NO SO/SO CHRISTIANS

So challenged by the book I am reading on teens being Christian's of integrity, working and trying to improve themselves I have started a new blog. Simple enough. No So/So Christians.

I am looking for people that want to push themselves. Come share with me what is going on in your lives. What are your reading? What is your ministry? How is your faith? Go into the world and come back fuller and wiser and then share that. Join me.

Fasinated

I am reading the book DO IT HARD. I am fascinated. Though the book it written for teens it has challenged me. The question it hits hard is what are we doing with the gifts God give us. How are we using them in life to further the gospel and challenging ourselves to reach a higher standard. I personally tired of life as is and I am on a make over program of my own. I look at my home and am determined to make some changes.

What about you? What is your service to Christ today? Are you ready for changes or do you just want things to continue to change. Go for life...and change the world.

Expelled

I just went to the movie EXPELLED. Wow, loved it. If you want to think, go to that movie. It tells of the bias against creation in the science community. Though the movie could use some editing in the travel time, I felt the points were something to think about.



I left thinking of how many freedoms we lose when we say nothing. Today, Christian's need to be intelligent, thinkers and movers. I am tired of so/so experiences. Every person is on a different level. Some people are blessed with more gifts than others. Some have more options in life. But shouldn't Christian's be the top of the pile in accomplishments. We should not be OK with things as is. I believe that we constantly should look for options to improve ourselves and our service to mankind.

A Must Read

http://dohardthings.com

Check out this web site. Amazing! Recently I went to a retreat for youth. Two boys have started this website. It challenges teens to be amazing people. Their site has been so well received that they published a book. Do Hard Things. I don't care if you are a teen or not I think any person that likes to set standards for themselves would benefit reading this book. In a nut shell it challenges teens to go beyond the typical expectations to achieve high goals and Godly standards. It have been the fifth highest purchased book on Amazon.com and I understand why. A must read for any Christian parent, and should be required reading for any teen. Wow! I am so impressed. Check it out!

NO

Recently I was praying about something. I asked God for guidance and he said, "No". Instead of being content I kept arguing. Then I realized the stupidity of that. God is not going to say no when it is for my best interest. His no comes because he wants to keep us from problems. Now I need to stop pushing and just trust God is doing what he needs to do, protecting and caring for my best interest.

I wonder how much he smiles when we finally "get it" and obey!

A Better Place

I was thinking today.....how much impact will my Christian faith make on the world? Will it change the world to be a better place or will it be basically the same after I am gone. I believe that if my faith is not changing my world, then it really is not much of a faith.

Everywhere Christian's go should leave the world a better place I think. So today, I am praying to make life better for those around me.

Kneeling in Prayer

We spent the night with our youth group. Some of us slept on sofa's. Some on the floor, and all were tired. In the morning I got up before the children. My room looked over the gym. There below me I saw my pastor kneeling in prayer. I was touched to know that he cared enough for the children and staff to spend his quiet hours talking to God.

I wonder when God looks down on us, what does he catch us doing in our "private hours"? I hope he catches us kneeling too.

It Was Prayer

We had our youth rally this weekend. Right off the bat we had a problem with a child. She was able to draw all of us into her drama. Everyone got sucked into her world of anger and fighting. Mother was called and she cussed us out. Daughter had all the other kids so turned up in fear that they could not sleep. But, we prayed. And, by the time the end of the weekend was over that girl had made a total change. She ended up becoming a very good girl, and I believe she gave her life to Christ.

I am glad that God was in control. It was through prayer we had the ability to handle this situation and we also were able to help this young lady. To God be the Glory!

What Does Jesus See

I was watching my favorite T.V. show: Wife Swap. That show has mother's trade homes for two weeks. It documents mothers and the differences of their homes. I am always amazed at how different families are. Sometimes I cringe at choices that parents make for their children. Sometimes I feel sad for the parents themselves as I watch families run in turmoil.

I am wondering....when Jesus looks in my home, what does He see? Am I the one with the family out of control? Do my children see love, order or confusion and conflict? I am thankful for a loving Jesus that promises he will never leave of forsake me. Because raising a family is not easy, and I need his imput in my home.

What Gift?

I am reading and interesting book, Eternal Impact. The author asked and interesting question. He wanted to know if we could pick one gift Jesus had; what would it be? At first I thought I would like to be able to love the way Jesus did. But, then having faith like Jesus would be great too. What about healing power. Another great thing to have.

As I thought of these things I realized the importance of the church. We bring together the gifts and talents to share making the body stronger. Today I am thankful for believers that can join together in service to Jesus.

Letting Go Of Resentment

I was harboring a resentment against someone. I did not want it, and I prayed about it. But the more I thought about it, the worse it got. I reran my complaints in my mind over and over. The more I reviewed my resentments, the worse I got. Headache, stiff neck, anxiousness. Finally, I reached out and asked friends to pray for my attitude.

Once I was able to let go of my bagged up feelings my headache left. My anxiety left and I felt peace. I felt so much better and was able to move on with other things.

It is crazy when I allow myself to ruin my own life but holding on to bagged up negative attitudes. I have found that an attitude of gratitude sure can help. But, today, I needed the joint efforts of prayer to break my hold on my attitude. And the gift of praying friends does wonders.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

For a long time I thought I had a sleep disorder,but I really did nothing about it. I wondered how I could be so tired, but chalked it up to age, weight or some other thing. Today my test results came back. I do have a sleeping disorder. I am so glad to finally have it confirmed. My doctor told me that if I do have a sleep disorder; once I get treatment, I will be shocked at how much better I feel. I am so looking forward to a good deep sleep, to waking up refreshed; and the other benefits.

I was thinking about that in the context of sin. Sometimes we may have sin in our lives. We can ignore it, as I have ignored this sleep disorder. But, leaving things undone simply prolongs our own suffering. I am looking forward to "treatment" for my sleep. And, I also look forward to having a pure life. I don't want to keep myself in sin, because it robs me of a full life too.

Let God Do His Work

Someone in my church drives me crazy. I have been praying for that person and the behavior that drive me crazy, and I have been praying for myself to see the person in a different light than I do.

As I was praying it occurred to me, it is not my job to dwell on their short coming. It is my job to love them with all I can. I need to love them "as is", and let the Holy Spirit take care of their short comings. So, today may I not be in judgement.

Humble Examples

Today my friend was busy working in the yard sale when it was snowing all around. I was not surprised. She is there when no one else is. Another person I admire came out laughing and his typical smile, "I'm on my same job: chief coffee maker." He too, is the silent worker. No band stand about him.

These Christian's are my examples. They witness to me in powerful ways. Their service tells of their love. And that is the Christian I want to be.

Suffering Child, Faith, and God

I visited my Pastor's daughter in the hospital today. My heart filled with compassion as I watched her. Her little face is swollen, and she looks so frail. I felt bad for her.

I do not understand why children suffer. I don't understand why it appears that sometimes the "bad guy" seems to prosper, while the "good guy" does not. But, what I have seen is that difficulties either break or make a person. Often pain seems to fire person to a much higher character. I don't know why this little girl suffers. But, I will remain in prayer and compassion, believing that God is in control.

A Simple Apology

Recently someone apologized to me for a comment they had made. Their apology did wonders for me. In today's world people often do not take responsibility for their actions. When this person did, I felt relief; appreciation and respect for the person. They lived their faith.

Light Bulb Moments

Lately I have been having many "light bulb moments". As I was talking with a friend today I realized God has done a miracle in my life. He has helped me so much with fears. When I used to worry constantly about so many things, now I just don't. I let the day come and face it as it comes.

Some people would say that is simply self training. Hey, maybe, but it was God that showed me clearly that I had real fear issues. I worried about everything, all the time. And in prayer God confronted me straight on that I needed to trust him and stop worrying. I was to give him my problems and stop the obsessive fear factor.

So today as I thought about all the things I don't worry about I simply smiled. I serve a big and wonderful God. Thank you Jesus!

A Good Lesson

I found out that a family in my church was in real trouble. Both of the members of this couple had problems at work and checks were on hold. They had done nothing wrong, they were products of circumstances out of their control. But what amazed me is I had no idea. This couple kept smiling and did what they could to be cheerful. One made cookies and the other reached out in acts of kindness. It was later that I found out they had some real needs.

These people have been a witness to me. I would have worried, complained and fretted as my checks did not come in. They prayed, trusted God and still tried to make others happy with acts of service and acts of kindness. That is true Christianity, in its purest form! Humble kindness and faith. I hope I can become more like them. For they are Christian's I admire.

A Simple Church

In my little church there is one thing that will stand out. We are not fancy, not rich. In fact our chairs mismatch and we don't even have a stand for the preacher. But what does stand out is love. Everyone is welcome and we reach our hands out in care.

Recently I invited someone to church. She acted inappropriate and I was embarrassed. But, not afraid. I knew my church family would not embarrass her, and they would love her as she was. Later as I talked to my friend about our church; I said to her that what I liked was that everyone seemed so loving. She thought a bit and then said, "Yeah, me too. This church is loving".

I am appreciative of the people that make it safe to worship. They are more interested in loving people than pointing out their mistakes. That is family, and that is how I believe God works. He welcomes us as we are, and that is what counts.

I Difference of Views

I am reading about a famous evangelist. He became frustrated with one of his friends when the other evangelist preached a different doctrine. Neither could agree and eventually the friendship split. I mused at this. I think it is sad they separated but these two both did good works and it gave me comfort that we may not agree with our "brethren" but still do God's work.

I think sometimes we spend too much time over differences instead of time with Jesus. But I am glad that even famous evangelists are human and make mistakes. What is more important is that they both tried to continue serving God. It gives me hope. I may not agree with my "brethren" but I can still have faith serving God and I can appreciate that they are serving God also as they believe. In heaven I believe we will all be in for some surprises as Jesus personally straighten out all our confusion. What really matters to me is that we all love him enough to be there.

The High Price

I have a girl staying with me that has a young child. She is so lonely, frustrated and has very little idea of how to care for her child. It's a mess.

I looked with compassion on this mother today. Satan let her believe a big lie. She moved in with a boy not ready to be a father. He now visits a couple of times a week, now and then gives her money and calls it good.

Sin has some great prices to pay. And today's culture of lack of morality has made a huge dent on the young. My heart truly suffers for them. Pray for the children.

That's Good News!

I am reading a book I found in a second hand store. It tells of a missionary in 1532. Reading his letter sound like today. He talks about how to love God, and the need to depend on Christ as the way of salvation. It give me courage to know that the message stays unchanged. It is making a relationship with Christ that changes the heart.

I found it interesting that the author says we can't earn our way to heaven, but rather it is a relationship with Christ that opens the door. That is the Good News. Jesus wants us as friends and he promises if we invite him in our hearts daily he will change us. It is not working, its relationship that does the job. Good News!

Mixed Up Religion

In Revelation it tells us that the last day church will be warm but not hot. That is the church today, I believe. And I believe it is because we are happy to have it that way. Recently I heard a woman say she was a Christian, yet it is common knowledge she has lived with her partner for over 10 years. Where is the morality taught in the bible concerning this? Lies now come in colors. There are white lies. Parents really are no longer expected to be honored. Worship is based more on feelings that truth.

Today, it seems to me we as Christian's make a pick and chose religion. If we don't like a teaching we simply pretend it is not there. We make the rules as we go. So that the Christian faith becomes unclear, and rather pointless. I long for a pure faith. One that stands up for the truth regardless of popular belief. Truth, because it is truth.

And, when I point a finger it must point back at me. I compromise too much on important issues. I am settled for half done faith. Perhaps my faith will burn when I do. On fire for truth purity and God.

Just Give Me Jesus

I received emails warning "false teachings" taught by a modern celebrity. I took my emails with a grain of salt. I chose my faith, and don't typical run from teachings I don't believe. I simply go to what I view as truth. But, today I am sick and trying to kill some time as I rest to get well. I turned on the T.V. and there was the celebrity interviewing the author of the "scandalous" book. And what did I think?

Well, after listening, it was true. Truth mixed with error. What was said sounded pretty impressive, good and wholesome. But after I listened carefully I realized some ideas I do not embrace were being marketed. New Age refrences appear mixed with Christian ideals. It was a matter of the Christian faith was being twisted to support the book. I got up, turned off the T.V. No longer is the bible the text book on faith, it simply is a back up for what is being taught in some other religious relm.

My faith is built the on man, not a theory. I believe a love God came as a man; God's son, who gave all he could to make our lives full, happy and complete. How could Jesus have done more, than give his life? That is a 100% sacrifice, and that is the faith I embrace.

A Little Note

"I got your cards. I am not ready to come back to church but I wanted to let you know I got them and thank you."

One of my former class members slipped into church today just to give me the message. I was touched he made the trip just to see me, but saddened that something has made him feel as if he is not welcome. I have been thinking about the power of just a little encouragement note. It seems so simple, yet caused someone to make a special trip just to say "thanks". I feel humbled that I do not take the time to send more of them. Just a word of kindness can make a big impression on others. I need to remember that. God loves all his children in and out of the church.

Just One for Jesus

I have a woman's bible study on Saturday mornings. It is at 8:00. Usually I have few women that come. They say it is simply too early. It is the only time I have though, so I still open the church for my study. I consistently seem to have one person, not the same person, but one. I could get discouraged; and sometimes I wonder why I do it. But, I made a pack with God. "As long as I have one person I will come." That was in September, it is now April. I have always one. And what can one do?

Well, I remember reading about a famous evangelist. Only his family attended a revival meeting. The pastor got discouraged and canceled all of the rest of the meetings. But that one sermon planted a seed in the familie's heart. They went home, studied on their own and became on fire for God. Their little son, listened too: excepted Jesus and went on to be a world famous evangelist. So I am off for me one that God has coming. And He can decide to do with the seed that may be planted.

Standing in Praise

Last night my home was filled with people that are having some really hard times. But, they shared in something else. Faith and hope. The reason I had invited so many people to my home was to feed them a meal and pray with them. Share how God was leading in their lives. It was like a little church here.

Life always has challenges. It is what we do with those challenges that makes the difference. When we are down and out, do we curse God or do we stand in praise. Today may we praise!

A Friend That Never Leaves

For almost four weeks my Pastor's daughter has been in the hospital. As I go and see that frail little body, my heart is moved with compassion. I wonder how the family is doing with having such a sick child. I wonder how she is doing. What is happening to each family member, and how is their faith? I weep, inside tears, as I think about the pain they are going through together. And I wonder how I can be a comfort to each family member. What can I say? So I just keep praying and visiting.

Today I went to see the girl in the hospital. To my surprise she looked better than she had in the past four weeks. Her faith is strong and she says she is so thankful that she knows God is in charge. This is the faith of a child, and the faith God calls us all to have.

I do not understand all suffering. I can not explain why children get sick, nor why some people have such hard lives. But, I take comfort that in the bible Jesus suffered too. He never said that life would be pain free, no problems. His example showed us just the other way. What He did say was He would never leave us; and apparently, that is exactly what my little friend had discovered.

Living A Long Life

Last night I watched a program on living long. It was interesting. Three things were found to help live longer: a deep spiritual commitment, ability to change, a gusto for life. Isn't that interesting, and isn't that the way we should be? I am glad to know that I am living a life that is full and prehaps I too will be living a long healthy life.

A Big Change

My son had a baby with a girl that is now his, "ex". That girl was one of the few people I truly did not like. She was rude, offensive, and just plain nasty. But, daily since the baby has been born I have prayed for her. And always I have treated her with dignity and respect.

The result? Well, she told me today she wants me to be the guardian of the baby should anything happen to her. She also told me she wants to change her life and seek spiritual things. And she has become a totally different person too. She now is kind, respectful and trying to do the right thing.

What have I learned? Well, keep praying, and do the right thing. I am amazed at the changes in this young woman. And, see that God wants us praying even when we don't see an possibilities. He can change the heart.