Mother's day

Proverbs 10:31
"10A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

I cut parts of it out, only because it is a very long passage, but worth reading all of it. If you are a young woman (such as myself) it should be the reference for the characteristics we should strive for. I thought these verses were relevant to today. Especially the last few where we are called to praise and bless our mothers for all they do for us.

Now, I'd like to speak about two issues close to my heart. (No, I will not let politics take a holiday off as a subject of my blog. Injustice never sleeps, so neither will I.)

The first is abortion. Please give pregnant mothers hope and an alternative option. Please support local pregnancy centers. Donate time, money or items to them. You can even donate for free by using the search engine good search. I bring up abortion as a topic for mothers day because abortion not only effects the child, but the mother as well. I love and respect women. The "pro-choice" movement has deluded America into thinking being anti-abortion is the same as being anti-woman. How can I be against my own gender?



The other issue is the treatment of mother hens and cows in factory farms. Please take a look at these other blogs:
universal mothering
Maternal instincts belong to all animals

because they deserve better.

I wanted to post a few lyrics from Relient K's song Death Bed. It is a beautiful song/story about redemption.

[Jon Foreman of Switchfoot sings, as the voice of Jesus:]
I am the Way
Follow Me
And take My hand
And I am the Truth
Embrace Me and you'll understand
And I am the Light
And for Me you'll live again
For I am Love
I am Love
I, I am Love

(thanks to http://www.findlyrics.com/relient_k/death_bed/)

It is a long song, almost 11 minutes, but well worth it. It is so well written.

The face of abortion

In 1970, three years before Roe vs. Wade knocked down all laws against abortion in the United States, California had already legalized abortion. Sarah’s mother, Betty, had an abortion in Los Angeles. Neither she nor the the abortionist realized she was carrying twins. As a result, one of the twins--Sarah--survived the abortion.

"Somehow, miraculously, I survived!" says Sarah. "My twin brother wasn’t so lucky. Andrew was aborted and we lost him forever. Several weeks later, my mother was shocked to feel me kicking in her womb. She already had five children and she knew what it felt like when a baby kicked in the womb. She instantly knew that somehow she was still pregnant." Sarah’s mother went back to the doctor and told him she was still pregnant, that she had made a big mistake and that she wanted to keep this baby.

"To this day, my mother deeply regrets that abortion," says Sarah. "I know the pain is unbearable for her at times when she looks at me and knows she aborted my twin brother. Mom says ‘the protective hand of Almighty God saved my life,’ that God’s hand covered and hid me in her womb, and protected me from the scalpel of death."

Sarah survived the abortion, but was born with bilateral, congenital dislocated hips and many other physical handicaps. Nine days after her birth she was taken to an orthopedic surgeon who applied a cast to each of her tiny legs. "My mom would remove these casts with pliers every Monday morning and take me to the doctor to have new casts put on," she recounts. "At six weeks I was put into my first body cast. Many surgeries and body casts followed over the next few years."

Sarah’s life has been painful in many ways, and her future holds more painful surgeries for her. Yet Sarah says she continually thanks God she survived the abortion. But the pain is not hers alone and not merely physical. The emotional pain continues, she says, for everyone in her family. "In memory of my brother Andrew, we bought a memorial gravestone and placed it in a cemetery in Southern California. It reads: Andrew James Smith, Twin Brother of Sarah - in our hearts you’ll always be alive - November 1970."

On April 24, 1996, Sarah Smith delivered a powerful address at the international "Congress for Life" in Rome, organized by the Legionaries of Christ to celebrate the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae - The Gospel of Life. Sarah told the conference how she came to discover the dreadful secret that she had somehow intuitively felt:

"I did not know of the abortion until I was 12 years old. I grew up feeling that I was the same as my friends, except for having numerous surgeries and physical complications. The only difference I felt was an incredible loneliness and a knowledge that something was missing. I never felt whole.

"I battled with severe depression and found myself dying of anorexia nervosa at age 12, when my mother knew it was time to tell me the truth. She sat next to me and took my hand and looked me in the eyes and said, 'Sarah, you are a twin. I aborted your twin brother and tried to abort you. Please know I did not know what I was doing and I pray someday you are able to forgive me. I love you and need you to know that you are a welcome part of our family.'

"At that moment I knew what I had been missing all my life and that I was called to something much greater than I had knowledge of. Immediately I felt the overwhelming pain of the knowledge that I should be dead.

"As I stand before you today," Sarah told her Rome audience, "I am painfully aware that this is only possible because my twin brother took a scalpel for me, and I stand in his place and memory, giving him honor and a face. Statistics are coldly impersonal and cannot convey the human tragedy of the abortion slaughter. Thirty-two million babies [have been] killed in the United States alone. Yet every one had a face, a life, a Creator who loved them and created them in His image. As you look at me today, you realize that I am no different than you, yet I stand before you today a representative of the dead - a representative of the innocent lives who today may lose their lives. Who will speak for them?"

politics

What is wrong with people? Why do so many people feel you can only support animals or humans and not both? This isn't Sophie's choice. It is quite possible to dedicate half your time,money and effort to both causes. Must animals suffer just because humans do? I poise this question to both animal rights activists and pro-life activists. You are both, generally, hypocritical and inconsistent. Animal rights activists: Please consider the basic right of unborn humans to live. Also, consider the welfare of the mother. Abortion isn't the easy choice. There are women who suffer physically and/or mentally from abortion. To pro-life activists: Stop this insane crusade against animals. Especially, those of you who are religious. Take a moment to actually read your bible and consider the fruits of the spirit in Galatians: "For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,peace,patience,kindness,gentleness and self control. Against such there is no law"
and to all: Don't blindly swallow the common thoughts of those around you. Don't blindly swallow anything I have to say either. Use criticial thinking. USE YOUR BRAIN.

Though I do not agree with 100% of the content on these websites here are some good links:
"Abortion and Animals rights: The connection"
http://www.all-creatures.org/discuss/abor-ar.html
"Coming to terms with Abortion and animal rights"
http://www.notmilk.com/abortion2.html
pro-life vegan group on livejournal
http://community.livejournal.com/prolife_vegans/

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