Love Changes Everything by Micah Berteau - A Book Review

If you're not familiar with the story of Hosea and Gomer in the Bible, it's really quite shocking.  Here's my brief synopsis: Hosea was a prophet to Israel, and Gomer was a prostitute.  God told Hosea to marry Gomer.  She kept cheating on him and returning to prostitution. Yet he still pursued her.

This is like the love of God.  We can mess up over and over and over and God will STILL love us.  He will ALWAYS love us.  He continues to pursue us.  In his book Love Changes Everything, Micah Berteau describes the love of God in a way that, if you let it, will change your life. 

In the book, Micah tells a story from his childhood about breaking a cupboard door.  His father had told him not to sit on the door and swing on it, but he did it anyway, and sure enough, broke the door.  He ran into his room and hid and cried.  He was there for 3 hours before his dad finally found him.  His dad turned on the light, relieved to have found his son.  When his father asked him why he was crying, Micah admitted to his crime.  His father told him he had fixed the door right after Micah had broken it.  What the Father was concerned about was that he could not find his son.

This is God's love, my friends. We get hung up on our sin when we should just get hung up on God.  His love never fails.  His love is always faithful even when we are not.  It's kind of surreal when you think about it; a man marries a prostitute because God told him to, then falls madly in love with her, and pursues her to the ends of the earth.

We are flawed; sinful.  God is perfect.  And yet He chooses to love us.  The only reason we don't experience that love is if we choose not to receive it.

I recommend this book, although there are a few parts that get a bit repetitive.  There were a few parts where I thought, "get on with it", but I promise you it's worth the read.


*I received this book at no cost in exchange for my fair and honest review.

You can find this book on Amazon

WAIT..... What?!?!?

photo courtesy of losarciniegas

Have you ever thought of how strange it is that you can have a conversation without really saying anything?

"Wait...what?"
"I know, right?"
"Dude!"
"Mmmm-Hm."
"For REAL."

You could be talking about anything from a movie to a sale at your favorite department store to the second coming of Christ.  That really has nothing to do with the meat of this post, but I've been thinking about it, and after the title of this blog post.... Anyway. I digress...

This season of my life has been very trying.  As most of you know I have a broken foot.  It's been 2 1/2 months, and I have to have surgery on June 14th. (For those of you who pray, I would greatly appreciate prayers for a smooth recovery!)  It may be another 2 1/2 months after surgery.  We are surely hoping for less, but who knows?

And then, we're meeting financial advisers and planning on how we're paying off our debt, fixing up our house to sell, getting appraisals... The appraisals came in SO low it's ridiculous. Like $100K LOW.  (Side note: Huntington Bank is great for checking and savings accounts but do not EVER use them for appraisals.)  So everything has come to a screeching halt.

My least favorite answer to prayer isn't no.  It's wait.  Wait.  I STINK at waiting.  I'm a doer.  A fixer. A pull the trigger, fish or cut bait, Type A, get it done kind of girl.  So when God says, "Wait,"  I'm like, WHAT?  Might as well tell me stop requiring oxygen!

My least two favorite words in the Bible? "Be still."  For those of you who knew me before Myasthenia Gravis entered my life, had you ever seen me be still? Maybe in my sleep.  Maybe.  So I've been asking God to show me what He's trying to tell me, and guess what I'm getting?

Wait.

Be still.

Sigh. Okay, God, I got the message.  I don't like it, and I don't know how to do it, but I finally understand.  It's so much easier to encourage OTHERS to be still and wait for the Lord... To remind them that God is always in control, and that He definitely knows better than I do. 

So as I try to quiet the beast inside me begging for action, I humbly ask for your prayers.  It's a swift learning curve, but the sooner I figure it out, the better off I will be (and probably those around me who have had to put up with my irritable self!). 

I'm so grateful I have a Father in Heaven who wants the very best for me that He will do whatever it takes to ensure I get it.  Myasthenia Gravis came into my life at a time when my life was on the verge of going down a very wrong path.  I had to quit a job I loved, was really good at, and made amazing money doing.  But moral issues were popping up that I was incredibly uncomfortable with...and then I literally became so sick I could NOT work any longer.  That was the best thing that ever happened to me, and it certainly wasn't pleasant.

All this happening now isn't pleasant either, but I know that when I come out the other side (notice I said WHEN not IF!), I will be a better person for it.  Life is full of mountain tops and valleys.  The view from the top is breathtaking.  And I've been blessed with some incredible mountaintop experiences.  But where does the growth take place?  In the valleys, my friends.  We cannot grow on the mountaintop.  We must experience the valleys.  So as I go through this valley, I am trying my very best to lean into My Father, and to be still, and to KNOW, the HE is God.

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

Raw

I am telling you...today is probably THE hardest day yet with this cast on my broken foot.  I'm trying to be all like, yeah, there are GOOD things about having a broken right foot:  1. A pair of socks lasts twice as long.  2. When you go on vacation you only have to take all of your left shoes.  3.  You can't cause a car accident driving because you can't drive. 4. You're REALLLLY hard to kidnap because you're 100% dead weight, including the cast!

But today?  Today I'm just angry and frustrated and just plain mad.  Pity, party of one, your table is ready.

Those of you who know me at all know I am a Christian.  What exactly does that mean?  It means that I believe there is One True God, and THE only way to get to heaven to live eternally is through His Son Jesus.  There is no other way. You can't be good enough.  You have to believe that Jesus died for your sins and you need a Savior, and you ask Him to be that Savior.

I want that to always be enough.  I want to be like Joni and always have a smile and always praise God for my suffering.  I want to praise Him through the storm.

But I'm going to be 100% real with y'all.  Right now?  I just can't.  It is the most beautiful day outside.  THE perfect day to go for a walk.  But I can't walk.  It's seriously gorgeous out.  We have the windows open.  It's 64 degrees, blue sky, and sunshine. 

Doug has started ripping things off the walls in the dining room, painting, etc., as we redo this place and get it ready to sell.  I can't help.  Even if I try, I'm just in the way with this honkin' scooter and cast.  Our door openings in this house are NARROW.  Like NOT ADA accessible.  It was built before 1900.  The scooter takes about an acre and a half to turn around.  Even though I'm feeling SO much stronger from using the IonCleanse, I still have Myasthenia Gravis, and my upper body strength has NEVER been good.  Muscling around with this scooter, trying to lift-and-spin because I DON'T have adequate turn-around room.

I can't use crutches to save my life.  I'm afraid if I used those on a regular basis I'd break something else.  Monday I go to the doc to find out if I have to have surgery to get this foot fixed...if I don't, 4-5 more weeks with the cast.  If I DO... 6-8 weeks.  No weight bearing.  It's brutal. 

I know people have it worse than broken feet.  I know I'm being a baby.  But I just wanted to be real.  I post a lot of stuff about God, and being a Christian, but just because I AM, doesn't mean I don't struggle.  Do I think God is still in control?  Of course.  Do I believe God has a plan for me in all this?  Yup.  Do I wish He could have done it in a different way?  You bet I do.

So on this first perfect day since we've been back from vacation, I'm a frustrated, bawling mess.  I know God never leaves me and when I feel this way it's because I've turned away in my struggle.  I'll get back to where I need to be... But today... Not so much.

Letter to God: Faithful

Dear Lord,

I feel so lost.  I've always been a "do-er"...a Martha, I suppose.  Type A, always doing something.  Right now though, Father, I'm just lost.  I was sitting here thinking of what to say, and I am brought back once again to Romans 8:26-27. 

 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

The last time these verses were so prevalent in my life was almost 19 years ago when I was told I could have a terminal, degenerative disease that would slowly and painfully end my life.  You led me to this Scripture then, and you're leading it to me now.  I don't even know how to pray, Lord.  Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who intercedes on my behalf.

You know I've never been good at being still, or at not knowing what's coming next.  Now, not only do I have no idea what's coming next, I'm *forced* to be still because I cannot even WALK let alone DO anything.  Yes, Lord, I'm angry and frustrated.  I know You can handle that.  I don't like not knowing my future.  I don't like not knowing how long I'll be stuck in this blasted cast, in the house, even in this state. 

But You know God.  You Know. And that HAS to be good enough right now.  Help me really GET that.

In Jesus' Name.

*                 *                      *                      *                           *                          *

This song by Carrollton is SO my heart right now.  Please read these beautiful words.

"Even though I cannot see where You're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

It's another day in a worn out life
With nothing lost and nothing gained
And I can't make it on my own
And that I know will never change
So my hope is in You
My trust is in You
And You have never failed

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

So why do I still try my ways
When all it brings is doubt and fear
Lord help me see, help me believe
In You alone I persevere

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

My hope is in You
My trust is in You
And You have never failed
So I will lay down
All of my fears now
Cause You will never fail

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful 

I am Yours, and You are faithful

I am Yours, and You are faithful"

Change

I'm not really a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal.  Not that I'm NEVER spontaneous, but as a whole, change and I are not the best of friends.  I like things to stay the way they are most of the time.  Sure, there are times when things HAVE to change.

And this is perfect timing for this post, because I decided to change the design of my blog a little bit.  Now I have no idea where half the stuff went that was on here, and some things are on here taking up 200 lines. Sigh.  

As many of you know, 2 weeks before we were going to North Carolina to look at houses, I broke my foot.  BIG change for the way that vacation was going to happen for me.  Not a good, happy change.  We are, as a family, in the middle of some BIG decisions; big changes...and they seem to be evolving every day.  And it makes me very anxious.

Do you know what I find most comforting about God?  You got it.  He. Never.  Changes.

17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. " James 1:17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

That means that God is the same today, right now, in my life, as he was before time began.  He is the same as He was when He dried up the Red Sea and saw the Israelites cross on dry ground.  He is the same now as He will be when Jesus returns again on that glorious day.... Hallelujah!

Friends, I don't like it when things change.  I don't like being in situations I can't control.  But the beautiful thing is, NOTHING that happens to you or to me is a surprise to God.  He is our Rock in good times and bad... In plenty or in want.  Our God is God yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

And that gives me great comfort.

Life Is NOT Fair

Oh my friends.  I'm not really whining today; I'm just really, really sure of this fact:  Life as we know it, is simply not fair.  It just isn't. It never will be. And the sooner we accept that, the better off we will be. 

It isn't easy though, especially when it seems that we are trying so hard to do all the right things. All the things we know are good and noble.  And yet it appears that mean, evil, rotten people flourish.  I know.  I've been there myself, and I've seen people I love suffer things that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.  

Why is that?  Why do good people suffer?  If we are God's children, and God wants only good things for us, why are people who care about God struggling?? My only answer is that satan is the lord of this world.  His time is short, and he knows it, and he will do whatever it takes to take as many people with him as he can.  So if he can help make a rotten human being outwardly wealthy and prosperous, and make it look like the kind, compassionate person is constantly under attack and things are going wrong all the time, he thinks he's winning. But we ALL know how the story ends!

Emotions are POWERFUL things.  They are more powerful than facts (to most people).  Passion can be blinding. If I get really amped up about something, super passionate, highly emotional, it can be very difficult to reason with me.  That passion and emotional can be a force unto itself.  It can accomplish amazing things.  Yet it can also hinder the truth. We can get so caught up in what's "fair" and what's "unfair" that we miss the whole point. 


Even though evildoers of the world seem to prosper, take heart: God says,

  "that though the wicked sprout like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever;
8but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
9For behold, your enemies, O LORD,
for behold, your enemies shall perish;
all evildoers shall be scattered." Psalm 92:7-9 ESV

So. While the evil people of this world may LOOK like all is well, they are going down.  It's just a matter of time. What then, happens to those of us who have struggled?  

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:7-9 ESV

*Everyone* will reap what they sow.  If you sow corn, you'll get corn.  It's not rocket science.  If you sow bitterness and destruction, guess what you'll reap? Yup.  Bitterness and destruction.  If you sow hate, don't expect to reap roses.

Even though there are days that seem to go on forever, this life really is fleeting.  Our days here on this earth are finite.  Our days with God, in eternity, are INfinite.  Whatever we must endure for now, endure! For the reward we will receive is spending forever, eternity, never ending perfect days, with our Father God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. In a perfect world.  With perfect bodies.  No more sin.  No sorrow.  No pain.  No tears.  The day Jesus returns is coming soon.  And all the pain will end, IF you know Jesus as your personal Savior. 

One of my favorite verses: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 ESV

"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5

Book Review: "Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women" by Lindsay Franklin

What a precious book, y'all.  Each day of the year has a Bible verse, a short devotion, and a small space for journaling.  I do mean small...that's my only issue with this book.  It says it has "journaling space to help readers reflect on the day's message."  There are 4 small lines at the end of each day. So you're not going to write a book, but maybe a short prayer? 

If you're not that into journaling anyway, the Kindle edition might be right up your alley!  And right now on amazon it's only $1.99!

Each devotion speaks to an area of a young woman's life:  insecurity, jealousy, making mistakes, being humble, being flexible, feeling loved, strength, hope, etc. using female examples from the Bible.  For example, on back to back days a young lady can read about Leah and Rachel, sisters in the Bible who were married to one man.

Leah wasn't as loved as Rachel, so it speaks to insecurity and how God takes care of us in a special way, *especially* when we feel unloved. (If you are unfamiliar with the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel you can read it in Genesis.)  God allowed Leah to have many sons, while Rachel was barren for a long time.  Rachel was the love of Jacob's life.  She had his love; but she *wanted* his children. So Rachel's story speaks to jealousy.

This book is a great devotion for teenage girls, or maybe a little older young ladies, especially if they are newer to the faith as it isn't really "heavy" spiritually.

You can purchase this book on amazon HERE. 

Disclaimer:  I received this book at no charge in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

The Little Things

Before I got sick, I was definitely a "grand gesture" kind of girl.  Lavish gifts, big parties, weekends in Chicago, the bigger the better. I worked hard and played hard. But then Myasthenia Gravis came into my life. 

I got too sick to work. I was too weak to go grocery shopping.  Pretty soon I couldn't put my hair up or take a shower on my own, or even breathe without a machine.

It's then that you realize that life truly is about the little things.

Being able to put my own socks and shoes on.

Being able to wash my hair.  (Being clean is totally under-rated!! Go without a shower or washing your hair for a while...you'll know what I mean!)

Being able to breathe without a ventilator.

Being able to talk after 4 months with no voice whatsoever.

Being able to do laundry.

Being able to stand long enough to make a meal.

Being able to put make up on.

Being able to cut my own food.

These are all things I was unable to do when I was really sick.  Some of these things literally took years for me to get back to doing.  I was so weak, and so very sick. 

Sometimes, a grand gesture is wonderful!  And it can be a very necessary thing.  But most often, it's the little things we can do that make our lives and the lives of our loved ones better.

Smile at a stranger.  You will notice how their whole countenance changes.  Say hi to someone.  Compliment the cashier ringing up your groceries, or the server bringing you food.  Pay for someone behind you at a toll booth.  Pay for someone's coffee, or meal if you can. 

This world didn't get ugly and hateful overnight.  Sometimes it feels that way, but it truly didn't.  We turned a blind eye little by little, by little, by little... until we opened them and saw we were facing a whole different direction.

Let's get back to the little things.  Do something kind today, just for the sake of kindness.  I'll bet you'll make someone feel really good.  And I have a feeling you'll walk a little lighter yourself.

What Motivates You?

"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."  Albert Einstein

Americans, in my humble opinion, embody this quote.  

"What's in it for me?"

"What will happen to me if I don't?"

Isn’t that what we hear most often from our children?  Sadly, adults are following suit. I wonder…

How many people would file taxes if they KNEW there was no punishment for not filing?

How many people would go to work if they didn't get paid?

What happened to a good, solid work ethic? Putting in a hard day’s work for the sake of doing a good job?

How many people go to church because they are afraid not to?  Either afraid of being judged, or afraid of God's wrath. I grew up in a church like that.  As long as your butt was in the seat, you had fire insurance, if you know what I mean.  And if you weren't there, you better be out of state or dying.  {And I'm not saying don't go to church, I'm just using this as an example to get to my point.}

This is my question:  what ever happened to intrinsic value? 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary has a wonderful definition of intrinsic: “belonging to the essential nature of a thing: occurring as a natural part of something.”  Like breathing.  It’s just part of you.

Intrinsic.  Indwelling. Deep-rooted. Organic.  That “thing” inside that tells you the right thing to do.  Just because it’s right.

When did everything become about getting something in return, or doing something just to avoid punishment or repercussion of some kind?  Whatever happened to doing the right thing just to do the right thing?  Or being kind for the sake of being kind?

What about our relationships with God?  Do we “use” Him to get things?  Are we only interested in His blessings, but not willing to walk in obedience? Do we “love” Him so that He won’t be angry at us or throw a bolt of lightning our way?

“I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
    a little child to the cheek,
    and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4

Our God is so loving and good to us. He doesn’t withhold His kindness or blessings from us even though we deserve none of them!  Our Father’s only motive is love.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3b

I have a challenge to everyone who reads this:  do something kind “just because”. The whole "commit random acts of kindness" and "pay it forward" clichés have been around for a while.  But seriously, when is the last time that you did something nice for someone else, just to do it? Not because you wanted anything from them or because you felt you owed them something. Just because.

Do you have an elderly neighbor who is alone 90% of the time?  Go visit.  Take your kids.  Your children would be learning history from one who has lived it, and your neighbor would be filled with joy. We can learn more from one hour talking to older folks and asking them to tell us about their lives than we could in a month of history books.

Do you know someone who had a recent illness or injury?  Ask if you can clean their house. Bring a meal over to them.

Is someone at church looking for a babysitter?  Volunteer your time. Just because it’s the right thing to do.

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:34-36

Does God Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

He sure does.

There is a familiar adage people say when you're having a tough go of things:  "God will never give you more than you can handle."  I'm so sorry to break it to you, but He certainly WILL.

His Word says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

Notice how it doesn't say "If you pass through the waters" or "If you walk through the fire"?  It says "when" my friends.  Do you know what that means? It means that in this life you WILL without a doubt walk through some dark, difficult times.

(Gee, Kerri, thanks for the encouragement...)

But HERE'S the thing:  God WILL be with you!!  He will NOT let those waters overwhelm you.  He will NOT let those flames you feel licking at your back consume you!  

And you will get *through* it.

God allows things that I don't always understand.  A lot of the time.  Most of the time, to be completely honest.  I don't understand why. Once again I find consolation in God's Word:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

These 2 verses helped me so much when I was sick.  It's like we are all part of a big jig saw puzzle, and all WE can see from our limited view are the pieces that immediately connect to ours.  And the picture from here is NOT always rosy, let me tell ya.  However, we worship a God who sees ALL!  He sees the big picture!  He sees how our pieces, our problems, our predicaments, connect with others' pieces to make the most magnificent picture.

Friends, I don't know why you are dealing with what you are.  I don't need to.  God knows.  He is THERE, right by your side.  Notice that first verse I shared from Isaiah.  It doesn't say "I will be ahead of you" or "I will be behind you", it says, "I will be WITH you."

"6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong, my friend.  God will definitely give you MORE than YOU can handle.  That's only because He wants you to give your burdens to Him.

 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

Magnificent Milestone

Yesterday was a HUGE day for me.  Not because I don't feel very good (Jacob shared his germs with me).  Not because it was Sunday (I missed church).  It was a big, wonderful, magnificent day in which I reached a major, magnificent, monumental, milestone.

After 17 years and 9 months, I am *completely* OFF of CellCept.  CellCept is the medication I take for the Myasthenia Gravis.  I started it in February of 2001 and have been on it ever since.  The only time I *didn't* take it was when I was pregnant with Jacob.

CellCept worked miracles for me.  It was the only MG med I had taken that worked.  Between that and Plasmapheresis, I stayed alive.  I didn't have side effects with CellCept as long as I took it with food.  I've had friends that had catastrophic side effects from this medication.

CellCept is a drug that suppresses the immune system.  With MG, my own immune system attacks the connection between my nerves and muscles (the neuromuscular junction).  So by taking this medication (originally a drug for organ transplant patients to help prevent rejection), the MG symptoms were slightly abated.  However, it was NOT a cure.

I am still NOT cured.

I am still NOT in remission... I have simply swapped out medication and a grueling procedure in which 150% of my blood volume was taken out, separated, put back together and put back in my body (plasmapheresis) for a foot bath. 

Yup, I said foot bath.  But not any foot bath... The IonCleanse by AMD.  This machine gave me the miracle I have been praying for since I had my first symptom in July of 1996.  IF I use the IonCleanse by AMD three times a week, I don't need pheresis, and I've been able to get off of Prednisone (after 17 years) and now off of CellCept (all WITH my neurologists's consent).

I was fortunate enough to be part of a very small, informal study in which the IonCleanse by AMD was provided for me to use as a possible MG treatment.  It is non-invasive, there are no chemicals in it, it is completely safe, and AMD has a perfect safety record. Click HERE to read the white paper on the study.)

As a side note, since using the foot bath (November 10 will be 2 years since my very first one), I have not needed plasmapheresis for 21 months!!!  

I'm so thankful to God for bringing this machine into my life.  My quality of life is SO much better.  I can drive again.  After almost 15 years of being primarily home bound, I can go places with or without Jacob, without my husband.  Nothing. Else. Has. Changed. In my medical regiment.  If I over do it, or if I miss a bunch of treatments, I get more symptomatic.

And I'll tell you before you even check out the link, it's *expensive*.  Sure, you could find something cheaper; but please remember, you get what you pay for.  A cheap, Chinese knock off has NO oversight... There is NO ONE making sure it's safe.  It hasn't been tested.  It's basically a glorified battery charger.  (We ARE talking water and electricity here)... And no, I don't work for AMD.  I'm not a salesman.  I just want everyone to know what a miracle this machine has been in my life.

AMD has the patent on this technology.  As I said, they have a 100% safety rating.  The people who own the company are good people.  If you call the company, you may very well talk to one of the founders.  They aren't pretentious.  They are good, decent people who want to help others.

Anyway... I just wanted to share my amazing news with everyone, and thank God for seeing fit to bring this machine into my life.

NEVER give up.  I went 20 years with this disease controlling my life.  But people were praying for me every. single. day.  I don't know why it took 20 years.  And I don't care.  The IonCleanse by AMD has given me my life back, and I give God all the glory!

Be blessed y'all!

Click HERE to go to the AMD website. (We in the study all used the Solo machine.)

A Job vs. Working

photo cred: alamy

I was talking with someone a while back and during the course of our conversation it came up that I homeschool my son.  I told this other mom some of the other things I'm doing right now and asked if they thought they could handle doing those things. 

"Me??  I have a JOB," they said rather haughtily.  

{crickets}

I was like, Oh, you have a JOB?  That you get PAID for?  That you work at 40 hours a week, sitting behind a desk, answering phones and filing papers?  Wow!!

I may not have a JOB, but I WORK my butt off.

"Salary.com aimed to market price Mom in the same manner it prices a job. For 10 titles, a nearly 100-hour work-week and a six-figure annual rate, moms may be the most valuable workers in the country." (www.forbes.com)

Ten titles.  100 (plus) work weeks.  No monetary pay.  I get paid in hugs and kisses, headaches, heartaches and never get a vacation.  Even when I'm on vacation...I'm always a mom. And there is no harder, better job I'd rather have!!  Along with the other dozens of things I need to be, I am:

a scientist
a teacher
a friend
a therapist
a nurse
a professional organizer
a taxi driver
a referee
a medical professional 
a psychiatrist
a financial manager
a veterinarian (for my fur-bearing children)
a counselor
a disciplinarian
a boo-boo kisser
a chef
a nutritionist
a housekeeper
a maid
a missionary

and so much more.  

So stay at home, homeschooling moms, whether you work OUTSIDE the home or not:  I see you!  I know how hard you work!  God sees you, and sees you investing in the future generation for the good of His kingdom.  So the next time that person in your life tells you (haughtily and with smug self-appreciation) that they have a JOB, you go ahead and tell them that you work harder than anyone you know, and that according to forbes.com you SHOULD be making $115,000 a year.  

And you are worth every. single. penny.

Unpopular Part Two

A few months ago, I posted a poll on Facebook that asked if people were born inherently good, or inherently bad/evil.  I have to say I was a tiny bit surprised by some of the responses.  A full 65% of those who answered said they thought people were born inherently good.

For those who are interested:  I disagree.  So does the Bible.

"Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." Ephesians 4:23

I recently read a book called "The Hope of Nations" by John S. Dickerson. *Amazing* read.  

In "Hope of Nations",  John S. Dickerson writes about the Post-Truth and Post-Christianity society, in which we now live.  A Post-Truth society is one in which feelings have more influence over decisions that facts.  Read that again.  I'll type it again:  In this Post-Truth society we find ourselves in, *feelings* rule.  They are secondary to *facts*.  Let that really sink in.  It's terrifying if you ask me.

On page 68 the author writes, " Even fallen humans are capable of great good, nobility, and creativity.  However, separated from God by sin, humans inevitably drift back toward the destruction of sin.... Apart from Christ, we are blinded from the truth.... This is why a world with more than enough water, food, and resources still contains millions who lack clean water, sufficient good, and basic freedoms.... God intentionally described the fall of humanity at the very beginning of the Bible because it is a foundational truth. If we forget this reality about human nature, the world will not make sense.  Indeed, our Post-Truth neighbors, having been taught that all people are basically good, struggle to make sense of realities like ISIS and drunk drivers."

Think about it.  How else can you describe ISIS other than evil?  And what is the opposite of evil? Good. There is, without a doubt, good AND evil in this world. The problem is, we start OUT evil, and can only become "good" by the grace of Jesus Christ.

The depravity of man is a concept I grew up knowing because I grew up in the church.  The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" 

This is where we are now, in my opinion (and have been since the early New Testament  church):  "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error."  Romans 1:26-27  Unnatural.  Indecent.  These are not my words.  They are the words of God.

This is why we so desperately need Jesus! He is the ONLY thing that is going to make a hoot of difference in this maddened, sick world.  Did you know that in Folsom, California they have a "bondage" fair?  It's called the Folson Street Fair and it includes " naked adults in leather bondage gear, masturbation in public, and outdoor sexual "play places" that emphasize bondage, whips, and chains. All of this happens in broad daylight in a major American city."  ("Hope of Nations", p 13)

If that is not depravity I don't know what is, my friends. I think most of us can agree that an event like this is at the very least inappropriate, and at worst, absolutely vile and revolting.  Depraved.

One man decided this festival was appropriate for his 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER whom he brought to the sex festival dressed in leather bondage gear.  A TWO year old.  A reporter asked him if it was wrong to bring a child (a BABY) to such an event, and the dad answered, " 'Every parent has to decide for themselves what is right for them. And I respect that.  And we decided that this is right for our children.' " (p 13, taken from the East Bay Times, Sept. 29, 2005)

Do you see why it is imperative to have an absolute truth???  If we have no TRUTH there is no standard by which to measure right and wrong.  This "father" decided it was right for him to abuse his child by taking her to see things she should NEVER see in her life let alone as a baby.  Do you think it's a far stretch to this child being molested by one of the "fair goers?"  Think about it!  If there is no "wrong", if *anything* is tolerable and acceptable, why wouldn't it be the logical next step?  Someone out there doesn't think it's wrong to molest a child, therefore, he will do what "is right to him."

And mark my words:  very soon there will be no law able to stop him if this world continues down the path it's on. 

I could go on and on, but I want to say this:  THERE IS HOPE!!!  

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[a] because all sinned—13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Romans 5:12-17

Just as we all sinned through Adam, we can all be saved through Christ.  It's not like God is about to leave us in our depravity!  We ALL have a choice!  

"For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." Romans 5:7-9

Justified means "just as if I hadn't sinned".  God, through Christ, brings us unto Himself.  He takes away our sin through the blood of Jesus!  Hallelujah!  We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  There is NOTHING we can do to earn salvation.  Nothing.  God will never love you MORE.  And He will never love you LESS.

I know this is a long post, and I'm praying you're still reading.  Please think about the things in this article.  I know some of them shocked you.  They shocked me.  They sickened me.  But they also lit a fire under me.  How can anyone read about a "festival" like that, in California, in broad daylight, and NOT be disturbed??   This is our world, people.  

We need Jesus.  Do you know Him?  Please just consider His offer:  "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

 "...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9-10

It really is THAT simple.  Believe.  Confess.  Live for him.  He WILL give us rest in this wicked, wicked world.