When I'm Queen...

The Prophet, the Shepherd & the Star - Book Review

2012-02-10T16:14:00.002-06:00

I am amazed and touched by the books by Jenny Cote - starting with the Ark, the Reed and the Firecloud, continuing through the Dreamer, the Schemer and the Robe to this newest book, The Prophet, the Shepherd & the Star. What a wonderful way to bring the Word of God to children in such depth and in such a way that they will thoroughly enjoy learning. Of course, it's important to explain to them the differences between the Word and the fictional parts of the book if they aren't already aware, but worth the effort! I was greatly impressed with this last book and the way it explained the prophecies. Bringing the words of the prophets to children in a way they can understand how the prophecies are linked is genius! I have suggested this book to everyone I know with a child in the proper age range for the reading level. My daughter loved all the books. I would love to see some Bible school curriculum evolve from these books. I can't wait for the next one to be released!

Book Review: not a fan.

2011-12-17T23:01:00.000-06:00

One of the most compelling and convicting books that I have read this year is not a fan. by Kyle Idleman It became one of those books whose pages that need to be highlighted, dog-eared and flagged. The first line in the book is "Are you a follower of Jesus?". At first blush, and as Pastor Idleman points out, this may be a question you automatically answer without thinking much about it. But as you delve into the book, you are made to look deep into yourself, question your motives and priorities and really answer the question. Are you a fan or a follower? What is your commitment?

I will admit that this was a challenging book. It was convicting and there were times when I did question myself - but I think that was the point of the book. The book is very well written, very easy to understand and, at times, humorous (most of that is in the footnotes). The reader will find themselves being shown, through focusing on certain Bible passages and Pastor Idleman's explanations, the difference between being a fan of Christ and being a follower.

He doesn't stop at convicting the individual, he also speaks to churches in general. He says, "The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren't actually interesting in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them." He also mentions later that in some instances churches have become enablers, my word not his, that don't teach what it really means to be a follower because they don't want to make the congregation uncomfortable. I stopped at this point to reflect on all the times that my Pastor has apologized during a sermon that did convict and perhaps make us uncomfortable but then followed up with letting us know he wanted us to know the truth and sometimes the truth is hard. But we're dealing with our eternal life, so shouldn't we want to know the truth, even if it is difficult sometimes?

A follower gives all, they aren't perfect, they are committed. Even if their friends and families think they are going overboard, they stay focused on Jesus. As Pastor Idleman puts it "In Revelation 3 Jesus says to the Christians in Laodicea, 'You are neither hot or cold but because you are lukewarm-I'm about to spit you out of my mouth.' Jesus doesn't say, 'Everything in moderation'; he says you can't be my follower if you don't give up everything. His invitation is an all or nothing invitation."

One of the most encouraging things that I found in the book is this - "when Jesus invites you to follow him, his invitation comes to you right where you are. He doesn't want you to wait until tomorrow in hopes that you will finally be heading down the right path; he wants you to say yes today and he will lead you out of where you are now." Thank God for that.

Book Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

2011-06-18T20:27:00.000-05:00

If all memoirs were like this book, they may be the only genre I would read. This book captured my attention with its title. I kept coming back to it. Jesus and the CIA, I finally decided I had to know the connection. Ian Cron’s memoir is a look into the life of a child growing up with an alcoholic father and the impact it has on decisions, emotions and faith. The famous words of review that have been used time and again – “I laughed, I cried” – well, I laughed, I cried, I prayed. Moments in the book will speak to you, touch you to the core and make you chuckle. The memoir is told honestly but at times with humor that makes you wonder at its very presence.

There were several ideas in the book that I just wanted to write down and stare at, considering them in more detail. One of them was “Life always comes down to who’s driving.” It made me think of signs I’ve seen that say “If God is your co-pilot, you’re in the wrong seat.” Who is driving your life? One of the others was “Love always stoops.” God’s love and the love we are meant to develop and show to others is a humble love, a servant’s love. “Love always stoops.” I think I’ll remember that one.

This book was a quick read because it was so intriguing and enchanting, pulling you into Ian Cron’s life as if you were there with him. I have to give a small shoutout to Book Sneeze because if it weren’t for their site, I may never have found this book or decided to read it. And that would have been regrettable. I highly recommend this book.

Resurgence - Answers to Common Questions About Creation

2011-06-11T17:05:00.001-05:00

Answers to Common Questions about Creation

I found this to be quite interesting. It's a little long, but worth the read. Two things that I found compelling enough to want to share is Pastor Mark's thoughts on evolution:

What are some of the problems with atheistic evolution?
Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1892) was an English naturalist who founded the modern theory of evolution. He published this proposal in 1859 in the book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. His lengthy original title is often shortened to The Origin of Species both because of its length and its racist overtones. Evolution seeks to explain the origin of life apart from God. As Christians we are free to accept the seemingly self-evident fact of micro-evolution that species can and do adapt to their environments. However, as Christians we are not free to accept the yet unproven and highly suspect thesis of macro-evolution that one species can evolve into another species entirely.
And, though it reigned as the dominant paradigm for over one hundred years, Darwin's theory of evolution has recently come under intense criticism by both Christian and non-Christian scientists who prefer what has come to be known as "intelligent design." The reasons for the decline of confidence in macro-evolution are many, but the following are some of the most implausible faith-leaps of macro-evolution, which seemingly requires at least as much faith as believing in an eternal God:

It postulates that the world sprang into existence from nothing for no reason, or that matter is basically eternal and has no origin but cannot explain how or why this occurred.
It postulates that impersonal matter created personal people.
It postulates that species evolved over long periods of time from one kind of animal to another yet does not have the transitional forms between species that would demonstrate this has actually occurred.
It has been unable to replicate evolution after over one hundred years of attempts to do so.

Because of these reasons, as well as the clear conflict with Scripture, Christians should reject macro-evolution as both flawed science and aberrant theology.

And his thoughts on the Bible's teachings. He discusses several interpretations, but this is just one of them:

View #1 - Historic Creationism
In this view, Genesis 1:1 records the making of all of creation by God out of nothing (or ex nihilo) through a merism of "heavens and earth," which means the sky above and land below, or the totality of creation. Since the word used for "beginning" in Genesis 1:1 is reshit in Hebrew, which means an indefinite period of time, it is likely that all of creation was completed over an extended period of time (anywhere from days to billions of years). Then Genesis 1:2 begins the description of God preparing the uninhabitable land for the creation of mankind. The preparation of the uncultivated land for and creation of Adam and Eve occurred in six literal twenty-four hour days. This view leaves open the possibility of both an old earth and six literal days of creation.

The article is definitely worth the full read, but these were the highlights in my view.

Book Review - The Ambition by Lee Strobel

2011-06-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

The Ambition is Lee Strobel's first fiction novel. Since I am a big fan of his non-fiction books, I was very eager to get read this book and purchased it as soon as it came out. LOVED this book. Although I have to admit that I had to stop reading a few times because I was so frustrated with the main character. Which I guess proves that it was a good book since it elicited such strong feelings. Very well written, it was a gripping story that I couldn't put down (unless frustration dictated it) about a pastor of a megachurch that thinks about becoming a senator while his church faces proof of God's hand in our lives, corruption runs rampant in the courtroom and an investigative reporter comes across more than he bargained for. The various plot lines interwove and in the end came together seamlessly. I shouldn't have been surprised since I've seen Lee Strobel do the same thing with facts and interviews, but the flow of The Ambition was exceptional.

The only issue that I had was more with the Kindle version than the book itself. Assuming the problem I had was with the Kindle and wasn't showing up in the actual print book. Intermittently during the story the word indent, cindent or excindent would show up where another word was supposed to be. No idea what that was all about.

I would STRONGLY recommend this book.

Book Review - The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone

2011-05-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Story of The Bible is a wonderful trip through time learning about the origins of the Bible, the intricacies of the translations, the dangers dedicated people put themselves in to share the Word of God. Taking you through the history of the Book itself you learn how books were picked for inclusion and how far back the some of the books can be traced. You follow the history of Bible translations to find yourself at the end of the book realizing that the Bible has been translated into more languages than you could imagine, with many more to go. One of my favorite chapters in the book is the 8^th chapter, The Old Book in the New World. As a nation, America has lost sight of the fact that it was founded on Biblical principles, many do not even realize it since it’s hard to find that teaching in schools these days. This chapter is a must read for anyone not familiar with the history of this country.

This book itself is fun to read with the scattered inserts giving you copies of pages to pull out and peruse in their original format. It is like a treasure hunt within the book. The illustrations are beautiful and interesting in themselves. A very nicely done history.

The Heart of Memory by Alison Strobel

2011-05-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of Lee Strobel, so when I heard that his daughter Alison had written a Christian fiction book I decided to read it. I don't read Christian fiction normally, only Jan Karon. I have to say, it is one of the best fiction books that I've read. The story of the life of the heroine and her family, the highs and the devastating lows, was mesmerizing and gripping. From Savannah's seemingly put together life in her ministry through a heart transplant that changed her so much that she almost lost herself in the process, the story flew across the pages. Add to that the dysfunctional relationship with her daughter and the life her husband kept from everyone and it became a book I could genuinely not put down. I would highly recommend this book.

Easter

2011-04-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Luke 24:46-48   And he [Jesus] said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things."

"There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent." That is the Good News!

I have to admit, I don 't understand those who think that the resurrection was some kind of symbolic thing that didn't actually happen. I can understand those who don't believe it at all, although I don't agree with them, but symbolically rising from the dead? Don't get it. There are too many reasons to believe this - 1) no body in the tomb; 2) Jesus appears to women first; 3) The disciples go from hopelessness and disbelief that the man they thought was their savior had died to giving up their lives for him. Something happened to change their minds. And what about James who did not believe before Christ died and Paul who actively persecuted Christ's followers until he also came face to face with the Messiah - at which point he became one of the most vocal followers?

There is no question the tomb was empty. Even the Jewish leaders had to admit to that. If there had been a body in the tomb we wouldn't be celebrating Easter. Women were next to nothing in those times, their witness did not count for much in courts, so if Christ's followers were trying to convince people of something that had not happened, using women as Christ's first post-death appearance would have not helped their cause. And the disciples, who had gone back to their boats - at least the ones who fished - in a state of confusion and despair at the events that had just happened? They suddenly decide to make up a story about Jesus coming back from the dead and are willing to die for this lie? I don't think so. That doesn't make any sense at all.

And then there's Saul (Paul). In Galatians 1:13, in Paul's own words he says, "You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion - how I violently persecuted God's church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors."   And yet, Paul came to believe that he was chosen to spread the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. What could change a man's mind that dramatically? According to Paul, it was a direct encounter with Jesus. And lucky for us he was called upon.

Paul makes two specific statements that are near and dear to my heart in his letters to the churches. The first is in 1 Corinthians 15:17 "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins."   If Jesus was not physically raised from the dead, there is no reason to have faith and we're wasting our time talking about it. But that isn't the case because Jesus was raised from the dead.

Paul's other statement is Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." None. And what a feeling of freedom that is. Praise God for loving us so much that he was willing to sacrifice his Son.

"It is finished."

2011-04-22T14:58:00.000-05:00

By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.

When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, "Surely this man was innocent." And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. Matthew 23:44-49

I decided today to watch The Passion of the Christ. I have owned the movie for a while, but have not watched it mainly because I didn't want to see what I knew would be a realistic portrayal of a crucifixion. I've read the history of them and what exactly went into a crucifixion but reading words and viewing an image, no matter how good your imagination, are two different things. And I remembered how just reading about the crucifixion felt.

I definitely felt deep sorrow while watching this, as I do reading about it. However, I know something that the witnesses to it did not understand at the time. I know that the resurrection happened. While I can feel sorrow that Jesus was tortured and died as he did, I can feel joy knowing that he did not let death defeat him. And because of him, we no longer need an intermediary between us and God. The curtain tore and we are free to have a direct relationship with the One True God.

Beyond understanding. Beyond comprehension. Amazing love. Alleluia Alleluia

"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"

2011-04-22T10:56:00.001-05:00

Matthew 27:46 "At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

I have read, and unfortunately I cannot remember in which of my books, that in the time of Jesus, people would use the first line of a scripture to mean or reference the entire scripture. In this particular case, Jesus' cry references back to the book of Psalm, chapter 22 (Bold added by me)

¹ My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
      Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
² Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
      Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. ³ Yet you are holy,
      enthroned on the praises of Israel.
⁴ Our ancestors trusted in you,
      and you rescued them.
⁵ They cried out to you and were saved.
      They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
⁶ But I am a worm and not a man.
      I am scorned and despised by all!
⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me.
      They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
⁸ “Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
      Then let the Lord save him!
   If the Lord loves him so much,
      let the Lord rescue him!”
⁹ Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb
      and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.
¹⁰ I was thrust into your arms at my birth.
      You have been my God from the moment I was born.
¹¹ Do not stay so far from me,
      for trouble is near,
      and no one else can help me.
¹² My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
      fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
¹³ Like lions they open their jaws against me,
      roaring and tearing into their prey.
¹⁴ My life is poured out like water,
      and all my bones are out of joint.
   My heart is like wax,
      melting within me.
¹⁵ My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
      My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
      You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
¹⁶ My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
      an evil gang closes in on me.
      They have pierced my hands and feet.
¹⁷ I can count all my bones.
      My enemies stare at me and gloat.
¹⁸ They divide my garments among themselves
      and throw dice^[a] for my clothing.
¹⁹ O Lord, do not stay far away!
      You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!
²⁰ Save me from the sword;
      spare my precious life from these dogs.
²¹ Snatch me from the lion’s jaws
      and from the horns of these wild oxen.
²² I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.^[b]
      I will praise you among your assembled people.
²³ Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
      Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
      Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
      He has not turned his back on them,
      but has listened to their cries for help.
²⁵ I will praise you in the great assembly.
      I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied.
      All who seek the Lord will praise him.
      Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
²⁷ The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
      All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
²⁸ For royal power belongs to the Lord.
      He rules all the nations.
²⁹ Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.
      Bow before him, all who are mortal,
      all whose lives will end as dust.
³⁰ Our children will also serve him.
      Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
³¹ His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
      They will hear about everything he has done.

Just something I thought was interesting that I wanted to share.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite days in the Christian calendar of events. I try to take at least part of the day off on Good Friday to be able to read, reflect and honor our Lord who willingly died for us. Today I have the whole day to consider this event, but a day, even a lifetime, is not enough time to wrap my head around what Christ did for us. Did he want to die? I think he was struggling with his humanity at the end. He knew he had to fulfill the scriptures and was willing to obey his Father at all costs.

Matthew 26:36-46 shows us Jesus' turmoil and suffering. 38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death." 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible,let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." 42 "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done." Heartbreaking. Part of me wants him to be released from this obligation when I read this, I don't want to see someone so beloved by me suffer. But, of course, the other part of me knows that he has to go through with it - for me. If he didn't all would be lost.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 He died for us before we were born, while we were still sinners, because we were sinners. And I thank and praise Him for that.

Easter Services

2011-03-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

If you are in the Chicago area and are thinking about going to church on Easter, please come out to First Church of God in Oak Lawn, IL. Watch the video for more info (and to see what you're getting yourself into). :)

Easter Invitation

A Gumshoe article

2011-03-12T06:48:00.000-06:00

Article on 'The Gumshoe'
You can get to the trailer from a link at the end of the article but for those who would like to see the trailer first, you can follow this link:
The Gumshoe trailer

Hebrews 1

2011-03-04T12:33:00.000-06:00

Looking back on last year's posts I noticed that I have two regarding Hebrews. I may re-post those when I get to the correct days, but I have to add to what I've said in the past. Actually, last year I didn't post anything on this chapter in Hebrews. I find it interesting that no matter how many times you read the Bible, new things pop out at you. They may not even be new things, they may be something you've read and re-read but suddenly you take notice of them or their meaning is something that fixes in your heart at a particular point in time.

Hebrews 1:14 is what stuck out in my mind with this year's reading. "Therefore, angels are only servants-spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation." We are the people who will inherit salvation if we turn to God. Angels are sent to care for us. Guardian angels have been on my mind lately, I'm not sure why. The question of whether they are really part of our world. This is my answer. They are, they are sent to care for us. I have to admit that reading the passage alone isn't what drew my attention to the meaning. I'm using Joyce Meyer's amplified Bible and one of her notes made me go back and re-read the verse. She says, "What a comfort to know that God provides angels to minister to and help us." What? Wait... let's go back.."Therefore, angels are only servants - spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation."

One more thing I have to admit, and you can believe it or not as you so choose. I believe it, because I was there, but I have to admit that part of me sometimes forgets this event. When I mentioned to my daughter that I had been thinking about guardian angels lately and whether they were around, she said, "Well, Mom, you saw one remember?" How is it that my own memory is working against my understanding of His Word?

I had told her a while ago that when I was her age, somewhere between 8 and 10, I woke up one night - yes, I am sure I was awake before you even ask the question. I'm sure because I thought, no one is going to believe I'm awake, I don't and I need to make sure I am. I opened my eyes and at the foot of my bed was a figure shining white, glowing brightly - so I did what any 8-10 year old would do in that situation and threw the covers over my head. When I managed to uncover my head - after moments of heart pounding fear - the figure was no longer there.

I've gone through all the possibilities of what that could have been in my mind, but there really aren't too many. The possibility that anyone who hears the story usually offers is the "it must have been your mom" argument. The problem with this - and any un-supernatural explanation - is the glowing brightness. In addition to that my mom was wearing a forest green robe to bed at the time so no brightness would have been coming off of her anyway.

Angels - they're out there. :) And I'm glad they are.

The Jesus Inquest by Charles Foster

2011-03-01T13:17:00.002-06:00

This book provides a case for and against the resurrection of Christ. I have to admit, I found this book somewhat difficult to read. Not because I didn’t understand what the author was saying, but because it often annoyed me and made me think that he did not particularly think his audience was that intelligent. At least when he was X. This book took on a slight schizophrenic feel since the author was both X (against) and Y (for). At first I thought that would be an interesting way to treat the arguments, but after reading the book for a while, I found myself reading out of order. Since each chapter has subsections in it, I found myself skipping from X’s thoughts on one section to Y’s on the same section and then back to X’s.

There were some arguments made by X that I could see immediately were poor arguments. While I have studied a bit, I am not a scholar by any stretch of the imagination and was surprised to notice this. Interestingly enough, the author in his preface diminishes the work of Lee Strobel, but it was through, in part, to reading Lee Strobel’s work that I was able to pick out Mr. Foster’s X poorer arguments, arguments which were proven to be poor when Mr. Foster’s Y arguments were made. I will probably keep this book as a reference tool now that I have it, but I think there are probably better books out there for those who are looking. I would check out Lee Strobel.

I think it's time everyone come to their senses

2011-02-10T10:57:00.000-06:00

Emanuel rips Chico in first negative ad
Sorry, but anyone who believes this sales tax issue of Rahm's is a good idea has not thought this through.

1) He says that his sales tax "decrease" should save the average family $200/year. That's $.55/day. I understand $200 is money... if someone handed it to me all at once I'd be happy, but I don't think that's even something we're going to notice. However, that $200/year is going to cost the city $45 Million dollars. I don't know if anyone's heard, but the city is pretty much cash strapped. I'm not sure there's a cost/benefit there.

2) As I've said before, Emanuel can't tell us what is going to be considered a "luxury" item because it will be in the hands of the Illinois legislature. I'm sure that fine establishment will have only our best interests at heart. Really. There is no way of knowing how much more we'll be paying when these new taxes hit. None. No one knows. What are the chances it's going to be more than the $200 we're supposedly saving? My guess is pretty good.

But then it's a guess. If Rahm can do it, why can't I?

Charlie Foxtrot by Raymond Starmann

2011-02-09T20:23:00.000-06:00

Charlie Foxtrot by Raymond Starmann
This is one of Ray's first books and is another terrific read. Charlie Foxtrot is a full novel, not a short story and is available on both Kindle and print.

My review of the book:
This is a great read. Extremely funny and entertaining, it also has its poignant moments that warm your heart. I've read this book twice and it was just as good, if not better, the second time around. I would also love to see this book get picked up by a publisher and get widespread attention.

Book description:
CHARLIE FOXTROT - a novel about the Cold War, the Gulf War and the stupidity of war. CHARLIE FOXTROT is the story of First Lieutenant Bryce Bennett, an army intelligence officer assigned to the 74th Cavalry Squadron in West Germany, during the final days of the Cold War. Bennett is the straight man, who through the looking glass, must interact with characters so bizarre, that only the army could manufacture them. Bennett feels that he is living in a camouflaged insane asylum. He must survive patrols across the East German border and sub-zero field exercises. He is forced to participate in absurd army intelligence investigations and is an eyewitness to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Just when Bennett thought he was going home, his unit is accidentally deployed to the Persian Gulf War. While there, things seem to spin completely out of control...

The Cole Madison Trilogy

2011-02-05T15:26:00.000-06:00

The Cole Madison Trilogy by Raymond Starmann
If you like mystery and adventure, you will like Cole Madison, the American PI in Germany. The three stories that make up the trilogy are:

Double Tap - Madison is on the trail of a murderer who knocked-off a wealthy, philandering banker, Arno von Ringbach. Madison gets knocked around a bit as well. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, this fast-paced story will make you want to read more of Cole's adventures.

Lest We Forget - In the second story, Madison is driving home one night, when he sees flames billowing in the distance above his home town, Buedingen, Germany. Arriving on the scene, he learns a friend of his, Hannelore Feldman, an aging Holocaust survivor died in the blaze that also levelled her place of business, the Cafe Buedingen. Madison suspects arson. He follows a trail of blood, guts and horror as he battles Neo-Nazi thugs and stays one step ahead of his best friend, KRIPO(Criminal Police), Inspector Kurt Ginther. Multiple suspects and red herrings appear and disappear as Madison adds up the evidence and learns the cold, hard truth behind the macabre crime.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow - Cole follows a trail that leads him to kidnappers, heroin dealers and the stolen art world. Multiple twists and turns, and Cole really gets put through the ringer as well.

All three stories are well written, exciting and an entertaining read. I personally hope to see more Cole Madison stories in the future. All are available on Kindle right now, separately and as a trilogy. If you don't have a Kindle, the trilogy should be out in print soon. In fact, if you would like to read the stories in print form, please leave a comment so I can let the author know the interest level.

Happy reading!

Chicago Tribune Endorsement

2011-02-05T08:40:00.000-06:00

Chicago Tribune Endorsement

You may wonder why I'd post the Chicago Tribune's endorsement since they endorsed Rahm Emanuel, and I am backing Gery Chico. I wanted to point out some things from their article that they are using as reasons why they did not endorse Chico who, if you read the article, you can see was clearly their second choice.

"But it was the other major player in this crowded field, Gery Chico, who made this decision difficult. It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well. Chico, too, has a record of effectiveness in government, particularly during his tenure as head of the Chicago Public Schools board during the first, groundbreaking wave of education reform.

Chico, though, is largely a product of Chicago government. He has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard-earned clout at City Hall. We do not see Chico as the candidate likeliest to disrupt a status quo of which he is such an integral part. That is the realpolitik reason why public employees unions have been gravitating toward Chico."

1) Chico has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard earned clout at City Hall. - Okay, don't you normally build on what you have to help your career? He has clients in his law firm that come from his days at City Hall. If you need a lawyer, wouldn't you turn to someone you knew and trusted? I don't understand why this is an issue. This isn't the "Chicago way", that's business. You build your career and company on networking.

2) I cannot speak for the police or fire departments, but the way I heard it, the fire department endorsed Chico because Emanuel gave them the very clear impression that he just didn't give a fig about them. Who on earth is going to endorse someone who doesn't care. The police and fire departments have not been treated well under the Daley administration, why would they want more of the same? I would like to remind everyone that the police and firemen in this city, and all cities, put their lives on the line EVERY day for the citizens in their cities. If you have a problem with them, think about what would happen if you needed them and they just didn't show up.

3) Chico has the experience to help our schools. I do not know Rahm's background but I have not read anything about how he has already fixed the same problems we are dealing with right now. However, Gery has. So why should we vote for someone who might get the job done as opposed to someone who we know can get the job done?

The Trib's endorsement seems to be built an suppositions that Emanuel will do a better job, that's fine. They're entitled to their opinion. I just think their wrong. They say themselves that "It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well." Chico is the right one.

What is the Rahm Tax

2011-02-03T12:44:00.000-06:00

What is the Rahm Tax?

A few good points in this article:

"His idea is to try to reduce the sales tax, and make up for it by creating new taxes on services - but only those used by the wealthy. "If you can afford an elective cosmetic procedure like Botox, if you can afford to take a charter plane flight into Chicago, you shouldn't be able to do that on the backs of working families," said Chicago For Rahm communications director LaBolt.

This seems eminently reasonable. The question is, which services will ultimately get taxed? Only the ones that won't affect "working families," LaBolt insisted. But different working families use different services. Is there a comprehensive, specific list of the things Emanuel would like to see taxed?

At this point, the spokesman was decidedly more curt, pointing to a press release. "We released the policy to the press two weeks ago, but you all didn't pay any attention to it until Gery Chico announced he was against it," he said."

Yes, that would be because Gery Chico explained that it's not just a "decrease on sales tax" which is all it was being hyped as.

"LaBolt would only say that it will "require negotiation with Springfield" - state lawmakers would have to pass a new tax - and that Emanuel has drawn his "line in the sand" at not harming "working families."

It's this ambiguity that Chico finds misleading. "Voters who are heading to the polls in just three weeks have no idea what services Emanuel would tax if he were elected as mayor," the campaign said in a press release today."

I have to wonder why Emanuel thinks that he can draw a line in the sand for the state lawmakers. And sorry, I trust the state gov't less than.... yeah, well, nevermind, don't really trust any of them at the moment.

"But the problem goes further than uncertainty about nitpicky details. If, as LaBolt suggests, the tax only affects a very limited set services for the wealthy, then it's hard to imagine that it will generate the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars required to offset the sales tax decrease. After all, how many dog-walking, limo-riding plane-charterers are there in the state of Illinois?"

The tax issue that Emanuel is hinging his campaign on is smoke and mirrors. I hope that people figure it out before heading to the polls.

The Gumshoe - Coming soon

2011-02-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

There are 57 days left to raise money for the Pilot. Just noticed that a $10 donation will get your name in the credits. There are more perks the more you contribute, but I thought it was cool that you could get your name in the credits for $10.

Follow the link above.

Conversation with Rahm

2011-02-01T09:26:00.002-06:00

Rahm Emanuel was at my train station today. I have to admit, when I saw him from across the street, I actually walked around the station to avoid walking past him. I didn't really want to shake his hand. However, once I got around the station I realized I was passing up an opportunity to give him a chance to explain the sales tax issue - maybe I've been wrong, maybe he really does have a plan he can explain without vague references...maybe we're going to have a sunny day with temperatures in the 60s today too.

When I turned around to go back he was trying to get my attention to shake my hand so I told him I had a question for him regarding the tax issue. He was fine with that and started going into his single mother..yada yada yada...luxury planes. So I interjected with, yes but what about everything in between? What else is going to be affected? He mentioned working with the legislature but then started the speech again. So I asked him again what about everything in between? (I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone that owns a plane.) He said it would have to go to the legislature. I confirmed that the idea would have to go to the state legislature and he said, yes, that's why I say that we will have to work on it.

I'm sorry, I don't think our state legislature is really going to help our cause here. I would rather have a mayoral campaign based on something that the future mayor can do on his own, perhaps needing to work within the confines of the city government to get things done. I'm not opposed to the mayor working with the state but don't hinge your campaign on it. Because in my eyes, that means nothing.

His final comment was "You asked for someone who would tell you the truth." I was trying too hard not to giggle at this point, so I could not say anything except thank you. Really? I live in Chicago, Illinois. The last thing that I'm expecting is a politician to tell me the truth. And in any case, I don't think I'm going to get the truth from Rahm Emanuel.

The Gumshoe - Check it Out!

2011-01-28T13:52:00.000-06:00

The Gumshoe - Screenplay by Ray Starmann and Sean King
Fun premise for a series of Private Eye stories:

"Los Angeles, 1947; NICK MCGRAW, 35, a self-employed, hard-boiled private eye is on the verge of cracking the biggest case of his life, the murder of film actress, Veronica Davis. In the middle of the night, during a violent storm, McGraw is called to his office to speak with reporters who were tipped-off about the case. Unbeknownst to McGraw, the U.S. military is running a top-secret intra-dimensional time warp program from the top floor of his office building. The program is a continuation of Tesla’s defunct 1943 Philadelphia Experiment -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Exper.... After dismissing the reporters from his office, McGraw steps into the elevator as the storm rages outside. Lightning hits a series of strategically placed antennas on the roof; causing the elevator to act as a dimensional super-conductor. McGraw emerges from the elevator and stumbles out to an unfamiliar Wilshire Boulevard and the year…2011."

Check out the trailer! Donations are being accepted but just trying to get word of mouth out there for these writers. They wrote and produced Generation Gap for the Hallmark Channel, a wonderful heart warming story about a boy learning how to be a man from his grandfather, Ed Asner. I hope to see much more out of them, they are very talented.

Review of Double Tap a short story by Ray Starmann

2011-01-19T19:32:00.000-06:00

Review of Double Tap by Ray Starmann

Ray is a friend of mine who is an author, screenwriter and producer. He co-wrote Generation Gap which starred Ed Asner and was shown on the Hallmark channel. He has also written a few books and is embarking on a series of stories featuring an American Private Eye working in Germany.

Ray served as an army intelligence officer for over five years on active duty. He was serving in Germany when the Wall fell and has an intimate knowledge of Germany that comes through in his books.

Right now Double Tap is only available on Kindle, but hopefully in the near future it and other Cole Madison stories will be available in print as well.

The Fig Tree

2011-01-15T13:00:00.000-06:00

There is quite a bit going on in Mark 11. Jesus enters Jerusalem on the colt, he shows his unhappiness at what has been done to the Temple by clearing it of those using it as a marketplace and he countered the challenge of the leading priests and teachers at the time by asking them where John's authority came from, heaven or human? Very action packed and yet I have to admit, the part of Mark 11 I seem to get hung up on is the fig tree.

Jesus was hungry, saw the fig tree full of leaves and went over to find figs. Not finding any, he cursed he tree. That has always seemed a little on the harsh side to me. When I read this passage in the NLT, it say "but there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit." So why would Jesus even think the tree may have fruit on it? This is one of those things that never quite made sense to me. So this time I wanted to figure it out. It was one of those "there has to be more to it than that" topics.

Apparently, on a fig tree, if there are leaves, there is supposed to be fruit. Early in the season there is still fruit but it is not quite fig although still edible. If there is no fruit at all at this time, there will be none. This fig tree in Mark 11, had no fruit at all. Jesus used this tree as a parable. There are a few different takes on this event, but the one that I found that speaks to me is from Joyce Meyers. "if our lives revolve around the church but we have no fruit, we are not living our faith." Something to think about. What kind of fig tree do you want to be? A productive one or a poser. I guess what it really boils down to is that unlike the fig tree, we need to walk the talk. Which sometimes is easier said than done, but definitely worth striving for.

Quote taken from "The Everyday Life Bible" commentary by Joyce Meyers.

Let's try this again

2011-01-03T21:18:00.000-06:00

Last year at this time my church, The First Church of God, was doing a 5x5x5 bible reading plan that went all the way through the New Testament in one year spending 5 minutes a day 5 days a week. I had started blogging about the readings and my impressions, but I failed to keep up with it. My small group is going to be doing it this year as our study guide, so I'm going to take another crack at it. I made it through Mark and part of Acts. If you want to go back to them, you can click here: January 2010 posts.

I'm hoping I do better this year. I did complete the reading, just found it hard to post consistently. I am somewhat sporadic with my blogging so I need to make an effort.

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J Bennett and John T.E. Cribb

2010-12-30T08:27:00.000-06:00

This book is not only very informative, but it is actually quite fun. It takes you through the full calendar year and gives you a glimpse into history for each day. I will be using this as a coffee table book because I think this is a great conversation starter. It is fun to sit down and look up dates that are important to you (birthdays, anniversaries) and see what was going on in America on those days.

I also liked the extra sections that the book included, like the History of the Stars and Stripes, Fifty American Quotes, the information about how the constitution was written. I personally appreciated the sections on Faith and the Founders and Prayers for the American People. Too many people do not realize how entrenched in religion our founding fathers were. We have moved too far away from their ideals and getting information out may awaken people to the misinformation that they have held as truths.

This book may take a bit of time to read, but it is definitely worth the effort. There is a lot to learn within these pages. It is very well written and easy to understand. It is not a dry history book but will keep your interest as you move throughout the year.

Muslims becoming Christians

2010-11-29T10:24:00.001-06:00

Muslims turning to Christ
"We found that Muslim-background believers, many of them, in our informal surveys -- maybe even as many as half of them -- had a dream or a vision before they came to Christ. They became a 'seeker,' found a believer, heard a message on the radio, or found a Bible."

If that isn't Good news, I don't know what is. Jesus is alive and well and harvesting.

Unborn Babies saved by Movie

2010-11-10T11:02:00.000-06:00

Movie saving unborn babies
I haven't seen this movie, but I may have to find it given the impact it's having on people. Every little bit helps and 200 children so far is wonderful.

Help Get This Bill Passed!!!!

2010-11-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

Child Protection Compact Act
"Abolitionists around the country are advocating for the passage of the Child Protection Compact Act — critical legislation designed to help protect children in targeted countries from slavery and sex trafficking. The legislation was extremely close to passing but, in early October, Congress adjourned for elections without completing the process to pass the bill. There is only one opportunity left to pass this life-saving legislation into law: On November 15, Congress reconvenes for a “lame duck” session, giving us a final, unexpected chance to pass the CPCA.

We need your help to pass this urgent legislation! There will be many issues competing for Senators’ attention when they return — so they need to hear from constituents who care about ending child trafficking if they are going to make the CPCA a priority."

We are called on to protect the helpless. Who are more helpless than children who cannot protect themselves and may not even realize they need protection. We have to help!

A little singed, but still in one piece!

2010-11-09T16:25:00.000-06:00

Bible only thing that survives

I Love My Church

2010-11-07T15:57:00.000-06:00

Do you know how when you're trying to be strong, especially for others, as soon as you see that certain person that is your comfort, your spouse, your parent - you break down? I realized something today. When you're being strong for the person that is usually your comforter, you can't break down in front of them. That's when you find out who your back up comforter is. (I'm not talking about God, He's always the comforter.) I didn't realize I had a back up comforter until I walked into Church today and felt myself breaking down. And after feeling the tears just run down my face during one of the first worship songs of the morning, I felt better and more peaceful than I have in a while.

I love my Church Family. And I just wanted to let them know.

From tragedy comes encouragement

2010-11-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Faith-based Group started to help soldiers
I was very impressed with this idea. It is a great way to service our troops and their families. And no, I'm not biased at all being a former military family. :)

Good News for those with sisters

2010-10-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

Sisters make you happier
I believe, although this was not part of the study, that the younger siblings are probably the happiest for having wonderful sisters to look up to. But that's just my opinion. I'm sure if I am wrong I'll get a comment. LOL

Remember, police get their hair done too

2010-10-28T07:50:00.000-05:00

Salon hold up gone wrong

This isn't necessarily a good news story at first glance, but if you read it and read about the police officer who is at the center of it, I think some of you will be convinced that God was guiding her bullets - and the thief's as well. I bet that salon owner is feeling a little safer, maybe this won't happen again now that everyone knows a cop gets her hair done there. :)

Arm Wrestling for God :)

2010-10-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

Arm wrestling for God - More kids doing Kingdom work!

I heard about this on the radio. One thing the article doesn't appear to mention is that at her next competition she's going to hand Bibles out to her competitors. Love this!

John 7:52

2010-10-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

Reading John 7:52 led me to Isaiah and it gave me so much hope that I felt the need to share. I know quite a few people that are studying the book of Isaiah right now and their general comments have been how much Isaiah resembles our current state in the world. After reading this verse alone, I had to agree.

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness

a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT

If you turn on the news at any given point during the day, most of what you are going to see is darkness. I've found it hard to find good news stories to post. But there is hope because there is Light. And as TobyMac says, "I want to be in the light, as You are in the light, I want to shine like the stars in the Heavens. Oh Lord be my Light and be my salvation, cause all I want is to be in the light."

John 7:24

2010-10-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I wrote about what I was reading (in the Bible reading plan that are church is doing this year). But today I found a couple things that really struck me. Sometimes you can read a Bible several times, re-read a passage and on the third or fourth time you go through it, something pops out at you.

The scripture that popped out at me this morning was "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." John 6:24. Even taken out of context, these are words to live by. People, myself included, come to judgments about others all the time - sometime without even realizing they are doing it. But we don't know what's in a person's heart, we don't know the circumstances of their life or even their day. We need to "look beneath the surface". Good advice - for anyone, believer or not.

More proof that we need to be like children

2010-10-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Another selfless child
This story is so bittersweet. If we could just be more like some of the children I've been reading about lately, the world would be a much better place.

This is why God wants all the little children - they have the biggest hearts

2010-10-20T12:26:00.000-05:00

8 Year Old running own food drive
Once again, a young child is making a difference. Is it any wonder that Jesus says, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10:14

More on Kids Stepping up to the Plate

2010-10-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

5 year old birthday all about charity
I love hearing about kids who are thinking of others more than themselves. It's amazing what they can do with the right kind of encouragement.

Trouble finding Good News stories...

2010-10-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

It's a little depressing to me how hard it is to find good news stories. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places or maybe I'm being a little too particular, but I definitely am having problems. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't stopped trying. You know, that silent you out there that I imagine in my brain. LOL

If anyone, even the voices in my head, have a suggestion, I would be happy to hear it. :)

Review of Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

2010-10-14T15:34:00.001-05:00

This book helps you begin to think about what you can do to impact the world and people around you. It challenges you to consider how you can make the most of this life helping others, possibly doing things that will last longer than yourself. I found this book to be very inspirational and encouraging. Max Lucado has a great writing style, using humor and stories he keeps you interested and makes you think. I related much of what he was saying directly to my life.

There are many things that I want to re-read and start applying to my life. The book actually inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and take action. This book almost seemed to be written for me personally. I am not sure if that was due to Lucado’s writing style, my particular walk in my faith or a combination of both.

This book is one that I know I’m going to end up reading several times. I am sure that as it is read again new points will stand out and it will continue to help with my spiritual growth. A great read that I would absolutely recommend.

Fashion Competition Brings People of the Bible to Todays Teenagers

2010-10-14T10:12:00.001-05:00

Fashion Competition Brings People of the Bible to Todays Teenagers

I have to admit, I thought this was a pretty innovative idea.

From another article I found "the Empty Hanger" concept a little more clearly defined. "The five outfits have been designed to show the personalities of five Bible characters who are all members of Jesus’ family tree, but with them there is one Empty Hanger.

This autumn, in a joint project by Bible Society and the college, youngsters in schools across the country will be invited to design a costume that they think symbolises who they are to put on the Empty Hanger."

I liked one of the quotes in the article I linked:

Walton said, "Empty Hanger will help bring the Bible alive for a generation that largely don’t read it. The stories in the Bible are like a soap opera for all eternity. They tell us about ourselves and we can learn about how to live life today through them."

I really like this idea.

Good News Today - I think today's story is a no-brainer

2010-10-13T11:57:00.002-05:00

"I think I had extraordinary luck. I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God." - Mario Sepulveda; Rescued Chilean Miner I don't think there's any question about the good news story for today.

And the update

2010-10-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

If you read my post yesterday Yesterday's Post you will know that I had a mission today. :) I thought it was going to be canceled or delayed due to a malfunctioning water heater, but it turns out it didn't slow me down as much as I thought it would. I was riding the train into the city wondering if talking to this homeless paper vendor was something I was really supposed to be doing or if it was just something that popped into my mind yesterday. I wasn't really feeling the tug I had felt yesterday, so I started second guessing myself.

And then there is that book I'm reading... "Most of us will someday realize that we didn't [notice the beauty in the midst of busyness] either. From the perspective of heaven, we'll look back on these days - these busy, cluttered days-and realize, That was Jesus playing the violin [on a street corner]. That was Jesus wearing the ragged clothes...The person needing my help was Jesus. ... when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus." italics are the authors - Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life.

There it was, just as I started to doubt, the encouragement I needed. I said a prayer for guidance - I say that so often I feel like giving it a number so I can just say - "Father, number 32 please!" Okay, that makes it sound like take out food way too much, but I digress. As I turned the corner and checked to see if he was at his normal post I felt the doubt and butterflies kick in. Not doubt that I was following what I was meant to do, but doubt in myself. I have to get out of my comfort zone is the thought that went through my mind at that point. Along with another realization. Who would try to stop me from telling someone about God? The next thought that entered my head was Satan stop it! And the butterflies went away. Just thinking back on that, it surprises me, although I know it shouldn't, that saying that worked. But it did.

So I walked up to the man, told him that God had been speaking to me a lot over the past two days about him and I wanted him to have the few dollars that I had in my hand. Then I introduced myself, his name is Manuel, and told him it was nice to meet him. And then I left because he looked terrified. LOLOL Maybe this interaction wasn't as much for Manuel's benefit as it was for mine. I've been wanting to challenge myself and I've been asking for God to use me, maybe this was His way of warming me up. Who knows why? But even though I may have made Manuel a little nervous - seriously, he kept looking behind me like he was hoping the men with the straight jackets were right behind me - I left the encounter with a big smile on my face and feeling wonderful.

And who knows? Maybe Manuel's story isn't over yet.

Stay tuned....

2010-10-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today I was walking down the street and the homeless paper vendor that I pass almost daily popped into my head. I don't give money to people I see begging on a daily basis. It's a weird thing with me, but in my mind if they see me every day they may expect me to give them money every day, and I just can't do that. I also hesitate because in a city this big, you just don't know who really needs help and who is just faking it. Cynical enough for you?

But today, when this particular vendor popped into my head, I hadn't even seen him yet. "You have to give him money" popped into my mind. "Uh, no." was the response. I could have still crossed the street at this point to avoid the whole situation. I could have, technically, there was a street to cross. But I couldn't do it, didn't even enter my mind. And as I turned the corner and started reaching into my purse for $2 (price of the paper) I realized that I wasn't in control of this. So I went with it - I didn't really have much of a choice and at this point I realized who the instructions were coming from and wouldn't have said no anyway.

I made eye contact - I think that's possibly the first time - stopped and gave him the money. As I walked away I wondered if that was the end of the incident. Something told me there was more to it. I'm reading Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life. Today I was reading the chapter Blast A Few Walls. It talks about "breaking down barricades that separate God's children from each other." The passage that caught me was "Do any walls bisect your world? There you stand on one side. And on the other? The person you've learned to disregard, perhaps even disdain."

As I was reading all this what popped into my mind is I have to go tomorrow, I have to give him a couple more dollars, but this time I have to tell him that God is leading me to him and find out what his name is. Why finding out what his name is seemed important I don't know, but it did. I stopped reading and prayed for guidance. If he's there tomorrow (there are days he's not) obviously I won't be able to carry this out. If he is, well I guess stay tuned. :)

I considered not posting this until I knew what I was going to do, but that seemed like cheating and not giving God the glory He is due. And then there's that other double edged sword - accountability. :)

Boy born without ears gets gift of sound

2010-10-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Deaf boy gets help to hear
Praise God for the doctors that helped him and for bringing him to their attention.

It's amazing what kids can do

2010-10-11T09:09:00.000-05:00

Teenager with a Mission
I love reading stories of how kids are inspired for greatness and find their niche serving others. This service started when Jacob was 10 years old. Just goes to show that you can never be too young to make a difference.

Maybe not Good news but I want to see a zebra walking down the street

2010-10-10T06:50:00.000-05:00

Zebra runaway
I love that this Zebra "was known as a vagabond". I think I've heard stories of a dog that he may get along with...

Chilean Miners almost out

2010-10-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Chilean miners breakthrough in rescue
I can't imagine what the families of these miners have been going through during the long wait for rescue of their loved ones. And, being somewhat claustrophobic, I don't even try to imagine what the miners themselves have been going through.

My prayers are with them and I hope that the delivery of Bibles that they received a while ago have helped them to endure this ordeal.

Pastor Stops Gunmen

2010-10-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

80 Yr Old Pastor Stops Gunmen

Present day good samaritan

2010-10-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Samaritan rescues girl and gives God glory
I saw this the other day on the news, but I hadn't had a chance to actually watch it. This is a great current time Good Samaritan story.

Highschool cheerleaders standing up for modesty

2010-10-06T06:54:00.000-05:00

High School Cheerleaders Complain About Skimpy Outfits

I have to applaud these girls standing up for themselves. They should be an inspiration to their peers.

Moms In Touch International

2010-10-05T15:11:00.001-05:00

I just want to tell you about Moms In Touch International. It is a group of women who get together either in person or on the phone to pray for our children, our schools, our teachers... you get the drift right? Here is their purpose from their website at www.momsintouch.org:

The Purpose of Moms In Touch International
To pray that our children will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, then stand boldly in their faith.

To pray for teachers and staff.

To pray that teachers, administrative staff, and students would come to faith in Jesus Christ.

To provide support and encouragement to moms who carry heavy burdens for their children.

To pray that our schools will be directed by biblical values and high moral standards

To be an encouragement and a positive support to our schools

I am the only mother signed up for Sutherland Elementary, and as much as I would like to find someone from that school, I would also like to encourage anyone in the Chicagoland area to join voices with these women. You can go to their website and look for your school to see if there is already a prayer group there, if there isn't you can sign up as a single mom prayer by herself for that school and they will contact you to pray in the monthly conference calls. I just sat in on my first conference call today and met two wonderful women. I have trouble finding words when I'm praying out loud, but you don't have to talk, you can just listen. But if you're like me, the pull to join in the prayer may be too great to overcome.

Please consider joining this organization, our kids can use all the prayer they can get.

Family trip changes lives - home and across the world

2010-10-05T06:56:00.000-05:00

Family trip to Africa leads to life change

I love when I hear stories of how people see a need and then act on it. I want to be more like that - something to strive for.

Inspiring story

2010-10-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

Being blink helps minister really see

I found a few stories today, but this one I thought inspiring.

Chocolate can make you look younger?

2010-10-03T06:55:00.000-05:00

Eating Chocolate Can Make You Look Younger

This isn't actually a new story, but I saw it for the first time yesterday. I've been saying for years that chocolate is good for you. That's why it's a food group! What? Really? I could have sworn.... oh well. It's still good for you. :)

Good News - the real stuff

2010-10-02T08:22:00.008-05:00

Since I am once again not finding that much good news on the internet, I decided to go back to the true Good News today.

Ephesians 2:8-10

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Romans 8:1

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

That, at least, is some good news I can bank on.

Five Year Old Raises Money for Well in Africa

2010-10-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

A different type of life giving water
Very inspiring story - and a reminder that kids can contribute in all sorts of ways.

Can't find a positive news article today :(

2010-09-30T09:27:00.002-05:00

But I'm open to suggestions. :)

Obama speaks up on his religious beliefs

2010-09-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Obama's religious beliefs - in his words
Being intrinsically suspect of any politician, I would like to believe that he believes what he is saying. I also pray that he would use Jesus' teachings within his job.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Wind Parts the Red Sea

2010-09-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Wind Parts the Red Sea

I'm slightly amused by this news story. I'm amused because I read it and think about the people that are going to look to is and say - see! it wasn't God or Moses, it was wind. What they are going to fail to consider is that God controls the wind. Of course wind could have parted the Red Sea, but it was God sending the wind - if that is indeed how he did it - to do the job.

The news story doesn't actually say that it wasn't God, but I know that's how it's going to be taken by many individuals reading it. So while this isn't technically a good news story, I thought I'd spread a little "Good News" using it.

Disabled Youth Create Comic Book Heroes

2010-09-27T10:16:00.000-05:00

Unity Through Comic Books?
" 'They were empowered by their own disabilities, and they should not be seen as a source of weakness,' he said."

American and Syrian disabled youth working together. Pretty cool.

Good News - Family reunion in the nick of time

2010-09-26T06:49:00.000-05:00

God's work
I think this one definitely falls under "It's a God thing."

A truly selfless act

2010-09-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

Heartbreaking but still falls under Good News
Here's someone who lived the scripture John 15:13. I pray that God watches over this mother and child, they were truly blessed to have the man they had in their lives, even though the child will not meet him in this lifetime.

Four Way Kidney Transplant

2010-09-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

Four-way Kidney Transplant
I already had a "good news" article picked out but decided that this was pretty awesome itself and right in our backyard... well, right in our backyard if you are from Chicago and reading this.

I see God's hand all over this one. Transplant is one of the ultimate gifts of giving.

Fields of Growth International

2010-09-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

Lacrosse Missionaries Take Sport, Philanthropy to Uganda

This is a pretty cool thing that they're doing. I hope that their work spotlights the poverty and that brings other groups to help the area in other ways.

Good News - Raising Teen Awareness

2010-09-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

Celebrity Taking Some Responsibility

I hope that Christianity comes up, although I don't know her beliefs. What she is doing is commendable and I hope that it can somehow bring kids closer to God as well. Maybe her help will make them more open to His message, who knows? It's a good start though.

2 Timothy sounds alot like current society

2010-09-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 3: ¹You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

2 Timothy4: ³ For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

If you watch the news at all or just pay attention to people when you're in public you can easily see that these passages fit in extremely well with current times. I don't have solutions, other than the obvious bring the Bible to more people, but I just thought it was interesting to see that the Bible has us pegged. And I'm sure we're not the first generation that this has applied to, but I'd sure like to be the last...or raise our children to be the last. Wishful thinking I know, but we have to keep growing and striving to be more like Christ. The attitudes and actions listed above would melt away if we all turned to God and followed his most important commandments -

Matthew 22:³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” ³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Good news for the day :)

2010-09-21T09:13:00.001-05:00

It's a couple days old, but a good story none the less.

http://www.gnn.com/article/zach-bonner-now-a-director-ends-2478/1278831

Good News

2010-09-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

I'm tired of the bad news I hear all the time, so I'm going to try to find good news articles and post them. I'd love to do it everyday, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time, but we'll see. If I can keep doing it long enough maybe it will become a habit. If you read something that you think might fit in with this, let me know.

Here's the first one.

Good News Story

Prayer for 9/11

2010-09-11T08:04:00.002-05:00

Father, continue to be with the loved ones of those lost on 9/11 as they remember that day and how it has affected their lives. Protect all our soldiers and first responders as they put their lives on the line for us and be with their families as well to comfort them and give them peace from worry as they send them off either on deployment or to their jobs as policemen, firemen and paramedics. Please bring them home safely.

Father, put the greatest commandment on the hearts of all people. "Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important:'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37-38. Father we need that commandment to become part of our lives, from the children on the streets to the Pastors and heads of government. Be with us and our country and help us to do better and walk in your ways.

In Jesus' name. Amen

Fall Kick Off 9/12/10

2010-09-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

I want to invite everyone I know, and even those I don't, to the First Church of God's fall kick off on September 12, 2010. And if you're not sure about it, you can consider it an early birthday present since my birthday is 2 days later. :)

The fall kick off consists not only of the start of a 4 week series on "The Strange & Unique Call To Life in God's Kingdom", but it is also the kick off for the children's ministry Promiseland! There will be superheroes and puppets involved! Who could ask for more?

In addition to that, there will be a special purity series starting at 11:00. The lesson will cover topics like gossip, clothing and abstinence. The girls invited are 6th grade and up. There is a permission slip involved in the abstinence lesson on the 19th.

And as if that wasn't enough, September 12th will be the first weekend of registration for the MOUNTAIN MOVERS. The moms and daughters Tuesday night discipleship class that meets from 6:30 until 8:00. There are crafts, a snack and then a lesson. Topics being covered this term are How to Make Good Friends, How to Make Good Choices and How to Grow Fruit of the Spirit. It's a fun group! The age range is 1st through 8th grade. And if you aren't a mom but you have a niece, neighbor, much younger sister, cousin, random child off the street that likes crafts, your welcome to come. However, if you've picked a random child off the street I'm going to need a permission slip from the parents.... :)

Seriously, First Church of God at 4600 W. 111th Street, Oak Lawn, IL is a great church and I hope you consider coming. You can hear Pastor Dan's messages online at www.visitusonline.org - click on Media.

My testimony

2010-08-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

It dawned on me the other day that I've never really told my story. It's not an earth shattering story, nothing that would make you sit back and ponder what appears to have been a miracle... although I think seeing God's hand in any situation is a miracle in itself. But I was reading recently and came across a passage that said "..you don't need a dramatic account in order for your testimony to influence someone for Christ." The quote is from The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg.

Don't get me wrong, I've told a few people, but not many. I guess because I grew up believing in God, so why would I think I had a testimony? And I did grow up believing in God. I just didn't grow up understanding Him. I didn't understand how much of an impact He could have on my life if I let Him. I didn't fully understand Grace - not that I can wrap my head around someone dying for my sins now, but at least I understand well enough to appreciate how big of a deal that is.

I grew up going to church but had stopped as an adult. And didn't really think much about it although I did have the notion in the back of my mind that once my daughter was old enough to start grasping ideas we needed to think about what we were going to do. It was around this time that I began to notice something missing. I felt like I was supposed to be doing something, something that required studying. I ignored it for a while, but it was very persistent. I wanted to study...something...I just didn't know what. So I began applications to get my MBA. I had everything done for the application, references written but something was stopping me from sending it in. Then I decided to read the Koran. Then the Torah. Then the Bible. This obviously wasn't a month long process, that's not exactly light reading. I also read books about Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Then came the day when it was time to find a church. I didn't want to go back to the religion I had grown up in, mostly because I felt like I had just learned more about the Bible in the self-study I had taken upon myself than while I was being instructed in my earlier years. I didn't, and don't, have any hard feelings about that, but I wanted to find something else. Being one of those people that looks just about everything up online, I set about trying to find a few churches to visit until we found one that my husband and I both felt comfortable in. I was never a big fan of small churches because I wasn't comfortable with people at church knowing me. (I'm going to pause now in case someone from my church is reading this and needs to take a moment to laugh.)

I knew I wanted to look at this "non-denominational" thing. That was perfect for someone who couldn't make up their mind. I just wouldn't pick a denomination. I came up with a list and happened to be driving by a church one day and realized it was one of the churches on the list. And I noticed that there was a humorous message on the church's sign. We went there the next Sunday. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was not to find myself crying from the moment the worship team opened with "Here I am to Worship" until the Pastor finished his closing prayer. There was such a tangible feeling that the Holy Spirit was in that church it was amazing. And I knew, although it took coming one or two more times to get the family on the same page, that I was home.

And I continued to study, although now I was able to direct my studies towards my spiritual growth. And I haven't stopped, I have no desire to, it's an unquenchable thirst. One I am thoroughly enjoying. And I have learned alot about myself. That dislike of people knowing me? That was totally me not wanted to be held accountable. That's changed. It can be hard at times, but it's worth it. I was baptized this past October because I felt like I had never made a conscience decision to commit to God, it was something I felt I wanted to do for a God that loves me so much that he sent His Son to die for me. I wanted to make a statement to Him that I was committed to do my best to live the life he wants for me, to serve Him by serving others and to be a light showing Him to the world. I know I'm going to have my ups and downs, I know I'm not going to be perfect, but I know He will be there to help me and to pick me back up when I've fallen.

I give a lot of credit to my pastor for helping me, knowingly and unknowingly, in my walk with Christ. I know that God works through him. And in case anyone wants to come check out this church and Pastor Dan, the church is linked - First Church of God. I encourage you, if you're anywhere near the Oak Lawn, IL area, to check it out. Or listen to Dan on the website by clicking on the Media tab.

1 Corinthians 1:18

2010-08-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed to destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." [Paul] 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

For quite a while now this has been heavy on my mind. Not because I don't believe that Christ actually died for me. I do. And while I may have momentary flare-ups on occasion when I think "Really? Can it be?", I always turn back to the fact that I absolutely believe that Jesus died for us.

I know some people who think that Christ didn't really die on the cross and that the resurrection was more of a symbolic act than a real event. That scares me for them. And it scares me as I wonder how many people also may think that...and if any of my family members may think that.

I have a hard time talking about my beliefs. It's something that I am trying to work on, though truth be told, I could be working harder on it. I can write, but actually speaking about them, while it feels wonderful once I have, is hard for me. (I have a hard time talking about my feelings too, so this isn't a new thing for me. lol )

But I feel this point, Christ's death and resurrection, is SO important. It's the key, isn't it? The Bible even says it is. In 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul says "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins."

It is real. It happened. Would you let yourself be tortured and killed for something that did not really happen? The disciples were tortured and, with the exception of Peter, killed for their belief in Christ's resurrection and his place as Son of God.

I'm sitting here on my first day of vacation (okay, it took me a few days to get to the cafe with internet access - so it's not actually the first day of my vacation anymore, unfortunately). My first day outside the craziness that is my beloved town, Chicago. The first day in the Northwoods that have always recharged me and that I have to come back to annually. And when I read the words "the message of the cross...is the very power of God", I was led to write. I have never felt led to write before. I hope I was led because someone needed to hear.

God bless you! And if you are a family member reading this, and even if you aren't, believe! believe! believe! (if you don't already). I love you!

The Greatest Commandment - Love God and Love Others

2010-07-21T13:53:00.001-05:00

There is a page in Facebook that I'd like to share. I know not everyone is on Facebook, but you can find quite a bit of inspiration out there and it may be worth it for only that reason. We need to start using the technology we have been blessed with for the sake of good. The link is below. I just wanted to share.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-God-And-Love-OthersThe-Greatest-Commandment/236001620687?v=wall&story_fbid=139066406117440&ref=mf

By the way, I know I haven't posted as much as I had intended, but I am praying for help in time management so that I can post more often.

Romans

2010-05-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

In our daily reading we are in Romans. I love Romans because there are so many great messages in Romans. A few of my favorite can be found there. It helps that I love Paul's story. I love that he went from persecuting Christians (or followers of the Way) to becoming one of them through the direct intervention of Jesus after his death. There is no reason that Paul should have done a complete 180 in this thought process, suffered and eventually died to spread the Good News unless he truly, truly believed it with all his heart. Would you die for something you weren't sure about?

Romans 5:3-5 is where I go when I'm troubled. "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

I think one of the things that draws me to Paul is that he is one of us. He has trouble doing what is right, he doesn't claim to be above all the temptation in the world, he's right there in it. Romans 7:21 "I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong." I'm sure no one I know can relate to that right? (That was sarcasm) I can totally relate to that. But then, just as you're wondering how that struggle is going to affect your eternal life, you get to Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Whew. Praise God! Romans 8:39 helps as well. "No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I was reading Romans 10 today and came across a verse that pretty much says it all. Verse 9 says "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heard that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." And that means really raised. I don't understand people who think that Christ's actual bodily resurrection did not take place. I don't understand why anyone would think that the twelve disciples would die for a cause that was only "representative" of someone being raised from the dead. And I know I'm getting out of Romans here, but in 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul says "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins." Your faith is useless, that's how strongly Paul felt. And since "all scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV), it stands to reason that God feels that way too.

I'm getting the message...

2010-04-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm being sent a message today. And, in part, I think God is using Facebook to do it. No, I'm not kidding. I get a daily scripture reading on Facebook. This is what it said today.

Here is your Verse of the Day:

Proverbs 10:11 (NIV). The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked....... Thoughts on This Verse... Want to know the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one? Simple. Check the fruit of their lives. One ...of the most obvious forms of fruit in a person's life is his or her speech. The righteous person finds a way to impart life with his or her speech. The wicked will nearly always reveal themselves by what their mouths say.

Our daily Bible reading with my Church has within it "And I t ell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle world you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you." Matthew 12:36-37

So I'm thinking that I need to pay particular attention to my words. Apparently Someone is sending me a message.

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

You know what's really amazing about the crucifixion and resurrection? Christ went through everything he went through for EVERYONE. Whether you believe in Him or not - he believes in you, loves you and wants you to come to Him. Never think you're alone. You're not. You just have to turn to Him and He will be there.

Happy Easter everyone!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T08:43:00.000-05:00

This day is one of my favorites. A time to focus on what Christ did for us and what he went through to cleanse us of our sins. It's amazing that someone could love us that much to die on a cross for us. It fills me with awe just thinking about it. And love. How can you not love someone that is not only willing to but actually does give up their life for you?

Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, "This man truly was the Son of God!" Mark 15:37-39

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Praise God! Have a blessed day!

Joy

2010-03-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

Joy - the second fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22. John 15:11 Jesus says "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow."

If you are thankful for something, it will bring you joy even when things aren't going well. We need to rejoice, even in our trials, which I'm sure is easier said than done at times, but if we try hard enough - even in times of troubles - we can find something to be grateful for which will bring us joy.

One of my favorite readings is Romans 5:3-5. I go there whenever I'm stressed or there is something going on that I need to give to God.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

Galatians 5:22-23 The Love Lesson

2010-03-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.

Having gone through the fruits of the Spirit in my Tuesday night class last term, I thought I'd share some of our lessons. Our first lesson was on Love. The verse we learned for that week was John 15:12-13 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

We discussed loving others, of course, and how other people who don't know God can learn about Him through us when we show fruits of the Spirit.

One of the verses in our lesson was Matthew 5:44 "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" One of the hardest lessons, I think, but the girls in the class talked about how to apply this to their lives, especially at school - it was pretty much decided that the little brothers had to be excluded from this :) - and one in particular did a great job of dealing with a boy in school that had been bothering her. I was proud of all of them.

Galatians

2010-03-24T20:42:00.000-05:00

Our 5 minute reading started in Galatians. A letter written by the apostle Paul. This letter has been dated back to anywhere between 48 and 53 AD. If Christ died in 30 or 33 AD, that would be within the lifetime of eyewitnesses to Jesus' death. Think about that. Paul was not only an eyewitness after the fact, he saw had contact with Jesus after His death - but he also knew others that were eyewitnesses to Jesus' life and teachings. He knew Peter, he knew James.. he knew people that had traveled with Jesus. I think that is extremely cool.

In the first three chapters of Galatians, Paul is trying to convince this fledgling church that the original teachings they had heard were the true teachings and not to be deceived by what they were hearing currently. The old laws were not the way to the Truth, only Jesus is. "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26

Hebrews..one more time

2010-03-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

I thought my last posting on Hebrews would be the only posting I did, but after having a children's ministry mini-conference and re-reading Hebrews 13 this afternoon, I felt the need to add something.

I was reading Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Who is considering the outcome of your way of life? Who is imitating you? That is a big responsibility and for those leading anyone, be it a single person, a small group or a church, that is an incredibly important responsibility.

This weekend I saw the movie Facing the Giants. A phrase in that movie stuck with me. "Your actions will follow your beliefs." I had to consider that comment and still am. Do my actions follow my beliefs? Am I comfortable with someone looking at my way of life and imitating my faith?

I think the answer to both those questions is not all the time. But I pray that God will lead me and guide me to be a better example of His work so that I can one day answer both those questions with a resounding Yes!

Hebrews

2010-03-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

I've learned something new reading Hebrews. It's like when you have read things a few times and it then all of a sudden something clicks? From the Old Testament we know that the high priests were from Aaron's line, the line of Levi. Jesus, the highest of High Priests, came from the line of Judah. "Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed." Hebrews 7:16

One of my favorite verses in Hebrews is 10:14 "For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy." We are the "those who are being made holy". That is awesome. I know He has his work cut out for him, but to know that we are being made holy is, quite frankly, hard to get your mind around. At least it is for me. I know myself and it would defintely take an act of God to make me holy, and that's what we are getting - an act of God. No one can do that by themselves.

Another verse that I found inspiring was "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 I, like many, used to think that I could pray to God anywhere and didn't really need to be in Church to do it. While this is true, God calls us to join together on a regular basis. I only became aware a few years ago how special that could be if you found the right "church home". I was never sure I wanted to be in a church where people would actually notice your comings and goings. But what really bothered me, I've since figured out, was that accountability. Who wants that? It's not a matter of want, though, it's a matter of need. I need that. And I have to say that I love having a "church family". I NEVER understood that concept before. I do now and I am very appreciative of my church family. I love them all.

Yes, I am here.

2010-02-22T20:02:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that my last post was February 9th. I have continued with the daily reading that was my plan to write about, but the lesson plans for the new book we're using in our Tuesday night class, the Mountain Movers, is taking up more time than I realized it would. It's very interesting and I'm learning alot...wait....wasn't I the one teaching it?.... but I think I'm learning more than the girls.

We're studying the Bible and how it is translated for all different languages. But we are also learning that it is God-breathed, if it has mistakes, what it's about, why God gave it to us. It's actually not a bad lesson plan for adults. :) I may do a blog post or two about these lessons (since I'm learning more than I can share with my age group).

But I think I may try to catch up on Acts first...but now I need to finish my lesson plan. :)

Acts 14

2010-02-09T08:50:00.000-06:00

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas are traveling and spreading the news of Jesus.

Two things about this chapter one to point out, the other was something I learned while reading my archaeological study Bible.

You'll notice during Paul's missionary trips that he usually goes to the local synagogue first when he comes to a new city. When he's met with opposition, he turns to the Gentiles. He always gives his people, the Jews, a chance to listen to him and believe.

In Acts 14:11 Paul had just cured a man who had been lame from birth. "When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, 'The gods have come down to us in human form!' Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them." Acts 14:11-13

Now obviously, Paul and Barnabas stopped this, but there was a reason the people had this reaction. There is a legend that "Zeus and Hermes once visited the Phrygian hill country disguised as ordinary men. They were turned away from a thousand homes but finally were welcomed into the humble abode of an elderly couple. The gods turned that house into a temple and destroyed the houses of all who had rejected them."

I love when pieces of information come together, whether it be from different parts of the Bible or other sources, that make things start to click so I can see the times and activities of the Bible in the big picture. It's amazing. But maybe it's just me.

Acts 9

2010-02-02T21:06:00.000-06:00

Saul's conversion! This passage truly makes me happy. I love reading Paul's letters and the way he came into Christianity - well, was drafted (and wouldn't it be great to be drafted like that!) - just makes it so much more exciting. I sound like a Paul groupie. I'm not sure if that's allowed.

This is a very exciting time in the church though - the Good News is being spread as Christians are moving outward from Jerusalem and it's also spreading from Jews to Gentiles. How exciting is that!!! Well, VERY for us! The persecution that Saul (soon to be Paul) was instrumental in, caused followers of the Way (Christians) to flee Jerusalem, thus spreading the Word as they went. To have the very man that was persecuting them be directly confronted by Jesus and turned to a life of living for Jesus, how remarkable and awesome! Paul's story really speaks to me, although I think you may have figured that out by now.

Acts 7

2010-01-31T20:58:00.000-06:00

Acts 7 bring us the stoning of Stephen. I believe Stephen was the first follower martyred for Christ. - I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. Stephen's story elicits several different emotions in me. His total commitment and whole hearted obedience inspire me. His obvious love of God is so clear (did you get that by the use of obvious?). It is truly amazing to me. He's also the epitome of "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) as he prays "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60) while he is being stoned to death.

As I read this story of Stephen, and read that "the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." Acts 7:38, I know that one of my favorite parts of the Bible is coming. The story of Saul (Paul) makes me want to jump for joy. Paul is my favorite new testament writer and I love his story. But that will have to wait. I don't want to get ahead of myself.

I did notice something in Stephen's speech in Acts that I hadn't thought about before, but it wasn't about Stephen, it was about Moses. We hear the story of Moses and how he was so hesitant when called by God to go to Egypt and lead the Israelites, but I forget that the Israelites, at least some of them, had already rejected him while he was still living there saying "Who made you ruler and judge" Acts 7:35. Now he's being asked to go talk them into following him when they have already scoffed at him. Made me think about his lack of confidence in a different light.

Acts 5

2010-01-30T10:24:00.000-06:00

In Acts 5:33-42, we read about the high council wanting to kill Peter and the other apostles. One of the Pharisees, Gamaliel, spoke up and said that they should be careful of what they were planning to do. One of two things could happen. First, this could be a fad that would wear itself out over time (SOOO not the words of the Bible, I'm paraphrasing) or second, they could find themselves on the side fighting God himself.

Obviously a good point. It makes me wonder about a couple things. Did Gamaliel every become a believer? Even though he was a famous Jewish teacher (and was actually (Saul) Paul's teacher according to the notes in my Bible), he seemed to have an open enough mind to accept that there was a possibility that what the apostles were teaching was true. And, although I know Jesus needed to be crucified for us to be saved, was anyone at the time thinking - but what if? What if this is the Son of God? Should we really be doing this? Nothing that we will ever know, but it just makes me think.

Acts

2010-01-24T14:18:00.000-06:00

I love Acts because I love hearing about the beginning of the Church. I also love it because Luke, the author of Acts, tells of Paul's conversion. That is probably one of my favorite parts of the Bible...but I don't want to get ahead of myself since we're only in Acts 2 at the moment.

The Holy Spirit has descended upon them and they are speaking different languages. Although some realize they are speaking foreign tongues, others think they are drunk. Peter refutes this and reminds the people what was told to them by the prophet Joel. "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, you old men will dream dreams, Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." Acts 2:17-18.

Peter then goes on to tell them that Jesus of Nazareth was their savior and reminds them that they put him to death. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and by baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:36-38

Three thousand were converted that day. And it begins. What an exciting time!

Mark 14 & 15

2010-01-19T23:28:00.000-06:00

I'm trying very hard to not type Mary instead of Mark these days. As you can imagine, I'm very used to typing Mary and K happens to be my middle initial so I end up with Maryk instead of Mark alot. I catch them most of the time. Now that the reading of Mark is almost over I probably could have gotten away without mentioning this, but I'm tired and I'm afraid it's going to happen again and I'm not going to see it.

A few passages from Mark 14 & 15 that "speak" to me:

Mark 14:72 "...'Before the rooster crows twice you will deny three times that you even know me.' And he [Peter] broke down and wept."

I wonder how much anguish Peter is in at this point. Jesus has been arrested and on top of that, Peter finds himself denying the Son of Man. Scared, lonely, not yet understanding what was to happen. I feel for Peter, no wonder he broke down and wept.

Mark 15:34 "Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabach-thani?' which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'"

I found a writing on this passage in Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses by Ron Rhodes. It was very enlightening and I'm going to quote it. "Jesus' statement reflects that fact that His greatest suffering on the cross was not physical, but spiritual. He bore the guilt of the entire world on Himself. Christ became sin for us ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). And that moment brought an agony of the soul that was unparalleled. Christ had become the object of His Father's displeasure, for he became the sinner's substitute." And He did that for us. That's a very humbling thought.

Mark 15:37-39 "Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, 'This man truly was the Son of God!'"

I have to imagine that a very intense sense of dread may have fallen over those who witnessed this and realized what had just happened. This passage always sends chills through me.

Mark 12

2010-01-16T10:07:00.000-06:00

See if this reminds you of anyone (minus the dress style):

Jesus also taught: "Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished." Mark 12:38-40

I don't know about you, but I think I see some current time politicians in this scripture. If you change a few words - just take out synagogues, change prayers to speeches - I think there's a fair chance that some of us have even voted for them in the past. And if you live in Illinois (especially the Chicago area) we have a long history of this sort of person.

The more that I read the Bible, the more I can see that the times of the New Testament are not that much removed from our times. Teachings still apply, people are the same. The Bible speaks to everyone no matter when you live. It is definitely a timeless work. Thank God.

Mark 9 & 10

2010-01-13T21:11:00.000-06:00

Mark 9:23-24

"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

How many times have I felt this way? Yes, I believe, but I don't believe that my faith is strong enough. Help me. Strengthen me. This is a constant prayer.

Mark 9:35b; Mark 10:43-45

"Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."

"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many>"

Think about these passages as it relates to government. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our leaders kept these scriptures in mind? In a smaller setting, we need to remember as parents, managers, teachers that to lead we need to serve.

Mark 10:25-27

"In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God."

I feel blessed to know that anything is possible with God. I know that if it wasn't for His grace there would be no point to anything I do. With His grace I have HOPE and a reason to keep trying to be a better person.

Mark 8

2010-01-10T16:56:00.000-06:00

Once again I have learned something new. Another admission, I did not understand "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod" in Mark 8:15 before. I didn't understand that "yeast was often a symbol of evil or corruption"..or that it "represented an invisible, pervasive influence". (Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses by Ron Rhodes) It makes sense though, yeast in bread acts as an invisible, pervasive influence to make the bread rise... okay, it's not actually invisible when you add it in (I'm guessing, I never make bread), but it is pervasive. As was the hypocrisy and non-belief of the Pharisees, which is what Jesus was warning against. I knew He wasn't talking about actual bread, but I wasn't sure what He was referring to.

My favorite part of Mark 8 is something Jesus says "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. Bit if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Mark 8:35-37

Isn't it interesting that even when you believe and you try to live the life that God intended you to live, you (and me!) still hang on to things of this world? Even when we know that we have to let go of this world to gain the next? Is anything worth more than your soul? Anything? It seems like a no-brainer, but it is sure hard to live by...even when you believe it with all your heart.

Mark 6 & 7

2010-01-09T20:23:00.000-06:00

We read Mark 6 and 7 today and I thought I would write my notes with Katie's perspective. Katie doesn't always comment when we read the Bible. I always ask her if she understands and sometimes she questions it and sometimes she seems to "get it". Tonight was one of those nights that she seemed to be "on". Maybe it had something to do with having just finished our homework for our Mountain Mover's class on Tuesday, maybe she was still in "the zone".

The first time that her voice piped up while I was reading was when during Mark 6:14-29. This is one of the Bible stories that touches me because the death of John the Baptist seems so wrong. Not just that he was killed but that he was killed over something as trivial as a reward for a well performed dance. Apparently my daughter agrees with me. She was upset with Herodias...I believe indignant would be a better word for the look on her face and the attitude with which she stated, "That girl is NOT nice." I do find it interesting that "Herod respected John and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him." Mark 6:20 How many times are we disturbed when we talk to God - feeling convicted by our own actions/thoughts - and yet we like to listen to Him. I believe that what Herod was feeling may have been the conviction that we feel at times.

The other thing that Katie picked up on was the same topic that I've been considering. She commented at the end of Chapter 7 that the people were not listening to Jesus when they spread the word of what he was doing after He told them not to. I thought it was interesting that she noticed this...although not listening is a regular topic of conversation in our house, so maybe she recognized it purely as something she'd been hearing about herself. :) It is human nature, I think, that when you are told not to say anything, one of the first things you want to do is go out and say something. But I'm not sure that I can blame these people, they were hearing amazing things, seeing miracles...it would have been extremely hard not to tell people.

"They were completely amazed and said again and again, 'Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.'" Mark 7:37 Yes, I think that would have been hard to keep to myself.

Mark - the first week

2010-01-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

I learned quite a bit this week, and while it was of course based on the Bible readings, I have a couple books on understanding Bible verses that helped as well. (And I believe I owe a thank you to my Pastor for pointing the books out to me.)

There are three things in the first five books of Mark that always confused me. Two are pretty big, the other not so much. I always wondered why Jesus didn't want people (or demons) to talk about what he was doing or who he was. What I've read is that demons were known liars and a demon testifying would not do Him any good. That made sense to me. The problem with people testifying for Him is that His ministry would not have progressed the way He wanted it to. People had a preconceived notion of what a Messiah was (which I do remember from one of the Sunday messages, but I didn't put two and two together) and He was not that Messiah. So people needed to get to know Him and His teachings before they thought of Him as the Messiah.

I read something about dealing with this issue in Hard Sayings of the Bible by ...several authors that I loved and want to share it. "Those who take the risk of faith and commit themselves become disciples and learn more, but others receive teaching only in obscure parables." People have wanted to commit me alot during my lifetime, but this time I'm going to agree with them. I definitely want to commit.

And speaking of parables, I have to admit something. I never understood the new/old wineskin and/or new/old clothing parable. I do now though. Again, thanks to my new books, I learned that the new wineskin/clothing represented Christianity and the old wineskin/clothing represented Judaism. Jesus was not reforming Judaism, he was offering something completely new - Christianity. And Thank God for that and all the comes with it.

The last thing I never understood is somewhat petty, but having found it in the Hard Sayings of the Bible, I felt better knowing that I wasn't the only one that had wondered about it. When Jesus sends the demons into the herd of pigs in Mark 5:13, I wondered why? If not because it didn't seem fair to the pigs, what about the livelihood of the pig herders? Well, apparently the answer to this is pretty simple. It's a matter of perspective. Pigs were unclean to begin with, so from a Bible perspective, not a huge leap to put unclean demons into unclean pigs - well actually huge leap in reality, just something that is not incomprehensible. But the more important point may be that "so precious is human life that, when necessary, a whole herd of animals may be sacrificed for one or two people". (From Hard Sayings)

I am really enjoying this Bible reading plan so far!

Day 5

2010-01-05T22:01:00.000-06:00

I haven't forgotten about the blog, but I am going to post tomorrow or Thursday, one of the "reflection days" when I have more time on my hands.

In case I didn't make it clear for those who don't go to my church but may be reading, we read for 5 days and have 2 days for reflection before we read for another 5 days. If anyone would like the reading schedule, I would be happy to share.

Talk to you soon!

When I'm Queen...

The Prophet, the Shepherd & the Star - Book Review

Book Review: not a fan.

Book Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

Resurgence - Answers to Common Questions About Creation

Book Review - The Ambition by Lee Strobel

Book Review - The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone

The Heart of Memory by Alison Strobel

Easter

"It is finished."

"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"

Good Friday

Easter Services

A Gumshoe article

Hebrews 1

The Jesus Inquest by Charles Foster

I think it's time everyone come to their senses

Charlie Foxtrot by Raymond Starmann

The Cole Madison Trilogy

Chicago Tribune Endorsement

What is the Rahm Tax

The Gumshoe - Coming soon

Conversation with Rahm

The Gumshoe - Check it Out!

More Short Stories by Ray Starmann

Review of Double Tap a short story by Ray Starmann

The Fig Tree

Let's try this again

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J Bennett and John T.E. Cribb

Muslims becoming Christians

Unborn Babies saved by Movie

Help Get This Bill Passed!!!!

A little singed, but still in one piece!

I Love My Church

From tragedy comes encouragement

Good News for those with sisters

Remember, police get their hair done too

Arm Wrestling for God :)

John 7:52

John 7:24

More proof that we need to be like children

This is why God wants all the little children - they have the biggest hearts

More on Kids Stepping up to the Plate

Trouble finding Good News stories...

Review of Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Fashion Competition Brings People of the Bible to Todays Teenagers

Good News Today - I think today's story is a no-brainer

"I think I had extraordinary luck. I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God." - Mario Sepulveda; Rescued Chilean Miner I don't think there's any question about the good news story for today.

And the update

Stay tuned....

Boy born without ears gets gift of sound

It's amazing what kids can do

Maybe not Good news but I want to see a zebra walking down the street

Chilean Miners almost out

Pastor Stops Gunmen

Present day good samaritan

Highschool cheerleaders standing up for modesty

Moms In Touch International

Family trip changes lives - home and across the world

Inspiring story

Chocolate can make you look younger?

Good News - the real stuff

Five Year Old Raises Money for Well in Africa

Can't find a positive news article today :(

Obama speaks up on his religious beliefs

Wind Parts the Red Sea

Disabled Youth Create Comic Book Heroes

Good News - Family reunion in the nick of time

A truly selfless act

Four Way Kidney Transplant

Fields of Growth International

Good News - Raising Teen Awareness

2 Timothy sounds alot like current society

Good news for the day :)

Good News

Prayer for 9/11

Fall Kick Off 9/12/10

My testimony

1 Corinthians 1:18

The Greatest Commandment - Love God and Love Others