I Can Only Imagine

Let’s Go To The Movies!

I Can Only Imagine movie

Guess which movie opens this weekend?

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see “I Can Only Imagine”!

Do you have plans to go yet?

The movie is named after, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful Christian songs of all time.

Bart Millard, leader of the Dove Award-winning Christian band, MercyMe, wrote the timeless lyrics which have captured the hearts of people everywhere. The first time I heard the song several years ago, I cried. In fact, it can still bring some tears.

I can’t get over how beautiful the words to the song are. I think of my loved ones who have passed, and the blessed hope that they are now in the arms of Jesus.

A reunion in Heaven, some day in the future, is something I look forward to!

Don’t worry, I will post a link to the song further down  🙂

What’s the Movie About?

First and foremost, it’s a true story.

Bart wrote the song, that has now become a movie, as a tribute to his father who came to Christ later in life.

Their relationship was, in the beginning, tumultuous. As a child, Bart suffered from both emotional and physical abuse. I know those particular scenes may be hard to watch on the big screen.

But, to know that his father’s developing faith in Jesus Christ changed everything in their relationship is a shining testament to the power of the Gospel.

I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine Movie Release Date

Get your tickets soon!

Since this is the movie’s opening weekend, tickets could sell out fast. Here’s a handy link to check for the movie’s listings in your area.

http://www.icanonlyimagine.com/theaters

I pray that there will be record crowds in attendance. This is a chance to show Hollywood that we want more good quality, faith-based, films.

Having just finished reading Bart’s book of the same name, I can honestly say, without hesitation, “Go see this movie!!”

God bless you all.

Here’s the video link I promised:

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Where Can I Listen To The Bible Online

Listen To The Bible Online

Oh, the times they are a-changin’.

Many people would rather read or listen to the Bible online, than carrying the book itself.

Look around you during church and chances are many people are looking at their phones. Hopefully, it’s because they’re reading from a Bible app and not checking Facebook!

I get it.

We are living in a rapidly changing, mobile-driven world. Using a phone or iPad is fine if that’s what you need or want to do. The end goal is immersing ourselves in God’s truth.

Options For Studying God’s Word

When I hurt my back recently, I had trouble carrying a lot of things in my arms while heading into church.

As a result, I’ve temporarily switched to looking at the online Bible that I downloaded on my phone. Honestly, it’s more convenient.

I prefer the book though. A bible book I wouldn’t trade my book Bible for anything. It has my notes, several handouts, and encouraging words in the margin.

I miss carrying my Bible in my arms.
listen to the Bible online

Read Or Listen To The Bible Online

If you prefer an online version, please allow me to offer you a couple of suggestions, in no particular order:

The YouVersion Bible app

You can download the free YouVersion Bible directly from your phone or their website.

The Bible is God’s message to the world. With YouVersion, you can download their app in over 900 languages! Look here, right towards the bottom of the page, where it says “YouVersion is Global.”

You can also listen to the Bible online through their app by clicking here.  Choose the Bible passages you want to read and the translation (NASB, ESV, etc.), and you can listen to your heart’s content.  from Bible Gateway One of my favorite resources, the Bible Gateway website, also offers a written and audio version.

Click into the website here and pick the Bible book and the translation you’re searching.

For the audio version, look for the “audio” icon towards the top right.  

 

 

These are just a few examples, and I hope they’re helpful when you’re looking for an alternative to a book Bible.

Be Encouraged

One crucial way to delight yourself in the Lord is to read what it says in His Word.

I know you know that, but please don’t lose heart as the world turns increasingly dark.

Christians, be encouraged!

We have the truth on our side.

In Second Peter, the Apostle issued a lot of warnings about false teachers in his day. We have no less of a problem with heretical teachings cropping up like weeds in the 21st century.

Discernment is key.

Christianity is not a myth, and the Bible is not a bunch of meaningless stories.

*16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. – 2 Peter 1:16. (ESV.)

“Eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Praise the Lord!

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*Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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A Young Girl’s Crush on Michael Landon

Michael Landon, A Young Girl’s Crush

Little Joe Cartwright

I used to have the biggest crush on (the late) Michael Landon.

Any other fans out there?

I first fell in love with him when he played Little Joe Cartwright on “Bonanza,” my favorite TV western at the time.

I bet you’re humming the theme song right now, huh?

Here you go!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

“Bonanza” was a huge hit with viewers. After over a decade of episodes, the show was cancelled in 1973.

A year later, Michael successfully took on the role of Charles Ingalls in the heartwarming TV series, “Little House on the Prairie.” I’ve seen every episode multiple times.

If only modern television shows could be as innocent as those again, right? I still watch “Little House” reruns when there’s nothing else on. Sometime I get a little teary-eyed, depending on the episode. Just ask my husband. 🙂

Me: Sniff sniff

Husband: Are you crying? What’s wrong?

Me: Nothing!

Husband: What are you watching?

Me: “Little House on the Prairie.”

Husband walks away laughing.

Crushing on Michael Landon

I still haven’t forgotten the day I got to shake Michael Landon’s hand.

Be still, my young girl’s heart.

I must have been about eight years old. Every year, for many years, my Dad would take me to the Arkansas State Fair. Michael Landon on set

One year, Michael Landon was headlining. When he stepped out onto the stage, I was completely starstruck. He gave a warm greeting, said a few words, and then sang a song. The man could sing! Who knew?

I was sure he was singing just to me. 😉

After that, Michael saddled up a beautiful black and white horse and began a slow ride around the big arena. Michael was shaking hands with countless numbers of kids hanging over the bottom railings.

I wanted to go down there too, but like I said, I was starstruck.

Then my Dad said, “You want to meet him, don’t you? Go on down there!”

That’s all it took. A little encouragement from my Dad and, the next thing you know, I was bounding down the steps to join the throng of kids. As Michael approached on his horse, I felt my heart skip a beat.

Then it was my turn. Michael grinned at me and shook my hand as he rode by on his horse.

I was off the charts excited. I couldn’t even wash my hands that night.

Despite my childhood dreams, my plan to marry Michael never panned out.

Many years have passed, but I’ll never forget that special day with Dad at the Arkansas State Fair when he said to me, “You want to meet him, don’t you?”

Someday, at the end of my life, I’ll be running towards THE most important person in the world, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want to meet Him, don’t you?!

Rest in peace Michael Landon

**Photos, courtesy of and in order of appearance: 
Michael Landon in “Bonanza.”
Michael Landon in “Little House on the Prairie.”

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We Must Not

We Must Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel

Have you heard the song, “We Must Not” by Selah?

I’ll link to it in this article in a bit. The song really hits home right now.

The recent shooting deaths at Umpqua Community College in Oregon and the horrible murders of Christians by terrorists are sickening to even think about.

The fact is, these horrific acts of violence are critical wake-up calls.

I hope America is listening.

The problem isn’t guns or machetes. The problem is the wicked hearts and minds of evil people and the demonic forces that drive their despicable actions.

We must not be ashamedEvery night, my husband and I add the “security of our country” to our list of nightly prayers. We pray God will answer our pleas, but no one really knows what the next few months will bring.

Perseverance and Preparation

What can we do in the meantime?

Prepare, pray, and let God work out His divine plan. Perseverance under the threat of persecution is hard. Persecution for your faith can happen anywhere, including at your job.

I know what I want to happen.

I want our country back.

Even so, God’s will is what is most important. That means we have to put aside our own wants and desires.

Most of all, when doubts and fear attack our thoughts, we must fill our minds with the beauty of His promises.

There will be a greater good at the end of this dark tunnel of violence.

God has got thisHe always fulfills His promises and His words in Scripture are as good as gold.

My heart goes out to all Christian martyrs, our fellow brothers and sisters, who bravely refused to denounce their faith in Jesus Christ.

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Putting on the Armor of God

Gearing Up for Spiritual Battle

In the Bible, we’re instructed to put on the armor of God. The Enemy is on our doorstep, and it’s time to start getting prepared … if you aren’t already.

putting on the armor of GodEphesians 6:13-17, NASB, says:

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

– New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

That’s a straightforward, pulling-no-punches, command from God. Our strength is in God and in His Word. Ultimately, we are fighting against the devil’s schemes.

No one said it was going to be easy, but no battle worth fighting ever is.

We must pray, read His word, and commit scripture verses to memory so we can be prepared to answer for our faith in the tough days ahead.

attacks on ChristianityNever in my life have I seen so many attacks on Christianity, babies in the womb, racial relations, and God’s design for marriage. As the political arena heats up prior to the 2016 elections, I can only imagine this hatred towards Christians will only get worse.

Blatant irreverence and rebellion towards God.

The News Media Bias is Disturbing

It’s getting real difficult for me to watch or even read the news anymore … continued attacks on pro-life supporters and God’s design for marriage between a man and a woman.

God’s will has now been vilified by the mainstream media as well as the mantra “anything goes” in our society. In fact, there are some segments of our society that want to do away with any descriptions of gender at all. Have you seen what’s happening with California restrooms and what almost happened in a Tennessee school, “he” and “she” were almost done away with.

C’mon, this is nonsense.

As Christians, we need to wake up and get our heads out of the sand.

Parents, please stay involved and watchful.

Those moms and/or dads who have their children enrolled in public schools better be prepared to de-program their kids when they get home. Not doing so is a recipe for disaster. Eventually, the culture war will come to your school and your family will either stand up for your faith in God or you’ll choose to stay silent, hoping it will all just go away.

It won’t.

We are to speak up for our faith when we have an opportunity, exhibiting the reverence we have for our Heavenly Father.

We need to spread the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ alone as quickly as we can against this growing tide of persecution. Have you heard what is happening in the Middle East?

How could anyone stay silent against persecution, even that which has come to America? I do believe we are the terminal generation.

The desecration of a national and historical place in June (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. I refuse to share a picture) was a disturbing assault on our God-given values of family and faith in our nation’s history. I knelt and cried when I saw it.

Our Nation Needs Prayer

Today, our nation needs prayer. I still hold out hope for America to be a praying nation again, but only God knows the timing of every event to come.

There are Christians in the public eye taking brave stands. That encourages me. Evangelist and best-selling author, Ray Comfort, is one whom I have tremendous respect for.

His heart and compassion for people has led him to witness to many people across the globe. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Ray has reached countless souls for Christ.

He and his team at Living Waters have also produced some wonderful films which discuss the Christian response to some of the disheartening topics of the day.

Gods design for marriageI also highly recommend the movie, “Audacity.” I’ve seen it twice now and will put the link to it below. The movie is free and just over 55 minutes long. It centers on God’s design for marriage and how to lovingly witness to homosexuals. I repeat,  “lovingly.”

Now, of course, there are those people out there who hate Ray Comfort and anything having to do with Christianity. As vicious as their attacks are, we must pray for them.

Audacity is worth the watch, less than an hour out of your day

We are all sinners and in need of a Savior. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, from a different ethnic group, sexual community, old or young – none of that is the point.

“Audacity” will help you see this controversial issue with new perspective.

Here’s the link to the free Audacity movie:

God bless you all. Stay strong, my brothers and sisters in Christ!

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