one of my biggest faults is that i react without thinking. i respond in defense to protect myself and bring up others faults without facing my own. days later i feel a great amount of guilt for what i've said, or done instead of stating what the real problem is. i don't say what made me angry at that moment, i bring up the past hurts that have never been resolved.
when you don't resolve a problem to begin with it festers. it becomes something larger than what the initial problem was. there is nothing wrong with telling others how they have you hurt, it's just how you do it. i read a great deal of scripture about how to live, but applying it isn't the easiest of tasks. see life starts to take over and you forget what you've learned so you rely on yourself and not GOD.
for the past 9 years i have had extreme guilt for having ms and that my husband will have to care of me. what has happened though is because of that guilt i have let my heart be damaged. see i have allowed things that upset me to be put aside, because my husband has the burden of caring for me. i am willing to give up my heart for him, no matter what the cost is to me and that is very wrong.
so now because of not facing our problems i resent him for not protecting me. i have done things out of anger that have shown him disrespect and he has ignored things that were important to me be put aside, because he didn't think they were important. now i feel he doesn't love me and he feels like i don't respect him. this is why marriages fail, so if you have this going on get help. save it, remember why you love each other. reach out to GOD, someone you trust and pray.
following GOD'S rules for marriage must be practiced at all times, you really have no choice in that matter. HE knows that you will fail, but if you don't return to HIS rules for marriage then you have failed HIM and you are disobeying HIM. we have had to admit our failings to each other as couple. we have had to face what may not be important to ourselves, but what is important to the other person. it's all about the compromise. it's all the communication and following through with it.
a woman has great power in her home; she can either destroy it, or build it up (proverbs 14:1). a husband has a great responsibility to protect and honour his home. my husband and i will get through this, because we have faced challenges that we thought we would never recover from. with GOD as the head of our home then we have no choice but to succeed. we both are very good people, so we will make it because we always do.
i may have been too transparent today in this posting, but there is no way we can learn from our mistakes without learning from each other. the ironic scenario from all this is that for the past eight weeks my husband and i have been facilitating and leading a bible study called love and respect. GOD works in mysterious ways and when HE opens your eyes and heart then you need to listen and follow through no matter how hard it is.
"each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." proverbs 14:1
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
thanksgiving
thanksgiving meal is my favorite. i want this meal to be my last meal on earth. if i am making the christmas meal i usually repeat the thanksgivng meal all over again. of course thanksgiving is not just about the meal and football.
i have been so richly blessed in my life. i have been given great opportunities to overcome obstacles that have passed through my life. i have been thinking about the men and women that created this country and they must have been some of the strongest individuals to ever walk this earth. that is who we should be just as thankful for, because they are the ones that gave us this great country along with GOD.
they were so faithful to putting GOD first in their lives. they knew that through HIM all things would come. why have we lost that faith? our lives are too easy now. we never want for anything. the idea of working hard for some is a foreign language. be thankful for the ones that continue to strive and glorify their LORD. be thankful for the ones that strive to make this country as beautiful as it was when it began.
we have been given a gift by being here in this land of liberty. we have been given the gift to prosper and grow. we have been given the gift of giving around the world to those that are less fortunate without asking for anything return. we have JESUS in every fiber of being so that we can fully understand the abundance of blessings that HE has given this country.
today is about family and praise for those that came before us that worked to make this country great. remember not just to be thankful that our belly's are full, but those that made it possible to have that food. i hope in my pray of prayers that those that haven't reached out to CHRIST that they may do so today. i hope that they remember that they are americans; some of strongest individuals to walk on this earth, because GOD made them that way.
we can accomplish all tasks with hard work just like our forefathers that had a vision with GOD coming first that we would be a great nation. say thank you to GOD for your many blessings, and praise HIM for making you an american.
i am thankful most all of for my belief in GOD and HIM coming first before all things. i am thankful for my husband and my children. i am thankful for my family. i am thankful that i had 35 years with my beautiful grandmother and uncle. i am thankful that i have the most beautiful friends in the world. i am thankful that i can get up each morning and live with my ms.
i have been blessed by writing this blog to share with others. i am thankful that my husband supports me in every word and encourages me to write. i am thankful that GOD guides me to write each word in my heart no matter how hard it is sometimes to share. i am thankful to those that read it. i hope that some of the postings have helped you, or brought to you to our beautiful JESUS CHRIST where all things come from.
"HE will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. HE will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land - your grain, new wine and oil - the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you." deuteronomy 7:13
"may the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF and GOD our FATHER, who loved us and by grace us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 thessalonians 2:16-17
i have been so richly blessed in my life. i have been given great opportunities to overcome obstacles that have passed through my life. i have been thinking about the men and women that created this country and they must have been some of the strongest individuals to ever walk this earth. that is who we should be just as thankful for, because they are the ones that gave us this great country along with GOD.
they were so faithful to putting GOD first in their lives. they knew that through HIM all things would come. why have we lost that faith? our lives are too easy now. we never want for anything. the idea of working hard for some is a foreign language. be thankful for the ones that continue to strive and glorify their LORD. be thankful for the ones that strive to make this country as beautiful as it was when it began.
we have been given a gift by being here in this land of liberty. we have been given the gift to prosper and grow. we have been given the gift of giving around the world to those that are less fortunate without asking for anything return. we have JESUS in every fiber of being so that we can fully understand the abundance of blessings that HE has given this country.
today is about family and praise for those that came before us that worked to make this country great. remember not just to be thankful that our belly's are full, but those that made it possible to have that food. i hope in my pray of prayers that those that haven't reached out to CHRIST that they may do so today. i hope that they remember that they are americans; some of strongest individuals to walk on this earth, because GOD made them that way.
we can accomplish all tasks with hard work just like our forefathers that had a vision with GOD coming first that we would be a great nation. say thank you to GOD for your many blessings, and praise HIM for making you an american.
i am thankful most all of for my belief in GOD and HIM coming first before all things. i am thankful for my husband and my children. i am thankful for my family. i am thankful that i had 35 years with my beautiful grandmother and uncle. i am thankful that i have the most beautiful friends in the world. i am thankful that i can get up each morning and live with my ms.
i have been blessed by writing this blog to share with others. i am thankful that my husband supports me in every word and encourages me to write. i am thankful that GOD guides me to write each word in my heart no matter how hard it is sometimes to share. i am thankful to those that read it. i hope that some of the postings have helped you, or brought to you to our beautiful JESUS CHRIST where all things come from.
"HE will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. HE will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land - your grain, new wine and oil - the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you." deuteronomy 7:13
"may the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF and GOD our FATHER, who loved us and by grace us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 thessalonians 2:16-17
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
choices
we make choices of everyday. some small, some large. the question really is do we think about how that choice will affect us, or those around us. when i was younger i made a lot of bad choices. i still don't always make the right choice. the difference now is i experience guilt or shame in a bad decision.
when we go against something, or someone that we feel wrong and do it anyway we are usually setting ourselves up for trouble. i think often about why someone would continually make bad choices in their life knowing the outcome is always the same. i can pretty much bet, and win that if you make the choice to put GOD in your life that is not the wrong one.
it is hard being an adult. i remember quite vividly wanting to be able to do all the things "grown-ups" did. i just had no idea what all that meant. i give thanks to my parents for trying to hold me back from the long awaited adulthood. now any choice i make is going to have an affect on my children. i only hope that with every mistake i make with them they will forgive me, and every good thing we have tried to teach them will be carried out throughout their life. by then though that's all we can pray for, because it will be their life.
when i made the choice to let HIM in i knew that i could never go back to before. i haven't always lived up to my side of the bargain, but the wonderful gift that HE gave me is HE accepts me back with open arms. we as individuals are going to have to make some hard choices in the next coming years in this country. we can't ignore the problems that we facing as a nation. we can't ignore problems in own life that we are facing. we just gotta do it and with HIM behind us, guiding us, helping us we can make it. through HIM is our only salvation.
"his GOD instructs him and teaches him the right way." isaiah 28:26
when we go against something, or someone that we feel wrong and do it anyway we are usually setting ourselves up for trouble. i think often about why someone would continually make bad choices in their life knowing the outcome is always the same. i can pretty much bet, and win that if you make the choice to put GOD in your life that is not the wrong one.
it is hard being an adult. i remember quite vividly wanting to be able to do all the things "grown-ups" did. i just had no idea what all that meant. i give thanks to my parents for trying to hold me back from the long awaited adulthood. now any choice i make is going to have an affect on my children. i only hope that with every mistake i make with them they will forgive me, and every good thing we have tried to teach them will be carried out throughout their life. by then though that's all we can pray for, because it will be their life.
when i made the choice to let HIM in i knew that i could never go back to before. i haven't always lived up to my side of the bargain, but the wonderful gift that HE gave me is HE accepts me back with open arms. we as individuals are going to have to make some hard choices in the next coming years in this country. we can't ignore the problems that we facing as a nation. we can't ignore problems in own life that we are facing. we just gotta do it and with HIM behind us, guiding us, helping us we can make it. through HIM is our only salvation.
"his GOD instructs him and teaches him the right way." isaiah 28:26
Saturday, November 20, 2010
tis' the season
the holidays are upon us. yesterday i was wrapping gifts for christmas thinking about how much i love to the wrap gifts. then of course my mind began to work in over time about the holiday season and what it means to me. the bad thing is even as christian i don't put first that i should be celebrating CHRIST's birthday, but what the gifts are going to be.
i am realizing more and more that i am teaching my children about the materialism of the holidays and not what we should be doing on the holidays. the economic crisis in this country is forcing people to take a step back and hold on to their money more. some don't have jobs, and they are probably worried about how they are going to buy christmas presents. what if you have a family member that is going through this? why can't you just say don't worry about the presents, just glorify that CHRIST was born. think of the relief it would give this individual.
all over tv we are bombarded by the world and whom we need to give to. that is fine, but maybe we shouldn't give to the organization or charity every time, but actually give it to the family that is in need. some of us will buy the material gift before actually buying groceries for that family. why have we lost the ability to see that we don't need every knick knack out there.
maybe it's time america that we stop blaming our government for our economic crisis and go out there and help our communities. maybe it's time this christmas season that we start giving a little more of ourselves to help someone in need, when we have been so richly blessed. if we are telling our children that it is better to give than receive, but we as parents don't do that then they will never learn that lesson.
instead of a new sweater, or new electronic maybe give someone a gift card to the grocery store, or the gas station. maybe buy their toiletries for the month. maybe pay their electric bill or phone bill. maybe pay for their prescriptions, or a much needed doctor's visit. these are things that most people worry about, not whether or not they can buy a new purse or sweater. most people have those things and if they don't then buy it for them. most of us have no idea what this crisis is going to do to us over the next couple of years financially, so maybe it's time we start trying to help one another instead of fearing each other.
this thanksgiving think about what you are really most grateful for and maybe step by step we can give our hearts back to GOD and say thank you.
"what you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways." job 22:28
i am realizing more and more that i am teaching my children about the materialism of the holidays and not what we should be doing on the holidays. the economic crisis in this country is forcing people to take a step back and hold on to their money more. some don't have jobs, and they are probably worried about how they are going to buy christmas presents. what if you have a family member that is going through this? why can't you just say don't worry about the presents, just glorify that CHRIST was born. think of the relief it would give this individual.
all over tv we are bombarded by the world and whom we need to give to. that is fine, but maybe we shouldn't give to the organization or charity every time, but actually give it to the family that is in need. some of us will buy the material gift before actually buying groceries for that family. why have we lost the ability to see that we don't need every knick knack out there.
maybe it's time america that we stop blaming our government for our economic crisis and go out there and help our communities. maybe it's time this christmas season that we start giving a little more of ourselves to help someone in need, when we have been so richly blessed. if we are telling our children that it is better to give than receive, but we as parents don't do that then they will never learn that lesson.
instead of a new sweater, or new electronic maybe give someone a gift card to the grocery store, or the gas station. maybe buy their toiletries for the month. maybe pay their electric bill or phone bill. maybe pay for their prescriptions, or a much needed doctor's visit. these are things that most people worry about, not whether or not they can buy a new purse or sweater. most people have those things and if they don't then buy it for them. most of us have no idea what this crisis is going to do to us over the next couple of years financially, so maybe it's time we start trying to help one another instead of fearing each other.
this thanksgiving think about what you are really most grateful for and maybe step by step we can give our hearts back to GOD and say thank you.
"what you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways." job 22:28
Friday, November 19, 2010
children
i look at my children everyday and cannot believe that i have them. some days they try my patience, but then again they are little people with all the emotions that you have. i sometimes forget that my kids may have a bad day just like me, but it's how we try to work through that, that is going to matter.
i heard an atheist once say that it is damaging and cruel for parents to teach their children about GOD. why someone with supposed intelligence would say this baffles me. my only thought on this would be that they were taught that GOD was only vengeful, and not loving also. GOD grants us the great privilege as parents too raise HIS children on this earth, and we need to fulfill HIS scripture that GOD comes first in all matters.
i cannot tell my children enough that GOD loves them no matter what they do. that HE makes all things possible for us to make this journey on earth. it is far more important to my husband and i that they understand this most of all when they go out to make their own lives. my husband and i have a great responsibility to them not only to love them, but to give them the tools to face their trials and tribulations. ignoring, or running away from trials will never get you anywhere. they have to know with every choice they make their is a consequence to that choice.
my children test me physically and emotionally everyday. i have no idea what they are going to pull throughout the day. most things they do makes me laugh, other days i feel like i am going to lose my mind. when they fall asleep i can't help but think how beautiful they are and that washes away all the grievances of the day.
we are doing a great disservice to our children if we do not teach them that they will not get everything they want in this life without hard work. if they can't understand this then how in the world will they make it. they have to know that life is not served to them on a silver platter.
my first born child is going to be my challenge. this child is just as determined and strong-willed to get their way as i was. i just will need to help them focus this energy in a positive way to help them grow into a beautiful adult. not that i'm not strong-willed and determined now, just that my focus and path are different . my children though are so loving and so caring that it makes my heart melt. they do things for each other now that makes my husband and i feel like we are doing something right through GOD. what two little miracles HE has given us.
"when JESUS saw this, HE was indigent. HE said to them, let the little children come to ME, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of GOD belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child will never enter it. and HE took the children in HIS arms, put HIS HANDS on them and blessed them." mark 10:14-16
i heard an atheist once say that it is damaging and cruel for parents to teach their children about GOD. why someone with supposed intelligence would say this baffles me. my only thought on this would be that they were taught that GOD was only vengeful, and not loving also. GOD grants us the great privilege as parents too raise HIS children on this earth, and we need to fulfill HIS scripture that GOD comes first in all matters.
i cannot tell my children enough that GOD loves them no matter what they do. that HE makes all things possible for us to make this journey on earth. it is far more important to my husband and i that they understand this most of all when they go out to make their own lives. my husband and i have a great responsibility to them not only to love them, but to give them the tools to face their trials and tribulations. ignoring, or running away from trials will never get you anywhere. they have to know with every choice they make their is a consequence to that choice.
my children test me physically and emotionally everyday. i have no idea what they are going to pull throughout the day. most things they do makes me laugh, other days i feel like i am going to lose my mind. when they fall asleep i can't help but think how beautiful they are and that washes away all the grievances of the day.
we are doing a great disservice to our children if we do not teach them that they will not get everything they want in this life without hard work. if they can't understand this then how in the world will they make it. they have to know that life is not served to them on a silver platter.
my first born child is going to be my challenge. this child is just as determined and strong-willed to get their way as i was. i just will need to help them focus this energy in a positive way to help them grow into a beautiful adult. not that i'm not strong-willed and determined now, just that my focus and path are different . my children though are so loving and so caring that it makes my heart melt. they do things for each other now that makes my husband and i feel like we are doing something right through GOD. what two little miracles HE has given us.
"when JESUS saw this, HE was indigent. HE said to them, let the little children come to ME, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of GOD belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child will never enter it. and HE took the children in HIS arms, put HIS HANDS on them and blessed them." mark 10:14-16
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
seeing those we love suffer
when i was first diagnosed with ms i realized over the next couple of months that there were those that would never be able to see me physically suffer. the effects that come with ms are terrifying to me and others. those that love me are having to witness that and to be honest, some of them will never be able to do that. the other scenario is that i sometimes really don't want people to see me that way.
fear becomes overpowering when someone you love is suffering. some of us cannot handle watching another's body be destroyed by illness. my grandmother was in a great deal of pain towards the end of her life and in some cases it was almost unbearable for me to witness. my uncle's mind was gone and his physical body was declining with it. the fear of seeing them both that way was awful.
sometimes i just couldn't handle seeing them. it was just too much for me emotionally. is it wrong to have those feelings; no. i hated seeing them suffer, but i knew that i would regret not seeing them. five or ten minutes of my life compared to what they had given me was nothing.
i have friends that to this day have never seen me during an attack with my ms. does it make me angry; no, it makes me sad. i understand it because i am sick and have witnessed those i love go through illness. we have to overcome our own selfish fear, because those you love and love you back need you to see them. those five minutes could be a lifetime memory for those that are ill.
not seeing someone you care about because of your own fear, or selfishness is wrong. there is no justification for it. the individual may understand why your not doing it, but put yourselves in their shoes. when you let the world come in and make excuses for your actions then you will regret that. you are never too busy to see someone you care about.
i failed many times by not seeing my grandmother enough in her final days. i failed by not traveling to ohio from texas more to see my uncle because of being too busy, or letting my own trials interfere. this is what i will regret most in their passing.
it will never be easy to see those that we care for or love ill, but you will never get chance back until you see them again in heaven. your faith will guide you, CHRIST will guide you; that's all we can ask for.
"peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." john 14:27
fear becomes overpowering when someone you love is suffering. some of us cannot handle watching another's body be destroyed by illness. my grandmother was in a great deal of pain towards the end of her life and in some cases it was almost unbearable for me to witness. my uncle's mind was gone and his physical body was declining with it. the fear of seeing them both that way was awful.
sometimes i just couldn't handle seeing them. it was just too much for me emotionally. is it wrong to have those feelings; no. i hated seeing them suffer, but i knew that i would regret not seeing them. five or ten minutes of my life compared to what they had given me was nothing.
i have friends that to this day have never seen me during an attack with my ms. does it make me angry; no, it makes me sad. i understand it because i am sick and have witnessed those i love go through illness. we have to overcome our own selfish fear, because those you love and love you back need you to see them. those five minutes could be a lifetime memory for those that are ill.
not seeing someone you care about because of your own fear, or selfishness is wrong. there is no justification for it. the individual may understand why your not doing it, but put yourselves in their shoes. when you let the world come in and make excuses for your actions then you will regret that. you are never too busy to see someone you care about.
i failed many times by not seeing my grandmother enough in her final days. i failed by not traveling to ohio from texas more to see my uncle because of being too busy, or letting my own trials interfere. this is what i will regret most in their passing.
it will never be easy to see those that we care for or love ill, but you will never get chance back until you see them again in heaven. your faith will guide you, CHRIST will guide you; that's all we can ask for.
"peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." john 14:27
words
we all need to own our words. we have the incredible gift of either crushing or cherishing someone with what we say. think about a song that you love, a poem, a speech, or a book. all of them have the capability of moving you to tears, or just making you feel so special.
the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" had to have been written by someone that was either emotionally dead, or a politician. i really believe that some people just calculate the harshness of their words just to hurt another. in our anger we blurt out such awful, harsh words because we are blinded by the situation and not what caused the situation to begin with.
take a man for instance that works hard everyday, provides for his family, but never hears the words "thank you" and "we respect you for what you do." a woman needs to hear that she is loved and cherished. she needs to hear that she is beautiful inside and out. we would be more encouraged to tell our pets that we love them, than our own family and friends. what makes us fear not telling someone that we cherish them?
when you lose someone close to you, you hear the usual words; "i'm praying for you," "their in a better place," or "they are at peace." i have heard these words quite a few times over the last couple of weeks and this morning i started thinking about what those mean. we know there is a heaven because of CHRIST through scripture. we know that because of HIS love for us by HIS words that HE will give us peace in our mourning.
the problem with this is that we only say these words when someone dies. why does it become offensive if we talk about scripture with another in our everyday life? see we glorify HIM when those we love die, but we don't do it in our day to day conversations because we fear offending another individual.
i don't understand disease or illness. i don't understand pain. i don't understand suffering. i don't know the answer to why we have to go through what we do, but i do know believing in HIM makes it easier. we should never have so much fear that we can't tell another how we feel about them. there should never be so much pride in our hearts and minds that we can't put that aside and tell someone we love them, cherish them, or respect them. actions may speak louder than words, but sometimes it's the words we need to hear, not see the action.
"fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead." deuteronomy 11:18
the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" had to have been written by someone that was either emotionally dead, or a politician. i really believe that some people just calculate the harshness of their words just to hurt another. in our anger we blurt out such awful, harsh words because we are blinded by the situation and not what caused the situation to begin with.
take a man for instance that works hard everyday, provides for his family, but never hears the words "thank you" and "we respect you for what you do." a woman needs to hear that she is loved and cherished. she needs to hear that she is beautiful inside and out. we would be more encouraged to tell our pets that we love them, than our own family and friends. what makes us fear not telling someone that we cherish them?
when you lose someone close to you, you hear the usual words; "i'm praying for you," "their in a better place," or "they are at peace." i have heard these words quite a few times over the last couple of weeks and this morning i started thinking about what those mean. we know there is a heaven because of CHRIST through scripture. we know that because of HIS love for us by HIS words that HE will give us peace in our mourning.
the problem with this is that we only say these words when someone dies. why does it become offensive if we talk about scripture with another in our everyday life? see we glorify HIM when those we love die, but we don't do it in our day to day conversations because we fear offending another individual.
i don't understand disease or illness. i don't understand pain. i don't understand suffering. i don't know the answer to why we have to go through what we do, but i do know believing in HIM makes it easier. we should never have so much fear that we can't tell another how we feel about them. there should never be so much pride in our hearts and minds that we can't put that aside and tell someone we love them, cherish them, or respect them. actions may speak louder than words, but sometimes it's the words we need to hear, not see the action.
"fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead." deuteronomy 11:18
Monday, November 15, 2010
my uncle; there is no way to describe him
the past couple of weeks have been very hard on me physically and emotionally. i have lost two of the most influential individuals in my life. both were extremely different individuals on every level. yesterday morning i heard the heartbreaking news that we had lost my uncle after years of battling dementia, a form of alzheimer. what an awful disease to be stripped of your memories and who you are.
yesterday, and this morning i have been trying to figure out exactly how to describe my uncle. for those that knew him they can understand why, and for those of you that don't, i can't put all of it down in a blog about CHRIST. his mouth sometimes said more than what it should have, and he could always achieve the shock value if he wanted to.
when i was a little girl i was terrified of him. i would always ask my mother if he was going to be there for the holidays, or in puerto rico where he would go every year. he would call me "little miss muffett" and i hated that. i laugh about that now. our relationship came full circle when i spent my first summer away from home living and working with him. how one summer changes everything. i found out that he had a heart. this is still one of the best summers of my life.
my uncle was one of the most generous and giving men i knew, almost to a fault. he would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. always though with some questions as to why you would need it. he worked very hard his entire life and certainly lived life to the fullest. he traveled to many places that most of us will never see in our lifetime.
there is a memory that i have of my uncle that only i have. one year after christmas i was with him in puerto rico and we were in a church in old san juan. as we were getting ready to leave the church for dinner i had walked a head of him and i turned to see if he was coming or not. when i did turn back i saw him place a large sum of money in the poor box. i still to this day do not know if he knew i saw him or not. when you are in your early twenties this makes an impression, but as you get older you realize the significance of an event like this. i often wonder how many people he helped without the rest of us knowing.
my uncle wasn't always the nicest man. he had his faults, but he made up for those in how he loved. he loved his family and friends dearly. he would have done anything for us and he usually did. he didn't always make the right choices, but who does. we had our disagreements, but i never doubted his love for me. i loved him dearly. i accepted him for who he was and he accepted me.
i have been mourning him from my life for a long time because of his illness and i know now that he is at peace. he never would have wanted to live that way, but that doesn't me it makes it any easier for those that have lost him. when i did see him, it was always heart wrenching to know that he didn't even know who i was any longer. i think about his brothers and sisters and how awful it was for them to watch their brother that was so full life at one time be gone mentally to them, but his body was still there.
so many of us have our memories of him and that is what we will always have; the good ones.
yesterday, and this morning i have been trying to figure out exactly how to describe my uncle. for those that knew him they can understand why, and for those of you that don't, i can't put all of it down in a blog about CHRIST. his mouth sometimes said more than what it should have, and he could always achieve the shock value if he wanted to.
when i was a little girl i was terrified of him. i would always ask my mother if he was going to be there for the holidays, or in puerto rico where he would go every year. he would call me "little miss muffett" and i hated that. i laugh about that now. our relationship came full circle when i spent my first summer away from home living and working with him. how one summer changes everything. i found out that he had a heart. this is still one of the best summers of my life.
my uncle was one of the most generous and giving men i knew, almost to a fault. he would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. always though with some questions as to why you would need it. he worked very hard his entire life and certainly lived life to the fullest. he traveled to many places that most of us will never see in our lifetime.
there is a memory that i have of my uncle that only i have. one year after christmas i was with him in puerto rico and we were in a church in old san juan. as we were getting ready to leave the church for dinner i had walked a head of him and i turned to see if he was coming or not. when i did turn back i saw him place a large sum of money in the poor box. i still to this day do not know if he knew i saw him or not. when you are in your early twenties this makes an impression, but as you get older you realize the significance of an event like this. i often wonder how many people he helped without the rest of us knowing.
my uncle wasn't always the nicest man. he had his faults, but he made up for those in how he loved. he loved his family and friends dearly. he would have done anything for us and he usually did. he didn't always make the right choices, but who does. we had our disagreements, but i never doubted his love for me. i loved him dearly. i accepted him for who he was and he accepted me.
i have been mourning him from my life for a long time because of his illness and i know now that he is at peace. he never would have wanted to live that way, but that doesn't me it makes it any easier for those that have lost him. when i did see him, it was always heart wrenching to know that he didn't even know who i was any longer. i think about his brothers and sisters and how awful it was for them to watch their brother that was so full life at one time be gone mentally to them, but his body was still there.
so many of us have our memories of him and that is what we will always have; the good ones.
Friday, November 12, 2010
a prayergram
my husband and i attend second baptist church. it is our home away from home. we have met the most incredible individuals there and have made cherished friendships for life.
this church not only teaches and preaches the word of GOD, but reaches out to all of those that are in need. i just received a prayergram regarding the death of my grandmother and i wanted to share it with you. it is things like this that proves the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF CHRIST.
"dear jessica,
we "weep with those who weep" romans 12:15. we are praying for you and your family during this time, and we will keep you lifted up throughout this season of sorrow. may your burden of grief seem easier to bear knowing that others share it with you and are praying for you. "look to the LORD and HIS strength; seek HIS face always." psalm 105:4
"my soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." psalm 119:28
"may YOUR unfailing love be my comfort." psalm 119:76second baptist
prayer ministry
prayer room - 713-932-PRAY, call someone if you need a prayer, or help they will always be there for you, because they are followers of CHRIST
this church not only teaches and preaches the word of GOD, but reaches out to all of those that are in need. i just received a prayergram regarding the death of my grandmother and i wanted to share it with you. it is things like this that proves the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF CHRIST.
"dear jessica,
we "weep with those who weep" romans 12:15. we are praying for you and your family during this time, and we will keep you lifted up throughout this season of sorrow. may your burden of grief seem easier to bear knowing that others share it with you and are praying for you. "look to the LORD and HIS strength; seek HIS face always." psalm 105:4
"my soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." psalm 119:28
"may YOUR unfailing love be my comfort." psalm 119:76second baptist
prayer ministry
prayer room - 713-932-PRAY, call someone if you need a prayer, or help they will always be there for you, because they are followers of CHRIST
Thursday, November 11, 2010
a challenge to you for the week
our bible study last night heard a piece of imagery that everyone can use. it was meant for individuals to use in their marriage, but i think that all of us can use it in our day to day lives.
imagine whom ever you come in contact with that CHRIST is standing right next to them. can you see HIM standing there looking at you? pretty hard to get of your mind isn't it? most of us are told to listen for GOD. which if you try hard, or just put down your guard, you can. can you imagine though if you could see HIM how you would react differently in a situation.
i'm not just saying to do this with your neighbors, or someone at the store, i'm saying do it to your spouse, your child, a parent, a sibling, or a friend. can you imagine the possibilities of human kindness that could come out this. remember the movie "pay it forward?" this is in the same category; if you give generously, you receive generously.
maybe that's what is wrong with the world that we don't fear how we treat someone. that we don't fear a gesture, or a look. i'm almost laughing out loud at politicians around the world if they used this imagery what would their decisions really be? GOD gives you a set of rules to live by, and this is way as a christian to stay on course.
i'm not saying this isn't going to be hard, because we have human emotion to factor into the challenge. that old saying "stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" would sound a lot different if we were saying them to CHRIST'S face and not a person. this is a test of your faith in HIM and if you believe HIS words are true.
good luck to all of you that are reading and use your imagination! i know that you can see HIM.
"therefore, as GOD'S chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the LORD forgave you." colossians 3:12-13
imagine whom ever you come in contact with that CHRIST is standing right next to them. can you see HIM standing there looking at you? pretty hard to get of your mind isn't it? most of us are told to listen for GOD. which if you try hard, or just put down your guard, you can. can you imagine though if you could see HIM how you would react differently in a situation.
i'm not just saying to do this with your neighbors, or someone at the store, i'm saying do it to your spouse, your child, a parent, a sibling, or a friend. can you imagine the possibilities of human kindness that could come out this. remember the movie "pay it forward?" this is in the same category; if you give generously, you receive generously.
maybe that's what is wrong with the world that we don't fear how we treat someone. that we don't fear a gesture, or a look. i'm almost laughing out loud at politicians around the world if they used this imagery what would their decisions really be? GOD gives you a set of rules to live by, and this is way as a christian to stay on course.
i'm not saying this isn't going to be hard, because we have human emotion to factor into the challenge. that old saying "stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" would sound a lot different if we were saying them to CHRIST'S face and not a person. this is a test of your faith in HIM and if you believe HIS words are true.
good luck to all of you that are reading and use your imagination! i know that you can see HIM.
"therefore, as GOD'S chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the LORD forgave you." colossians 3:12-13
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
blind faith
"now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." hebrews 11:1
i've been writing about my journey with ms, or sharing that i have ms, but some of you may not even know what it is. i put the definition and what happens in the course of the disease so that you could know. i believe in my heart that GOD gave me this because i needed to understand what life is all about. ms is a disease where you have to have blind faith that you will always overcome the obstacles that are put before you.
everyday i get up and say a simple prayer; lord please give me the strength to make it through the day. having small children makes huge demands on you physically, with ms it makes it all the harder. what my mind wants me to do and what my body is telling me i can do is usually two different battles. my children and husband make me want to get up everyday.
depression in ms is pretty common, because you are always are a little sad that your body doesn't allow you to always do the things you want it to. when stress from life's journey becomes involved you get the added pressure to overcome your physical limitations. over the past weeks i have a lost a cherished loved one, and learned that another is declining rapidly in their health. one was by far one of the strongest woman i knew in my life. the other is a man that has meant a great deal to me over the years. both would want me to fight always.
chronic illness can either break you or make you. when you don't feel good in general it is hard to stay positive and active everyday. some days you just want to stay in bed and let life unfold around you, but what kind of life is that? i had someone tell me once if you aren't going to do it for yourself, then choose something that is bigger than you. i choose GOD and my family.
i have been told that i don't share when i am feeling bad, and that is true. you hate to have someone worry, or feel fear. you hate to have friends and family feel sorry for you. i don't want individuals to feel any of those emotions, so i don't share what is going on with me. to be quite honest with you i feel lousy everyday - all day, but i have to move forward. i often wonder how people look at me and what they are thinking.
there is no way that i could make this journey without GOD. there is no way that i could make this journey without my husband. there is no way that i could make this journey without my family. there is no way that i could make this journey without my friends. i should however maybe make them more aware of what i can and cannot do. i loathe the idea of using illness as a reason why i can't do something; i need to give myself a break.
i worry most about how this will affect my children in the years to come, but i hope that they will know what compassion is. i hope that they are witnessing strength not just from me, but also their father. i hope that they will rely on GOD in their journey and know that believing in HIM conquers all. if you are ill pick yourself up in your spirit and move forward. pray to HIM everyday that even the smallest step is a great one.
"be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." psalm 31:24
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS): the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The damage caused by multiple sclerosis creates scars, called lesions, that can be seen on the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Because the process of developing these lesions is called sclerosis, multiple sclerosis literally means "many scars."
The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of nerve cells that send signals to each other. Each nerve cell is covered with a protective coating called myelin. Myelin acts as a conductor in helping signals move at high speeds from one end of the nerve cell to the other. In multiple sclerosis, disease activity damages the myelin in a process called demyelination. Demyelination results in lesions (or scars) that lead to a breakdown in signal transmissions.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are a result of this communication breakdown. Disease activity can also damage the underlying nerve cell, which may lead to permanent symptoms and disability.
i've been writing about my journey with ms, or sharing that i have ms, but some of you may not even know what it is. i put the definition and what happens in the course of the disease so that you could know. i believe in my heart that GOD gave me this because i needed to understand what life is all about. ms is a disease where you have to have blind faith that you will always overcome the obstacles that are put before you.
everyday i get up and say a simple prayer; lord please give me the strength to make it through the day. having small children makes huge demands on you physically, with ms it makes it all the harder. what my mind wants me to do and what my body is telling me i can do is usually two different battles. my children and husband make me want to get up everyday.
depression in ms is pretty common, because you are always are a little sad that your body doesn't allow you to always do the things you want it to. when stress from life's journey becomes involved you get the added pressure to overcome your physical limitations. over the past weeks i have a lost a cherished loved one, and learned that another is declining rapidly in their health. one was by far one of the strongest woman i knew in my life. the other is a man that has meant a great deal to me over the years. both would want me to fight always.
chronic illness can either break you or make you. when you don't feel good in general it is hard to stay positive and active everyday. some days you just want to stay in bed and let life unfold around you, but what kind of life is that? i had someone tell me once if you aren't going to do it for yourself, then choose something that is bigger than you. i choose GOD and my family.
i have been told that i don't share when i am feeling bad, and that is true. you hate to have someone worry, or feel fear. you hate to have friends and family feel sorry for you. i don't want individuals to feel any of those emotions, so i don't share what is going on with me. to be quite honest with you i feel lousy everyday - all day, but i have to move forward. i often wonder how people look at me and what they are thinking.
there is no way that i could make this journey without GOD. there is no way that i could make this journey without my husband. there is no way that i could make this journey without my family. there is no way that i could make this journey without my friends. i should however maybe make them more aware of what i can and cannot do. i loathe the idea of using illness as a reason why i can't do something; i need to give myself a break.
i worry most about how this will affect my children in the years to come, but i hope that they will know what compassion is. i hope that they are witnessing strength not just from me, but also their father. i hope that they will rely on GOD in their journey and know that believing in HIM conquers all. if you are ill pick yourself up in your spirit and move forward. pray to HIM everyday that even the smallest step is a great one.
"be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." psalm 31:24
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS): the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The damage caused by multiple sclerosis creates scars, called lesions, that can be seen on the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Because the process of developing these lesions is called sclerosis, multiple sclerosis literally means "many scars."
The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of nerve cells that send signals to each other. Each nerve cell is covered with a protective coating called myelin. Myelin acts as a conductor in helping signals move at high speeds from one end of the nerve cell to the other. In multiple sclerosis, disease activity damages the myelin in a process called demyelination. Demyelination results in lesions (or scars) that lead to a breakdown in signal transmissions.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are a result of this communication breakdown. Disease activity can also damage the underlying nerve cell, which may lead to permanent symptoms and disability.
Monday, November 8, 2010
the salem witch trials
yesterday i watched a movie portraying the events leading up to the salem witch trials. i've watched a lot of movies regarding this tragedy, and have read a great deal about it. what it all boils down to is a group of girls and their church.
religion if not perceived correctly can be deadly. these girls were taught by their church of the punishment of GOD and sin only. the bible that was taught to them was just about the "hellfire and brimstone" not the grace, or love that JESUS so desperately wanted them to have. having a relationship with CHRIST can be so beautiful in one's life if they continually seek to learn from HIM.
as believers we have a great responsibility to learn and apply the words of scripture correctly. if you are going to church and just relying on what your pastor, rabbi, priest, or teacher are only teaching you, how do you know what they are teaching is correct? if you are just reading this everyday, but not reading GOD'S word how do you know my perceptions and opinions are correct? that's why it is so important in your walk with CHRIST that you read scripture. human perception may be different than GOD's truth. all of us can take something out of context if we don't educate ourselves to the whole truth.
look at what happened on 9/11. these men had been taught through their lifetime that the united states was evil by their clerics. what has ended up happening is that as americans we view all muslims as enemies. evil does exist; the devil is always waiting to play with our ignorance. 9/11 is an extreme example of how religion can shape us, but this even applies to our day to day lives.
this past week i made an error in judgement about an individual that i knew 20 years ago. thinking about this over the weekend i realized that my perception was based on what i used to think of them not how they may have changed over the years. i know as a christian that i was wrong in making that judgement, because i know nothing about this individual's life. now this person may be the same, but that doesn't give me the right not to be kind, or to judge them about what they were like as a teenager. over time i have grown up and accepted HIM to guide me not live life by my own perceptions and opinions alone.
the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" is true. don't judge the bible as just being about punishment, but it is also about true love. what this journey is teaching me is that i don't have room for mistakes, but that i will make mistakes but i need to learn from them. if i have an error in judgement, or perceive a situation one way, but don't question it, how do i know if it's correct. if i can't humble myself before others and GOD than i haven't learned anything.
we should look at our government this way. if one way works why change it? i seriously doubt our constitution was written in just one draft alone. if there is a problem then solve the problem before adding to it. the problem with our government is that they think they are GOD, so they will continuelly try to change our environment to suit them. you should question that always.
if the girls had just said that they were scared of GOD and how he was going to punish them the puritans may not have killed 20 innocent lives. what if they had questioned their church if GOD really loved them? maybe they would have found out that even though they sinned HE does love them!
"if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." james 1:5
"evil men do not understand justice, but those that seek the LORD understand it fully." proverbs 28:5
"now i commit you to GOD and to the word of HIS grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." acts 20:32
"the LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: i have loved you with an everlasting love; i have drawn you with loving-kindness." jeremiah 31:3
religion if not perceived correctly can be deadly. these girls were taught by their church of the punishment of GOD and sin only. the bible that was taught to them was just about the "hellfire and brimstone" not the grace, or love that JESUS so desperately wanted them to have. having a relationship with CHRIST can be so beautiful in one's life if they continually seek to learn from HIM.
as believers we have a great responsibility to learn and apply the words of scripture correctly. if you are going to church and just relying on what your pastor, rabbi, priest, or teacher are only teaching you, how do you know what they are teaching is correct? if you are just reading this everyday, but not reading GOD'S word how do you know my perceptions and opinions are correct? that's why it is so important in your walk with CHRIST that you read scripture. human perception may be different than GOD's truth. all of us can take something out of context if we don't educate ourselves to the whole truth.
look at what happened on 9/11. these men had been taught through their lifetime that the united states was evil by their clerics. what has ended up happening is that as americans we view all muslims as enemies. evil does exist; the devil is always waiting to play with our ignorance. 9/11 is an extreme example of how religion can shape us, but this even applies to our day to day lives.
this past week i made an error in judgement about an individual that i knew 20 years ago. thinking about this over the weekend i realized that my perception was based on what i used to think of them not how they may have changed over the years. i know as a christian that i was wrong in making that judgement, because i know nothing about this individual's life. now this person may be the same, but that doesn't give me the right not to be kind, or to judge them about what they were like as a teenager. over time i have grown up and accepted HIM to guide me not live life by my own perceptions and opinions alone.
the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" is true. don't judge the bible as just being about punishment, but it is also about true love. what this journey is teaching me is that i don't have room for mistakes, but that i will make mistakes but i need to learn from them. if i have an error in judgement, or perceive a situation one way, but don't question it, how do i know if it's correct. if i can't humble myself before others and GOD than i haven't learned anything.
we should look at our government this way. if one way works why change it? i seriously doubt our constitution was written in just one draft alone. if there is a problem then solve the problem before adding to it. the problem with our government is that they think they are GOD, so they will continuelly try to change our environment to suit them. you should question that always.
if the girls had just said that they were scared of GOD and how he was going to punish them the puritans may not have killed 20 innocent lives. what if they had questioned their church if GOD really loved them? maybe they would have found out that even though they sinned HE does love them!
"if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." james 1:5
"evil men do not understand justice, but those that seek the LORD understand it fully." proverbs 28:5
"now i commit you to GOD and to the word of HIS grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." acts 20:32
"the LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: i have loved you with an everlasting love; i have drawn you with loving-kindness." jeremiah 31:3
Friday, November 5, 2010
JESUS was a carpenter
this morning i have been having a lot of chuckles regarding environmentalists and our government. now before everyone goes crazy i do believe we could conserve a little more. we are a wasteful, wasteful society just look at our landfills. the last time i checked though there wasn't anything in the bible that said we couldn't cut down trees, or kill animals (remember, possibly HIS shoes were made of leather and he may have used the pelts for warmth). i do believe that there is a necessity for some government, but not to the extremes that it is now.
with political issues i try to find it in the bible and see what scripture says before i have an opinion. if it doesn't have biblical backing i usually don't believe in it. scripture is my guide book on what i should be believing and why. there so many examples in the bible of what could happen if we don't follow HIM that it astounds me when individuals that say they are christians, but believe the complete opposite of what GOD has told them is true. those are society's views, not GOD.
babylon lived in great indulgence and tyranny from it's rulers - it fell. slavery in this country was a horrific part of our history, but it was abolished by the civil war and abraham lincoln. unfortunately that didn't end racism in this country - now it goes both ways. hitler tried to kill an entire race from existence, look what happened to him.
you are supposed to give with a cheerful heart, but in the united states our government likes to try to tell us whom we are supposed to give to. we are in a mind blowing amount of debt because our government likes too give it all away. some of us even have the mindset that we don't even need to work and the government should give it to us because we are an american citizen. i don't think it's anywhere in the bible that you aren't supposed to work for anything. it does however say you should give to those that are in need and i mean truly in need.
common sense seems to have completely disappeared from the world. we have all lost our minds! no one seems to have a solution to anything. none of us have a common sense rational to some of these things are so simple to solve if we just did what GOD told us to do. it's really time that we start using our brains and study the WORD OF GOD to learn how to solve these tremendous problems we have created in the world.
"all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" proverbs 14:23
"then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find knowledge of GOD. for the LORD gives wisdom, and from HIS mouth come knowledge and understanding. HE holds victory in store for the upright, he is the shield to those whose walk is blameless." proverbs 2:5-7
with political issues i try to find it in the bible and see what scripture says before i have an opinion. if it doesn't have biblical backing i usually don't believe in it. scripture is my guide book on what i should be believing and why. there so many examples in the bible of what could happen if we don't follow HIM that it astounds me when individuals that say they are christians, but believe the complete opposite of what GOD has told them is true. those are society's views, not GOD.
babylon lived in great indulgence and tyranny from it's rulers - it fell. slavery in this country was a horrific part of our history, but it was abolished by the civil war and abraham lincoln. unfortunately that didn't end racism in this country - now it goes both ways. hitler tried to kill an entire race from existence, look what happened to him.
you are supposed to give with a cheerful heart, but in the united states our government likes to try to tell us whom we are supposed to give to. we are in a mind blowing amount of debt because our government likes too give it all away. some of us even have the mindset that we don't even need to work and the government should give it to us because we are an american citizen. i don't think it's anywhere in the bible that you aren't supposed to work for anything. it does however say you should give to those that are in need and i mean truly in need.
common sense seems to have completely disappeared from the world. we have all lost our minds! no one seems to have a solution to anything. none of us have a common sense rational to some of these things are so simple to solve if we just did what GOD told us to do. it's really time that we start using our brains and study the WORD OF GOD to learn how to solve these tremendous problems we have created in the world.
"all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" proverbs 14:23
"then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find knowledge of GOD. for the LORD gives wisdom, and from HIS mouth come knowledge and understanding. HE holds victory in store for the upright, he is the shield to those whose walk is blameless." proverbs 2:5-7
Thursday, November 4, 2010
unrealistic expectations
what is the incentive behind anything that we do in our lives? what motivates us to continue to try? do we tend to just throw in the towel when it gets it too hard, or do we continue to figure it out? do we have a realistic idea of how the world works?
last night we talked about the incentive to have unconditional love with your spouse no matter how your spouse may be responding to you. they used the example that if a couple was given the incentive that they would receive 5 million dollars just to be loving and respectful to each for two weeks. would they do it? of course they would! money was the incentive. what a sad incentive for you to be loving and respectful to the one you are married to. are you going to stop loving your spouse because they don't respond to you the way you think they should; is that realistic?
money is usually the incentive for most individuals to get things done. they what to know how much money they are going to receive for their labors. all of us complain about the cost of things, but we also complain about the quality. take for example health care. we complain about the cost health care, but do we understand what it takes to create the quality of health care? i understand that it is going to cost me a small fortune in medical care costs over my lifetime because of my MS. i am willing to pay that knowing that with my dollars comes the advancement of treatments and the possibility of a cure. so, yes my husband and i are willing to make that sacrifice. our world just sees the dollar signs being spent, but not the other side of the coin.
our country is unrealistic in their expectations. we expect to get something for nothing. we complain that there aren't enough jobs, but do we know the bottom line of why we aren't getting jobs? we complain that the government has spent too much money, but do we see why they have spent too much money? each individual has an expectation of how that money is to be spent, not how much it is going to actually cost. we don't want to pay more in taxes, but yet we want the government to pay for every program that we put before them. how in the world are they going to be able to do that?
we make huge demands on everything in our country without thinking of how much it actually cost to implement those demands. the following are two examples of what we see as good and evil.
bill gates is billionaire. his product is on every pc that goes out for sale. bill gates gives millions of dollars away to charities and causes that we all believe in. that's what people report on what he has given away, not that he still makes millions and his product is expensive. why don't we condemn him for making millions? he is the ceo of one of the largest corporations in the world; why isn't he considered evil? why aren't you questioning why it costs so much to buy his product even though we are always making the demands to have a better product. we don't ask him because he gives money away.
british petroleum is now considered to be the evil of all evil in oil industry because of what happened in the gulf. oil companies in general are looked upon as evil because of their large profit margins, but what if we are missing the other side of the coin? the american people have made it their mission to put regulations on the safety and emissions programs of how this industry produces it's products. that costs a lot of money people. the majority of the profits spent is to keep up with consumer demand (that is you!) as well as continually upgrading the systems to EPA regulations. the american people wanted this remember? do you even know how products contain petroleum in our world?
what if i told you that british petroleum every year sponsors a race of 13,000 plus individuals to ride from houston to austin every year in support of finding a cure for MS? that all the money raised isn't given back to them, it is given to this cause. are they still considered evil? is the ceo still evil because he makes too much money even though he allows his employees to ride on a team to raise money for a cause. he is still evil because he is still trying to make profits to improve the quality of production for this product? he is still evil because he's trying to figure out way to cover all the costs and still pay the people that make these things happen?
there are good and bad consequences to everything that happens is this world, but it always come at price. see i look at GOD this way. i can't follow him and have it both ways. i can't write about scripture and CHRIST without knowing what i have to sacrifice as a human being to do that. if i follow HIM then i have to be willing to follow HIM completely, not both ways. am i unrealistic in this expectation of myself, no. i will make huge mistakes in my journey, but that is what it means to continually grow in HIM. we cannot continually expect others to follow a course without it costing something. our sin cost GOD HIS ONLY SON. there are two sides to every story, to everything, you just have to be willing to look at both sides and make that sacrifice as to what is really important.
"he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 john 2:2
last night we talked about the incentive to have unconditional love with your spouse no matter how your spouse may be responding to you. they used the example that if a couple was given the incentive that they would receive 5 million dollars just to be loving and respectful to each for two weeks. would they do it? of course they would! money was the incentive. what a sad incentive for you to be loving and respectful to the one you are married to. are you going to stop loving your spouse because they don't respond to you the way you think they should; is that realistic?
money is usually the incentive for most individuals to get things done. they what to know how much money they are going to receive for their labors. all of us complain about the cost of things, but we also complain about the quality. take for example health care. we complain about the cost health care, but do we understand what it takes to create the quality of health care? i understand that it is going to cost me a small fortune in medical care costs over my lifetime because of my MS. i am willing to pay that knowing that with my dollars comes the advancement of treatments and the possibility of a cure. so, yes my husband and i are willing to make that sacrifice. our world just sees the dollar signs being spent, but not the other side of the coin.
our country is unrealistic in their expectations. we expect to get something for nothing. we complain that there aren't enough jobs, but do we know the bottom line of why we aren't getting jobs? we complain that the government has spent too much money, but do we see why they have spent too much money? each individual has an expectation of how that money is to be spent, not how much it is going to actually cost. we don't want to pay more in taxes, but yet we want the government to pay for every program that we put before them. how in the world are they going to be able to do that?
we make huge demands on everything in our country without thinking of how much it actually cost to implement those demands. the following are two examples of what we see as good and evil.
bill gates is billionaire. his product is on every pc that goes out for sale. bill gates gives millions of dollars away to charities and causes that we all believe in. that's what people report on what he has given away, not that he still makes millions and his product is expensive. why don't we condemn him for making millions? he is the ceo of one of the largest corporations in the world; why isn't he considered evil? why aren't you questioning why it costs so much to buy his product even though we are always making the demands to have a better product. we don't ask him because he gives money away.
british petroleum is now considered to be the evil of all evil in oil industry because of what happened in the gulf. oil companies in general are looked upon as evil because of their large profit margins, but what if we are missing the other side of the coin? the american people have made it their mission to put regulations on the safety and emissions programs of how this industry produces it's products. that costs a lot of money people. the majority of the profits spent is to keep up with consumer demand (that is you!) as well as continually upgrading the systems to EPA regulations. the american people wanted this remember? do you even know how products contain petroleum in our world?
what if i told you that british petroleum every year sponsors a race of 13,000 plus individuals to ride from houston to austin every year in support of finding a cure for MS? that all the money raised isn't given back to them, it is given to this cause. are they still considered evil? is the ceo still evil because he makes too much money even though he allows his employees to ride on a team to raise money for a cause. he is still evil because he is still trying to make profits to improve the quality of production for this product? he is still evil because he's trying to figure out way to cover all the costs and still pay the people that make these things happen?
there are good and bad consequences to everything that happens is this world, but it always come at price. see i look at GOD this way. i can't follow him and have it both ways. i can't write about scripture and CHRIST without knowing what i have to sacrifice as a human being to do that. if i follow HIM then i have to be willing to follow HIM completely, not both ways. am i unrealistic in this expectation of myself, no. i will make huge mistakes in my journey, but that is what it means to continually grow in HIM. we cannot continually expect others to follow a course without it costing something. our sin cost GOD HIS ONLY SON. there are two sides to every story, to everything, you just have to be willing to look at both sides and make that sacrifice as to what is really important.
"he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 john 2:2
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
our beliefs; the world's or GOD?
in our everyday lives the one that will always be constant is GOD. we are a fickle society where we can be swayed one way or another in a blink of a eye. while GOD considers us equal we are all different in our characteristics. we've all seen relationships fail because we put our faith in the person and not GOD.
i often wonder if individuals realize that it is not just their actions that are going to be judged, but also their beliefs. man has been trying to play GOD for centuries. all you have to do is look at the world and history. scripture is not just a belief system, it is the world's guide book on how they are to live. would this be considered radical? yes. would i be considered radical because i believe the bible to be the true word of GOD? yes. here's the kicker though, although i believe it to be true does that mean that i am responsible for another's salvation? no.
"in reply JESUS declared. i tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of GOD unless he is born again. how can a man be born when he is old? nicodemus asked. surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born! JESUS answered, i tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of GOD unless he is born of water and the spirit. flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to the spirit. you should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again." john 3:3-7
when CHRIST was born a prophecy was fulfilled that man would be forgiven of his sins, because CHRIST took on that sin and died. no where in the bible does it say that it is a get out of jail free card. last night in this country we voted on our beliefs, but we voted for man not GOD. we have to remember that GOD does not choose a political party. with that said do you realize what you voted for and whom?
"anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." matthew 5:19
if you believe in abortion, but only believe it should be used because of rape and incest are you still killing a child? what is the difference between each abortion committed? none. GOD determines whether that child is to be born, not us. if you believe in stem-cell research to save lives from disease, but a man manipulates the cells to make another human then are they playing GOD? yes. if you believe that we are to help others, but do it just because a government tells you you must do it, are you doing it with a cheerful heart just as JESUS commanded us? for most us the answer would be no. if we believe in the death penalty does that mean we are committing murder in our hearts? according to scripture yes.
"for it is not those that hear the law that are righteous in GOD'S sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." romans 2:13
when we become adults that have been raised in the church knowing the word of GOD, but our beliefs start to shift more towards the world's beliefs then we will be judged. we have turned from HIM and HIS commands if we do this. most of us don't want war, crime, or poverty, but GOD says that it will always be there until CHRIST comes again. so what do we do? that's the human dilemma. that is the question that generations before us have asked, and generations after us will ask. these are things that will never be solved, because GOD said they won't be solved until HE returns to the world. i'm not saying that we are to ignore them and not fight to end it, because we do have obligations as christians to help others find the light through prayer, spreading the word, and giving. we do have to live by HIS rules and we cannot waiver on that because a man wants us to.
"whatever a you have learned or received or heard from, or seen in me - put into practice. and the GOD of peace will be with you." phillippians 4:9
the choice is pretty simple christians we either choose HIS way, or none. if you consider yourself a christian, but you've made exceptions to HIS rules then how do you know that those grey areas won't be judged also? we all justify our beliefs and sin. i still try to justify my sins knowing that GOD will forgive me, but will he always forgive me? we don't think about sin in those terms do we? CHRIST has said he will forgive us, but if we continue to do the same sin over and over again will HE? that is what you should fear, not what man says is forgiven.
"JESUS said, if you were blind you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." john 9:41
i often wonder if individuals realize that it is not just their actions that are going to be judged, but also their beliefs. man has been trying to play GOD for centuries. all you have to do is look at the world and history. scripture is not just a belief system, it is the world's guide book on how they are to live. would this be considered radical? yes. would i be considered radical because i believe the bible to be the true word of GOD? yes. here's the kicker though, although i believe it to be true does that mean that i am responsible for another's salvation? no.
"in reply JESUS declared. i tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of GOD unless he is born again. how can a man be born when he is old? nicodemus asked. surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born! JESUS answered, i tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of GOD unless he is born of water and the spirit. flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to the spirit. you should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again." john 3:3-7
when CHRIST was born a prophecy was fulfilled that man would be forgiven of his sins, because CHRIST took on that sin and died. no where in the bible does it say that it is a get out of jail free card. last night in this country we voted on our beliefs, but we voted for man not GOD. we have to remember that GOD does not choose a political party. with that said do you realize what you voted for and whom?
"anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." matthew 5:19
if you believe in abortion, but only believe it should be used because of rape and incest are you still killing a child? what is the difference between each abortion committed? none. GOD determines whether that child is to be born, not us. if you believe in stem-cell research to save lives from disease, but a man manipulates the cells to make another human then are they playing GOD? yes. if you believe that we are to help others, but do it just because a government tells you you must do it, are you doing it with a cheerful heart just as JESUS commanded us? for most us the answer would be no. if we believe in the death penalty does that mean we are committing murder in our hearts? according to scripture yes.
"for it is not those that hear the law that are righteous in GOD'S sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." romans 2:13
when we become adults that have been raised in the church knowing the word of GOD, but our beliefs start to shift more towards the world's beliefs then we will be judged. we have turned from HIM and HIS commands if we do this. most of us don't want war, crime, or poverty, but GOD says that it will always be there until CHRIST comes again. so what do we do? that's the human dilemma. that is the question that generations before us have asked, and generations after us will ask. these are things that will never be solved, because GOD said they won't be solved until HE returns to the world. i'm not saying that we are to ignore them and not fight to end it, because we do have obligations as christians to help others find the light through prayer, spreading the word, and giving. we do have to live by HIS rules and we cannot waiver on that because a man wants us to.
"whatever a you have learned or received or heard from, or seen in me - put into practice. and the GOD of peace will be with you." phillippians 4:9
the choice is pretty simple christians we either choose HIS way, or none. if you consider yourself a christian, but you've made exceptions to HIS rules then how do you know that those grey areas won't be judged also? we all justify our beliefs and sin. i still try to justify my sins knowing that GOD will forgive me, but will he always forgive me? we don't think about sin in those terms do we? CHRIST has said he will forgive us, but if we continue to do the same sin over and over again will HE? that is what you should fear, not what man says is forgiven.
"JESUS said, if you were blind you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." john 9:41
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
do you always think you're right?
i have been considered to be harsh, critical, and pessimistic in a lot of situations. i can have a narrow-minded view of some things and i have been called out on it. my perception sometimes of how someone has rebuked me as been totally off base. i see it as an attack, but in reality it could just be that they love me and care for me.
i have a friend that once told me that anger is like a thermostat, that the angrier you get then you should be looking at your own demons. i know some of the most giving and loving individuals in the world, but some of them think they are right about everything. it's their way, or the highway. when we can't see another point of view, or how we are coming across to someone else then we are wrong.
i have a number of addictions that are physically bad for me. i know this because there is tons of scientific evidence out there that it is bad for me. i'm not ready to give them up because of my selfishness. i don't pray about it, because i'm not willing to do it and GOD knows my heart better than i do. this is where i have allowed the world to take over.
humility is probably the number one characteristic i value in a person next to how they love. it bothers me that we pass blame around like a glass of water but yet we can't see our own faults, or accept blame for our mistakes. i sometimes think that this is our own lack of confidence, but in some people i truly believe that they are arrogant and prideful. you can't reason with an individual like that ever. there are some that can even humble themselves before GOD. we have a lot of individuals that think they know what is best for themselves and others, not GOD this is what you would a call being a narcissist.
the funny thing is that we usually just place this title on our world leaders, but this is a disease that occurs with a lot of individuals in everyday life. once you start reading scripture you can sometimes fall into the trap of being self-righteous because you think that because you know scripture that you are better than others. guess what you are wrong again. sin will never disappear from our world, because even good people have sin. in the eyes of GOD we are all equal. we forget that a little too often in our daily lives.
our hardened hearts aren't just about the evils that have been put in our lives, it's also about when we can't see when we are wrong. GOD knows what is best for us plain and simple. HE knows when we are wrong and right. HIS voice can always be heard if you just listen. sometimes it's just too hard to hear what HE is trying to tell us, so we bury it. as a christian i believe that the true path to GOD is through accepting JESUS CHRIST, others believe differently. this is a hard pill swallow for many christians and their self-righteousness comes out. GOD chooses their path just as much as he does yours. you are not responsible for their salvation, you can only pray that they find and seek HIM to come first in their lives.
"HE said to them, you are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but GOD knows your hearts. what is highly valued among men is detestable in GOD'S sight"
"do you see a man that is wise in his own eyes? there is more hope for a fool than for him." proverbs 26:12
i have a friend that once told me that anger is like a thermostat, that the angrier you get then you should be looking at your own demons. i know some of the most giving and loving individuals in the world, but some of them think they are right about everything. it's their way, or the highway. when we can't see another point of view, or how we are coming across to someone else then we are wrong.
i have a number of addictions that are physically bad for me. i know this because there is tons of scientific evidence out there that it is bad for me. i'm not ready to give them up because of my selfishness. i don't pray about it, because i'm not willing to do it and GOD knows my heart better than i do. this is where i have allowed the world to take over.
humility is probably the number one characteristic i value in a person next to how they love. it bothers me that we pass blame around like a glass of water but yet we can't see our own faults, or accept blame for our mistakes. i sometimes think that this is our own lack of confidence, but in some people i truly believe that they are arrogant and prideful. you can't reason with an individual like that ever. there are some that can even humble themselves before GOD. we have a lot of individuals that think they know what is best for themselves and others, not GOD this is what you would a call being a narcissist.
the funny thing is that we usually just place this title on our world leaders, but this is a disease that occurs with a lot of individuals in everyday life. once you start reading scripture you can sometimes fall into the trap of being self-righteous because you think that because you know scripture that you are better than others. guess what you are wrong again. sin will never disappear from our world, because even good people have sin. in the eyes of GOD we are all equal. we forget that a little too often in our daily lives.
our hardened hearts aren't just about the evils that have been put in our lives, it's also about when we can't see when we are wrong. GOD knows what is best for us plain and simple. HE knows when we are wrong and right. HIS voice can always be heard if you just listen. sometimes it's just too hard to hear what HE is trying to tell us, so we bury it. as a christian i believe that the true path to GOD is through accepting JESUS CHRIST, others believe differently. this is a hard pill swallow for many christians and their self-righteousness comes out. GOD chooses their path just as much as he does yours. you are not responsible for their salvation, you can only pray that they find and seek HIM to come first in their lives.
"HE said to them, you are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but GOD knows your hearts. what is highly valued among men is detestable in GOD'S sight"
"do you see a man that is wise in his own eyes? there is more hope for a fool than for him." proverbs 26:12
a world without GOD
when i was first diagnosed with ms i was too angry with GOD to turn to him. i questioned everything that was wrong with the world and why he would allow such horrors to happen. as i have grown in my walk i still question HIM, but i try to figure out what he is trying to tell me. some of the horrors are just man's inability to do what is right. HE gives us choices and either we walk in HIS way, or we choose to walk in evil.
"in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight" proverbs 3:6
with power comes great responsibility, but man is man and sometimes that power becomes too great. if a man is humble in his life i trust him more than a man that is full of arrogance. that's why it is so hard for me to vote. i have voted, but i had to choose the lesser of two evils in my opinion. our politicians are so corrupt with greed and arrogance that i can't really find one that has humility. i was probably wrong to just pick one side, but i am a citizen of this country and i don't want to lose my freedom.
most individuals think about evil in larger scales, not the small. we think about the man that tried to blow up a plane and kill hundreds, but do we think about the man that wants to pull you away from your belief in CHRIST? we think about the oppression of governments on it's citizens, while they live in indulgence and freedom. we think about why we aren't being blessed when we have given so much of ourselves to world, but that thought is out of selfishness.
do we think about a church that isn't preaching the true word of GOD? does it strive to set an example of what it means to follow CHRIST and CHRIST alone? i laugh out loud when i hear the "prosperity gospel" preached. praying to GOD that you will become rich is not the true word of GOD. GOD'S definition of riches is not through money, but living through HIS word.
"for where you find envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice." james 3:16"
"and i saw that all labor and achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. this too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." ecclesiastes 4:4
for most of us our true goal for life is get through it without too many bumps in the road. when face trials we often cry out loud with anger towards GOD about why HE is doing this to us. maybe we have turned so far to darkness that we can't find the light anymore. it takes great strength to follow HIM in this world right now, but we must FOLLOW HIM. HE died so that we may live in HIS eternal glory not the world.
"i know what it means to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. i have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry. whether living in plenty or in want. i can do everything through HIM who gives me strength." philippians 4:12-13
"in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight" proverbs 3:6
with power comes great responsibility, but man is man and sometimes that power becomes too great. if a man is humble in his life i trust him more than a man that is full of arrogance. that's why it is so hard for me to vote. i have voted, but i had to choose the lesser of two evils in my opinion. our politicians are so corrupt with greed and arrogance that i can't really find one that has humility. i was probably wrong to just pick one side, but i am a citizen of this country and i don't want to lose my freedom.
most individuals think about evil in larger scales, not the small. we think about the man that tried to blow up a plane and kill hundreds, but do we think about the man that wants to pull you away from your belief in CHRIST? we think about the oppression of governments on it's citizens, while they live in indulgence and freedom. we think about why we aren't being blessed when we have given so much of ourselves to world, but that thought is out of selfishness.
do we think about a church that isn't preaching the true word of GOD? does it strive to set an example of what it means to follow CHRIST and CHRIST alone? i laugh out loud when i hear the "prosperity gospel" preached. praying to GOD that you will become rich is not the true word of GOD. GOD'S definition of riches is not through money, but living through HIS word.
"for where you find envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice." james 3:16"
"and i saw that all labor and achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. this too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." ecclesiastes 4:4
for most of us our true goal for life is get through it without too many bumps in the road. when face trials we often cry out loud with anger towards GOD about why HE is doing this to us. maybe we have turned so far to darkness that we can't find the light anymore. it takes great strength to follow HIM in this world right now, but we must FOLLOW HIM. HE died so that we may live in HIS eternal glory not the world.
"i know what it means to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. i have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry. whether living in plenty or in want. i can do everything through HIM who gives me strength." philippians 4:12-13
Monday, November 1, 2010
why doesn't the world fear this?
Lament Over Fallen Babylon
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’[a]
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
Warning to Escape Babylon’s Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’[b]
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts,
‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[c]
I will never mourn.’
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon’s Fall
9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
you mighty city of Babylon!
In one hour your doom has come!’
11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’
“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
where all who had ships on the sea
became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’
20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!
Rejoice, you people of God!
Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
with the judgment she imposed on you.”
The Finality of Babylon’s Doom
21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said:
“With such violence
the great city of Babylon will be thrown down,
never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters,
will never be heard in you again.
No worker of any trade
will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
will never be heard in you again.
23 The light of a lamp
will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride
will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world’s important people.
By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people,
of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’[a]
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
Warning to Escape Babylon’s Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’[b]
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts,
‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[c]
I will never mourn.’
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon’s Fall
9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
you mighty city of Babylon!
In one hour your doom has come!’
11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’
“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
where all who had ships on the sea
became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’
20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!
Rejoice, you people of God!
Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
with the judgment she imposed on you.”
The Finality of Babylon’s Doom
21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said:
“With such violence
the great city of Babylon will be thrown down,
never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters,
will never be heard in you again.
No worker of any trade
will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
will never be heard in you again.
23 The light of a lamp
will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride
will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world’s important people.
By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people,
of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”
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