Sad Examples For Young Girls

I would imagine that most of you have heard of the singer Katy Perry.  New Year's Eve, my Uncle Randy and cousin Randi Michelle visited my Memaw and Grandpa so my Mommy and I went there too :)
Randi and I spent the day together and we got on their computer 'cause she wanted to show me a Katy Perry video for her song "Firework".  Oh.My.Gosh.  Now, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but, it wasn't nice, that's for sure.
First, they show this girl take off her clothes to reveal a terribly small bikini (not that any bikini is right in the first place) and then what made me go crazy was zooming in on two guys kissing.  There's everything wrong about that.  First the fact that there are young girls (my cousin is only 9!) that like her music and possibly look up to her and what the heck is a 9 year old supposed to think when she sees two guys kissing and doesn't know what it means?  
I was glad when she said that it was 'nasty' and she'll never watch it again.  
I mean, come on?  Don't people think before they go putting that trash on a video or anything for that matter, that a child might see?  She didn't understand why they did it.  I couldn't tell her, just told her that's one of the reasons I don't like Katy Perry, because she's 'nasty'.  
Another singer is Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus.  Wow, first of all, she claims to be a Christian, so far, I have never seen Jesus Christ in anything she has said, done, sung, or worn.  She might (that's a big 'MIGHT') have been cute at the start of her career but she totally went downhill as, it seems, most Disney actors and actresses do.  
So, this is the Miley that parents are letting their little girls be like:

Nice, right?  Wow, so wrong in every way.  There were other bad ones I saw but thought this would be fitting.


I looked for Katy Perry pictures but, honestly, it was too sickening and I couldn't bring myself to use any of them.  They were either (oddly enough) not revealing enough (for this post) or trash beyond trash.

Is this what we want then?  Our little girls to show everything?  Let guys like Miley's up there touch them in certain places?  I would hope your answer is 'no'.  
I'm sure that Katy and Miley and all other trash singers know that little girls look up to them: have they no intelligence? no common sense?  The pictures I saw, well, those things are quite clear.  They don't know so they don't care.
They don't care that little girls look at them with thoughts like, "I want to be just like her!", "I want to dress like her!", etc.  As long as it's about them, who cares, right?  Wrong.
The Bible tells us that, the older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.  We are to teach what is GOOD. (Titus 2:3).  Train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled (Titus 3:4-5).
You know something sad?  Katy Perry used to be a Christian singer.  That's a complete turn around if I ever heard one.  The pictures, songs, videos, outfits, none of them say 'I'm a Christian'.
Not only is it awful that girls want to be like them, they look at them thinking they're not good enough and try to change to feel good enough.  
What about our men?  What about when they see a girl dressed (or barely dressed in most cases these days) like this?  It stirs up thoughts in their heads that no one should ever think.  It's the woman's fault that causes these thoughts and emotions.  I honestly don't understand how any parent could find it ok to listen to such trash and let their children see such trash.
Parents, how do you feel when your young men see girls dressed like that?  You can't possibly tell me you think it's ok.  How on earth would it be ok for a young man to see that?  How?
How do you feel when your little girls say they want to dress like these singers?  Do you mind that they go around 'showing off' everything?  Do you honestly, honestly not care?  How could you not?
Moms, even if you're not a Christian, you cannot honestly deny the fact that we are to teach young women what is good.  
Oh, Satan will do anything to warp our minds into thinking it's alright but deep down, we all SHOULD know, it's not.
You've no doubt heard of the show, "Toddlers In Tiaras" or something goofy like that.  What is that supposed to be?  Entertaining?  In my opinion, it's a sad show.  It's truly sad to think that those idiot parents encourage such absurdity just for money.  And, it's not for the little girls, it's for the parents, ALL for the parents.  They don't mind that their little girls are getting all messed up at such a young age just so they can get their money and fame.  As long as the parents have what they want, who cares about the child?  Let them scream, cry, whine, and whatnot, the audience will like it (for some strange reason), they'll enjoy it and think it's cute and continue watching.  Parents will get what they want, the little girls will miss out on being an actual child because they have to pretend to be grown up all because that's what their parents, make-up artists, and whoever else tell them to do.  Nice parents, eh?


Anyway, I've veered from my original subject:
Are we, as the older women, proud of the way younger girls are these days?  Are we doing everything we can to teach them what is good and what is bad?  What is right and what is wrong?  Does it bother you when you hear a little girl say, "Oh!  Katy Perry's new music video!  I love that song!!"?  Because that's pretty much what Randi Michelle said to me and I did not like hearing it at all.  I was relieved, though, when she had said earlier that she really doesn't like Miley/Hannah anymore.  She used to love her, so thankful that faze is over.


Katy and Miley are just two of the singers that I can't stand.  I'm no better than they but there are some things that a person should just know what not to do and say, especially if you're someone that almost every little girl knows and many look up to...and every guy sees.


There is probably still more I could say but this is already rather long.
Good night.


God bless and keep you!
Grace be with you!
Alive because of His Blood,
Katie Bekah

Prayer For Haiti

The people of Haiti are suffering in nearly every possible way right now: cholera, earthquakes, and whatever else.

I've read that they are the poorest Country in the Americas: 90% of their children have terrible diseases: 5% of their adults have HIV and so on.

My heart yearns for these people, these children.

Think of all these people that have passed away because of cholera, all the families left homeless because of the tsunami and earthquakes: children left orphans or all alone, parents left childless.  I've seen pictures of men carrying coffins of the people that have passed because of the cholera outbreak, hear about the deaths and can't help but wonder: can they even afford whatever might be needed to help the people with the disease? are we, as America, doing everything we can to help them? 

I know our economy is suffering and thousands of people are thousands of dollars in debt but, what about all of those much-too-disgustingly wealthy people that can provide for them: I wonder how many of them are helping.

I realize there are poor people in America but, right now Haiti is suffering with so many things placed there at once, now, what can we do?

Has anyone ever thought about going there to help and then your second thought is: "Oh, no, I don't want to be around a bunch of sick and dying people, then I might get sick, plus it would be so depressing.  Never mind."

I read a 'tweet' on Twitter that said something like, "pray for Haiti and that the disease doesn't spread."  While I understand what they were saying, it brings a question to mind, "Do they truly and honestly care about Haiti or are they just concerned for themselves?"  I mean, seriously, do people think like that?

I am in no way trying to make myself sound good or better than anyone else (because I'm not), I've just developed a love for these people and wanted to share my thoughts.

I would love to go there and hold them, cry with them, feed them, help them.  My heart hurts for them.

Now, saying all of that, I know God has a reason for everything that is going on there and it is all for His Glory.

With other things that happen in other places, I've read that some Christians say things like, "This is God's punishment on them because they don't worship Him, they worship idols", whatnot and so on.

Well, I suppose that could be true but, you can also argue: why aren't bad things happening to everyone that isn't a Christian (not that I want them to)?  Why do good things happen to people that aren't Christians?  Why do bad things happen to Christians?

I, myself, cannot support Haiti financially, nor can I go there and help but, I can pray for them and will do so.  Will you join me in lifting up this poverty and disease stricken Nation to the Creator and God over all the earth in prayer?

Let us also remember the people of Indonesia in our prayers as well for they, too, are suffering greatly. 

God bless and keep you all!

Grace be with you!

Alive because of His Blood,

Katie Bekah

I Must Say Something

On the 17th, my Mommy and I went to her family's Family Reunion.  We had a blast, hangin' out with all the family and stuff!  Plus, we stayed in a hotel the night before and it was really, really nice.

Anyway, at one point I was outside talking to some 2nd and 3rd cousins and was asked if I had a young man yet, my answer: look away, giggle, and say no.  Totally the wrong answer.

Instead, I should've said something like, "Nope, I believe in courtship and am waiting for God to bring my future husband and me together".  Ever since then, I've been so embarrassed about the way I answered him.

That was such a worldly way to answer that question and I hate that that is what I did.  If I could go back and respond the right way, I would. 

God has put me into this world, but, I am not to be part of it, and, that, is how I acted when asked that question.  I am so ashamed.

Not much in this blog post but, I just felt like I needed to say this.

God bless and keep you all!

Grace be with you!

Alive because of His Blood,

Katie Bekah

GRRR!!!

Ok, I was going to write a review for Hayley Westenra's CD "Hayley Sings Japanese Songs 2" but, recent developments have caused me to write something else.

So, on Tweeter, Thanksgiving is a trendy topic.  Well, to be FUNNY, I said "Thanksgiving is a trendy topic & it's next month.  Might as well make Christmas one too for those that don't celebrate Thanksgiving". (meaning people in Europe!) Little did I know people would take offense at that.  These two Canadian chicks said something mean to me and I honestly don't know how I could've offended someone by what I said.

One said something about if I knew there are Countries other than my own and that they have holidays too and the other was like, "Ugly American.  Party of one.  I guess only the States celebrate Thanksgiving...my mistake...I'll go return my turkey".  What the heck?  Do people have no sense of humor??

I would never, ever want to offend anyone!  Honestly, I've read the tweet over and over and still cannot figure out how it could make someone think along those lines.

.......Later.....As it turns out, it's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, well I didn't know that.  You'd think someone would be nice enough to explain that to me instead of say cruel things to me.  If any Canadians are reading this, I am terribly sorry and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

I mean, like seriously, couldn't someone have thought, "Hmm, I wonder if she knows it's Thanksgiving here" and then tell me....in a nice way.  I do feel bad about saying it before even looking to see why it was a trendy topic but, still, can't people just say something nice.  I mean what the girls said was really rather cruel.  I shan't repeat exactly what one of them said, but it was very, very, wrong.

I'm just the kind of person that likes to be goofy and funny.  They just totally went overboard over what I said.

I know there are other Countries, I know they have Holidays and ours isn't more important. 

It's interesting to actually offend someone online.  It was never ever my intention and I'd never want to do it again or anything (never wanted to do it to begin with), but it just shows me how easily people can throw something way out of proportion.

We are all God's creatures and not one of us is better than the other.  I have nothing whatsoever against Canadians or anyone else.

If I ever offend any one of you, tell me....in a nice way!

Now, I am going to finish my Angel Food Cake, with strawberries, and homemade whipped cream while watching a Hayley Westenra video, so if you'll excuse me, goodbye.

God bless and keep you (no matter where you're from)!

Grace be with you!

Alive because of His Blood,

Katie Bekah

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

First of all, everyone wish my Daddy a 'Happy Birthday!' because today is his Birthday :)

Second of all, I have some things to share :)

I do not know any guys right now and therefore have no prospects of a future husband but I would like to share my idea of a relationship with a guy.

Personally, I don't want to touch a guy (or him touch me) unless it's my future husband but after we're married.  I haven't always felt this way until I read about Josh & Noelle Goforth not holding hands or touching each other until after they were married.  I was so inspired by that and decided that's how I want to be.
I've always wanted a pair of pretty, lacy gloves to wear, but especially now for another reason: I once shook hands with a young guy and found it weird to touch him (not that he felt funny, lol) because I'm not used to doing that, so to have those dainty little gloves would be perfect. 
I also totally believe in Courtship and praying for God's guidance, waiting for His timing, etc.  There is only one man for me and God knows who he is and though it is hard at times, I have to trust Him.
I'm not saying it's easy for me to just say, "Ah, God knows who he is so I won't think about anyone else", because it isn't easy!
I think, as girls, it is quite easy to look at a guy and think "Wow!  Is he attractive!" (which I do and Mommy can attest to that!) but extremely difficult to rid oneself of the thought.  I've had goofy little crushes on guys before and still struggle with that even though there is only one man for me and I pray for him! 
My Mommy and Guitargirl can totally attest to my goofy little crushes (one in particular)! 
There is a post I wrote before about a 'certain guy' I liked and he doesn't even know I exist, plus he's in a different Country and I will most likely never meet him.  I know nothing important about him anyway and don't think he is a Christian, I do not know for sure.  Sometimes, I still struggle with that, too.
Anyway, I want to save EVERYTHING for my future husband...and AFTER we're married.
My single years are supposed to be a time of growth and preparation for being a wife and mommy someday and I don't want to waste this time daydreaming about falling in love, there is no point in it.  It will happen in God's time and my daydreaming about it isn't going to rush the process, rather it'll make it feel that time is going so slow and that DEFINITELY doesn't help!
I know it's hard, but as daughters of the One and Only King, we must trust Him and pray.
We must pray for patience, for peace, a greater trust in Him, and pray for our future husband, whether or not we know who he is.  We don't have to pray for him by name, God has known since before there was time who he is :)  We must rest in that!
It's not easy, but with prayer and talking with our loved ones and asking them for prayer, telling them when we're having a hard time with it, it makes it a bit easier.  It's always wonderful knowing that you have someone praying for you....one of the best feelings in the world!

God bless!
Grace be with you!
Alive because of His Blood,
Katie Bekah

My Hope Chest

Howdy peeps!  My friend, Meghan, has asked me to take pictures of the stuff in my Hope Chest, so I finally got around to doing it :) 
I think it's very important for a young lady to have a Hope Chest, no matter her age.  That way she can have things to decorate her house and have things for her kitchen and other things for her little ones someday.  She can make her house feel like a home to her hubby and all who enter it.  It's so much more special, I think, to decorate your house with your own handmade things and I think your hubby will like it too and feel special that you made it partly for him :)
Ok, let's start my little tour:
First we will start off with a few little toys that I played with as a child and wanted to save for my girls :)

 

REAL Polly Pockets!!!!

 

  

  

  

A little Precious Moments Nativity.

 

My baby spoon, lol.

 

A little Precious Moments doll.  (I LOVE Precious Moments!).

 

One of my little critters I had as a baby :)

 

Kitchen items.  There are bowls in bubble wrap and measuring spoons in bubble wrap.  I didn't really want to fool with removing the bubble wrap and then putting it back.  All the red things, my bff and 'sis', Monica gave me for this last Christmas :)  Oh and then there's a pink rubber spatula and a rolling pin :) 

 

Handkerchiefs and pink flour sacks.

 

 A hand mirror from my Daddy's side of the family.  It's old, lol, I can't remember who's it was.  The fan my Mommy got when she went to Hawaii several years ago (before we ever came along ;)) and the afghan she made for my cousin Jeremy when he was a baby but never finished it.

 

My Above Rubies magazines.  I always save an extra one when we get them and put it in my Hope Chest.

 

Journals that I filled up starting in '02.  There are 10 of them.

Some stitcheries and a little quilt I have yet to start.

 

An apron Mommy and I made for me when I was a wee lass!  (Hard to believe I was ever that tiny, lol!).

  

A dress Mommy made me when I was little.  It's probably my favorite, I love the little jacket!

 

And another one.

 

And another one with a sash.

 

One more.

I'm hoping these will fit my girls someday :)

There were a few other little things, but one was in a taped little box and I didn't want to fool with that. 

To tell you the truth, I don't have a Hope Chest.  I have two plastic 'Hope Boxes'.  I used to have a Hope Chest, but it kinda fell apart, so I need a new one :)

Ok, well I hope you enjoyed my little tour of my 'Hope Box'.

Goodbye for now!

God bless!

Grace be with you!

Alive because of His Blood,

Katie Bekah

Why I Am "Unworthy Maiden"

It amazes me sometimes that the God of the whole universe would love me.
"Sometimes" is not to say I ever feel worthy of His love for I am not, it is simply that I do not dwell on it all the time as I should.
His love amazes me so, that I tremble at the thought of living without Him. Without Him, there is no life.
It is beyond my comprehension as to why God would choose me to be His child, so I long for my life to be a living sacrifice to Him.
To know that I can go to God in prayer anytime and He will listen no matter what, is incredible to me. I have done nothing to deserve such a glorious fellowship with the Lord over all. Who am I, that the God of the universe would lend an ear to my supplications and complaints? I am nothing but a filthy worm (though so much worse than that) and yet by God's love and grace I am able to go to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
I was dead in my sin and trespasses to God and yet He saved me.
Not only was I dead, I was an enemy of God, hater of Righteousness, selfish and so much worse, yet for some reason God saw fit to have compassion on me
While I was still dead, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, in the form of a man to take away my sin.
Jesus Christ came to this earth born of a virgin to die so that I might live. In the last year of His earthly life (33rd), He was captured, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross to save such an unworthy wretch as me. Three days after being laid in a tomb, He rose again and defeated death and is still alive today!
By His stripes, I am saved, through His death, I have life, by His Resurrection, I will live with Him for all eternity.
Being away from God is not an illness of which one can be healed, it is death, if you have not Christ, you have not God, if you have not God, you have not life. Nothing good will come of a life without God, only Hell and eternal flames when your dead life ends. With Christ, one day you will see Him in all His glory and be forever with Him in eternity in Heaven.
Tell me, what sounds better: being dead forever? or living forever? You know which one sounds better to me, though I did not choose it: God did.
I have been washed white as snow by the Blood of the Lamb, so may my life be lived to Him.
My forever question: Why would You choose me, Father?
My forever plea: Make me like You, Father.

Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

More Thoughts

Hmm, ya know what bugs me? Those stupid hair commercials..."When it comes to going bald, you now have a choice....!"
I suppose I can understand that people would like more hair, but it's just so stupid to see other commercials about hair when a guy who is almost bald goes up to girls and put his hat on so they won't notice his lack of hair.
It's just so stupid, what kind of a girl would care whether or not a guy has hair or not? It doesn't make any difference to me, if the guy is completely bald, why should that keep me from talking to him or whatever? It just doesn't make sense that we're like that.
I also am annoyed by the commercials of women having great hair and then they go on to say how having children can really mess up the time you are able to spend on your hair. Yes, of course, your hair is supposed to be clean and healthy, but c'mon?? It's just so ridiculous.
Now, let me say that I am not in any way making myself out to sound better than other people because, believe me, I am soooo not better than anyone else, we are all sinners and there isn't one of us who is better than another one.
Only Jesus is perfect.
I just think it's really sad that we are all so consumed by our appearance, I am soo not excluding myself from that, because I struggle with self-image like everyone else. I even feel like I can't look feminine if I don't have a lil body, but I'm sure it's possible, I'm just embarrassed to wear the feminine tops that I love so much because I feel uncomfortable in them. I do get discouraged, but in those times I try to keep my focus on Christ and I can't tell you how wonderful a feeling it is when all of those feelings go away. God has sent us here to be His servants and I'm not getting anything done if all I think about is myself.
That's not to say that you should just not care about what you're wearing because as girls we are to dress modestly. We are causing our brothers to stumble if we dress in a revealing way. Not only that, but it's just not right to dress that way.
I've even seen a website that sells "Christian" immodest clothing, those words next to each other are just not right.
I believe part of dressing modestly is to dress femininely and look like a girl, it's not just not showing so much skin (though that is the main part).
1 Timothy 2:9:
"..likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control..."
It's just not right for a woman to "show herself off". Not only is it causing our brothers to stumble, but what about young girls who see that and wish they could have a body like that.
Titus 2:3-4:
3: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4: and so train the young women to love their husbands and children.
Instead, girls are taught all over the place to dress in a way that is (forgive me for using this term) "sexy" and parents don't seem to care (not all parents). How are we teaching what is good with our behaviour and dress?
Another thing that annoys me is on these stupid "kids" shows there is so much kissing and "romance" and of course, immodest dressing. On most of the shows that I've seen a guy can just walk up to a girl that he doesn't even know and say "Hey baby, you wanna go out?" and she says yes!!! It's disgusting that this happens, that kids watch these shows that these shows even exist. Whatever happened to the good wholesome family shows like "Andy Griffith" and "The Waltons"...ahh," Avonlea", one of my very favorites! Nothing like that would ever happen in those shows.
God has been taken out of schools, His Holy Name is taken in vain on every show on Nickelodeon, every other show in the world, basically, save for Disney channel, but they don't mind putting it in their movies. There is something terribly wrong with all of this.
Children are sent such terrible messages, that it's alright to have relationships with a different person every week to kiss all of the ones you are in a relationship with.
What are parents doing about it? (Once again, not all parents)....I'll give you the answer...NOTHING. They're letting their kids do their own thing, they don't care if their 11 year old daughter comes home the next day announcing she's pregnant. Women don't care about killing their babies while they're still in their stomach. "Thou shall not murder". As Mommy so often says, mothers lock up their jewels in a safe but let their kids run loose.
Now, we do watch the auditions for "American Idol" (such a stupid name for a show) and there was this one girl on there who only got through because Simon and Randy liked her body and she was wearing a bikini to show off her body and that is the ONLY reason she got through because she was terrible.
Yet, another example of causing men to stumble.
Let us pray, this world does so need a change.
Here is how I dream of a real relationship. Waiting for my knight in shining armor.





Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

One Life, Not Much Time

Today is the Sabbath and I was just thinking of the way a Sabbath should be spent. Going to Church, (granted we aren't able to go to Church every week and I'm sure other people aren't either) spending time in God's Word, praying (though those things should be done everyday), doing all things that would keep the Sabbath day Holy.
Now, how often do I do that? Unfortunately, not often at all. Instead, this stupid computer takes up my time, or we'll be watching some kind of movie or something together. While it is nice to have a day of rest and time spent with family (meaning, just here, because we don't do things with extended family like some people do on the Sabbath, hopefully we will someday) and we do have fun together, whatever we're doing, still there is no reason why we can't give time to God. We have only one life, and such a short amount of time on this earth, we must spend this time wisely and in a way that is pleasing to God, that is giving our lives to and for God. I pray everyday that I might be a living sacrifice to Him, no matter what. How am I going to do that by wasting time with things that are so terribly unimportant? Now, spending time with family is important, but it is better to do it in a way that actually means something. Sure, we can sit down every once in a while and watch a show or a movie, but why do we keep sitting there, even when there's nothing on? It is not a sin to rest, God tells us to, it is, however, a sin to use that precious time doing nothing.
So often, I say that I need to make to time to read and continue improving my homemaking skills, but I don't because my time is wasted doing things that, well, waste time and are in no way helpful to my homemaking or reading, or whatever needs to be done around here. The funny thing is, if I do the things that need to be done then I will have time to do other things, but I don't always follow through.
So what happens? I sit here for a while (most of the time wasting the time on the computer and not using it wisely at all) and think, "oh, I'll get started later", then a "little" while later I'll look at the clock and sometimes even a few hours have gone by and I wonder how that time went so fast and why I wasn't doing anything. So, later, I get angry at myself because of things I didn't do and regret wasting that time. The next day I decide everything is going to be different, but it isn't always that way, sometimes I will do the exact same thing and I hate it.
God gave me this life and looking down at a clock to see what time it is or whatever is just a reminder that I used this time in a way that was pleasurable to me, but in no way honoring my God and King. This life is to be lived to Him and for Him, He didn't put me here for me, but for Him. I know I disappoint Him with this, so why is it so hard for me to stop? Satan doesn't want me to use my time for God, so I fall into this temptation and later feel so bad for doing so, but know I could never take it back, so I need to start anew the next day, but I fall into it again. I do not spend enough time in God's Word, or enough time with Him and that makes Satan very happy, that is such a disgusting and terrible thought, especially knowing the God is disappointed in me, how could I disappoint the One Who made me, Who gave His Son for my life that I may live and live to Him, but instead do what pleases me?
God is not angry with me when I do it, He can't be mad at me, for Christ intercedes for me and has made me righteous by His Holy shed Blood on the cross so that I would not face God's wrath. Because Jesus died for me, God cannot be angry with me.
What a Loving God we serve, that He would give me life through His Son Jesus Christ. I pray that my life my be lived to bring Him glory and that there be none left over for myself.
Using my time wisely is something I really struggle with, so I would very much appreciate prayer for this.
It is so easy to just sit down for a few hours and do nothing, though I could be reading or working on crocheting or something like that and hopefully my life will change for God. It is especially easy on days that are soooo extremely hot like they have been for weeks now. But, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, now if only I constantly remember that and remember to pray for that strength
May God be glorified in all of my life!
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

My Thoughts

Last Sabbath, at Church, our Pastor was preaching and he said that there are more Christians in China than the USA. As wonderful as it is that there are so many Christians there, it is quite sad that a Country that was built on Biblical principles has fewer Christians.
As my brother, Chris, said "people over in China are being persecuted every day for their Christian beliefs while we sit here in our nice little houses......". I know that's not true for every Christian, but I know there are some (including myself) that could and should do so much more.
God sent us to be His emissaries and how are we spreading His Gospel if we are not living it or spreading it?

For Jesus said:
6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Matthew 10:6-7

I am not saying that you must leave your home and all of your loved ones and everything behind you and go to foreign countries (unless God calls you to), but rather live the Gospel, love the Gospel, and spread the Gospel, even in your own home, whether your whole family are Christians or not. I know, I myself, need to work on this, as I do not do a good job of it, if any at all.......
There is Mission Work that needs to be done right here in this Country, no matter where you go or where you are, God's Word must be spread and lived.

Lately, I must confess, some of the things going on in this Country are simply sickening, gay marriages, abortions, girls getting pregnant before marriage or even before the marrying age. A Country that was built on Biblical principles has now become a pit of sin, and what are we doing about it? What are some of these parents doing about it? Letting their children run free while their jewelry and diamonds are all locked up to keep them safe. Perhaps if more parents took care of their children, better than they might be doing, there would be fewer of all of the terrible things that are going on now.
Perhaps if these "celebrities" weren't so full of themselves and selfish and whiny, fewer children would be that way (yet another reason for parents to watch their children more closely).
All of these (forgive me), idiots that are wanting to take the 10 Commandments out of certain places, wanting to take "In GOD we trust" out of the Pledge Of Allegiance, it is simply stupid and downright disgusting!
No matter what, the 10 Commandments still stand, God is still in Control and always will be, no one will ever be able to stop that. No one could even attempt to, and if they did, wow, I would feel sorry for that person.
God is in Control, the Universe and all that lies therein are God's and His Alone, whether you people like it or not! You can't stop God, so don't even attempt to take Him out of this Country, 'cause it's just not gonna happen. May we ALL be thankful for that!!
Satan will not win, he cannot win, he fears God, why don't you?

Jesus said:
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28

God be praised, He reigns forever!
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

May He Be Praised!!

Awhile ago, it seemed like everything was just caving in around me and nothing was going to get back to normal. All 5 of us were feeling stress and it's almost like knowing that everyone else was feeling stress put even more stress on us.
I think things are getting better now, hopefully.
About last Sabbath, I was feeling really low and depressed (I suppose from all of the stress), and the whole week I was like that, but tried not to show it. Well, a few days ago, I cannot really say when or how it happened, but that Joy that I had a few weeks ago just started flowing right through me again. I felt like nothing was gonna get better, but it was like the Lord showed me somehow that it's all going to be ok. Like I said, I don't know how to describe it.
A little while ago I was sent a questionnaire in an e-mail and one of the questions was something like "what have you learned in '08?" My answer was that I don't really know how to describe this.....I always knew that God was in control of everything and everything that happens is a part of His plan, but I never really grasped that. This year has been different, I am learning more and more to hand things over to Him and trust Him in all things. I don't think I worded it exactly like that, but it doesn't matter.
This past year has been hard on all of us going through this and that. I believe I have finally learned, though, that no matter what happens it is all according to God's Perfect Plan and I must trust Him. It is definitely difficult sometimes, but still, He is with me through everything and I know that.
Not only does everything happen according to His will, but everything that has happened and is yet to happen He has ordained since before there was time.
We don't always know why, but we should always trust that He has a reason for it and though it may be difficult because we don't understand, we must give Him praise. God has promised in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6-31:8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Kings 8:57, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Hebrews 13:5) and I must remember to hold fast to that. God never breaks the promises He made to us, if any of us were to believe that He doesn't keep His promises then that person makes Him a liar. God does not lie, He does not fail, He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He does not change neither can He. He is Perfect and Holy. Too Holy to look upon me in my sin, but because Jesus Christ shed His Precious, Holy Blood on the cross for me, He can look upon me because I have been washed in the Blood of the Holy, Spotless, Lamb. Not by my own doing, God ordained me to be His child. I did not choose Him, He chose me, as it is with all of His elect, we didn't choose Him, He chose us.
To think, that Jesus Christ was thinking about me when He was on the cross is almost too much to bear. I put Him on that cross, I crucified Him by my sins....He died because of me. I am the worst of sinners and deserving of nothing, but Hell and God's wrath, yet in God's Love and Grace He sent His Son, Holy and Sinless, to this cold world as a man to die. He lived a Perfect, Holy, Sinless life and then at 33 died on the cross as a sinner, but was NOT one, He died the death that I deserved.....that the Father's elect deserved.

Matthew 24:22
And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:31
And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark 13:20
And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

Mark 13:22
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

Mark 13:27
And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Luke 18:7
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 9:11
though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—

Romans 11:7
What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened,

Romans 11:28
As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

1 Timothy 5:21
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Titus 1:1
Greeting
Paul, a servant[1] of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

By the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ I am alive and alive in Him.
I bid you all farewell for now!
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah
Praise Him at all times!

Correction....

I must correct myself from my last post. I said that I am not "holy enough" . I am, in fact, not holy at all. Only by the Blood of Jesus Christ can I come to the Throne of God, nothing I do or say is good enough.
"For I dare not stand on my righteousness......"

Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

John Piper's God Exalting Grammar

This video goes with my other post under this one.

Are You Joyful?

It is so not Autumn weather here!! We're still in the 80's and 90's, ugh!! We did so enjoy having the windows open for a few days, oh well, the Lord's Will be done. I shouldn't complain (no matter how much I want cool weather!!), He is in Control.
Anyway, yesterday was our second Membership Class, it was lovely. I am just so thankful for our Pastor!!!
We are going through a kind of stressful time right now and as the days go by that this carries on it gets harder to deal with. Although it is difficult I am reminded to rest in Jesus. There is no other source of joy, peace, rest, love, or anything like His Arms.
People may think they've found joy in money or romance or whatever, but we all must understand that this "joy" is WORLDLY "JOY". True and pure joy ONLY comes from GOD!! Whatever we have on this earth will pass away, seriously, nothing on earth will remain forever, everyone WILL die, the world WILL come to an end and all that lies therein. Think about it, nothing we have is anything without God, we are nothing without God. If we don't have Christ, we don't have anything worth living or dying for, our lives are meaningless without Christ! If Christ is not the Center of our lives then, I ask, what do we have? We cannot have True Joy, Peace, Love (for God is Love 1 John 4:7-8) if God is not in us.
I must say, it sickens me the way people obsess over money (don't wanna sound perfect here, I'm guilty of it too and I sicken myself in the process), but it's like we think if only I had more money or if only I had this or that, I mean, what's the point? Yes, we do need to money to buy certain things, but not all the money in the world will buy our way into Heaven to spend eternity with Christ, no, no, no, it's not ever gonna happen!!!!!! Christ is all that we need and if we trust in Him, He will provide our needs. God knows what we need before we even think about needing something, yes if God is Willing, He will provide. I myself struggle with that, but deep down I know and there is not one time that I can think of that He didn't provide us with what we needed. He is Awesome! Praise Him, Love Him, Adore Him, He Alone is Worthy of all Praise, Love, and Adoration!!
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

The Resurrection

When I wrote that entry last night, I didn't have time to write about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ because it was late and bedtime, so now I do.
I wrote about Him dying on the Cross for unworthy sinners (like myself).
John 19:31-42 ESV
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” 38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
Three days later He rose from the grave. He defeated death so that God's elect would be saved from it and live eternally with Him. We no longer have to fear God's wrath which is Hell and eternal separation from Christ.
Oh, to think that God would choose me to be part of His elect, well I don't know why He would choose me, it's beyond me, but I am eternally grateful.
Jesus is alive and seated at the right hand of God!!! Death cannot touch Him now!
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah

"For I Dare Not Stand on my Righteousness...."

There is a song that I absolutely love called "I Come By The Blood", it's on a Sovereign Grace CD called "Songs for the Cross-Centered Life". In the chorus he sings, "I come by the Blood, I come by the Cross, where Your Mercy flows from Hands pierced for me, FOR I DARE NOT STAND ON MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, my every hope rests on what Christ has done, and I come by the Blood". I just think that is so beautiful.
Nothing any of has ever done could possibly get us even close to just talking with God, it doesn't matter how "good" it was in our own eyes we could never be in communion with God by OUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, He is MUCH too HOLY and we are much too UNHOLY to come into the presence of God. The only way we could do that is if God would send His Only Begotten Son to die for us, and.....He did.
Jesus Christ, born of a virgin knew from the moment He was born that He would die for God's elect someday. He lived a Perfect, Holy, sinless life.......NEVER ONCE, NEVER ONCE did He EVER go against God or sin against Him. Yes, He was tempted by Satan, but He never said yes to his evil ways. He knew what He was born to do, Satan knew it too, and did not want it to happen. None of us, not even Satan could even try the smallest attempt to stop God from having His Will be done.
A couple thousand years ago Jesus Christ came to this world, Perfect, Sinless, Spotless, Holy to be mocked, beaten, crushed and nailed to a Cross to die for God's Elect. Why? Because, when each and every one of was conceived and born IN SIN God knew it before there was time (He knew and still knows EVERYTHING before it ever did or will happen) and there would be no way to save us unless He sent His Son to die for us. What was He saving us from? His wrath (Hellfire, not only would we have died bodily, but spiritually as well), our bodies would have died on earth and then our souls eternally burned and tormented in Hell, separating us from Him eternally in Heaven.
Ever since the fall of man (Adam and Eve eating from the tree that God had told them no to eat from), every generation is conceived and born in sin. God is so Holy that we could never enter His presence except by the Blood of the Lamb, which Jesus Christ shed for God's Elect on Calvary on the Cross. A death every single one of us deserved but He took so we wouldn't have to. How can we not be grateful or joyful?
I know it is definitely hard to be joyful all of the time but God has a reason for everything He does and brings to pass. We may not always see it or we may have a hard time believing it, but we must trust Him even in the hardest of times. I am definitely not perfect and it isn't always easy for me to trust Him either, but deep down inside I know He has a plan.
For instance, tonight I found something out that just made me sick, I will not say what it is and most likely never will, but it got me so down and distraught that I couldn't even bear to look at this person. But tonight when I was praying before I ate, I was reminded that I can lean on Jesus and rest in Him. That is what I've been doing. Ever since then I am able to now look at this person without getting that feeling of disgust or thinking "just leave me alone". I will admit it is hard to completely trust in Him and leave this in His hands as in the past I would try to lay things down at His feet but end up taking them back. By His Grace I'm learning to trust Him.
Alive because of His Blood,
Bekah