Hold Fast To Your Dream In Spite Of Other People

Friends, I am going to vent again.  I am so tired of being told not to do or say certain things because it might “offend” someone.  I am so done with this political correct crap you can stick a fork in me—I am so done. My twelve year old grandson came upon this P.C. crap personally the other night and yes I am offended by what this “grown-up” told him in front of other students and parents.  Yes, I am offended by her reaction.  Oh, my bad liberals can’t offend they can only be offended. 
My grandson is a budding comedian and was chosen to appear in Graves County’s Got Talent at Graves County High School on Saturday, October 17.  Rehearsal was Friday evening.  Everything was disorganized as all rehearsals are but after Nikolas was finally able to perform his routine.  The director of the program told him his jokes offended her.  Now he did not use profanity, I hear his jokes to make sure that are appropriate, all his jokes were clean and family appropriate.  She was offended on a political joke about a Democratic woman running for President.  This woman told him in plain language that his jokes offended her.   She told him she was voting for this candidate.  Now I don’t care who she votes for but to throw her political views in the face of a child is, to me, unacceptable.  It would be bad enough for her to do this when she was alone with him but she put him down in front of other kids and their parents.  That my friends, offended me.
Now, I will not mention her name because I am not trying to stoop to her level.  Besides, she knows who she is, as well as, all the people there that night.  This is an open letter to her because I want her to know how she almost ruined a young man’s dreams.  I say almost because I talked to him all the way home encouraging him not to give up his dream.  I told him all good comedians have offended people at same point in their career.  I have been offended by a few comedians that can’t tell a joke without using profanity. So here goes.
Dear Ms.
I am totally ashamed of you and also embarrassed for you.  You were supposed to be the adult but I am proud of my grandson because he showed much more maturity than you.  Before he did his routine Saturday night he did say that some of his jokes might offend some people and he apologized but it was comedy. I am proud of him for that but by the applause he got, few people were offended.  I really hope you are happy because he was ready to give up on his dreams because of you.  I understand you are a drama coach and teacher and no doubt a good one.  However, if you humiliate and embarrass some of your students like you did my grandson, you would probably lose your job.  I do know that if my child were in the class I would definitely be at school the next morning and pardon me, I would haunt you until you apologized in front of the entire school.  I’m sorry but you have riled up a grandmother who is teaching her kids how to work for their dreams.
I don’t know how many comedians you have seen but let me tell you I cannot think of a single comedian that is worth watching who has not offended anyone at times.  Even Jesus offended people when He walked this earth—usually the self-righteous Pharisees. I know you probably don’t like me and that is ok because I don’t care.  If “everyone loves you”, you are either not being authentic or have a lot of fake friends.
If I have offended  you I will not apologize because, madam, you offended me when you tried to step on my grandson’s dreams.  Oh, by the way, he has been asked to be a part of a comedy show in November at the Market House Theater in Paducah.  The director of that show has heard his jokes—even the one that offended you and he likes them.
Have a good day and may God bless you.







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Who Can Cast The First stone?

I’m sure by now everyone who watches television, reads the paper, and uses social media knows about Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk, jailed for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.  She has both supporters and critics.  A rally was held in her support on the day of her release and many public officials attended including Mike Huckabee, a GOP presidential candidate.
What really concerns me about this issue is her critics that are using her past to color her present. “She has been divorced four times and had an extramarital affair.” My question is “Who among us can cast the first stone?” In the gospel of John Chapter 8 in the Bible we read of an adulterous woman who was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They were trying to trick Jesus by using the Law given to Moses.  “In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger.  When they kept questioning Him He straightened up and said to them. "Let any one who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her."Again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:5-8)
Do you know who threw the first stone? NOBODY. Instead they began to walk away. Do you know why? Because not a one of them was without sin! My question to you today is are you qualified to throw the first stone or do you have sin in your life?
If her adultery happened before she gave her life to God—that sin was forgiven by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. If her sins were not forgiven no one’s sins were forgiven and Christ died in vain.
You might not believe the Bible and disagree with me. That is okay. You have that right but I also have to right to my beliefs.  I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.

The Son Still Shines

How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?  Proverbs 1:22

We live in a society that has tried to eliminate God. Children cannot say the Lord’s Prayer or even pray in schools anymore. The Bible is not allowed in schools but our children are being indoctrinated in the ways of Allah and Islam. Homosexuality is embraced while Christians who are embracing the Biblical view of marriage are being outlawed.  Christian business owners are being forced to violate their beliefs or be fined or jailed for their Christian beliefs.  In fact, Christians are referred to as “radical extremists” that need to be isolated from “normal citizens”.  Our government feels the need to protect citizens from these “radical, Christian bigots”.  Christians re being persecuted and killed all over the world while Islam is being hailed as a religion of peace.  The adherents of this peaceful religion are beheading “infidels”, raping and selling women and children for sex slaves and throwing homosexuals from buildings as punishment for their sinful behavior.

Celebrities who are too often seen as role models for our youth are openly cursing God and worshipping their awards and accomplishments.  On the other hand, celebrities who are Christians are constantly being told not to talk about their faith openly or being punished for their faith.  Tim Tebow, a prominent sports star was ridiculed for his outward show of faith.  Christians are being ridiculed while recently, a transgendered person was given a reward for bravery while the real heroes of our armed forces are being overlooked.  Our military has not escaped the discrimination of the left as they are being downsized and prosecuted for their show of faith.  Even chaplains in our military are being discharged and told not to speak the name of Jesus or say anything against homosexuals.  They are not free to do the job they have been called to do because it “might offend someone”.  Jesus offended people when He walked this earth but He did not stop doing His Father’s business because of it.  Jesus said that “if you are ashamed of me I will be ashamed of you in front of my Father.”  I would rather live my life in God’s will than live a life that honors man and keep God out.

People today are embracing the idea that man is an independent being who has no use for God.  In fact, many people go as far to say “We are gods of our own lives and there are no absolutes in this life.  If it feels good do it.”  People are more involved in putting accomplishments, people, and possessions in the placed that should be occupied by God.

Friends, there is good news for Christians!  God still sits upon the throne and He is still in control.  We can see His presence all around us.  Look around you and see how God shows us His presence and love each day.  Look at the sunrise and sunset.  No man can put such beautiful colors together—only God can do that.  No artist can put the rainbow in the sky. Only God could put such colors together in the sky.  He gives us this beautiful arc in the sky as a promise to His children.  He sends the sunshine and the rain to make the trees and flowers grow.

Friends, God loves so much that He gave us the most precious gift ever given to man. He gave us His only so9n to live among us, to die on the cross, and to arise again. He gave us His son to pay the penalty of our sins. Can you think of a greater love than this? I can’t.

People today may try to deny God’s presence but the truth is His presence cannot be denied. We can close the door and shut the shades at our windows to blot out the sun but the sun will still shine. We can close our hearts so He cannot enter but that doesn’t stop His glory. Nothing can diminish God’s glory and love for His children. It will always be there for us—always

A man can no longer diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word “darkness” on the walls of his cell.  C.S. Lewis

All Lives Matter

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV) If you listen to the news or spend any time at all on social media you know about the riots and demonstrations that have happened in this country. The theme these riots center around is the mantra “Black Lives Matter.” I know I am taking an unpopular stand on this issue but the Bible clearly teaches us that All Lives Matter to Him. In Psalm 139 He tells us He knew us before we were born. He knows us this intimately because He made us.] He did not say He made only one color, or gender and rest came along because of a major boom in the universe. No He said He created each every one of us in His image and He loves all of us. Society tries to pit us against each other by telling us that all whites have something called “White Privilege.” What is this anyway? My God says we all have privilege to be alive and the privilege and opportunity to strive for a better life. I can hear some of you saying, “I don't have the opportunities to make a better life for myself. I was born into poverty and can't get out.” I say, “yes you do.” I was born into poverty and worked my way out of it. I did not say it would be easy. I said you can make your own opportunity. I have learned in my lifetime that anything worth having or doing requires hard work and sacrifice. If you have to work for something it becomes more valuable than something that was just handed to you. When society shuns people because of skin color, gender, or sexual orientation the message is sent that “you are not as valuable or important as I am.” It is not our job to judge other people. That is God's job. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a God that loves us. He thinks we are all special. We are all unique but we do have one thing in common. God loves us all, and to Him all lives matter. He loves us before were were born and His love continues today. In Matthew 5:44 we are instructed to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He did not say this would be easy but it is necessary if we are His children to do if He lives in us. I remember a song I learned as a child, I dot know who wrote it but its message is relevant to us today: Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow; black and white,They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the children of the world. Who are the children? We are and to Him all lives matter because He loves us all. .

` Don't Fall Into That Trap

 

A heart at peace gives life to the body but envy rots the bones. Proverb s4:30

According to the Cambridge American English Dictionary comparison is defined as an examination of the differences and similarities between persons or things.

I love keeping up with friends and family through social media. In fact I should spend less time\than I do. It's amazing how fast our words and pictures can travel through space. Unfortunately, along with this convenience often opens the door of temptation to compare ourselves with other people's possessions or accomplishments.

I can read about a friend's accomplishments or see their newest possession and feel envy whisper into my ear, “You have worked harder than her for that award or look how old your own car is. You deserve a new car.” There I go getting ensnared by that trap of comparison again.

This trap is nothing new. In fact, it started with the very first family in Genesis. We read about Cain comparing himself to Abel which led to the first murder in human history. Fortunately, I have not literally taken a life because of this trap but I have injured myself by damaging my self esteem and losing confidence in my own abilities as well as damaged relationships.

No, envy is not the only result of the comparison trap. I can compare myself to someone else and hear that old sin of pride whisper in my ear, “See, you are not as bad as she is,” or “aren't you glad you have a better car that she does?” Satan loves it when we let pride step in. After all pride is what led to his downfall.

It is easy to fall into this trap but there are ways we can avoid wallowing in it. The first way to avoid this trap is be thankful for what we have and count our blessings. There will always be someone who is wealthier, more attractive, and more successful than I am. I can choose to be envious and make myself miserable. There will also be people who do not have as much and I can choose to be full of pride and let pride spoil by joy. However, the better choice is to look at what I have and be thankful for the blessing God has already given me. After all, I have a wonderful family, a roof that keeps the warm in winter and cool in the summer, food to eat, and enough money to pay our bills and buy what we need.

Next, we can focus on God and His word. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others, remember the story of Cain and Abel from the bible. The more grounded we are in His word we will have the tools to resist the snares of comparison. Several verses from the bible deal with comparison and the troubles it can cause. These are just a couple of them.

Galatians 6:4-5 Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishment without comparing yourselves to others.

2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are not wise.

When we count our own blessings and resist comparing ourselves to others, we are living in God's will for us. Let's not give Satan the opportunity to plant his seeds of envy and pride in our hearts. Remember God has a specific purpose He wants to accomplish through each of us and that plan cannot be accomplished if we are too busy comparing ourselves to others. His plan for me and His plan for you are not the same just as His blessings to each of us are not the same.

The Beginning of Hope

 

When he came to his senses he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death?” So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17,20(a)

We all have problems and circumstances that may or may not be beyond our control. Yes, I admit when troubles come my way, I do not always focus on my Heavenly Father but try to work through the situation in my own strength. Like the son we read about in this parable I have been guilty of wasting my time and money and then feeling sorry for myself.. That is when I feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, “I am here. Just trust me.”

I once read “the end of yourself is the beginning of hope.” The reason we so often keep hanging on to our hurts, still looking for the solution in our own strength and making little progress is because we haven't yet come to the end our ourselves. We are still trying to control the situation instead of getting out of God's way and letting Him work in us. If we find ourselves at the end of our rope, we should just tie a knot and hang on because that may be the place God wants us so He can strip our pride and accomplish what He wants to do in us and through us.

The prodigal son came to the end of himself when he realized the pigs he was caring for had more to eat than he did. It was then that he decided to go home to his father. Did his father turn him away?: No! He welcomed him back with open arms..That is what our Heavenly Father will do when we come to the ends of ourselves. He will run to meet us with outstretched arms. What a beautiful picture that is. I can just see it in my mind's eye. Can't you? What an awesome God we serve!

`

Changing the World

 

Let there peace on earth and let it begin with me.

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.   Unknown Monk 1100 AD

We all have said at one time or another, “If only the world were different....If only this country got back to the basics of life.... I wish the city government would.....” Admit it you have said that and so have I. Well, we cannot change the world, the country or the town. Believe me, if we could we would not please everyone. We cannot even change our family. But there is one thing we can change—ourselves. If we put more time into improving ourselves and less time worrying about others, we would slowly notice the change in other people. If we spent time with God everyday our families would notice the peace that time alone with the Father brings. If we start exercising on a regular basis, we would notice out health improve and so will our families.

A woman was praying to God one day to change her husband. He was not as attentive to her as he once was. The answer was not what she expected to hear. “You cannot change him, only change yourself. Be more attentive to him and expect his behavior to change.” She decided to give it a try. She started meeting him at the door after work and even wore clothes other than her sweat pants she had been cleaning the house in. She would ask him about his day and actually listen to him. She served his favorite dinners and showed him she loved him. To her surprise, he did become more attentive to her and began taking her out more. When their friends noticed the change in their relationship, the wife explained what she had learned. This made a difference in her friends' relationships, as well. She found out that by changing herself, she did manage to change her little corner of the world.

So my friends if you want to see change, it must begin within. Once we have made that change in ourselves, we will notice the change in other people.

God Has a Sense of Humor

God played a joke on me today. I was driving down the road and thanking Him for His creations--clouds, trees, birds, but I did ask Him what purpose He had for creating bugs like spiders, flies, and roaches. Now I did drive with my window down and just about the time I finished talking with God--a BUG flew into my car and hit me on the neck. All I could do was look up and say "OK God, you made your point. You can stop laughing now

Memories of You

I’ve heard it said that “time heals all wounds but friends, that is not entirely true.  Time put a band aid on  my heart but when a certain song comes on the radio, or I remember something he said, or something he did the band aid is ripped off the wound.  The pain comes back as deep and bleeding as much as that first day.  I know I will see him again and that is what I am so desperately holding on to.  Although May 27 marked the the third year he has been gone, it seems as though I lose him each and every day.  Oh, I have gone on with my life because I have others depending on me.  I have even laughed at times but the hurt never goes away completely.  I am reminded of him is something Nikolas says or Christian does.  I know that through them and all the lives he touched here on this earth, he will live on and on in our hearts. 

So as we embark on the fourth year of missing you I know you are looking down on us and watching over us.  Jason, my son; Kim’s brother; Tori, Christian, Nikolas and Alyssa’s uncle we love you and miss you each and every day.  We will see you someday soon.

I Read the Last Chapter

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13

Friends, I am not a political person.  But what is happening in this country and the world goes beyond politics.  We have a government that fails to call terrorism, by its name.  We have a president who does not seem to like this country.  In fact, his sympathies appear to lie elsewhere.  The values of this world have been turned upside down.  What God has ordained as pure and good, the world has called evil and politically incorrect.  What God has called sin, the world today applauds and embraces.  Friends, this nation has become an asylum and the inmates are in charge.  God foresaw this happening in the Old Testament book of Isaiah.  In Isaiah 5:20 we read,”Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who puts bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

There is global terrorism and illegal immigration that is condoned by our government.  Radical Muslims threaten to overtake the world for Allah.  IF you can find a reliable news source, you can see the acts of barbarism and violence that are committed in the name of Allah.  Christians are beheaded, women and children are raped and sold into slavery by this “peaceful religion”.  The president has allegedly said, “The Muslim call to prayer is the sweetest sound on Earth.” and “The future does not belong to those who offend the prophet of Islam.”  Whether or not he actually said this is not as important as his actions.  He defends these radicals and does not condemn their terroristic attacks.  He does, however,. blame the Christians.  At a recent prayer breakfast at the White House, he minimized the barbaric acts and said that during the Crusades, many were killed in the name of Christ.”  What he did not say  was the Crusades were fought to stop the Jihadists from taking over the world for Allah even then.*

We are not only fighting these radical Jihadists, we are fighting to keep our basic rights guaranteed by our Constitution.  The Second Amendment which allows citizens to bear and keep arms is being attacked by the government and other liberal groups.  Our First Amendment right, our right for free speech is being assaulted on every side.  The new rule of the land is political correctness .  We are told we must not say anything that offends blacks, Muslims or the LGBT population. Yet it is considered admirable to attack Christians and call them  a radical hate group because we believe in the Bible and the Constitution. We  are willing to stand for what is right and speak against what is wrong.  Christian businesses are being forced to close and the owners sued and fined because they will not compromise their beliefs to those groups that are intent on destruction of Christian and American  values.  We are told we must “be tolerant” of others’ beliefs but we are being denied the same tolerance and respect. God has been taken from our public schools and replaced by Allah.  Our children are taught the tenets of Islam but are forbade to bow and pray to the one and true God.

More babies are being killed by abortion because society does not respect the sanctity of life.  According to society, a woman’s body is her own and it is her right to kill the “inconvenience” of a new life.  The boundaries have been expanded for abortions until the ninth month.  I have conducted a very thorough and extensive research on the abortion issue and have found that “100% of those in favor of abortion have already been born.”  Not only is abortion on the increase but child abuse and neglect are on the rise. Parents torturing and killing their own children.  Child predators and pedophiles are kidnapping, raping, and murdering our children.  Many of these pedophiles are in this country illegally.  Yet nothing is done to stop this atrocious behavior.  Our government has turned its back on these defenseless victims and has hailed  the amnesty of these illegals as wonderful for this country.  Again Jesus has spoken to these evil-doers and rebuked his disciples for  stopping the children from coming to Him.  In Matthew 19:14 we read, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

Christianity is also being attacked in our military.  Chaplains are being fired and prosecuted if they teach the word of God.  Our government is trying to take the Bible out of the hands of our brave men and women who are fighting four this country.  Recently, a two star Air Force General is being threatened with court martial because he dared to thank God at a prayer breakfast.  You read that right—a prayer breakfast!  Not only is our military being disrespected but people who are enjoying the benefits and rights of this great country are trampling and burning our flag—the symbol of our freedoms in this country.

The day is coming when this world will stand in judgment.  The wheat will be separated from the chaff and all who did not accept God’s free gift of salvation will be permanently removed and separated from God.  Satan loves silence and we Christians must be silent no more. We must be faithful and look to God for He is coming.  We are commanded to spread the gospel and tell others about His great love.  We must let the world know that He is coming and on that great Day every knee will bow to the one and only God.  Revelation 3:10 tells us “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Yes, friends, I read the last chapter and we won!

Jesus said, “If anyone acknowledges me, in front of men, I will acknowledge him in front of my Father.  If anyone denies me in front of men, I will deny him in front in my Father.”

*The Crusades occurred in 1076 when the Muslims captured Jerusalem, the Holy City of Christianity.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem which is near Jerusalem and was crucified on Calvary Hill also in Jerusalem.  Muslims claimed the city because that is where Mohammed, the “founder” of Islam had also been there.  This information was obtained from the History Learning Site  found on the internet.http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the_crusades.htm

Anniversary

Well friends, today is a celebration.  Forty years ago today, I said “I do”  to my husband.  If I am honest there have been times when I wish I had said “I don’t”.  But throughout these years, we have been on top of the mountain and at times in the deepest valley.  We held onto each other but most importantly, we held onto God.  When I look back on my life, I sometimes see three sets of footprints—those are the times God walked beside us.  Sometimes I see only one set of footprints—those are the times God had to carry us.  There are even times I see nothing but a deep groove on the road of life.  These are the times God had to pull us through while we were kicking and screaming.  But the prints that really got to me were the butt prints in the sand.  That is when we stubbornly sat down on God.  But thankfully, He never gave us on us.  So here we are celebrating 40 years of life together.  I am hoping for 40 more. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall never perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.

 

I hope everyone had a great Easter yesterday.  More importantly, I hope everyone remembers the true meaning of the day.  Though Jesus was crucified he arose from that grave.  To have the promise of eternal life all we need to do is believe that this true and ask God to take over our life.  I am so thankful, I did and now serve a risen savior.  This offer is for everyone that will allow God into their life.  That is the wonderful part—it is meant for all –not just a few.  We can all have eternal life.  That is such wonderful news.

Think about it.

He Has Arisen

I wrote this for last Easter but Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection never grows old.  I can see Satan laughing when my Lord was on that tree.  But the good news is He came out of that tomb triumphant over death.  He still reigns supreme in my life and Satan cannot have me now.  Praise God  He arose!

He Has Arisen

He has arisen
He walked from that room.
Death could not hold Him
In that borrowed tomb.

He has arisen,
Spread the news around.
Satan thought he had won,
But he couldn’t keep God down.

He has arisen
Such good news to tell.
When Jesus was put to death
My soul was saved from hell.

He has arisen
Though He was crucified
Oh how Satan must have laughed
When he watched my Savior die!

He has arisen
Take the message to the streets.
When Jesus Christ arose
Death had met defeat.

Today’s Promise of God

This is from a book 199 Promises of God by Barbour Publishing.

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; all things are become new. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

My thoughts on this promise:

When we put our trust in God, He forgives our past and gives us a new start in life.  Our old nature is now made into a new creature.  This does not mean we will be perfect and not face hard times or temptations.  It does mean that we have a Father who is there with us to help us through.  When we trust God, we will be made anew and filled with the peace and joy that only He can bring.   Our Father is a wonderful and awesome God who loves His children unconditionally.

Think About it.

New Year

I have heard a lot of discussions about new years resolutions this year. I only have one that will make everything else fall into place--I vow this year to fully trust God and keep my hand in the hand of the man from Galilee. I know I will fail Him many times daily but I also know He will NOT fail me. He has promised to always be with me and will never leave me. What better love than this?

Wishes For You

I want to wish you all a happy, healthy and wonderful New Year.  May you be richly blessed by God and be surrounded by His love each and every day.  I pray for you who are hurting and laugh with you in times of good cheer.  May we hold each other up in prayer and love each other as the Bible instructs us.