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Monday, January 26, 2015

Dominion-Focused Woman Part 2 - Outside the Home, it's Possible

Last time I talked about what we can do as women to extend the kingdom at home. Now I want to add to that...

I didn't want my article to get stuck in the "good home-schooled girl" trend so I decided to write a second part.

What is the "good home-schooled girl" trend? Well it's this old trend among home-schoolers that a good Christian girl is measured by how much she does at home. But the truth is this, we're here on earth to live more like Christ not like the perfect house wife. We're here to conform to the image of Christ not to the standards of the Christians around us.

Here's what I'm trying to say, it is possible to spread the Kingdom and do the work that a woman should do away from her home. For instance, she could go on a mission trip to Loas, or several sisters could open up a alteration business in the square, or even work at a Chick-fil-a, (your options aren't limited to this they're just examples).

So many times we're surrounded by these standards and rules that men set, that we seem to forget what we were actually created for. To serve God to the best of our ability. Often times when you surround a person with standards that you expect them to reach you drown that person instead of encouraging them onward.

To serve God with the best of our ability means we each serve him in a different way. Some young women are called to start businesses at home, while others are called to take dominion of jobs that already exist.  Some women are called to work with their fathers while others are called to travel the world.

"Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers or miracles?" 1 Cor 12:29

We are all called to serve God in a unique way. Don't despise a woman who works outside home, on the other hand don't despise a woman who works from home. Either choice does not make you more or less woman. "For the body is one, and hath many members..." (Rom 12:1)

Now I have to write a disclaimer here, if your father wants you to stay at home, than it would be a sin to do otherwise. Why? You know why, because the Bible, God's inspired word tells us to honor and obey our parents. And on the other hand if your father wants you to go out and get a job, (depending on the job) you should go out and get a job.

The standards we've placed are not only unnecessary but on top of that they confuse new Christians. We tell them that they're supposed to rise to these standards and anything else is practically a sin, but they don't find that in the Bible.

This is a topic that very few people are willing to address. But it needs to be.

I'm afraid that the majority of Christians are starting to hang on one hand or the other. They either don't want to stay at home because that's so pathetic and they despise any girl who doesn't have a college degree; or they hate being out and about because that's the men's world and despise anyone who doesn't know how to do laundry or clean the bathroom in five minutes.

Ok let's just think about this for a minute, how long does it take to learn how to clean a bathroom? Not long. How useful is a college degree? If used correctly very useful. But how much can you do without a college degree? A lot.

So let me get this straight. Everything that we're focused on, isn't getting us anywhere? Because if those to girls are strong Christians I bet they both have what's really important.

Yeah, like what?

Well I bet they both know how precious His word is. I bet they can quote parts not because they memorized it but because they've read it over and over. I bet they understand the power of prayer. I bet they spread his gospel and take dominion wherever they go, whether it's a sibling's temper, the dirty bathroom, or a long list of jobs to complete and a computer to fix.

If we're both doing what the Bible commands than why are these extra-Biblical standards so important? Why have they grown to be a barrier  between people.

"Oh you wear pants so I can't talk to you." "Oh she's one of those creepy-jean-skirt-wearing-home-schoolers, I'm not going to talk to her."

Seriously girls? Life is way to short to haggle over silly, unimportant differences like that. The church was meant to be a body it was meant to work like one.

The reason Christianity has spread so far and gone so long is because we're like a giant army or a nation that covers the globe. We're supposed to be a people that helps one another, a nation set apart to God, people that work together. So why are we haggling over whether leggings are appropriate or jobs for women correct? Come on guys that creates gaps not bridges! It creates enemies not friends! If we're so busy fighting among ourselves how can we fight the true enemy?

Another disclaimer here, I'm not saying to give up your beliefs and conform, just talk about what you have in common people!  Jesus Christ our Savior! If Christ was willing to die for them then don't you thing we can at least be friends? I mean I'm not even asking you to lay your lives down for each other, but yet Christians in the past have done that too.

The standards kill "...for the letter (of the law) killeth, but the spirit (of the law (Rom 7:6) giveth life." (2 Cor 3:6) but the salvation of Christ gives life!

We are commanded to shine forth Christ, "...and the salvation of Christ Jesus will do that more than any standards or rules of men will ever do." -Anthony Courter-

Build relationships not enemies, build cities not walls, fortifications against the enemy and not friends, bind yourself to Christ and the church and you will find strength.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Act; it's the art of true living

Many people are thinkers, few are actors. Be among the few.

There are so many times we get caught up in our plans for our lives and forget what makes goals so important is acting upon them. "Most of the problems in life are we act without thinking or we think without acting." (Unknown)

"Be great in act as you are in thought" (William Shakespeare). It's time to stop thinking, to start acting, to make a difference in the short life we have. "You only have one life in which to do everything you'll ever do, act accordingly" (Colin Wright) 

Those who act are those who will be called the victors when time runs out. We are ambassadors for Christ, the King of the universe; the battle is already won but will we have been the ones that stood when needed, came when called, followed when ordered, loved when hated. Will we be among the few?

God promises hard not easy, hate not love, pain not comfort, embarrassment not praise and shame not glory.  We butter up His promises, and than we act surprised when the road gets rough. 
"I can promise you one thing, it's going to be hard, it's going to be the hardest thing you ever did. But right doesn't always mean easy; we take this road because it's the right thing to do, and we don't need another reason." (Alice French)

So yeah, speaking out against your best friend, the president or a stranger might be embarrassing, but it's no excuse to keep silent. Speak, for only you have the power to say what God places in your heart. 

"Heroes are people who overcome evil with good..." (Oliver North) We need heroes today. Be one.

Stand tall, stand strong, stand among the few, stand, without a thought of turning around.

"Bravery is not the absence of fear but the presence of faith" (Unknown)
"...for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of the light." (Luke 16:8b) Often times this is true, Christians are usually the last ones to be politicians, lawyers, business owners, and the last ones to accept a new idea. But there was a time when Christians set the standard for lawyers and business men, they were the ones that were inventing new ideas they were the ones that kept politicians accountable. 

So where are we now? Where are the Christian politicians? Well their at home to afraid to speak. Where are the Christian inventors? Well their at home sure that their ideas have already been taken. Where are the Christian business men? You guessed it, they're at home or working a "steady, safe" job. They are in short TO AFRAID TO SPEAK.

Now have all the Christians gone into hiding? Well The Western ConservatoryAnswers in Genesis and The voice of the Martyrs  is prof that not all Christians have gone underground, but are you among them? 


Victors are those who create good plans and act upon them. Those who lose are those who bow the knee and nod their heads to everything.

Which are you? Make the decision now. Tomorrow may never come. 



Friday, January 9, 2015

Prayer: Our Greatest Privilege

I know I usually start my articles off with a question so this time I'll start with a statement...something profound.

We, as Christians, are given many privileges, out of all of them prayer is the most powerful.

Now for the question (s): How many times do we pray each day without truly realizing the gift God has given us? How many times do we kneel without taking a moments thought what we are praying for? Do we realized the power that Christ has placed in our hands?

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:14-15

The old saying is, "Careful what you wish for." But I'd like to say, "Careful what you pray for." What is more powerful? Wishing on a star that has no ears, or praying to the God of the universe who knows your every thought? 

I think that we Christians have the tendency to forget how personal a friend Christ is, and fall into the trap, thinking of Him as a far away God who has better things to do than listen to my silly requests. 

NEWS FLASH: Not only does God hear your every word, but He answers them too. Does that mean you always get what you pray for? No!

"...if we ask anything according to His will..."


 Christ's timing, plan and purpose is perfect, sometimes (most of the time) our plans don't fit, that's why He's God and we're His people.

As I said in my last article, we can fight battles in our own, small, dark bedroom with just prayer. God isn't some super-human spirit that created the world and then left us to figure everything out and fight on our own. He's there, with you, right now! And He's always there. 

Prayer is the greatest asset we have as ambassadors, the greatest tool we have as workers, the greatest resource we have as stewards and the greatest weapon we have as soldiers.

"Is any sick among you? let him call the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the LORD: And the prayer of faith, shall save the sick, and the LORD shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." James 5:14-15

Some of you might be wondering what brought on this article. I'd say someone's been prodding at my heart to write it this past week. I've had event after event when I prayed for something and he answered my prayer. First our camera stopped working, and we need it to photograph merchandise, and on top of that we're taking a trip this weekend and wanted to take it with us. I thought it was ridiculous to pray over a camera, but I did, and (after trying everything in my power to get it working and failing) it worked, just like that. Right after that I was having trouble with some very stubborn tracks for a race track I was selling. Again I though, "Oh please, it's a toy why in the world should I pray over these?" But I did and guess what? They came a part! Just like that.

The simple fact is, God rules over all, living and not so living. He commands all, controls all and knows all. Yeah, some of those prayers may be really silly at times (in your eyes) but remember God commands us to pray to him.


"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all things that come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:36

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: for the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:21

I know those little things you really don't think are "big enough" to pray for seem, well, small. But guess what, "...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8) So whether you chose to ask Him formally or not, he already knows.

But if I may make a suggestion, take advantage of this great privilege God had given us!

Prayer can either be the best tool to rule a nation or the best weapon to conquer the world.  





Monday, January 5, 2015

A Treasure

I know it isn't Mother's Day but I came across this poem I wrote for last years Mother's Day and thought some of you might enjoy it.


A mother is the heart of the home
Even if she doesn’t understand Chrome
A mother is a sweet consoler and friend
Even if she isn’t in the latest trend

Though best buddies may seem awesome
It’s a mother that helps you blossom
Whether stubborn girl or boy
She knows she can turn you out as a bundle of joy

Though she does have her faults in more places than one
It’s her pride and respect you’ll seek when you’re done
It’s her joy and her peace her laugh and her smile
That will rub off on you better than any new style

Your friends will head their separate ways
The ones you thought you’d have for the rest of your days
When disserted by others in times of distress
It’s that grey haired old lady in a dress
That will be by your side with a word of encouragement
Her love is the one that is permanent

So this mother’s days, while others forget the special woman in their lives
Weather mothers, sisters, or wives
Remember that special woman with a word a gift or a prayer

And don’t be forgetful, instead out of your life give a little care


Dominion-focused Woman

What is a dominion-focused woman? How can you become one? Should you? Is it Biblical?

Slow down there, that's a lot to think about! First off let's just define the word dominion:

        "Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of                           governing and controlling"                    
According to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary. 

Now when I say a "dominion-focused" woman, I'm not referring supreme female authority. What I'm referring to is what is known as the "Dominion Mandate." 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holly Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20)
In short we are to extend the Kingdom of God. But what is the Kingdom of God?

Well in my opinion all though the whole universe and beyond belongs to God the Kingdom itself is every area in which people bow the knee to Him in obedience. So we are to extend that to the ends of the world, in every area of life. In music, literature, artwork, teaching children, movies, carpentry, construction, finances, etc. At work or on vacation, in church or out.

But wait, we're women, we're not supposed to preach. (1 Cor 14:34-35)

 Yes, you're right, we are women, but we were created for a special reason. (Gen 2:18) We were created to be a help-meet to men, to follow them, to obey them, and to stand by their side. (Eph 5:22) 

And you still say that a woman can be dominion-focused? 

Yes, why? Because all Christian men, women and children were given that mandate. And following our husbands should never interfere with that. Now before you get the idea that I'm saying it's ok to rebel as long as you're obeying God let me clarify. In the first place it is impossible to rebel against your father and still obey God (unless your father is telling you to sin). In the second place no matter how restrictive your dad is there are always ways to extend the Kingdom of God.

But how? What if I can't leave the house? What if I'm not allowed on the internet? (In that case I'm wondering how you reading this article.) How can I extend the Kingdom if I can't go where I'm needed? (If I haven't hit your question please list it in the comments below and I'll try to answer it.)

Here's the answer, it all boils down to one simple fact, you are where you are because you have been placed there by God. No matter how influential, no matter how insignificant, or how boring you were placed there in God's perfect timing. The best thing to do right now is to help where you can. Just like in a big event, in the Kingdom of God every person has their part to play.

But I'm still confused didn't you hear all the limitations I have? What is one thing, just one thing I could possibly do?

Yes I heard you. And I'll give you more than one thing.

Cooking
Washing
Cleaning 
Reading
Studying 
but most of all Praying.

What??? How in the world does that extend the Kingdom?

Well first off it probably frees your mom up (which whether you like it or not she probably has more freedom and ability then you do), second do you see the difference in your dad when he comes home and the house is clean verses when it's dirty? The last three prepare you for when you can go out and disciple. But the last one is the most important, the power of prayer goes beyond any human ability you can acquire through any amount of training. When you get down on your knees you are taking advantage of a great privilege, you are fighting battles right there in that tiny dark room. But the power of prayer is a topic that we could talk about for hours so let's move on.

Now your restrictions all included a "what if" so let's just assume right now that some of those restrictions don't actually exist. Seeing that you're reading this article I'm going to start with the internet. There's a whole new separate list of abilities that are unlocked with the amazing creation of the internet. But I'll stick to one of the most effective. The power of the pen. 

You don't have to be a good writer to bad mouth somebody and you also don't have to be a great writer to encourage someone. So just get started.  

We were all put here on earth for a unique purpose, some of us will never be praised as an outstanding Christian, but if that is your motivation you should re-consider. Maybe you'll never travel the world, maybe you'll never fight Muslims. But in a way you can fight them now, in that tiny room on your knees.


Part 2 coming soon!





Friday, January 2, 2015

Singing

Tirzah (my sister) and I have been singing for almost five years now but I don't think we ever saw this coming. God has blessed us these past two years with the chances to sing at several places. 

Our first chance to sing publicly was at the 2013 WWII event honoring USMC veteran Edgar Harrell in front of about one hundred people. It was a great experience and helped us to "brake out of the shell of shyness" as Tirzah would say.


WWII Event 2013

Our next chance to sing publicly was at our Great Grandmother's 100th birthday in November of 2013 in front of several of our relatives. Our dear GG passed away a few weeks after her 101st birthday in 2014.

(We also had the chance to sing at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum on the way back from CO in front of just our family).


GG's 100th Birthday

Next we sang for our parents at their 27th anniversary party in March of 2014 in front of a small group of people from our church.



Our Parent's 27th Anniversary

Our latest chance to sing publicly was at the Remembering WWII; Living History, Education and Honor event on September 27th 2014, in front of a huge crowd of people and several vets. We were further honored to sing the Star Spangled Banner acapella.


Remembering WWII, 2014


I hope to post some videos soon, but until then I hope you all enjoy the photos.

God has blessed us so much and we hope to use his gift in the following year a lot. Please pray for us as we seriously consider publishing several CDs. To God be the glory!