than the people at church, at work, or our peers. People who don't fit in. People who have taken a hard path, who have been rode hard & put up wet. Jesus died for their sins too. We can't just try to save the pretty people.<br /><br /><br />Something to ponder.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228193432927508415.post-28427645114691210692011-03-26T11:11:00.000-07:002011-03-26T11:43:08.490-07:00Broken<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8hsuPK-fbP-i5V-JFziKFUD-QTyor2_ACavpulfMMTPDbhikl2U66Gcjl5Yqmm0sxm3UKGObk-M2UIBMY4hmFfYlTwSfM7OSrpdiPkgduifOJIXtYY7KN6Y4YyP0zHjViDrEAFLMbEst/s1600/Hem_of_Garment_panel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8hsuPK-fbP-i5V-JFziKFUD-QTyor2_ACavpulfMMTPDbhikl2U66Gcjl5Yqmm0sxm3UKGObk-M2UIBMY4hmFfYlTwSfM7OSrpdiPkgduifOJIXtYY7KN6Y4YyP0zHjViDrEAFLMbEst/s400/Hem_of_Garment_panel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588453716753783250" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />I'm not really broken....<br />I'm just a little scarred,<br />I don't look like you do,<br />but accepting that seems way too hard.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />I'm not really broken<br />just a little bit cracked,<br />but if you cared a little more,<br />you'd take this burden off my back.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Why won't you embrace me,<br />without making a list<br />Of all the things you don't like,<br />and everything you think I've missed?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chorus 1:<br /><br />I can learn a new way over time,<br />without giving up my peace of mind,<br />The path I've been on has made me wise<br />without the pain of compromise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br />I'm not really broken,<br />but I'm a little torn,<br />my edges might be rougher<br />from constant comments full of scorn.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />Don't try to reshape me,<br />I'm not your ball of clay.<br />Its not your job to recreate me, <br />into what you thinks a better way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />Stop trying to change me,<br />Just welcome me in,<br />If you want to hold me,<br />And let love wash away my sin.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />I'm not really broken,<br />I've just been on the road,<br />My past is all behind me,<br />Won't you help me lighten up my load?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chorus 2:<br /> <br />I'm just waiting to be welcomed home<br />And so tired of being all alone<br />Why is love so carelessly denied<br />When it was love incarnate crucified?<br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />I'm not really broken...<br /><br /><br /><br />Written by Kelly Hunt 3-26-11Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15828406457111434861noreply@blogger.com0