This Christmas ...

         

          I was reminded and had my eyes opened this last Christmas - as we read through the Bible story of Jesus' birth and circumcision - how Mary was always wondering and mulling over the instances of Jesus' birth being published and spread to poor, humble folk and those who were far away from the place.

 

Every aspect of Mary's character was taken into account when she was selected to be the mother of Jesus, so I believe that this is an important idea to point out.

 

"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

(when the shepherds had explained their knowledge and went their way)

 

"And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him."

Luke 2:33

(when Mary and Joseph met Simeon in the temple for Mary's purification and Simeon had spoken to them about Jesus)

 

"...but his mother kept all these  things in her heart."

Luke 2:51

(when Mary and Joseph "lost" Jesus and found him speaking to the elders in the temple)

 

How many things have we learned from meditating on God's Word?

How many amazing things have been created due to the ideas that others have thought about? 

 

How many things have we discovered in the created things around us, because we were curious?

How must we question every aspect of the world's thinking in order to prepare ourselves with strength for Christian battles?

 

 

These instances - recorded in the Bible - are an important reminder that we must not be blinded by a certain way of thinking and that we should not become stagnant in the faith.

 

Instead, we should remember that there is always more and more to discover and put out for others and remember that God gave us the ability to think and to appreciate the natural world around us much more.

   

A Time for War and A Time for Peace (Bible Verse Reference)

          This is a very controversial subject among Christians, and it appears I opened a can of worms with my last post, "We Are the Dead."

          Please take note of my words here at the beginning: I don't believe in starting war; I believe in peace and promoting peace above all things. Peace pacts are just a paper, however, and no matter what you say, evil will still come to those seeking revenge, power, etc. (Modern examples, e.g. Russia over Ukraine, ISIS).

          As I said in an earlier comment, Jesus does not condone war, but neither does he condemn it; which is why, by the way, that we have to go to war when the government calls us - we are to obey the authority, so long as it doesn't interfere with God's commands (Romans 13:1-2, Acts 5: 29), which war and fighting is not a part of.

          If he would be completely against war, surely he would not have praised the centurion for such great faith (Matthew 8:10), surely he would not have used war as a metaphor when speaking about the Christian life (I. Timothy 6:12, Ephesians 6:13, II. Corinthians 10:4). What about the battle of Armageddon (Revelations 16:16)? - surely, if God condemns war so much, then there would be no last battle. To say the least, Jesus is constantly warring with Satan so that we do not come to harm (Deuteronomy 20:4, Psalm 138:7, Isaiah 42:13) - what is this called; sparring?

          If someone curses in my presence, I will tell them that I do not wish to hear them; if I find someone being beaten to death, I will definitely try and intervene - would you say that I shouldn't be defending this person? Or wickedness? Or evil? How are we to stop it if we tolerate it?

       
          Finally last, but not least, anyone who says that Jesus never resorted to violence should take a look at Matthew 21:12 again. 

Blog "Birthday"

     Now, I am not much into this thing called "blog birthday," but I came across this verse on the 4th Sunday after Epiphany: "But the men marvelled saying, What manner of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him" (Matthew 8: 27). 

     I am curious to see who reads this blog, and I would love to read what you think Jesus is (feel free to type as much as you think)

 

. Please don't be shy about typing your first name, either.

 I'll start it off:

Jessica

Jesus is the highest, yet the humblest.

I have found a verse ...

that seems to fit very well with on of my previous posts, "The [Great] Scientific Debate." I have added it to that post, as well.

 



He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11


We will never gain the full knowledge of how everything works in this world, due to Adam and Eve's initial falling out with God. Their clouded judgment was passed down to us, and we will never be close to God as long as we are on this earth.

     Love is trying to destroy an allure so that someone lost will return.
     The battle begins: the Word, nightly prayer, destroying Satan's illusions in music and lifestyle, driving away temptations, shutting down, forcing it away... away... away, blocking it, trying hard to rise mightier for conviction. Indeed, anything that pulls that someone away - DESTROY!



     Anyone who has lost a sibling or child to the world may understand the feeling of loss, the broken family bond, the sorrow that Satan has come between, the hurt and avoidance towards the hurt which is mistaken for contempt, the feeling of failure (as a parent), and you often wonder what went on in the minds of the lost.

    


     As I have been sorting and cleaning through stuff, I have come across former treasures of some "long-lost" and loved siblings. And perhaps it was wrong, somehow, but I read through some of their writings - their private sorrows and griefs. I began to understand, to love them more. Yes, I knew that two of three abandoned kittens died after respiratory illnesses, but little did I know the pain, the despair, the anguish that the death of those little kittens caused to someone who cared solely and completely for them.




     I saw that feelings of inadequacy ruled and was shocked to know that they had the same feelings that I had had at one point in time. Yet, just as no one had ever guessed of me, neither would I have guessed the same of them. It was only through the help of a friend that I began to see that I was loved, even though it was not shown in emotional terms. I began to understand how the inadequate feelings resulted in turning to the world where there seemed to be a purpose - an uncommonly strong thread of physical love, an illusion created by the world.





     From then on, I could only feel love. Love to those who felt there was none, and love towards those who gave (give), but felt (feel) worthless. And I realized that even the most outwardly splendid personalities, have many moments of insecurity and worthlessness.




     My mission is showing itself. Trying to instill thoughts of good towards others, instead of believing all are out to hurt you (and therefore, giving the means to justify your actions) in younger siblings. Trying to be a role model. Battling through prayer that those may see the error of their ways.



     And finally, I have gone on a war of words. I must undermine and destroy the allurements that are causing lost ones to stray further and further from the narrow way. Every single piece of deviltry is picked away in righteously angry words - carefully thought out and meticulously recorded.


     Satan cannot win!!

 

     How to combat low self-esteem: Always be willing to bolster other people's moments. It will make you feel better that you did something positive. It works for me and makes me a better person to think of others.

 

     How to forget about suicide: Remember that you are loved. Even if someone may not show it, you are loved. Remind yourself that killing yourself is sin, and that you will end up in hell if you do it, even if you have lived your whole life as a true Christian. What put a stop to my thinking about it as well was to remind myself that I am just too chicken to even do it.

Blackberries and Other Produce

 

This was still from last summer. I can't wait until this summer.

 

And I caught the culprit who was munching on our blackberries!

 

A particularly productive bunch.

 

We have several small apple trees that have begun producing.

 

Eating chocolate (what else?!). :D

 

First tomatoes (they happened to do really well last year).

 

 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance:..." Galatians 5: 22-23

 

"...For the tree is known by his fruit." Matthew 12:33



A Good Little Reminder

          (Proverbs 17:20 - ...and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. , James 1: 26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain., James 3:5/6/8 - Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, hoe great a matter a little fire kindleth!/And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell./But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison., I Peter 3: 10 - For he that will love life, and see good days let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Proverbs 21: 23 - Whosoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from trouble.).

There are so many times I fall in sin because of my tongue. I always regret it, but today I found this on Pinterest, and I think that it is an excellent reminder.

DON'T OPEN YOUR MOUTH:

1. In the heat of anger - Proverbs 14: 17.

2. When you don't have all the facts - Proverbs 18:13.

3. When you haven't verified the story - Deuteronomy 17:6.

4. If your words will offend a weaker brother - I Corinthians 8:11

5. If your words will be a poor reflection on the Lord or your friends and family - Peter 2: 21-23

6. When you are tempted to joke about sin - Proverbs 14:9.

7. When you would be ashamed of your words later - Proverbs 8:8.

8. When you're tempted to make light of holy things - Ecclesiastes 5:2.

9. If your words would convey a wrong impression - Proverbs 17:27.

10. If the issue is none of your business - Proverbs 14:10.

11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie - Proverbs 4:24.

12. If your words will damage someone's reputation - Proverbs 16:27.

13. If your words will destroy a friendship - Proverbs 25:28.

14. When you are feeling critical - James 3:9

15. If you can't speak without yelling - Proverbs 25: 28

16. When it is time to listen - Proverbs 13:1

17. If you may have to eat your words later - Proverbs 18:21

18. If you have already said it more than one time (then it becomes nagging) - Proverbs 19:13.

19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person - Proverbs 24:24.

20. When you are supposed to be working, instead - Proverbs 14:23.

I believe I have become better at thinking before I speak, but sometime I still speak, even though I know it will be wrong.

And believe me, I have for all of these reasons when I shouldn't have.

At least once.

I regret it.

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

I have hurt many, or ruined the reputation of some because of my words.

Early November - Pink Camera Pictures

Still no snow on the ground.

"And God called the firmament heaven...."

Genesis 1:8

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

Psalm 19:1

I would have liked the above picture merged with the picture below, so that Kittn is looking, but the background is nicer. Her tail is swishing, because she was trying to catch a fruit fly or something

 (I couldn't see it. :D )

     "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night;..."

Genesis 1:14

My bed has drastically changed!

Claws in the sky.

And a ball of fire.

Edited

Nonedited