Chris Lane: A Tragedy Born from Boredom

 Christopher Lane, 22, from Australia, was attending Eastern Central University near the town of Duncan, Oklahoma, where his girlfriend lived.  He was there to visit her last weekend, and while jogging down the road during his workout, he was shot by three teenage boys in a passing pick up, who later said they did it because they were "bored."  He never even saw it coming.  They shot him in the back.  He was found quickly, laying face down in a ditch by passersby, but it was already too late.

Christopher was an up and coming baseball player who just might have had a shot at the Bigs.  I  feel he was worth more words than they are giving him.  They are calling it a "thrill kill" in the media, which highlights the three teens who did the shooting, rather than talking about this young man and his possible path to the Major League's and how he may have made a difference in the world.  I was so sad when I heard the circumstances behind this senseless tragedy that I  prayed for his family and girlfriend and then just broke down and cried.

How does something like this happen?  I can only point to one chapter in the Bible, which again, I believe, proves that we are in fact in the end days, and that the Lord is indeed coming quickly! 

There were many things Jesus told us would happen, in Matthew 24.  But the only explanation for this cold tragedy is what Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 24:12.  "And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold."

There needs to be more love in this world.  Jesus came to give us the tools to do just that, but our hatred for others and our own needy sinful nature has destroyed the love we have for others because we've been hurt, or abused, and this madness needs to stop.  We should stop blaming others for our choices rather than on our parents or others who may have hurt our feelings.  

It is my feeling that these teenage boys knew exactly what they were doing, and it is my prayer that they will all go to jail, and find Christ somewhere along the way.  Perhaps they will eventually be responsible for leading hundreds of other prisoners to Christ!  Hope springs eternal right?

Question is, with all the angst in the world, can we make a difference in our everyday lives with the people we see everyday?  Just a smile at the person who get's  your coffee for you in the morning, whether it be your spouse, or the waitress at the corner coffee shop, you can be kind, gracious, caring and tell them they are doing a great job and then be more generous in your tipping!  There is nothing better than feeling like someone thinks you are doing a good job!  It makes them more positive and causes a change in them, perhaps, being kind to those that are rude to them instead of saying something that might cost them their job, or becoming so frustrated that they argue instead of just smiling back, no matter what.

While we pray for Chris Lane's family and friends this week, and the many others we will no doubt be burdened for, let's remember to smile at others, be gracious, friendly and open.  Just be kind, caring and seek opportunities to share your faith.

Remember what Jesus said?  Turn the other cheek and pray for those who curse you?  To pray for your enemies?  We don't want to let our Savior down do we?  In Galations 6:2, Paul said that we "should bear one another's burden's in love, thus fulfilling the law of Christ."  

That means we should forgive one another our trespasses, and ask God to work in the lives of those around us who do not know Him.  It also means to "give til it hurts," helping those who are truly in need. 

It is my hope, that Christopher Lane was a Christian.  I don't know why, but in my heart I believe that he was.  And if so, he is with the Lord.  My heart breaks for his girlfriend, coaches, family and friends.  Please keep them in your prayers at this most difficult time, and when you're done, pray for these three misguided and violent teens.  Nobody gets to that place of violence without some help.  I know, because I grew up in a very violent, and negative atmosphere, and I'm 50 and still trying to work out all that pain, negativity, abuse and neglect.

Please, be at peace, and be kind to others, even if they don't respond in kind, it shall be awarded to you as righteousness by God.  When we as Christian's do what we are called to do, which is to love others, this world will become a different place.

Come Lord Jesus!

In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus tells the Disciples the "signs of His coming and the end of the age."  He discusses earthquakes in various places, plagues, famines, pestilence, wars, rumors of wars, etc., and if I'm not mistaken, we are close to that golden day of favor!  

It is time we all bow our knees and confess our sins, known and unknown, and pray that God will in His infinite wisdom and mercy show us the things we need to ask forgiveness for.  I don't want so much as one doubt on my record, for I want to be found without blemish on that day, when Christ returns for His Bride, the church, don't you?

In Lamentations 3:22-23, it states that "His mercies are new every morning.  Great is they faithfulness!"  He is always faithful to us!  We are the ones who in our weak flesh are always losing our way, and leaving Him!  It is in those times that Jesus carries us!  

Take this time to pray, and believe, having faith that no matter what may come, you will see His face soon as long as you endure!  I'm going through my own endurance issues right now, but the more I think of every awful thing I have been through in my life, the more I realize that while those things made me very weak, that it is in that weakness that He has made me strong!  

My faith has grown a great deal in the last four years and I have been subjected to such wonderful grace, that it is only explainable by saying that it was GOD!  I've experienced un explainable mercies that others don't receive when they have lost a loved one, and are worried whether they made it to heaven or not!  Well, I not only got whispered in my ear that my Mom would be with Him. He also provided the date of her death!  

I've also recently had visions of Christ's victorious return to heaven to the throngs of Angels, and all the Host of Heaven. Think about it....we were all there!  If God chose us before the foundation of world to be Holy and Blameless in Him (Ephesians 1:4), then we had to have been in heaven when Jesus returned after being risen from the dead right?  I believe that is the foundation of the short but beautiful vision the Lord gave me two days ago.

I had another one about a year ago, and it was the Throne, as I cried at His feet, He lifted me up into His lap like a small child to comfort me.   As I looked out from the throne all I could see was a crystal sea, in the most beautiful blue color, with columns, and the 24 elders on their thrones.  I was in the Throne Room of God, at his Feet crying out for mercy!  I can only quote the one verse I know that makes this sound even minutely feasible?   "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17).

Jesus is coming home for us soon!  GET EXCITED AND SHARE YOUR FAITH!  Don't worry about the words you will say, for God will give you the words!  It is promised in Luke 21!  

God Bless all of you who read this post, and I am in prayer for all of us as we hurtle towards the time when we will be raptured and every tear will be wiped from our eyes, and we will never suffer pain, death, despair, all of those things will be gone.  Hallelujah!  Praise you Lord Jesus!  You are the most wonderful counselor, provider, and the lifter of our heads, and the giver of life! 

Your love came down and rescued me, and I will be forever yours!

Time to Come Home!

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth (Jesus), but have delighted in wickedness. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2:9-14)

In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul tells us "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him, in love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will."

Folks, we've been chosen by God BEFORE the foundation or creation of this earth, by God to be His Children!  Our names are in the Lamb's Book of Life, but are we living up to having our names in that book?  There is another scripture that warns "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."  (Luke 21:36).  

So please stop looking for what you'll never find here on earth?

Come Home to Jesus!  He's waiting for you!

A Tree in the Road of Life

Bad news.  My husband may lose his job tomorrow.

The bad thing is that God just got my temple going in the right direction health wise a well as Spiritually, so I can't see why He would allow this to happen.  Sometimes it's just the devil throwing a tree in the road?  

The Chiropractor I have been seeing is truly helping me so I was hoping that with my back feeling better, and the way the dentists just sort of fell into place, one to make the denture and the other an oral surgeon, that with a  new smile I could possibly find a part time job and have my life back.

My husband and I have had our problems, and I know he would cover it, but now I'm worried that he won't if he loses his job.  I may have to endure more pain, not be able to eat much, and just be patient, but I'm hoping if this post reaches enough Christian's out there, that through prayer, that God will provide another job so that the process doesn't get derailed.

I won't be selfish, I will be patient, and pray only for God's will because his timing is always perfect!  You just never know what He has in store for you, and sometimes waiting is part of that process, so please pray that my husband finds work or doesn't lose his current position, and that I will find solace in the Lord, and find patience, having "Hope that never ends, even when the sky  is falling!"

Thanks friends.  Your prayers are truly appreciated.  God is growing my faith every day, and my prayers go out to each and every one of you, that God is in control of your lives and that things are well with you all!  

God Bless!
  

Celebrate Recovery

"Hello My Name Is ______ and I struggle with _________."

This is the way you are supposed to introduce yourself to others in a Celebrate Recovery group.

I joined one last weekend, but I'm still unsure exactly what to say when I introduce myself.  I didn't understand how much denial I had in my life, but I do now.  I have held onto my Newcomer chip for dear life this last week, and can't wait for the next meeting.

CR is serious, but can also be fun.  We start with a band and sing praise worship songs, then we say the 12 steps and the verses that go with them, have a video testimony, say the Serenity Prayer and then break down into men's and women's open share groups.  After that, we have a little bit of fellowship before going home.

Last year, my Pastor, someone I have known for almost 20 years, told me that he felt that with everything I had gone through in my life, especially in my childhood, that I should go to CR.  I was in denial, and became prideful and left "home."  Thankfully, some other issues arose in my life recently that caused me to go back "home," to a church family that I have always loved.  They welcomed me back with open arms.  I can't tell you how good it is to be HOME!

I am now back under my Pastor's authority and the first thing I did, besides attending church service, was to join Celebrate Recovery as he originally suggested that I do!   

There are days I am fragile, days I am angry, and days that make me want to just give up, but God won't let me!  I'm far from perfect, as are we all, but I feel I am so horribly flawed, that nobody could ever like or love me, but that is because I was born into the sin nature and was abused as a child, young adult, etc.  It also has a lot to do with the trauma's that go with abuse, divorce, a screaming mother who didn't show any demonstrative love towards my brother or me, especially after a certain age, and I could go on, but you get the idea?  

At 17 I lashed out, did drugs, became promiscuous and then got clean at age 21.  At 18 and again at 20, I had abortions because my mother thought it "best," considering I was a "drug addict."  Yeah, she was the one I had the most issues with, and who was the most abusive.  She could just be downright mean, not just abusive, but downright mean, like kids at school can be mean, only way worse?  She was a control freak, and kept me in my room all afternoon after school, wouldn't allow friends over, wouldn't let me go to their houses, so I became an outcast at school, made fun of my whole 12 years of Elementary, Jr. High and High School.

The things I was being called, and the things she would say, made me feel even worse about myself, so it is no wonder I turned to drugs.  She called me a drug addict so many times, I went and became one.  She called me the word "W****" so many times, I became promiscuous.  Words mean something, and when you are raising your children, if you have no other model????  Well, let's just say you are in big trouble!  I followed the cycle for years, but then used a few books that helped me to tell my children I was sorry, and that I was wrong for yelling at them, and that I was trying to stop doing that.  Once they got older, our relationships grew, and now they are wonderful, contributing adults to society, all of them, and I am so very proud of them.  They are the best things I've ever done!

I've had issues with anger, co-dependency, drug addiction, shop-a-holism, abandonment issues, and sexual abuse and I'm just now finding CR?  Where have I been?  I was fallen away from God, in complete denial that I needed any help at all, and let my pride lead me by the nose out of the church I have always belonged in.  

I was so powerless to stop the merry go round that I decided that I would give it a try, but now, the closer to the next meeting I get, the more anxious I become about what to say?  I probably don't have to speak until I'm ready to, but boy, it's a big step!  "Everyone will know all of your secrets..."  the devil whispers...trying to get me to quit already, but God's hold over me is much stronger than his, so I'm looking forward to this week's meeting so that I can learn more.  I may not speak in open share right away, which is really a big deal for me cause I can never seem to keep my mouth shut, but there is just so much shame in me, that I'm actually frightened to open my mouth at all.  I'm sure that feeling will fade with time, so I'm not worried.  I just have to stick with it and not give up!  

The best part of my first visit last week, was running into friends I've known for years.  It was a relief to see them!  It's always good to see a friendly face, but especially when you're afraid?  Does that make sense?  I was excited to go, and after learning what the group is about, and the behavior expected, and how we are supposed to introduce ourselves, etc., I've gotten a sense of foreboding that I'll say or do the wrong thing?  I'm not even sure how to present myself, "Hello my name is _______ and I struggle with ________________."  

There is so much "awful"  from the past, that I had no idea how badly it all affected my life.  Now I don't know which words to use quite yet and that frightens me, but I know if God is with me, nobody can be against me, so I'm going to go back.

Like I said, it is all still new to me, and being someone who has known the bible for a lot of years, taught Sunday School, been an Awana Leader, been a counselor to teens, led High School Sunday School classes, sung in the choir, been in praise teams, etc., etc.,  (works works works), I never realized how much our past can affect us!  

The best part is that you don't have to be an addict to join Celebrate Recovery!  You may just have a few hangups in your life.  Some of us, like me struggle with perfectionism, or even an approval addiction.  That's going to be the most difficult one to overcome.  I've been looking for approval my whole life, but never felt that I ever got it.

So?  Here I go!  Tomorrow night will be my 2nd meeting, and I'll be going to "Open Share," for the first time, which has me scared.  I doubt I will open up at all. I'm afraid I won't say the right things, and the shame that I have developed over the years, has me scared to open my mouth at all, but the good thing is I don't have to share if I don't want to.  

My shame is still so present, that I know it's planted.  But not by God.  By the adversary, "who roams about looking for whom he may devour," (1 Peter 5:8).  My life has become unmanageable and I had to do this, or God wouldn't be able to use me!  I have to be healed, and learn to love myself before I can love anyone else, or be loved and accept for who I am on the inside. 

It's true, I have a lot of work to do, but at least I'm able to admit that I need help.  I wasn't able to do that before, but that was because of my pride, and the denial that has been there for so many years.  Some of the things that have happened to me are pretty awful, but God was always there, making sure that awful didn't turn into horrible or worse.  He was always there protecting me, totally in control, and someday, I know I will find my true purpose in life, and be able to follow God's path for my life without any doubt that I am in the right place, doing the right things.

If you have questions about Celebrate Recovery, go to Celebrate Recovery Info and find a local church in your community where they offer CR and then join.  It may frighten you a little at first, like it does me, but God has a plan!  He always does!  

Like "Canton Junction," sings, "I wouldn't trade nothin for my journey now," because God has always been in control!  Just remember, you are a Child of God, and He wants His best and most abundant life for you!  He loves you so much, that He took your sins and mine upon Himself, once for all, so believe in that!  Past, present and future, Jesus paid it all already!  Just have a little faith!  You can overcome the worst possible odds, and be fully healed of your past, because nothing is impossible with God!  (Luke 1:47).

I'm hoping that this process will help me to become more like Christ and start to begin to live for Him more fully.  The minute you admit that you need God's help, confess your sins to him and repent of them, the devil no longer has any power over you!  

Yeah, the snake might toss a chair in my way once in awhile so that I trip and fall, but I'm going to get back up each time, knowing that God is in control.

Then?  I'll just look to the cross and say, "Thank you Jesus."