Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Go On.... Break Some Rules!


LCMS Pastor Jonathan Fisk has his first book out.  Some of you may be familiar with Pastor Fisk’s Youtube channel.  Worldview Everlasting has a young, hip approach that is fresh and informative.

His book is titled, Broken:  Broken: 7 "Christian" Rules That Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible.  It is available on Amazon in hard copy and Kindle version.  I finished reading his book over the Christmas holidays.  I enjoyed the visuals the book contains that help to flesh out the ideas.  This book was heartbreaking yet full of hope.  It will bring you into a fuller understanding of the culture we live in, the spirit of our age, and the answer we can provide those around us.


 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Peace For All People

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.  For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;  and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.  ~ 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Lutherans invite people to church once in 27 years.  Twenty-seven.  That is more than a QUARTER OF A CENTURY.  Are you shocked?  When I heard that I was shocked.

It is a lot of work to love those who are different from us.  It is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to be
able to listen to others and not take offense, for the sake of the Gospel. 

Our culture today thinks Christians have nothing to add to conversations in the public square.  We
know this is not true, because God speaks to them through us of salvation in Jesus, for where
there is forgiveness of sin there is also life and salvation.

In our Lutheran services, we confess our sins and receive absolution weekly.  We can be confident that God uses the gospel message for those who will receive the good news of forgiveness.  Break the mold and boldly invite a friend to church this year! 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Martin Luther King Day 2013

Today, I watched President Obama's inauguration.  I told myself I would spend part of this Martin Luther King Jr holiday to write to our president, and I did.  It is handwritten and will be put in the mail tomorrow.  Do I think Mr. Obama will ever lay eyes on my letter?  No.  Do I think it will change any of Mr. Obama's ideas?  Not likely.   I spoke out anyway.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Barak Obama's Inauguration




 
One of the first things President Barak Obama did after his first inauguration was to sign an executive order which reversed our stance on the Mexico City policy.  What is the Mexico City policy?  The Mexico City policy takes your tax money and gives it to organizations in poorer countries that will promote abortion.  The policy indirectly provides finances to perform abortions.  Mr. Obama applied his signature on January 23, 2009 one day after the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton.

Mr. Obama stealthily signed this executive order in 2009.  There was no big press release or photo opps.

 As you watch the ceremonies in 2013 for his next term, please remember the children that were killed around the world during his first term.  What other violence does he intend to use our money for during this term?

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2013

MLK day 2013 I will be handwriting a letter to President Obama regarding my views on the heinous practice of abortion in the USA. We should be concerned for the safety of ALL children. What will you do to honor Martin Luther King and his work on the day dedicated to him?

Friday, January 18, 2013

Keeping Our Children Safe

 "This is our first task as a society, keeping our children safe. This is how we will be judged. And their voices should compel us to change." - President Barack Obama, 1/2013

The morning I heard this, the first thing I thought was, "Then do something about abortion."  I was livid at the hypocricy.  How is it that so few see it? It is so overwhelming to think of the horror that our society permits and adores.   Yes, adores.  Abortion exists on the altar of self, the altar of convenience. 

That day I was in a foul mood.  I shocked a female friend when the topic came up.  I told her my response to his speech was, "Bullsh*t.  Why doesn't he do anything to protect all children?  Why doesn't he do something about abortion?"  She was surprised.  The surprise could have been due to the fact that I don't often use that kind of language, people don't often see me in a foul mood, or she assumed I am pro-abortion because I am female.

We women that become angry and frustrated at our culture's lack of compassion for others need to voice our opinions.  Here are some ideas:

1.  Handwrite letters to free the unborn from the tyranny of abortion.  Then send it to your local newspaper, representatives, senators, and the president.

2.  Speak out, if given the chance.  At parties, at coffee, at work.

3.  Start a blog. Start a vlog.

4.  March in a Walk for Life.

5.  Get involved in your local Crisis Pregnancy Center.

6.  Buy diapers for the local Crisis Pregnancy Center.

7.  Last, but not least, pray.

If you have other ideas, leave them in the comments.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

My Life as an INFJ

What is an INFJ?  It is a personality type.  Similar to a Meyers-Briggs test.  I test as an INFJ.  INFJ's consist of one percent of the population. So I'm an odd duck, which doesn't really surprise me.  I am a pretty good listener.

The listening life teaches me how to forgive.  When I listen to others, I hear what they say.  The speakers are not necessarily aware of what it is I take in.  Thoughtless, careless words that hurt and wound are some of those words.   Some can brush words aside easily; not me.  It is harder to forgive when nobody asks for forgiveness to repair relationship.  It takes time and prayer.  Again and again, asking Father to help me forgive and move on.

Right now I am learning that many want me to listen to them, but they do not want to listen to me.  I have ideas and thoughts.  Good ones.  But speakers do not know them; do not ask; only want to be heard.  So I listen.  And forgive.   When I need a break from listening, some speakers get angry at me and lash out in various ways.  Even though I said a break is in order for me.  Perhaps they did not hear it.  So be it.  I need what I need.

Many extroverts are unaware of others, and do not know how to deal with introverts.  Most times I can keep this in the front of my mind, and forgive easier.  Other times, I need a break from the noise.  Right now, I need a retreat.  I have heard of retreats where nobody is allowed to speak, except at meal times.  That sounds like heaven.

I know who are my friends that have conversations with me, back and forth discussions.  I regard their friendship highly.  Thank you.  Those of my friends that want me to listen again, I will.  Give me time.