Faith and Unfinished Business

“WHERE DO I PUT MY NAME?”

2010-12-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

“WHERE DO I PUT MY NAME?”

“I didn’t sign up for this!”

Is that what you thought when your parent became disabled and you became their sole care-giver?

When your employer demanded you work weekend overtime, did you sign up? When your sister and her 4 kids needed temporary housing because her home was foreclosed, did you sign up to be the cook for 9 without help, or thanks? When you found your 13 year old daughter’s text messages to a 40 year old man were less than appropriate, were you waiting with a pen?

When all three of your children got stomach flu, were you ready to volunteer? When your 14 year old experimented with toxic inhalants, did you sign up to stay up endless nights watching until he regained his lung capacity, recovered, and then tried a repeat?

In the book “Ransomed Dreams”, by Sally John the heroine learns that volunteering to counsel Columbian women of the street can lead to bigger problems, she learns that God can “tag” us with tasks we are unaware or humanly unprepared for. Those that would profit from women’s activity both in human trafficking and in diamond smuggling, caused her physical and emotional trauma.

Sheri learns that sticking by her husband who was seriously disabled by the bullet that was meant for her, was not something she would have chosen. “I didn’t sign up for this!”, she cried out to God. Sheri was bitter, resentful, fearful, unwilling to care for her invalid husband, and bitter about giving up the passion she’d had for her life’s work.

I planned carefully for how my life would be organized after my mother, still young by today’s standards, moved in with my husband and me. She is physically and financially crippled, but not so much so to require my constant attention. I could still manage family events, my own interests and activities, and was free enough hours in a day and a week to keep my sense-of-self along the way.

Okay, I didn’t mention that she brought with her a new husband of only 3 years who was no-one’s shining knight. Okay, I told myself, I can make adjustments. I did adjust. I adjusted my space, my time, my willingness to help, my communication, and then – my attitude. It suffered the most.

Medicare and local family services issues, missed SS income, their loss of some abilities, and their own dysfunctional, wobbling relationship all began to eat away at my bravado. I gave up a few things, but not willingly. I was becoming resentful and fearful.

My step dad subsequently had a near heart attack and then by pass-surgery. We spent 8 days driving 36 miles a day to hospital and back, and on 3 of those days spent more than 5 hours waiting for doctors to make reports to us.

I didn’t sign up for this.

But God knew I was meant for the job. It was his plan all along, and He ‘tagged’ me for it. It was not His intention for my attitude to go sour. It was not He that planted those seeds of regret, fear and resentment in my heart. Yet, he knew that somewhere in me, there were the right ingredients for this job.

Sheri was asked what she thought of when she first woke in the morning. She recited her feelings of hopelessness, dread, anger, and fear. When Sheri gave up that attitude, there was room in her heart for renewed love, thanksgiving and hope.

Sheri was reminded of the words in James chapter one; that essentially say: “hurrah, I’ve got more trials, trouble, big challenges! Am I glad? I cannot ever learn to live by faith without them.”

It’s just life. Faith grows alongside trouble. God is still working on me. And it’s unfinished business.

What are doing that you did not sign up for? Tag. You’re it!

“Fiction. See what it can do in your life”

FAVORITES This Month

2010-11-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

Favorites this Month:

If It Weren't For Us Christians, There'd Be A Lot More Christians...new book from Crossover

www.prlog.org

If It Weren't For Us Christians, There'd Be A Lot More Christians...new book from Crossover. Just in time for Halloween, Bobby Weaver's new book from Crossover, takes a humorous and poignant look at the sometimes unexplainable behavior of some Christians and how that conduct does more to scare peopl...

The Beauty Of Mathematics!!.mp4 www.youtube.com

Random Acts of Culture Hallelujah Chorus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU&feature=player_embedded

The Enchanted Forest - Abandoned Photography at Opacity

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kerrville-TX/Max-Greiner-Jr-Designs/136006384357

http://www.flixxy.com/welcome-back-heathrow-airport-t-mobile.htm?ref=nf

http://networkedblogs.com/aEPvA

http://www.godvine.com/Christmas-Lights-to-the-Music-of-Amazing-Grace-77.html

The Story of Jonah charmingly, hilariously told by small girl: http://vimeo.com/16404771

Rhonda Rhea "I was about to get into a battle of wits, then I remembered that sometimes I don’t have near as much ammo as I think I do."

"Worry is like an illness. I don’t really suffer from it that often, but I think I may be a carrier."

Bob Hostetler thinks "it's sad that some people need to berate others to feel better about themselves. Idiots."

NO WORDS

2010-11-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

No Words

Does God answer us even when we have not spoken words? Does God know our thoughts?

This morning, I discovered an answer to a prayer that I did not know I had prayed. God gives us what we need. Are we required to ask for what we need, in order for God to give to us?

I was aware of an idea that had not even really become a thought, deep in myself. Turmoil was rolling there. I was asking myself questions, rejecting the answers, and moving on to jumble and tumble more worries in my mind.

Yet the thought which was merely a seed, blossomed into a prayer from my soul. I spoke no words to God. I asked nothing from Him. The thought, barely a thought, passed away. It did not come to my conscious mind again that day or the next.

Then this morning, there was the answer, like a neatly dressed package, visible before me. It was a simple thing, but the answer was there.

Some would say I had a light bulb moment, an epiphany. Those things are true. God gives us light and understanding. God designed us with an ability to think. He gives us consciousness and a time of rest from consciousness. He fills us with understanding in His time and purpose.

These were all just explanations of what happened, yet in the end were answers to a prayer unspoken.

He promised to take care of us because we are His own. He promised that He knows our physical needs before we speak them. “…for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him” Matthew 6:8

Though my need was not a tangible one, but was instead a bruised spot in my soul - God knew that need, and chose to answer it even before I could speak it.

If God knows us so well He could number the hairs on our head, and knew us before we could even be called a form; why would he not know our needs? The bible says he knows our very thoughts, that we need to be careful of where our minds dwell. “For the ways of man are before the Lord, and He ponders their going.” Proverbs 5:21

When my heart is broken and I have no words, I am dry and have no breath for them, or my thoughts are hidden because of conflict, I am glad my God cares for me. He knows my needs, my next step, my burdens. He loves me enough to plan my every day.

April Boyer© Nov. 2010

On facebook, there is a ‘like’ link called “God understands our prayers even when we can’t find the words to say.”

A good friend gives more examples of how prayers for her, not prayed, were answered. http://hisdailydiamonds.blogspot.com/2010/10/prayers-not-prayed.html

From Where Does My Strength Come?

2010-11-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

I’m praying for strength!

Because I sometimes vent about my situation (parents living in my home), friends assume I am complaining.

(smile)

I am really just asking for support; in prayer and in encouragement. I am human, and frail.

God encourages us to share our tribulations, and expects us to pray for one another. How can we share our lives with others if they do not know about our trials?

How can we do as Jesus Christ expects us to do, in loving our brothers and sisters, if we do not step into their shoes, or at least rub elbows with their pain?

I know I do not have enough strength in myself to endure the busyness and pre-occupation with Medicare, phone calls, financial strain, emotional upsets, and Drs’ visits that come with parent-care. I need God’s strength. “. . . by the word of the truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness…” II Corinth. 6:7

I know I do not have the wisdom to always resist temptation to complain or argue points with my mother or step dad.

I need God’s wisdom. “the wisdom from above, is at first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

I know I do not have the patience I need on some days (and I do) But God is gracious and merciful to me . “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger and of great mercy.” Psalm 145:8

I know I do not always have the joy I need to act with love and compassion. But God does. Since joy comes from the Lord, I can grab it by the handfuls when I remember His promises. “These things have I spoken to you, that my joy will remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

I am still learning to step into this role with grace and care. I am also learning that God may keep me in this role for a longer period than I hoped, and busy enough, that I will need to give up some things. These are things that I love to do, but cannot continue doing as I minister to my parents. I love my parents and cherish them, yet we all know that 4 adults living together in a small house can be very challenging.

I am not all about parental care, but made up of different roles. I am not that person alone, and don’t want to be identified as such. I want to be identified as a servant of God. God gives me the strength, wisdom, grace and joy – that I need to fulfill what He wants me to do.

Keep me in your prayers please, and share your requests with me as well. So then we will both be doing what God wants from us. Caring for one another. The answers belong to Him.

Love is Proof Enough

2010-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Love is Proof Enough

If evolution caused our existence, what caused the relational need between us? What caused us each to have a set of emotions, and varied personalities? Why were we not all the same, like the animals?

If evolution caused our existence, we would not need God. We would not need each other. We would not love. Love comes from God. God is love. The two are synonymous. Without one, the other does not exist. Love does not come from the explosion and division of cells. It does not come from thoughtlessness, or the absence of plan or care.

The theory of evolution considers only need and effect, and need. Food, availability, environment and pro-creation.

Because God loved us, he loved us extravagantly. He gives us so much more than we need!

We do not need color in our world. Yet, God gives us color in unbelievable and abundant hues. Even the sky and the water display an array of blues and greens. Even bleak winter offers tones of silver and blue- gray and surprising sunrises and sunsets. Spring and autumn need no commentary.

We do not need flowers. Yet God generously gives us flowers in many variations and species. Each requires an assortment of partnerships to thrive. Each has its own brilliance and fragility or strength.

With thanksgiving approaching, have you thought about the choices you have in the super market? We do not need all the varieties of breads, sauces, vegetables and herbs. We do not need an entire row devoted to cereal. God provides more choices than we need because he loves us, and wishes to see us thrive! He pours his gifts on us like rain.

Would evolution provide us with these joys to our senses? Subtract love. Find what is left.

(Undoubtedly, the casual visitor may ask why God seems to pour his gifts on some, and not on others? Because of the result of sin, some suffer greatly, and receive little. The sin may not be their own, but those of their fathers or their nation. But the result of the previous sin, causes more sin. Yet, any individual can be taken out of that sin, and receive God’s gifts. Even – in the most devastating situations. )

INTELLIGENT THOUGHT

2010-10-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my. I am back. Today. I am finding that doing what I want to, doesn’t always happen the way I plan for it too. I wonder how often experienced bloggers must re-assess their time and what it takes to blog on a regular schedule.

It can be difficult to form intelligent thought and process it into words others might want to read, when your life is revolving around the care of your parents. I made 13 trips to doctors in the last 3 weeks. Step dad will learn to take the public transportation, and, like it.

The whole home-care-sharing-household-adjusting-to-each-others-personalities thing has been a continuing learning experience with a sharp curve.

My particular situation is a bit easier and probably different than most. I am not providing physical or medical help. We are sharing household space. We share meals. I do most of the driving, help with grocery shopping and cleaning. I do nearly all the cooking and cleaning. My mother is able to help in small chores.. I do mom’s banking and checkbook, and follow pop’s checking. I manage the many, many phone calls to social security and family services (because of an earlier this year mismanagement by both) and to others. But, neither mom or my step dad are very mobile in other ways

My advice to those stepping into this role? Pray. Take it slow. Make adjustments as you go. Get all the outside help you can. Be forgiving, ask forgiveness. Hug. Talk, listen. Take time for your spouse, children, and friends. Share your interests with your parents whenever possible. Plan outings if possible. Encourage them to connect with their.

I really wanted to write two posts. But I am happy to finally be able to return and write one. I will follow up with the second. I didn’t come by today to complain about my role, or to make excuses for not posting as regularly as I’d like. I came to say I am blessed. I came to say that God is allowing me to accomplish other things in his time. Posting to this blog and other tasks or interests will be when they will be.

This summer, I was able to enjoy the return of my daughter and her family to live in a new house, closer by. We are all enjoying their excitement and happiness. They are indeed happy, and relieved to be in this better place. Their last two years have been very rough and very cramped. This summer, though we’ve not had a real vacation – we’ve enjoyed many small photo moments.

I enjoyed an opportunity to serve the youth of our church in a short workshop study, and to also teach beginning computer skills at our local community center.

I am blessed by understanding friends. I am blessed by God’s beauty all around me, and the small breaks I am taking to photograph what I can. We are blessed to have Jeff’s steady income, and a full fridge and freezer.

I am blessed to have my mother in my life, and to share in her love, laughter and kindness.

We’ve been blessed by enough. Grace.

Oct. 17, 2010

What I Like

2010-08-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I like. I likes what I like, and decided why shouldn’t share what I liked this week?

I have been absent from blogging for a bit. That’s bound to happen from time to time, which is why I would not commit to a schedule for posting. Life takes precedence over blogging. So I am sharing the highlights from my ‘facing’ and browsing instead. Social networking does have it’s advantages.

Here’s a handy article via a blog for energy saving tips in this energy drained economy.

http://www.freeshipping.org/blog/unplug-your-computer-energy-costs/

I am looking forward to seeing this movie!

http://thewhatifmovie.com/What%20If%20Trailer%20Long%20web.mov.zip

I can always count on this favorite comedic author to lighten things up: “I was thinking about calling in an order for a defibrillator. Just so I could say, “And I’d like to charge that, please.” Rhonda Rhea

Bob Hostetler-isms are always worth a reflective laugh too! – Bob “is thinking octopus tentacles should actually be called eightacles.” Bob Hostetler is an author and pastor I respect and love.

If you are a cat lover, a pet lover, or even if you’re not, this cartoon is over the top talented, so funny, absolutely true, and deserves an ‘awww’ moment! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKvNqe8cKU4 “Cat in the Box”

Andie’s beautiful website always features outstanding videos. What a wonderful reminder of who our redeemer is, and what He has done for us. http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html

Friend Marilyn Sue helps us keep that perspective too, through her own camera lens: MY LIVING LENS: AUGUST PINK ON PINK

mylivinglens.blogspot.com

Here is a beautiful reminder of our real heros!

http://media.causes.com/882234 Some gave All

Everyone knows I am a fan of this drama team! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambridge-OH/The-Quiet-Love-Foundation-Inc/282703768014?__a=8&

See Review of a must read book about a socially important topic, by favorite author Terri Blackstock.

http://consumer-resources.net/resources/predator-by-terri-blackstock-review/

and last, and most importantly, visit the latest video on my facebook, (http://tinyurl.com/yzpexjf ) entitled “Watch This!”. It features an alarming and dazzling wake-up call. Appreciative credit to Sam Sanford.

Life and Unfinished Business

2010-07-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

THIS week in review:

Hello friends. This week I found out how tired I am. Too tired to do any preserving this year, too tired to do any extra housework, too tired to deal with issues, too tired to think. I have learned there is now more care-giving work ahead of me. I guess I need to expect less of myself.

Ok, I’m done complaining. In spite of physical and emotional fatigue, God has allowed me outlets; for teaching, writing and volunteering. The work refreshes me, encourages me, gives me a new perspective on things and allows me to socialize.

I have discovered that I really enjoy teaching the computer basics class, and wonder if there could be a future opportunity for it. See news about the internet and the government below.

I am sure I will enjoy the teen’s bible study workshop coming up later this summer too. I am very pleased that we will have two visiting ministries that will enhance the workshop focus: “ Creative God” . One is the Quiet Love Foundation drama team which presents stories using black light and face paint. The other, a visit by our own guitarist.

Though we have had buckets of rain for most of June, I have enjoyed the thunder storms. (not so much the wind and tornado warnings) I always enjoy seeing God’s powerful hand, and His merciful right hand. Though it is hard to understand why God would allow some to perish in violent storms, it is awesome to believe that he spared so many more. Yes, my God is a God of mercy and of power, and of justice. When His people abandon Him, His hand will judge the land.

I’ve always enjoyed the array of flowers in Ohio’s climate. The temperatures allow for a succession of blooms that keep us smiling. I can count on them to march through spring, into June, and into later summer.

Vegetable gardens and farmer’s crops are not faring so well however. Many have been replanted a second time, but are not likely to be planted a third. God will provide with just enough grace.

Does anyone know how to cut and use rhubarb so that it thickens in pie? Is it too late for it to be any good now?

Our little tiny vacation started and ended in rain. Our most relaxing and stress-free moment? Eating lunch in front of a truck stop, listening to NPR music and reading. Seriously. I am looking for other such moments. What does vacation mean to you?

In the links recently:

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2010/06/reading-writer.html Readin’ and Writin’ and why one is so important to the other.

'If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above
all others: read a lot and write a lot...reading is the
creative center of a writer's life...you cannot hope to
sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until
it has been done to you.'

Stephen King (1947)

Interesting article about a "kill button" for the Internet Windows XP Security News: Is the Internet Committing Slow Suicide? - WXPNews

How would you react to the absence of the internet? How would you respond if your computer and internet, or other electronics were taken from you by an act of God?

Predator by Terri Blackstock - Video Trailer

www.youtube.com

http://www.terriblackstock.com/ - The murder of Krista Carmichaels fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question Gods justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. ...

Philosophinot was born because of a discussion on evolution and creation at my blog = “Faith and Unfinished Business” http://seedsinseason.blogspot.com. Add your two cents.

http://phnot.blogspot.com host: Andre. Religious faith in the United States and Europe is something that is dwindling over time. However, in some areas of the world, Christianity and Islam is on the rise. My first debate entry is about the existence of a god or gods. ...

Social Marketing Yikes! Some Android apps may text/call from your phone without your knowledge. Hmm-Can they pay bills?

Report: A fifth of Android apps expose private data | InSecurity Complex - CNET News

news.cnet.com

Android apps expose data and could be used to place calls and send text messages without the user knowing it, SMobile says. Read this blog post by Elinor Mills on InSecurity Complex.

Other news includes 1) the infamous “beet” story on facebook; 2) the finding and buying of a new home for my daughter – a big, big trial in this treacherous economy.

Another Week In Review

2010-06-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

This week’s review.

The governing board at Ashland Nazarene church approved the study materials for the youth group later this summer. Taken from Seeds in Season Bible Study for Writers,© we will be using some of the material for “Creative God” bible study and workshop. I’m so excited!

We will also host the Quiet Love Foundation drama team which is hearing -impaired individuals doing black light, painted face drama and music. They are outstanding! It could not have come at a better time.

The youth leader is looking for interactive opportunities for our half-dozen teens. Such a small group, it makes one sad. But they are souls for the kingdom, and our job to influence them. Too many of the leaders in this church are much older, and that makes for difficult communications for teens.

I am polishing up material for the basic computer course to start at the Kroc Center in two weeks. This will be great exposure for me. The hourly pay is nice, but it’s only 8 hours total (for now). So the income for my efforts will be swallowed up and soon as it is placed.

This morning, prepared to get in the shower and wash my hair, and get ready for church. No go. No water. The 3 inches of rain in the area which flooded streets, creeks, low areas, ditches and basements – mostly – also flooded our well pit, frying the sump pump and probably the water pump as well. This will be an all day fix, no doubt. Friend stopped by with two pumps he had on hand. But they may not work after all.

The insult to the injury is that it has been Jeff’s intention to build an above ground pump house- planned for over 3 years now. We don’t use the well anymore, but the water pump remained there after we replaced the well with a cistern. Ah – county living.

We were not looking forward to another expense. We just bought a new (97) Chevy truck. It has been on hold for over a year, and was needed. As the pirate’s English would put it – Arrrrgggghhhh.

Many farmer’s fields and home gardens will need re-planting in the area. I do feel that Jeff’s time has come to hold off on gardening at all. It would appear so.

The Jacob’s ladder flower is blooming aggressively in our largest garden. It reminds me of many bible stories, and charms me with it’s little star like trailers. I am also glad for its presence, and for the dainty tickseed flowers too, as they may help push out the aggressive daisies. Jeff planted one clump last year, and now we have hundreds overwhelming the spot. We will likely have to pull out what’s left, after he has re-planted a few in a safer place.

The Asparagus has seen its better day. But soon, we will have blueberries; enough to share. I manage to put up 12 to 20 quart bags some years.

A high point this week was the appearance of Sandhill cranes. Driving by our new park, a canoe access park called Hopkin’s Landing- we happened on a couple taking their ease in the farm field near by. That was a lifer, in the language of dedicated birders! At home, we’ve enjoyed the visits of a Brown Thrasher, scratching around in the mulch and leaves. Nearby, I’ve seen flocks of Cedar Waxwings, a favorite of mine.

News that caught my eye this morning: An Arizonian legal immigrant who came forward to tell her brothers and sisters of Mexico to get with the program. In my humble opinion, the problem Arizona is trying to distil is not racial profiling at all. They are rightly trying to stem the illegal entry of aliens. Our country is no longer able to support those flowing in, illegal or otherwise, that is evident. Its time Americans face that fact.

Other news included the fight over the proposed building of a Mosque at ground zero. Whether you believe it is alright for Muslims who do not follow the violent code, and who want to embrace all religions and cultures, or if you believe that the Muslims cannot be identified as separate ethnicities- the question in many minds remain: Why there, and why now? It is well known among many that the violent Muslim population have a secret agenda that is rapidly getting a foothold in American society and government. To build a Mosque here, whatever the belief, is an insult, is thoughtless, and is a brand. Here is a burial ground of heroes who suffered at the hands of terriorists- countrymen, sisters, brothers, or comrades to the individuals intent to building on this site. It is the practice of the Jihad to do just that. So in spite of any pretty, peaceful talk from this group, it just doesn’t come off as truth. Why here? Why now?

News from family and others:

My daughter, who went back to college last year while continuing to raise her middle-graders, and her husband who went to college for the first time, will be moving back to ‘their’ home town near here- Wellington Ohio. However, they could not find one single house or rental available in acceptable driving distance. Not one! They will be living in very temporary circumstances, and even willing to camp out for the summer! Son-in-law has a new, excellent job with very good security (nothing is guaranteed!) so they have enough money. The housing market is good in surrounding counties, but is very unavailable over-all in the region.

Meanwhile, sister in TX is considering walking away from their burdensome house, as are others in the Houston area, because of overwhelming mortgages and very fragile job situations. They are considering moving to Alaska for excellent job opp, with many perks. It is so because it is an undesirable/remote area for families.

The point is – they are not alone. I hear stories from all over about lost homes, jobs, broken families, 30 something yo kids going back to college with their kids in tow, uprooted, desperate for new skilled jobs, temporary homes.

Yes, “This is my temporary Home”. How long Lord?! Praise His name!

Our week in review. June 7/2010

Intended, Prepared, Accomplished and Maintained

2010-06-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

An Example of Intelligent Design

Intended, Prepared, Accomplished and Maintained

(Facts copied from Moody Press)

The Dromedary Camel (Arabian Camel) dwells in harsh conditions. Water is hard to find, travel is extensive, and food can be scarce as well. The climate is exhaustingly hot, and dry. A camel is equipped and may be required to carry heavy burdens and to answer to a demanding master. This master is capable of training such an animal as no other can be, and adjust his needs to what the camel can do.

When hungry, and nothing organic is available, a camel can survive on your leather bridle, a piece of rope, your tent . . . or your shoes. His mouth is tough enough to manipulate a cactus.

The camel’s 80 lb hump is filled with fat- fuel for his body. It is not filled with water, as some believe. Is it just coincidence that this animal is able to survive in the very conditions in which he is found to live?

No food, no problem. The camel survives on the fuel reserve in his own body.
When the camel does get to water, he can consume 27 gallons in 10 minutes. It travels to the camel’s stomach, where it is almost immediately absorbed by every part of his body. Though when scientists tested his stomach only 10 minutes after drinking the water, it was empty.

In a day, he can carry 400 lbs across 100 miles of hot dry desert, and never stop for food or drink. In fact, he can go 8 days without water. But by then, he has lost 227 lbs. – without being ill. The camel’s billions of cells have lost their water, and are flat. So he looks flat. The camel’s blood is 94% water, just a human’s blood contains. Without water, heat and sun rob only a little water from his blood, losing up to 40% of the water, and still he remains healthy. After obtaining water he regains the 227 lbs he lost!

When humans or most animals lose only 5- 10 % of their body’s water, they can become blind, deaf and insane. At only 12% loss, your blood thickens to the point your heart cannot pump it any longer. A camel can survive and even thrive on much less body water.

A camel also retains water in unique ways. A specially designed nose that saves water traps warm, moist air from the lungs and absorbs it in the nasal membranes.

The system works to cool the animal as well, at as much as 18 degrees cooler that than the rest of his body.

If the camel developed from a sea animal to this remarkably opposite creature, would he then magically acquire every single feature necessary and specific to his environment?

The camel has specially engineered sand shoes for feet. Wide hooves get even wider when stepped on. Each foot has two long, bony toes with tough, leathery skin between the soles, are a little like webbed feet. They don’t sink in the soft sand, and are capable of taking heavy loads.

Nostrils containing special muscles are able to close the openings to keep out sand, but still allowing air to breathe. Eyelashes arch over the eyes like screens, keeping out sand and sun. Yet the camel can see clearly. An inner eyelid acts like a windshield wiper cleans off any specks that get in the eye.

As the camel grows, special knee pads form over his front knees. They allow the camel to fall – onto his knees, to lower himself in a lying position.

The camel is equipped with many supplies the desert family can use. Rich milk that makes butter and cheese, thick fur that sheds and is woven into cloth, and young camels are a rich source of meat.

The camel, need to survive long periods of time without life sustenance. So he was designed for a specific job. His body endures the time, and supplies extra reserve. The camel must combat stinging sand. So his body was designed for the job. The camel must tolerate intense heat and dry environment. Yet his body was precisely designed to meet the challenge. He often is required to bear burdens much heavier than those other animals can carry. His feet were designed to handle it, in an environment where it was necessary, part to counterpart.

He is required. He was designed to handle it. The Dromedary camel – was partnered with a people who would need him for the task. People who lived in the same conditions as he. His cousin, the Bactrian Camel lives in extreme weather conditions in the deserts of Asia, where he co-habits with the indigenous people. Specifically matched.

How could these fine details have accidently collided into being? How could the resulting creature develop the particulars necessary for his environment before the fact ? This animal did not explode into the amazing package that it is. Atoms did not split and multiply until it accidentally grew parts essential for a camel.

What amazes be beyond the devised creation in the camel, is the underlying element of care that was needed. I believe the creator cared enough about this not-so-attractive creature to make him feel comfortable in his uncomfortable surroundings. He cared enough to give him specific and magnificence tools. He cared enough about the people of this land to pair them with a dedicated and capable servant.

Again, I prefer to believe – with sound reasoning- that an intelligent designer intended his creation, prepared it for its explicit circumstances, accomplished the goal, and maintains his needs even now.

John 1: 3 says, "All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made."

[Facts by Bob Devine from Moody/September 1981 (Moody Press). ]

April Boyer

WORLD IN REVIEW

2010-05-24T19:50:00.001-07:00

I decided it might be a good way to catch up with some friends who do not Facebook, by having a 'week in review' report.

My favorite picks of the week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=WUQYJ77qa50 Talented speaker tells how the human condition needs work. Good stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz4K8Nux7KQ
Just a heartwarming funny about a very young baby elephant, out on his first adventure with water. See if he doesn’t remind you of a two year old near you.

http://www.youtube.com/terriblackstock
My favorite writer of chilling thrillers, telling a story that needs to be read! “Predator” gives an edge- of- your- seat account of what can happen if you’re not careful about places like, yes, say it, Facebook! Terri Blackstock and I, as well as many other writers and professionals can find good uses for FB, but we all practice careful common sense: don’t put any personal info out there, and think twice about what you consider to be ‘personal’!

My husband, son and I nearly walked into this dandy(above) . That’s honey bees folks. A kind bee-keeper came and persuaded them into a boxed hive. She presented us with honey from her earlier endeavors.

One of the high points in the week is when hubby and I stood in the yard enjoying the Oriole, the Cedar Waxing, the Catbird, all the while my guys talked trees and plants on the phone. Talking birds, plants, trees and gardening is a common topic in our family. Some folks think we’re nutz. But I see there are many 'nutz' on facebook of the same persuasion.

Another high point: posted on my FB, was the review of a new county park (which my boys are very involved with) courtesy of the industrious ACPD. A video courtesy of Eric Mayer, of our 4 acre canoe access that provided an important link on the Jerome Fork and to another small park already on the map. It was a historical accomplishment, and well attended and received. I was not involved, but got the joy-spill-over from my guys and friends.

I have been happily busy, typing up lesson plans for computer basics classes at the Kroc,(community center) and for the 6 wk. “Creative God” workshop for church youth. The lessons and workshop were a bit unexpected, but still a seed in the back of my mind. God grows beautiful things from seeds. In addition to these lessons, I’ve taken on the role of web-manager for my church. All in all, each of these seemingly time-consuming activities add up to only a few hours in a month’s time. Perfect.

With all of the attention I have been giving our expanded household and the emotional stretching, I am happy to be busy again doing things I enjoy. My care-giving role is important to me, and to God. Yet, it is not a full time, nor a physical needs job at this time. Mom and Pop are due home this week after two months away at sister’s in TX.

So God has graciously allowed me to “keep a part of myself” separate from the care-giving role. Thus, keeping my sanity and good nature. (smile)

I was pleasantly surprised, and relived to learn I could obtain a housecleaning service for a very small price. It was well worth the stress and strain it saved me. That’s two big chores off my list.

Another concern that has been on my mind and heart, God has quietly taken care of. My husband is a work-aholic, and approaching an age when he really, really needs to eliminate some elective work. The weather has been just perfect for stalling any of my gallant husband’s efforts to garden big. It was not perfect for those who truly needed to plant gardens and fields, but for his purposes, it was perfect for Jeff’s initiation into ‘something smaller’. He agreed to try some upside down tomatoes, and to garden much less. We have green onions and radishes on the back porch. Now, he may face some bigger challenges a little more willingly. Aging house syndrome demands attention that he just has not been able to give because of the too-many tasks on his now 4 year old list. God works. Mysteriously. And He’s not done yet. It may take some more arm-wrenching on my son’s part (or by God’s divine intervention, or both) to keep husband on target. Sigh.

This Sunday, my family had an annual birthday party bash. My guys: husband, son and grandson were all born last week of May. The weather was wonderful. The kids were amusing, amused, and relatively well behaved. The work of frying chicken, fixing food and clean up was not overwhelming, and fun was had by all.

So there you have it. My week in review.

WHAT NOW?!

2010-05-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Kamal Saleem converted to the Christian faith, from his national religion of Islam.

His address to more than 500 people in Ashland Ohio, as the key note speaker for the National Day of Prayer was full of warning.

He told of his former terrorist training at the bidding of Saddam Hussein, of carrying out missions in the Middle East and Europe, and being sent to America to convert Christians and Jews to Islam.

He reminded the crowd that, indeed, a unified Muslim front is bent on infiltrating America as its course to world domination. He stated simply that Christians should be aware that Allah and God are not the same deities.

The one nation of Islam under Allah, is in jihad (holy war) to bring the non-Muslim world under their control. The Muslim world believes from childhood up, that the US and Israel are Satan. They are also taught that liberty, freedom and pursuit to happiness and democracy are false gods who must be destroyed. Boys are brought up from an early age to enroll in US universities and to marry American women to obtain citizenship “so that they can turn the Constitution against you.”

Muslims are strong in Europe and becoming increasingly rooted in American society. There are over 500 lobbyists in the White House. They gain access to large businesses and media, managing to influence coverage.

A car crash brought Saleem to Christ, after he saw His love demonstrated through caring Christian individuals.

Saleem challenged the audience, even addressing children by asking “who will tell them nothing is going to happen, everything will be ok, nobody’s going to invade your world or take your home?”

He concluded with quotes from the book of Isaiah, cautioning that if we fail to sound the alarm, blood will be on our hands. “Who will stand for what’s right, and good and pure?”

Ashland Times Gazette Friday, May 6 National Day of Prayer Community Breakfast, John C. Myers Convocation Center Ashland University Ashland Ohio.

For anyone who is not surprised by what this man has revealed or reminded us of, how will you respond?

For those reading this and understanding it for the first time, how will you respond?

I don’t know for myself how I will carry this information. It is a matter for much prayer. Saleem is not the first Islam converted to Christianity who has taken this stand. Others have done so, but are congratulated on their conversion and for their US citizenship and sent on their way. No one really wants to believe, from the depths of their heart, that this scenario could happen; “not in my back yard”. The common man wants to believe that it is something far away and in a distant future time.

Surely we are in the days of judgment. Even those who do not know Christ in a personal way, are commenting that we are at risk. Despite the extreme weather situations, the devastations such as the gulf oil spill, and the European economic crisis, they, and others with better knowledge are still keeping their distance from God. Why? Does human kind, in human fallible flesh still believe they can solve these problems all on their on? Do they believe no-one greater than themselves can lift them out of this trouble?

Can you believe that there will be a greater kingdom, ruled by the faultless and perfect God? This is our salvation from the devastation that is before us – that is in front of our own children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

The bible tells us of the very circumstances we are now seeing. If this mighty God can orchestrate these events in progress for many decades, why could He not guide every individual’s step? Nations are unraveling, nature is becoming released, and evil is on the rampage and washing over every part of our lives. Yet God offers us love and protection, and an escape from eternal death!

Believe it. We need God!

COMITTMENT

2010-04-29T20:28:00.001-07:00

I wrote the following for my website, a place for writers resources. Though the tips below are intended for writers, many of the examples apply to any vocation or ministry. Insert where it says 'writer'. After whining about frustrating events in my life recently, a dear friend pointed out that there are seasons we pass through. She included the story about the lads who were sent out into the world and found beauty in a tree; all in a different season, all beautiful and new to them. I hope this article means something to someone, or that you will share it. It seemed relevant to use it here. Come visit my website too when the new issue is out - mid to late May.

Is writing still right for you? Certainly, every one of us has asked that question.

Recently, I read words that caused me pause. Words that were meant as encouragement and motivation, strong words that bit to the core. Is there a time to re-evaluate? If God works in His own season, can the season for writing pass?

Here are some tips for examining your progress as a writer. Yet, remember that God has a plan for you, and that plan may not fit into our own ideas of success or into our own time table.

1. Successful writers can set and stick to a schedule.

2. Successful writers don’t require interaction and enjoy working independently.

3. Successful writers handle the business end of writing and publishing.

4. Successful writers are professional

5. Successful writers don’t procrastinate.

Copied from Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen’s “7 Personality Traits of a Successful Writer”

http://theadventurouswriter.com She is author of five "Quips and Tips" blogs, and is writing a series of "Quips and Tips" eBooks.
She also wrote “Four Signs that You Need to Re-Evaluate Your Writing Goals”

that includes these points:

(1) lack of forward momentum,

(2) boredom or lack of motivation,

(3) low return on investment of your time and energy

(4) negative or no feedback. Descriptions of each symptom were given in the article.

She also warned to watch for : 1) losing your joy for writing, 2) losing your creativity 3) talking about it more than doing it, 4)resentment of time and energy, and 5) lack of self- discipline.

Her suggestions are valid and the books are excellent motivation.

Yet many authors admitted to succumbing to most of these traps , and fell short of the list for success.

There are many interferences in life, and some are not interferences at all but God’s plan. We are, after all, servants of God, mothers, dads, parents, employees and employers. We may wear many hats, and they may all be ordained by God. At the very least, God allows for mistakes we make in life. Our decisions may be off the track God has set for us, and so we are derailed.

Some of the interferences in life call for our full attention, or at least a large portion of it. For a season, illness takes precedence. For a season, a child needs you. For a season, God calls you to another ministry, one in which you feed someone who is hungry, who needs clean water, or medical help . For a season, you may fall victim to serious misfortune. For a season, God calls you to give care to your aging parent.

God never promised that as writers, we would always write. He didn’t promise that we would always publish our works for the world to see, or that we would ever publish works for more than a few to see. He never promised fame and fortune, or that we would always be successful. What He has promised you in your life is a personal promise that He will fulfill. He promised that He would complete a good work begun in you, until the day of His return. How he will make that happen, is yet to be determined.

Max Lucado wrote in a powerful message: “The Write Stuff” how Paul did not set out to be a writer. He accepted the role of “Kingdom Scribe” as God given. Paul wrote to the churches, and he wrote to individuals. He could sound like a poet of honey-filled words, but at other times he merely sounded frustrated; sentence beginnings without ends, “lumps of ideas” instead of lyrics.

Max continues the example by telling of the church sister who thanked him for his words on prayer. When another brother passed out copies at his company, he smiled. When his daughter in India, saw his books in store windows, he glowed. Writers enjoy hearing that their work is successful in this world.

But there’s more. Max speaks of the exhausted single mother who needs just a word or a phrase, or the businessman who stops in his pursuit of numbers to read a blog, and of the teenager whose been led by images of vampires and fantasy who now wants truth. Max reminds us that we are writing for the soul.

His story is motivation. Yet, all that we do, we do for Christ Jesus; if we love Him. All that we do is for the soul - one soul, or two or many. http://www.maxlucado.com/articles/topical/the_write_stuff/

Maybe we aren’t writing, perhaps for only a season, or perhaps God has another plan for us. If we are not writing, think about the reasons why. Don’t beat yourself up thinking you should be accomplishing more. What is God doing in your life now? Is He touching someone through your life, through your service, through your attitude ?

Are you doing what you are doing for the soul- one soul, two, or many?

1Cr 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

GOD in the Blogish Details

2010-04-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Life will always take precedence over Blog. I’ve been looking for a topic to share for –gee- a few weeks now. And I went into blogging knowing that issues and care for my mom, stepdad and life in general would interrupt. Still, I am disappointed in myself for not being able to post here every few days.

Ok, I do need to give myself a break. Get real. Life does not allow for smooth sailing. It is a bumpy ride.

Though I understand that running a blog is a little bit like publishing an open journal, I did not want to use this one for venting.

Yet the most I have to share lies in my personal experiences in the last week. God shines in the end.

The day before leaving on a trip, I checked to my mother’s bank account and found that SS had only deposited half the expected amount. This was a crippling blow to her very limited income. She stressed out, making herself ill and looking for reasons to blame herself.

My mother and step dad who now live with us, were taking a trip to Tennessee to be with family. I drove the 600 miles, which I should be well used to after 20 or more trips in my (ahem) more-than-that years. Yet, I missed turns and stressed during high traffic areas. Step dad (of 4 years) was in a particularly snippy mood the whole trip. God was gracious.

His mood and habits have been a continuous bone for my mother to pick at. This trip was not the exception. Their relationship is on shaky ground.

To give the poor man some credit, he comes from a strange family, with only a compassionless son and ailing sister left. He has had little support, and was not so eager to visit. Perhaps he was taking his frustration out on us, instead of on the real problem .

He was to stay with said son through the weekend. He stayed nearly the whole week, which was a blessing. However, on the son’s arrival, I lost my cool and my Christian constitution. Though my family team cheered me on in agreement, I was not proud of my outburst.

Mom and I stayed at a cousins home the first night, and mom then stayed at her youngest granddaughter’s home for a couple of nights, while I remained at cousins. Said cousin talks non-stop, while running the tv and complaining or praising this program or that. God was gracious, but mom was stressed out over the noise level. We then went to visit another cousin 40 minutes away. My car had been having some issues before leaving home, off and on, but was judged safe. The same scenario played out at this home – loud noise level including tv running much of the time, and non-stop talking. Add 2 chihuahuas . Add very high ceiling and long seating area, making mom- who is hard of hearing - strain to understand over noise made from talking, barking and tv. We did have a restful nights and genial hosts, however, and enjoyed some dining out.

God was gracious. He allowed me some alone time on the fifth day. I did a photo journey of area barns and old cotton-era houses.

What I gained from the experience at this point was a love of quiet. (smile here) I also gained a love for my mother’s cousins, whom I had not interacted with much throughout my life, an appreciation of their different personalities and how they developed, and a desire to record more of my mother’s history. Mom is one of only 5 cousins left in the entire family. Two others died only just recently. I wrote about our experience in my journal, an exercise good for my soul.

My mother’s cousin at the second home, had just been recovering – miraculously, from a serious stroke after by pass surgery. He was left crippled on his right side, including his peripheral vision and a little hearing loss in that ear. Yet, he has learned to adjust and does not dwell on his disabilities. His biggest regret has been his memory loss, leaving him without the funny stories and voices he used to entertain us with. Now, he has to learn new ones, sometimes over and over again. This man’s spirit was not drowned, but merely given new life. His faith stands firm.

I admired his wife’s determination and dedication as well, and her ability to rise above. We learned just recently that cousin had been found with a spot on his lung, and will need a biopsy next week. They are both fearful, since cousin has now only 25% of his heart. To lose even a part of his lung would be devastating.

Wife dove into arranging a trip to see cousin’s family (of 6 children and many grandchildren) in Oregon, planning to leave only 2 days after we did. Wife has had health issues and also emotional issues, but because of her husband’s devastating illnesses, she has left her own problems behind and focuses solely on him. It was good for her to have this occupation at this time in her life.

Life is stranger than fiction.

Mom and step-dad flew out from TN on Monday to go and spend a few weeks at my sister’s home. She is now resting. Quietly.

I could have left out these details. But then you would have missed God-in-them.

Yes, He was there. He was there as we enjoyed the beautiful view of western Ky., going through the gentle foot hills just that week expressing spring in big explosions of color. He was there while my car delivered us safely to every destination, and seemed healthy and calm. He was there when Mom and Bob needed some apart time, when sleep and rest came, when I needed alone time, meditation and reflection and even – a time to write. God was there when he gave me insight into family member’s lives and problems. He was there as he reminded me about loving unconditionally, and how not to take things at face value. He was there as he allowed me to see faith and miracles in action.

God was in the details. And I am so glad he is.

April Boyer (c) 4-13-2010

MAMA THROWS DOUBT ON EVOLUTION

2010-03-17T16:32:00.001-07:00

MAMA THROWS DOUBT ON EVOLUTION

I use the word ‘doubt’ here because I know that evolutionists, agnostics and atheists will have answers that seem to dispute the information here. I cast suspicion on evolution through the use of these questions.

Excuse me boys, but this topic may be a bit uncomfortable for you. Girls – and serious scientists or men mature enough to stand their ground - have you given any thought to the reproductive cycle? It may seem a far stretch to say so, but a woman’s menstrual cycle is proof that an intelligent design included details that could not have evolved because of climatic changes, environmental differences, or a thoughtless explosion of matter.

If I’m not mistaken, motherhood is universal in any species, in any climate, and in any ecosystem.
In addition, the menstrual cycle is so carefully balanced, that we girls know what happens when it falls out of balance. Speaking of which; consider the workings of the human brain in relation to the body’s function. What happens when any one hormone, and particularly the thyroid- becomes unbalanced? Utter chaos. The connection and scale between them is so delicate that a mere fraction of a microgram can cause such a storm in the human body it does not compare to even cancer. Unchecked thyroid or pituitary dysfunction affects every part of the body, including the scheduling and degree of menstruating. Trust me boys, it is so. You guys have it easy.

Then there is the preparation for producing offspring. During the monthly cycle, women desire sex more intensely. Why? So that she will attract her mate, and therefore, re-produce. This is so in all species, but is probably a more intricate blueprint in the human species. After all, look at what happens when men and women want to get together. A lot more than a mere dance of fluttering feathers or bobbing heads occurs. Lions and bears have never had the woes, anticipations or adjustments human females must endure. Could this be a prophecy fulfilled according to Genesis of the old testament bible?

In the continuation of the natural process of pro-creation, female animals and humans were – equipped- with the right tools to provide nourishment for their offspring. The milk produced in the female’s body not only provided sustenance in exactly the proportion needed, with exactly the nutrients called for. It also develops a bond that makes the child call it’s parent ‘mama’ and seek her for refuge and instruction. How did that happen? Determined preparation? Designed plan? Groundwork for a future?

According to some accounts of what evolution is, things become different and change over time because of changes in the being’s environment. How then, is it explained that women, mothers, females of all species have not changed one whit in their mission or as needed on this earth?

God, my God miraculously designed women to be the vessel in which human kind would continue, with precisely the balance of ingredients and tools required to carry out the task. In addition, woman become the vessel in which our Lord Jesus Christ was carried, from whom he entered into the world, and carried out the prophecy of his death and resurrection.

God, my God, is better.

UNFINISHED

2010-03-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

The words above in the new title of this blog, seem to be shouting for explanation. Ok. Unfinished business. God is not done with me yet. He’s not done with you. He’s not done with the drunk, he’s not done with the abuser, he’s not done with the missionary. He’s not done with your worst enemy, he’s not done with your pastor, he’s not done with President Obama.

Isn’t that great news? Imagine what could happen still, in your life-time, with God in control of the big picture! That’s cause for great hope! If you have even a mustard seed sized grain of faith that God can do anything, he promises that it will be done.

I love a current Christian pop tune (Wait and See) “He’s Not Finished with Me Yet” by Brandon Heath.

You also know the song that goes; “the foot bone’s connected to the knee bone”, the knee bone’s connected to the hip bone, the hip bone to the back, the back, etc - on up to the head bone. I like to think that, ok, it takes all that to connect to the head bone, the central most important part – to get any results. But more importantly, it takes those connections to get the whole body in snyc.

So, I may be connected to what’s happening to the individual standing next to me, which is connected to my church or community, which is connected to the state, and the house of representatives, on up to the president, who is connected to the leaders of the world – to make the picture complete. It may not be those particular links at all, yet, you can see how it goes. It takes a lot of pieces to complete a picture puzzle, or a lot of messy threads to finish a tapestry. You have an influence on someone in this world, or will. And the person you influence, affects someone else. You are not alone!

We may never see the links in our lifetime. God is not finished with you, or me, or your neighbor, or the ruler of Quasmania. There is still hope that I will be what he intends for me to be, in spite of my own ideas. There is still hope that I will accomplish what is meant for His glory!

God has the big picture.

MY God, is Bigger Than YOUR God

2010-03-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

I was tempted to go another way as soon as I renamed this blog. God is God, and that’s that. Isn’t it? How many people do you know who have any concept of what, or who God is?
Think about it. How many centuries has it been when any one of us has had to answer to such a superior? When have we ever, in our lifetime, had to bow down in humbleness, giving someone a level of respect that diminishes our own esteem to the level of a worm? Who have we considered to be so righteous, that right is elevated to a whole new pinnacle. When have we ever placed complete, unwavering trust in a supreme being?

Undoubtedly, we suffer from inexperience. This nation as a whole, and most nations of the world, have placed God somewhere down around a ‘passing notice’.

What is God to you? Much of the world today thinks of God as a benevolent wizard, there to grant wishes and catch us when we fall. Many more people think of God as some crazed judge, up there somewhere in the sky, just playing us like puppets on strings, making decisions about our behavior as He will. Both of these ideas at least confirm an existence of a greater being, but neither involves us on any level. Then there are those who choose to believe that there is no control or order, no ruler, and no accountability.

We are not supposed to know all that God can do, how, or why. His inspired word says so, confirming the truth about a mighty God, if we accept it. Proverbs 3:4, 5: “Trust the Lord with all thine heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy path.” Think about it. Doesn’t the idea of such a powerful being inspire awe? Shouldn’t there be a veil between us and such a magnificent creator and ruler? Why should we know all that He does, why, or how? Wouldn’t that ruin His God-ness? Exactly. Wouldn’t knowing everything spoil the anticipation of a good future? If God is Omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient - doesn’t that explain just about everything we know about the universe – and about science?

God is also interactive. What we are, and say and do are part of His plan. What we choose to do or accomplish is either in line with His plan or it is not. There are results. When we are living in His plan, we are blessed. When we are not living in Him and He in us, we’re not speaking to or hearing from God, there is still an outcome, but there is no blessing, no promise of life, no hope, and no peace. God does His part, and we do ours. That explains why we need a king. Why do we search for a Father, why do we want a friend who understands? We need that kind of love, he wants it from us, and is more than willing to give it.

In trivializing God, we are looking for a managerial position. We want to bring God down to what we can control. We want to make him only as big as what we can believe he is capable. “He can’t handle my problems, but I will give him my sister’s problems.” “I don’t want to be a long term missionary, but if God will accept that I can serve on short trips, sometimes, during the fall months, than I’d be happy to serve.” “I pray when I can. But, really, who has the time to pray every morning? Can’t He understand that?!”

In “The Trivialization of God” The Dangerous Illusion of a Manageable Deity” by Donald McCullough, he points out the most dangerous fault in a church. “The God of the Scriptures is a holy God-wholly other, radically different from anything else in creation, terrifying in greatness, and utterly awesome in love. This is a God who transcends our understanding and is unknowable except by divine revelation-the God described by the author of Hebrews as "a consuming fire."” He talks about our dependence on doctrine, on practices and observations where the congregation can be comfortable in routine. “This is the kind of God who lends mighty support to social crusades, or who conforms to individual spiritual experiences, but does not inspire awe”.

Define what awe is. The spectrum of definitions go from fear and terror to wonder and admiration. Does this help us put things in perspective? How much do we tremble in the presence of God, at any time, not out of fear of His actions (though that is plausible too) but out of a tremendous respect? How much do we hold God up in absolute wonder of the loving deeds he performs every day like breathing in an out? Do we hold God in wonder of how he created and manages those wondrous minuscule things, or spectacular landscapes? How much do we admire God? That seems like such a strange word to apply to God, but still appropriate. We love Him because he first loved us, respect Him because He is powerful and able, and admire Him . . . what are your words?

How many churches in your community have become country clubs, and community service representatives? Sure, they bring people in, and some of them might hear the truth of God if it’s taught. They do good works, and help the needy, counsel the hurting, give clothing to mission works, support many charities, and have outreach programs every day, all day, all week for every occasion and occupation. You may be hard pressed to find God there, however. It seems that many of these churches or parishioners are on a kind of auto-pilot; doing what they think they should do for God’s work, volunteering because they think that’s what people expect. When God is presented, He is the baby Jesus, he is the benevolent son who has God’s ear, He is the big man upstairs who grants our wishes- if we are good. He’s is not seen as a God of God, King of all Kings.

God is holy. What is holy, really? Do we have any idea? He is sovereign. Oh, that’s scary. We have to place our trust in a sovereign being. We don’t like to think of anyone being bigger than we are, or of anyone in better control than we think ourselves. God is self-controlled, self-governed. He needs no help from us. Sovereign is defined as “highest, ultimate, superlative, utmost.” How do you top those?God is, without our help. He is, despite any action on our part.

Guess what? God is bigger. Get over it, or get with it.

(“Let God be God” Steve Laube further suggested reading.)

April Boyer (c) Mar 2010

GOD IS GOD, and That is that

2010-03-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Well, this blog keeping is harder than I thought. Life always gets in the way, and God always has a better plan. I know I can't promise daily or even weekly posts, but I'll try to write more frequently.
So here I am, back with a new topic I hope you'll use or enjoy.
So many leaders of various created religions have one amazing agreement in their doctrine. Righteousness will overcome evil, after many ages of struggle and tribulation, and the most holy, righteous one will come to take us out of that decay and tribulation.
All of the teachings of these religions come from the ‘ancient of days’, from history and from our father’s fathers; indicating that the words and the teachings were created at the dawn of time in the beginning of civilization.
Prophets of the bible such as Moses from the Christian bible and the Jewish law, the Hindu Krishna’s 4th discourse, the Shiite Islam Quar’an, The Buddhist Sutra of the Great Accomplishment of the Maitreya and more all speak of an exalted Hero, conqueror of evil, who will bring peace to His people in new kingdom.
All speak of this messenger, a holy one, a benefactor, the comforter coming from a place of which we will know nothing, at a time of which we will not be aware, a time not marked - but surely at the time when all tribulation and evil has become unbearable and when “unrighteousness has been exalted to righteousness.” His name is a name different among nations, but the message is the same: these prophets and great leaders of religions have been, and are yet- hopeful for the return or appearance of one greater than they.
Every religion claims that all nations (or men) will be affected. After this time of great tribulation, all evil will be dealt with in a mighty blow and a God more powerful than all evil will reign.
• “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away. And his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." Judaism, Daniel from the Bible’s old testament.
• "Him that overcometh... I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the... new Jerusalem... and I will write upon him my new name." --- JESUS- Revelation 3, Bible, new testament.
• "Whenever there is decay of righteousness... and there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth... for the destruction of evil-doers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness, I am born from age to age." --- KRISHNA- Bhagavad Gita- fourth discourse
• “God would send forth a man from the people of my house, who will fill the earth with equity as it has been filled with oppression.'"--- Islam- Hadith of Abu Dawud
With such a start he will establish an empire of God in this world. He will be the final demonstration and proof of God's merciful wish to acquaint man with the right ways of life." --- Islam (Shiite)- Nahjul Balagha, Khutba 141, 187
• “another Buddha will arise in the world, a Holy One... He will reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you... He will proclaim a religious life, wholly perfect and pure; such as I now proclaim." ---BUDDHA- The Gospel of Buddha
• “…he is World- renovator because he will establish the physical living existence indestructible. He will oppose the evil of the progeny of the biped and withstand the enmity produced by the faithful." --- Zoroastrianism- Avesta, Farvardin Yast 13.129
• beginning and the end, and who comprehends all things, shall descend upon the earth. He will be born as Kalki in the family of an eminent brahmin of Sambhala village, endowed with the eight superhuman faculties. By his irresistible might he will destroy all the barbarians and thieves, and all whose minds are devoted to iniquity. He will then re-establish righteousness upon earth; and the minds of those who live at the end of the Kali age shall be awakened, and shall be as pellucid as crystal. The men who are thus changed by virtue of that peculiar time shall be as the seeds of human beings, and shall give birth to a race who shall follow the laws of the Krita age, the Age of Purity." --- Hinduism- Vishnu Purana 4.24
• "Well is it with him who fixeth his gaze upon the Order of Baha'u'llah, and rendereth thanks unto his Lord. For he will assuredly be made manifest. God hath indeed irrevocably ordained it..." --- THE BAB- Tablet to the Shah, God Passes By, p.25
• "The time fore-ordained unto the people and kindreds of the earth is now come. The promises of God as recorded in the holy Scriptures, have all been fulfilled..." --- BAHA'U'LLAH- Baha'i World Faith, p.9-11

I do not agree that all religions are equal, or their beliefs. Yet, it seems powerful proof that at some time in ancient history, men were made to believe in a great being, someone holy and mighty with powers beyond the scope of men. There must have been a reason for this belief and hope. Surely, evil has been around since the beginning of time (another indication of the truth of the bible). Would this also suggest that men were also aware of the choice between good and evil, the need for conquering evil, and the need for a greater power to make it happen? Did these religious leaders have a mutual awareness of the destruction of the world because of evil, and of a great redeemer.
Some will argue that good and evil were instinctive in us, and the desire to combat evil is inbred. We lean naturally toward good. Then I would ask, how is that human choice or personality traits were instantly enabled when life ‘exploded’ into being.
Some will argue that religious leaders merely followed one another and copied some of the stronger teachings. How convenient.
The bible has been in existence for more years than any other religious document, and has survived through tribulation and persecution. The bible stands, and foretells all that comes after.
Why is that so hard to believe - when all these other religious leaders agree on the most important news of all? Evil will destroy this world, a greater being will redeem us from our own-made deaths, and God the Father will judge how we have lived. You may choose to name other prophets or leaders that carry this or similar information, but the same is true. A greater being rules.

My two cents.
April Boyer © Feb. 2010

Art by Ruby M

2010-02-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Yellow and Blue by Ruby M.

See her art soon, at SeniorMoments-Seeds.blogspot