It has been pouring rain here in "sunny" southern California. A few days ago after a particularly bad day at work I got into my car to drive home and grumbled at the weather. "How appropriate" I thought as the gloom reflected my mood. Then, suddenly I saw it or rather them. Not one but two rainbows flashing colorfully in the sky. A sign perhaps. A gentle whispering from God. I'm still here. I care.

"God continued, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth."
-Genesis 9:12-16

America is a nation of walking dead. Britney Spears is a good example of this. She is slowly killing herself and destroying the lives of her children. Our media looks on and treats her like a freak show instead of getting her the help she needs. Now more than ever do we need God's healing. So many youth are trapped in by mind-numbing materialism, vanity and the despair that comes from being so far from your loving creator. So many lost souls. So many turning to eating disorders, self-mutilation and suicide. I am but one person trying desperately to shake the senses into my generation. Awake America's Christians! We have the key to unlock the chains these lost souls do not even realize bind them. How can you not be moved by their plight? In the least you should be praying for them. If your spirituality begins and ends on a church pew you have not fully understood the gospel!

Don't We All
Author: Unknown

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.

From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times." "I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.

He didn't!

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke.

"That's a very pretty car," he said.
He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep more than his face warm.
I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.

I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me. "Don't we all?" he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun.

Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.

Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.

They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.

Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.

Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help." Don't we all?

I recieved this story from a pal on the care2 website. Thank you!

Soothing Lentil soup

Well, I've been sick for the last few days and haven't cooked much. I know I don't post recipes often anyway, but the last two things I baked turned out poorly. So, I've been relying on cans of chili and baked beans etc. They are fine but not as well balanced as I normally try to eat. Luckily I turned to some fool-proof comfort food. I pulled out the crockpot (or slow-cooker), tossed in the ingredients and let it do the work while I went to church. When I got home I had a big pot of steaming soup waiting for me. A perfect lunch for a sore throat.

Lentil Soup
-4 cups water
-1 cup dried lentils (picked through)
-2-3 baby carrots
-1 small potato or 1/2 a medium sized one
- 1 radish
-1 celery stalk
- 1/8 cup onion, diced
-salt and other spices (i.e. dried oregano,pepper) to taste

Plug in crockpot and pour water and lentils in. Turn on high w/ lid off while preparing veggies. Wash and chop veggies and add to pot. Add a small amount of seasonings. Put lid on and leave for about 3 hours. Towards end you can check and taste to see if you want to add more seasoning, but try to leave lid on. Note: you may substitute split peas with lentils and just use carrots and celery (maybe even some zucchini.)
Enjoy!

For unto us, a child is given

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:11-14)

"Jesus loves you" you hear it everywhere. You see it up close on the bumper sticker as a well-meaning Christian cuts you off. So, who exactly does Jesus love and who did he come to earth wrapped in our skin for? I will tell you. He came for the man who owns the adult bookstore, the women in the videos, the poor widow in India, the slobbering drunk on skid row, the starving child in Uganda, the Christian who cut you off and the "righteous" man/woman sitting in church who thinks they are too holy to give to the poor widow in India or the starving child in Uganda. Who, also, does not think to pray for them or the slobbering drunk, or their friends, family and missionaries. He was born and died and even better rose again for all of us. His love knows no bounds.

" And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did you realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever"
-Relient K "I celebrate the day"

Joy

Tis the season they say. My best friend passed away a few years ago and I have seldom felt Joy since. Sure, I have felt happy or silly and have laughed at a good joke, but that is entirely different from true Joy. When I first became a Christian and freed myself to Christ's love was the first time I experienced Joy. The second time was when I made a commitment to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. I hadn't had the pleasure in quite some time until the Lord blessed me this week. One instance was when I was telling stories about animals to my baby nephew. The second was a few nights ago when I was driving home from work. I was singing gospel/worship songs and was elated by joy and overcome with peace.
So today and all season long I wish you and your family Joy and Peace.

Thanksgiving prayer

Abba Father,
Thank you first and for most for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for blessing us with the bounty of food and the time spent with family. I pray we remember those less fortunate then us today. I lift up the troops overseas and pray that you will keep them safe. I pray you will heal and comfort the people suffering around the world.
In your blessed name,
Amen

Recipe

Roasted Fall vegetable medley
1/2 sweet potato
2 small onions (about the size of pearl onions)
3 baby carrots
1 small red potato
olive oil
dash salt
dried herbs (i.e. basil, oregano etc) to taste

In the bottom of a small ceramic dish drizzle olive oil (a few tablespoons should do it.) Dice veggies and any other veggies you like (i.e. zucchini, squash) and place in dish. Sprinkle herbs and salt on top. Roast/bake on 350 for about 20 minutes. Best served with a slice of multi-grain toast and a cup of steaming apple cider.

Excerpt from psalms

"How lovely are your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My king and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in your house!
They are ever praising You."
Psalm 84:1-4 (NAS version)

Being a nature lover, I like the verses that speak of creation. The message version or verse four states "Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship."
It reminds me of how church is a small resting place for my soul from the weary of this world. How much more so will heaven be!!
"indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same "
-Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

Something is radically wrong with this world. It takes a radical kind of love to fix it. Sometimes I want to throw up my hands ,"Jesus, You must be CRAZY to love me this much." Behind all my imperfections lies the glory and grace of God. It matters not what we bring to the table. If you wait for yourself to be perfect to live for God or witness to others you will never do it! It is deceptively simple yet frighteningly freeing to realize this! As the ragamuffin gospel states: "Why are we do afraid to love?" ! and why are we so afraid of God's love?

Pray for America

Ok, this may sound strange but this is important. Please pray for American Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Lots of young girls look up to them and they are ruining their lives. Pray that they find peace and fulfillment in having a relationship with God rather than a temporary vain happiness found in drugs and partying. If even one of them found Christ that would be amazing for them and for all those who look to them as role models!

Mutually exclusive?

Many people act as if those working for better conditions for animals care nothing for humans. I find the opposite to be true if you really look. This may be the mindset of some folks, but it is unfair to make a blanket generalization. As Christians, this is particularly important as we are called to be compassionate as Christ was.

all-creatures.org says:
"
"And He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The Greek word for creation, ktisis, relates to all creation! Taking The Great Commission in combination with several other passages relating to God’s concern for, and salvation of, His creation leads us to the Christian’s obligation to actively care about and for animals. Remember, all creation is known as "General" or "Natural" Revelation; that is, God’s visible proof of His act as Creator (Romans 1:20). Following The Great Commission by sharing the Gospel with all people as well as caring for animals can be uniquely done in a joint effort. "

National Day of Prayer

"But, Oh what a death is to strive and labour,
to be always in a hurry and yet do nothing!"
Sound familiar? I know I am constantly rushing around and yet what does this busying going to do in the long run? Not much in the grand scheme of things. This quote may sound like it was written by a busy college student of today, but it was penned many years ago by a Puritan. Take a moment from your busy day today and spend some time in prayer. Not just because it is national day of prayer, but because it is important to have a strong relationship with your creator.


(quote from the valley of vision)

Veganism and Spirituality

I visited my friends church today as her dad was speaking on simplicity. These are a few benefits of vegetarianism that I have seen in my life. 1. Vegans* live simply. Meat has always been a sign of wealth and extravagance. It still is viewed this way in many cultures around the world. 2. We have an appreciation of God's creation. Most Christian vegans that I know have an ability and insight to stand in awe of the beauty of nature and animals than other Christians. 3. When we extend compassion to even the smallest of life it seems easier to be kind to our human neighbors. I became a Christian around the same time that I became vegan so this is some observations I've made in my life and how God has grown me. God bless all! (*note I use vegan but this is true for vegetarians also)

Quotes

"The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners."
-Morton Kelsey

"We're free Narnians, Hwin and I, and I suppose, if you're running away to Narnia you want to be one too. In that case Hwin isn't your horse any longer. One might just as well say you're her human."
-Chronicles of Narnia

Psalms

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Psalm 41:1

"O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!"
Psalm 36

The all (or should I saw new?) American lunch

Today I had Amy's california burger on food for life's wheat bran bread with mustard, tomato and sauteed onions. MMMMMMMM I also had a "milk"shake with it. It reminded me kinda of the 50s having a shake and burger for lunch. I don't normally post recipes here, but this shake recipe I got from my mother's cookbook was good. Well, by the time I veganized it and played around a little it is hardly like the original recipe. I call it "Monkey Madness"

Monkey Madness:
1 banana
1/2 cup vanilla rice milk (or soy)
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon nutmeg

So it tastes to me like a cross between orange julius and eggnog. Hmmm... I thought it was good, but it's probably a preferred taste.

Compassion with a fork

I don't understand why most people would agree that certain things like dog fighting are morally wrong and that as Christians we should not participate or associate with it. Yet, mention the fact that you are a vegetarian or vegan and many will snub you or act downright rude making atrocious comments. Is this not the same thing? The conditions the animals endure in factory farms are probably even more harsh then that of a dog or bird fight. Hypocricy or insecurity because they know they are wrong?

Adapted nursery rhymes

Snail,Snail
Come out of your hole
And greet the little foal.
Snail, Snail,
Put out your head
All the little animals share a feast of bread.

Lady-bird, Lady-bird
Fly away home,
Your house is a mess,
Your children need to learn.

They aren't that great, but atleast they aren't violent like the original versions. I was inspired by this site.

Peace and Blessings in His name

"Though my father and mother forsake me,The Lord will recieve me.
Teach me your way, O Lord;
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up againse me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"
Psalm 27:10-14

With all of what is going on in the world today, though I feel far away from it, it is easy to feel frightened. Reading through Psalms is a good reminder that God will never leave us. Wars come and go, but God is eternal. Tonight I will pray for peace and the comfort of those who have already been affected by the wars occuring in the middle east. I hope that God blesses and protects you and your family.

I hope you know the ultimate peace of knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior.


Those Words Are Not Enough

feelings, inside of my head
i don't know, but i'm thinking about you
understand that it's so hard to tell you, cause you already know
you already know
when it's twice as hard to realize
that i'm still trying twice as hard to satisfy myself on my own

and i'm still waiting for things to change
i lay my life before you, and i'm not getting up
father, how i adore you
those words are not enough
father, know i love you, and know i am wrong
Lord, please take my life
make me your son
make me your son

-Relient K