An answer to an obvious question

Obama's support from "born-again" Christians

Interesting. Especially, in the midst of all the statistics, they included one at the end, that even though 48% of voters claim to be "born-again" Christians, only one in ten (10%) is an evangelical Christian with a biblical worldview and understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

That's a big difference. And a bigger prayer need.

Debrief, Part Two

Cuba and Miami: 'cause it's short, and I don't have a lot of time today.


I learned this from a college prof, who had a student from Cuba: this occurred within the last decade.

Did you know that Cuba sends it's extra bad or annoying criminals to the US? Specifically, obviously, to Miami. Isn't that nice of them? The student of this teacher was "exported" to Florida, along with his father, leaving the rest of their family, for stealing - twice.


I just thought this was an interesting piece of trivia, and wonder why it has never been addressed.

He is so Good!

In my Bible study today, I read something that I just had to share, especially in light of another discussion going on in a different blog.

Psalm 129:1-5
"Since my youth they have often attacked me - let Israel say -
Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me.
Plowmen plowed over my back, they made their furrows long.
The Lord is righteous, He has cut the ropes of the wicked.
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace."

Study notes:
The enemy, the world system, and our own flesh try to convince us that we're free when we are out from under authority and can do as we please. The Bible and life experience teach us something completely different. Only under the umbrella of God's trustworthy, for-us authority do we find our spacious place.
Only He can clarify our clouded belief systems.
Beth Moore, Stepping Up

Today, this was an reassuring answer to prayer.

Way Too Funny Cartoon

http://forthardknox.com/2008/10/28/democrat-halloween/

Pumpkin Question

So, this pumpkin is trying to kill me either through the knife or frustration, one of the two.

After I cook it, the peel should come off easy, right? And should the insides look somewhat transparent, not like they looked when I put them in? Because I am having to use a knife to cut the peel off, and the part of the pumpkin by the pan looks "done" but the rest of it doesn't. Am I cutting too big of pieces? I know Pioneer Woman used small pumpkins... AACCKKKK!

I am just ready to throw this one in the trash, but it's my special Sugar Baby one from the Punkin' Patch, and I was hoping to use it!

Conference Debrief, Part One

Ok, so maybe the whole Medianites joke was a little difficult? Here's a clue:

Midianites: Basically, bad guys in the Bible. There are differing opinions as to how many groups there were, but originally they were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (his wife after Sarah died). Several times they were oppressive to Israel, or tried to exterminate Israel, and God gave Israel victory over them. Basically - bad guys.

Medianites: CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, take your pick of any media that doesn't seem to be objectively reporting the facts. like, at all. ;-)

And I repeat, "isn't that awesome?" (In my opinion, and I'm guessing yours, because no matter who you're voting for, you can't excuse what the media has shamefully done with this election.)

********************************************************************
Anyway, since no one introduced any good questions, (and probably didn't really know what to ask, I'm guessing) I will start with a little something that made me cry. Because validation always does-- does it make you cry too?

Lately, in light of the election, I have been pretty frustrated. By many things, but basically because I do not understand what educated American, possibly add in here "Christian," could be "undecided" about who to vote for. And as this has gone on, it just seems like if you do your research and don't let the Medianites do it for you, you would know who your choice was. But during my prayer time of questioning, I just really felt like God was telling me that He is in Control. (I know we understand that God sets up kings and governments, but this was something more) And during the conference, this was validated. That God is in control, but this very well could be the beginning of the fall of America. Possibly that our judgement has already begun. Not even looking at what all else can and will send us reeling into a tailspin, the partisanship of the media and the difficulty of finding real answers as voters is enough to make me wonder "What is going on?" But we will get what we want, and we will reap what we sow. Haven't we been hearing the saying for years - that if God doesn't judge America, He's gonna have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah?
Anywho-- He just totally gave me that gift in my prayer time, and then through many of the speakers, validated that I am not weird in my (gift of) understanding-- If certain things continue to happen, plus all the Perfect Storms that are brewing within and without, America as we know it is over. And, it's ok. We should pray and fast, and possibly gain a reprieve, but His End Game is coming, and America, with or without us (!) will fall.

Ok, further topics: Israel, the AntiChrist/Mahdi, the Slovanian group behind us, Cuba and Miami, Do Not Fear, More Election Stuff (not a lot, just a little, but I just have to share), or the Perfect Storms.
Let me know what you want to hear, because I just have the hardest time picking what to say next.

Well, Now I Know

I now know what subcutaneous tissue looks like.

But Gabe told me I don't need stitches. And I didn't want the bill.

(I stabbed myself while trying to cut a pumpkin to roast it. That sucker was tough! Me, though, not so much. Knife went right in -- subcutaneous tissue came right out. :-)

Home Again

Wow. wow wow wow wow.

It's frustrating that I cannot possibly explain or encourage you to attend this conference by using words to describe how tremendously good it is. But I never regret taking time off, begging someone to take the girls, and spending the money to go. Never. I would do nearly anything to go.

I don't know what you would call this, but under the name "Strategic Perspectives" is the line "Intel, Insight and Inspiration." That describes it perfectly.

I have so much to share- I love this conference because it defines my focus. Where does my focus need to be? On God. No matter what is happening in our country and world, I need to look to the one who is in control. On what He is tellling me. And that is something else! I always get some sort of validation! Do you understand how sweet that is to me? To know that I know that He is talking to me. To me! In my prayer time He is giving me secrets and understanding that I don't deserve, and then He is gracious enough to validate it through a trusted source. The God of the Universe, My Saviour, cares enough about me to calm and direct my heart.

So, before I start in on sharing a few gleanings with you, feel free to ask any questions, and they will direct what I start with. But first.....

The hottest new term coined by Amir Tsarfati this year that everyone, including the other speakers went nuts over....

The Medianites.

Isn't that awesome!??!

Funny How God Works

I saw a bumper sticker tonight that just grieved my heart to the point of tears. I've been picking up on this for a while, but sometimes it hits home pretty hard.

"Men are Idiots, and I married their King."

Now, I know that this is all in fun, and is meant to be a joke. But it ties in well to what God showed me in Bible Study. One of the questions a few weeks ago was "If God hadn't been for you, what or who would you be now?" This was at the end of the homework, and I didn't see this one comin' for nothin'. But the answer was swift and immediate:

"A raging femi-nazi with a beaten-down, discouraged husband, if one at all, and children who have no respect for the Biblical roles of men and fatherhood."

And to tell you the truth, this frightened me. What I would have been. I hear the way some women talk, and I hear myself 6-10 years ago. From teen years into marriage, this is what I believed. It is a wonder I had any male friends whatsoever. But I did- does this mean that they in part believed this too? And Gabe? I know he didn't, but I can't imagine the patience it took for him to put up with my "better-than-you" attitude. But God was for me, and He is molding me into a usable instrument for His glory.

Just a joke? I believe I've heard it quoted more than once, "All jokes are based partially in what we believe." What a tragedy. When what the church needs (ie. what WE need) more than ever is a rising up of Godly men of character, but the world would rather beat them to a pulp. Ladies, this is something we should fight with word and deed: Our men are men of God; we support and respect them.

If you've been raised with me in this generation and struggle with the feminist mentality, pray that God would work a miracle in your heart. What freedom I now know, even as I wrestle with my own controlling personality, in knowing my purpose and my responsiblities-- My Biblical role as a Woman and Helpmeet. I only pray that I could share this victory with some of you who don't have this freedom. I've been there, and if you want someone to pray for you, or if you need encouragement or ideas on where to start, let me know. I would be honored to walk along side you.

Hmmm.

Pneumonic Plague in Grand Canyon, Kills Biologist