Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Book of John



Love, Wedding Feasts,

Anger, Secret Meetings

Friendship, the rejected

Sickness, rebellion, Miracles

Breaking Tradition, Grace

Mystery, Betrayal

Adultery, attempted murder, Parables, Murder Plot,

Servanthood, Anguish , Illegal Court, Revenge, Denial, Judgement, Death, Angels, Doubt, Resurrection, Reassurance, Salvation and Victory.



All this and more in this book of John, the 4th gospel. It has all the ingredients of a great novel. Look for the seven miracles recorded. During this Resurrection season, it is a good time to reflect on the real story of what we celebrate this Sunday. All the joy and happiness we will enjoy is a result of the most amazing story in all of history. Try reading it in the version "THE MESSAGE" for a easier read. For a handy way to read the Bible go to:
www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10

"Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13


May God expand your territory!

Happy Resurrection Day,

Barbara

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Hooked



S E X!


What do you think of when you read, hear or think the word sex?

One night stands?

Falling in Love?

How many notches in my belt can I have?

Life Time Relationship?

Friends with benefits?

Family & Marriage?

Of course there are many things one would think of in this day and age of anything goes. Our society constantly tells us moving from partner to partner is OK and won't hurt you as long as you have protected sex. No big deal, don't worry, getting pregnant or sexual diseases? We can provide you with solutions. The emotional hassles of untangling a relationship? We have solutions for that to. But at what cost to ourselves, love ones, children and society?

Those of us who have children, grandchildren or friends who are living with all the pressures to grow up quickly or to conform to the status quo, need to be concerned about the suddle lies that are continually portrayed in the media, movies, books, and even in our schools. We send our children out in to the big bad world without the proper information to give them the tools to make wise decisions.

The book "Hooked" by Joe S. McIlhaney, JR.,MD and Freda McKissic Bush, MD, is a scientific book that is fairly easy to read. It gives a values neutral reason for abstaining from casual sex. As quoted in the book, "We are born to form attachments...our brains are physically wired to develop in tandem with another's, through emotional communication, beginning before words are even spoken. " When we go from one casual relationship to another we damage our brains natural bonding ability. It is apparent in our society that to diminish our guilt from destructive behavior we have robbed ourselves of long lasting fulfilling relationships. We have believed the lie!

This has been a difficult review for me to write because I so much want to convey the importance of what "HOOKED" has to say and what it can mean to all of you and your loved ones. It is a must read for everyone at any age, it can be the beginning of healing for some and a stop sign for others. Parents it is essential to get this message to our kids before they cross that bridge and can never return. Their brains aren't fully developed till they are in their mid twenties, so it is difficult for them to make wise relational decisions.

We were meant to be monogamous!

May the Lord Bless you and keep you from evil,
Barbara

Monday, March 1, 2010

i am not but i know I AM


i am not

but i know

I AM

Interesting title to say the least. This book is the story of God, the I AM in the Bible. So much of our thoughts go His way only when we are in trouble or need something. We even like to blame Him for anything that goes wrong in our lives. Do we thank Him when things are going well?

Louie Giglio has a knack for painting the picture of how Big God is and how small we are. To those of us who strive to be in control of every area of our lives, it is a great book to help us bring in perspective the realization of our smallness. The wonderful thing about this is when we get it, there is a rest that only God can give. As Louie says " let go of our own story and let God be God in our lives". It is not about us but about the great . I AM.
God wants our trust and to follow him and then see the amazing adventure HE takes us on. With God we become an overwhelmingly powerful team. As we go through our life the answer to all our needs is the:


I AM THE PROVIDER

I AM THE HEALER

I AM THE DELIVERER

I AM THE CREATOR

I AM THE SHEPHERD

I AM THE COMFORTER


and the list goes on. If we allow Him, we can call Him friend, imagine the creator of the universe as your friend and lover of your soul. WOW! I guess you can't beat that.

If you are visual and not prone to read, Louie Giglio has a DVD called " How Great is Our God", after watching this you will never be the same or even look at golf balls the same either.

How awesome that God would want to spend time & care about us, a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things.

May God Bless and Expand Your Territory!

Barbara