Inspirational Blogger Award
2007-07-27 14:11:00
I am humbly honored to have been selected to receive another award by my friend and brother in Christ, Dan King. He is author of Management by God. He has nominated and awarded my Inspirational
Blogger
Award
because as he said "You are such an inspiration that I selected you for another award that I had to pass on." I am deeply touched that he thinks this of my blog and of me. But again, all glory and honor goes to Him that inspires me.The Inspirational Award was developed by Writer's Reviews Blogger Awards. Written by Christy Zutautas, Writers Reviews is a professional writers web site that gives reviews on movies, products, and web sites!The inspirational blogger award is, "For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and an uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others."J
I'm Off On My Trip
2007-08-01 00:36:00
This is my last post until I return Sunday (I probably will not post until Monday, though, since I don't ordinarily post on Sundays, and let's face it, I'll be tired!) But here's some funnies to hold you over. (This is kind of what I'll feel like tomorrow with 4 kids in a car heading off 2 1/2 hours away.) :) But I can't wait! Love you all!There is no MORE to this post. Subscribe in a reader
Ok, My Mind is Still In a Fuddle But...by Shalene
2007-07-31 13:50:00
Well, whilst trying to befuddle, or would it be de-fuddle :) my mind by taking a break, I ran across this video from Youtube. It's quite funny, so I had to share it.There is no "MORE" to this post Subscribe in a reader
My Mind is in A Fuddle
2007-07-31 11:23:00
Hello All,I so wanted to impart some words of wisdom or inspiration to you today, but all I can think about is what I need to pack still. Have you ever tried to take four children camping for four days 2 1/2 hours from home?! On top of that the weather couldn't be stable throughout an entire day. That would be too easy. Where we're going, it's hot during the day, and freezing cold (it seems) at night. So that means extra clothes. Did I mention for four kids? :) Well, no matter. I know that this is a blessing for me and for my children, as we'll have time to fellowship with one another and with fellow believers. I ask for your prayers while I am away, and ask that you be sure and come back next week, when I'll be posting again. Perhaps then I'll have some insights to share with you. Until then, I leave you with a couple of the performers that will be at this Christian Concert. Subscribe in a reader
THE WILL OF GOD IN THE CHANGES OF LIFE by Gail Rodgers
2007-07-30 10:45:00
Blog Owner's Note: Though I don't ordinarily post other author's devotions on my blog anymore, I'm doing so today because I have a friend that could use this message. I'm hoping that they visit my blog today, and that it helps clear some things up. Now on to the Devotional:Change. It comes to all of us on our journey. Some of the changes we embrace heartily and with anticipation. Other changes are more difficult. Being God's children we know He has a plan for our lives. Yet at times we long to know... does it include this move, this change? Sometimes we have a hard time figuring it out. Is this an opportunity from the hand of God? Can we know His will for our lives for sure?As we seek to know God's will we find that His word reveals fresh insight."Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).When we know nothing else of God's will, we do know these three things. We are to be j
Baptisms by Shalene
2007-08-05 23:25:00
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 NKJVThough baptism is not a requirement for salvation, the bible teaches us that being baptized is a public profession of our faith. As such, it should be a time of great joy, and a time when we would invite family and friends to be witnesses of our obedience to God. I have been made aware of a website, where some very nice baptism invitations can be found. The name of the site is ProFam.comIn addition to the baptism invitations, they also have christening invitations. Though there is no biblical basis for christening, I understand this event to be very important to some. As such, should you find yourself in need of invitations to this type of event, these invitations also looked very nice. The invitations have any number of designs, and you can also order corresponding thank you notes and
Purposeful Ministry by Shalene
2007-08-08 12:23:00
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8Yesterday, I wrote about how we could change the world by having a purposeful ministry in our blogs and our websites. Today, I want to touch on what it means to have a purposeful ministry.What does it mean to be purposeful?Purposeful is defined as having intent. Is it your intent to spread the Word of God and His Good News to all that come into contact with your blog and/or website? How do you do this? Is it obvious to others that your love of God is first and foremost in your life? I don't mean you need to go "Holier- than- thou" on them, but is it clear to all that read your content, that you are a Christ follower? Or is it just a vague idea hidden somewhere as a sidenote?What does it mean to minister and/ or to witness?I am aware that not all are comfortable being teachers, a
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Changing the World by Shalene
2007-08-07 11:00:00
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5 KJVI've been reading a lot of Christian blogs and visiting a lot of Christian websites lately. In doing so, I've had a thought. That is: What would happen if we all had a purpose in our blogs and our sites? Could we change the world? The answer is a resounding YES! Everyone of us that is a Christ follower, can change our world by using our sites and blogs to glorify the Lord. Whether that be by teaching the Holy Word of God to others or by sharing our own faith in our daily lives.I wonder, how many of you that have a blog or site really understand that you have a responsibility, given to you- by God- to minister to others with the gifts that God has given you? Do you even see it as a ministry? If you're teaching the Word of God, surely you do. If you are "just" sharing your life, you may not see it as such. Let me impress upon you, it is! Your life may touch someone in a wa
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, World
Looking Beyond The ‘Here And Now’ by Rick Warren
2007-08-06 13:06:00
Dear Reader: Yes, I'm posting a devotional written by someone else again. I am still recuperating from my wonderfully awesome trip, but wanted to share something with you. This devotional states below that Rick Warren
"joins us for the next few days." That is not the case, it was just part of the original devotional. I hope to have something of my own to share with you tomorrow. Blessings to you and yours. Now on to the post.“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV)Rick Warren joins us for the next few days --As we’ve been discussing, history is his story – that is, God’s story. From the book of Revelation we know that God’s global mission will be accomplished, and someday the Great Commission will be the Great Completion. In heaven an enormous crowd of people from “every race, tribe, nation, and language” will one day stand before Jesus Christ to worship
Judge and Jury by Shalene Kearney
2007-08-11 11:58:00
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from yourselves the evil person. 1 Corinthians 5:12 NKJVIf I were to ask you what one of the biggest "turn offs" of modern day Christianity is, what do you suppose would be the answer? I'm talking about those that are not believers- those standing on the outside looking in. It is my opinion that one of the biggest turn offs would be that we have made ourselves, oftentimes, into judge and jury of their sinfulness. That is not what we are called to do!In the above verse, Paul is talking to the church of Corinth, explaining to them that they are to put away from themselves a person of their church that was found to be sexually immoral. And he admonishes them that they are not to judge those that are outside, that that is God's job, not theirs.How often do you find yourself looking at a person's sin and judging it, whether th
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Rejecting the Lies by Shalene
2007-08-10 11:25:00
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.Yesterday, I talked about the blind leading the blind, and how very important it is to be in the Holy Word of God. Today I want to talk about the importance of not only reading the Word but applying it in your life.I was once a staunch disbeliever, as some of you know. But before that I was a long time church attender as a child. I read my bible often enough to memorize scripture and gain my merit badges; and to know enough of the bible to use against those that would try to bring me back into the Fold, later in life. Ho
The Blind Leading the Blind by Shalene
2007-08-09 09:58:00
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 1 Timothy 5:24 KJVThis scripture is referencing the choosing of the Pastors and Ministers in the church. Why do I mention this today you ask? I mention this today because of something I learned yesterday. I found out yesterday, first hand, how easy it is to become an ordained minister! Yes, I'm now ordained. Does that mean anything? NO! (And if any of you start calling me pastor or minister, you will really offend me.)The thing that concerns me is not that pretty much anyone can become ordained, but that too many of us believe that if a person holds a title of ordained minister, pastor, or evangelist, that they must really know their stuff. And we follow them blindly because of it. Today, I hope to shatter that notion!Let me be clear here. I am not anti-pastor, anti-minister, or anti-evangelist. What I am is anti-ignorance of HIS Holy Word. (Yes, I know none of those things are real words,
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, Leading
An Inteview of Me by DM
2007-08-14 12:04:00
I was surfing some blogs yesterday (this post is meant for Tuesday), and came across an interview on one of my regular blog "waves." This interview was unique in that, 1) you requested to be interviewed, and 2) that after answering the questions, you allow others to request to be interviewed. If this sounds like something you would like to do, here are the rules:1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.DM of Heart to Heart blog has taken on the task of interviewing me. Or maybe I should say, I've taken on the task of being interviewed by him. These are some tough questions! His questions are in blue to identify them more easily.DM Tell me more about you
Defining Sin After All by Shalene
2007-08-13 21:42:00
Ok, so I changed my mind about posting today- AGAIN. But as they say, it's my prerogative as a woman. I must say though, that I am sorry dear readers, to disappoint you, but I'm not gonna do it. (Yes, I said it that way on purpose.) I am not going to attempt to define sin for many reasons:It would be too difficult- Defining sin would be like trying to define God in mortal terms. It can't be done. All believers know that no matter how many words we come up with to label Him, He is still undefinable.It would be too easy- Too easy to take the "Ten Commandments" or "The Seven Deadly Sins" or anything else that can be found in the bible to define sin, but I'd never get to my point. (I do usually have one.)Defining sin would mean defining who is a sinner, and that is unnecessary, because we all are. All that would accomplish would be for me to start judging others and I try really hard not to do that.God really doesn't care as much about the sin, as He does about the sinner. Yes,
Hello Reader
2007-08-13 16:33:00
Ok, well I've scrapped the entire idea for now. I've decided that I'm not ready to write post in regards to the definition of sin. And frankly, I no longer feel led to do so. I wanted to write something in response to a very disturbing "discussion" I read today, and think that perhaps I jumped the gun. So, there will be no edifying post today. Unless of course you find my unwillingness to write trite, meaningless posts edifying. :) Perhaps some of you do. :) Anyway, I was able to define what sin is to me, but because it is how I define it for myself, I'm not going to share it with you today. Perhaps sometime in the near future I'll feel led to share my thoughts on this, but until then, come back again soon and read something else. Love you all. Blessings in Him, ShaleneThere is no "MORE" to this post. Subscribe in a reader
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, Reader
1- 800- FORGIVE by ReverendFun.com
2007-08-12 09:52:00
There is no "MORE" to this post. Happy Sunday Subscribe in a reader
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Shalom Shalom Jerusalem
2007-08-18 15:59:00
I came across these songs today, while visiting another Christian blog. I don't ordinarily listen to this type of music, but the words to this first song just kind of moved me, and the second one is just plain fun- worshipping and praising the Lord. I am in a "praising the Lord through music" kind of mood today. There is no more to this post. Subscribe in a reader
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My Tongue Tastes Like a Foot by Shalene
2007-08-18 14:18:00
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLTThis verse is burned into my psyche, I think. The only problem is it's apparently not burned in deep enough. Too often I engage my mouth before I engage my brain. When I do this, I almost always end up saying something hurtful, or at the very least, something I have do to double time to explain. I don't do this on purpose, but it makes no difference to the person on the receiving end.I have gotten much better at being tactful, from years of growing up in a family that didn't know the meaning of the word, but there are still moments when I let down my guard and say the first thing that comes to my mind. It takes a lot of effort to remember that:He who answers a matter before he hears it,It is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13 NKJVLast night, even, I was honored with an award through the Worship and Arts team in my church, but when introducing the award and the reason for th
East to West by Casting Crowns
2007-08-18 13:58:00
I just like this song so much I had to share it with you. No other reasons. Blessings to you and yours. Subscribe in a reader
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The Answer to My Prayers by Shalene
2007-08-17 10:49:00
'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,Your young men shall see visions,Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservantsI will pour out My Spirit in those days;And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven aboveAnd signs in the earth beneath:Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness,And the moon into blood,Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to passThat whoever calls on the name of the LORDShall be saved.' Acts 2:17-21 NKJV Yesterday, I spent much of my waking moments in prayer. Prayer for all those that I want to reach for the Lord. I know that I cannot do it alone, but some days I wonder whether I am doing enough. I don't know if all the praying and emotions that went along with them, caused me to get one of my migraines or not, but I went to sleep in the afternoon
Prayers of a Burdened Heart by Shalene
2007-08-16 15:20:00
My heart is burdened today, by the thought of those not being reached. On Freedom in the Spirit, today, I posted a video of the song by Leeland- "Tears of the Saints". Perhaps I'm just emotional today, but I am so saddened by the thought of any being left behind. No, I am beyond saddened. I'm crying out to the Lord, let me lead them home! Use me to reach them, I pray with everything within me. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:8-11 NKJVI guess perhaps today I just feel a sense of urgency. I have so many family members that are not believers, and I ache for them. How much more so, must our F
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And Another Interview!
2007-08-15 13:13:00
As you know, I engaged in answering some interview questions by DM of Heart to Heart blog. Because it was so much fun, and helped me to tell some things about myself, that others may or may not have wanted to know, I requested to do it again. Please humor me, and I hope that you will be edified by my responses to this one. This interview is brought to you by Vixious of Perpetual Expressions. Here are the rules again, in case you missed them the last time:1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.And now, on to the questions.V: Your interact often with your husband on your blog and I know that relationship is a large and fulfilling part of your life. Consi
Sin and Conviction by Shalene
2007-08-15 12:20:00
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NKJVI have been convicted of my sin. One of them anyway. You see I have 4 wonderful children that shape my life everyday. Perhaps, even more than I shape theirs, sometimes. Recently, my eldest daughter, who is 14, asked my husband about something we both do that is a sin. About why we do it, if we know it is a sin. (By the way, that sin is continuing to smoke, though we both know it is something we should not do. We both know that we are dirtying up our "temple," and we have both been led by the Spirit that quitting is something we most certainly should do. And yet we haven't. The other reason that this is a sin is that any addiction will become your Master. The bible teaches us that we are to have one Master in our lives and that is God. This is the other reason it is sinful.)We both know it is bad for us, and we both know to continue is a sin. So why do we do it??? We are both
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Simply Talking to God by Shalene
2007-08-21 10:52:00
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJVIn my experience as a Christ follower, I have had to learn what it means to pray continuously. This seems like such an impossible feat, when you first contemplate the thought. I mean, how can you really pray continuously? Well, I've learned that praying continuously is exactly what it seems.To pray continuously is to have an ongoing conversation with God. For me this ended up being a lot easier than I thought it would be. You see, I'm a talk to myself type of person. Only now, instead of talking to myself, I talk to God. When something is making me happy, I automatically thank God for it. When something is making me sad or upset, I tell God about it. I thank Him for everything, good or bad, because I know He has a divine plan
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Observing the Sabbath by Shalene Kearney
2007-08-20 14:44:00
For the law was given through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJVYesterday, while reading another blog (that I thoroughly respect, for the record) I came across a post about observing the Sabbath
and what that means for today's Christian. While what my brother in Christ stated made perfect sense, and he did attempt to back up what he said with scripture, I must beg to differ.My brother explained that while he is not a Seventh Day Adventist, he is of the opinion that the bible indicates that Christians should indeed practice the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, as opposed to Sunday as many, if not most do. (Of those that observe a Sabbath at all.) Now before I go any further, let me say this: I do try to observe a day of rest. Can I call it a Sabbath in the traditional sense? No. I cannot. Why is that, you ask?These are the requirements for Sabbath-keeping: A person placed under that Sabbath law could not leave his home on the Sabbath (E
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My Interview with Hannah. (One last interview just for fun.)
2007-08-19 15:00:00
At the risk of boring you all to tears, I am posting one last interview. My MAS sisters and I all agreed that we should all interview each other just for fun. I will post the rules, in case you do want me to interview you, but for this blog, I think this will be the last one for awhile. Though I thoroughly enjoy these, I'm not so sure you do, so first the rules and then the interview.1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.And now on to the interview:Hannah
: You mentioned to me that you had a cat. What is your cat’s name and how long have you had him/her? Shalene: Our cat's name is Molly. She is a Tiffany, which means she is a very small, very skitt
If There Is a God I'd Sure Like to See Him by ReverendFun.com
2007-08-19 09:07:00
There is no MORE to this post. Enjoy the Sunday Funnies. May God's blessings be upon you today. Subscribe in a reader
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Working On the Sabbath by ReverendFun.com
2007-08-26 08:51:00
Enjoy the Sunday Funnies! May God bless you and yours. There is no "MORE" to this post. Subscribe in a reader
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, ReverendFun
Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman by Shalene
2007-08-25 09:34:00
Who can find a virtuous wife?For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12 NKJVI am praying each day that I become more and more like the woman described in Proverbs 31. A virtuous wife, caring for her husband and children and fearing the Lord. I fear perhaps I am failing. I spend 3-4 hours each day reading the words of my friends and fellow bloggers, and writing my own posts; and I find that I am not spending an equal amount of time with my family. Therefore, I am praying that the Lord give me guidance as to how I can continue to witness and minister to those that read this blog, and yet still place my God and my family first. Though the words of this blog, in one way serve the Lord, by not placing my family in it's correct priority, I am not serving Him as I should. Therefore, I ask for your prayers, my friends, that I can find the path
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What If You're Wrong Part 2 by Shalene
2007-08-23 11:24:00
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11). I posted a video from YouTube yesterday, by one of my favorite artists, Nichole Nordeman. The video was for the song What If, and in the dedication on her CD jacket, she states the song is "for a friend who thinks this Jesus stuff is nuts". For all you friends, neighbors, loved ones and every one else, What if you're wrong? I have a relative by marriage that asked us this question before we were believers, and I never really thought about it. (Once again, I chose not to hear the Truth in her words.)Do you think that the He's "just another nice guy", that He was a dreamer, that He was certainly a special person, but not the Son of God? Do you think the crown of thorns is "no more than folklore"? And what about the Bible, do you choose not to believe that it is the Word of God? What if you're wrong???If you're right, then NOTHING. Nothing as in, this life means nothing
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