NEWS AND UNTIL 2010...

Hi everyone,

I wanted to update you on my family, since I have not written for a while. As many of you know we are in a big time of transition. The biggest transition of all, however, is that I am pregnant:) We are thrilled, but all of my energies are being put into rest and my family. I am putting writing on the shelf for a season and hope to start up again in the New Year when I feel more myself. I appreciate all of your prayers. If you want to reach me please email me as I probably won't be back here much at all for a while! Love to all,

PRAISE AND WFW

May we ever praise Him! May our children and children's children always rely upon Him! Please stop by Amy Deane's blog and consider joining WFW! Today WFW is hosted at Christy's Blog.

THE BIBLE ACCURATELY COPIED DOWN...

Thank you to everyone who is praying for my friend Kathy and her daughter, who I mentioned in last week's post!

When I have the opportunity to give a defense of my faith and the Bible, I will ask the person their beliefs and listen. Then, usually they will allow me to give mine. I stick to the core of Christianity and don't argue minor points. What is the core message of the Bible?--- We are all separated from God and only faith in Christ can reconcile us. What about Christ? Who do they say He is? Do they belive the Bible?

The Bible does hold up in every way and I will gladly hear any argument against it. Even if I don't know how to refute it, I will find out, because it can be refuted. The Bible stands the test of time. My husband talks about how no one is allowed to dispute the Koran. But, many want to dissect the Bible and refute it. The Bible is an open book. It can be disputed and it will prove true each time!!!

I also want to highly recommend the Apologetics Study Bible with Ted Cabal as the General Editor. I take the following information from today's post from an article in the Apologetics Study Bible by Normal L. Geisler (pages 468-469). (All quotes are from Geisler's article.)

"The Bible is the most accurately transmitted book from the ancient world." Geisler states that both the New and the old Testament's reliability is based on "their abundance, dating, and accuracy." (Though I pull from this article, I have read several other people's works and websites that give the same reasons in support of the Bible's authenticity.)

THEIR ABUNDANCE- Put in layman's terms, there have been more manuscripts found of the Old and New Testament than other texts. Supposedly Homers' Iliad has 643, the most. But, the "number of NT (New Testament) manuscripts is overwhelming (almost 5,700 Greek manuscripts)."

THEIR DATING- Both OT and NT manuscripts have been discovered more closely to the time they were written than other manuscripts. "The earliest undisputed NT manuscript is Jon Rylands Papyrus, dating between A.D. 117 and 138." Many more NT manuscripts were found dating to about 250.

THEIR ACCURACY- Both OT and NT manuscripts "were more accurately copied" than other texts. Scholars have looked at the texts that were found of different manuscripts and have found more textual corruption. The Greek Scholar A. T. Robertson estimated the Bible's accruacy of the New Testament at 99.9%, with other manuscripts people hold as authentic (Iliad of Homer and Mabharata of Hinduism) as 90 and 95% authentic respectively.

Of course, we believe the Bible to be 100% accurate as Christians. How else can you base your life on the Bible's teachings?

II Timothy 3:15-16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Recently, I have been befriended by a very kind and very New Age mom whose daughter is in my daughter's dance class. She doesn't believe in the truth of the whole Bible as we Christians do. She picks and chooses what she thinks is truth from it. She believes Christ was reincarnated and that He was the first Adam. Very different from what Christians believe, huh? She does believe Christ died on the cross and was resurrected. (I am still figuring out how/why she believes what she does.)

A lot of people, I have found, including Christians doubt the inspiration, validity, and authority of the Holy Scriptures. So, I have decided to devote my next several Tuesday writings to somewhat of an apologetic writing on the Bible along with some feedback from my relationship with my new friend. Please pray for my friend Kathy and her daughter that they would come to Christ's light and for me to have God's Word to speak and God's love to show.

Did you know?

• The Bible consists of about 40 different authors. (There is some controversy over who wrote certain books.) The Bible was written over a span of 1600 years.
• In over 2700 times you will see written in the Bible "The Lord Said" or "The Word of God".
• "The unity of the Bible is remarkable..."
• Noah created an ark (a huge floating ship). In 1844 Isambard K. Brunnell built a ship using almost the exact same ratio of the ark.
• This information is taken from a wonderful children's book. How Do you Know the Bible is from God?, Kyle Butt.

I will put more information about the Bible in weeks to come. If you want to add anything for me to include or disagree on any point, please let me know. I for one want to be able to give an answer for the hope I have, a hope that is founded upon God's Word and a personal touch from a relationship with Christ my Lord. (I will post later this week on my other blog an apologetics refuting the lie of reincarnation if you are interested!) Blessings,

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today." (Once more I am in between classes at work/college and it won't let me post the picture for TT here.)

1. I am thankful for the mercies of the Lord and newness- new days, new months (Happy October), and new life in Him!

2. I am thankful for feeling well. I often take it for granted and was recently sick for about three weeks off and on. It has given me fresh appreciation for wellness.

3. I am thankful for good books. Right now I am reading C.S. Lewis The Silver Chair and it speaks to me on so many different levels. As much as I love a good movie, I enjoy books even more. Books take more time to read than watching a movie and books provide a wonderful escape. I can't wait to finish the Silver Chair!!!

4. I am thankful for the State Fair. I am headed there today with my family after I work. I love the rides, animals, food, the atmosphere...

5. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit. I wrote about Him on my last post. Truly, He is my constant companion and help. I am thankful for the power, and strength, and wisdom that He gives me each day!!! Blessings to you all,

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell
where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the
Spirit. John 3:8

I love the Holy Spirit! It amazes me that Christ's Spirit is with us at all times- to comfort, to teach, to talk to us. I just need to be more open to talk to Him and listen to His subtle ways of speaking to me:) So, lately I am quieting my heart more. This means more constant prayers throughout the day about how to spend my time and prayers for help with the daily grind. This also means not worrying or being anxious. Being sensitive to Him also means not shrugging off the ideas that come to my mind throughout the day and obeying His gentle promptings. Like, "don't do that". Or, "I was wrong, I should say sorry". Or, not being able to get someone out of my head. Yes, I should pray for them and call.

Also to help me follow the Holy Spirit, I purpose throughout my daily routine to sing a song in my heart and keep a Scripture in my thoughts to keep me focused on Him. Yes, with the Holy Spirit's more constant presence and help I find a more satisfied and meaningful day. I pray that you and I would know God's helper, the Holy Spirit, in real and tangible and constant ways that bring new joy and life.

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Aren't children running such an image of God's freedom? I wrote a poem to the Lord and you.

I am not free when I carry my doubts, my worries, my woe.
I am not free when I walk head hung down and hope is low.
I am not free when my mind is filled with thoughts of me.
So, I pause to think, Lord when am I truly free?
I am free when my life echoes Your praise,
I am free when You are the Center of my days.
I am free when I live in obedience and trust,
I am free when I deny greed, envy, and lust.
I am free when I cast off shame, regret, and pain,
I am free when I allow Your will to reign,
I am free when I live my life only through You,
Yes, I want to be completely free, how about you?

MY EDITOR

The other day while praying God spoke to my heart. Don't you love it when that happens?

I was feeling overwhelmed with how far it seems our culture has come from God. (That is another post:) I also felt frustrated at my life and wondering how I can effect what seems void of God. God spoke to me that He is my editor. Now I have limited dealings with magazine and book editors, but I understood. Not only is He able to forgive and erase my mistakes, but He helps me write the story of my life. He corrects, He guides, He edits my life as He desires it to be read. He cares more than I do how my life is lived and read by others! He even knows the plot from beginning to end. And best of all, I am not in it alone! He is always there to help me. Suddenly after understanding all of that, I felt better, encouraged, and equipped for the task of life as I know it- sometimes difficult, most of the time challenging... always purposeful and satisfying in Him! (Normally I do WFW, but I am finding I can't always do so on Wednesdays, so I may start posting on Tuesdays some instead:)

AWARDS AND THANK YOU

I recently received two awards and want to say thank you to Kat at Heart to Heart for the prayer warriors award and Sitka at All God's Creatures for the Humane Award. I love Kat and Andrea (Sitka's mom). Both ladies honor the Lord in their lives and writing and have special God-inspired blogs that bless so many! Today I honor those who pray for blog needs. I am truly blessed by those who do. I also honor Sitka, an amazing dog, who ministers in such a unique and vital way! (Rosel at Off the Beaten Trek created the Awesome Prayer Warrior award.) Love and blessings,

THANKFUL THURSDAY

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today." (I am in between classes at work and it won't let me post the picture for TT here.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

1. God's love- unfailing and unending!

2. God's rest- merciful and faithful!

3. God's provision- timely and sufficient!

4. God's heart- tender and inviting!

5. God's care- inspiring and refreshing!

And, I am thankful for each new day with all that God does! Love to all,

GOD THE WEIGHT LIFTER WFW

My Pastor shared several Sundays ago that "God is a weight lifter"; He knows how to carry our weights- our baggage and worries. As we give our cares to the Lord, He arms us with His strength and makes our way perfect. II Samuel 22:33

You can participate in WFW at Lori's site.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today."

I chose the fall theme... because here definitely it has felt more like fall with cooler weather.

1. I am thankful for changing seasons and in particular for my favorite season, fall.

2. I am thankful for fun outings during the fall such as the state fair and fall festivals on Oct 31st.

3. I am thankful for the cooler weather. Though I thrive in hot weather, I love getting bundled up and the feel of cool air on my face. (I also love a good bon fire, roasted marshmallows, and hot cider during the fall.)

4. I am thankful for the changing leaves. God certainly knows how to create a beautiful landscape.

5. Lastly, I am thankful for Thanksgiving time with family gatherings and thankful hearts. I'm also thank for a four day weekend during Thanksgiving for me and my husband. Yes, I love the fall season that approaches us. And, I am thankful for all God gives us to enjoy and that seasons come and go. GOD BLESS YOU ALL TODAY!

GOODNESS TRIUMPHS OVER EVIL WFW

I want to warn you that I am going to talk about a kidnapping story briefly, so you can choose not to read if this topic would disturb you. And, please bear with me. My WFW is long today:)

Recently, a world event caused me to question. An 11 year old girl, Jaycee Dugard, was kidnapped in 1991 and recently discovered (found) alive and physically well. (She was kidnapped by religious zealots from what I understand.) After hearing about this, I questioned some things on a deeper level and truthfully, I dealt with some fear. (I will spare you the details of what happened during those 18 years in case you don't want to know.)

Certainy everyone can agree that the Devil is in control of such evil as kidnapping and abuse. But, I must say after hearing about the Dugard lady (now 29) I entertained the age old question, "Where was God? And, where is God in the midst of horrible suffering?" Granted I fully believe that sin opened the door to that evil. My response has always been, "everyone chooses life or death and unfortunately, we all feel the effects of a fallen world with evil." But, I asked myself recently- in my heart of hearts- is that just a cliche response? What do I really believe?

I read this article that comforted and quieted my heart. Where is God? (Weekly Sermon, Bruce Wells Mar 14, 2009) I want to share excerpts here today.

"Don't murder yourself for asking the question 'Why?'. If we had time this week we could turn to the Lord Jesus Christ when He was on the cross, and some of the most famous words that He spoke were these: 'My God! My God! Why? Why hast Thou forsaken Me?'. To the onlookers of that time, as well as to those who first read the story, it seems that God did forsake Jesus, so we obviously conclude that He will forsake us as well in our darkest moments. Yet, upon continued observation of the events that unfolded after the crucifixion, the truth was revealed that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death (Romans 8:37-39). After Jesus was crucified, He was glorified (1 Peter 1:21). From this example alone we can be assured that even when we do not feel God’s presence in the midst of our pain, we can still believe His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)." God showed me that Jaycee's return is a picture of His heart, His desire (not the events that transpired prior).

My Pastor also gave this incredible message and the thread to me was God's goodness. God was asking me, "Will you trust in my goodness?"

I have 100% tasted and seen the Lord's goodness in my own life, no question. And, no matter what I see or hear or experience, I will choose to believe God is great and, GOD IS GOOD! Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." God's ending will prevail (even when we don't yet see it).

Bruce Wells summed it up for me with this:

"When Sir Harry Lauder lost his only son - he was killed in World War I - he turned to his best friend and he said this, and I quote: 'When a man comes to a thing like this there are just three ways out of it. There is drink, there is despair, and there is God. By His grace the last is for me'."

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42)

And, today, I ask you to please pray for the Dugard family and all involved - that God would show who He really is and that they would experience His salvation (health, peace, and wholeness). And pray for us, the Church, that our prayers would be fervent, our love tangible, and our faith even greater- to see God work miracles in the midst of despair.

Please stop by Amy Deane's blog and consider joining WFW! Today WFW is hosted at Penny’s blog.

WFW ETERNITY IN OUR HEARTS

She shall rejoice in time to come...

Proverbs 31:25

I wish that I could take credit for this amazing picture, but it was taken from Photobucket. I used to hear this verse and think of people- that people are made beautiful in their time (with gifts and talents and dreams fulfilled.) Now, I apply it also to things and circumstances. There is a time for everything. And, God will make beautiful and perfect that which we are concerned about. (Psalm 138:8)

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-14

How wonderful that God has put eternity in each heart with a curiosity and longing for life beyond death and a desire to live for more than the mundane and the temporal. How precious that God made the way for eternal, abundant, and fulfilling life here and now through Christ. Please stop by Amy Deane's blog and consider joining WFW!

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

The Lord has been challenging me in the book of Esther.

I hear of so many problems, see so many needs, and yet feel so small. But GOD!

God shows us who He is in our darkest hour. He turns our mourning to gladness; He never changes. He is the same God of Esther, who moved beyond what seemed impossible... as they desperately sought for His intervention. I pray that I will be desperate to seek God for such a time as this.

Please stop by Amy Deane's blog and consider joining WFW!

PRAYERS UNHINDERED

I went to a life-transforming conference this past weekend and wanted to journal something that revived my heart and my walk with the Lord. The mini-sermon was based upon the following verse:

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

The speaker asked us to consider why some of our prayers go unanswered. (Of course there are other "conditions"... praying in accordance with God's will, not willfully sinning etc.) But, she highlighted praying and walking with the Lord in total agreement- with our hearts - with our souls - with our minds - with our strength. In other words when we pray and obey are our hearts (our motivations, our desires) with God? Are our words with God? Are our minds with God? Are our efforts with God? Are we 100% for the Lord?

When I answered these questions for myself I could see where I have let my relationship with the Lord slide. I have become complacent. My nightime routine had become to put the kids down, watch something, stuff my face, go to bed. (BTW- I don't condemn television; it had just become my 'outlet'.) I asked myself more questions.

Am I hungering for God? Is my heart in my prayers? Are my actions and words undergirding my prayers? Sometimes yes. Other times no. This conference gave me the kick to get back to pursuing God even when quiet times feel dry, even when He seems distant... even when life is very challenging. Yes, I will love the Lord God in agreement- with my soul, my mind, my strength. My heart is stirred once more to know Him and to love Him completely!

God bless you friends today... with more and more of Him.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today."

1. My husband is off for two weeks- no studying! HALLELUJAH!

2. My son asked to go to the potty twice today and we haven't even officially started mission potty training. THANK YOU JESUS. (Candy rewards help too:)

3. We have a roof over our heads, clothes without tears, reliable cars, more than enough food, clean water to drink, a good gospel preaching church, great loving friends, and healthy growing children. Life is good.

4. I love my husband and am so grateful for him. I told him yesterday that it bothered me that there were toys left out in the yard (probably only four toys- I am ridiculous like that.) He said it didn't bother him and I said I would pick them up later. I looked out the window this morning and he had picked them up for me. He knows my love language:)

5. I love my mom and dad. I don't ever want to take them for granted. I thank the Lord for all the wonderful years I have had with them and hopefully many more to come.

WFW and MISSION POTTY TRAIN

Please stop by AmyDeane's Blog for more words and images and consider joining her"Word-Filled-Wednesday" meme.

Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I
declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9

What are these former things you may ask? Diapers. And what new thing am I declaring?

Mission potty training. This Friday. Prayers solicited.

The little fellow in the picture will say bye-bye to his diapers, while I say goodbye to some of the things I enjoy (like a somewhat clean rug:) He will say hello to big boy underpants, while I say hello to extra cash each month. (Be thankful I didn't stick a photo bucket potty training picture on there. By the way there are many, including pets on toilets:)

Sometimes new things cost us something... but God loves for them to spring forth. I pray we would say hello to what God has in store for us today!

Philly conference WRITE HIS ANSWER

TOP PHOTO-

Susan, me, Shelley

MIDDLE PHOTO-

Joyce Magnin and novelists

BOTTOM PHOTO-

me, Kelly, Sonya, Kelli

WRITE HIS ANSWER ...

Yes, I was blessed with a scholarship that covered my entire tuition. But, I will say it was a hard weekend for me emotionally, so that I was very grateful for the friends that surrounded me.

I rode with Kelly and Sonya. I also met many wonderful people, like Shelley and Susan. I also met Leslie, who I knew from the blogging world but had not met face to face. Meeting and being with all of these wonderful women helped me tremendously. (My roomate, Shelley, did not snore and likes to run. God knows me:)

Why so emotional? Well, a lot of things I heard (like the how to's of getting a book published) left me questioning. Am I called to write? Well, yes. Is this the season to write? Well, yes. Am I willing to do what it takes to "write His answer"? Pause. Pause. Will I ever get where He wants me to be in writing/living? Pause. Pause.

Kelly told me one day at lunch that she had been praying for me. I broke into tears (in front of a table of ladies no less). She offered me a lot of encouragement- about keeping first things first (my kids) and allowing my writing to "ebb and flow". In other words, sometimes we can write a lot and other times life takes over. As she said, "you still have a lot of living in you." Sonya's encouragement helped me get to the conference in the first place. (I emailed her of my pre-conference dread!) Shelley's zest for life and go get it attitude also helped my blahs. And Susan- poor Susan tried multiple times to go and get the right key to get in the dorm. She never complained and always seemed to have a smile. In short, God knew how to surround me and with whom to surround me. Joyce Magnin was an amazing workshop teacher and from the general session I learned from Susan May Warren. WOW!

For me, I am determined to be steadfast in writing for the Lord (here and submitting elsewhere) as long as God gives me the breath and strength to do so. I am so grateful for my hubby who took on the task of single parent for five days. I am also grateful for home and that to live is Christ (to live is not just to write, not even just to be mommy). At the end of every day, He really does care:)

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

PSALM 23

I am blessed to be away this weekend and have some still calming waters at a writer's conference! To me, that entails some quiet time, some alone time, and some down time. I am thankful for the ride with Kelly and Sonya and for time to spend with the Lord. And, of course, I am thankful for all God will do!

Please stop by Amy Deane's blog and consider participating in Word-Filled-Wednesday.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today."

1. I am thankful for how God multiplies... our efforts, our energies, our supply!

2. I am thankful that my kids are still sleeping at 8:30am- HALLELUJAH!

3. I am thankful that my husband has one more week of summer school and then all of us have a week off!

4. I am thankful for not having to be perfect!

5. I am thankful that Christ is perfect and graciously works on perfecting me.

NEW BLOG DESIGN, STILL ME

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and
are safe. Prov 18:10

It is still Laurie, with supernatural living. The amazing and gifted Edie created my blog design. Thank you Edie, you are wonderful. She is an amazing lady and wonderful to work with if you desire to have something designed for your blog. Please check out her services and blog!

And, please stop by AmyDeane's Blog for more words and images and consider joining her"Word-Filled-Wednesday" meme.

"What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today."

HERE ARE MY FIVE:

As many of you know, I just moved. I want to say five things I am thankful for about our new home. BTW- These things are different from our old home.

1. Our huge back yard- I am thankful for a big place for the kids to play and run around!

2. Our carport- That is my kids favorite place to play.

3. Our neighbors- My daughter's best friend, Makayla, lives in our old neighborhood. We missed her so much the first few days after moving. God blessed us with another little girl, who lives right next door. She has helped ease the loss we felt from not being so close to Makayla.

4. Smaller space- People thought we might go into shell shock, because we are living in about half the space. Actually, it has been a blessing for us. We have downsized sooooooo much and it will make the next move easier. I don't know when that will be, but will be sometime next year:) WOW!

5. Grass!- We did not have a green lawn where we came from, but this house has lots of green grass. Well, it's dying some from the heat, but you know what I mean.

I thank God that He has helped us every step of the way and to have a place to call home. And, I am especially grateful that is truly starting to feel like home. I missed everyone on TT- glad to be back!