Showing posts with label Thoughts to Ponder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts to Ponder. Show all posts

June 29, 2015

rainbow colors.



White House, buildings across the country light up in rainbow colors to celebrate gay rights
via


it was friday.

i was scrolling through my twitter feed when i saw it "BREAKING: Supreme Court says same-sex couples have right to marry in all 50 states."

Right there in the middle of the news of the storms that we'd get that day.
Right there in the middle of the news that said one of the wanted escaped convicted killer prisoners from the new york prison had been found and shot in the head by police.
Right there in the middle of the news that 9 people had been murdered in a charleston church the Wednesday night before by a young man who was only 21 years old.

do we live in a messed up world, or what?

i sat there, stunned, as i continued to read on about "couples" standing. in. line. (WHAT?!) to get a piece of paper to signify that they were married. women were kissing women and men kissing men--so sickeningly unnatural.


------------------------------


God created marriage to be between one MAN and one WOMAN.

some may not agree saying "but Jesus never talked about homosexuality." actually, He did when He defined a God-approved marriage as being between a man and a woman:

and He answered and said unto them,
"have you not read, that he which made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they both shall be one flesh? wherefore, they are no more two, but one flesh. what wherefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (matthew 19: 4-6)

if God's Son defines marriage as between a male and a female, all other combinations or alterations are implicitly prohibited.

when the apostles and disciples later specifically condemned homosexuality (romans 1:26-27; 1 corinthians 6:9-10; jude 7), they were speaking with Christ's authority. Jesus told His disciples that whatever He did not tell them in His earthly life, His Holy Spirit would tell them later (john 16:12-13). undeniably, "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God" (2 timothy 3:16-17).
Jesus did condemn homosexuality in His New Testament.




man can legalize any sin he wants.
since Satan is deeply involved with the affairs of this world (2 corinthians 4:4), you can expect sin to become increasingly rampant. yet just because some forms of murder (abortion), drug use, drinking and homosexuality are legal does not make them right.

"we ought to obey God rather than men." (acts 5:29)


it is so upsetting to see people who wear the name of Christ and come out in support of so-called "marriage equality." they are basically saying: "it is okay to embrace your homosexual desires. you don't have to fight temptation anymore. don't pay any attention to what the Bible says. it is outdated and irrelevant to today's culture anyways."

one.
the Bible is not a "living document" in that it changes with culture.
it never becomes 'outdated.' Jesus Christ and His New Testament are just as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (hebrews 13:8). the Bible is God's Word (2 timothy 3:16-17; 2 peter 1:21).
how can our Almighty Creator take a back seat to our petty human culture?

two.
to approve of homosexuality is to be guilty of the sin itself.
"who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (romans 1:32; 2:1-5).
how can i say i love God while telling people it is okay to disregard His Word?




people wearing Christ's name who disgracefully support and encourage legalized homosexual marriages justify their apostasy under the guise of 'love' or 'tolerance.'

is it really 'love' to encourage someone to live in sin?
i believe tolerance of sin is the true essence of hatred.
how much do you really have to hate someone to say: "i'm okay with the fact your soul is lost"?

there were some Christians in corinth who were formerly practicing homosexuals (1 corinthians 6:9-11). yet when they became Christians, they were told to stop.
brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins (james 5:19-20).




some Christians have been categorized as 'mean' Christians.
some seem bent on antagonizing people who really just need our support and encouragement.
should Christians ever be defined as "hostile" or "mean"?

whenever we meet someone who wrestles with homosexuality, we need to respond to him or her as Jesus would. 
when the crowd came to Jesus, matthew reports that He reacted with "compassion for them" (matthew 9:35-38).
is that how you first respond to people who have a sin problem?
do you feel compassion?
when the rich young ruler came to Him (and Jesus knew the man had a spiritual heart problem), Jesus "looked at him and loved him" (mark 10:21).
do you love people who have a heart problem in relation to homosexuality?

let's treat homosexuality as Jesus did:
-let's hate sin.
-let's be compassionate toward people who are living in sin.
-let's encourage people who are fighting sin.
-let's love people enough to expose sin.
-let's rescue people from the bondage of sin and lead them to the loving arms of Christ.




homosexuality is a sin.
(genesis 19:4-11, 23-29; leviticus 18:22; 20:13; 1 corinthians 6:9-10; jude 7)

yet it is no greater or lesser a sin than any other sin.

all sin will keep a person out of Heaven.
(1 corinthians 6:9-10; galations 5:19-21)

the remedy to sin is the blood of Jesus Christ.
one must initially "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" (acts 2:38; acts 22:16; romans 6:4) to be cleansed.
to "repent" means to 'change' or turn away from sin.'
one cannot continue in sin and expect God's Grace to save him (romans 6:1-2).
a practicing homosexual cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven so long as he is practicing and embracing homosexuality.


by: ben giselbach
first published march 27, 2013


-----------------------------------


WHY are we celebrating this sin?

according to this website's article:
"tonight the white house was lit to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to progress and equality, here in America and around the world" the white house said in a statement. "the pride colors reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, and tonight, these colors celebrate a new chapter in the history of American civil rights."

not only the white house was bathed in the colors of the rainbow, but the one world trade center in new york city, niagara falls, several city halls including those in san francisco and denver, and even cinderella's castle in walt disney world.

and here we are, celebrating with colors of the rainbow.
and if i remember correctly a rainbow was the symbol that was known for GOD promising not to flood the world again after he had destroyed all the evil, sinful people. 



Christians, we need to get on our knees and start doing some serious praying for

the ones who believe the lie that they will find happiness in 'marrying' a person of the same sex.
the leaders of this country.
the mothers and fathers who are trying to raise Godly children in this world.
the children who are fighting to let their Christian light shine and not to succumb to the pleasures of the world.


God hears the prayer of the righteous and there is getting to be fewer and fewer righteous people.


June 22, 2015

father's day.



yeah, yeah, yeah, i know. father's day was yesterday. a lot happened yesterday.

yesterday, i was able to pick up the phone and talk with my daddy about the rain from the day before and how there would be lots of hay this season. i called my brother and was able to leave him "one of our messages" (the kind that only make sense to him and me ;). i texted my BIL and wished him a happy father's day and also my grandfather. i'm blessed to know so many great father role models.

i was able to go to church with my husband and worship God without fear of imprisonment.
i was able to enjoy a lunch with my hubby, MIL and FIL.
i was able to ride with my husband on the zero-turn lawn mower thinking of what a blessing it was to have a husband who wants to spend quality time with me and who will one day, be an incredible dad to our own children.



what does father's day mean to you?

spending time with your daddy--maybe going out to eat at his favorite restaurant after church services.

or, maybe appreciating the daddy that your husband is to your children--telling him how incredible he is as a father and a husband.

it may mean remembering all the memories of days past spent with your dad and remembering those extra special moments you had with him before he was called to his Heavenly home.


i am blessed with an incredible daddy.

he is one who practices and shows what a Christian life should look like. i'm forever grateful for the way he and mom have raised my siblings and i in the way of the Lord--
teaching us how to shine our Christian light to all around us,
to be the person God would have us to be,
to be the friend that everyone would want to have, and
to be the kind of wife/husband who will help our spouse get to Heaven.


i'm thankful for a daddy who loves my mom as Christ loves the Church (eph. 5:25). he has always put her needs before his own. he always holds the songbook and puts his arm around her shoulders every church service. daddy, thanks for loving mom forever.


my daddy is an incredible leader in the workplace and in the Church. his customers look up to him and knows what he stands for--what. is. right.
he, on numerous occasions, has talked to co-workers or guys on the job site about the Lord. it is evident to them who my daddy is--a Christian. he always remains real. he never changes the way he acts from place to place--he always exudes the love of Christ.


daddy, i will love you and look up to you forever.

i love you.




January 23, 2015

here i sit.



so here i sit. reminiscing.



thinking back to childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood.

constantly reminded of the memories that have been made over the years and thinking of all the new ones to come makes me excited. happy. and even sad.




not that it's a bad thing. and totally not saying that i'm sad about this phase in my life. this phase--as in all other phases--is blissful, loving, and beautiful.

there's just so many emotions.




being homeschooled throughout my school years and taking online classes at home, gave me the opportunity to spend l o t s of time with my siblings and parents. hence, we made lots of memories. good ones, sad ones, exciting ones, crazy ones, happy ones.




my brother, sister, and i learned to be best friends (and still are to this day). not to say we did not have squabbles and arguments (we had plenty of those). we learned to see each other as someone who we loved. who we needed. through and in our lives.

throughout school years, we would complete our assignments and then head outside for the incredible adventures that were to be had.

my brother was a pro at building magnificent forts out of fallen trees or limbs found in the woods. my sister and i loved baking our mud pies while wearing the simple prairie dresses that our mom had so lovingly sewn.

our imaginations would soar. there were wars to be fought, dragons to slay, and tea parties to be had. the three of us were always ready for an adventure.




we grew older.

each of us changed and started participating in our different areas of life--as we should--as all do. 

we started "real" jobs, had unexpected blessings, and began our trek in the new phase of life.

limb forts and mud pies were replaced by drivers licences' and cooking real yummy dishes for family and friends.




my brother met, fell in love, and married his wife. we were all happy and rejoicing to see the years of prayers that had been answered. their little house was two minutes away from home and we celebrated the times we were able to spend together almost every night when they would pop in to visit. 

the year after, my younger sister married her prince charming. their little house was an hour and a half away. but, that did not stop the strong bond of family. we made the trip at least once a week.




that thanksgiving, my brother and his wife announced that they were expecting their first child. we were all rejoicing over the new little life that would soon arrive.

christmas came with the announcement that my sister and her husband were expecting. even more exiting news. the smiles were big as we made plans for the TWO new lives that would be added to our family the next year.




the niece and nephew were born in july and august--8 days apart. our lives were filled with happiness.

i received a dream-come-true engagement ring the day after my nephew was born--what a happy week it was.




wedding plans, wedding, honeymoon, and a dream life with the most amazing man there ever was.

i have the pleasure of fixing his lunch every morning before work, he heads to work to allow me to fulfill my dream of being a stay-at-home wife, and i look forward to my favorite part of the day--when he comes home.

my hard-working man arrives home with greasy and dirty hands. remnants of insulation on his hoodie. he hugs and kisses me asking how my day was before ever saying anything about his hard day at work.

he is selfless.

always doing little things to make me happy. always there with a listening ear. a comforter when i am remembering back to childhood days gone by with tears running down my cheeks.




i miss my childhood. i miss memories made with my brother and sister. i miss my family. there are days when i just need to sit and cry it out because of the distance between me and the ones i call family.

but, i am happy. i am learning to find happiness in this new phase in life. 




i adore my husband. i adore married life. i sometimes wonder how married life could ever be hard. it's always blissful.

there is a good, paved road that is available to make trips to see my family and for them to come see me.

there is the invention of the telephone and skype that i can hear and see the ones i love.

there's the blessing of our church family here and new friends to help in the ache of the ones i miss.




so here i sit. reminiscing.

thinking of all the good things that have been and the good things that will be.

here's to loving life and the season that i am in. seeing that life is one big ginormous blessing.



pictures taken in the park where i run
november 2014

January 15, 2015

2015 + wedding photos.



whew.
 
who knew.
 
after I got married I thought:
 
"hmmmmm, i'll have tons and tons of extra time for blogging."
 
but guess again.
 
bam. this wife life is the bomb dot com and I hate to say it, but blogging has not been at the top of my list of things to do.
 
I enjoy blogging.
 
I want to blog.
 
but hubby and home comes first.
 
and besides, I l o v e that my days are spent being a stay-at-home wifey cooking, cleaning, running in the park, and designing stuff for the shop. not to mention, spending time with and loving on hubby (tmi?).
 
 
erin, over at erin james said it perfectly.
this is a new season.
 
 
so this is my new season.
 
a season of putting hubby and home first and then
blogging the in between.
 
 
 
so, here's to a new season to love.
 
----------------------
 
2014 held so many new things for me.
 
a new niece, a new nephew, a ring, and
GETTING MARRIED
(just to name a few)
 
so, without further adu.....
my year--2014:
(and just because i'm nice like that, i'll throw in some of our wedding pictures
made by our wonderful photographer for no extra charge. *winky face*)
 

 
 
what did you do in 2014 that you've never done before?
became an aunt and got married.
 
 

 
 
did you keep your new year's resolution? will you make one for this year?
I did actually. I graduated college in june, developed my etsy shop, became an aunt, and got married (which was the "other very exciting things" in last years post).
new ones for this year: continue to grow my etsy business and read the Bible cover-to-cover by the end of the year. also, be the supportive and loving wife I need to be.
 
 

 
 
did anyone close to you give birth?
yup! my sister (a boy), my sister-in-law (a girl) and my best friend of 15 years (a boy).
 
 

 
 
did anyone close to you die?
mrs. melanie hays--a dear friend of my family. she was tragically killed in a car accident in june. she will be forever missed.
my husband also lost one of his uncles to cancer in december.
 
 
 
 
 
did anyone close to you get hitched?
ummm, ME! to my amazing husband, doug. seriously, y'all, how did I ever end up with that man? he is just too good to me! (love you, babe)
 
 

 
 
what countries did you visit?
we stayed in the US.
 


 
 
what dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory:
july 24th-joanna's birth (niece)
august 1st-colt's birth (nephew)
august 2nd-the night the ring was slipped on my finger
october 10th-our wedding day and our first kiss
 
 
 
 
 
what would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
-a more organized blog and etsy shop (the best is yet to come)
-an even greater love for hubby that never fades
 
 

 
 
what was your biggest achievement this year?
marrying my prince charming and kissing him--knowing it was my very first kiss--knowing that all my life I have saved it just. for. him.
 
 

 
 
biggest failure?
.........................................
 
 

 
 
did you suffer any illness or injury.
no.
 
 

 
 
what was the last thing you bought?
gas for $1.98
 
 

 
 
whose behavior merited celebration?
my mom. I mean, really. became a "marme" twice and planned a wedding all in the same year. high five, mom!
 
 

 
 
where did most of your money go?
probably wedding prep and gifts.
 
 

 
 
what did you really get excited about?
becoming MRS MCBRIDE
 
 

 
 
what song will remind you of 2014?
let it go from the movie frozen.
 
 

 
 
compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
i'm happier that i'm married to the man of my dreams and I get to spend every day for the rest of my life with him. but, living so far away from my family and knowing that things will never be the same again brings on some sad days too. life is good. 
 
 

 
 
what do you wish you had done more of?
spent more time one-on-one with my brother and sister before getting married. people, cherish those sibling relationships!
 
 




 
 
what do you wish you had done less of?
...................................................
 
 

 
 
what was your favorite tv show?
the voice and american idol
 
 

 
 
what were the best books you read?
unfortunately, I didn't do a lot of reading in 2014. I studied textbooks while finishing up college and then really didn't read anything else. this year, I am trying to get back in the habit of reading for pleasure.
 
 

 
 
what was your best musical discovery?
do I have to choose just one?.....
 
 

 
 
what did you want and got?
my happily ever after
 
 

 
 
what did you do on your birthday? how old did you turn?
2-3. my mom, daddy, sister, and nephew came to visit for the weekend. I opened presents, we went to church, and then went out to eat at fazoli's.
 
 

 
 
what one thing would have made this year more satisfying?
it was incredibly satisfying. I live a blessed life.
 
 

 
 
how would you describe your personal fashion?
me. I really don't follow the trends or fads. I just wear what makes me feel great and looks modest.
 
 

 
 
what kept you sane?
my hubby, running, and a supportive family.
 
 

 
 
who is the best new person you met?
my new church family. since my marriage to doug and the move to his hometown, having a supportive church family has made the transition waaaay more bearable. not to mention, my incredible, supportive, cute, and loving hubby. (oh, and did I say cute?)
 
 

 
 
what was a valuable lesson you learned? 
don't stress on your wedding day. people are right when they say "slow down and enjoy the day. it'll be over and done with so fast." ladies (and guys), soak in that wedding day!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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