11/29/2009

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
It feels like something very important is missing when there is a week that I miss church. There is a strong feeling of love, faith, joy and protection there; there's a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. My body doesn't feel like it; my flesh wants me to stay away, but the Spirit doesn't. The Bible says, "The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak," and also says, "Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world."

11/28/2009

Why did the Three Wise Men give gifts of gold, frankincense & myrhh to baby Jesus? They did it on purpose. Those were gifts that you gave to a king.

11/27/2009

Wonderlife - Around The Way


You never feel
Watch you what its real
I got your world in the package
Trying hard to break each in everyday
Its’ takes a pain away now hurt you say....
You knows when it comin down
Can’t believe with you're on the ground
Heaven have seen you around the way

Mothers gone she's still no longer one
She helps you close in the birthday
Keep that memory she fade the souvenir
it helps to prove to take now hurt you say
You knows when it comin’ down
Can’t believe with you're on the ground
Heaven have seen you around the way

Set down in the broken skin
Can’t forget the middle seen
Heaven have seen you around the way…
Heaven have seen you around the way…

Walk Through The door
The innocent no more
And don’t look up then say … you men a way
You knows when it comin’ down
Can’t believe with you're on the ground
Heaven have seen you around the way

Wake up you loosen
Can’t give up you're own seventeen
Heaven have seen you around the way
Heaven have seen you around the way
Heaven have seen you around the way

11/26/2009

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Hi. I haven't written much on my blog this month because I've been Tweeting so much. But, I wanted to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to everyone. There is always something to be thankful for, even if you're alone. I remember, 2004 was the worst year of my life. I was pretty much alone for Thanksgiving and I ate macaroni & cheese instead of the traditional festival meal. I said that I wasn't thankful for anything since I truly believed that I was living a cursed life and that it couldn't get any worse. Therefore, I saw no point in celebrating Thanksgiving. I was a very depressed, angry young woman at the time. Flash forward to 2009: I am very thankful. I've had a lot of ups and downs this year. But, I am thankful for all the blessings, the people in my life and the good that people do. I do notice all these things everyday and I don't take it for granted. So thank you all and happy Thanksgiving.

11/19/2009

"Twilight" author’s Mormon faith a big influence in books, film

By STEVE RABEY
Religion News Service
Posted Nov 23, 2008 @ 12:05 AM

Stories about love, lust and the undead may not seem like the best vehicle for teaching teenagers about faith and morality.

But for Stephenie Meyer, who has been called “the Mormon Anne Rice,” her best-selling “Twilight” books and the film based on the books contain plenty of teachable moments.

Meyer, a wife and mother of three from Phoenix, who is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and graduate of Brigham Young University, says she has become accustomed to people asking her, “What’s a nice Mormon girl like you doing writing about vampires?”

But as she told one Mormon-themed Web site, “Unconsciously, I put a lot of my basic beliefs into the story.”

“Twilight,” published in 2005, was the debut vampire novel in the series of books that has sold nearly 10 million copies, generating the kind of frenzy among tweens and teens that rivals Harry Potter. In a recent USA Today listing of best-selling books, the four books in the “Twilight” series were in the top six.

The film version opened in theaters nationwide Friday.

On the surface, “Twilight” is little more than the latest incarnation of vampire legends that have circulated in many cultures for centuries, and popularized in novels such as Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” (1897) and Anne Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles” series (1976-2003).

Yet Meyer’s religious and moral values clearly shine through, even though Mormonism is never mentioned.

Heroine Bella Swan has the same insecurities and anxieties as any 17-year-old girl. But when she falls for Edward Cullen, a handsome fellow student who happens to be a vampire, she confronts the kinds of existential questions that religion addresses.

“The most obvious Mormon influences can be seen in the ways that Meyer has her teenage heroine stand up for marriage and, ultimately, motherhood,” says Jana Riess, author of “What Would Buffy Do: The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide” and co-author of “Mormonism for Dummies.”

“But anyone who is familiar with the Book of Mormon can also discern deeper theological themes, from the Mormon reinterpretation of the Fall of humankind — which inspired the apple on the ‘Twilight’ book cover — to the theme of overcoming the natural man, which we can see when Bella wrestles with her desires and decides whether or not to become a vampire.”

The concept for the “Twilight Saga” series of books came in a vision, says Meyer, who is 34 and had never published a word before pitching her idea to an agent who got her a $750,000, three-book deal.

She doesn’t read vampire books or watch R-rated movies such as “Interview With the Vampire.”
And the sexual tension that pervades the stories is a natural byproduct of Meyer’s strict Mormon upbringing. Growing up as a good Mormon girl among other good Mormon girls and boys, she met her future husband as a child but the two did not associate outside of church activities until they began dating when she was 20. They married nine months later.

Unlike many other young adult novels, there’s no sex in “Twilight,” even though Meyer’s editor suggested otherwise. None of the characters drink alcohol or indulge in profanity, but there is plenty of heavy breathing and sexual tension.

Meyer’s treatment of sexuality is a hot topic on Mormon-themed Web sites such as normalmormons.com and motleyvision.org that make up the online “bloggernacle.”

A writer on motleyvision.org, which explores Mormon art and culture, says Meyer’s books show “how abstinence leads to a heavily charged play of small gestures among Mormon teenagers and young adults.”

And in a post on normalmormons.com (“It’s true. We’re out there.”), a relative of Meyer’s writes: “Edward and Bella could barely touch or kiss for fear that Edward might get carried away and suck her blood in a fit of passion. Very similar to that of two young BYU/high-school students who aren’t yet married and can’t touch each other for fear it will lead to sex. I’m sure it was easy for Stephenie to describe with firsthand experiences.”

http://www.sj-r.com/beliefs/x466663776/-Twilight-author-s-Mormon-faith-a-big-influence-in-books-film
Copyright © 2009 GateHouse Media, Inc. Some Rights Reserved.

11/18/2009

God Calls You Beautiful


Angela teaches on the difference between the voice of the accuser and the voice of the Father. Let her inspire you to dance with your Father!

http://www.angelathomas.com/

11/17/2009

GS Megaphone - Use Me


Lyrics:

On myself You cannot depend
I've already failed You time and again
In this truth, there is no debate
My life I love but my flesh I hate

I want You to use me
On my own I am only me
A victim of my insecurity
I lose myself, I've nothing to lose
I'm dead to sin and I'm Yours to use

I want You to use me
Use me

I let go of my foolish pride
So Jesus Christ can be glorified
With Christ my Lord I was crucified
I take up my cross and let the Spirit guide

11/11/2009

My Personality Type - INFJ

Portrait of an INFJ - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
(Introverted Intuition with Extraverted Feeling)
The Protector

based on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks. The INFJ will either avoid such things, or else go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture. An INFJ who has gone the route of becoming meticulous about details may be highly critical of other individuals who are not.

The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted Intuition
Auxilliary: Extraverted Feeling
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing

11/06/2009

Sometimes I just really need someone to talk to, but I can't. Sometimes all I really have is God.

Chris Rice - Come To Jesus


My beloved grandpa passed away one year ago today. He is loved and missed. I love you Papa. <3

11/04/2009

I'm only human. I don't claim perfection, but forgiveness and to be better. I do try and I never give up. Onwards I roll. Faith, hope, love. Salt and light.

You Might Be A Constitutionalist If . . .

1. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that elected leaders should really obey the U.S. Constitution.

2. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that before the United States invades and occupies another country, Congress must first declare war.

3. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe the federal government should live within its means, like everyone else is forced to do.

4. You might be a Constitutionalist if you think that taking away people's liberties in the name of security is neither patriotic nor does it make the country more secure.

5. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to see politicians be forced to abide by the same laws they make everyone else submit to.

6. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that we have three coequal branches of government that are supposed to hold each other in check and balance.

7. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government has no authority to be involved in education or law enforcement.

8. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that gun control laws do nothing but aid and abet criminals while trampling the rights and freedoms of law abiding citizens.

9. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the income tax is both unconstitutional and immoral and, along with the I.R.S., should be abolished.

10. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe the federal government had no authority to tell Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore that he could not display a monument containing the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery.

11. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that neither Congress nor the White House nor any sovereign state is required to submit to unconstitutional Supreme Court rulings such as the Roe v Wade decision.

12. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that freedom has nothing in common with illegal immigration.

13. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that outsourcing American jobs overseas is not good for America.

14. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the United States should get out of the United Nations and get the United Nations out of the United States.

15. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that it is not unconstitutional for children in public schools to pray or read the Bible.

16. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the Boy Scouts are not a threat to America.

17. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government should honor its commitments to America's veterans.

18. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that U.S. troops should never serve under foreign commanders or wear the uniform or insignia of the United Nations.

19. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that the federal government has no business bribing churches and faith-based organizations with federal tax dollars.

20. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that federal agents who murder American citizens should be held to the same laws and punishments that any other citizen would be held to.

21. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that NAFTA, GATT, the WTO, and the FTAA are disastrous compromises of America's national sovereignty and independence.

22. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to see Congressmen and Senators be required to actually read a bill before passing it into law.

23. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that it is the job of government to protect and secure God-given rights not use its power to take those rights away.

24. You might be a Constitutionalist if you understand that there is nothing unconstitutional with the public acknowledgement of God and our Christian heritage.

25. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that in the beginning God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.

26. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that airport screeners have no business touching women's breasts and confiscating fingernail clippers.

27. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that many public schools' "zero-tolerance" policies are just plain stupid.

28. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that parents have a right to home school their children.

29. You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that governmental seizure of private property is plain, old fashioned thievery.

30. You might be a Constitutionalist if you would like to meet one single Congressman or Senator beside Ron Paul who acts as if he or she has ever read the U.S. Constitution.

© 2005 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved

Psalm 23 Explained

What I learned in Psalm 23…

The Lord is my Shepherd = That’s Relationship!

I shall not want = That’s Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That’s Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That’s Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That’s Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That’s Guidance!

For His name sake = That’s Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That’s Testing!

I will fear no evil = That’s Protection!

For Thou art with me = That’s Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That’s Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That’s Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil = That’s Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That’s Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That’s Blessing !

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That’s Security!

Forever = That’s Eternity!

Let’s Face it, the Lord is crazy about you and me. What is most valuable, is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives! Don’t ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to move your Feet! Even though you can’t see Him, GOD is there for you. When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!

Now go and have a great day!

http://christianfaithinamerica.com/2009/10/29/psalm-23-explained/

11/02/2009

I find it much easier to forgive others than to forgive myself. But, I can do it.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

¡Esta Fue Tu Vida!