i fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 1cor12:20
a perverse man stirs up dissension and a gossip separates close friends. prov 16:28
without gossip a quarrel dies down. prov 16:20
if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. matt 6:14,15
if any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone john 8:7
do not judge or you too will be judged. for in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye when all the time there is a plank in your own eye. you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye. matt 7:1-5
not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. matt 7:21... then i will tell you plainly, I never knew you. away from me you evildoers. matt 7:23
i like how greg did his sermon yesterday. he spoke God's truth, right out of the bible. the truth - it's staring you right in the face, you can't miss it.
ok so yesterday i used harsh words to make my point. i spoke my truth - lies and gossip hurt. today is God's truth, right out of the bible.
my command is this: love each other as I have loved you. john 15:12
even though we have sinned / are sinners... He loves us! and He wants us to love others... the same way.
if anyone says i love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. 1 john 4:20
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
love for enemies
matt 5:44-48 but I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise and fall on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. if you love those who love you what reward will you get? are not even the tax collectors doing that? and if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? do not even pagans do that? be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
whoa - that's a tough one. love your enemy. love those who persecute you. that is so hard to do. but it is possible. God makes possible the impossible.
i know when i was in high school and people were persecuting me i could never have forgiven them. i didn't have it in me to forgive them. i was crushed in spirit. but God says in psalm 34:18 that He is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
it's true - believe it.
whoa - that's a tough one. love your enemy. love those who persecute you. that is so hard to do. but it is possible. God makes possible the impossible.
i know when i was in high school and people were persecuting me i could never have forgiven them. i didn't have it in me to forgive them. i was crushed in spirit. but God says in psalm 34:18 that He is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
it's true - believe it.
christian love
how does that song go - you can tell we are christians by our love.
omg - if we are an example of christian love the rest of the world's in trouble.
sharing the gospel. what is that? what is the gospel? God's truth? what is God's truth? love Him above all others. love others. john 13:34 as i have loved you so you MUST love one another. He didn't say speak it - He said DO it.
1 john 4:19-21 we love because He first loved us. if anyone says i love God yet hates his brother he is a liar. for anyone who does not love his brother, who he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. and He has given us this COMMAND: whoever loves God MUST also love his brother.
so - do you love God... or are you a liar?
omg - if we are an example of christian love the rest of the world's in trouble.
sharing the gospel. what is that? what is the gospel? God's truth? what is God's truth? love Him above all others. love others. john 13:34 as i have loved you so you MUST love one another. He didn't say speak it - He said DO it.
1 john 4:19-21 we love because He first loved us. if anyone says i love God yet hates his brother he is a liar. for anyone who does not love his brother, who he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. and He has given us this COMMAND: whoever loves God MUST also love his brother.
so - do you love God... or are you a liar?
breaks my heart
it breaks my heart that we christians who are supposed to be living like Christ are the most unforgiving lot. if it breaks my heart what do you think it does to the heart of God. He who has told us to love each other and forgive each other as He has forgiven us.
He tells us to lift up the body of Christ. that's our job. He tells us not to judge - that's His job. and yet we're slamming each other, spreading lies, spreading gossip. who's side are we on? who are we fighting? we are supposed to be fighting the enemy. WE are not the enemy. that's satan. if you are not fighting FOR Christ you are fighting AGAINST Him.
who are you living for? Christ? are you sure?
or are you living like and for satan?
He tells us to lift up the body of Christ. that's our job. He tells us not to judge - that's His job. and yet we're slamming each other, spreading lies, spreading gossip. who's side are we on? who are we fighting? we are supposed to be fighting the enemy. WE are not the enemy. that's satan. if you are not fighting FOR Christ you are fighting AGAINST Him.
who are you living for? Christ? are you sure?
or are you living like and for satan?
stix and stones
i tell myself that if i am living for an audience of One that i am not going to care what people say about me. right now people aren't accusing me of anything, (at least not that i know of although we seem to have a way of being nice to each others faces but saying ugly, hurtful things behind each others backs) but that was not always the case.
when i was in grade 8 i had a reputation. people i didn't even know called me a slut, described in the dictionary as a)A woman considered sexually promiscuous, b) A woman prostitute, and c) A slovenly woman; a slattern. why? because in their dirty little minds i was not following the socially acceptable role they thought i should be?
i wore black eyeliner and i wore skirts a bit shorter than others. that was the only thing that made me different than everyone else. did that make me a harlot? it's what i was accused of. it was hurtful. girls rejected me - were they jealous? boys paid attention to me. why? because 1 boy that i went out with lied and bragged to others saying he had 'scored' with me so the rest of them thought they could too.
it was the same at home. accused of things i had never done. i finally ran away and after a couple of times i was placed in a foster home.
i changed schools and when i started at the new school i changed my name and i started making friends. then someone discovered my real name and learned that i was 'that girl' from the other high school that had that bad rep. they couldn't believe i was the same person that the bad rumours (malicious lies) were about. i was accepted. they didn't throw stones.
who are you accusing?
who are you spreading malicious lies about?
why are you spreading malicious lies?
and you call yourself a christian? in the dictionary a christian is described as
a) Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
b) Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
c) Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
d) Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
e) Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
how can you if you are throwing stix and stones. first of all if you are without sin then go ahead and throw stones but we all know none of us are.
second are you showing loving concern for others? spreading lies and malicious gossip is not loving concern. it is not manifesting the qualities of Christ. it does not relate in any way to the teachings of Jesus.
so who do you think you are?
and you call yourself a christian.
i call you a liar.
when i was in grade 8 i had a reputation. people i didn't even know called me a slut, described in the dictionary as a)A woman considered sexually promiscuous, b) A woman prostitute, and c) A slovenly woman; a slattern. why? because in their dirty little minds i was not following the socially acceptable role they thought i should be?
i wore black eyeliner and i wore skirts a bit shorter than others. that was the only thing that made me different than everyone else. did that make me a harlot? it's what i was accused of. it was hurtful. girls rejected me - were they jealous? boys paid attention to me. why? because 1 boy that i went out with lied and bragged to others saying he had 'scored' with me so the rest of them thought they could too.
it was the same at home. accused of things i had never done. i finally ran away and after a couple of times i was placed in a foster home.
i changed schools and when i started at the new school i changed my name and i started making friends. then someone discovered my real name and learned that i was 'that girl' from the other high school that had that bad rep. they couldn't believe i was the same person that the bad rumours (malicious lies) were about. i was accepted. they didn't throw stones.
who are you accusing?
who are you spreading malicious lies about?
why are you spreading malicious lies?
and you call yourself a christian? in the dictionary a christian is described as
a) Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
b) Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
c) Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
d) Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
e) Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
how can you if you are throwing stix and stones. first of all if you are without sin then go ahead and throw stones but we all know none of us are.
second are you showing loving concern for others? spreading lies and malicious gossip is not loving concern. it is not manifesting the qualities of Christ. it does not relate in any way to the teachings of Jesus.
so who do you think you are?
and you call yourself a christian.
i call you a liar.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
kids on the internet
there are other stories to share with your kids about the dangers of disclosing personal information on-line at the following link.
http://www.operationlookout.org/pred/warning_for_kids.htm
http://www.operationlookout.org/pred/warning_for_kids.htm
Missing Teen
Abused By Man She Met Online
September 13, 2004
By Kim Riemland
The 14-year-old girl was found after reportedly being kidnapped, raped, and beaten by a man she met on the internet.
FIRCREST - A teenage girl who disappeared from her home in Camas nearly two weeks was reportedly kidnapped, beaten and raped by a man she met on the internet.
The girl's mom used her daughter's web postings to help track her to a home in Fircrest.
A Fircrest police officer knocked on the door and found the 14-year-old girl lying on a bed inside. She was nearly naked and dazed.
The officer also found rooms filled with what investigators believe is evidence of abuse.
The girl suffers from a form of Autism. Detectives say she met her suspected abuser, a father of three, online. What police say happened after that is sickening.
"We recovered a lot of sexually related materials. It looks like he had a couple of rooms set up in the house for videotaping and hardcore sexual activity," said Det. Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
"And we've recovered digital cameras and computers so we still have a lot of evidence to go through," he added. "We believe that there were some things going on there that may have been going on for some time."
The 47-year-old man is charged with kidnapping, rape of a child, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
Court documents detail numerous allegations of sexual abuse.
Documents say the girl told detectives he also hit her with a whip, put a hood over her head, and hit her with a bamboo stick. When he left the house he would chain her to the bed.
After being missing for nearly two weeks, the girl called her mom from the hospital Sunday night.
"I didn't even know it was her, I thought it was her sister at first," said the teen's mom through her tears. "Then she said 'mommy, it was a bad man.' I realized it was her and all we could both do is cry."
The prosecutor says toxicology tests will determine whether the girl was drugged. Video tapes and computer drives seized at the home may tell investigators even more about what went on inside.
The girl is now home and away from the man who she calls "the bad man she met on the internet."
Prosecutors believe there could be other victims in the case. Other people might have also been involved in committing the crime.
The suspect is being held on $250,000 bail.
Copyright 2004 Fisher Communications, Inc. (KOMO TV)
September 13, 2004
By Kim Riemland
The 14-year-old girl was found after reportedly being kidnapped, raped, and beaten by a man she met on the internet.
FIRCREST - A teenage girl who disappeared from her home in Camas nearly two weeks was reportedly kidnapped, beaten and raped by a man she met on the internet.
The girl's mom used her daughter's web postings to help track her to a home in Fircrest.
A Fircrest police officer knocked on the door and found the 14-year-old girl lying on a bed inside. She was nearly naked and dazed.
The officer also found rooms filled with what investigators believe is evidence of abuse.
The girl suffers from a form of Autism. Detectives say she met her suspected abuser, a father of three, online. What police say happened after that is sickening.
"We recovered a lot of sexually related materials. It looks like he had a couple of rooms set up in the house for videotaping and hardcore sexual activity," said Det. Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
"And we've recovered digital cameras and computers so we still have a lot of evidence to go through," he added. "We believe that there were some things going on there that may have been going on for some time."
The 47-year-old man is charged with kidnapping, rape of a child, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
Court documents detail numerous allegations of sexual abuse.
Documents say the girl told detectives he also hit her with a whip, put a hood over her head, and hit her with a bamboo stick. When he left the house he would chain her to the bed.
After being missing for nearly two weeks, the girl called her mom from the hospital Sunday night.
"I didn't even know it was her, I thought it was her sister at first," said the teen's mom through her tears. "Then she said 'mommy, it was a bad man.' I realized it was her and all we could both do is cry."
The prosecutor says toxicology tests will determine whether the girl was drugged. Video tapes and computer drives seized at the home may tell investigators even more about what went on inside.
The girl is now home and away from the man who she calls "the bad man she met on the internet."
Prosecutors believe there could be other victims in the case. Other people might have also been involved in committing the crime.
The suspect is being held on $250,000 bail.
Copyright 2004 Fisher Communications, Inc. (KOMO TV)
shannon's internet friend
please share this with your kids - it's worth repeating over and over.
Shannon could hear the footsteps behind her as she walked toward home. The thought of being followed made her heart beat faster.
"You're being silly," she told herself, "no one is following you." To be safe, she began to walk faster, but the footsteps kept up with her pace. She was afraid to look back and she was glad she was almost home. Shannon said a quick prayer, "God please get me home safe."
She saw the porch light burning and ran the rest of the way to her house. Once inside, she leaned against the door for a moment, relieved to be in the safety of her home. She glanced out the window to see if anyone was there. The sidewalk was empty.
After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on.
She sent him an instant message:
ByAngel213: Hi I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123: LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?
ByAngel213: Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out.
GoTo123: Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you?
ByAngel213: Of course not. I'm not stupid you know.
GoTo123: Did you have a softball game after school today?
ByAngel213: Yes and we won!!
GoTo123: That's great! Who did you play?
ByAngel213: We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL
GoTo123: What is your team called?
ByAngel213: We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really kewl.
GoTo123: Did you pitch?
ByAngel213: No I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye!
GoTo123: Catch you later. Bye
Meanwhile...... GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far.
Her name: Shannon Birthday: Jan. 3, 1985 Age:13 State where she lived: North Carolina Hobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall.
Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work.
He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the seventh grade at the Canton Junior High School.
She had told him all this in the conversations they had on-line. He had enough information to find her now.
Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ball park that day. She didn't want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games.
Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.
By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back.
She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely. He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the fear she had felt.
After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back.
He noticed her name on the back of her shirt He knew he had found her. Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon's home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.
Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.
Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room. "Shannon, come here," her father called. He sounded upset and she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa.
"Sit down," her father began, "this man has just told us a most interesting story about you." Shannon moved cautiously to a chair across from the man How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!
"Do you know who I am Shannon?" The man asked. "No," Shannon answered."I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123." Shannon was stunned. "That's impossible! GoTo is a kid my age! He's 14 and he lives in Michigan!" The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true.
You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to find kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to give out too much information to people on-line.
You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. Your name, the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze." Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan?" He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?" She nodded.
"I had a friend whose daughter was like you. Only she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone.
Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line.
The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson from this and won't do it again."
"I won't," Shannon promised solemnly.
"Will you tell others about this so they will be safe too?" "It's a promise!"
That night Shannon and her dad and Mom all knelt down together and prayed. They thanked God for protecting Shannon from what could have been a tragic situation.
Please send this to as many people as you can to teach them not to give any information about themselves.
This world we live in today is too dangerous to even give out your age, let alone anything else.
Thanks to: http://community-2.webtv.net/imcraftee2/AWarningforKids for this vitally important word of warning to kids and parents regarding Internet Safety.
Shannon could hear the footsteps behind her as she walked toward home. The thought of being followed made her heart beat faster.
"You're being silly," she told herself, "no one is following you." To be safe, she began to walk faster, but the footsteps kept up with her pace. She was afraid to look back and she was glad she was almost home. Shannon said a quick prayer, "God please get me home safe."
She saw the porch light burning and ran the rest of the way to her house. Once inside, she leaned against the door for a moment, relieved to be in the safety of her home. She glanced out the window to see if anyone was there. The sidewalk was empty.
After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on.
She sent him an instant message:
ByAngel213: Hi I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123: LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?
ByAngel213: Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out.
GoTo123: Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you?
ByAngel213: Of course not. I'm not stupid you know.
GoTo123: Did you have a softball game after school today?
ByAngel213: Yes and we won!!
GoTo123: That's great! Who did you play?
ByAngel213: We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL
GoTo123: What is your team called?
ByAngel213: We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really kewl.
GoTo123: Did you pitch?
ByAngel213: No I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye!
GoTo123: Catch you later. Bye
Meanwhile...... GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far.
Her name: Shannon Birthday: Jan. 3, 1985 Age:13 State where she lived: North Carolina Hobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall.
Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work.
He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the seventh grade at the Canton Junior High School.
She had told him all this in the conversations they had on-line. He had enough information to find her now.
Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ball park that day. She didn't want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games.
Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.
By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back.
She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely. He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the fear she had felt.
After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back.
He noticed her name on the back of her shirt He knew he had found her. Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon's home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.
Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.
Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room. "Shannon, come here," her father called. He sounded upset and she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa.
"Sit down," her father began, "this man has just told us a most interesting story about you." Shannon moved cautiously to a chair across from the man How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!
"Do you know who I am Shannon?" The man asked. "No," Shannon answered."I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123." Shannon was stunned. "That's impossible! GoTo is a kid my age! He's 14 and he lives in Michigan!" The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true.
You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to find kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to give out too much information to people on-line.
You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. Your name, the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze." Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan?" He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?" She nodded.
"I had a friend whose daughter was like you. Only she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone.
Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line.
The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson from this and won't do it again."
"I won't," Shannon promised solemnly.
"Will you tell others about this so they will be safe too?" "It's a promise!"
That night Shannon and her dad and Mom all knelt down together and prayed. They thanked God for protecting Shannon from what could have been a tragic situation.
Please send this to as many people as you can to teach them not to give any information about themselves.
This world we live in today is too dangerous to even give out your age, let alone anything else.
Thanks to: http://community-2.webtv.net/imcraftee2/AWarningforKids for this vitally important word of warning to kids and parents regarding Internet Safety.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
cat
looking for a good home for my cat. susan / liz has been taking care of my cat while i've been gone but i need to find a home for her. she is fixed and is used to a quiet environment. my granddaughter talked me into getting a kitten but as it turned out she is allergic to cats and now as well i can't have any pets in the apartment.
my new apartment
a friend suggested maybe God wants me to be in abby. i wasn't looking in abby, i didn't want a ground floor apartment, i wanted a view, i didn't want a busy street. actually when i think of what i didn't want i wonder how i got the apt i did.
friday i had driven by an apt in mission and there was nothing for sale. saturday after i put an offer in on my apt i learned that there was another showing 3 hours later. then tuesday i saw a for sale sign on the apt in mission. i called about it yesterday. s/w corner, top floor, view. i would have put an offer on it. it was more money than mine, and less square footage and had a balcony. mine is a ground floor garden apartment where i can plant flowers, veggies. it is just so me i can't wait to be in it.
not sure if God wants me to be in abby or not but it's weird how it's all come together.
friday i had driven by an apt in mission and there was nothing for sale. saturday after i put an offer in on my apt i learned that there was another showing 3 hours later. then tuesday i saw a for sale sign on the apt in mission. i called about it yesterday. s/w corner, top floor, view. i would have put an offer on it. it was more money than mine, and less square footage and had a balcony. mine is a ground floor garden apartment where i can plant flowers, veggies. it is just so me i can't wait to be in it.
not sure if God wants me to be in abby or not but it's weird how it's all come together.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
for sale
yamaha piano in mint condition - offers??? (i don't know it's value and am trying to determine same)
extra heavy duty lawn mower - used one month (like maybe 3 times) - $225 or???
extra heavy duty lawn mower - used one month (like maybe 3 times) - $225 or???
Monday, January 23, 2006
disposable income
talking to a friend about this recently, before i bought the apartment, and i thought wow what is that. will i really have some???
was going to rent an apartment - $750 / month
wanted to buy a sweet little mobile home in mission - spend all my money on the purchase then still pay $425 pad rental + heat.
thought about buying a mobile home out in deroche - spend all my money on the purchase, plus some, then still pay $325 pad rental + heat + huge amounts on gas back and forth.
bought a cute little apartment in abby where i can walk to almost anything or take the bus (definitely used to that) and my mortgage + a smaller maintenance fee (includes heat) will be way less than renting; equal to or less than buying either mobile home and it is mine and won't lose the value like a mobile home will.
will i have disposable income? nah but never had before so i won't be missing something i never had. but maybe after i get a job???
and the apartments that i looked at to buy in mission were $12k to $25 more than what i paid.
thank You Lord. and like a dear friend pointed out i have only been back 3 weeks. and the apartment is so bright, it is so me. i am so excited.
wow God is so very good to us.
was going to rent an apartment - $750 / month
wanted to buy a sweet little mobile home in mission - spend all my money on the purchase then still pay $425 pad rental + heat.
thought about buying a mobile home out in deroche - spend all my money on the purchase, plus some, then still pay $325 pad rental + heat + huge amounts on gas back and forth.
bought a cute little apartment in abby where i can walk to almost anything or take the bus (definitely used to that) and my mortgage + a smaller maintenance fee (includes heat) will be way less than renting; equal to or less than buying either mobile home and it is mine and won't lose the value like a mobile home will.
will i have disposable income? nah but never had before so i won't be missing something i never had. but maybe after i get a job???
and the apartments that i looked at to buy in mission were $12k to $25 more than what i paid.
thank You Lord. and like a dear friend pointed out i have only been back 3 weeks. and the apartment is so bright, it is so me. i am so excited.
wow God is so very good to us.
cable tv
ok so i'm not just computer illiterate - what is all this?
Shaw Cable TV
Shaw Digital TV
Shaw On Demand
Shaw High Definition TV (HDTV)
Shaw High Definition Personal Video Recorder (HD+PVR)
obviously you can't just plug your tv in, turn it on and watch something anymore.
have i been gone that long? has it really only been 15 months???
Shaw Cable TV
Shaw Digital TV
Shaw On Demand
Shaw High Definition TV (HDTV)
Shaw High Definition Personal Video Recorder (HD+PVR)
obviously you can't just plug your tv in, turn it on and watch something anymore.
have i been gone that long? has it really only been 15 months???
internet service
since i have been away for awhile and it has changed so much i'm wondering if anyone can tell me who is a good isp.
i am so not computer literate so don't know the difference between - for example
Shaw High-Speed Lite Internet
Shaw High-Speed Internet
Shaw High-Speed Xtreme-I
Can't decide which High-Speed Internet Service is right for you? Choose your speed???? what is this - greek?
also price is a factor as well.
i am so not computer literate so don't know the difference between - for example
Shaw High-Speed Lite Internet
Shaw High-Speed Internet
Shaw High-Speed Xtreme-I
Can't decide which High-Speed Internet Service is right for you? Choose your speed???? what is this - greek?
also price is a factor as well.
impact
talking to a friend about mercy last week. she said maybe she wasn't feeling very merciful this particular day.
i met a woman at the pool yesterday who sang praises about my friend. telling me how awesome she is, about how she is so compassionate. this woman is struggling in life right now and when her father passed away recently my friend was always there to offer her comfort and support.
compare it to a woman (or man) who goes to work to support her family or stays home to raise her children. we are not all meant for the same thing. we are not all gifted with the same things. but whatever or wherever we are we can make an impact in someone's life.
another woman at church on sunday said she wished she could do something more besides 'make teddies' wow! we have no idea how valuable we are. i couldn't make a teddy if my life depended on it. but when children are traumatized the police give them teddies. they cling to them like they are life supports. i can imagine the faces of the children around the world receiving her teddies. they have probably never received such a glorious gift in their lives. nor will again. and she wishes she could do more. it's too bad she can't see the joy she brings to these children. what joy it would give her.
it doesn't matter where God has placed us. it matters what we do with what God has given us.
i see very ordinary people all around me that are doing such amazing things for God and they aren't even aware of it. awesome!
i'm in awe of God's majesty. i'm in awe of His love for me.
i met a woman at the pool yesterday who sang praises about my friend. telling me how awesome she is, about how she is so compassionate. this woman is struggling in life right now and when her father passed away recently my friend was always there to offer her comfort and support.
compare it to a woman (or man) who goes to work to support her family or stays home to raise her children. we are not all meant for the same thing. we are not all gifted with the same things. but whatever or wherever we are we can make an impact in someone's life.
another woman at church on sunday said she wished she could do something more besides 'make teddies' wow! we have no idea how valuable we are. i couldn't make a teddy if my life depended on it. but when children are traumatized the police give them teddies. they cling to them like they are life supports. i can imagine the faces of the children around the world receiving her teddies. they have probably never received such a glorious gift in their lives. nor will again. and she wishes she could do more. it's too bad she can't see the joy she brings to these children. what joy it would give her.
it doesn't matter where God has placed us. it matters what we do with what God has given us.
i see very ordinary people all around me that are doing such amazing things for God and they aren't even aware of it. awesome!
i'm in awe of God's majesty. i'm in awe of His love for me.
furniture and stuff
ok so because i have bought a place i will be needing all the furniture and furnishings that everyone in church was so kind as to store for me in their living rooms or kitchens or bedrooms.
i don't need anything immediately but wanted to give you all notice so if you are using it you will have time to replace it with your own. and thank you all so very much.
i don't need anything immediately but wanted to give you all notice so if you are using it you will have time to replace it with your own. and thank you all so very much.
bought a home
i was going to write bought a place but it came out bought a home. so many places in my life have been just that - a place. it's where i sleep at night. i think this is going to be different. it is so bright and homey.
for as much as i was so very excited to buy it, it all came together amazingly fast and unexpected, when i got into bed saturday night i got very sad.
a small, literally falling apart, dumpy house in costa rica has been my home for 15 of the past 17 months. obviously it wasn't the house that made it home but the family. my suitcase was my closet/dresser which was zipped up immediately so as to keep out the huge freaking spiders. for a couple of months i had been feeling that when i finally left cr at the end of december it would be the last time i would ever be there. now having bought a home here the financial reality of it hit home and the thought of never seeing "my family" again brought me to tears. but as ever thanks to God for His supernatural peace i am as excited as ever again.
for as much as i was so very excited to buy it, it all came together amazingly fast and unexpected, when i got into bed saturday night i got very sad.
a small, literally falling apart, dumpy house in costa rica has been my home for 15 of the past 17 months. obviously it wasn't the house that made it home but the family. my suitcase was my closet/dresser which was zipped up immediately so as to keep out the huge freaking spiders. for a couple of months i had been feeling that when i finally left cr at the end of december it would be the last time i would ever be there. now having bought a home here the financial reality of it hit home and the thought of never seeing "my family" again brought me to tears. but as ever thanks to God for His supernatural peace i am as excited as ever again.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
cool pool
the kids took me to the new mission pool today. we were in the water for over 3 hours. i spent most of the time in the hot tub. it was wonderful - finally some warmth. it was fun playing with the kids.
new chemicals in the pool are a lot better than the old chlorine. i can see we're going to be spending more time in the pool.
until the summer comes. the kids have an above ground pool at their house.
new chemicals in the pool are a lot better than the old chlorine. i can see we're going to be spending more time in the pool.
until the summer comes. the kids have an above ground pool at their house.
feeling used?
i have been used many times by many people and i have used people. it was never a good thing. the connotation was always something bad.
not so anymore. now to be used is a good thing. i long for, i desire to be used... by God... for His joy, for His purposes. now to be used, by God, for His glory, is such a blessing, such a joy.
not so anymore. now to be used is a good thing. i long for, i desire to be used... by God... for His joy, for His purposes. now to be used, by God, for His glory, is such a blessing, such a joy.
joy
the presence of God in your life.
church in amparo - a long time ago i told the pastor i didn't see a lot of joy in our church. he said people came but they were always expecting miracles. before christmas i bought a nativity scene for the church and the pastor said some people had approached him and said it had to go. it was idol worship. we talked about it and both felt that they were like pharisees, living under the law of moses and not knowing the joy of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
last night in church as we were worshiping i noticed a man with his hands in his pockets. i wondered why he was there. i didn't sense any joy about him at all and wondered how can you worship God with your hands in your pockets.
later at club 365 scott talked about joy. it was wonderful last night. you could see and feel the joy. and i have to add, except for 1, i knew all the songs by heart and could sing them all. it was awesome.
actually that's why i wondered about being a christian. joy. a friend i had known for 30 years had become a christian and she always seemed so joyful. i wanted what she had. i asked her how she got it and she said she had just prayed about it. well not having a clue as to how to go about it i went to a couple of churches. found one i liked better and started attending regularly. the people were very warm and welcoming. the church bulletin had an email address for the pastor. i started emailing him about all the crap in my life and a barrage of questions - how did you get that joy, how did you become a christian. i was new to the internet and thought i was completely anonymous. not! little did i know. then one day in church he called me by name and i just about fell over. omg he knew all this stuff about me. thankfully now (in a way) he has bad memory so he wouldn't remember any of it.
thank you scott. for telling me about joy and helping me to find it. God is my life saver but you threw me the life-line.
joy - in case you missed it - it's the presence of God in your life. it's an intimate love relationship that fills your being. it doesn't matter whatever else may be happening in your life, if you have this relationship with God you have joy. He is internal and eternal. everything else is external and is not what gives you joy, happiness maybe, but that doesn't last.
you know Christ as your Lord and Saviour but don't have joy? what is coming between you? to have this joy you have to be in a right relationship with God. it's agony to have unconfessed sin in your life and feel separated from God. nothing is more important than to restore that relationship with God. nothing can compare to know the joy again of being in that right relationship.
if you don't have it and don't know how to get it ask God. He loves you so much He wants to have that relationship with you. He wants you to know the joy of loving Him and being loved by Him.
nothing else in life is more important.
church in amparo - a long time ago i told the pastor i didn't see a lot of joy in our church. he said people came but they were always expecting miracles. before christmas i bought a nativity scene for the church and the pastor said some people had approached him and said it had to go. it was idol worship. we talked about it and both felt that they were like pharisees, living under the law of moses and not knowing the joy of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
last night in church as we were worshiping i noticed a man with his hands in his pockets. i wondered why he was there. i didn't sense any joy about him at all and wondered how can you worship God with your hands in your pockets.
later at club 365 scott talked about joy. it was wonderful last night. you could see and feel the joy. and i have to add, except for 1, i knew all the songs by heart and could sing them all. it was awesome.
actually that's why i wondered about being a christian. joy. a friend i had known for 30 years had become a christian and she always seemed so joyful. i wanted what she had. i asked her how she got it and she said she had just prayed about it. well not having a clue as to how to go about it i went to a couple of churches. found one i liked better and started attending regularly. the people were very warm and welcoming. the church bulletin had an email address for the pastor. i started emailing him about all the crap in my life and a barrage of questions - how did you get that joy, how did you become a christian. i was new to the internet and thought i was completely anonymous. not! little did i know. then one day in church he called me by name and i just about fell over. omg he knew all this stuff about me. thankfully now (in a way) he has bad memory so he wouldn't remember any of it.
thank you scott. for telling me about joy and helping me to find it. God is my life saver but you threw me the life-line.
joy - in case you missed it - it's the presence of God in your life. it's an intimate love relationship that fills your being. it doesn't matter whatever else may be happening in your life, if you have this relationship with God you have joy. He is internal and eternal. everything else is external and is not what gives you joy, happiness maybe, but that doesn't last.
you know Christ as your Lord and Saviour but don't have joy? what is coming between you? to have this joy you have to be in a right relationship with God. it's agony to have unconfessed sin in your life and feel separated from God. nothing is more important than to restore that relationship with God. nothing can compare to know the joy again of being in that right relationship.
if you don't have it and don't know how to get it ask God. He loves you so much He wants to have that relationship with you. He wants you to know the joy of loving Him and being loved by Him.
nothing else in life is more important.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
home
heard a song on the radio today, "praising under open skies". the words "wherever you are, wherever you've been, He's been there" made me think of my own situation. i am looking for a place to call my own. Jesus never had a home to call His own.
Monday, January 16, 2006
end of the spear
movie about the true story of 5 missionaries killed in ecuador and how their deaths transformed lives. an amazing story of forgiveness.
coming to theatres jan 20th. i was so looking forward to going - and then i read that it's not being released in canada... just yet.
please pray for overwhelming attendance this weekend that would encourage the producers to show it in theatres in canada. also pray for transformation in the lives of everyone that has an opportunity to see this movie.
great website too. one person suggested taking the movie to people in prison. awesome idea. to show violent people how violent tribespeople were transformed.
coming to theatres jan 20th. i was so looking forward to going - and then i read that it's not being released in canada... just yet.
please pray for overwhelming attendance this weekend that would encourage the producers to show it in theatres in canada. also pray for transformation in the lives of everyone that has an opportunity to see this movie.
great website too. one person suggested taking the movie to people in prison. awesome idea. to show violent people how violent tribespeople were transformed.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
church
went to a spanish church tonight. didn't know a soul but i knew the music. i could worship in spanish and it was wonderful. afterwards most of the people welcomed me and invited me to come back. met a couple who moved here from costa rica so it was cool to talk to them. even though i didn't know a soul i felt very at home there.
nh - must be a lot of new english music out there cuz i haven't recognized most of the songs sung in church last week or this. it makes me sad cuz it's hard to worship when you don't know the songs.
nh - must be a lot of new english music out there cuz i haven't recognized most of the songs sung in church last week or this. it makes me sad cuz it's hard to worship when you don't know the songs.
obedience
thought i was. when God said "but only for one year" for me to be in costa rica. i thought what harm could it do to stay a couple of extra months so i could be with the family at christmas. i wanted to be with them.
last night i had a very emotional time with God asking Him if i have been obedient to give me more. i want more, use me, send me. somewhere, anywhere, i want to go. notice - i want, i want. what does God want?
ok what about the part where He very clearly said "but only for one year" and i stayed longer. i was staying for me not leaving for Him as He had told me to do.
david inquired of God and God said attack and gave him victory. david inquired of God again and He said do something different then attack and again He gave him victory. each time David talked to God and was obedient. he depended on God. 1 chron 14:14
how often do we live our lives thinking we know best, better than God. what if God has a different plan for our lives. He says He knows the plans He has for us. jeremiah 29:11 and i believe Him. if we want to have God's blessing we have to be obedient and listen to Him.
last night i had a very emotional time with God asking Him if i have been obedient to give me more. i want more, use me, send me. somewhere, anywhere, i want to go. notice - i want, i want. what does God want?
ok what about the part where He very clearly said "but only for one year" and i stayed longer. i was staying for me not leaving for Him as He had told me to do.
david inquired of God and God said attack and gave him victory. david inquired of God again and He said do something different then attack and again He gave him victory. each time David talked to God and was obedient. he depended on God. 1 chron 14:14
how often do we live our lives thinking we know best, better than God. what if God has a different plan for our lives. He says He knows the plans He has for us. jeremiah 29:11 and i believe Him. if we want to have God's blessing we have to be obedient and listen to Him.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
rain
everyone is complaining about the rain. i'm surprised that i am not. i guess i would be too if i hadn't spent the past 14 months living in costa rica where it rains every day for 10 months. flooding, mud/landslides, bridge washouts, yeah. i'm just thankful that it's not snow. i just wish it was warmer.
bible
i've read it front to back a couple of times and i've read the nt many more times. each time i seem to glean a new insight, something i've read several times suddenly becomes clear and has meaning.
but this time - wow! i started at the beginning again, thinking i would do my daily reading to read the bible through in one year. as i've been reading it, it's like i don't remember reading this before, it's almost like reading a new book and i can hardly put it down.
but this time - wow! i started at the beginning again, thinking i would do my daily reading to read the bible through in one year. as i've been reading it, it's like i don't remember reading this before, it's almost like reading a new book and i can hardly put it down.
lies, aldultery, murder
king david. guilty. it took the life of his child to bring him to repentance yet when he did God blessed him because he was a man after God's own heart.
God asked for the life of abraham's son yet He spared him when He saw that abraham was faithful.
Jesus suffered and died the same horrible death for your lie, my adultery, ted bundy's murders. but He is faithful and forgives us when we repent.
are you faithful? are you repentant? do you need forgiveness?
God asked for the life of abraham's son yet He spared him when He saw that abraham was faithful.
Jesus suffered and died the same horrible death for your lie, my adultery, ted bundy's murders. but He is faithful and forgives us when we repent.
are you faithful? are you repentant? do you need forgiveness?
Friday, January 13, 2006
forgive
if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
matthew 6:14,15
and who among us is without sin.
think about it.
matthew 6:14,15
and who among us is without sin.
think about it.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
please
don't know what to do with myself but know i want more of God and want to do more for Him.
susan is planning a mission trip to mexico city in june but i don't feel called to go on that.
just checking out world vision's website and there are 2 trips that really got my heart going. one to el salvador and the other to honduras. one to build houses, the other to build gardens/irrigation systems.
sent an email to world vision to see if there is space. completely wired and probably won't sleep thinking about it. part of the deal though is that when you volunteer with world vision they ask that you find sponsors for 3 children in the country where you will be going.
blew me away 3 years ago in that i was blessed by 5 other people wanting to sponsor children. it was obviously such a God thing.
now i want to go again and again need sponsors for 3 children in each country.
i also think i need to talk to God about it to determine His will in the matter but when it touches my heart so deeply i can't imagine that it isn't His will.
please pray about this and if you feel you would like to sponsor a child in el salvador or honduras please let me know.
thank you and God bless you.
susan is planning a mission trip to mexico city in june but i don't feel called to go on that.
just checking out world vision's website and there are 2 trips that really got my heart going. one to el salvador and the other to honduras. one to build houses, the other to build gardens/irrigation systems.
sent an email to world vision to see if there is space. completely wired and probably won't sleep thinking about it. part of the deal though is that when you volunteer with world vision they ask that you find sponsors for 3 children in the country where you will be going.
blew me away 3 years ago in that i was blessed by 5 other people wanting to sponsor children. it was obviously such a God thing.
now i want to go again and again need sponsors for 3 children in each country.
i also think i need to talk to God about it to determine His will in the matter but when it touches my heart so deeply i can't imagine that it isn't His will.
please pray about this and if you feel you would like to sponsor a child in el salvador or honduras please let me know.
thank you and God bless you.
Monday, January 09, 2006
tests
hated taking tests in school but taking them on-line when it doesn't matter what the results are is ok. took one tonight that says i'm ready for clergy. that would be no.
i just love God and my heart has been aching for more of Him today. i am in need of more worship.
i need my own place. my own private space where i can talk with God. my time with God is usually very emotional and i want to sing out loud. i cry and people want to know if i'm ok. i'm ok. i just want to spend more time with God, alone. and it's hard when you don't have your own space.
i talk to Him as i'm driving down the road but driving becomes difficult when i can't see through the tears. tears of joy, tears of loving Him, tears of wanting more of Him.
i just love God and my heart has been aching for more of Him today. i am in need of more worship.
i need my own place. my own private space where i can talk with God. my time with God is usually very emotional and i want to sing out loud. i cry and people want to know if i'm ok. i'm ok. i just want to spend more time with God, alone. and it's hard when you don't have your own space.
i talk to Him as i'm driving down the road but driving becomes difficult when i can't see through the tears. tears of joy, tears of loving Him, tears of wanting more of Him.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
tickle tests
Congratulations, Teri!Your IQ score is 127
This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Facts Curator. This means you are highly intelligent and have picked up an impressive and unique collection of facts and figures over the years. You've got a remarkable vocabulary and exceptional math skills — which puts you in the same class as brainiacs like Bill Gates. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.
and for $12.95 you too can purchase your complete iq report. i think they have me confused with someone else. either that or we are all geniuses.
like when several bloggers were checking to see the value of their blogs. never figured out how that worked - i did that too and scored an amazing zero.
This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Facts Curator. This means you are highly intelligent and have picked up an impressive and unique collection of facts and figures over the years. You've got a remarkable vocabulary and exceptional math skills — which puts you in the same class as brainiacs like Bill Gates. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.
and for $12.95 you too can purchase your complete iq report. i think they have me confused with someone else. either that or we are all geniuses.
like when several bloggers were checking to see the value of their blogs. never figured out how that worked - i did that too and scored an amazing zero.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
need to nest
i have a pillow for my head but need more. i have a room with friends while i search for a home. thought i'd found something and was ready to buy it - it got an accepted offer 4 days ago.
there's not much out there in my price range, and i considered this property high but am so anxious to have a place i can call my own that i would have taken it.
feeling lost, so far from home, with no place to call my own.
there's not much out there in my price range, and i considered this property high but am so anxious to have a place i can call my own that i would have taken it.
feeling lost, so far from home, with no place to call my own.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
ikea
ikea - who's going to ikea. i need to go and buy all new bedding and whatever else i can't find that i gave away.
call me if you're going but don't leave a msg yet cuz i can't figure out how to get my messages out.
call me if you're going but don't leave a msg yet cuz i can't figure out how to get my messages out.
Monday, January 02, 2006
prospero ano nuevo!
happy new year!
back in canada. it's freaking cold here, i hate it. 7 degrees in abby today. 30 degrees lower than if i was at home. in costa rica.
can not believe the housing costs here. will never be able to afford to buy a house again. looking at buying a single wide mobile home but couldn't believe you still have to pay $425 each month for a pad rental.
back in canada. it's freaking cold here, i hate it. 7 degrees in abby today. 30 degrees lower than if i was at home. in costa rica.
can not believe the housing costs here. will never be able to afford to buy a house again. looking at buying a single wide mobile home but couldn't believe you still have to pay $425 each month for a pad rental.
being a mom
i sucked at being a mom. and it was only in the last few years that i realized that although my mom sucked at it too it was the best that she knew how to be. thankfully, with God's grace, we have a better relationship now than we have ever had.
mothers - we aren't perfect. we do the best we can with what we have. sometimes it isn't enough. sometimes we get lucky.
mothers - we aren't perfect. we do the best we can with what we have. sometimes it isn't enough. sometimes we get lucky.
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