Doing Good for who?

"...what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

 ~ Deuteronomy 10:12-13~

"...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." ~Philippians 2:13~

"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." ~Revelation 4:11~

"Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this; That he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the Lord." ~Jeremiah 9:23-24~

"...we ought to obey God rather than men." ~Acts 5:29~

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." ~Colossians 3:23~

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." ~Galatians 1:10~

Technology- Live in the Moment

There's technology everywhere today. Technology can be used for so much good, but it can also be used for  harm rather than good.
I remember last month, I took my 12 year old sister, and 6 year old brother to Focus on the Family. As I watched my sister and brother go down the slide, over and over again, I couldn't help but notice their face. It was full of joy, laughter, and love. There were other people around who were on their phone, talking, texting, tweeting...etc... I don't know what they were doing, but they weren't living in the moment. We take those moments for granted, and before we know it they're gone.
A couple months ago, I had taken my siblings to our local pool, so that my mom can get some rest, and while I was there, I was on my phone. It wasn't until my brother and sisters asked me to hand them some goggles, that I realized that I wasn't enjoying the moment. I put my phone away, scooted my chair closer, and watched them play in the water.
In today's day and age, we use phone's and computers for everything. We carry it around everywhere we go. We use it as our "to-go-to", when we're bored. It sucks the life out of some of us, if we're not careful.
Now, I realize that many of us work on and through the computer. Now, don't get me wrong, there's a lot that can be used for good on the computer. But do we focus so much on getting things done, that we miss life's special moments? Are you so engulfed in the technology, that you miss your baby brother/sister/son/daughter, taking their first steps? What about when your siblings are playing a game, and laughing while enjoying themselves? When you're busy with technology, are you too quick to get angry? It's in these times, that we must be careful on how often we're using our technology! Take a technology-fast if you must; enjoy life. You only get that moment in time, once.

Hebrews 13:5

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Philippians 4:8-9

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

James 1:19-20

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

What are some ways that have helped you to live in the moment?

Pro-life Christian

Every Friday some friends from church, and I go down to a Planned Parenthood. We're there to encourage and edify others that children are a blessing. And we're there to pray over the innocent lives that have been lost, and continue to be lost. We've had many police and security men walk up to us, and tell us that we're too close to the building, or that we're doing something illegal. But we're called to pray.
Let’s begin with the Bible’s constant and consistent message condemning the taking of innocent life. Exodus, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Revelation, Matthew — all of these books engrave this truth into stone. Psalms, in particular, has a very relevant verse: “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and they shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters… desecrating the land with bloodshed.” Question: is abortion the taking of a life? Yes. Call it a fetus, call it an embryo, call it a moose if you like. What you can’t call it is inanimate matter. Therefore, it is a life. Another question: is that life innocent? Yes. And I shudder to think that anyone would suggest otherwise.

The Bible repeatedly condemns the killing of innocents, but abortion kills the innocent.

Who is still confused?

My favorite pro-life verse is that obscure passage that reads: “Thou shalt not kill.”

Yes, “kill” must be understood as “murder,” and murder can’t be understood to include justified and righteous killing like self-defense, or the defense of a loved one. It is not hard for me to understand “thou shalt not kill (except in matters of self-defense and just warfare). But it is a little difficult to comprehend this version: “thou shalt not kill (unless you’re killing your young child).”

The Bible also teaches that God specifically commanded the human race to “be fruitful and multiply.” Abortion would seem to fall short of that directive.

Scripture says that life is sacred (“I came that they may have life” – John 10 “There shall be no more death” – Revelation 21 “Thanks be to God who gives us victory” over death – 1 Corinthians 15 “He will destroy death forever” – Isaiah 25) and that children are a “gift from God” (Psalm 127).

Most compellingly, the Bible repeatedly says that God creates and forms every human being (“God created man in His image” – Genesis “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” – Jeremiah). Unless you believe in a flawed and clumsy Lord, you must not think that any life can be accidental, or that God wishes for any of the beings made in His image to be exterminated before they even emerge from the womb.
 God has a plan for all of us, and our job as parents is to guide our children in following
and understanding that plan.

Further, Jesus makes it clear that whatever we do or fail to do for “the least of His brothers” we did or failed to do for Him (Matthew 25). When we abort a child, we are therefore aborting Christ.

I feel sick even typing that sentence, but there is no other way to interpret the matter.

But the most shocking Biblical attacks against abortion cannot be boiled down to one or two sentences. The central point — the Ultimate Moment — of Christianity is, among other things, a stunning rebuke against abortion. Indeed, if there is one issue today that most offends and
desecrates the Christian Message, it is abortion.

Think about it: Jesus was miraculously conceived in the womb. He spent his first nine months on Earth as a “fetus.” If abortion wasn't a grave sin up until that point (even though it was), it would have become the gravest of sins afterwards. Jesus elevated all of mankind when he became one of us. And He became one of us through every stage, so every stage was elevated and sanctified.

Let me repeat this: if you are a Christian then you believe that CHRIST HIMSELF was a “fetus.” How can the “fetus” be anything other than sacred life after such an event?

Just a glob of cells? Is that what a Christian would say of his Savior?

We don’t know what Christ looked like exactly, ("He has no form or comeliness;
and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." ~Isaiah 53: 2)
but we know he once looked something like this:

And how did Jesus’ life end? He sacrificed Himself for the our sake.

Sacrifice.

Christianity is a religion of sacrifice, while abortion is a sacrament for those who wish to avoid it.

Sacrifice. Love. Life.

Abortion stands opposed to all of these things, and so it stands opposed to God, and so it stands opposed to Christianity.

That doesn't mean that pro-choice people can never be Christian, and it certainly doesn't mean that post-abortive mothers aren't welcome. Far from it. Christianity is also a religion of forgiveness, and thank God for that, because I am in constant need of God’s eternal mercy.

Christianity is a faith for all people, but it is not a faith for all notions and ideas. You cannot simultaneously profess the Faith while also defending the murder of the innocent.
I pray that whether or not you're pro-life or pro-choice, that Christ will convict you to pray for our nation.

Mother's Need Help! - Guest Post

Today we have a guest post from Ashley. Before I post what she wrote, I would encourage you all to think about it as you read it. I myself, am a mother's helper, and it has been such a joy to see the way it bless's the children as well as the moms and dads. So, without further ado, here is Ashley's post. :)

Mother's Need Help!

You've seen it before. A mom in the grocery store with four toddlers. Most of the time she doesn't get very many groceries. 

Why? Most mom's with small children don't like to go shopping with their little ones. Mom's need help. It's just a plain fact.

Last year I started to be a mother's helper. You know, someone who spends the day with a family and just helps however she can. Doing laundry. Watching the kids. Making lunch. These are some of the things I did. And lots of the time it wasn't easy.

Being a mother's helper also allowed me to develop good relationships with mom's that I wouldn't have if I hadn't first been their mother's helper. Be prepared to have good conversations. I'm not very outgoing around adults but once I got to know these ladies I was a lot more comfortable around them and I was also more open to talking and sharing. This put me in a great position to receive biblical mentoring which is what the Bible talks about in Titus 2:

"That they (the aged women) may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2: 4-5

Being a mother's helper is a great way to watch older women (well, older than us) in the home. It gives us as young ladies a good example to follow.

 I have to say, there are a lot of things you can learn from being a mother's helper. Here's just a few:

1. You get to see how other families run their household.

2. You get to interact with younger kids who aren't your siblings.

3. You get to learn to serve in another household.

4. You learn how to ask questions.

And that's not including how much you will bless the mom you help! So let's look at these close up.

You get to see how other families run their household.

How do they fold their clothes? What cleaning products do they use? When do they normally eat lunch? All of these questions will be answered when you step into their home and start to get your hands dirty.

You get to interact with young kids.

We tend to be a little short with our siblings, you know? But when we're with other kids who aren't our siblings we tend to have a lot more grace. Young children look up to older friends so it would mean the world to them if you just took a minute to spend some time with them.

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them." Matthew 18: 2

You learn to serve.

In my house I may just do something that needs to be done, but in someone else's house I'll be more reluctant. Most mother's aren't going to give you a list at the front door to tell you everything you could do. Some mom's will ask you while others will just expect you to play with the kids, but part of blessing mom's is doing the things they won't have time for in their busy schedule or maybe even giving them time to run an errand by themselves or take a nap.

"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10: 39

You Learn to ask Questions

This is a big one. I'm a very shy girl and sometimes I'll hesitate to ask about something. But, again, part of blessing someone else is doing the job right so they don't have to do it over later. So ask questions. Mom's won't get offended by simple questions.

You probably know a young mother with a couple toddlers that could use some help. Offer to spend the day (free of charge) just helping her with whatever she needs. It might not be easy but it's worth it.

His Grace is Sufficient!

God teaches in mysterious ways. I see this every day in my journey of being a Christian. In the moments where dreams come crashing down, or a loved one is lost, or life is just  topsy-turvy, we all stand back and ask "why?" It's such a difficult lesson to interpret. I said a prayer; thanking God for the little patch of heaven he had placed me in, for my family, and for life's simple goodness.

Our family had gone to a Church Family Camp last week. While on this trip, I had put my necklace that I got for my birthday, inside of my computer case, because I was in a hurry to get in the lake with my sister. Two days after I did this, I went to grab the necklace, and it was gone! I was very sad because this necklace was important to me, because I got it from my dad on my birthday. I had only had it for a couple weeks, and it was gone! Our church camp prayed for me to find it, but I couldn't. I left my information at the camp, in case the staff found it. In some cases, I could say that God didn't answer my prayers… and yet, in a way He did. He may not have led me to the necklace, but He showed me that His grace is sufficient for me! The things of this world shouldn't matter. Everything belongs to God! 

     I remember when our barn burned down in our backyard. Our chickens climbed right onto the heat lamp, and started a fire. We weren't home, until the evening, so everything was ruined… such as, a bunk-bed, antiques, windows, (that were replaced, because they gave us the wrong ones, but said we could keep the old ones) a chicken, some trees, and all kinds of other things were burned. Most of them were un-replaceable. So, what was the good that came out of all of that? We were blessed with money that our insurance covered for our burned thing. We took that money, and used it for someone else’s good. What Satan meant for Evil, God meant for good! 

     But isn't it ironic, that in the moment you are most peaceful and content with life, it seems God puts you to the flames again. I've come to see it as admitting we've grown stronger through his grace; we've proved we can withstand the next purging fire.

"So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though  it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ~1 Peter 1:7~
I've learned one thing: This painful refinement will never stop. Our initial reaction is "why does God give his servants trials? Haven't they proven their faith and determination?"

Yes, they have. This is why the trials still come; to make us stronger, to make us tougher.  The world doesn't see this. They ask "why would a loving God persecute his people?"

     We’re reminded in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

     Yes, I’m still pretty upset that my necklace hasn't been found. If it has, someone might have taken it by now. However, at the same time, I need to realize that a necklace is just a “thing” of this world.  It’s a worldly possession.  It meant a lot to me, but, I've been realizing that 2^nd Corinthians 12:9 says, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…”

We can’t see the big picture. But Christianity is about faith, not sight. We don't need proof of God's faithfulness. Because God upholds his promises. 

The Perfect Work of Patience

This post was written by Bethany Carson over at: http://todaylibertyordeath.blogspot.com

"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." --James 1:4

Patience is not a virtue easily acquired.  James tells us that the trying of our faith worketh patience.  God has given us many promises, some of which may seem impossible.  He promised Abraham when he was nearly 100 years old and his wife Sarah was 90 that they would have a son.  Was this humanly possible?  No.  But they believed God, and with God all things are possible. 

It's easy to have faith right after a promise has been made, but 2 or 3 years later it can be hard to still have faith.  Two thousand years later we are still waiting for Jesus to fulfill His promise, "Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me."  That seems like a long time to wait, but I'm glad He waited for me.  2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  But the day of the Lord will come!  God keeps his promises.  

One example my father uses is this:  If I promise you that I will take you out to eat tomorrow, is there anything you can do to make sure I fulfill my promise?  You can remind me, but there's no way you can make me keep my promise.  Keeping my promise is my job, not yours.  If I don't keep my promises, I'm a liar and a bad person.  The same works with God's promises.  He has promised, and "God is not a man that he should lie."  God will perform what He has promised.  We must believe Him, trust Him, and patiently wait for Him to fulfill His word.

God's plan for creation and for our lives is perfect.  We need to have faith that all things will work together for our good as He has promised.  

As Hebrews 10: 35-38 says: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry...The just shall live by faith."  

Nominations and Awards

I was awarded by both Heather at: http://notw4life.blogspot.com/
and Ashley at: http://colorfulcreativecards.blogspot.com
Heather's questions were:
1. Do you believe in God? Absolutely! (Refer to The Apostles Creed)
2. Are you saved, If not what stops you? I am saved by grace, through faith.
3. If you could travel some where (other then your own country) where would it be? Ireland!
4. What are you most afraid of..? Failure.
5. What do you love to do with your time (besides work/school)? Play Piano, Sing, and Write.
6. What is your favorite color/colors? Light Purple
7. What are you wanting in you future spouse..? A Godly man who puts Christ above everyone, who loves children, and who loves too study the Bible.
8. What is you favorite bible verse? I've always loved James 1:2-4
9. How often do you pray and if less then 1 hr a day could you spare more time..? Not as often as I should. Yes, I could spare more time.
10. What are you most thankful for..? Christs death on the cross to pay for my sins!
11. What do you want to do with your life? Live for God, and for my family. To serve when needed/wanted. To be a blessing to others, and to become a Doula.
Ashley's questions to me:
What are your hobbies? Playing Piano and Violin, exercising, reading, babysitting, writing, and loving on my family.
Do you have any pets? Yes... 1 dog, 6 chickens, and 1 rabbit.
What is your favorite season? Summer!
Who is the most important person in your life? God! (my family)
Where is your favorite place to be? I don't really have a favorite place.
 Usually wherever my family is. :)
Have you been awarded the Liebster Award before? Yes, quite a few time. ;)
Do you like to draw? Not too much, but I'll draw with my siblings occasionally.
What is you favorite part about your life? Serving Christ, and serving my family.
Do you know Jesus? Yes! 
Do you like rain or shine? Both... a little rain is okay, but I love the sun!
How many siblings do you have? 5... 4 brothers, and 1 sister.
11 Facts about me:1. I'm Studying to become a Doula
2. I've been teaching Piano since I was 14 years old.
3. My mom home-schooled me my whole life, and I graduated in 2010.
4. I like more of a Vintage look.
5. I usually shop at Goodwill, Saver's, and Kohl's for clothes.
6. I love coffee!
7. We adopted my 6 year old little brother.
8. I love fluffy animals! (yes, their hair gets on my clothes all the time)
9. I have naturally curly and wavy hair
10. I was born in California.
11. I'm the Chauffeur of the family, and I love it! :)

Rules: 1) Each person must list 11 things about themselves.

2) Answer the 11 questions that the tagger has set for you PLUS you MUST create 11 questions
of your own for the people you will nominate with this award.3) Choose up to 11 bloggers linking them to your post.4) Go to their page and inform them of the nomination.5) No awarding those who awarded you.
My nominees:
Ashley at: http://ashley-funfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Sadie at: http://irishragamuffinslilsister.blogspot.com/
Chloe at: http://blooming-maiden.blogspot.com/
Elanee at: http://elaneesendeavors.blogspot.com/
Libby at: http://anoblecallingblog.blogspot.com/

Encouragement for Brother's and Sister's in Christ

I was asked by Andrew Howard to write a post on his blog: http://sotkbroadcast.blogspot.com/
The topic he wanted me to write about was...
How older sister's are to encourage their physical and spiritual brothers as
 they are striving to be men for God. So, I thought I'd share it. :) I feel very unworthy to write this, but as a 22 year old young woman striving to serve and encourage my
fellow brothers in Christ, I feel honored to complete such a task.

First of all, I asked a couple of  my brothers, what their thoughts were, on how sister’s in Christ can encourage them, and these were their answers...

Corey (23)

By Increasing in knowledge and understanding of God’s word. Decreasing in the frequency of sin. increasing Christ like qualities. Increase in faith and trust in God. (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” ~ 1st Corinthians 11:1)

Ethan (19)

Talk with them, and interact with them

Austin (16)

Dressing modestly, because the way someone dresses or even how someone acts, reflects off of them. When brothers see how someone dresses/acts, it can very possibly be a stumbling block for the brothers in Christ. We need to remember to act as Christ, because people see those attributes that we have; and if it doesn’t reflect Christ but reflect the flesh that is in us, it can become a stumbling block.

As I have talked to many brothers in Christ, I have come to realize that not only do we serve the same God, but we all need encouragement on various issues. With talking to men, they've told me that the one thing they wish women would talk to them about is, Theology, the Bible, and various History characters. In today’s culture, studying about these kinds of things, to some, is considered a, “man’s job”. I however, don’t agree. In 1st Peter 3:15, it says, “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

In today’s culture, many men and women, don’t know answers. I didn't start studying about Theology and Historical Characters until 1 ½ years ago. I've been enjoying it so much,
that I can now ask young men and older men, any questions I have, or get their
thoughts on a certain subject. 

Studying Theology isn’t just for guys; And the men that I talk to, love to talk about Theology!

So, to all those young men out there, don’t give up the fight! Study about the Bible, study about Theology, study about the laws of God, and most of all, memorize scripture!.. so that you can be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you!

To all the young women out there, this is how we encourage our brothers in Christ! Learn to study these things. Discuss them with other young men! Don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

May God bless His Kingdom, as we help those in Christ seek to Glorify Him!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

~Matthew 6:33~

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

~1st Corinthians 3:10~

“To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

~1st Thessalonians 3:13~

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”

~2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17~

Blessings in Christ!

Caitlin Baughman

http://daughterofdestiny-generation78.blogspot.com/