SelahV Today by hariette petersen

When Men Disappoint You

What do you do?  How do you get over the fact that they failed to act in a manner you'd expected or even felt proper?  How do you reconcile their actions and their decisions to things which affect you and yours in a counterproductive way?  How do you settle in and accept that which is totally wrong in your eyes?  How do you trust anything in them anymore?  How do you move beyond the suspicion and distrust they've planted in your heart?

I'm having a great deal of trouble with this at the moment.  By all accounts, there is nothing anyone can do to correct the error of man.  It's certainly beyond my control.  We're on a fast track to fundamentally change America and everything else in my life.

Not only do I feel betrayed, I feel discouraged and weary.  I have no desire to be counted among those who failed to even consider my view, my desires and my opinion.  It's as if we are on a fast track to complete annihilation of all that is normal, true, trusted, and certain.  Perhaps this would not bother me so much if not for all the other changes I am going through at the moment.  Perhaps.  

There's really no way to know.  All I know is, I feel like a wad of someone else's clay.  Not my Maker's mind you.  It's okay.  I'll get through it.  In time.  But right now, I am sorely disappointed and have no desire to be connected to those who have no desire to connect with me.  I suppose that is where I rest at the moment.  I just don't care anymore.  I join a friend of mine who had tremendous input into, and control over, the situation of which I speak.  He doesn't care either...one way or the other.  It just doesn't matter.  I think he's tired too.

If things don't really matter one way or the other to us, yet we do things which change things that truly matter to others, what are other folks to do with that?

Continue to change whatever you want to?  Do whatever you feel like doing?  Ignore everyone around you?  Toss gumdrops, beads, and band-aids to the crowds that gather to celebrate the disconnections of life?  I don't know about you folks.  But...well...

I'm tired of dysfunctional groups.  Simply tired.  I have all I need in my Savior.  He is enough.  His grace is complete.  My hope is built on nothing less than His unchanging faithfulness.  Perhaps it is time to move on.  To find another space where folks can sing  "Just As I Am" and be loved just as they are.  Perhaps.  Perhaps the time is drawing nigh.  I just don't know.  I'm still praying and clinging to "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me".  It's all I can do at the moment. selahV

[AT THE RISK OF ANNOYING R.C. SPROUL FANS/link]

BY ANY OTHER NAME

In my husband's first pastorate in Webster, Kentucky, a dear sweet lady gave me a cookbook as a birthday gift.  It was no ordinary cookbook.  The pages were mostly blank.  However, my friend took time from her busy life as a dairy farmer's wife, and mother to four children, to write-in several of her recipes and those of other church members.  I was thrilled.  If you've never been fed potluck dinner from Raymond Baptist Church, you really haven't tasted the best food on earth.  Some of their cooks have gone on to glory where I'm almost certain the Lord is using them to prepare the feast we Believers will enjoy together in Glory with our Lord.

In the middle of the "dessert" section of my cookbook is a "No Name Cake" recipe.  It is absolutely, the best cake I've ever been priviledged to taste.  Why in the world they called it the "No Name Cake" is beyond me.  But it is what it is.  The cake's name doesn't do one thing to change the texture, the delightful flavor, or the popularity of its presence on the Raymond Baptist buffet table.  I've never been to a fellowship at which there wasn't someone scraping the remaining crumbs left on the plate of Margaret Pollock's "No Name Cake".  Invariably, someone asks for the recipe...as did I.

Anyone who has never experienced a taste of No Name Cake is still enticed by its  creamy, fluffy, icing.  It looks simply yummy.  The first bite demands a second.  In fact, whenever I went to potluck dinners at Raymond Baptist Church, I checked the dessert table first. If No Name Cake was present I got myself as big a slice as possible.  I usually ate it as an appetizer to my dinner.

After the Lord moved us on to other pastorates, I was grateful for my cookbook and the recipe of No Name Cake.  I've since introduced it to many other people I've entertained and to other churches I've attended. Folks don't care that it has no name.  They eat it and enjoy it and request the recipe so they can make it for folks they know.  There's no telling where that No Name cake has gone because of a sweet Southern lady's kindhearted, generous gesture of sharing its contents with me and others.

I imagine by any other name it could be just as sweet, delectable, and tantalizing. I imagine by any other name it could be just as satisfying and well-received.  However, the name is not what makes the cake the cake--it is its ingredients.  What's inside that creamy, fluffy, delectable dessert makes the difference.  You can add or take away from it, but it won't be the same without the original ingredients of a No Name Cake.

For Christians, it is not "what" is inside or outside our churches that makes the difference in attracting folks to Christ.  It is not the beauty of our church, the majesty of its stain-glass windows, the tulips by the sidewalks, or the comfort of the pews.  It's not even the buffet tables filled with food and No Name Cakes.

It is Who they meet when they enter.  It is the love they receive and the sweet Spirit of the Believers which makes them want more.  It is Jesus living within us and pouring forth from us which makes them want to drink from His well and eat the Bread of Life and return for another helping.  Jesus makes us different from the rest of the world.  We are the ingredients which keep people coming back...or turn them away.  By no other Name can one be saved and live eternally.  Not by my name, your name, or our church name.

With Jesus, our name is not an issue, nor is our past.  Without Jesus living within us, we have nothing to offer...nothing...no matter what name we call ourselves.  selahV

[WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME/link]

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

Can you imagine the Girl Scouts of America changing their name to the Greater Sales-gals of America?  The Girl scout mission is to build "girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place."  A huge part of their organization is supported by the sale of the famous Girl Scout Cookies.  The cookie sales are not necessarily their mission, per se.  However, the cookies are so reknown that they identify with their organization. Folks love the cookies, and by purchasing them, they help support Girl Scouts fulfill their mission.

If you are a Girl Scout, and love to sell cookies to promote your organization, why wouldn't you want the world to know you are selling Girl Scout cookies?

If you are cooperating with other girls to sell those cookies to accomplish the same end (namely, to build your Girl Scout organization and to help young ladies develop a positive image of themselves), why would you set up a table on the opposite side of Wal-Mart's entrance and call yourself a generic name which no one knows and claim to sell Greater, Creamier and Better Cookies when they are the exact same cookie as Girl Scouts are selling on the other side of the open doors?  Well, the answer is simple...to me, anyway.  You wouldn't.

Unless.

Unless you were ashamed of Girl Scouts.  Or you are opposed to what they stand for.  Or you don't like the origin of their existence.  Or you don't really want to be a part of an organization which sells cookies each year and think Girl Scouts should grow organic carrots and sell them because they are healthier than cookies.  Or you think more cookies will be sold when promoted as Greater, Creamier, and Better. Or you think selling cookies takes away from your main mission--to build courage and confidence in girls, and instill in them a desire to help their communities.  Or you simply want to sell different cookies.

It makes me wonder, though.  When your family has a name, why would you want to change it and reposition yourself against your family?  It makes so little sense to me.  Kinda makes me feel like you don't want to be a part of me, or don't want me to be a part of you.  But again...that's just me.  selahV

Change Is Inevitable. Go with the Flow Or...

swim against the tide.  Each carries its own set of obstacles.  Each has its own challenges and opportunities.  We each have been given everything we need to meet the obstacles, challenges and opportunites before us.

With God as my strength, Jesus as Lord of my life, and His Spirit as my guide, I am able to do all things through Him to accomplish the plan He has set before me.  It does not matter what the status quo does.  It does not matter how many "yays" I receive--nor how many "nays".  With faith and perseverance, I will complete the task set before me if I desire to be in the center of God's will.  Me.  Personally.

I am a fortunate person.  God has not given me the task of seminary president, of theologian, of professor, of trustee or statesman.  Nor has God given me the task of shepherding a flock, or accounting for another's spending habits.  God will not hold me accountable for an abortionist's hands, a thief's exploits, or a friend's choices.  He holds me accountable for me...for what I do and say...for what I do not do, and do not say as an ambassador for Christ.

He won't judge me based upon Dorothy Patterson's awesome hospitality abilities, nor will He judge me based upon my step-mother's failures.  He will not judge me by Beth Moore's popularity or Joyce Meyer's following.  He will not reward me according to their success or failure--their pride or humility. 

I cannot stand before God and explain what others did that kept me from my own actions or inactions.  I cannot stand before God and blame the status quo, the majority or the minority.  I can only account for myself.  My attitude.  My actions.  My words.  My silence.  My inaction.  What do I do to ease another's pain?  to meet another's needs?  to quench another's thirst?  What do I say to another's harshness?  another's anger and bitterness?  What do I return for hatred I encounter?  for unkindness I find?

Whether I go with the flow or swim against the tide, life is going on--changing with or without my say-so.  This day, this hour, is mine to squander or invest in the kingdom of God.  It is my deepest prayer that I be found faithful to Him, to His instructions, to His Word...come what may...no matter what another does or says.  selahV

[WHAT CONCERNS ME...link]

If I Cry "Uncle"...

If I acquiesce and claim the new nickname of Great Commission Baptist, will folks stop insinuating I am a "whiner" and a tad racist?  Will I be less likely to fall into the nostalgia of "idolatry"?

If I raise the white flag, and sing "I Surrender All" as I march to Zion, will folks think better of me?

If I renounce my "southern" roots in the Southern Baptist Convention will that make me less "southern"?  less Baptist?  more "great commission" oriented? and a more spirit-filled, loving, disciple of Jesus Christ?

Will folks like me more?  Hear my testimony more clearly?  Accept Jesus as Lord more often?  

I don't know.  I'm just mulling this whole thing over.  After all, someone in my Sunday School class is bound to ask me what's going on when they read about this in the state Baptist paper.  Should I tell them it is just a "nick-name"?  It's optional.  That it doesn't mean all that much?  It's not all that important?  It's just so churches in areas beyond the Mason-Dixon Line don't have to divulge that they are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and thereby avoid being a stumbling block in their area? 

It doesn't mean we "Southern" Baptists are "bad" or "less than" all that.  Some just don't want to be a hindrance.  They think we need to move past our past and forward into this new day and time.

Ya think if I join the choir and sing in harmony with those who don't like "Southern Baptist", that things will be better in the world and more folks will come to our church?  Or more kids to VBS this summer?  Or will we have to change First Baptist East to First Baptist "Neutral" to accomplish that?  selahV

by the way... HOW ARE YOU KNOWN? /link

Easier to Explain Great Commission Than Southern ?

That's it!  We wanted something that could make it easier to explain why we love people and want to help them like Jesus said.  We wanted something to explain why we'd be willing to go out in freezing, rainy weather to visit them and pray with them about their needs.  We wanted something to explain why we give up the comfort of our recliners and feed them countless meals when their homes are destroyed by hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.  We wanted something that makes it easier to explain why we care?  why we go to the uttermost parts of the earth to dig wells, teach English, fix their teeth, care for their broken-hearts when abused and abandoned by parents, set up Pregnancy Resource Centers, and support seminaries to train pastors to shepherd flocks.

We needed something that more readily explains our mission to "go", to "tell", to "teach", to "baptize", to "make disciples" in the name of Jesus.

We wanted something to make it easier to explain why a bunch of "southern" Baptists who believed in the great commission took it to heart and obeyed their Savior's voice to go beyond their geographical areas and plant a church in Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Alaska, New York City, or China, for that matter.  Will a name-change make it easier to explain why a bunch of "southern" folks wanted to send missionaries around the world.

Will a name change make it easier to explain why the media camps out at our conventions in order to find something to stir the proverbial pot of controversy in the world, as collectively we try to make decisions that affect our communities and churches and missions in a positive way?

I wonder.

Will the controversies that embody the Southern Baptist Convention be no more?  Will the "northern" Great Commission Baptist churches grow faster now?  Will they have less to explain?  Or will they have more apologies to make before they can effectively reach a lost world for Christ?  Does a name change make it easier to "obey" the Great Commission?  I don't know.  I'm just asking.  

Then again, perhaps it's just time to "Well, Shut My Mouth"/link.  selahV

Call Me, Uh...

Shall I be a Great Commission Baptist or a Southern Great Commission Baptist?  or a North of the Mason Dixon Line Great Commission Baptist? or an Southern Oklahoma Great Commission Baptist?  Well, uh...I think I'm just a Christian in a convention of Southern Baptist churches who believes Jesus said to go into all the world and tell others about Him and to baptize them in HIS name and teach them to observe all things He said and did, so that they will also go and tell.

Maybe we oughta be "Go-Baptists".  Or Go-and-Tell-and-Baptize-Disciples.

Should I say I'm not a Southern Baptist 'cause well, they use to believe in slavery?

And I'm not a Southern Baptist because they offend folks with their narrow-minded stubborn adherence to Scripture?

And I'm not a Southern Baptist because well, they argue too much and they just aren't perfect?

Yeah!  I wanna be identified with a group of Believers who are perfect.  Oh, wait, not one of us is righteous...outside of the righteousness of Christ. Our righteousness is as filthy rags.  But...there is hope.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

Call me, uh...selahV today.  I'm not finished yet.

Dr. Paige Patterson Addresses SBC Name Change

Some will take a deep breath and sigh with relief.  Some will gasp. Others will simply sigh.  Even though several Baptist state papers relayed the news of a task force being formed by SBC President Bryant Wright, many are unaware of the business coming before the Executive Committee of the SBC tomorrow in Nashville, Tennessee.

Perhaps it will help some to read in full, what Dr. Paige Patterson, President of SWBTS, had to say on the proposal to consider a name change for the Southern Baptist Convention:

(Used by permission)

Address to the Executive Committee of the SBC

February 20, 2012

When President Bryant Wright telephoned late last year asking me to serve on a committee to provide counsel to the president about a change in name for our beloved Convention, my initial thought was, "Mr. President, why do you hate me?" My life has been spent, too much of it, in controversy, which contrary to popular wisdom, I thoroughly despise.  In fact, my life verse has become Jeremiah 15:10.

Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth!  I have neither lent for interest, nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.

My love for and devotion to this fellowship that we call a Convention and to its churches and mission causes is by now, I hope, apparent.  Soon, if God wills, I will attend my 60th annual meeting without a miss.  While I seek neither sympathy nor applause, my family has paid a high price for faithfulness as we understood it to Christ, the Bible, and to the faith of our Baptist Fathers.  For thirty- six years, I have led three different institutions to train your missionaries, pastors and evangelists.  For fifty-five years I have faithfully preached the unsearchable riches of Christ mostly in Southern Baptist churches and mission points. Haltingly and often poorly, I have sought to be a personal witness to the saving grace of our Lord.

So what is your point, oh hoary with years?  Just that in the pedestrian words that I am about to utter, I sincerely hope that my motive and intentions are pure even should you find my logic flawed.  From my vantage point in the forced march to the summit of Nebo, the twin concerns that rivet my heart are seven billion lost people on this globe and the care of the churches that serve as the launch pads for the dissemination of the gospel.

Since I was a boy-preacher somewhere back in the Pre-Cambrian era, I have been concerned that Southern Baptists needed to change our name.  Every time the issue arose, I cast a losing vote contrary to that of some of my dearest friends.  The logic that appealed to me then was as simple as the mind that assessed it.  (1) We were no longer regional and (2) If the regional moniker were an offense, a barrier to some, used in turn by the Enemy to keep them from Christ, then we should remove the barrier.

Please note what I did not say.  While I recognize that some of our own are offended by our Southern Baptist history of sometimes fierce clashes, of our moral stands against abortion, gender confusion, the dissolution of the family, the devastating effects of gambling and alcohol on our families and the social order, and even belatedly the more politically correct, but in this case biblically correct stand against racism, while I regret that any are offended, I view all of this as noble, even if in our flesh we were sometimes ignoble in our approaches to these issues.

Neither do I think that the name on the shingle has much to do with evangelistic success.  History is replete with the objections of the establishment to the evangelization of the lost.  When God's people seek His face for His mighty hand to move and then when they witness as though they were in the fourth quarter, I know for a fact that the baptismal waters will be stirred far more frequently than Bethesda.

Consequently, I am not ashamed of the Southern Baptist name.  Indeed, I love and treasure it for what it represents in terms of doctrine, ethics, shared mission, response to human need, and world mission endeavor.  But my brothers and sisters, if at least a descriptor could be found which focused on the nature of our mission, how could that be a bad omen?

The recommendation which our distinguished Baptist statesman, Dr. Draper, will now bring is one that satisfies my conscience on all levels to a degree I never thought possible.  I support it enthusiastically.  I have just two requests of you my brethren.  First, let us seek God's face with ardent supplication to see if the committee's report is an amazing solution given by the Spirit of God.  Second, if at the end of the process, you do not agree, that is fine.  This is why you are a Baptist, a dissenter, and why I am not your bishop, cardinal or pope.  But may we agree that we will debate and decide the issue without recourse to a discussion of motives and intentions of the heart which only God can see and know.

Whatever the outcome, I remain confident for the future.  The gates of hell will not conquer the church of Jesus the Christ.  The Spirit and the Bride say come.  Southern Baptists say come.  Let whosoever wills come and slake his thirst with the water of life.  Such remains the mission of Southern Baptists until Jesus comes." Dr. Paige Patterson

As a blogger who is known better by my moniker ("descriptor") than my legal name, I wonder how long it will take for folks to understand just what "Great Commission Baptists" are all about.  It's more than sharing the old, old story of Southern Baptists marching to Zion or singing Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus, just as we are--warts and all.  It is sharing Jesus with hearts filled with love and mercy.  It is spirits yielded to the Holy Spirit's guidance and convicting presence.  It is minds focused upon the mission to cooperate with other Believers in the Southern Baptist Convention.

In days ahead, it should be interesting to hear what others have to say. The task force thinks it is a Win-Win.  A compromise.  For those determined to rid us of "Southern", of "Baptist", of "Convention", it may not suffice. Others may not like the "descriptor" at all.  I do not doubt we'll have a few jovial remarks, and perhaps more than a few satirical jabs in the discussions.  C'est la vie.  That's life as usual as a Baptist, I suppose.  selahV

[Special thanks to Dr. Patterson for permission to post his address tonite.]

By No Other Name

I have a friend who is writing a book.  And she's been getting all kinds of advice on what to title it.  I keep telling her that it is her book.  Its content is her thoughts, not someone else's.  Seems to me, if they want to name a book, they oughta go write their own.

I'm working on a book, too.  I've picked its name.  And I have my reasons for its title. Some folks will never read my book because it is me who wrote it and they have a preconceived idea of who I am and what I believe.  My reputation preceeds me.

I love the name of this blog.  I fell in love with my moniker the moment I made it up.   I pronounce SelahV the way the French say, that's life, or such is life: C'est la vie.  I gave a lot of thought to SelahV Today.  Then I started other blogs.  And really, none of them completely tell the whole story of who I am.  Yet, combined, they paint an abstract picture of Hariette Petersen...Christian, writer, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Southern Baptist, Political Conservative, and enthusiast for various things.  I am interested in the machinations of our country, and the history of my faith. 

Some folks who read my various blogs, know me by SelahV, others by Hariette.  Some see my passion for sharing encouraging words through Devotional Writing and become fans.  Others read an opinionated piece of blather I write and never return.  Some folks like what I say, others, not so much.  It's okay.  That's life.  Even I don't like everything I say (I'm still learning).  Not every person who reads my writing can know me completely.  And often folks can take a pinch of what another is, and make that the sum total of who they are...they do not want to go beyond the "pinch".  Sometimes they don't even take a pinch, they take a smidgeon of what another thinks and form an opinion that way.

I'm not always dogmatic or narrow-minded.  Nor am I always whimsical and ooey gooey.  I state what I know, what I believe about what I know, and sometimes...I speak before I think and say stuff I don't know.  I once had someone call me "The Ubiquitous One" in our blogging community.  I had to look that one up.  I thought.  Is he picking on me?  I was surprised to discover it's meaning.  Who woulda thunk?

I don't think it's possible to actually assign one characteristic to a person and consider it the sum total of who they are.  Do you?  I know some folks who profess to be Christians with whom I wouldn't want to be associated or linked to as "believers".  I know some Republicans who could not possibly speak for me.  Shucks, I know some Southern Baptists who don't believe what I believe theologically, philosophically or morally.  There are even some very notable people who would never endorse my writing and I wouldn't want them to endorse my writing.  "SelahV Today" is life as I see it, today.  And for what it is worth, I am happy with it.  Even if some folks aren't.  You can't please everyone...no matter how hard you try.  I've learned that the hard way.

But, you see, I know that the foundation of my blog, the purpose for which I write, is grounded in my faith in an awesome, forgiving, compassionate, long-suffering, merciful God.  And when I flub a post, He is there with me...flooding me with His grace to make me a better writer, a better person.  I depend on Him.  By His name I am called His child.  By no other Name do I want to live my life today.  selahV

Speaking of Elimination

Do we really have to cut off our hand and foot if they cause us to sin? Or gouge out our eyes if we can't control what we lust after and covet?  Or tie a millstone around our necks to avoid leading another to stumble?

I read where the government (that pesky interfering, annoying, dictating entity), wants to start charging folks on Medicaid and Medicare a fee for doctor visits that are caused by smoking, drinking etc.  I suppose, if citizens have to fork out tax dollars to help the less fortunate supplement their healthcare, then it may seem fair to charge the less fortunate a fee when they ignore their health and spend what little cash they have on vices that do nothing to benefit their well-being.  I also heard on the news that the government was considering a fee for the obese.  I hate that word.  But it is what it is.  And a person who exceeds a particular weight, might need to consider their health if they can't afford their own health-care and must depend upon the public to care for them.  Florida was trying to pass legislation to deny cakes and cookies and stuff like that from "food-stamp" recipients. It didn't pass the House, though.  Does make one wonder if Double-stuffed Oreos are really necessary for one's diet, though.

I need to get rid of about "uh-hmmmm-duh" pounds.  I've been working on it.  A month ago, a grotesque virus gripped my gut and created havoc with my digestive system for a week.  I lost ten pounds.  Since then, I got serious about what I put into my system. I am eating more protein, spinach, greens, and have eliminated nearly all processed sugars from my diet.  I've lost one pant-size.

Not enough.

Since I heard "obesity" is being bandied about for another penalty fee for Medicaid and Medicare recipients, I'm doubling down on getting "obese" eliminated from my health records before I'm eligible for Medicare.  To be clear...I am not on either Medicare or state assisted Medicaid.  I was once advised by a government-paid hospital social worker to have my husband quit working so we'd qualify for hospital care, foodstamps, Medicaid, rent and other government supplied perks.  However, my hubby and I thought her advice rather silly since he could still work and make enough to buy our own groceries and pay for the few doctor visits we had in a year.  (If you ask me, government officials who encourage dependency on the government ought to quit work so tax payers don't have to pay their salary and pension funds.)

I digress.  This post is about eliminating things in our lives which harm us (I started with sugar).  And it's expedient and Scriptural to begin introducing those things which improve us, help us, and keep us healthy.  Physically.  Mentally.  Emotionally and Spiritually.  Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God". Matthew 4:4 KJV

"Every word."

Guess the fact that God expects me to be sober minded, and filled with the Holy Spirit eliminates a lot of questionable practices, huh?  Especially those which science has proven kills brain cells (like alcohol), and produces cancer (like tobacco products), and destroys the well-being of others (like second-hand smoke and fetal alcohol syndrome, DUI fatalities), whom He demands we love as we love ourselves.  There's a lot to applying Scripture to our lives.  More than we want to admit sometimes.  For some folks, it's easier to rest in God's grace than to grow in it.  Is that kinda like the way the wicked servant was who buried his talents instead of investing them?  Or being foolish, instead of wise?  I think so, but then I'm no theologian.  selahV

Process of Elimination

I have been overwhelmed with the process of eliminating things from my life.  Even though I sold a great deal of my belongings in an estate sale, I still have to get rid of more.  I decided to put some of the smaller, easier mailed items on eBay.  The painting you see on the left is one of those items (/link).

Bit by bit our lives are changed--from within and without.  We process that which does not work in our lives and we eliminate its place in our routine, lifestyle, or mental and emotional well-being.  It is almost an act of self-preservation.  Sadly, some never learn to eliminate that which is harmful to themselves or becomes extra baggage on their mind and spirit.  They do not break destructive habits, they cling to past grievances, they wallow in self-pity, and they refuse to eliminate that which is devouring their joy, happiness, and productivity.

There also comes a time in which we must accept ourselves as we are-- our lot in life, so to speak. We must understand and recognize our limitations.  We must yield to the hand of God and accept the garden in which we've been planted and blossom as He allows.  Not every preacher is meant to be a great theologian, nor every fireman a celebrated hero.  Not every athelete is destined to win the Olympic Gold Medal, nor every writer the Pullitzer Prize.  Not every team wins the Super Bowl or player catches the winning touchdown.  Not every pitcher pitches a no-hitter but, nevertheless, he continues to pitch regardless of the outcome of his last game or the success of the last batter before him.  Not every act we make succeeds.  Not every word we say is quotable or notable.  Some efforts we make in life are simple and meaningful in ways we will never know this side of eternity.

In life we are given opportunities and have choices to make.  We meet several crossroads, and encounter intersections in which we must turn one way or another, or follow the pathway forward (sometimes we must turn back).  In my life, the most invaluable scripture has been, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, but in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Many times in my 63-plus years I have made horrible choices.  I trusted my own understanding.  I never gave God a thought.  In some decisions, I thought of God, but my whole heart skipped a beat or two, and self-centered desires superceded those which honored Him. Oddly, as much as I credit the better steps I took in life, much of who I am today is a result of the bad choices and poor choices of others who affected me emotionally. Abandonment.  Neglect.  Divorce.  Abuse.  Criticism.  Each of these things played a role in shaping my choices and personal decisions today.

The break-through moment in my life was when I gave Jesus the reins to my life.  I wanted Him in control, instead of me.  As I yield more and more of myself to His guidance, faith takes me where I never dreamed of going. There comes a time in life when we either allow life's trials and heartache to set our feet in the cement of negativity, or we pull out the chisel and chip away at the concrete that binds us emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  The process of elimination.  If we do not eliminate the baggage, we lug it around with us and into every relationship we have.  We unpack the stinky thing and let it define the relationships we have with others in a very negative way.  Then we add to the chunk of cemented bitterness, anger, fear, and distrust as we move onto another relationship, job, or challenge.

Throughout my life I have had to eliminate thoughts of broken relationships which brought me pain.  One of the greatest books I ever read on that is "Healing For Damaged Emotions" by David A. Seamands (see give away below).  Comment below and I'll put you in a drawing to receive a copy.  I only have one left of several I bought to give as gifts.  This book was truly a God-send when I lost my son.  It helped me process the loss I experienced and the overwhelming grief that consumed my every thought.  If you don't win in the drawing, then I strongly recommend you purchase Seamands' little 142-page volume for your library.

Friends, I pray God gives you the desire to let go and begin eliminating the heartache in your life.  I pray God opens your eyes to the splendor of living free in His presence.  I pray He gives you the peace that only He can give in this world.  In Him are the desires of our hearts.  We really do not know what our fondest desires are.  We think we do.  But the more we eliminate the cemented past, the closer we get to the person God intends us to be.  There's real solid meaning in the word "repent"--to turn away from the comfort we of clinging to the past and what we think is important and turn into God's path to what is best and vital.  May your journey take you higher each day and you find the grace to grow in His presence.  selahV

[DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR "HEALING FOR DAMAGED EMOTIONS"

 

 

America Is A Cauldron Of Frogs

In that cauldron is brewing a bunch of unsuspecting, uninformed, uninterested, apathetic citizens which are simmering in a stew of totalitarianism.  From health-care purchase being forced upon people and businesses, to food police seizing a 4-year-old child's lunch in North Carolina and reprimanding a mother for neglecting to add a bag of carrots to her turkey and cheese sandwich, banana, chips and apple juice.

Economic liberty is under assault.  We must purchase what the government says or we face fines and imprisonment.

Personal liberty is under assault.  We must eat what the government says to eat and force-feed our children what the government says or the government will seize our choices and force-feed our children warmed-over, frozen chicken nuggets.

Religious liberty is under assault.  Religious institutions must provide medicinal methods which violates the conscience and moral convictions of pro-life, Christians. Chaplains in the military prohibited from reading a letter from their Bishop informing members of their faith that the government is requiring religious institutions pay for abortive procedures that violate their faith. 

If I sit in this cauldron long enough, I'm sure the new rules of government that prohibits deodorant for government employed folks (whew, we're gonna have some stinky soldiers), will trickle down and prohibit me from boarding any public transportation if I dare use my stick of baby-soft Secret beneath my arms.  Taxpayers will probably have to pay for professionally trained dogs to sniff our underarms before entering the TSA body-scan machines and undergoing intrusive pat-downs.

Lord have mercy on us all.

I am quite concerned that the President of the United States at this moment is turning up the heat on the fire beneath the cauldron of totalitarianism in America.  I hate to be an alarmist; I'm not prone to believe conspiracies. But evidence is evidence, and facts are facts.

If the "Twitter", "Facebook", "Linkedin", "Google", "IPAD" Apple generation doesn't wake up soon, their liberties will be cooked as well as their ability to countback change from a twenty-dollar bill. 

It's really not my optimistic bent to get my hair-ribbons in a twist over the temporal properties of this earth.  But as a Christian, I cannot sit idly by and not take issue with the fact that the person in the White House, who is an elected official bound by the Constitution, and his advisors, are dictating what we free-born, naturalized and sworn-in citizens must do.  I do not want to "fundamentally transform America" as per Barack Hussein Obama's progressive and socialistic ideology.  It's wrong.  Flat out, shut-the-front-door wrong.

[AND AS LONG AS I'M POSTING ABOUT LIBERTIES AND ASSAULTS, I may as well add another link on Religious Discrimination in Vanderbilt University.]

The Selective Grace of God

Is God selective upon whom He bestows His grace?  Is there no grace for the unbeliever?

I am of the opinion, and believe as I read scripture that unbelievers are most certainly selected to receive God's grace.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in him, will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

God's grace is continually working in our world to bring us to Him...to draw us unto Him.  We are born with an innate desire that cannot be met or satisfied through any means but knowing God in an intimate way.  We have a desparate need to be reconciled to Him--to have that knowledge in our heart, soul and mind.  No matter how many people we love or love us, no matter how much we attain, nor how much power we gain, we are empty without a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son.  We need God's love.  We hunger for God's love...even when we don't know it--we thirst for Him. "But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 ESV 

God's love gives us grace.  Grace gives us strength.  Grace gives us favor.  Grace gives us hope.  Grace gives us understanding.  Grace gives us wisdom.  Grace gives us peace.  God's grace upon us...is sufficient to meet our every single need.  We have it in abundance when we turn to Christ and receive Him as our Savior and make Him our Lord.  He fills us with His Holy Spirit and teaches us, guides us, comforts us, and assures us of our relationship in Christ.  He revives us, restores us and refines us.  Grace is a grand and wonderful all-encompassing gift.

It's so sad that many are unaware that their every breath is a result of God's will and grace.  They think it is the food they eat, the exercise they perform, the choices they make.  So many walk throughout their lives thinking their kindness, their generosity, their efforts, their education and fortune are what give them what they gain and enjoy in life.  Indeed, even though I know it, I sometimes fail to recognize it, affirm it or proclaim it.

Yet, all along, the grace of God keeps us, provides for us, while continually drawing us to Himself.  We are selected to receive His grace before we are even born and when we turn away unto our own desires, He lets us have our own way.  We do not have to spend an eternity in hell.  We can't work our way away from that consequence of our sinful lives.  We can do nothing to avoid it other than trust in God's Son and receive the saving grace of His substitutionary death for our much deserved punishment.  What a wonderful blessing it is to know that death is not the end for those who know God.  What a wonderful joy and peace there is in knowing God loves me!  That He loved me before I even came to love Him or understand any portion of Him other than He paid the price to set me free and save me from my own self-centered selfishness.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.  Thank you for your selflessness.  Thank you for your sacrifice in my behalf--in behalf of those I love, and those I do not but need to love.  Thank you God for the grace you allowed me to come to You.  Thank you for the grace to grow in faith and share your love and hope with others.  Your plans are so much better than ours.  Keep us ever mindful of that thought in the midst of trials and difficulties on earth.  selahV

 

What Jesus Didn't Have

He had no place to lay His head.

Last night I was blessed to have a night's sleep on my brand new Tempurpedic dual control, king-size bed.  We've been saving for a long time...ever since my car accident garnered a portion of the price for the "pain and discomfort" I received when that fella ran a stop-sign and nailed my front end.  Seems so long ago, now.

Isn't it odd how the awful stuff in life is kneaded into a loaf of goodness when we look back on it?  Had that not happened, I would probably not have discovered that a chiropractor could help manage my lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease.  I also wouldn't have considered a bed that elevates my head and feet to relieve the pressure on my back.  Had we not decided to downsize our home and sell off all the collectibles in our lives, the ability to get my Tempurpedic would most likely never have occurred, and I'd still be sleeping in my recliner at night like I have for over 7 years.  Yet, there it is.  All these things working together provided the first near-pain-free night's sleep I've had in years.

And as I revel in this blessing, I cannot help but considered how gracious my God is to me and to all who look to Him for help.  

My Savior had no place to call "home" on this earth.  He had no place to rest His head.  He rested every moment in the provision of His Father and showed each of us how to rely on God for our every need.  He did not complain like we so often do.  He did not get irritated or frustrated with the daily annoyances that we so often grumble and murmur about.  He didn't whine about the government's intrusion into his life.  He didn't fret over the religious leaders distorting what was true and pure in the sight of God.  He simply went about doing good and showed us how to glorify the Father with every word and deed.  He didn't have a single pity-party because He didn't have health insurance, own a home or have internet connection.  The only connection Jesus was interested in was the connection between He and His Father.  Would that we all go and do likewise. selahV   

I Lost W.A. Criswell

My Criswell Bible is missing.  I am afraid I inadvertently sold it in my estate sale for two bucks.  I am so disheartened.  Such a blunder.  Had I been able to check every item that came through for payment, I might have caught it.  Unfortunately, I was absolutely mobbed with folks at several points during the three days of the sale.  I mistakenly thought my Bible was safely packed and resting in a box at my new house.  I was wrong.  I'm pretty sure I know the fortunate person who bought it.  He came up to me to pay for several items amid several other people who were also waiting to pay for items.

 My daughter was wrapping and counting.  To her, it was just another book from the book room.  Neither of us were looking very closely at the books that went through.  But this particular man said, "I almost feel guilty taking these things from you."  Maybe I should have clued into his statement.  But I had so many bargains, and I knew the things I was selling were all far below book value.  I just assumed he was talking about that.  After all, I had thought my hubby had picked out the "keepers" in our library of books.  Even though we had hundreds which were exceptional bargains, we did have our favorites which we weren't willing to part with.  My Criswell Bible was one of mine. It was a gift from a dear dear friend.  Oh, well.

Cest' la vie.  That is life.  I will survive.  Now I pray that whoever winds up with my Bible will appreciate, not only its value, but the wealth of wisdom in it.  To that end I rest in peace.  selahV

 

Why Follow Me?

I've always wondered why people click "follow" me on Twitter.  I get these little Twitter emails informing me of readers who are following me and I wonder.  Why?  Think about it.  A person gives up and relinquishes valuable time to read the few characters I occasionally type on a wall.  I don't even know why I subscribed to Twitter.  Seemed the thing to do at the time (some sicko took my psuedonym before I had a chance to sign up and that is a bit disconcerting).  However, I do send my blog-posts to my Twitter account and Facebook.  I have no clue who reads my writing from those link-ups.  I've had some very strange and unsavory folks follow me on Twitter.  I go to their profile and they have postings that are so very far from anything that would interest me-- some so flat-out immoral and vulgar that I block them.  

It makes me wonder.  Matthew recorded: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow me continually." Matthew 16:24 NIV

Why would a person want to follow Jesus if not to bring others to Him?  to introduce Him to others?  To share with others... His words, commands, teachings and instructions?  Why would we follow Him if we are not willing to deny ourselves, carry the burdens of our lives for His glory, and commit ourselves on a daily basis to His way?  Christianity is following Jesus...not some man... some popular blogger ...some leader... some professor... some author... some seminary President, or some kook who "sees things" and promotes "unreal marriages" or some deceased theologian.  Christians follow a Savior... the Son of the Living God.  Why would they follow anyone else?  selahV