Surviving the Fair Point Guy

Yesterday I had the scariest experience of my life thus far.  The Fair Point Guy.   Though, in my own defense, I had NO idea it was him... in my imagination he was some big burly man with a knife, a gun, a machete, and an intent to kill.  Who knew he was some big teddy bear type of guy with a modem, (not a motive) a tool kit (not a machete) and some wires (definitely not for strangling.)

It all started at 2:27pm. I was home alone, (in the middle of no where mind you) sitting on the couch, when my phone rang. I answered & experienced the creepiest and most irrational phone call I've heard, when all of a sudden my other ear picked up on footsteps coming from outside on the porch. I realized the window shades were up & whoever it was could see in if they moved a few feet over. As the knocks on the door began, and as the person (still being creepy) on the phone kept talking, I slowly moved to the kitchen, out of view of the "killer on the porch".  After hanging up on the creepy caller, I started to focus more on the fact that the person on the porch was now walking back and forth across it, only to stop at the door and knock for the second time. A total of 6 knocks. (yes, I counted.. ) After getting off the phone with the police, I sat there crying (silently of course lest the "killer" hear me and know that someone was home...though I'm sure the tv on didn't give it away at all...).    I eventually didn't hear anything from outside anymore, but there I sat still, not moving an inch.  After a few minutes of silence I hear the police holler out to me, and I crawled from my place to open the door.  As soon as they entered I felt SO safe, and SO secure, I knew everything was alright.

Turns out, it was a prank phone call at 2:27pm, and the Fair Point Guy coming to check my internet at 2:30pm.  Bad timing dude. Real bad timing.


After going to a bible study last night, after all these scary events occurred, I got spoken to in such a real way.   We were talking about Peace, and the definition I looked up and found was "A State of Security".   When that police man came to my rescue, I felt a state of security. I was at peace.   When God comes to my rescue (every single moment of every single day) I feel a state of security.  I should be feeling at peace every day, because I trust in God and HE is my security, my state of refuge, my deep down peace.   I have to let Him "walk in the door & handle the situation" like the police man did, and I have to let Him "do His job" in securing me and giving me peace.

P.s.  Beware the Fair Point Guy.



God bless, & blog soon

A Mournful Heart - 12/14/2012

Tonight, my heart is heavy. These past few days, my heart has cried. It has cried out in response to the tragedy in Connecticut. It has cried out in hopes that they would find your peace, your restoration, your comfort. 

  Look in those eyes. What evil has overtaken our world. Oh Lord, come back quickly. 

Genesis 6:5 (NASB) - Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

OH LORD, please give these poor families your peace Father, reveal yourself to them in such a way that they can't ignore. Help them, because it is a time where this loss is so keenly felt that much more, it being Christmastime.  Who should decide who shall live, and who shall die, but God?  It was not that wicked man's right to decide. Yet, he did. 

Wickedness is increasing. Christians, use your weapon! Pray! Pray without ceasing. This world needs your prayers. It's a powerful thing, and we don't use it as often as we should. Pray especially for the families of the children who lost their lives.

Don't forget who made us, He is more powerful than the ruler of this world. Amen? 

God bless, and blog soon. 

Best (Foot?) Forward pt. 2

Hey guys! So some people thought my last post to not be very "concise" and so here I am (2 times in one day..I KNOW RIGHT?!)  to clarify.


The worlds message today to young & older girls alike is (for the majority) to use their beauty and body to get them where they want to be in life. (i.e. successful  & recognized).  I on the other hand think that ladies do NOT need to use their physical appearance to be successful in the world we live in. (Nor do we have to adjust our appearance to seem "better" or "prettier" or more "enhanced")
 Do I think we should shower and brush our teeth (please do both..regularly...) and do our hair and wear nice things if possible? Yes. Sure. I encourage it.   I love to dress up, and do my hair, and wear make-up.   But do I think we should allow it to define who we are? Nope.    I think it's sad that so many girls (myself included at times) fall for the lie that in order to have what we want in life, whether it's a career or a person, we must use our looks & our body to obtain those things.   It's degrading, and down right disrespectful and I personally would like to have a bit more respect than that for myself.  You and I do not need to use our outward appearance to go far in life.  We have brains for that.
How's that for a thesis?


Just so we're clear..... please shower.


God bless, and blog soon 

Put Your Best (Foot?) Forward

Today I was reading a blog about blogging (ironic) and I was disgusted to read: If you’re an attractive woman, work your most prominent physical characteristic into the blog (extra points if it’s a pictorial reference)   

Excuse ME?! 


So you're really suggesting to me that the more I use my physical features to make my point the more I will attain readers & followers? Unfortunately, that's exactly what he was suggesting. No wonder so many girls and women of today are caught up in their looks, and how to always improve them. Much of the worlds message revolves around how to improve self, and how to become a better you.  Well I hate to break it to you, but most of the time they're not talking about our brains ladies!!   Sad, but true. I couldn't believe I read that sentence in that blog; (note: it was a man's blog!) To me, that'd degrading. Saying that we can't use our BRAINS and TALENTS to be interesting... no, we have to use our bodies, our physical appearance to gain interest??   I don't think so!!


Now, I'm not all "Women, lets band together & be independent".  But I am all "Ladies, don't listen to that lie".  

Because that's what it is.  A lie.  I have fallen for that over and over but NOT AGAIN.  I'm not falling for the lie that in order to gain respect and interest I have to use my physical appearance.  

Are you going to fall for that??   How far will you go ^^^ to fit in with this statement and gain this world's "respect"?

And for the guys....... are you going to follow after this man's example and show us that we have to "work our most prominent physical features" to be recognized or are you going to be different and be the man we need. The man who recognizes things beyond the outward. The man who doesn't base his opinion on what (and how much) he can see.  

Well, that's my rant. What is YOUR opinion on this??  Guys, Gals, write in & let me know!  Have you been told the same things? What did you do about it?  Guys, have you shown women that their bodies are the key focus? Or have you been above the world's mold, and treated women as people rather than possession?  I'd love to hear from you so GOGOGO it's opinion time!!! 

God bless, and blog soon

Work in Progress

This morning I was reading through Philippians chapter 1, and I stumbled across verse 6. Now, I've always known this verse, and I've always thought it was a great verse. But something stuck out to me today that I can't believe didn't before!!

Philippians 1:6 states: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (nasb)

Ok, so I get that Jesus began a good work in me and everything, but one thing I DIDN'T get until just now (well, about 10 minutes ago..) was the little word "until".   Hmmm, never considered that before did ya?  (..yeah, you probably did. I just needed Einstein to say "Duh" to me...you smarty pants readers you.)   The thing that amazed me was that Jesus began a good work in me, but He's going to CONTINUE to perfect it until the day of Christ, or until He is finished.  You've all heard it said that we are works in progress right? It's so true though!  Jesus isn't going to stop working on us, until HE'S finished, or until the day of Christ is at hand. How cool is that?!    Even though we make mistakes and sometimes it seems as if Jesus is going to have to start ALL OVER with us....He still just keeps plugging away, picks up all the pieces we broke, and glues us back together because until He says we're finished, we ain't finished.

I don't know about you, but that's a very serious encouragement to me! I can never mess up so bad that Jesus will "give up" working on me. He may take me to the woodshed for some good old fashioned you-know-whats but even that is apart of Him shaping me and trying to perfect me. So cool!!!
  Try to remember this the next time you think that God has given up on you, because He hasn't!  He's still going to perfect the good work He started in you, until Christ returns or until you die. Whichever comes first. (sorry, maybe that last sentence was a little morbid....oh well you get the point!)      You're a work in progress baby, as am I.


God bless, and blog soon

There's Nothing Left!

Hey guys, so this morning as I was driving home from work, all I could think was "gosh, I dislike people & I'm so glad that once I go home I don't have to put on a smile anymore."   Wow, how terrible is that? You know, I've heard it said that you hurt the ones closest to you the most, and it's so true!   What makes me think I can put on a smile & laugh with people at work (so as not to get fired) but I can come home hours later and be downright rude and moody with the people who love me most and get away with it? Uh uh! As those thoughts were in my mind, God's still small voice spoke to me saying: "Daughter, that's not how I taught you, is it?" and of course, I responded with "No Abba, but I don't care! They're my family, they understand and will forgive me more than anyone!"    Oh how silly of me.  Another thought I had whilst driving home was "I'm so tired of giving all of me to everyone, I HAVE NOTHING LEFT OF ME TO GIVE!"    It's easy to think like that sometimes, and get into that funk of "memememememe". Don't tell me I'm alone in that?!  Seriously though, that's what I was thinking until His voice spoke to me again and said "Daughter, do you honestly think that a child of mine has to do it all on her own?" and as I thought about that I realized something.  God doesn't ask us to try to serve everybody in our OWN strength, He asks us to serve in HIS strength.  I do think that God wants us to come to the place of "I have nothing left of ME to give", so that we can realize we can't serve Him in our strength. If we are trying to do things (even things like work) in ourselves, we're gonna find ourselves in a constant state of unhappiness.

 Psalm 20: 7-8
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

That verse speaks to me SOOO much! How easy is it for us (me!) to trust in earthly things!! Shouldn't we (I!) be trusting in the name of the Lord? In my last post I talked about the powerful names of the Lord...go back & read that and now apply it here. 

I love how God uses His still small voice to get me to realize that a bad attitude isn't a Godly attitude. It's far from it! So I need to quit my "woe-is-me" and get my focus back on Jesus & HIS STRENGTH and allow all of my energy, all of my joy, all of my peace, and all of my love to come from above. 

God bless, and blog soon

Consider The Titles

In my studies of Isaiah lately, chapter 9 led me to verse 6 where it states these Titles:

 - Wonderful
 - Counsellor
 - Mighty God
 - Everlasting Father
 - Prince of Peace

Maybe you are like I was, and as you read through this chapter you came to verse 6 and went "oh how lovely, they put a few of His titles here...moving on..."  and then continued merrily on your way in trying to understand the book of Isaiah.  If you did all of that, then you are not alone! I did the same. Then I went back and realized I skipped over something seriously amazing!!   Lemme break it down:

 - Wonderful: Inspiring delight, pleasure or admiration; extremely good; marvelous. (thank you dictionary)     My point in that was to show you that God Himself is our inspiration for delights, pleasures, and should be the One whom we bestow our admiration upon.  He is extremely good, and marvelous.  I'd say that sums it up because simply words can't describe Him!

  - Counsellor:  God is our advisor, our Wisdom comes from Him & Him alone. He's a great listener so whenever we have a problem or need advice, we can go to Him and ask for His direction. He won't steer us wrong!!  The best part is, even if He tells us something we don't want to hear...He's the comforter.  I personally think that counseling and comforting go hand in hand, don't you think? He does a great job at both :) 

 - Mighty God:  Consider for a second the story of Jesus & His disciples in the boat. (Matthew 14:22-33)   Remember how calm and collected everyone was? HA! Yeah right, they were freaking out!!! But Jesus wasn't freaking out at all, in fact He was asleep through most of it!! I think the part that shows how mighty He is, is the part where He just commands the storm to quit it. Hello?! Mighty?! I'd say YES! You try telling me that my God is weak, I won't believe it for a second!!

 - Everlasting Father:  lasting forever, eternity. (thanks again dictionary!)  I think it's really hard to wrap our minds around the fact that forever means...forever. Never ending. Doesn't stop.  I don't know about you but to honest, that hurts my head.  But at the same time, when I think about the Titles that I mentioned up top, HOW COOL IS IT that we get to be around that Person FOREVER?! NEVER-ENDING?! ETERNALLY?  (sorry...it just excites me. I'll stop with the caps lock...for a bit hehe)  When I re-read the descriptions up top, I'm like HECK YE-ah (sorry, caps again..) I want to be around Him forever!! :) :) 

 and finally;

 - Prince of Peace: Literally, when I get to this Name, I just stop. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and smile. Try doing that right now, and say "Prince of Peace" out loud. It may be weird to say out loud at first, but do it until you're comfortable because let me tell you what, there is something special about saying Jesus' name out loud. Honest to goodness, I get so much peace by just sitting and breathing in, and knowing that Jesus is sitting right beside me and bringing me His peace.  In these moments, I have the Prince of Peace looking at me, calling me "daughter", and I can feel it.      
So in our totally CRAZY days, I know if we just take a minute to breathe and say His name, peace can come flooding in us like a fresh river in the spring time.  (for all you people who have never seen that, it can get pretty intense!)   Just trust me, and try it sometime. Pray for peace that passes all understanding, and He'll give it to ya. 

So next time you're reading Isaiah 9, or any other place that mentions God's many names, don't just skip over it like I did. Take time to really think about the Titles that God has. Break them down and think about how important each role is in your life. I couldn't go a day without my Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, my Everlasting Father, or my constant Prince of Peace.


God bless, and blog soon

EMAIL ALERT!

Hey guys!!! Update: If you want to email me, please email me at:  carlene.bennett.blog@gmail.com

k?! That's the new email I have, and I'd appreciate it if you used that one instead of the old one! Thanks a bunch... Oh and I'll be writing a serious post soon! Don't worry people, it won't be long from now!


God bless, and blog soon

Meditate, Observe, Talk.

Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (nkjv)

While going through a study of Joshua, this verse really spoke out to me in such a real way! We should be talking about the Word of God, and it should not depart from our mouths!  This word depart: To go away; leave.  So basically it means that we should be reading, meditating, and observing the Word of God and not allowing it to go away (to leave) our lips! 

"When you speak the Word, the Word Speaks to you!" - Anonymous 

That quote is SO true! Think about it, when you're studying for something it often helps to write out what you're memorizing, and it definitely helps to speak what you're trying to memorize, am I right? So if we follow what the Word of God says, then it SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH DAY AND NIGHT! Mutter the Words of God!    Okay... so maybe don't sit in a corner and mutter under your breath until people start moving away slowly (with good reason).  That would be weird. 

In all seriousness though, throughout the day shouldn't we be repeating verses from the Bible?  It helps our focus so much more when we're thinking about it day & night!  I know my day sure goes better when I do that. When I don't do that, and I'm in the flesh just going about my day without the Word of God, my day DOES NOT go so well.  Anybody else? I know I'm not alone in that!!

Just think about it for a minute, and ask yourself these exact words: Do I talk about the Word of God everyday, throughout the day? Or do I read it once and forget about it until I read it again?  

God bless, and blog soon

Pity Party Rant

Hey guys, quick rant. Do you guys ever feel alone? Like, even when you're in a crowd you're the one who stands outside and kinda looks in..? Oftentimes that's how I feel, which is quite contrary to my usual energetic and friendly personality. Sometimes the insecurities really effect me, and I feel like I bought a ticket to watch a play. Unfortunately the play happens to be my own life that I should be vehemently involved in. Friends, I'm asking you'd pray for me on this. I need Jesus' help in this because it isn't easy being a bystander by choice. I HATE being on the outside but its sooo easy to distance myself!! Anyways.

Thank you all for your prayers. I know Jesus will help me because that's what He does. If we call out, He helps. :) yeah? Alright.

God bless, and blog soon

Good News!

Hey bloggers! The good news is, that I'm alive!!!  Don't worry, I haven't died or anything. I've just been SO busy working that I haven't had any time to barely eat. Life can get quite stressful at times but I always have God on my side! Woohoo!

There is no excuse why I haven't blogged. None, and I am ashamed. But I think of you all nearly EVERY day and quite often I write down notes that I title "Blog Subject Ideas". The one problem is, I don't have time to actually write them!!!

No one is more frustrated about this than I am.

Anywho. Love you all, and may Christ be with you! I shall blog soon, and that is a PROMISE. I will, I will, I will!!!!!!!

God bless, and blog SOOOOOOON!!!!!!!

Focus On Something Better

So in my study of Revelation 21, it led me to 2^nd Peter 3:13-14 where it says: “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”

This really spoke to me, actually it jumped right off the page! Let me give you a little back story – in Revelation 21:1 it talks about a new heaven and a new earth being brought out of the Great Tribulation. This new heaven and new earth with amazing, something that EVERY christian should be excited about! Okay, the end of my back story. – Moving on... the verses in 2^nd Peter are really saying that we must be looking, must be earnestly seeking the new heaven and earth that is to come. These new things will be beautiful, more beautiful than we've ever seen and we will have NO MORE TEARS! (ladies, no need for waterproof mascara anymore! Can I get an amen?!)

When we are seriously seeking and looking forward to the new heaven & earth, our focus is on things above instead of the crap of this earth. We set our hearts and eyes on healthy things (like Jesus Christ, His love, how we can love others better..etc) instead of unhealthy things (like ourselves, greed, vanity, lies..etc). We shouldn't just be aware of the new heaven and earth's existence! We have to searching for it, continually thinking about it! Think about how effective we would be for the Kingdom of God if we stopped focusing on how bad this “old” earth is and started focusing on how AWESOME the new earth will be! NO MORE PAIN! Praise the Lord, I could do without pain...couldn't you? :)

Amen, praise God for how faithful He is. He will fulfill His promise, and someday we will get that new heaven and earth and those of us who are saved and believers in Christ will get to experience this in full form. Awhh yeah. Bring it on!

*if you haven't read the book of Revelation, I highly recommend reading it. ASAP. Not kidding!!

God bless, and blog soon

About had it.

Hey guys....

so tonight I'm writing out of need for prayer. I haven't felt so defeated in quite awhile.  Please just pray for me, that God will give me the strength to keep going.  I have the tendency to lash out when I'm hurt, and I'm hurting right now. I don't want to put up my walls again, and block out people like I used to. I don't want to lash out at the people who hurt me, so please pray that I will be able to get through it.   I'm sorry my post isn't well written tonight, I can't seem to think very poetically right now! Anyways, I'm going to stop writing and just ask for prayer.


"Are we weak and heavy laden, 
cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge; 
take it to the Lord in prayer. 
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 
Take it to the Lord in prayer! 
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 
thou wilt find a solace there."

Who's Your Daddy?

I'd like to start with saying HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!! I absolutely love my dad, he's my rock. My hero. I praise God for him all the time...but I'd also like to say I love my Heavenly Father!! My Lord is the best father I could ever ask for, He has never failed me and has never hurt me. He is a true Hero, having died for me. He is the best dad I could ever ask for, even though I think my earthly dad is pretty great too ;)

Sometimes Fathers Day is a hard day for people, because either their dad wasn't a good father to them, or because they don't have a dad. If that's you today, I'd like to first say I'm sorry. Both of those scenarios bring heartache, and I'll like to extend to you God's love. He loves you and He wants to be a Father to you, the Dad you never had. Let Him take care of you, and shelter you. Psalm 121:5-8 says: “The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is they shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and ever forevermore.”

How encouraging is that!? The Lord is my keeper. The Lord will preserve me from evil. The Lord will watch my going out, and my coming in. The Lord is YOUR keeper. The Lord will preserve YOU from evil. The Lord will watch YOUR going out, and YOUR coming in...and the best part? He actually wants to do all that for you. Cool right? I think so! I find it pretty amazing actually, that someone cares for me that much, that someone will never fail me and will be there for me every time I ask. God is never too busy for us guys, even though sometimes our earthly dads may be.

I hope this speaks to you, and that you can accept Jesus to be your Savior..to be your Dad. I know there may be pain and scars in your heart from your earthly dad, but God wants to heal those....He wants to put His loving salve on your scars and relieve your pain. Let Him today.

Happy Fathers Day, and I pray you'll allow the Lord to hang out in your heart and be the Father to you that He wants to be.

God bless, and blog soon

New job!!

Hey guys, guess what! I have a job :) yep, that's right, I'm a working girl again. Woohoo! Can ya tell I'm a tad excited? Anyways, pray for me please, that I'll do well at it and that God will give me witnessing opportunities. Another thing - I might write posts even less than I already do (terrible, I know) but I will try my BEST at posting and keeping up!! Don't give up on reading me, i just might be a little slower than normal.

Thanks for your prayers and sticking with me guys, I love you all!

God bless, and blog (hopefully) soon

The Battle Begins

The Challenge: Put on your war paint!

1 Samuel 17

That challenge above was posed to me at a conference I recently attended, as the speaker was teaching about how we must sense the reality that there is a war at hand. A spiritual war, behind the world's eye view. Something we can't see but definitely can sense. The cool part: I'm a part of God's army :) I am a SOLDIER! Hoorah! How did I become a solider, you ask? Well, it starts with this comment.... “God doesn't want us to merely spectate in His war, He was us to participate”.

On that note, remember that God picks our playing spot. Think of a sports team, and a coach. Most often, the coach gets to pick where you play, and what position you'll be in. Well, so does God. (see my last post, about serving where God puts us.)

Another note: The moment we step away from the battle is the moment we lose the battle. King David knows something about this, the day he chose to stay home and not go to war. That was the day he lost the battle against his flesh.... he saw Bathsheba. He lusted after Bathsheba. And he sinned with Bathsheba – which effected his life forever and effected the Israelites afterwards as well. He chose not to go to war and because of that he had idle time and was left to his own devices! He fell in sin! We can do the same thing, maybe not with a Bathsheba but trust me, we can choose to stay home from God's war and just as easily fall in sin as David did. Don't think you're exempt from that, because everyone one is guilty. Sorry, but that's the truth. So what does this mean? It means that we should be involved in God's army, in His war, and be not afraid because if you are in God's will then that's the safest place we can be. Ever.

God wants us to trust Him so fully that we will commit ourselves to being a soldier for Him, even if we don't know what that means yet. A solider for God could mean serving Him at home, or over seas. It could mean sharing your faith with every person you come in contact with, or it could mean just simply being an example in your work place, school, or club. God has a specific plan for every single member of His army, He just simply wants us to COMMIT even if we don't know what that will mean. “Soon life with come and pass, only things done for Christ will last.”

So, the challenge today is to GET YOUR WAR PAINT ON and go fight!! Go be a Solider in God's army, surrender your life to Him and say “Lord, use me. I don't care where or how, I just want to be involved. I want to participate in this war that I already know You will win because Your Word says You will win. Please use me.” That's all you have to do to enlist – Pretty simple huh? GO GO GO, and may I personally welcome you into the Lord's army my friend. Read Ephesians 6:10-18, there you will find your uniform for battle. Be ready to endure hardship, and possibly death. But even more so, be ready to see God face to face one day and have Him say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” That means more to me than anything in the world. So welcome Soldier, serve and fight well.

God bless, and blog soon

"God, why didn't you call me to something better..?"

Last time I wrote I spoke about being a bond-servant of Christ. Today I'm continuing that thought with something that God has been speaking to me about, and that's serving joyfully. In 1 Corinthians 12:18 it says “But not hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him”. Wanna know what that means to me? That means that God places me in the body to serve WHERE HE WANTS ME. Simply put: Whatever God calls me to, it pleases Him to see me there. And what pleases God should please us, should it not? Another verse: Galatians 6:9 says “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lost heart”. Meaning that we cannot lose heart in what we're called to do while serving, no matter how hard it gets! No matter how weary you become! Because we will be rewarded in Heaven, no doubt about it. It's a promise.

The summary of what God's been telling me is that even though what I do in my church or in this world may not be recognized, how dare we complain and say “I wish I had his job..” or “If only I was called to do that...” because then we only want to be glorified instead of wanting to glorify the One True God. <--- that last statement is what it's all about anyways, right? To glorify the Name of the Father?

So how could we be so focused on ourselves by saying those selfish thoughts I wrote above! Instead we should be rejoicing because God saw fit to place us where it pleased Him, and so it should please us.

That's all I have, but I really hope it got through and that someone will be blessed by it. I know it blessed me when God revealed it to me, and I had to purge myself of those selfish thoughts so I'm as guilty as any of you in this matter. But just remember these things as you get called by God.

God bless, and blog soon

Got a "rep"?

Today I want to write about reputation. Not just your “rep” but I mean your actual life reputation. I was challenged today while reading Jude verse 1. Did you know that Jude is the half-brother of Jesus? Blood relation. And in Jude verse 1, Jude introduces himself as a bondservant (greek work doulos) on Jesus Christ. Literally a willing servant of Christ. He didn't introduce himself as the brother of Jesus, because Jude doesn't want that to be how people thought of him. Sure, it's a great thing, but Jude would rather be humble and be known as a willing servant of Christ. WHOA, conviction conviction conviction!!!!!

Am I willing to be known as just a servant of Jesus Christ? Or would I rather be known as something “greater”, something “better”. Well, let me tell you something. I think being called a bondservant of Jesus Christ is greater and better than any other title that could be bestowed upon me. The world has a different view, they think that's too lowly, that it's not prestigious enough. But I happen to think it's the best thing to be called, and it would be an honor to be labeled as a servant of Christ. That would mean I'm doing my job right, I'm living my life right!

Just take some time to think about this, and ask yourself what YOUR reputation is. Is your reputation a “good person”, do people see you as someone great? Because remember, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first” (matthew 20:16). 

 I hope your reputation is that you're a bondservant of Christ, that you are a follower, a Jesus freak. Because that is surely the best rep you could ever have. Become humble, lowly, meek. Take the low seat and serve God with a quiet yet joyful heart.

What do you want to be identified as? I know what I want! I want to be identified as a WILLING SERVANT! Amen?

God bless, and blog soon

Time to be Thankful

Hey everyone! So in my daily devotions this morning, I was greatly challenged to start being more thankful! It's so easy to be ungrateful, or take for granted the things in life which God gives us. To fix my perspective on being thankful, I'm going to write down a list of things that God has blessed me with, whether it be the little things or the big things and keep it with me so that when I go through a hard time I can remember to stay thankful even through the “fire”. Now, keep it mind that God has blessed us with SO MUCH that I could never write them all down. This is just a fun exercise to keep my perspective right on track.

• My family
• My friends
• Shelter
• Food
• Good drinking water
• A Shower
• Heat for the winter
• A.C for the summer
• my car
• gas money for my car
• Nice clothes
• My kittie cats
• The access to good solid books
• The ability to worship freely

And that's only a few, I could seriously go on and on.....but you wouldn't enjoy reading all of that. Go try this, and see if you can keep your thankful spirit with you throughout the day. Yes, times are hard and sometimes it's difficult to find something to be thankful for. But guess what? There is ALWAYS something. Always. God is good, all the time. He never changes, and He never leaves you. Now, if you can't be thankful for that, then you've got some issues. Cause that is the best thing of all.

God bless and blog soon

Quiet Time

Today I had the opportunity to go out on a lake in a boat with one of my closest friends, and it was simply beautiful. After doing some fishing (not "catching", mind you) it was amazing to just sit and listen to the wind rustle through the trees, the birds calling, and the water swishing. How could I not be freaking out about how lovely God's nature is?! He really loves us enough to make life beautiful and enjoyable for us; He didn't put us on earth to be miserable! So here's my charge: go outside (a lake, the ocean, the woods, etc) and SIT and be STILL with God, the Maker of the creation you're living in. While you're there, bring your Bible and read. Pray. Sit and be still before God. Listen to Him, because I can assure you, if you're listening He will speak!!

Go have some quiet time with God, it's not just something "nice" to do, it's needed time that's refreshing and faith strengthening!!

If you need me, I'll be outside, enjoying this beautiful earth that God created for my pleasure as much as His.

God bless and blog soon

Jesus Didn't Talk Back!

Psalm 7:1

Oh Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. 

When persecution comes, we need to do as David did, and put the LORD between us and those causing the conflict. 

⇧ The amazing thing is that we really can put the Lord between us and those people who are causing a conflict. He will fight our battles for us, if only we ask Him. When I first thought of this, I couldn't understand how to do that. Now I do. When I have those people in my life who are just causing a conflict with me, I think of myself on one spot, and them on another. Then I visualize the Lord standing in between us, saving me from those that persecute me.   I sometimes wonder how the martyrs think on that last moment, when they see the gallows or the guillotine, the sword or the gun. I think that they must be so frightened, but also rejoicing.... because they picture Jesus standing in between. Jesus taking the rope. Jesus taking the sword, the gun, the guillotine. Jesus taking the pain, and saving us from eternal death. While we may die on earth, we have that hope that Jesus has ALREADY conquered, and we have no need for fear.  HE ALREADY CONQUERED! Does this blow your mind? It ought to! Another thing. When Jesus was hurt, He didn't talk back. I know right? I sure as heck would have!!  But read Mark 15 or any of the Gospels really. See what it says. Do you see anywhere: "and Jesus said, how dare you!" .... nope. Didn't think so. It's because Jesus suffered for us, for YOU and ME, and didn't say a WORD against it. Was He weak, or was He too wimpy some ask. I say to you, He was neither. He was willing to hurt so that we didn't have to eternally. and didn't say a word. Talk about Love.   The point is, Jesus didn't talk back, so take a lesson from that! "Turn the other cheek", meaning if someone strikes you, say nothing and give them the other cheek, because you know that suffering on earth is nothing. You have a reward in Heaven. So anyways, the lesson, don't talk back. It isn't worth it. Let GOD defend you. 

On another sub-thought, when we put the Lord between us and those persecuting us, they have to go through GOD to get to us. HA! Good luck to em, because my God is all powerful (and a lot of other adjectives that could take up this whole blog page) and if I were them, I wouldn't want to mess with Him. I am God's daughter. He will protect me, maybe not from earthly pain but He has my soul, and NO ONE can touch that. I'm smiling even know thinking about that.....what an awesome thing. Wow, I'm so in awe. 

Last thing, just so there is no confusion. Using this verse, and doing what the line below it says (in yellow) may not alter the person(s) actions, but our confidence can rest in knowing that God lies between our antagonists and us on a spiritual level; and that is more effective than on an earthly level.  Take confidence in that!!  And when you have those persecutors come against you.....say this verse either out loud or to yourself, and take comfort. Because Jesus has already overcome. 



He promises us that we WILL have tribulation. We WILL suffer. We WILL have trial.

BUT HAVE NO FEAR!!!! He has OVERCOME!!!! Guys, we've already won.


God bless, and blog soon

Calling all Prayer Warriors!

Okay everyone! So here's the opportunity to be apart of something big and new! You could be a Prayer Warrior. A Prayer Warrior will be on a list, and sent an email every time I get a prayer request, so that you can pray alongside us.


If you would like to be a Take Up Your Cross Prayer Warrior, please message me with your email address, or comment on this post, and I will send out a Prayer Chain when I get requests (and I get a lot!!!). As we all know, prayer is a HUGE weapon against the enemy, so let's get busy using that weapon!! 

If you have a prayer request, and would like it to be sent out on the Prayer Warrior chain, please message me and I will send it either with your name or anonymously, whichever you would prefer. 

Come on guys, this is more than just a newsletter. This is people's lives we could be effecting for the better! Petition God for good to be done in other's lives. And trust me, you will be blessed by doing this more than you could imagine.... praying for someone else helps your spiritual life so much! It removes the focus off of ourselves, and puts it on something more worthwhile...someone else.

For my Prayer Warriors!

Okay prayer people, here's a request!! When you're chit chattin with God, PLEASE include my friend Alyssa, and her grandpa. He had a heart attack, and it's, quote: "worse than last time, and the doctor has asked for the whole family to come and it isn't looking good". So I would really appreciate if you prayed!! The good news; he IS a Christian!! Hallelujah!

Remember, even if the situation doesn't turn out as planned or as hoped, God is still in control. We have no control over our lives, but God DOES!! So take comfort in that, because He will never leave you or hang you out to dry. He loves you, and hates when you're sad or hurt, but sometimes it does happen. So we can believe that God is always looking out for our best interest, and we just need to have faith in that. Trust Him to work it out in your life, because He will.

God bless, and blog soon

Busy Bee!

I'm just gonna start out by saying I'm SORRY! I've been so incredibly busy lately, and I haven't had time to write! Being a full time student, and working at my church many times a week has me wrapped up! Then there's the matter of trying to read my Bible everyday...(I'm ashamed! I don't read nearly as much as I should!) What about you guys? Life been busy, and feel like you're trying to squeeze God into your schedule book and He just isn't fitting, so you pencil Him out and add "buy milk" instead? Well, I'm right there with you!! It isn't easy to be disciplined in having "God time" but it's necessary, easy or not. I'll pray for you all and your prayers for me would be appreciated....Okay, back to the books for this gal. But I'll make it a point to read my Bible today, because that's the most important book of all!

God bless, and blog soon

The ladder of life

Tonight was a learning experience (as is usual) and I learned that I'm not always right...shocker! I know. In all seriousness though, we can tend to start thinking that way and then we get knocked down a rung or two on the ladder and that's when it hurts. Personally, I would much rather climb down the ladder myself (of my own will) than get knocked down (equivalent of being humbled), wouldn't you? But sometimes I can be so dumb, and most of the time it takes me being knocked down from my spiritual pride so that I can learn. And that doesn't feel nice...but it's often needed. God has to discipline me sometimes, and that involves some pain and some heartache, but it's always for my own good. A good thing to remember though, "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" and that means that we aren't being 'beaten'. Satan condemns us, God convicts us. There's a HUGE difference between the two!

That's my thoughts on this, and trust me...it's from personal experience (tonight, as I mentioned above). So it's still fresh. Lovely...next time, I think I'll climb down the ladder and humble myself. It's less painful and embarrassing!

God bless, and blog soon

Just a quick thought, on love...

I know what you're thinking this post is going to be about, love right? Well yeah, you'd be right to think that. But I'm not talking about the kind of love you have for football, for music or for dogs. I'm talking about the kind of love you have for God and for others.   Yes, there IS a difference. Shocker!  The difference is, would you give your life for football? Would you allow yourself to die so that music could "live"? Probably not.  But would you give your life for your mom or dad? Your spouse? Your best friend? Sure, because you have great love for those people. You don't want to see them suffer. What about someone you don't know? Or that person walking down the street that you don't know the name of?  Now you're thinking "Carlene, you're crazy. Why would I allow myself to die so that someone I don't know or like could live?"  Guess what. That's exactly what Jesus asks of us. Jesus gave His life for that person on the street, for that druggie, for that alcoholic, for your doctor, for your therapist, for the trainer at the gym. He gave His life up for EVERYONE, even though we may feel they don't deserve it. Well honey, you and I didn't deserve it either. But He did it anyways, for us.  So here's my thought: We've experienced the deep love of God, how much more should we show others that same love?


That's about the sum of it. We need to give love out, even if it costs us something. If it doesn't cost you anything (financially, emotionally, physically, etc.) then are you really giving love out? Or are you just giving as little as possible, so that you can stay comfortable. DON'T BE COMFORTABLE with giving "just enough"!  Be challenged to give love out with a passion!!  (but remember, I'm talking about Agape love here. If you need to, go back and read the post "Purity"....don't get too excited now.)

Jesus loves you, so start pouring that love out to others, and have a "lay-down-your-life" type of love for people, not the "I-love-my-car" type of love. Love is an action, so act! (even if you don't feel like it.)
Jesus acted. On the cross.


God bless, and blog soon

Purity

“Blessed are pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

 It was requested that I blog about purity, so I pray I do this topic justice and can encourage. 

Disclosure: Adult Topic, nothing graphic but adult topic non-the-less. 

I believe this verse to be true. I also believe that to achieve physical purity, you must have purity of the mind and the heart first. The definition of "Pure" is: 

free from harshness or roughness and being in tune. (Speaking in a  Musical Tone).  I love this! To be free from harshness, roughness, and being in tune. We must be in tune with Jesus Christ before we can try to accomplish purity!   

The Dream: 
When you're young, the dream starts with you being the damsel in distress, and the handsome prince comes and takes you away on his fast horse to live happily ever after; or perhaps if you're a guy the dream starts with you being that handsome prince and you rescue the princess and ride off into the sunset with your one true love.  That's all fine, but face it. Now you're grown up and you don't have that prince/princess, and you don't have a horse. Now what?  Well, the reality is that this world puts so much pressure on us to "find our mate before it's too late" so we go searching. When we find someone that we think we love, we have a choice. Option A is to shack up, live with them, have sex with them, or just give yourself to them in whichever way you choose.  Option B is to wait, pray & ask God what He wants, and set boundaries so that neither of you fall into temptation. The harsh reality is that most people go with Option A, and that's a sad thing! Option B has such a better ending, and we'll get to that in a minute.   But first I just want to say, if you're one of those people who chose Option A, PLEASE don't get me wrong while reading this. I am in NO way judging you, or trying to condemn you. I just want to encourage those who have yet to choose. 

The Endings:
So no-one knows that actual endings to things except God, but we can realize that one ending is better than the other. Here's some scenarios, and I'd like you to pick which one you like better:  
Scenario 1: It's your wedding day, and you're so filled with emotion you might faint, or cry, or do both. You get through the ceremony, and the reception, and now it's onto the wedding night. When you get into the room, all you can think about is how you've done this before but you just didn't have the ring. You know how this goes, and you're experienced, but this time it's just a little different because you have a ring and new last name. It's nothing too special or out of the ordinary. 

Now Scenario 2: It starts off the exact same, and we end up in the wedding night room. But instead of knowing what you're doing, you're nervous because you have no idea what to do. The best part is, neither does your spouse! Neither of you had pre-marital sex, and you're excited to enter into something beautiful that God designed for our pleasure. 

Which scenario did you like better? I like scenario 2 a WHOLE lot more, personally! Wouldn't you rather be able to say "Honey, I waited for you" then "Honey, I'm sorry, but I have some past regrets"?   I sure would. 

As I said at the beginning, I believe physical purity begins with purity of the heart and mind. How do I become pure of the heart and mind then? Well, here's a few verses to help:

Psalms 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalms 119:9-10 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. Do not let me stray from your commands.”

So here's the deal. We can't make our hearts and mind pure all by ourselves! We have to ask God to cleanse us, and give us that pure heart!  "By living according to Your word, I seek you..." Seek Jesus! Live by His Word! Pray to Him for help! You can't do it alone, and that's what the Holy Spirit is there for, to help us. When we get that pure heart and mind, then we're going to want to be pure physically as well.  If you've made a mistake, then God will forgive you if you ask Him and have true repentance. (a post on true repentance to be written soon!) 

If you have lost your physical purity, there are some damaging results huh? Guilt, pain, feelings of being ashamed, and even distancing yourself from God because you don't want to admit what you've done because you feel guilty.  So for those of you who are virgins, take a look at that list and ask yourself if you want those feelings. It can damage your relationships, current and future.  Sin effects those around us, and having sex outside of marriage is going to effect at least 4 people: you, your future spouse, the person you did it with, and their future spouse. There is no such thing as "secret sin", so remember that!! 

To close, I would suggest praying and making a commitment to God that you want to stay pure, and I would even buy a purity ring! I wear one, and it's a constant reminder whenever I look down at my hand that I have made a promise to my God and my future spouse that I will wait.  Set up boundaries if you're currently seeing someone, and don't compromise! Follow your convictions, and trust me, if that person really loves you, they will wait for you!!  Don't allow yourself to be pressured, because if they're pressuring you then they don't really want what's best for you. 

Continue to seek what God wants, and pray for that pure heart and mind. Wait for that future spouse, and God will bless and reward you and your marriage for it. Trust me. :) 

Feel free to comment or email me if you have questions, I'd love to hear from you! 

I will leave you with this thought. “I am convinced that the human heart hungers for constancy. In forfeiting the sanctity of sex by casual, nondiscriminatory "making out" and "sleeping around," we forfeit something we cannot well do without. There is dullness, monotony, sheer boredom in all of life when virginity and purity are no longer protected and prized.” - Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity


God bless, and blog soon

Recommended books: Wait For Me - Rebecca St. James http://rsjames.com/books/; Master Mission Mate - Ken Graves http://www.amazon.com/Master-Mission-Mate-Christian-Singles/dp/1597510211

Crazy Love - Excerpt about Lukewarm Christians

This profile of the lukewarm christian is not an all-inclusive definition of what it means to be a Christian, nor is it intended to be used as ammunition to judge your fellow believers' salvation. Instead, as 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, it is a call to "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." 





Lukewarm People attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.    (Isaiah 29:13)

Lukewarm People give money to charity and to the church, as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, to do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right?  (see http://takeupyourcross11.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-not-give-it-up-i-dont-really-like.html)    

Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside the church; they care more about what people think than what God thinks.
(Revelation 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7)

Lukewarm People don't really want to be saved from their sin. They want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sing and aren't truly sorry for it, they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. (Romans 6:1-2)


Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They don't wanna be rejected, or make people feel uncomfortable.   (Matthew 10:32-33)


Lukewarm People gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. (Luke 18:11-12)


Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is indeed a part of their lives. But only a part. He isn't allowed to control their lives. 


Lukewarm People feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age 12, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. (Matthew 7:21)




So basically the point behind this whole post is to point out some traits of a lukewarm Christian.  When I read this section of the book, every time I got to an example I would read it then ask myself if I'm that way. Thankfully I can answer "no" on pretty much all of them, but once in awhile I can catch myself acting like this.  Can't we all? 


Challenge: Re-read this and ask yourself at every key point, "am I like that?"  "Do I do that?"   You may be surprised at the answer.  If you answer yes to any of them, THAT'S OKAY!!!  You can ask God to CHANGE you and change your heart. He will help you, because He doesn't want to spit you out of His mouth.  ("So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." - Revelation 3:16)


Please really consider this, because it could make the difference in your life.  Do you want to live for Jesus with everything, or do you want to be a person that doesn't bother. The person who doesn't want to rock the boat. Here's what I say..... ROCK THE DARN BOAT! Be a disciple of Jesus!!


God bless, and blog soon






(I do not own any rights to the book Crazy Love or any of it's content. The excerpt has been slightly edited so as to not copy directly from the book. Please go to http://crazylovebook.com/ for more information.)