What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality - Kevin DeYoung

And Grace Will Lead Me Home: Inclusion and Evangelical Conscience

Enough is enough!

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

John 3:19-21 

It has been said that when the pain or gain is great enough than you get out of your comfort zone and change happens.  I see that the country is in pain and so it is changing.  Look around, there is an uprise of people everywhere asking, pleading, no demanding that there be equality.  Yes black lives matter and they are the ones in an uproar, but to me all lives matter.

Yes all, the ones in jail, the crack heads, the mentally ill, the blacks, whites, mexicans, and any other race.  The lives of those who have dark history, those that make millions, those that are on the streets, straight people, LGBTQ+ people.  Those that have done me wrong, those that have hurt me, those that help me, and those that love me.  You get the point.  I don't need to go on.

I am tired of there being white privilege.  I am tired of there being people prejudged by their skin color, life choices, or sexuality.  I am tired of there being fights for rights.  And I am angry that there is any fight at all.  We are past that in my eyes, but are we?

We should have grown up as a world by now.  What happened that it all went so wrong?  Prejudice running wild.  Racism is a sin problem and choice to be that way.  Holding someone down is not right.

There is going to be change, but at what level?  I still see people not getting it.  I still see people thinking this is just a black thing.  I still see people hate on others who are different or hold a race to just certain jobs or careers.

I don't know what it is like to be another race or transgender or male as I am a white, lesbian woman.  I do know though what it is like to be homeless, not know when your next meal will come, to be spat at for another religion, to be hated on for being a lesbian, to have rights taken away, to not be free.

I stand with my brothers and sisters in Christ that are standing up for human rights to be equal.  Enough is enough!  We must show love to the loveless.  We must be kind when hated.  We must stand for those that can't stand!

So, yes black lives matter, but so do others.  Yes there needs to be equality for all, not just some.  Yes there needs to be a look at how we handle things.  And yes, authorities need to answer and be accountable!

Just so it is clear, more whites are killed by officers, but more so more mentally ill are killed, more trans or others in the LGBTQ+ commit suicide or are killed by officers.  What makes black lives more angered about things is that they are profiled before they even get a chance.  As a white woman, when I am pulled over I am treated with respect and dignity.  But when I walk with a girlfriend holding hands, I have had catcalls and slurs thrown my way.

Enough is enough!  I stand with those oppressed and pray for a day of equality!  

Trans Woman Shuts Down Minister With Research, Notes, And A Highlighter.

Why I chose my LGBTQ daughter over the Evangelical Church | Susan Cottre...

Change is in the air!

Change is in the air!  The first one is that this is no longer just a lesbian blog but moving to a LGBT+ blog!  There will be new authors, videos, and more!  I am so excited for this change!

Another change is there will be a page for churches that are affirming or accepting listed.  This way we can know where to go when visiting or moving to different places.

Keep watch for all the changes!

Lesley

Can you hear me?

Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. “Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!”

Matthew 11:4-6

The deaf hear!  As I look at what is going on in our nation, I wonder if the "deaf" hear the cries of the people.  I am not a political person, one to go out and protest, or one to riot.  I am though thinking of my part in things.  I wonder if every person that has been oppressed from race to sexuality got out and stood in front of the white house, what that would do.

I think of Christ and what he would do.  I don't think he would sit quietly and let things happen.  I know he would riot but only destroying what needed to be.  I think this because of him destroying the tax collector booths, he did not destroy the temple, just the injustice of the tax collectors.

I know you know the story but can you just see it?  Here he comes into a temple and sees the injustice so what does he do?  Jesus throws the tables over, sets free the animals, and shouts "Not in my Father's house"

Are not the rioters doing the same?  I get it, innocent people have had damage to their property.  But here they are saying "No more, not in my country!"  There should be no second class citizen.  We should have equality for all!

Mental health should be given to those that need, sexuality should not have to be a coming out story, blacks and other races should not have to live in fear.  I see the differences and am glad for that.  Each person is different.  Each person deserves to strive for the best in life.  Each person deserves a life without fear.

As a white Christian in America, I am privileged to go about life.  Yet as a lesbian, I get shunned for my "lifestyle".  I can't walk hand in hand with a love without catcalling or slurs thrown my way.  I can't walk into a church of Christ and be accepted with a partner for the most part.  I can't show PDA at all without someone saying something.

Some ways we have come a long way, but many areas still need to grow up!  I just pray we learn how to before more lives are taken in some form or fashion.

Cynical Christians!

Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Well, one might say that we are in the end times.  I don't know.  I just know that I don't like what I see.  I see hate where there should be love.  I see fear where there should be safety.  I hear concern.  Yet I see people being cynical.

What is cynical though?  Google dictionary says:

1. Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity
   "her cynical attitude"
2. Concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them.
   "a cynical manipulation of public opinion"

1. • 
     

Man how do we see people being motivated by self.  Not by what God wants or says.  Yet have I been self motivated lately?  Do I try to self direct where I shouldn't?  I often wonder this.  As christians are we imposing what we selfishly want and not what is truly in the Bible?

I know that there are times that I (and I must speak for myself here) have tried to get the answer I want out of the Bible and not what it actually says.  Yes, it is true.  I want to be justified in my actions not to realize that really I need to accept the consequences and try my hardest to do better and live a life based on the guidelines of the Bible.

It is like I want to have sex, but it is wrong to when not married.  I tried to say cause it was not heterosexual sex so it was okay, but it is not.  Sex is still sex.  I must be celibate and wait till either I am married or not at all if I stay single.  Yet here I struggle.  I want to move forward in my walk with God, but the flesh is weak.  So how do I deal with it?  I don't go to the barbers!  Meaning I don't put myself into situations that tempt me.

But how do I not be cynical?  How do I get out of me?  I remember that I am here to serve God and through that service to others.  I give me to help others.  I think of others.  I am there for others.  It is not a world that revolves around me but a world where I revolve around it.  Well, there is my two cents.

Faith Unashamed (Acoustic) - openly gay Christian Artist, Shawn Thomas

Torn by Justin Lee

Description from Amazon:  

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events - his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the "ex-gay" movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible - that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.

But more than just a memoir, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members - or who struggle with their own sexuality. Convinced that "in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace," Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another.

My thoughts:

I love how easy of read this was.  I could not put it down.  I read it in record time.  I could relate to the story of Justin and at times felt myself saying me too!  I recommend this book to any gay christian out there.  Though there was times that I thought hard about where I stand on things, any great book will make you do this.  I love the ease Justin has on it.  

I love how also he reminds us to walk and act in grace.  So often we forget to.  Overall I give this book a five star rating!

The struggle is real!

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

1 Corinthians 13:11

I did not know of a better scripture for this.I thought there would be one on struggling with the mind.  But this is as close as I could get.  See I am struggling in my mind.  The battle is real.  Am I to live in celibacy for ever or will I find love at my side?

I read so much that my mind is full of questions and not really finding answers.  Is it okay to be in a loving relationship with the same sex?  Or is it not?  I once had a clear view on this.  I thought that I knew where I stood.  I could debunk any scripture and was sure I stood on solid ground.  Now days though, I struggle.

I don't want to live in sin if it is wrong and I don't want to be alone forever.  And then I think is it really that I think it is wrong or do I think dating is wrong for me?  I mean my picker is broken and all past relationships have turned to turmoil.  

I have been in one abusive relationship after another, been taken advantage of, and left at times wondering why.  My heart has been broken so many times, that I wonder if it can take one more.  I am blessed right now and don't want that to end.

I think, though, about when my folks are gone, what will happen to me?  Will the church be there?  Will close friends?  Will I live alone?  Will I make it?  Fear is setting in and I don't like it.  I want know what will happen to me.

God don't let us know the future though, we live in the now.  So why am I worrying through negative meditation?  These are true fears, but that don't mean they have to control me.  One day, maybe, I will know more and state a firm belief, for now I will read and study.

Feeling Loved, thank you!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

I want to thank you all for making this blog popular again, but mostly to thank God for blessing it.  I hope that you all find something in it that makes you think.  If you ever want a topic talked about email me at lesleyhooper.crn@gmail.com and I will make it happen!

Again thank you!

Experiencing Grace of God

Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

Philippians 4:23 

Before I get into this blog, let's look at the definition of grace.

noun

1. simple elegance or refinement of movement.

2.courteous goodwill.

verb

do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence.

I really like this word the more that I look into it. Simple elegance, courteous goodwill, do honor. God's grace could be then translated as God's honor to us by His presence. Or that God gives us courteous goodwill. Or that He is simple elegance.

So let's look at the verse above again but with the definition of grace put in it. Receive and experience the amazing courteous goodwill of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves. Do we feel the goodwill of Him we serve in ourselves? I know that I do! But then do I bring grace to others?

To those that bash the LGBT, do I bring grace? To those that hate, do I bring grace? To those that do me wrong, do I bring grace? If the answer is no, then I am not following the role model set by Christ. Even when being nailed to the cross, he said for God to forgive the men who were doing it. When people are nailing me to a spiritual cross because our views are not the same and they believe their way is the only way, can I do the same?

I would like to think so but at times, I am too busy putting them on a cross too. I use language like "don't judge me!" or "look at your own sin". I don't think for one minute that they deserve grace and a different response. I was reading that some times the down fall of the church is the members in the church. That is so true!

If we are beating each other up, then what will others think of us? We are to be the ones that extend grace and love. I get it, we don't always get that given to us, but that don't mean we can't in turn give it! It is like forgiveness, we give before even asked and no matter who it is!

That is a whole other subject! Back to grace, wouldn't you like to be known for giving it? Or having it? Are you simple elegance? Are you courteous goodwill? Do you do honor or credit to someone or something by your presence? I hope we all can say yes to these.

All this talk and yet we have not even touched on how to be a giver of grace! Well I know for me, it is found in gratitude. Wait what? Yes grace and gratitude go hand in hand. When I am grateful I find grace! When I am glad that you are in my life, you bring grace to it. When I am grateful for the hardships, I walk through them in grace.

I have to have an attitude of gratitude in order to have grace come in and go out of my life. In every moment of every day I can find gratitude and right there with it, grace! Most of the time we read, "Find grace in the Lord, and give thanks!" or some thing like that. But it shows us that the two go hand in hand. When you read the above scripture, could you not feel grateful for Christ giving us grace? Let us look at another: 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

I can see here how the writer Paul was in gratitude because of God's grace! Can't you? Paul writes about having a handicap and glad for it because God gives him grace and strength! Another thing that you find with grace is strength.

I am weak so He gives me grace which makes me strong! Look at these scriptures for a few examples:

Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

See God's grace makes us strong, firm, and steadfast! We have to believe in it! Have it! And give it!

Will you give grace today?

Hate can come through even if in love

Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You’re involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.

Philippians 1:27-30 The Message (MSG)

I am going to rant a second!  Just cause you think that being gay is a switch to turn on or off does not mean it is!  It is not like being fat and choosing to stay that way as it was put to me recently.  It is not like addiction that you manage.  Being gay is embedded into your soul.  Now, do I believe that we choose to act on it?  Yes, but you straight people choose to act on your straightness.  I know that this should not get under my skin but it did.

I wish people would say what they mean and not use stories to say it at times.  I get it, Christ always used a story, but there were times he just frankly stated something.  I guess you can say though that I am hurt that today people still see it as a choice and something that can be prayed away or turned off.

I keep reading the scripture above.  "Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against" sticks out.  Us in the LGBT+ community have to be in unity.  We have to have courage to speak up.  The other part that sticks out is "There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting."  I know now what it means to suffer in Christ and for Christ.

I suffer at the thought that I will never have a mate to come home to.  I chose this, but don't mean I don't suffer at it.  I suffer when others say you can't be gay and Christian.  I did not choose to gay, but I did choose my Christianity!  Yet some who are make it where I want to rethink this Christian thing.  Then I remember I chose Christ, not people, I chose His love, not others.  

My mind is racing as I type this and there is so much I wish to say.  I just can't get it to slow down enough to get it all out. 

I go to the first verse in the passage above.  "Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ"  Am I doing this?  Am I living where Christ is seen first in my life and not my sexuality?  My sexuality, though big to some, is just a small part of my life.  I am also a birth mother, daughter, diagnosed with mental health, alcoholic, mental health peer specialist, and more.  Not one thing defines me, but if one did, I would want it to be Christian. 

I don't know where I stand on some things and I know that is okay.  I know what to do till I do.  I trust God, first and foremost.  I compare things to His word, not just one translation but many.  I study and I learn.

Will I date one day or even shall I say marry another?  I don't know.  Right now celibacy is working and took a load off my mind. I do know that my choices are just that, mine!  I live with the consequences.  Not another pays my debts, except Christ did.  He chose to do so.

Okay, I will step down off my box.... I don't have all the answers, but I do know how to find them when God reveals them to me!

Dating me! or not. Celibacy or date?

How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights!

Song of Songs 7:6

I think that I am a good looking, fun loving, person, so why am I not dating someone?  Well, at first it was because I was not making a connection with people, but now, I have come to a new conclusion.  I have decided that I will date me.  I have decided to be celibate. 

This was not an easy decision.  I do believe that it is okay to be gay and Christian.  I believe it is okay to date and marry in the same sex.  I just don't feel that for me any more.  I feel like I am happier and closer to my God when I am not dating.  So, maybe just maybe the life of celibacy is for me.

So what is celibacy?  Webster says, "the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations".  So yes, this is my new life.  I just have a hard time thinking of no sex.  I mean in the past I used masturbation to get through not having anyone.  Now I am even rethinking that.

I want to be pure.  I want to be right in the eyes of God.  In the past I saw it okay to masturbate, yet now I don't know.  I did not find a single scripture that says specifically masturbation.  So, I don't know how I will treat that.  But this blog post today is about dating.

So if I am not dating, what am I doing?  I am taking myself out on dates, I am spending time in God's word, I am spending time praying.  I am filling the void of a person with the best thing possible, a relationship with God.

I found that where your time and money is spent, is your God.  So when I was with women, they were my God as I was spending my time and lots of money on them.  So, now I give to God, I give my time and money.

I get so caught up in a woman that I forget to give God time, I stop doing the things that made me prosperous. I am in pursuit of happiness and that is only found in God for me.  So I date God, I date me, and the rest can go to the friendship level.

So, will I loose some friends? Yes.  Will I not be popular? Yeppers.  Will I not have people want to date? Maybe.  I have to do me and me is found best in God.  I am His bride through the church.  He says that I am worthy of love and He freely gives it to me.

So celibacy is my new norm.

Helping others learn about lesbianism.

No scripture today, just thoughts.  I have many that don't approve of my lifestyle, but love me anyways.  This is hard as I can't just talk about it openly.  I have to skirt the subject.  I so wish though that these people would turn to affirming.  I support their heterosexual life.

I know that I could just let them be, but they are missing out on big parts of my life.  Like I can't talk about the amazing women I talk to or dates or anything that reaffirms that I am gay.  It is like it cuts a part of me away.

You would think that by now we would be more affirming, but no, not yet.  Yes things have come a long way in society, but not in the church.  No matter how much I suggest books to read. It does not happen.  No matter what scriptures I say, it falls on deaf ears.  No matter what, some just don't accept it.

You may be thinking just drop them if they can't accept all of me, but then I could not testify to them that Christian Lesbian is a real thing.  And besides, we are not talking acquaintances but family and life long friends.  It is hard to not be able to tell your own parents about your love life or dating experiences.  Every woman you go see has to be a friend and not more.

In fact, my family goes as far to say that I will be celibate the rest of my life. Uhm, no.  I want a wife.  I want to experience love again.  I want to be in love with my best friend (no not those I call my best friends, but a new best friend).  I want romance.

It is just hard.  I have some that are affirming, but their either gay or don't care if I am.  My three best friends don't care.  But I want my family on board.  It hurts to not share my life with them fully.  So, I let things not all be known to save from fighting.  I hide me.

Well, I am tired of hiding me for the sake of others.  I am tired of being in the closet cause being out makes another uncomfortable.  No I am not in it for the most part, just when around certain people.  I mean I hear about their relationships, their love life, but they don't hear about mine!?  What is up with that?

I tell people, you teach others how to treat you, but this one has me baffled.  I treat them with respect and stand behind them.  Yet, I don't get the same.  I don't know if things will change, but I had to get this out.

What do you do to help others accept and affirm you?

Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships by Karen R. Keen

Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships

by Karen R. Keen

Description

WHEN IT COMES TO SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS, this book by Karen Keen contains the most thoughtful, balanced, biblically grounded discussion you’re likely to encounter anywhere. With pastoral sensitivity and respect for biblical authority, Keen breaks through current stalemates in the debate surrounding faith and sexual identity.

The fresh, evenhanded reevaluation of Scripture, Christian tradition, theology, and science in Keen’s Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships will appeal to both traditionalist and progressive church leaders and parishioners, students of ethics and biblical studies, and gay and lesbian people who often feel painfully torn between faith and sexuality.

This is my review of this book.  I really enjoyed it and found much of it very interesting.  Reading the different views and ways of dealing with same-sex relationships.  At first, I thought it was a book that would deter me from being gay or try to talk me out of it, but as I read, no it actually strengthened my relationship to God and secured my feelings.

I will say this, be prepared to look up words as Karen does use some words that are not every day terminology.  I found myself asking google many times what a word meant.  I like to think as myself as well educated, but this book tried that.

I personally recommend this book to any one who is trying to come to terms with either their own sexual identity or someone trying to move from traditional teaching that same-sex relations are wrong to accepting and maybe even affirming.  

I believe in this book so much that I am writing this while I still have yet one chapter to go.  Pick it up today at this link.  Enjoy!

What sustains your faith?

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 55:22

I have been thinking of this lately.  What sustains my faith?  I can think of many things from music to prayer, but what really does?  I am not a Bible expert or read it enough but there are scriptures that help me.  I am not a big prayer like I should be, but I know I always can.  I guess the thing that I do most is listen to music and read faith based books.

I want though a faith like those of the Bible.  I want the strong relationship with God that surpasses all understanding.  I want God to be the first that I go to with things both good and bad.  I want my faith to withstand any trial.  I want to gleam of His love.  So what is stopping all this?  Well, frankly me.

I don't do what I know to do to get all that.  I wake up and rush into the day instead of starting with prayer.  I don't listen to music that reflects Him. Even now as I write this I realized I was listening to contemporary music and changed it to worship music.  I don't read the Bible cause I say there is no time for it and I get to know it through sermons on Sunday or through the books I read.  How crazy, I will stay up reading a book about the Bible, but I won't open it up and read it!

I have faith daily that God will provide, but I don't try to grow that faith.  It is like I got to have a relationship but don't give to it.  I speak of His love and faithfulness to me, but I don't give God the same back.

I don't know what happened.  I can not give a just reason.  All I know is that I can acknowledge it, work on it, and grow my faith.  I am willing, but the flesh is weak.  It is time for no more excuses and just put things into practice.

So, soon I will be doing reviews on different books of the Bible.  Starting with Genisis and working my way through it.  I know that I will use the Message as my translation.  I will start each day in prayer and end it that way.  I know that I will for 30 days listen to Christian music.  And after all this, I know my faith will grow as I make the effort to do so.

What will you do to grow yours?

Go away with your game playing!

Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.

Psalm 54:5 

I don't know why but today I feel as though I have been played.  I won't go into details.  Women though are mean at times and just down out wrong.  If you are out there playing games, stop!  Some of us are good women, christian women, looking for another.  Some of us are happy with ourselves and we are looking to make friends and maybe more.

Yet there are all kinds of scams, people playing games, and more!  I am sick of it...I know I am not the best looking but that don't mean I should be played with or cat-fished.  Since I reached out to make friends, I have had women who won't talk on the phone, text for just a bit and then disappear, or even ask for money.  Do I look like a fool?  Do I scream money?

Any ways, just had to get that out!  Date with caution as there are rude game players out there!

I'm angry at this virus!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11 

I don't care how this virus came to be, how it spread, or any of that.  It scares me at times, but mainly I am mad at it.  It is taking away good people, it is putting the nation in a state of fear.  It has me afraid at times just to go to the store.  Seeing masks or protective wear every where is really something else.

It is like we are living a movie that mocks us.  It is like Stephen King wrote it.  I hate it and I am angry at it.  I pray every day for this to be taken away and the new normal start.  I miss eating out, but more so, I miss human touch and face to face interactions.  I miss church, I miss friends, I miss life!

That is why I am angry at it!  I feel like it took life away.  I work in mental health and even there we are affected by it in how we provide services.  Our clients are not getting all they need cause we can't be face to face.

I don't know what will happen and that scares me.  I do know this though, that it won't take my devotion to God away.  It won't take church away as that is truly the family of God and not some building.  I know that it won't take away friendships and family relationships.

I pray that this is over soon.  But man am I angry at it.

Assurance of God's Protection

Psalm 91 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Assurance of God’s Protection

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,

    who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,[a]

2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;

    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

    and from the deadly pestilence;

4 he will cover you with his pinions,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,

    or the arrow that flies by day,

6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

    or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

    ten thousand at your right hand,

    but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes

    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge,[b]

    the Most High your dwelling place,

10 no evil shall befall you,

    no scourge come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,

    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,

    the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

14 Those who love me, I will deliver;

    I will protect those who know my name.

15 When they call to me, I will answer them;

    I will be with them in trouble,

    I will rescue them and honor them.

16 With long life I will satisfy them,

    and show them my salvation.

During this time, sometimes God's word is all we need.  So no thoughts of mine today, just God's word.

Don't play with fire...

How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

Psalm 79:5

So I started dating again. Really just meeting people. I know hard to believe while we are in a pandemic. I like though that we are as it is forcing things to be slow. I tell them it is like we are clearing the land for red flags, then we can build a foundation of friendship, and finally the rooms and building. I don't know if any will be a person that I get romantic with, but it is fun to learn people. God though has to be first in all of this.

You may ask why, well, God commands it. There are several times in the Bible in just Deuteronomy alone that God says no other Gods before Him. And a relationship can easily become another God. Not just that, God needs to be first in all relationships. Psalms calls him a jealous God. I don't think so much jealous as concerned or hurt.

I know, different thinking here. I am adopted and it would kill my parents if I called someone else mom or dad. I do have someone I call papa at times, but not in front of them. I think God is like that, hurt cause you give your issues to someone else and not him. You take your love for him and set aside because of the new relationship.

So let us look at what it would mean to have God truly first! He will bless the relationship, you will bond with each other more, and God will be there for each of you. This is just to name a few.

God's love is to be shared. If both of you are in His family, then you get to experience His love and your own love. You get to grow together. You get to experience a whole different type of relationship together.

Growing up, I always heard "the family that prays together stays together" and I understand that now. I see how growing in God's relationship is a family ordeal. When that is there, the family grows closer together too. When we look for love, God's is first, then others because to be holy lovingly, you must learn first from God.

Well, that is the goal right? Be holy, loving, blessing to others! May you be blessed today and well who knows, one of the ladies I am talking to, may become more, but it is in God's hands and I am only to be a blessing.

Online Retreats, its a real thing!

This past weekend I was honored to be a part of an online retreat.  With the pandemic going on, we could not meet in person, so the great people of Center Peace, put one out there on zoom.  At first, I was not sure how this would go down, but it was amazing and I came out of it with new friends!

We had some amazing authors in it!  Justin Lee, Karen Keen, Sally Gary, and Matthew Vines!  All who has amazing books.  (I say amazing a lot these days, lol!)  I love how personal they were and hearing their stories.

In the retreat, we all got to share.  And trust me, 30+ people on zoom, it takes a lot to pull that off.  But, zoom has break out rooms!  So we split up in groups of six and shared.  Though this was online, I still feel connected to some and was able to exchange numbers and become friends on Facebook.  I do though miss the in person interactions, the staying up and chatting, the hugs, the wholeness found in an in person retreat, but this was still amazing!  Center Peace really did a great job with it!

I came out of the retreat with a renewed spirit to write here, write on my book, and grow more with God.  I don't know why I set this down, but I do know I will pick it back up again!  I also came out with a spirit of reading.  I have a list now to get read.  I will be posting reviews as I finish them.

I recommend if you can do any retreat or conference with Center Peace to do it!  Their website is www.centerpeace.net!  It is an amazing organization!

Refresh

This blog is getting refreshed!  There will be new posts, new thoughts, book reviews and more!  I am excited about what is to come!  Stay tuned and be sure to comment any time about what you would like in this blog!

What are you created for?

Perhaps this is the moment you were created for.

Esther 4:14

When I think about life, I think about what I was created for.  In these times, the corona times, it really hits me.  As someone who wants to serve God, I ask how can I?  What is my purpose during all this?  What is it that I am to do in this moment?

Esther has always been a book I could turn to.  She questions why she is there and her father says, "perhaps this is the moment you were created for."  What a powerful statement!  I can hear God saying that to me too!  It has become a motto for me in my life.  So much so that any time I feel down and out, I say it.  When I am happy, I say it.  When I am anxious about something like speaking in public, I say it.

We are all on this Earth for one reason or another.  We may not always know what for, but I can say this, we are made for this moment in time.

With the pandemic, you may say, what can I do during it?  What is the purpose of my life during it?  It could be as simple as being there for others over zoom, facetime, or phone.  It may be going out as an essential to work.  It may be just growing closer to God.  I know this, it is what we make of it.

May you remember that you were created and this can be your moment to shine!