Let's Celebrate, It's All Right!

Isn't it funny how we like to tell God what He can and cannot do?

On the way home from work I was struck by something that was said on the radio. People often say they would come to Christ if only God would show them that He loved them.

Apparently the cross wasn't a big enough sign (I'm sure Jesus would say it was BIG ENOUGH).

It got me thinking of they old saying "Wanna hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans." It amazes me how many people think they can run things better than God. Telling God that his rules don't work for today's culture, or that HE DOESN'T KNOW what is really going on in the World much less some one's personal life.

God is either God of all or He's not much of a God. People want to put Him in a box and bring him out on special occasions. And normally those occasions are filled with bunnies or twinkle lights. It's inconvenient to think that we aren't number one in the grand scheme of things. We blame God for all of the problems, and yet when someone says take those problems to God we make every excuse to prove He's not powerful enough.

The God who created the universe, the earth, and every 'act of God' known to man (or blamed by man) is also the God of little itty bitty ol' you and me. He's been there, done that, got the nail scars to prove it.

Some of us - arguably most of us - are doubting Thomases. We have to put our hands in the nail scarred hands. But to say God has never shown how much He loved you is just not true. God Himself came down as a Man and died on a cross for sins of which he was blameless. He didn't just do it for kicks, and he sure as heck didn't do it because he deserved it or didn't want to. He didn't HAVE to do any of it. But because He loved EVERYONE He did it.

It doesn't end there. There's a catch - in order to GET a GIFT you have to receive and ACCEPT it. It's not just "God loves good people." Yes, God loves good people... but He also loves the not so good. Do you realize Jesus died for people like Osama Bin Laden and Hitler? He knew those acts of hate and terror would happen, and He still extended the gift.

Do you realize there's not spiritual difference between me and the men mentioned above? The only difference is I've received the gift, I've repented and turned and am looking at Christ. That's the difference.

God's love is extended and given to all. He wants his forgiveness to be the same, but you have to ask for it. You have to be willing to sacrifice yourself for it. You have to show God you mean it.

You don't get into Heaven for the good you do. You get to Heaven based on belief... the good stuff you do as a believer isn't to rack up points, it's BECAUSE you are working to be MORE LIKE CHRIST... again, not for goodies on earth or in Heaven... but because you want to share Christ's love with all.

That's what the Love of God is - selfless...



again just the ramblings in my head...

Flo - sorry for going all ranty in your journal entry. I know you didn't need to hear me vent... but it got my blood flowing big time so I'll continue it in here... I'm warning you all now. These are my opinions, take them or leave them. I know of only one or two people on my flist that will even try to agree with me on this, so I know I'm not popular in my thinking. But I haven't been popular since grammer school

I am a Christian. Southern Baptist by denomination, but at the end of the day my relationship is with Jesus Christ, what denomination I am a part of is pretty much irrelevant.

Being a Christian does not mean I am incapable of forming a well educated opinion or preference. I was raised to educate myself on the facts of an issue, and then weigh it against the Bible. The constitution never said that I could not or should not vote my religious beliefs. The Constitution was protecting the CHURCH from GOVERNMENT. They did not believe a political establishment should have reign over the body of believers. They didn't want a "Church of England" fiasco. They wanted to freely worship their God without worrying about having to be 'politically correct.'

It is my RIGHT to worship, practice, and believe as I do. To ask me to chuck it out the door when I enter the polling station is wrong and not American. I don't ask a Muslim, Hindu, or other religious group to do it - why am I the one that gets singled out because of MY beliefs?

I am a Christian. That doesn't mean I'm a bigot, racist, gay basher, abortion clinic bomber. I believe the Bible is 100% true and accurate. It does not contradict. It is the Word of God. I take it to be litteral. That means there are certain things that just aren't done. I don't make exceptions for "Christians" who do the "equibilant Christian sin" and I don't judge. I do vote for the Biblical principles. It's not popular, I get that, but I'm not doing it out of hate.

Believe me, if I could - I would. But I take my relationship, my "religion", seriously. If I have to choose between America or God, God wins EVERYTIME.


As a Christian American I am very proud to be in this country. We have - somewhat - religious freedoms that a lot of the World doesn't. I don't believe we had a perfect 8 years with Bush, I don't think he did everything the "Christian way" and I didn't vote for him just because he hung a cross on his wall. I don't know him personally and so I cannot judge him and say he is or he isn't. Just as I cannot with McCain or Obama - I have my opinions, but I cannot come out and proclaim them one way or the other.


In the last 48 to 72 hours I have seen a LOT of hate spewed my way because I'm a whining conservative Christian who wanted to vote in hate, war, and death. No, I'm not. I do stand behind what I said about America getting what she wanted. I do believe that God allowed Obama to win. I do believe that this is all ordained. Jury's still out on why. I was called a bigot by multiple people yesterday for a bill's passing that I had nothing to do with. I was called a racist just for being an outspoken Christian.

So far the change I've seen in this country is not bringing hope or peace or union. All it's brought is hate, and judgement, and frustration. This is not Obama's fault, but it certainly brings out the true colors of some.


I am pro-life. This does not mean that I have all the answers on abortion. I know that the Bible says it's wrong, that a life is a life the moment it's concieved and that taking a life without just cause is wrong. In my finite mind I cannot fathom having to make that choice as a woman raped, or choosing one life over the other. But = Jesus' example of dying on the cross for me is enough for me to know that sacrificing my body, my earthly life, so my child could live. With rape I know what the good answer is, but I cannot in my 'right mind' feel qualified to have that answer. In a perfect world the answer would be simple - then again in a perfect world rape wouldn't happen.

Pro-Life also goes along with the war issue and the death penalty. For me I think if war is justified then it's one of those nessecary evils. Same with the death penalty. Those who have yelled at me about these issues over the last 8 or so years screaming God hates _____ are right to some extent, but he didn't exclude them from His plans, or his laws. I do believe that the Iraq war could have been handled better. I think on some level it would be justified (as did both sides of government before they voted against it) I don't think we went at the right time. The war in Afganistan needed to be fought, we should have focussed on that.



I don't think any politico has all the answers. The only place I've found that does is the Bible, and even then I don't understand everything I'm reading. The Bible says that I won't be able to until the end of days. I will support the President elect, and I will certainly pray for him. That God gives him the strength and wisdom to lead our country. I was told yesterday on a certain message board that I was not allowed to do that - because I didn't vote for Obama. Obama said that he would be my President too. I am not going to take up the same approach that so many did with Bush with the "not my president" campaign. Because that seems silly. You're in the country this man is leading whether or not you like him. I know there are quite a few angry republicans out there who have already started that. Ok, we all get angry when our guy loses. But I think for any leader to really succeed he needs to know he has support.

I know in the coming weeks, months, and years I will not agree with everything our new leader does, says, or puts forth. I haven't done that with Bush either. I'm weary of where my life will change. I worry about certain freedoms. Not so much because it's Obama but because of who controls DC now. I'll speak out with what I don't agree with - as is my right - but Barack Obama was voted in by the people, and he is the one chosen to lead for the next 4 to 8 years. He has my support and my prayers.

After Ray Boltz outted himself last month we've ceased to hear the beautiful words he's sung over the years on behalf of the Father. This is understandable because he is after all considering himself a gay man and going one of the core beliefs of the Christian faith.

This had me thinking - why just Ray, though?

What about Amy Grant who got a divine inspiration one night that she was allowed to leave her husband and then basically have an affair with Vince Gill before marrying him some years later. (didn't he also divorce in order to be with her, or am I confused?)

Or how about Sandi Patti who left her husband to persue the very music career she holds today?

These are just two examples of the Christian community that proves we are just as hypocritical and corrupt as the world. Do I condemn them more or less than Mr. Boltz? No. I am not of the power to hold judgement against them. But I see a startling fact within the Christian community that has been held for years.

Sexual sin is sexual sin whether it comes up in a hetero, metro, bi, or homo package, it doesn't matter. It's sin. God doesn't favor one or the other. He hates it all EQUALLY.

We do not ban Amy Grant's music (that is very dated back to the early 90s!) when she left, we don't keep Sandy Patti off of the air waves (could you imagine an Easter Sunday without Via Delorosa????) so why are the Christian anthems that are so very much a part of my childhood suddenly banned?

By all means, have someone new record them (it wouldn't be the first time), but don't ban them from your church or airwaves. Just because the man has gone astray does not mean the words aren't valid.

What Ray needs is prayer. Not a double standard.




I welcome anyone of my brothers or sisters in Christ to reply with their thoughts on how this should be handled. I myself am on the fence. I have several albums, and it kills me not to listen to them, but it also feels wrong to hear him sing those words and know of his current choices....

...he always hits me square between the eyes.

This whole "Live Like You Were Dying" series at church has been kicking my butt. Talk about making one re-evaluate their walk with God and making one feel convicted! It's like Preacher KNOWS... He's like Santa Claus or something.

Actually, not really. It's God speaking through Preacher, and in a Mighty way. I am so thankful I have a pastor who is willing and ready to smack his congregation upside the head time and again with the Word of God. He's not seeker friendly, he's about building a strong and healthy foundation in Christ for all of his sheep.

But yeah... ( wow )

In other, non religious related news, I just raked part of the back yard, I smell really bad now because the back yard smells horrible! lol. I worked on the church website this morning, gotta make a lot of changes in the next two weeks, but it will be worth it in the long run. Pastor Davis is so different from Pastor Dean when it comes to this website, so the website will be getting a face lift soon.

I also got 'commissioned' to be one of two photographers (Pastor Davis wil be the other one) to shoot the new Church directory. We'll be doing that in the late fall (September/October) I may have him bump it up as work ends september 1 (for the life of me I couldn't remember how far into Sept. we were planned to go lol) and I'm worried I'll be working full time in Kenai during weekends when I need to be writing and studying. We'll see.

I somehow rubbed a blood blister on the palm of my right hand, typing hurts!

I think that's pretty much all that is going on with me. I gotta hit the shower and get ready for a wedding rehearsal dinner. For a wedding for family, that didn't even think to ask me to shoot the wedding. But then they called yesterday and asked if I could shoot the rehearsal and getting ready. I said no. If they'd asked earlier in the year I would have, but I don't have the card/disk space at the moment, and I'm not going to stress about it. I have already committed this time for the website and just some ME time when I'm not travelling to Kenai (will be there for mom's bday next weekend). *sigh*

The days are going by way too fast, btw. Anyway gonna jump in the shower in about 15 minutes and I still have email to go through so I'm gonna quit rambling here! Hope everyone's early summer is going well...

This post is unlocked because I know that this message is for any and all, not just those I might pick and choose.

Today we recognize the greatest sacrifice the World will ever know. Jesus Christ, God's perfect Son, came from Heaven to earth to die. He didn't have to, no one asked Him to, and yet He did it. Never mind most of those He died for will never realize it, or even care. There are those that deny His existence, or the need for Him in their life. There are those that persecute those who do call Him their own, and there are those that use His teachings as an excuse for hatred and violence. Yet, He still died for them.

He also died for me. And I am far from perfect. I have my temper tantrums, my selfishness, my hateful thoughts, I'm not always forgiving. I am not worthy of His forgiveness, and yet there He was battered and bruised hanging on a rough wooden cross...

While He was the Son of God, He came through the 'back door'. He was born of a young virgin maiden. She was, at the time, betrothed to a man named Joseph - who was no doubt surprised to find his beloved to be with child when they had yet to be together. He was ready to 'put her away' for committing the sin of adultry, but was told by a messenger of God to take Mary and the child as his. That the child was the Son of God come to save the world. Through faith, Joseph became Jesus' adotive father.

He taught the boy the family craft of carpentry, He loved Him, cared for Him, provided for Him. All the while probably not understanding completely what Jesus had come to do.

Jesus also came to die for them, for - unlike Christ - they were born into Sin. Christ was blameless as a baby, and as a man.

Jesus grew up and when He heard His Father's call he answered. He began to teach God's Word, and His Will. What Christ said was Truth, it wasn't always just happy go lucky "God-Is-Love" stuff either. Jesus said there were rules, and he even explained and expanded upon them further. Jesus taught that God's Law, and God's Will, were the ONLY way to get to Heaven. His words and actions were sometimes offensive, they were hard to hear. Hey, they're STILL hard ot hear. And people in high places began to not only take notice but take action.

They arrested Jesus, brought him before the Roman court, and demanded he be put to death. The Romans wanted little to do with this Jewish man, he was not posing them any real threat, and yet the people were adament that He needed ultimate punishment.

They beat him, to the point where He was near death and unrecognizable. The soldiers tormented and teased him, they put a crown of thorns upon his brow and mocked him. Calling Him the King of the Jews.

Through it all, Jesus took the punishment that He did not deserve. He didn't have to. Even Satan had tried to talk him out of it. He had the power of the Heavens! He could have laid waste to the entire nation. And yet, He loved them. Through the pain and anguish He gave Himself entirely over to whatever they were going to throw.

They led him down the road to Golgotha. A heavy cross on His back, His human body was weak from the beatings... as well as with the weight of the World. When he could no longer walk, and fell, a soldier grabbed a man from the crowd to take up the cross and help Christ along. Jesus died for that man, too.

Jesus was not the only one set to die that day. Two criminals walked with him. He died for them, too.

They climbed the hill, the soldiers nailed His hands and feet to the wood. They lifted the cross and put it into place. For hour upon excruciating hour He struggled just to breathe. The crowd taunted from below, He died for them. His family and friends, those that dared to even let themselves be known as such, watched in tears - as He died for them. The criminals also chimed in. One screamed for Jesus to show himself as God. To come down off the cross if He said who He was. The other asked Jesus to remember him to God. Even in death, one could not - or would not - see the Truth. Yet, Christ still died for him.

When Jesus died, a storm blew in, and the ground shook. The temple's veil was torn - signifying we were no longer seperated from God - Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. We could all come to God through Him.

One of the Roman Soldiers recognized the significance of it all, proclaiming that surly Christ was the Son of God. Jesus died for him.



But Jesus didn't stay dead. That's only half of the story. After He was taken from the cross and laid in a tomb, He rose. Just as the prophecies said. He came back, He made Himself known. He did the impossible. Because He was and is God. He's there in Heaven with His Father, and He is our one AND ONLY way to God. And... He's coming again. We don't know the day or the hour, but we know He is coming.

Because He said so. And He is who He has always claimed to be.

Christ is Love, I hear that all the time, and while He loved us unconditionally and died for us, that in and of itself is not enough to save us. He gave, but in order to be given a gift one must RECIEVE that gift. We don't just get it because of our good looks, or because we have a sense of moral view, or because we're 'good people.' Even Hitler, in his twisted sense of thinking thought he was doing good. And certainly the thousands and millions who followed him believe they were doing good. Certainly followers of other faiths believe they are right. But what do they have to show? A bunch of decaying, selfish leaders.

Christ was selfless, BLAMELESS, everything we're NOT. And so I hope those of you who have accepted his gift remember just all He truly gave on that day on Calvary so many days ago. And those of you who don't, I pray you one day do understand. There is no greater love, there's no greater power. When all else fails, when everyone around you leaves, He is still there. He is faithful and Just. He is comfort, He is a peace that passes all understanding. He is GOD, and He will never let you down.

( The videos within are some of my favorite to remember this time of year. )