Christians Take Heart

Christians Take Heart

Christians take heartGod is still on His throne.

We knew in this journey that things would happen in the world that would discourage and, even at times, horrify us.

I turn off the news a lot.

And I click out of the internet headlines because they get to be too much.

I read about the “groups” that are now pushing even harder for their “rights” and it makes my skin crawl…like pedos. I can’t even say that full word because it makes me nauseated. You can check it out for yourself. See Allen B. West’s website, June 27th article, for the awful headline. That’s what happens when God’s design for marriage is shot down.

And I turn off the television shows that glorify SIN.

It’s so “in your face” that I get sick of it. In our home, we tape a lot of family-friendly shows and buy movies just to get away from the junk. No agenda-TV for us, thanks.

This continuing defiance and fist-shaking at God that is happening in America will not end well for those who continue to deny His ultimate authority.

Very Troublesome Times Are Up Ahead

As Christians, we must continue to stand up for God’s truth in love and respond with gentleness and respect.

Time to get ready though. There are those people who hate God so much they will vilify believers. That’s you and me.

standing up for God's truth in loveWe will be hated and may lose friendships for speaking up for Jesus Christ, maybe even lose our jobs. We should expect it and be prepared. Someone said to me once, in effect, “Christians always think they’re being persecuted.” How sad is it that someone like that person refuses to listen to what is happening in other countries and also what is already happening here in the United States. They need to be more informed before making a statement like that.

But, in the thick of it, we must continue to pray.

As Christ forgave us, we must forgive them.

Don’t Lose Heart, My Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Stay strong, bold, and courageous. We know how it all ends.

He has overcome the world and keeps all of His promises.

Keep looking Heavenward!

Christ has overcome the world

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Don’t miss glimpses of Heaven all around you

Glimpses of Heaven – Don’t Miss Them!

beauty of Gods creationWhen was the last time you noticed the beauty of God’s creation right in front of you – a foretaste of Heaven on earth?

Creation is a gift from God.

Our lives are so busy and yet, if we’re not careful, we can miss it all.

The beauty we see around us is a reminder of what Heaven has in store for believers, only much much better.

How Would You Describe Heaven?

Here are some thoughts about Heaven from two friends of mine:

“I think Heaven is a wonderful place where I don’t have to worry about sinning anymore” – James, 8 years old.

“Heaven is better than anything we know here on earth. It’s like going to Hawaii and everything’s free” – Emma, 7 years old.

Yes, dear ones, you are right!

But there’s so much more.

My Description of Heaven – A Fraction of What It Will Be

Praying at the top of a mountainI’ve personally visited picturesque, snow-capped, mountains in Wyoming and Colorado. 

I’ve been to the top of one of those mountains and couldn’t help but say prayers in that gorgeous setting.

How could you not?

It’s hard to imagine that there’s a more magnificent place than those beautiful mountains to praise and worship the Heavenly Father, but Heaven is.

I would never get tired of it.

I’ve snorkeled in Hawaii, the Bahamas, and Panama City Beach.

Heaven isIt’s hard to imagine there’s a more serene and breath-taking place than those beaches, but Heaven is.

I have questions about the sad events that have happened in my life. Is there a place where my every question will be answered?

Yes, in Heaven.

I’ve experienced the heartache of losing some of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I miss them and want to see them again.

I will, in Heaven.

It’s inconceivable to me why anyone would not want Heaven for their future.

Randy Alcorn’s Heaven – a Great Book

Randy Alcorn's Heaven bookOne of the most encouraging books I’ve ever read is Randy Alcorn’s book, “Heaven.” I first heard about his book after listening to his interview on the John Ankerberg show.

I was totally mesmerized and couldn’t wait to buy it.

The most important thing to remember is that Mr. Alcorn uses Scripture throughout. He’s not claiming that he visited Heaven or had some kind of vision, which would be suspect.

He presents a hopeful and thought-provoking picture for us of what our eternal lives could be with Jesus Christ.

The book, “Heaven”, stirs my imagination and gives me great hope in the beauty, freedoms, and fun that Heaven has to offer to believers in Jesus Christ.

Heaven will be, in one word, magnificent!

There are so many gold nuggets in Mr. Alcorn’s book that I even took notes to refer to later. I don’t say that about many of the books I’ve read. His book paints a beautiful and hopeful picture for us of what our eternal future could be like – a future away from this very dark and compromising world that we live in now.

From Titus 2:11-13:

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. –

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles

In The Presence of Our Savior

I always knew from reading Scripture that Heaven is a place prepared for believers, in the presence of our Savior. I didn’t fully think about that before. Looking back, it’s like when you read a Bible verse that really sticks with you and then later, you take a Bible study and the study materials bring out the richness of the verse that you’ve never realized before. Your love and understanding of that verse then increases tenfold.

I like to use the example of Stephen in Acts 7:55-56. Before he was killed, Stephen uttered in his dying moments that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 

Encouraging verse right? But, if you really think deeper about that word picture, Jesus was standing.

Not sitting, but standing to welcome Stephen into the Kingdom.

Talk about an honorary welcome from the One who paid the price for all of our sins.

Heaven is a Real Place

Heaven is a real placeIf anyone tells you otherwise, please consider the source. That person having doubts needs our prayers and the working of the Holy Spirit in his or her heart. 

The blessed fact is, Heaven is very real and attainable for all of us who put our faith in the one, true, and living God. Are we bearing the fruits of the Spirit?

How do we know Heaven is real? Because Jesus spoke about the Kingdom in the Bible. (See Matthew 7:21-22 as one example). Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. God does not lie.

As Christians, we must pray for strength and courage in the trying times ahead. Our ultimate relief from sin and its strongholds will be in Heaven. Praise God for that.

Heaven Will Take Your Breath Away

Heaven will be anything BUT boring.

Why is it that some people think anything that is eternally good, will be boring?

That’s a lie from Satan, says Mr. Alcorn:

Satan need not convince us that Heaven doesn’t exist. He need only convince us that Heaven is a place of boring, unearthly existence. If we believe that lie, we’ll be robbed of our joy and anticipation, we’ll set our minds on this life and not the next, and we won’t be motivated to share our faith.    From Randy Alcorn’s, “Heaven”. Tyndale House Publishers. 2004.

Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven” is a long book, but it’s worth spending the time to read it. I hope you enjoy it.

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Father’s Day 2015

Father’s Day 2015 is Sunday, June 21st.

That means … it’s this Sunday!

Is it me or is this year flying by?

I hope you get the opportunity to celebrate with your father this weekend. Whether it’s with a hug, a card, a phone call, a visit – whatever expression of love you wish to give, I’m sure your father will appreciate it.

Missing My Dad

If, like me, your father has passed on, it’s still a special time to remember.

My father was my hero.

It’s hard for me to write this without shedding some tears.

My DadI have so many fond memories etched in my mind. I was blessed to have my father in my life and I thank God for him.

My father was strong, affectionate, and enthusiastic. He loved to laugh and was always interested in what was going on in my life and the lives of others. He was hard-working and athletic and I looked up to him like no other. Can you tell I was his No. 1 fan?

Father’s Day 2015 – Looking Back

Here’s just a few nostalgic thoughts from the past.

It didn’t matter whether I was telling him about something really important or, as a child, about the tadpoles that I had just caught in the creek behind our house. My father had this special way of making me feel like I was the most important person in the room. I believe that’s a God-given gift.

I remember that he would hold my hand during the Blue Angel’s air shows in Pensacola, Florida. As the mighty jets soared over our heads in precise formation, I would grip his hand tighter and he would beam with Navy pride.

Blue Angels air shows with my dad

Encouragement Is So Important

My father was also an encourager. In high school, I needed that assurance. I excelled on the track team, but failed miserably when it came to talking to boys. I was painfully shy. In my freshman year, my high school held a Sadie Hawkins dance. That’s where the girls ask the boys. Horrors!

How would I ever get up enough courage to ask a boy to go out on a date? The thought had me tossing and turning a few nights.

My father used to drive me to school every day and he could tell one morning that I had something big on my mind.

I told him about the dance and insisted that no boy would ever want to go with me. Dad said with his big smile, “Any boy should be PROUD to go with you” and then he proceeded to assure me that everything would be alright. I’ll never forget it.

He was the most encouraging person I’d ever met.

p.s. His pep talk worked and I did end up going to the dance 🙂

I remember that my father never hesitated to say how much he loved me or that he was proud of me after one of my accomplishments.

I loved that he was the first to stretch out his arms for a big hug whenever I would come home from college on a long weekend.

Father's Day 2015

My Hero

My father was a hero in the military too.

He was an honored flight surgeon and we found out years later that he had performed emergency, life-saving, brain surgery on a soldier while on board a ship. He saved lives and I appreciate and respect his service to our country.

I was devastated when he lost his battle to Alzheimers in 1988. As painful as his death was, I knew that he was no longer suffering and was in God’s hands. I’m looking forward to that reunion more than I can say.

Dad, you’re always in my thoughts, but especially this Sunday as our country celebrates Father’s Day. I love you and miss you every day.

Giving you a happy high-five!

Fathers Day

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MercyMe Concert

MercyMe Concert and Powerful Song Lyrics

Have you ever been to a MercyMe concert?

If not, you should check them out next time they tour in your area.

MercyMe ConcertI’ve always been a fan, but having recently listened to their “Welcome to the New” album, they’ve risen to the top of my list of favorite Christian bands.

Most recently, my husband and I had the thrill of hearing them in a live concert on the beach in the Bahamas.

There are so many great songs on their album that I find myself listening to their music at least once a day now. Sometimes, their lyrics even pop up in my head at night when I’m trying to sleep.

I hope MercyMe will be around forever. Their engaging music and powerful lyrics will touch your heart.

Here’s their website if you’d like more information on MercyMe concerts and tour news.

MercyMe News

Here’s one of my favorite songs called “Greater.” If you listen (and read closely) in the video below, you’ll see there’s a lot of wisdom and meaning there.

No Condemnation for the Redeemed

Do you feel beat up sometimes?

Who hasn’t, right?

Whether the verbal arrows come from friends, an angry boss, acquaintances, or even family members, they can hurt. Unfortunately, troubles are a part of life in our fallen world and we’re taught in the Bible to expect trials of many kinds.

The angry words, betrayals, and/or lies about us are so unfair. Sometimes, the confrontations can turn physical.

What is our hope in those situations?

Better question, Who is our hope?

What we need to remember is that these hurtful people are on their own spiritual journey (whether they’d like to admit it or not.) They may call you a mistake (as the song “Greater” says) or treat you as if you have no value at all.

He Calls Us His Own

Greater is the one inside of meOur hope is in the One who lives inside of us, and He has called us His own.

The troubles we experience in this life are only temporary, even though it might seem like they’re going on forever.

Praise God that our ultimate peace comes, not from people, but from the fact that we are the Redeemed.

You are not a mistake, no matter what people may say.

Those who taunt and mock us are worthy of our prayers at night. God saw them worthy to be born and they are a part of life. Hopefully, with prayers for our enemies, some day their lives may turn around, just as yours did when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Remember, Paul was once Saul of Tarsus. “Saul” was well known for his hatred of Christians. But God had other plans for him.

It’s not always easy, but when I hear some of today’s politicians rant against Christianity and the sanctity of life, I try to remember Paul. There is Hope for America and that we can have a spiritual revival in this country. It has happened before and it is greatly needed now.

Those who hate and mock anything having to do with the one true God still have an opportunity to turn their lives to Christ.

No greater loveI will always hold out hope for those who have thrown their anger my way, praying for them every night that they will come to know the Lord.

From John 6:37, NASB,

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

Blessings and have a great week!

And a big thank you to MercyMe for your great music. Keep it coming!

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Scripture Memorization

Do you have trouble with Scripture memorization?

Scripture memorizationIf so, you’re not alone.

I didn’t become a Christian until I was 30 years old, so I have a lot of catching up to do. I was raised in another faith and, unfortunately, never exposed to the Bible as a child. As a result, scripture memorization has been most challenging. However, I’ve discovered some new tips and a Scripture memory system that I think are fantastic and I hope are helpful to you as well.

You may remember that back in November of last year, I posted about a Bible memory website called Scripture Typer. It does work. If you love electronic devices, then this website could be a good choice for you.You can save your favorite verses, test yourself as you learn, and have access to the verses with just a few clicks of the keyboard or mouse.

Not everyone likes to use a device though, so there are alternative Scripture memorization systems that may be a lot simpler and more personal.

First, my journey to finding the right system.

Here’s what didn’t work for me:

    • File cards. I bought some file cards and wrote down all of my favorite verses. It worked for about a week and then they ended up strewn in a drawer.
    • File folders. Inspired by a Bible study at church, I created file folders then separated them by categories, such as “Apologetics Info” and so on. Some people successfully use this method. For me, the file folders were a big fail. Too easy to forget about looking in the file box over there in the corner of my office.
    • Sticky Notes. I never realized the clutter this could cause until I got well into it. I posted Bible verses on sticky notes and then attached them to my computer. The problem was the sticky notes take up a lot of room on my computer screen. I was constantly having to move them around to do some work.

What to do, what to do.

Bible memory apps cell phoneThere are some great Bible memory apps for your cell phone. These are handy for quick reminders of your favorite verses. Here are a couple of options for your consideration:

– Verse[d)
– Bible Trivia

The cell phone app idea is not without its problems. Most of us always have our cell phones at work or in our cars. We don’t need distractions (even if it’s for a good cause) when we should be focusing on work projects or driving somewhere.

Everything Old Becomes New Again

The good news is that I found a very creative idea for memorizing Scripture while searching on YouTube yesterday.

It’s a simple DIY project you can design yourself and you can be as creative as you want.

The video for you below.

This is a neat system which uses file cards and an index card box.

I think this is a really simple method for anyone who would prefer not to use a computer, Kindle, or phone for memorizing Bible verses.

Check out this video from AtHomeWithNikki and look how beautiful your new file box of verses can become. I really like this!!!

I love that!

Nikki references the originator of the project, Charlotte Mason, so I wanted to provide her website information for you as well.

Charlotte Mason’s Bible Memory System

Happy memorizing and God Bless!

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