Fight Apathy or Don't.

Apathy is dead.

Fighting apathy on the home-front

There are many people that I meet as a reporter that  invite me into their lives and share with me their hopes and desires, and express their problems to me on such a deep level that I walk away praying that God meets their needs, "Surely, if any one needs a miracle, they do Lord!"

I walk away from them, but really they are still with me, in my mind, on my heart ever present in my thoughts.  And I am left with this sentiment of what can I do? How can I help them?

  It can be a disheartening feeling to walk away from a cancer patient, or from a mother with a sick child that has shared their story and in need of a miracle and well,  just leave them there -with no solution.

   And I am sincere when I say that at times, after I walk away like that-- I am disillusioned because I see the pain and anguish, and feel the heavy hearted heaviness of the situation and something compels me to want to do something. 

  But what can I do?  But pray and ask God to open doors or close doors, to bring healing or intervene in some huge way that impacts their lives. And to give me wisdom that if there is something that I can, then I do it.

  I am a firm believer that people don't just happenstance into our lives. We are there to encourage, aide, give to the ones around us in whatever way that we can. And often I would say, we are there to show great compassion.

We may not be able to physically heal a person, but we can provide emotional healing to one another.  Being there is saying --I hear what you are saying and although I may not have the answers, I am here. You're not alone in your thick depression, by yourself in this horrible sickness, weathering a bleak dark storm without a friend.  We have our own lives to live each day that the sun rises, but with the state of the world falling to such a degree of hate, we must take the time to show the ones around us that we care. 

We may not be able to fight terrorism  abroad, but we can fight apathy at home.  

But that will require dying to indifference.  
Who knows? If we take the time to uncover what that other person has gone through, it could be of value to us---because we are facing it. Or what one has acquired during their own trying times, is what that other person needs to hear.

That may sound "pokey" in a world that is spewing meanness and hatred, but really it is not. Meeting a person in their hour of need thwarts chaos and brings stability in our community.  

No matter where you are on the map, we all are on God's radar,  and how we treat our neighbors makes all the difference in our world and it makes a world of difference in peoples' lives.  

  ~~Praying for you and for me, Ashley

"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15,

"Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12, The Message Bible

Everybody's looking for something....

In 1983 Annie Lennox and David Stewart, known then as the Eurythmics (a British new wave duo), wrote and released this song -- Sweet Dreams-- that, for some reason, was stuck in my mind as I woke this morning. Back in the day, I thought this was a really cool but kind-of scary song. I looked up the lyrics --although I was sure I knew them well-- just to make sure I had them right and try to come up with a reason this song was playing in my mind! I had not heard it lately so I assumed it was there for a reason!!

The song is about living life in this world of sometimes evil intentions from man's (and/or woman's) perspective. It is about constantly looking for something and never being satisfied... and dealing with the people doing the same around you.  It is about people who you cross paths with in your life and how they will treat you and how you treat them. This is the meaning I got from the lyrics anyway!

I began my bible study for the day shortly after reading the lyrics to the song. I was feeling a little uncomfortable with the message I was getting but read these verses and soon realized... maybe there was a message in this experience after all!

ASK! SEEK! KNOCK! and Everybody's looking for something.....

Matthew 7:7-8
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 

These were words spoken by our savior Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount.

Just like in the song "Sweet Dreams", everybody really is looking for something... and in these two verses, Jesus gives us all a threefold representation of how to find it!

ASK: Come with faith to prayer as a means of obtaining needs... with emphasis on the words COME IN FAITH!!

SEEK: AGAIN- In prayer, seek God... if it is his will for you, you will receive what you ask for.

KNOCK:  If you feel shut out, knock on the door of mercy! Have faith and that faith will be the key that opens the door.

Keep reading for assurance!!

Matthew 7:9-11
9 Which of you,  if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give goods to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Jesus is saying this in a way us parents can relate to here!! If my children come to me and ask me for something to eat... I will surely give this to my children. I know my children have to eat to live and I love my children, so I will provide this for them. And sometimes my kids want a little extra... sometimes they get "the wants"!... and I love my children so much that sometimes I give them little gifts, little extras to show them how much. And sometimes when my children WANT, I tell them no because I know that there is a need greater than the want.

What Jesus is saying to us in these verses is; If me, a sinner, can take care of my children and love them in this way... then just imagine how well our FATHER in HEAVEN will take care of us when we, his children, ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK!

Jesus sums up these things by saying this--
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

HUH? What does what we need and want have to do with this last verse?? I believe this "Golden Rule" is a command to us so that we might be deserving of what we ask for. My pastor said something so special while speaking yesterday. He said "Everyone is Precious". He went on to explain how everyone, even those who dislike us or those who have done wrong to us, is precious to God. This statement really made me think of this verse. No matter what people have done to me, they are still precious to God. I have to forgive and treat these precious other people how I want them to treat me before I can even fathom asking for something for myself.

Some of them want to use you. Some of them want abuse you. Everyone is looking for something.

BUT

Everyone is PRECIOUS to GOD, EVERYONE can ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK, everyone must live this life in this world of sometimes evil intentions. Everyone must realize how important it is that we treat each other how we want to be treated. And if we follow Jesus' instructions for our lives, not only will we learn how to love one another, we will find that something we are all looking for.

Love,
Andrea

My Single Valentine

Where O' Where is my Valentine?! 

Valentine O' Where is my Valentine?

 So, here I am,  another year without a Valentine! But since I am here-- I choose to be content in it--believing that He knows what I need and who I need!

But what is a single girl or guy suppose to do on a dateless Valentines Day/Night  when it seems like most of the ones around us are true-lovin'?

• First, realize it is okay! No fretting about the fate you're in--we have it established that our hearts will contain His desire for our "whats, whos and wheres" so we hold on to that in faith!  "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

• Second, we open eyes to see the countless other singles that are out there. You truly are not alone! "A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17 

So, if for you, Valentines is a biggie and may make you feel down in the dumps, organize a group outing with some of your single friends. Go to the spa, shopping, out for a meal, go fishing, gather around a fire and probe the meaning of life, but get out and enjoy yourself with people that really love you--your family and friends.

If you're not the social type,  then how about taking the time to "fall in love" with yourself! Do things that you enjoy doing and treat yourself well. Cook your favorite meal, watch your favorite movie, read your favorite book, work on your favorite project, or get lost in your favorite chapter in the Bible and thank God for the many blessings that He has given.

Valentines is a day of love and devotion. Commit to expressing your love to God and to the others around you, including yourself!~~LOVES, Ash

Depression is a state of mind and body

No hope in or for life is depression.

Depression is a real condition that may affect you or a loved one. But we have a promise that is just as real!
Jesus opened his first sermon addressing this condition. He looked out and seeing the multitudes distressed, opened his mouth and gave out a promise,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn for they will be comforted."
Matt 5:3&4

The condition of depression is cruel but can be cured! There is hope for the hopeless! It begins by faith and not by sight for both those witnessing and those affected by depression. The link below goes into detail about that more. Let me say that managing depression is in itself a means of curing depression. And medical science has studied how to accomplish that through medication. But never underestimate the power of God to move in your spiritual and physical life.
http://m.christianpost.com/news/christian-counselor-depression-demands-living-by-faith-not-by-sight--9370

What should a christian do if overwhelmed with depression? Below is a helpful link in addressing that question.
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-f001.html

I am praying for the downcast and depressed today that you be encouraged in your faith and surrounded by people to help lift you out of hopeless darkness and into this new bright day that was created for you to live in! ~Ash

An assignment of LOVE!

One of my sons told me this morning about an incident at school .... his entire class got in trouble with a substitute teacher for talking. The substitutes chosen discipline was to have all of the students write a paragraph "about 50 times" according to my son! I asked him what the paragraph said....

He replied, "I don't know".

I know it would seem that if someone wrote the exact same paragraph over and over  or  even "50 times" they would surely remember what the sentences of that paragraph were. But so many times, I am like my son. I write, I study and I am given the same lessons over and over, but yet I just go through the motions of life never really letting the true meaning of things sink in!!

I talked about my habit of doing this in my first post on this blog called "Return to Faith" when I said, at the end of the post in the prayer, "Thank You for putting me in a place where You once again attempted to reach for me."

I look back at my life now ....there were situations I was in, moments when someone said something to me, or times I went through some experiences where I know God was attempting to reach out for me. I was so blinded by the world that I couldn't see the hand, the plan and the path he had for me even when it was right in front of my face!!!

Ephesians 2:3-5
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great LOVE for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

I am now trying to write the paragraph AND absorb the lesson! Each bible verse I read, I attempt to learn how to use it in my own life.  Each bible verse I write, I know that it is directed toward myself but is a lesson not from me but God and can be used for a greater purpose.

I have recently written these verses several times:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Valentine's Day is near. I know that each of us are born with a desire to love and be loved, but may not know how to truly love one another. God's love is the only example of TRUE LOVE! I think these verses describe true love. I know that I am writting it over and over again and thinking about it for a reason. Maybe my LOVE is not yet true... Maybe God is having me write this paragraph over and over so I can begin to learn and understand how to truly love. 

Maybe you can join me and write this verse for yourself... write it 50 times if you need to!!

Today I am thankful that
God is TRUE LOVE and that he wants ME (and YOU) to learn how to love like him.

Love, 
Andrea

Hypocrites and homophobia

Hypocrisy. It is a word that has followed Christians around for a long time. Roman and Greek actors were called hypocrites. Actors wore masks on stage that showed a particular emotion or mood. So the word was adopted with the meaning of one that habitually wears a mask regardless of how one actually feels, an actor.

And hypocrite is a word that I can say reveals more about the character of a person than the mask worn.

I have my own masks of exaggerated expressions. I have melted them on, keeping myself safely secure between myth and reality. I wore them the same way those actors used their theatrical masks to appear and reappear in several roles without being identified as one specific character.

I could win awards with my great performances! Life should be extremely rewarding. Except that my soul longs for peace within itself. It aches to rest from the constant role play and exchange.

Although hypocrites are extremely entertaining and captivating, if life becomes one role play after another, where is the real life lived? I want substance.

What prompts me stop to and grab a mask? I would say it is for acceptance, for accolades. I want to be loved!

But is that love or is that acceptance?

Christians are commanded to love. First, to love God with all heart, soul and mind. Then to love our neighbor as we love our self. That is a selfless action that checks selfish love. It balances.

So is it selfish of me, am I being a hypocrite when I don't agree with same-sex marriage?  When a man wants to love another man openly or a woman wants to openly love another by marrying her.

Well, I have to go back to what my faith commands. True, it does say "love one another." And it says this: "Love is patient, love is kind, loves does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong doing, but rejoices with the truth." Having that as my basis for love, I use that basis, along with scriptures that condemn homosexuality as a sin. It says it.

And Jesus taught on marriage and divorce because it was as much a problem for people then,  as it is now.

In Matthew Chapter 19 Jesus said "the Creator made them male and female and for this reason a man will leave father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God joined together, let man not separate."

I am divorced. This scripture applies to me and speaks to me.

Marriage practices have changed so much from the original design--multiple wives, concubines, people marrying, but divorce practiced.

Jesus said that is not how it should be, but later in Chapter 19, he tells the disciples "The one who can accept this should accept this."

And I can accept that way of thinking. It is proper for me to accept that way of thinking.

Romans 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions.."

I desire love, true unadulterated love. A love that my Father finds sincere and not hypocritical. 

Praying for you and for me---In love, Ashley

HE is STILL working on me!!!!

Sometimes I think about that song I used to sing in church as a child... He's still working on me.... how true is that?!?! Even now at 37 years old and newly rededicated to HIM ... he is still working on me!!

Hebrews 12:26-29

26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remian. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire."

Yesterday was Sunday... for the past couple of months I have spent the entire week looking forward to Sunday!! To be able to go to church, hear the pastor speak, know my children are in an environment that is for God, and for each member of my family, including myself, to have the opportunity to learn about Jesus and to have a closer relationship with him. My youngest two children start most everyday by asking "is it church day?" so I know I am not the only one looking forward to this day of the week.

Every Sunday morning, getting ready seems to have its challenges but we have been managing to get ready just in time to make it on time! This Sunday morning the challenge won. My youngest daughter woke up very sick to her stomach... and with that news we made the decision not to go. I knew that I would spend the morning cleaning up after her and making sure she had just enough to drink, keeping that towel tucked under her head just right, and cleaning absolutely everything she touched to make sure the other 5 people living in our home did not catch the germ (if in fact it was even a germ she had... better safe than sorry!)!!

When I felt like I finally had her comfortable, I decided to read a bible lesson out loud to my husband and oldest daughter who had also come into the living room where my youngest and I were. Part of that lesson came from the verses above.

These verses hit home for me in so many ways. There I was thinking the day was ruined ... not my poor baby's fault of course, but I didn't think my week would be the same if I couldn't start it off in church! I was thinking I would feel guilt and my family would start arguing again... all because of one missed day.

At that time his WORD comforted me... "we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,...." I can worship wherever I am... I want to be able to go to church every Sunday but I realize that if we seek God's word, we will receive God's blessings... anywhere and everywhere because "God is a consuming fire." This particular verse made me think of the title to this blog... UNSHAKABLE.... we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. I am thankful and I will worship God with reverence and awe wherever I am and out loud to whoever will listen.
Even when the smallest of my old fears creep back in... God finds a way to remind me that I am becoming unshakable by my faith in him and he is always working on me! I know I need a lot of work so .... Thank You God for that!!

Love,
Andrea