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Comment by ~Belmont Beauty~ on September 1, 2008 at 9:00pm

OK why did I decide to read this site today? I was at the beach all day and read my bible inbetween the swimming and basking in the sun with Christian Friends... I felt God tugging at my heart, and sometimes I wonder who owns it?As for no reason shortly after, a battle came upon me. I have to remember, the enemy and our own thinking is enough to have us feel 'derailed'. Funny how the subject you write about below is exactly what I was struggling with today. Before I came home, I left all that junk at the beach and away from me. I know we cannot control all that is brought into our minds and hearts- but we can sure get it out of our system with prayer and making a stand in the Lord's name.
Good subject. And , I was not gonna let that subject about 'forgetting' ruin my day in the sun. I recommitted to my forgiveness to those who need it and I Praise God for renewing my heart when I wanted to enjoy his beauty in the sun and at the beach on this glorious Labor Day.I have to rememeber, that we can choose the battles from invading our days of joy . So glad that today, instead of being bothered by things I wish to forget- that I chose- our Father. ~Belmont Beauty

Comment by russ allen on September 1, 2008 at 8:25am

Good morning! How are we faithing on this labor day weekend? Man we get caught up in all sorts of junk in this world. We sure do get prideful even when we don't mean to. Sometimes we get indignant over stuff that really doesn't amount to anything. We get hurt over things and have trouble forgiving or more important, forgetting after we forgive. If we remember is that real forgiveness? Narrow line there and yes, we should forget. It is our nature not to forget so only with God do we get that forgiving heart because alone we can't. It is very tough when someone hurts our loved ones but if we don't, who maintains control?

Matthew 5:11-12
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NIV

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,but with humility comes wisdom.
NIV

Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
NIV

Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels,but wisdom is found in those who take advice. NIV

Proverbs 25:27-28
It is not good to eat too much honey,nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. NIV

Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;someone else, and not your own lips.
NIV

Mark 10:42-45
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
NIV

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
NIV

The pride we get can interfere with decisions made. Pride is the root of all kinds of evil. Pride from others can also make us get our hair on our necks raise and then we make rash choices out of anger. Our own pride and pride of others is a tool that satan and his minion uses because our focus moves from God to us. Cursed devil, he sure is good at what he does...
remember our troops...remember Earl and Carl...remember our Pastors...

Lord, heal our hardened hearts. Heal fractured relationships. Lord help us be humble and swallow our pride. Lord help us see truth and not barriers that get tossed up to hide it. Lord we need a touch from you and seek wisdom for our concerns. Heavenly Father, hold us and show us where we need to focus. Thank you for your Word and thank you for saving me. Lord break me so I can serve you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 29, 2008 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Amazing world we live in. Amazing things we can do. From huge bridges and roads to Mark's guitar playing to Darrel's home remodeling. We as a species are capable of just about anything. I'm amazed every day. What's interesting is how we can get caught up in all of this and miss that without God, none of it would be possible. Did God make thew Cubs loose the series? Doubt it. Did God make the tsunami happen? Nope. Did he know it was gonna happen? Yep. Why did he allow it? Dunno. That is way bigger than all of us. I've heard people say,"I don't believe in a God who would let those things happen." Well that is not sound logic. I've never seen Africa therefore it doesn't exist. That makes about as much sense. If you search the Word you will find tons of examples of US screwing things up, heck we lived in a garden of Eden and walked and talked with God and screwed that up! Don't think you wouldn't have done the same because we would've. The cool thing about our savior is he loved us in spite of these failings, in spite of ourselves. He came so we can be able to enjoy his presence every day that previously had been lost due to our hardness of heart. People say that if they had a bazillion dollars they would be happy. Sorry to inform you that money wont fix what ails us. It may make us comfortable or even allow us to do stuff but your inner being will remain the same if not even digress due to the distractions it creates. Look at this and ponder;

2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
NIV

Interesting, no? Why do we want to win the lottery? To feed our own desires. Is that Godly? Not really. I 'm as guilty as the next when it comes to those dreams but the Word teaches another way.

1 Timothy 6:6-13
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
NIV

This whole line of thinking is for us to see what is important, what is necessary for our walk with God. If it gets in the way, loose it. If it hinders the things that lead to God, toss it aside. This isn't always easy because we like what we like and let that like interfere with our passion for God. Think about that and check where you are and where you need to improve, I'll be doing the same...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that reveals where we fall short. Thank you for showing us with love that our lives are for you and we need but wake up and follow you. Lord help us make sound decisions and help us enjoy life without turning it into an idol. Grant us wisdom to recognise these things. Lord keep us all safe on this long weekend, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 28, 2008 at 7:56am

Good morning! I've been out of town for a few days and really missed doing this. It was a cool trip and much needed for many reasons but this was missed. It is so awesome what God does with studying his Word every day. A day without it can seem like something is left undone, a sense of forgetting something. The trip I took allowed me to commune with God constantly. Man that is so refreshing. Awed by creation, humbled at how small our stature really is, how much impact one person has on people, the opportunities that come our way to show grace and compassion. Jesus is Lord and walks with us no matter the circumstance. Humbly looking at others around you, not for judgement but to try to see what God sees. People from all walks have the same need for Jesus as their master. Some don't know, some are quite aware. Some ask and some don't even know to ask but they see him in us. Our reactions to these souls are paramount! Seeds are planted, someone else will water and who knows who sees it grow. You may plant, you may water, you may see a blossom! So cool! We must but be ready for any and all of that! Looking at ourselves for what and where we are and where we will go keeps us humble and ready to serve the Lord.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
NIV

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,a haughty spirit before a fall.
NIV

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.
NIV

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. NIV

This life can toss curve balls and it can be a real pain but if we remember who our master is and that he will see us through anything, we rest easier, we sleep better and we love deeper.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your saving grace. Thank you for friends. Thank you for family that distance cannot separate. Lord we lift those who are seeking your face and we ask you comfort those who struggle with this world and all the junk in it. We ask a blessing on all the kids and their parents, show them the way to walk. Lord we lift Troy and Christy to you, give them strength to deal with life. Lord we lift Troy that he find you and how real you are. We lift Tonya as she struggles with life. We lift the Millsaps , guide and hold them. Lord we lift Dan and his family that they find a place to worship. Lord bless Dale and his new bride. Lord we thank you for your wonderful grace that saves wretch's like me, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:22 AM 0 comments

Comment by ~Belmont Beauty~ on August 23, 2008 at 7:05pm

I heard this , this week on a Christian Sermon .
God meets you in the valleys. He is ever so big , right there at that moment.
And while you are in the low points of your life or day... God is protecting you, whilie you are in that lowest point.If you build faith while you are in that cave and you get out of it, based upon his grace and our faith on our Lord- he begins to prepare you. You may not think so, but he is working on you , at your worst moment...
Then, He perfects you in your ways, and this is followed by God promoting you.


Protect
Prepare
Perfect
Promote

This comes for trials at work, in homelife, love life, and health . If we are not experiencing a trial- we are not growing.

You may not understand it at that moment or for a time after..you may not get it. But, there will be a time- when you reflect back and you will see the almighty one...who was carrying you all along and his plan as it was being revealed to you .

God Bless. to you all on this wonderful site.
Now go take on the day !

Comment by FireCat on August 23, 2008 at 3:34pm

Free Comments and Graphics

Comment by russ allen on August 22, 2008 at 6:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Man, I'm just not sure which direction to take this morning as there is so much on my mind. Didn't sleep well, mind is racing. Pray for me and mine.
We have to be aware of our surroundings and be ready to act according to sound Biblical principles. This sometimes is very difficult and sometimes it is so plain and easy. Whenever you are in a position where you can't decide, the Word will tell you. If you can't find it, ask someone who knows the Word. I have a mother-in-law who knows the scripture very well. I have a Pastor and previous Pastors who do too. I also have a really good puter program that is design for learning Christians like me. Look at these next verses and see the wisdom and instruction that helps us strive to abide and to seek God. The principles laid out are awesome.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
NAS

Zechariah 7:9-10
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice ; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'
NIV

Man, so much wisdom right there. In all we do, seek God.

Remember Carol and here 1.8lbs baby...remember Kaleb...remember Nicki and the boys...remember Kathy ...remember Mary Fint...remember Carl and Berta...remember me on my road trip...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom that guides our days. Lord we lift those above and ask for peace, understanding and justice be served. Lord give us rest and assurance that you are with us. Lord thank you for all you do in our lives and help us recognise you in all things. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:18 AM

Comment by ~Belmont Beauty~ on August 21, 2008 at 11:10pm

Definately , even though the kids are grown...I still am parenting them, when I was under the impression that if they make it to 18...they will be on their own direction which I was praying for all along in their upbrininging?I know , we re always teachers as parents and it never stops. I just thought , it was going to be easier. I mean I am constantly letting them know how God has blessed me, us and helps us in our direction. I do know I am constantly judging them- rather than trust the Lord that I have done as best as I could at the time thru their upbringing.I am finding myself , pulling back and looking at myself first now and I pray the Lord continue to do this to me. As if I am to lead by example....may I do so, to honor him and lift up my grown children with the world's vices. I am new to this site and finally had the nerve to write something.
All I wish to say in closing- we serve and awesome Lord and he is there in the valleys for us the most.
Blessings to all on this warm summer nite (in California)

cheers! Shirley

Comment by russ allen on August 21, 2008 at 6:48am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A little unsettled as of late. I've been asked to do something I don't take any pleasure in but I am convinced I must do it. Ever feel like that? Any of you who have kids sure have! We don't want to punish our kids but it is necessary for their own good. Well sometimes in this life we must do tasks that are bitter in our mouths. Jesus hung on the cross for you, do you think the hanging and the flogging was something he wanted to do? Of course not, but he knew that for our lives he had to. We teach and raise our children with love and discipline so they may become good people of God who follow righteous teachings and don't run amok in society. What about those who profess Jesus but don't live it? Well, we are not to be judgmental but we must see truth and try to correct lies when we can. Learning when to step forward and when to stop is a tough choice sometimes but when we have to stand for principles that are God given we must take courage and rest in the assurance of God's wisdom. The Word does tell us how to tell;

Titus 1:15-16
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
NIV

James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
NIV

Matthew 7:16-20
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
KJV

The actions tell a story. Actions that are wrong need to be corrected. Our fruit says more than our mouth. Our mouth can bless and curse. Our actions can show peace and the love of God or it can show bitterness, hatred, and selfishness. Examine yourself and see how you sit with these principles and take appropriate action. Remember Tammy Moore, health...remember Josh Andrade-lost...remember each other...

Heavenly Father,
Help us see you. Help us see how we are to bear the good fruit of your salvation. Lord we lift those who are lost to you. We plead with you to help us act in a manner that glorifies you. We ask for your touch on our lives so we bear sweet fruit of the Spirit so others see you. Lord be with those who are about to face choices that are correct but hard. Lord be with those you are disciplining so they see their folly and repent quickly! Thank you for good rest you provide, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 5:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 20, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Lots on my mind again...I'm really taxing those 8 brain cells...Falling away from God or drifting as the scripture says. Apparently this is needed because I awoke to a sermon on this. Look at these verses;

Hebrews 2:1-4
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.
NAS

Proverbs 7:1
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.
NIV

The world is very powerful with all it's enticements. We are creatures who revert when we don't know or refuse to find out what to do. If we neglect the Word, prayer and time with God, we will fall away. Does this mean we must be pius and not enjoy what this life on earth has? Not at all but don't get so wrapped up in those things to where you neglect your walk with God. Nurturing our relationship with Jesus must be met with diligence. Like anything, if we ignore or set it down and forget about it, it becomes dormant and not of any use. Stagnation is easy to fall into if we don't seek the Lord daily. Do we have to have an organized bible study or church service every day? No but if that is what it takes to keep you walking upright, do it. It's just too darn easy to slip away into oblivion when we neglect our relationship with Jesus. When you realize you are slipping, run to him! Repent and open the Word and pray he speaks to you. Be honest yet not self condemning. Take the steps necessary or ask someone who you know will tell the truth and show you how to come home. We've all become wrapped up in work or kids or duties that divert our attention but let it go on to long because the consequences can be awful. Remember also, if you have accepted Jesus, you are saved and that is secure so gather up yourself and run back...he's waiting...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your salvation. Lord thank you for all you have done and help us remember the day you lifted us out of the gloom. Lord lead us back to you. Lord for those of us who may not be aware of our drifting, smack us up side the head like a mule so we can see! Lord protect the innocent and keep them from mental and physical harm. Lord touch the kids young and old so they have no doubt you walk with them, that you are real, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:21 AM

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