James got a call from Ethan's GI doc on Monday. He said Ethan has mild to moderate reflux. We are to just keep doing what we are doing with his meds (he is on a pretty good dose of Prevacid), but unless the pulminologist found anything, we shouldn't have to do more.
Well, James got a call from the pulminologist Tuesday. They found that Ethan has food particles in his lungs. So, they want to do a swallow test to see if he is swallowing correctly. If he isn't swallowing correctly, then we will go from there. If he is swallowing correctly and the food in his lungs is from reflux, then we have an issue. The doctor told James that if it is reflux, we most likely would have to do surgery to get his reflux calmed down so his asthma isn't caused by the reflux. (does that make sense?) Probably not, but a lot of this doesn't to me right now. I am determined not to let him go through a surgery without for sure knowing that we can't control it any other way. If I have to, I will get a 2nd or maybe even 3rd opinion.
I just don't want to have to put my baby through any more. :( I hate this! I hate that he got sick. I hate that he lost weight and the Dr was so concerned. I hate that we had to do the procedure two weeks ago. And now this. Prayers are greatly appreciated right now. I want Ethan to be able to thrive and grow and be just like any other little boy. If this is what we have to do to get there, so be it, but don't think that I won't fight tooth and nail to keep him from having to have surgery!!
Showing posts with label frustration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frustration. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Eventful week... well... maybe
So, James and I started sleep training the boys tonight! Oh boy, was it rough for the first night. We have decided to put them all in their room (instead of Ethan in our room in the bassinett). We actually only had to soothe them each once (which for some people is awesome) but we had about 30-45 minutes of non-stop screaming before we put them down. They were extremely unhappy tonight for no reason. Hopefully that goes away soon.
We are going to try and soothe both Alex and Grant if they wake in the middle of the night. Ethan is still a bit too "young" (adjusted wise) to be able to not feed him if he wakes up. So, we'll see how this goes.
We WILL make it through.
We have also decided that they are not getting enough structure, so I have created a schedule for when each boy eats, sleeps, and plays. If they are not eating or sleeping, they are on the floor playing on their tummy or under a floor toy, or they are in some interactive toy playing and LEARNING. Our boys are behind developementally, so we need to get to working on their skills. It will be hard, but we can do it.
This whole thing is going to be hard, but like my sister said when I told her I was having triplets - "It will be the HARDEST thing you have EVER done!" I will never DOUBT her again!! This truely is the hardest thing I have ever done, and I know it will get harder and easier all at the same time! So is life!
Let me know of any suggestions you have for ideas to get them to sleep better at night. (Btw, Grant is sleeping through the night, but Alex is waking up, and so is Ethan.)
We are going to try and soothe both Alex and Grant if they wake in the middle of the night. Ethan is still a bit too "young" (adjusted wise) to be able to not feed him if he wakes up. So, we'll see how this goes.
We WILL make it through.
We have also decided that they are not getting enough structure, so I have created a schedule for when each boy eats, sleeps, and plays. If they are not eating or sleeping, they are on the floor playing on their tummy or under a floor toy, or they are in some interactive toy playing and LEARNING. Our boys are behind developementally, so we need to get to working on their skills. It will be hard, but we can do it.
This whole thing is going to be hard, but like my sister said when I told her I was having triplets - "It will be the HARDEST thing you have EVER done!" I will never DOUBT her again!! This truely is the hardest thing I have ever done, and I know it will get harder and easier all at the same time! So is life!
Let me know of any suggestions you have for ideas to get them to sleep better at night. (Btw, Grant is sleeping through the night, but Alex is waking up, and so is Ethan.)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
My BIGGEST pet peeve!! (seriously people, DONT DO THIS)
Every time I go out in public with the boys I get the question,
"So, are they natural?" or "Did you have help?" (getting pregnant), or some other various degrees of people prying into my bedroom trying to find out if I am like the OCTO-MOM.
Seriously, if you see someone with multiples, just assume they are natural. If the person wants you to know that they used fertility treatments, they will let you know. You DO NOT have to ask.
So, lately, my response to those questions have been "yes, they are natural." All babies are NATURAL!! That is all I have to say. Yes, I may have had to have a bit of help, but who cares. We have three blessings from God. Who cares if we had help or not!??!
WHAT IS AN ARTIFICIAL TRIPLET ANYWAY???
Btw, I want this shirt (http://www.cafepress.com/pyjammy.399027340) Go take a look at it, and read the back of it.
"So, are they natural?" or "Did you have help?" (getting pregnant), or some other various degrees of people prying into my bedroom trying to find out if I am like the OCTO-MOM.
Seriously, if you see someone with multiples, just assume they are natural. If the person wants you to know that they used fertility treatments, they will let you know. You DO NOT have to ask.
So, lately, my response to those questions have been "yes, they are natural." All babies are NATURAL!! That is all I have to say. Yes, I may have had to have a bit of help, but who cares. We have three blessings from God. Who cares if we had help or not!??!
WHAT IS AN ARTIFICIAL TRIPLET ANYWAY???
Btw, I want this shirt (http://www.cafepress.com/pyjammy.399027340) Go take a look at it, and read the back of it.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Robes or No Robes... What do you think?
When you walk into a church, do you pay attention to what the pastor and/or choir is wearing? Do you care if they are wearing robes or not? Is it important for you to have a church that has leaders wearing robes, or is that too much "pomp" for you?We are having this debate in my church right now, and it is part of this "dreadful change" that is inevitable in every church... or is it?
Please let me know what your thoughts on robes in a church are. I want to hear from as many people as possible (especially on choirs wearing robes.)
I won't tell you my opinion yet... I want to hear what you have to say about it.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
(4th posts today) Update on my weekend!!
So, I went to Gillette on Thursday night. I had to go pick up Jet from my aunt and uncle's house. He stayed there over Labor day while James and I were in ND. I was also recruited by Marie to work (aka score) the high school volleyball tournament that was held there all weekend.
It was interesting. I must say that volleyball confuses me! When I learned how to play you had 6 people on the court and you rotated depending on side-outs and servers. If you wanted to, you could sub players in. Nowadays they have something that is called a "libero." I dont even know if I can explain what they do, other than run in and out like a sub, except you don't count it like a sub, and they can only go in for one person, and if they serve, they can only serve in that spot. It is extremely confusing! As a scorer you have to mark down everything they do and every time they go in and who they go in for, along with doing the regular subs and keeping track of side-outs and score!
I did that for 2 days!! Friday I got there at 8:00 am and didn't leave till 7:30 am. I had scored 12 games. 6 JV games (which are 2 matches a piece) and 6 Varsity games (best out of 3 matches- or games... i am never sure on which is which). Then on Saturday I got there at 8:30 am and left at 3. I had to drive back here to Denver that night. That was a LONG day. But Jet is back home and we are all good.
It was good to see my parents, Marie, and I got to see my friend Jami who is pregnant. (brandonandjamicone.blogspot.com). It was a quick trip, and I wish I could have gotten to see more people, but I had to be home for church on Sunday. I had to lead the praise songs and read scripture.
On Sunday we helped our friends move into their new house, behind our house. It was fun, and really not that hard. I usually hate moving myself, but I don't mind helping others move. I guess it is that I don't have to worry about putting stuff away!
Ok, so this is long enough... I'll let you read my other posts for today, so scroll down to find them! :o) I hope you are having a wonderful day!!
It was interesting. I must say that volleyball confuses me! When I learned how to play you had 6 people on the court and you rotated depending on side-outs and servers. If you wanted to, you could sub players in. Nowadays they have something that is called a "libero." I dont even know if I can explain what they do, other than run in and out like a sub, except you don't count it like a sub, and they can only go in for one person, and if they serve, they can only serve in that spot. It is extremely confusing! As a scorer you have to mark down everything they do and every time they go in and who they go in for, along with doing the regular subs and keeping track of side-outs and score!
I did that for 2 days!! Friday I got there at 8:00 am and didn't leave till 7:30 am. I had scored 12 games. 6 JV games (which are 2 matches a piece) and 6 Varsity games (best out of 3 matches- or games... i am never sure on which is which). Then on Saturday I got there at 8:30 am and left at 3. I had to drive back here to Denver that night. That was a LONG day. But Jet is back home and we are all good.
It was good to see my parents, Marie, and I got to see my friend Jami who is pregnant. (brandonandjamicone.blogspot.com). It was a quick trip, and I wish I could have gotten to see more people, but I had to be home for church on Sunday. I had to lead the praise songs and read scripture.
On Sunday we helped our friends move into their new house, behind our house. It was fun, and really not that hard. I usually hate moving myself, but I don't mind helping others move. I guess it is that I don't have to worry about putting stuff away!
Ok, so this is long enough... I'll let you read my other posts for today, so scroll down to find them! :o) I hope you are having a wonderful day!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
2 down... who knows how many more to go!
Yes, the heading means 2 mice!
When I got home last night at 7:30 James and I immediatly went to Home Depot to get some mouse traps. We got home and got to setting them and realized that there was a lot more evidence of more than 1 rodent. So, at 10:00 we went to Walmart and got a few more traps.
We now have poisen set out, the traditional traps, and some sticky traps. So far, the sticky traps are working the best. (By the way, the poisen is out of reach for Jet.)
Once we finished putting the traps out at 11:00 
pm, we sat down to watch the news after the Olympics. As we were sitting here we heard this sound of plastic on plastic! Weird sound, but then Jet looked into the kitchen and we realized we had caught one!!! YESSSSS!!!!!!! It had come out from behind the dishwasher, the only appliance/furniture we hadn't moved.
pm, we sat down to watch the news after the Olympics. As we were sitting here we heard this sound of plastic on plastic! Weird sound, but then Jet looked into the kitchen and we realized we had caught one!!! YESSSSS!!!!!!! It had come out from behind the dishwasher, the only appliance/furniture we hadn't moved.James disposed of it and we went to bed. I slept very very well. I guess when James was getting ready for work this morning he went into the kitchen and the sticky pad we had replaced had another mouse on it!! HOW EXCITING!!!! It is working.
Ok, so it is kinda disgusting, but it is working. We are leaving the traps for a while to make sure that we don't get any more.
I think I figured out why all of the sudden we have mice. We have a fire pit in the backyard and about a month ago my brother brought a bunch of wood down to us. Well, I have seen a couple of mice hiding out in the woodpile, and that was the first time I had seen mice around here. So I am sure that is why we have them. They came inside-possibly through the dog door- but we are going to look for a hole behind the dishwasher.
So that is my update.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I thought my week couldn't get any worse.... well guess what...
IT DID!!!
Not only has my week just gone more wrong than any other, I thought it was over. I got my tooth filled yesterday and scheduled a regular appointment with the dentist.
I had a wonderful day yesterday. I didn't go to work like I had planned because our server was down and so was the internet at work. My boss called me after my appointment and told me not to worry about coming in to work. OK!
I cleaned the house (or so I thought!!! more later), vacuumed, clean the kitchen, then went grocery shopping, made brownies, made dinner, taught piano, then went to the store with my wonderful hubby!
We came home from the store and crashed on the couch to watch the Olympics. We finished watching the Women's Beach Volleyball Gold Medal round (YEAH USA!!!) and got up to go to bed upstairs. I had to get a glass of water to take my meds so I walked over and grabbed a glass, filled it with ice, and saw this little shadow on the floor go by my feet.
HMMM.... was it Jet? No, he was in the living room. Was it my hand? The angle of the light wasn't right. Surely it wasn't a mouse. The space where I thought I saw it going was WAY too small for a mouse!
ZIP... (blood curdling scream).... (James!!! JAmes!! JAMes!!! JAMEs!!!!!!! JAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)..... I jump on the ottoman and cannot move for fear of my life!......
From one of the smallest creatures on the planet!!!
We have a mouse in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!! WHY?? WHY???
James came running down the stairs and I could hardly get the words out. "We have a mouse...... un..... un.... under.... under there...."
"Where?"
"There!"
"You have to tell me where "there" is. Where?"
She points to the dishwasher.
"Under the dishwasher? A mouse can't get under the dishwasher," he says as if I have seen a something I haven't. "It could be a cockroach!"
"EWWWWWWWWWWWW. Just get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care what it is.... just get it!!!!!!! EWWWWW..." as tears start rolling down my cheeks.
Of course, this is the first time we have even thought about the possibility of having a mouse in the house so we don't have traps or anything. We do have wasps in the backyard though, so James grabs the wasp spray and sprays it under the dishwasher!
He is about as jumpy as I was. He goes looking for the flashlight and I am watching him, then Jet decides that he is going to pounce on my pile of clothes ready for the laundry. I guess the mouse got out and went either into the pile or behind the buffet! ARG.... I am still standing on the ottoman!
"Please get it James, or Jet!"
So James turns on the flashlight to look behind the buffet!
So much for Jet finding the mouse! He is more interested in chasing the light from the flashlight! I think, "why did we have to teach him that?"
James looks around the house for droppings or anything that would tell us it was a mouse and he found a piece of food that Jet had not eaten that had a bunch of little nibble marks on it! Yep... its a mouse!!! EWWW!
After about 30 minutes of me cowering on the ottoman, James finally convinces me to go upstairs. I run from the ottoman to the stairs. James never found the mouse, so we are getting traps tonight to get it!! I just don't know if I can walk around my house barefooted till we get it.
EWWWWWW!!! I know God has a sense of humor, I just know He was laughing so hard last night!
Moral of the story: Never ask what else can go wrong!
Not only has my week just gone more wrong than any other, I thought it was over. I got my tooth filled yesterday and scheduled a regular appointment with the dentist.
I had a wonderful day yesterday. I didn't go to work like I had planned because our server was down and so was the internet at work. My boss called me after my appointment and told me not to worry about coming in to work. OK!
I cleaned the house (or so I thought!!! more later), vacuumed, clean the kitchen, then went grocery shopping, made brownies, made dinner, taught piano, then went to the store with my wonderful hubby!
We came home from the store and crashed on the couch to watch the Olympics. We finished watching the Women's Beach Volleyball Gold Medal round (YEAH USA!!!) and got up to go to bed upstairs. I had to get a glass of water to take my meds so I walked over and grabbed a glass, filled it with ice, and saw this little shadow on the floor go by my feet.
HMMM.... was it Jet? No, he was in the living room. Was it my hand? The angle of the light wasn't right. Surely it wasn't a mouse. The space where I thought I saw it going was WAY too small for a mouse!
ZIP... (blood curdling scream).... (James!!! JAmes!! JAMes!!! JAMEs!!!!!!! JAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)..... I jump on the ottoman and cannot move for fear of my life!......
From one of the smallest creatures on the planet!!!
We have a mouse in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!! WHY?? WHY???
James came running down the stairs and I could hardly get the words out. "We have a mouse...... un..... un.... under.... under there...."
"Where?"
"There!"
"You have to tell me where "there" is. Where?"
She points to the dishwasher.
"Under the dishwasher? A mouse can't get under the dishwasher," he says as if I have seen a something I haven't. "It could be a cockroach!"
"EWWWWWWWWWWWW. Just get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care what it is.... just get it!!!!!!! EWWWWW..." as tears start rolling down my cheeks.
Of course, this is the first time we have even thought about the possibility of having a mouse in the house so we don't have traps or anything. We do have wasps in the backyard though, so James grabs the wasp spray and sprays it under the dishwasher!
He is about as jumpy as I was. He goes looking for the flashlight and I am watching him, then Jet decides that he is going to pounce on my pile of clothes ready for the laundry. I guess the mouse got out and went either into the pile or behind the buffet! ARG.... I am still standing on the ottoman!
"Please get it James, or Jet!"
So James turns on the flashlight to look behind the buffet!
So much for Jet finding the mouse! He is more interested in chasing the light from the flashlight! I think, "why did we have to teach him that?"
James looks around the house for droppings or anything that would tell us it was a mouse and he found a piece of food that Jet had not eaten that had a bunch of little nibble marks on it! Yep... its a mouse!!! EWWW!
After about 30 minutes of me cowering on the ottoman, James finally convinces me to go upstairs. I run from the ottoman to the stairs. James never found the mouse, so we are getting traps tonight to get it!! I just don't know if I can walk around my house barefooted till we get it.
EWWWWWW!!! I know God has a sense of humor, I just know He was laughing so hard last night!
Moral of the story: Never ask what else can go wrong!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hole in my tooth!!!!
Arg... as if this week couldn't get any worse! I was sitting in a meeting and my tongue was moving around my mouth. I felt this thing on the back of my last tooth on the top right of my mouth. So, checking it out with my tongue, I pulled a chunk of something out of my mouth.
It was a chunk of my tooth!
At first I thought it was a peice of food, but it was way too hard. I then put my tongue back there again and felt this huge (about the size of a pencil eraser!) hole!
I must confess- I have been procrastinating going to the dentist since James and I moved to Denver! I know... ewww.. yuck... bad, bad girl! We have been meaning to go (I actually love going to the dentist) but we just didn't know where to start looking. Well, now I am forced to go! I suppose its a good thing.
It just makes me sick to think I have a HOLE in my tooth! Yuck! I haven't tried to eat anything yet cause I dont want it to hurt or for something to get stuck in it! (EWWWWWWW) Ok... I'll stop grossing everyone out!
It was a chunk of my tooth!
At first I thought it was a peice of food, but it was way too hard. I then put my tongue back there again and felt this huge (about the size of a pencil eraser!) hole!
I must confess- I have been procrastinating going to the dentist since James and I moved to Denver! I know... ewww.. yuck... bad, bad girl! We have been meaning to go (I actually love going to the dentist) but we just didn't know where to start looking. Well, now I am forced to go! I suppose its a good thing.
It just makes me sick to think I have a HOLE in my tooth! Yuck! I haven't tried to eat anything yet cause I dont want it to hurt or for something to get stuck in it! (EWWWWWWW) Ok... I'll stop grossing everyone out!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I think American's are getting ripped off in gymnastics!!
I just watched the women's gymnastics individual vault and I believe that Alicia Sacramone was jipped out of the bronze medal! The Chinese girl should not have gotten the bronze with her fall!! I really think that the US women are judged more "harsh" than any others and that the Chinese were putting pressure on the judges to make the Chinese women in every medal event as much as possible. Frustrating. Just thought I would vent!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Update on Sunday School
So, we went to Sunday school this past Sunday. James wasn't going to go, but the church announced our pastor candidate last week and he felt he needed to be there in case there were questions. Well, we went.
The discussion started out standard, with the opinion that we need to love everyone and that God loves every one! I agreed. However, the discussion started to peak up when someone suggested that we do not need to "evangelize." We should not try and convert people to Christianity. I sat and listened for a while. Trying to get a grip on what I wanted to say. But James jumped in first. He asked the people what they felt about Missionaries. The person said that if a missionary is going out to help build houses and help people that way, but if they are going to try and convert people, then they should not go!
WHAT?????!!!!!!??????
Ok, so I had to sit and listen for a while longer to understand where the person was coming from. They still didn't make sense, but I let a couple of others (including James) argue.
Then the topic of universalist vs. dualist views came up. Here is my understanding of them both. As a universalist, a person believes that all people go to Heaven, no matter what. A dualist believes that there is Heaven and Hell and that only those "saved" will go to Heaven. Everyone else is condemned to Hell. (As you have probably guessed, I am a dualist, and may in our class are universalists).
So, going back to the topic of living our lives as good people (from a previous post), a bunch of people in class started saying that the dualist view is a "FUNDAMENTALIST" view! (Am I a fundamentalist? Seriously?) I had to sit there and gawk. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Just because I believed what the Bible taught, meant that James, a couple of others in the class, and I are all fundamentalists. Oh boy. Do we have our work cut out for us!
Well, I finally had to speak up! I said that being a dualist is NOT bad. I am not a fundamentalist. Just because I believe that some people are going to Heaven and some people are going to Hell does not mean that I do not try and love every one of my neighbors (i.e. everyone I come into contact with.) Granted, I do not know what God is thinking, or do I even have a small incling of His power. All I know is that I need to follow the Bible and what it directs me to do with my life.
Now that I said that, we got back on to the topic of missionaries and conversion. (For some reason there are a couple of words that some people in the class think are "bad words." They are conversion, evangelical, evangelize--any of those--, fundamental, and a couple of others I can think of right now.) Anyway, the couple of people said that they don't think they need to worry about where people go when they die. They are just going to live good lives and if those people want to know, then they will tell them, but they don't care about converting them.
I then said, well, if you are going to live a "good life" you need to live it intentionally. You need to live with the intent to lead people to Christ, because that is what the Bible says to do. Matthew 28:16-20
I laid it out this way. We are called by God to believe in Christ. Christ calls us to live a life centered on Him. We, therefore, try to live as much of a good life as possible, so people will see that we are authintic, so they can wonder why, and then they will ask, and then they will want to know Christ! Does that make sense??
I think I got my point across, and I was backed up by a few people. I tried to agree to disagree with these people, but it is very hard for me to do, when I know I have been called by Christ to "Make disciples of all nations."
I had to leave before the class was over (because of choir), but I wasn't overly frustrated. I actually didn't leave with high blood pressure, but I did speak my mind, so did James. I am still concerned for a few people and for this class, but all we can do is keep working at it and keep praying that God will use us
The discussion started out standard, with the opinion that we need to love everyone and that God loves every one! I agreed. However, the discussion started to peak up when someone suggested that we do not need to "evangelize." We should not try and convert people to Christianity. I sat and listened for a while. Trying to get a grip on what I wanted to say. But James jumped in first. He asked the people what they felt about Missionaries. The person said that if a missionary is going out to help build houses and help people that way, but if they are going to try and convert people, then they should not go!
WHAT?????!!!!!!??????
Ok, so I had to sit and listen for a while longer to understand where the person was coming from. They still didn't make sense, but I let a couple of others (including James) argue.
Then the topic of universalist vs. dualist views came up. Here is my understanding of them both. As a universalist, a person believes that all people go to Heaven, no matter what. A dualist believes that there is Heaven and Hell and that only those "saved" will go to Heaven. Everyone else is condemned to Hell. (As you have probably guessed, I am a dualist, and may in our class are universalists).
So, going back to the topic of living our lives as good people (from a previous post), a bunch of people in class started saying that the dualist view is a "FUNDAMENTALIST" view! (Am I a fundamentalist? Seriously?) I had to sit there and gawk. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Just because I believed what the Bible taught, meant that James, a couple of others in the class, and I are all fundamentalists. Oh boy. Do we have our work cut out for us!
Well, I finally had to speak up! I said that being a dualist is NOT bad. I am not a fundamentalist. Just because I believe that some people are going to Heaven and some people are going to Hell does not mean that I do not try and love every one of my neighbors (i.e. everyone I come into contact with.) Granted, I do not know what God is thinking, or do I even have a small incling of His power. All I know is that I need to follow the Bible and what it directs me to do with my life.
Now that I said that, we got back on to the topic of missionaries and conversion. (For some reason there are a couple of words that some people in the class think are "bad words." They are conversion, evangelical, evangelize--any of those--, fundamental, and a couple of others I can think of right now.) Anyway, the couple of people said that they don't think they need to worry about where people go when they die. They are just going to live good lives and if those people want to know, then they will tell them, but they don't care about converting them.
I then said, well, if you are going to live a "good life" you need to live it intentionally. You need to live with the intent to lead people to Christ, because that is what the Bible says to do. Matthew 28:16-20
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had
directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And
Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the
end of the age."
I laid it out this way. We are called by God to believe in Christ. Christ calls us to live a life centered on Him. We, therefore, try to live as much of a good life as possible, so people will see that we are authintic, so they can wonder why, and then they will ask, and then they will want to know Christ! Does that make sense??
I think I got my point across, and I was backed up by a few people. I tried to agree to disagree with these people, but it is very hard for me to do, when I know I have been called by Christ to "Make disciples of all nations."
I had to leave before the class was over (because of choir), but I wasn't overly frustrated. I actually didn't leave with high blood pressure, but I did speak my mind, so did James. I am still concerned for a few people and for this class, but all we can do is keep working at it and keep praying that God will use us
Monday, May 12, 2008
Dead cell phone...
So, I didn't know where my phone was all day and I decided to do some laundry. I had some laundry left in the washing machine & dryer from yesterday. So I unloaded the dryer, and put the stuff from the wash into the dryer and what would you know. My cell phone was laying there at the bottom of the washing machine. It is completely dead. I dont know if I can salvage it. Luckily, James just got a new cell phone so his old one is available if I have to have a new one. I just have lost all my pictures and rings. However, James did sign me up for an automatic backup to the Verizon website (I highly recommend doing it if you have Verizon), so I still have my numbers. I don't know when I will get my phone back. So if you need to get ahold of me, call my house phone or James' cell. You who need to get ahold of me know those numbers already ;-).
I have an update on Sunday school coming soon. I just have to word it right!
I have an update on Sunday school coming soon. I just have to word it right!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Heaven vs. Hell via Oprah... I can't believe this...
This relates to my post below. It is a must see. I cannot support this idea, nor can I support Oprah anymore because of this.
Update on Heaven & Hell vs nothing??
Sorry, this is a bit of rant/rave, but it gets better towards the end. I promise!
Sunday James and I decided to attend Sunday School (well, I told James we were going to attend.) Anyway, they were continuing to talk about the book, If God is Love (I'm going to refer to it as IGL). So, the class started out fine. Somehow they veered off onto the topic of politics, but eventually came back. I just sat and listened to the conversation for the right time to chime in. I am not sure what sparked me to start speaking, but I rebutted someone by saying something along the lines of "how can every person go to heaven if there are no consequences to actions?" James then chimed in and we started to say that belief in Christ is the only way to Heaven.
Oh no, though, that was not good enough! THE BOOK (IGL... not the Bible mind you) says that Christ isn't the ONLY way! WHAT???!!!!???? (it gets better) In the book IGL the author points out that the Bible says that Christ contradicts Himself in Luke and John as to the way of Salvation! WHAT!!!????!??!??!? I asked them to read me the passage in the book again...
Luke 10:25-28 is what they quoted. "On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
Then they quoted John 3:16 (but i'll expand it to 3:10-21) "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Ok... granted... I can see the assumed contradiction here. But a person has to read these two passages in different contexts and with a mind of faith. The Luke passage says to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." Ok... I can do that! But the Lord, MY GOD, includes the TRINITY. Therefore, Christ, is my God. (He is not the Father, but He is the Son, the Savior!!) Jesus stated that He is the only way to Heaven. John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
When Christ stated that we should follow the law of "Loving God and loving our neighbors" he did not say not to believe in Him. Loving God includes believing that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, so we may have eternal life to be with our Father in Heaven and worship Him FOREVER! What is your opinion on this "contradiction controversy?"
I wish I could speak as well or as much as I can write, and have enough time to express what I want to say. But alas, speaking when I am frustrated is a stumbling block for me. I tried to say these things, but I was interrupted and shot down fairly quickly.
The next conundrum that came up, was "If God doesn't let everyone in to Heaven, how can He disown his own children?" The example that was gave was this... If you were a parent, could you end your relationship with your child for doing something wrong? A bunch of people around the room piped in and said that they couldn't and therefore, how could God. I, then opened my big mouth! I said, "Then you mean to tell me, that if your child kicks, punches you, verbally abuses you, and spits on you every single day, you would not tell that child to stop? And if they didn't stop, once you have told them to stop consistently, you wouldn't have to remove yourself from that toxic relationship? You could still love that child, but you don't have to accept their actions."
Oh man, that seemed to set a couple of people off. I had to admit that I couldn't be sure I could do it, but most likely I would be able to. My theory is, you can still love that child, and not accept their actions. They can "repent" (keyword) and say they are sorry and follow in the rules of the house, and then I would have a relationship with them. But if they never repented, I could not say that I could ever have a relationship with them.
The thing is God is so much more than we are. I am sure He does not like the sins we do every single day! That is why He tells us to repent, believe, and then we can have eternal life with Him.
Some in the class did admit that they could not say one way or the other if they would do that with their children, but some in the class said they would never do that. I just didn't know how to respond. What is your response? What would you do? I know that we have no idea what God would do, but what do you think about what you have been taught about God and what He would do?
So, one other topic that was brought up was the fact that there are a lot of people out there that live very "righteous" (not in a Christian way) lives. One example given was, this person has this great friend who is Buddhist. This friend has taught this person more about spirituality than this person has learned in many years of going to church.
I did not have any comment at the time, but I came up with something during church. (I truly was listening, but something the pastor said made me think of a point I wanted to make.) I wrote down my comment on an insert in our bulletin. I said that, I don't care about what other people think and teach on their way to "eternal whatever." Some people may be good, and may do good things, but our works are not what grant us eternal life! Our believe in God, and that God sent Jesus, His son, to die on the cross so we have eternal life, is the basis of OUR/MY faith. If every person has eternal life, what are we here for? Why is there the church? Didn't Christ tell us to "go and make disciples of all nations?" (Matt. 28:19). If everyone is to go to Heaven, then why would have God sent Jesus to earth? If everyone, and anyone can go to Heaven, Jesus' death was in vain.
Needless to say, I am very passionate about this subject! I do believe that God can make exceptions in any case He wants to. But, I do think that we need to follow the WORD OF GOD, and therefore we do not have to count on God making an exception for us. God created us to live our lives in love. That was stated over and over again in this class. I MUST agree with that. But I have to say, I can love, God can love, but we do not have to accept actions for which God has said are evil/bad/wrong.
Which brings me to my next point. (I know this is long, but I need to get this out.) A couple of people in the class asked the question "What is wrong? How can we, since we are not God, know what is wrong?" James brought up the 10 Commandments! These things are WRONG. (This is what Exodus 20:1-17 says)
I believe that doing those things are wrong. Do you? These are the guides to figure out what is wrong and what is right in God's eyes. Am I correct in that assumption?
Now there are a lot of things that individual churches/denominations have declared wrong, that may not be wrong in other churches/denominations. I think this is where LOVE comes in. I may believe that something someone is doing is wrong, and they may think it is right. We both may have scripture to back up our views. I do not have to agree with that person that they are right, but I do HAVE to love that person! God is the one who judges. I have been called not to judge. (See Matthew 7:1-5) All I can do for the person I disagree with is share my perspective, let them share theirs, listen, love, and pray that God's will is done in my heart and in that persons heart!
We are called to love God and our neighbors. We are also called to do so much more.
I want to ask you, do you believe in Christ? Do you believe God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for YOU? If you do, I pray that you are preaching and teaching to as many souls as you can reach.
If this is the first time you have heard of Christ, knowing more is easy. Ask God to open your heart and your mind to His word. Ask Christ to come into your heart and seek Him out. Get yourself a Bible and read it. Find a church where you can express your beliefs, and yet be challenged to find the truth in the Word.
I know this took a quirky turn towards the end, but I know there is some reason for this. Some reason for the questions. I am being tested so my faith can become stronger!
By the way, I found all my Bible quotes at http://www.biblegateway.com/. I also found some references in the Bible about Hell and the Devil... Hell (Luke 16:23; Matt 5:22,29, 30; Mark 9:43,45,47; 2Peter 2:4) Devil/Satan (Job [throughout the book]; Zach. 3:1; Luke 4:1-13; Matt 13:39; John 6:70 & 13:27; 2 Thes 2:9; 1 Tim 5:15; Rev. 12:9)
Let me know what you think.... Leave a comment or email me. Thanks.
Sunday James and I decided to attend Sunday School (well, I told James we were going to attend.) Anyway, they were continuing to talk about the book, If God is Love (I'm going to refer to it as IGL). So, the class started out fine. Somehow they veered off onto the topic of politics, but eventually came back. I just sat and listened to the conversation for the right time to chime in. I am not sure what sparked me to start speaking, but I rebutted someone by saying something along the lines of "how can every person go to heaven if there are no consequences to actions?" James then chimed in and we started to say that belief in Christ is the only way to Heaven.
Oh no, though, that was not good enough! THE BOOK (IGL... not the Bible mind you) says that Christ isn't the ONLY way! WHAT???!!!!???? (it gets better) In the book IGL the author points out that the Bible says that Christ contradicts Himself in Luke and John as to the way of Salvation! WHAT!!!????!??!??!? I asked them to read me the passage in the book again...
Luke 10:25-28 is what they quoted. "On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
Then they quoted John 3:16 (but i'll expand it to 3:10-21) "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Ok... granted... I can see the assumed contradiction here. But a person has to read these two passages in different contexts and with a mind of faith. The Luke passage says to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." Ok... I can do that! But the Lord, MY GOD, includes the TRINITY. Therefore, Christ, is my God. (He is not the Father, but He is the Son, the Savior!!) Jesus stated that He is the only way to Heaven. John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
When Christ stated that we should follow the law of "Loving God and loving our neighbors" he did not say not to believe in Him. Loving God includes believing that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, so we may have eternal life to be with our Father in Heaven and worship Him FOREVER! What is your opinion on this "contradiction controversy?"
I wish I could speak as well or as much as I can write, and have enough time to express what I want to say. But alas, speaking when I am frustrated is a stumbling block for me. I tried to say these things, but I was interrupted and shot down fairly quickly.
The next conundrum that came up, was "If God doesn't let everyone in to Heaven, how can He disown his own children?" The example that was gave was this... If you were a parent, could you end your relationship with your child for doing something wrong? A bunch of people around the room piped in and said that they couldn't and therefore, how could God. I, then opened my big mouth! I said, "Then you mean to tell me, that if your child kicks, punches you, verbally abuses you, and spits on you every single day, you would not tell that child to stop? And if they didn't stop, once you have told them to stop consistently, you wouldn't have to remove yourself from that toxic relationship? You could still love that child, but you don't have to accept their actions."
Oh man, that seemed to set a couple of people off. I had to admit that I couldn't be sure I could do it, but most likely I would be able to. My theory is, you can still love that child, and not accept their actions. They can "repent" (keyword) and say they are sorry and follow in the rules of the house, and then I would have a relationship with them. But if they never repented, I could not say that I could ever have a relationship with them.
The thing is God is so much more than we are. I am sure He does not like the sins we do every single day! That is why He tells us to repent, believe, and then we can have eternal life with Him.
Some in the class did admit that they could not say one way or the other if they would do that with their children, but some in the class said they would never do that. I just didn't know how to respond. What is your response? What would you do? I know that we have no idea what God would do, but what do you think about what you have been taught about God and what He would do?
So, one other topic that was brought up was the fact that there are a lot of people out there that live very "righteous" (not in a Christian way) lives. One example given was, this person has this great friend who is Buddhist. This friend has taught this person more about spirituality than this person has learned in many years of going to church.
I did not have any comment at the time, but I came up with something during church. (I truly was listening, but something the pastor said made me think of a point I wanted to make.) I wrote down my comment on an insert in our bulletin. I said that, I don't care about what other people think and teach on their way to "eternal whatever." Some people may be good, and may do good things, but our works are not what grant us eternal life! Our believe in God, and that God sent Jesus, His son, to die on the cross so we have eternal life, is the basis of OUR/MY faith. If every person has eternal life, what are we here for? Why is there the church? Didn't Christ tell us to "go and make disciples of all nations?" (Matt. 28:19). If everyone is to go to Heaven, then why would have God sent Jesus to earth? If everyone, and anyone can go to Heaven, Jesus' death was in vain.
Needless to say, I am very passionate about this subject! I do believe that God can make exceptions in any case He wants to. But, I do think that we need to follow the WORD OF GOD, and therefore we do not have to count on God making an exception for us. God created us to live our lives in love. That was stated over and over again in this class. I MUST agree with that. But I have to say, I can love, God can love, but we do not have to accept actions for which God has said are evil/bad/wrong.
Which brings me to my next point. (I know this is long, but I need to get this out.) A couple of people in the class asked the question "What is wrong? How can we, since we are not God, know what is wrong?" James brought up the 10 Commandments! These things are WRONG. (This is what Exodus 20:1-17 says)
And God spoke all these words:
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
"You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand of those who love me and keep my commandments.
"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
"You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery.
"You shall not steal.
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
I believe that doing those things are wrong. Do you? These are the guides to figure out what is wrong and what is right in God's eyes. Am I correct in that assumption?
Now there are a lot of things that individual churches/denominations have declared wrong, that may not be wrong in other churches/denominations. I think this is where LOVE comes in. I may believe that something someone is doing is wrong, and they may think it is right. We both may have scripture to back up our views. I do not have to agree with that person that they are right, but I do HAVE to love that person! God is the one who judges. I have been called not to judge. (See Matthew 7:1-5) All I can do for the person I disagree with is share my perspective, let them share theirs, listen, love, and pray that God's will is done in my heart and in that persons heart!
We are called to love God and our neighbors. We are also called to do so much more.
I want to ask you, do you believe in Christ? Do you believe God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for YOU? If you do, I pray that you are preaching and teaching to as many souls as you can reach.
If this is the first time you have heard of Christ, knowing more is easy. Ask God to open your heart and your mind to His word. Ask Christ to come into your heart and seek Him out. Get yourself a Bible and read it. Find a church where you can express your beliefs, and yet be challenged to find the truth in the Word.
I know this took a quirky turn towards the end, but I know there is some reason for this. Some reason for the questions. I am being tested so my faith can become stronger!
By the way, I found all my Bible quotes at http://www.biblegateway.com/. I also found some references in the Bible about Hell and the Devil... Hell (Luke 16:23; Matt 5:22,29, 30; Mark 9:43,45,47; 2Peter 2:4) Devil/Satan (Job [throughout the book]; Zach. 3:1; Luke 4:1-13; Matt 13:39; John 6:70 & 13:27; 2 Thes 2:9; 1 Tim 5:15; Rev. 12:9)
Let me know what you think.... Leave a comment or email me. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Heaven & Hell... vs nothing??
So, my Sunday school class is doing a study on a book, that I can't remember the name of. Obviously I am not taking part very much. We haven't been but twice and I have not bought the book. Anyway, one Sunday morning they brought up the topic of Heaven and Hell.
I guess it was just by the way I was raised, but I have never questioned the fact that there is a Heaven and there is a Hell... with Satan! However, in part of this book, the author(I think), a pastor, stated that he does not believe in Hell or Satan. That struck me as very odd. How can that be? If there is no Hell and no Satan, what is the evil in this world? What keeps people from just doing whatever they want because they don't have to worry about the fires of Hell?
I know that the "lake of fire" is mentioned in Revelations. Satan tempted Christ. How can a person who is theologically trained on the Bible say that there is no Hell or Satan. (Also, our church does not sing any verses in any hymns or praise songs that make any mention of Satan, the devil, or Hell.)
To go along with this, the author (or the mentioned pastor) said that he believes that Christianity is not the "only" way to Heaven. (The whole premise of the book is God is Love... in fact that might be the title.) There were many in the class that believe this too, along with the no Hell/Satan thing. It is a very, very "progressive" or liberal class and I just cannot wrap my head around some of the things they talk about.
I am finding this somewhat frustrating. Can you help me with this? Let me know where there are mentioned in the Bible these topics: Satan, Hell, lake of fire, death (in relation to hell or something like that), and anything else that might be of relevance here. Also, let me know what your church's stance on this is. I'm just curious as to your opinions. Thanks.
I guess it was just by the way I was raised, but I have never questioned the fact that there is a Heaven and there is a Hell... with Satan! However, in part of this book, the author(I think), a pastor, stated that he does not believe in Hell or Satan. That struck me as very odd. How can that be? If there is no Hell and no Satan, what is the evil in this world? What keeps people from just doing whatever they want because they don't have to worry about the fires of Hell?
I know that the "lake of fire" is mentioned in Revelations. Satan tempted Christ. How can a person who is theologically trained on the Bible say that there is no Hell or Satan. (Also, our church does not sing any verses in any hymns or praise songs that make any mention of Satan, the devil, or Hell.)
To go along with this, the author (or the mentioned pastor) said that he believes that Christianity is not the "only" way to Heaven. (The whole premise of the book is God is Love... in fact that might be the title.) There were many in the class that believe this too, along with the no Hell/Satan thing. It is a very, very "progressive" or liberal class and I just cannot wrap my head around some of the things they talk about.
I am finding this somewhat frustrating. Can you help me with this? Let me know where there are mentioned in the Bible these topics: Satan, Hell, lake of fire, death (in relation to hell or something like that), and anything else that might be of relevance here. Also, let me know what your church's stance on this is. I'm just curious as to your opinions. Thanks.
Monday, March 31, 2008
3000 Calories!
So this past week I cancelled my subscription to Weight Watchers. I did not do the meeting thing and I did not keep up with the points very well. I have not been losing any weight for the past 4 months. I don't want to keep wasting the money. It is money we need for other things.
I started to track what I am eating and doing for exercise on this calorie counter online, that is free!!! It is my-calorie-counter.com (http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/calorie_counter.asp).
So anyway, I started that on Wednesday, the 26th. I put in everything I eat, any activity I do, weight, and measurements and it will do the calculations for me.
That said, I have had a VERY VERY BAD week/weekend. I averaged 2700 calories a day. NO WONDER I AM SO OVERWEIGHT!! I ate over 3000 calories a couple of days this week. (I didn't have my computer on at all until tonight so I didn't imput everything until now.) I can't believe it. It makes me so sick to think that I have been eating that much. I am very disapointed in myself too. I need to have a lot more self control.
So, here is my thinking. This thing also allows you to post your entries for the day as blog post. So I am going to be doing that from now on. If I don't get it posted that day, send me an email (those of you who know my email) or put a comment on one of my postings to let me know that I am slacking! That way you all can help keep me accountable. We'll see if it works. So, here is my food journal post for today.
I started to track what I am eating and doing for exercise on this calorie counter online, that is free!!! It is my-calorie-counter.com (http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/calorie_counter.asp).
So anyway, I started that on Wednesday, the 26th. I put in everything I eat, any activity I do, weight, and measurements and it will do the calculations for me.
That said, I have had a VERY VERY BAD week/weekend. I averaged 2700 calories a day. NO WONDER I AM SO OVERWEIGHT!! I ate over 3000 calories a couple of days this week. (I didn't have my computer on at all until tonight so I didn't imput everything until now.) I can't believe it. It makes me so sick to think that I have been eating that much. I am very disapointed in myself too. I need to have a lot more self control.
So, here is my thinking. This thing also allows you to post your entries for the day as blog post. So I am going to be doing that from now on. If I don't get it posted that day, send me an email (those of you who know my email) or put a comment on one of my postings to let me know that I am slacking! That way you all can help keep me accountable. We'll see if it works. So, here is my food journal post for today.
| Free Weight Tracker
my-calorie-counter.com | ||||||||||||
| Cal | Fat | Sat | Chl | Sod | Crb | Fib | Sug | Pro | ||||
| Breakfast | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 can 12 fl oz 355 mL | Pepsi® - Mountain Dew (can) - citrus-flavored soda | 170 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 46 | 0 | 46 | 0 | |
| 5 | 1 oz | Breadsmith® - Beer Bread | 360 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 590 | 73 | 3 | 55 | 12 | |
| 530 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 660 | 119 | 3 | 101 | 12 | ||||
| Lunch | ||||||||||||
| 1 | tbsp | Salad dressing, KRAFT Ranch Dressing | 74 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 144 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2 | Serving - 85 G | DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES - SALAD BLENDS - AMERICAN 12 OZ BAG | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
| 1 | 1 burger | Roy Rogers® - Hamburger | 472 | 25 | 1 | 64 | 607 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 26 | |
| 576 | 33 | 2 | 68 | 771 | 44 | 2 | 5 | 28 | ||||
| Dinner | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 can 12 fl oz 355 mL | Pepsi® - Mountain Dew (can) - citrus-flavored soda | 170 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 46 | 0 | 46 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 medium slices | Pizza Hut® - Cheese Pizza, pan style crust | 1044 | 44 | 58 | 100 | 2004 | 282 | 8 | 216 | 34 | |
| 1214 | 44 | 58 | 100 | 2074 | 328 | 8 | 262 | 34 | ||||
| Snack | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 2 Tbsp 39g | Hershey's® - Chocolate Syrup | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 5 | 1 oz | Breadsmith® - Beer Bread | 360 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 590 | 73 | 3 | 55 | 12 | |
| 1 | cup | Ice creams, vanilla | 289 | 16 | 10 | 63 | 115 | 34 | 1 | 31 | 5 | |
| 749 | 18 | 11 | 63 | 730 | 131 | 4 | 86 | 18 | ||||
| Water Tracker | ||||||||||||
| Totals Target Balance | 3069 1400 219 1669 | 97 50 194 47 | 72 16 450 56 | 231 250 92 19 | 4235 1800 235 2435 | 622 200 311 422 | 17 25 68 8 | 454 40 1135 414 | 92 50 184 42 | |||
| Cal | Fat | Sat | Chl | Sod | Crb | Fib | Sug | Pro | ||||
| Activity | ||||||||||||
| Totals | 0 | |||||||||||
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Young adults will leave church if they’re overlooked, study says
James found this article the other day and I believe it speaks volumes to the frustrations of the church and young adults.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24629
Here is a snippet then you can go read the rest on that page...
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24629
Here is a snippet then you can go read the rest on that page...
"More young adults are falling away from church and many are finding church
irrelevant to their lives because their needs are not being met, according to
new statistics released by LifeWay Christian Resources.
In 1980, more than 100,000 people age 18 to 34 were baptized in Southern
Baptist churches. But in 2005, that number fell to 60,000, which is drastically
lower considering the United States population has climbed above 300 million.
What’s the problem? Why are young adults not finding church relevant for
their lives? LifeWay Research, a department of LifeWay Christian Resources of
the Southern Baptist Convention, sought to find answers by conducting an eight-month research project which included interviews with unchurched adults, regular church attendees and church leaders from geographical regions throughout the United States. "
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Why aren't we in our 20s considered "adults" in anything but government....?
I was reading a demographic description of a church today and I saw something that made me so very mad. It said that their congregation has 5 children under 10 years old; 10 teenagers and 20s; and an even mixture of people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Do you see anything wrong with this??? I do, and I am becoming increasing frustrated with our society. People say that we are the "future" and they need to listen to us, but when it comes time to actually listen or count, we get pushed aside and put into the "to young to know any better" category.
I was told once by a boss that I didn't know anything because I was too young to know. She said that she was my age once and thought she knew everything and that I am the same way. I think I know everything. (Well, when she is 50 and doesn't know how to run the internet and I obviously do, I think I know something.)
Anyway, religious institutions frustrate me also. They say that they are fading away and the only way they can stay alive is to bring in younger people. Well, when it comes time for those younger people to become a part of that religious institution they don't listen to them and they push them aside telling them that they don't know anything! No wonder churches cannot hold on to their young people.
When they are pushed out and told that until they are 40 years old they don't matter, the church shouldn't count on them being there till they are 40 years old. By then, however, those people will be stuck in their ways and won't go back to church. Therefore, the church, or religious institution, will cease to exist!
Oh, I am just sooo frustrated. How can religious people be sooooo dense? Don't they remember when they were that age? Well, they might, but they weren't allowed to have any control either. So once they finally did get some control, they are hanging on to it and just doing the same thing their elders did to them!
As my husband has said about this same thing "You can either bang your head against the wall and drive yourself crazy...or you can quite caring and only look out for yourself and say who cares about anyone or anything else. Why do you think our generation has turned out the way we are? When people comment that our generation is a bunch of selfish people that only care about themselves...this is exactly why!"
Why do you think a lot of the people in our generation like the mega church. So they can walk in, sit down, not connect with anyone, and not have to worry about being told they don't matter. Mega churches are florishing because the younger generations don't have to care and don't have to worry about their ideas being shot down every time they present one because they are "too young to know any better."
I better stop now. I am just frustrated.... Any thoughts would be welcome....
Do you see anything wrong with this??? I do, and I am becoming increasing frustrated with our society. People say that we are the "future" and they need to listen to us, but when it comes time to actually listen or count, we get pushed aside and put into the "to young to know any better" category.
I was told once by a boss that I didn't know anything because I was too young to know. She said that she was my age once and thought she knew everything and that I am the same way. I think I know everything. (Well, when she is 50 and doesn't know how to run the internet and I obviously do, I think I know something.)
Anyway, religious institutions frustrate me also. They say that they are fading away and the only way they can stay alive is to bring in younger people. Well, when it comes time for those younger people to become a part of that religious institution they don't listen to them and they push them aside telling them that they don't know anything! No wonder churches cannot hold on to their young people.
When they are pushed out and told that until they are 40 years old they don't matter, the church shouldn't count on them being there till they are 40 years old. By then, however, those people will be stuck in their ways and won't go back to church. Therefore, the church, or religious institution, will cease to exist!
Oh, I am just sooo frustrated. How can religious people be sooooo dense? Don't they remember when they were that age? Well, they might, but they weren't allowed to have any control either. So once they finally did get some control, they are hanging on to it and just doing the same thing their elders did to them!
As my husband has said about this same thing "You can either bang your head against the wall and drive yourself crazy...or you can quite caring and only look out for yourself and say who cares about anyone or anything else. Why do you think our generation has turned out the way we are? When people comment that our generation is a bunch of selfish people that only care about themselves...this is exactly why!"
Why do you think a lot of the people in our generation like the mega church. So they can walk in, sit down, not connect with anyone, and not have to worry about being told they don't matter. Mega churches are florishing because the younger generations don't have to care and don't have to worry about their ideas being shot down every time they present one because they are "too young to know any better."
I better stop now. I am just frustrated.... Any thoughts would be welcome....
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I really need to get back on track
I dreaded stepping on the scale this morning. I didn't follow the WW this weekend and I paid for it dearly. Plus I haven't been able to work out since last Monday. I'll explain that later. But anyway, the scale said 255. I haven't been that high for a long time now. This is agrivating me, but I haven't been following WW very closely since Christmas and now I realize I need to.
Well, I went onto my WW website and put in my points for the week and I was over 50 points! That is over and above my weekly allowance of 35 points too. Now I know why I gained 3 pounds! Oh that sounds so bad saying it like that.
As for the working out. I was called in to work on Friday because my co-workers Dad was put in the hospital. Then we went to my parent's house for the weekend and I skipped working out any, and ate a lot. Then, when I was supposed to go in and workout on Monday, we were driving home from my parents' because we had been snowed in. Then I had to work yesterday.
But!!!!...... I did work out some last night (Tuesday night). I was going to go to the gym but I couldn't find my membership card. So, I took 15 minutes and walked up and down our flight of stairs. (Each time I went up I took something that had to go upstairs with me so I was multi-tasking!) But then, when Biggest Loser came on at 7:00 I ran in place, did crunches, and push-ups for 1/2 hour. I should have done it through the entire show, but I got lazy. I don't know why but I am having motivation issues right now.
Well, it is back to the grind. I am going to try and be better this week and really keep track of my points and work out (except I can't Friday cause I am going to have to work). I'll do some this weekend then.
Well, I went onto my WW website and put in my points for the week and I was over 50 points! That is over and above my weekly allowance of 35 points too. Now I know why I gained 3 pounds! Oh that sounds so bad saying it like that.
As for the working out. I was called in to work on Friday because my co-workers Dad was put in the hospital. Then we went to my parent's house for the weekend and I skipped working out any, and ate a lot. Then, when I was supposed to go in and workout on Monday, we were driving home from my parents' because we had been snowed in. Then I had to work yesterday.
But!!!!...... I did work out some last night (Tuesday night). I was going to go to the gym but I couldn't find my membership card. So, I took 15 minutes and walked up and down our flight of stairs. (Each time I went up I took something that had to go upstairs with me so I was multi-tasking!) But then, when Biggest Loser came on at 7:00 I ran in place, did crunches, and push-ups for 1/2 hour. I should have done it through the entire show, but I got lazy. I don't know why but I am having motivation issues right now.
Well, it is back to the grind. I am going to try and be better this week and really keep track of my points and work out (except I can't Friday cause I am going to have to work). I'll do some this weekend then.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Weight Watchers Update
Well, I have been procrastinating putting my weight watchers stuff back up on here because I gained quite a bit over the Christmas holiday and haven't been able to get it back off.
I am now (as of yesterday morning) at 253. I have given up pop. Really, this time! I haven't had one since Tuesday Feb. 5! I feel like an alcoholic saying that I have been "sober" for a week and 2 days now! :)
Anyway, I was going to try and give up on "white" sugar, but with Valentine's day looming, I just couldn't. The chocolate was just calling my name! So, I am trying to be moderate with the sweets and really not eat too much of them.
As for the exercise, I have started something new. On my days off (not counting weekends) I go to the gym and walk/run on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Usually I burn around 250 calories. Then I do a little bit of weight lifting and then go home. I usually only do that on Mondays and Fridays.
On Tuesday nights, when I am watching "The Biggest Loser" I do an hour of different workouts in front of the TV. For example, this past Tuesday I ran in place for about 30 minutes, then I put two dining room chairs in front of me and did some step aerobics for about 5 minutes. (I about died!) I then did sidesteps for about 10 minutes. I did 30 pushups and then did probably 50 crunches, 20 side crunches (on each side), and then did some stretches. Then I did 30 minutes of "Shimmy."
Ok, so "Shimmy" is a really cool show on the Fit TV channel. It is a belly-dancing workout. I really like it. It isn't too hard, and it really is working my belly. It is getting flatter and fitter. Obviously not too much cause well, it's still there! :) But I really like doing the Shimmy workout. I try to do that on the weekends, but if James and I are doing other things around the house I don't usually get to. But thats ok, at least I am up moving around.
Well, I think that is all for now. I will try to keep up dating from now on.
I am now (as of yesterday morning) at 253. I have given up pop. Really, this time! I haven't had one since Tuesday Feb. 5! I feel like an alcoholic saying that I have been "sober" for a week and 2 days now! :)
Anyway, I was going to try and give up on "white" sugar, but with Valentine's day looming, I just couldn't. The chocolate was just calling my name! So, I am trying to be moderate with the sweets and really not eat too much of them.
As for the exercise, I have started something new. On my days off (not counting weekends) I go to the gym and walk/run on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Usually I burn around 250 calories. Then I do a little bit of weight lifting and then go home. I usually only do that on Mondays and Fridays.
On Tuesday nights, when I am watching "The Biggest Loser" I do an hour of different workouts in front of the TV. For example, this past Tuesday I ran in place for about 30 minutes, then I put two dining room chairs in front of me and did some step aerobics for about 5 minutes. (I about died!) I then did sidesteps for about 10 minutes. I did 30 pushups and then did probably 50 crunches, 20 side crunches (on each side), and then did some stretches. Then I did 30 minutes of "Shimmy."
Ok, so "Shimmy" is a really cool show on the Fit TV channel. It is a belly-dancing workout. I really like it. It isn't too hard, and it really is working my belly. It is getting flatter and fitter. Obviously not too much cause well, it's still there! :) But I really like doing the Shimmy workout. I try to do that on the weekends, but if James and I are doing other things around the house I don't usually get to. But thats ok, at least I am up moving around.
Well, I think that is all for now. I will try to keep up dating from now on.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
This says it wonderfully!!
So I have been struggling trying to answer the question of why people should belong and be members to a church and to a Region. This doesn't directly address regions, but it does address churches and "Christians." Please read and let me know what you think. It was written by Laura Roberts and is posted on her blog with the link http://madenoughtopray.blogspot.com/.
Here is the reprint!!
Here is the reprint!!
Discipline
There's been a bit of a dust-up over on Boundless Line lately, regarding a pretty great summary of Mark Dever's view of church discipline. The usual comments ensued -- you can't kick people out of church for sinning! We wouldn't have a church! Doesn't the Bible say, Judge not, lest you be judged? Who are you to say what is a bad enough sin to kick people out? Since when is "membership" a biblical concept anyway? Etc. etc.
It seems to me, in my experience with these kinds of discussions, that people's misunderstandings about church discipline fall into a few categories:
1. They don't understand the nature of the Church.
2. They don't understand the nature of church membership.
3. They don't understand the seriousness of sin.
4. They don't understand the nature of church discipline.
Let's start with the first one. People who get their knickers in a twist about church discipline often seem to view "church" as an activity for people who call themselves Christians -- something they do on Sundays and Wednesday nights, a group they're a part of by choice, but nonetheless and organization that doesn't necessarily have the right to make any claims on their lives -- maybe slightly more that their book club or union or Facebook group, but not much more. They come to Sunday services to get blessed or "be fed" spiritually.
But what is the Church, really? Two things: 1) the Church is true followers of Christ everywhere, at all times throughout history, and 2) the Church is the local gathering of Christians in particular times and places. Paul's letters, for example, are written to both groups -- the church at Rome in the 1st Century A.D. and by extension to all believers everywhere at all times. Let me emphasize what I think is an extremely important point: if you are a Christian -- a genuine follower of Christ, not just a "Christian" by default -- you are, by necessity, a member of the first group. All believers at all times in all places are members of the first group. But the first and second categories were never meant to be thought of separately. Read Paul's letters and see if you think that the pioneer of the early church had any category in his mind for a person who was a Christian but not a part of any local church. (I'll give you a tip to save you a little time: he didn't.) It's not optional for a follower of Christ to be consistently out of fellowship with a local body. In fact (brace yourself, people, this is pretty serious), I would go so far as to say that if you steadfastly refuse to join yourself with a local congregation of believers, you are in serious danger of revealing that you are not a follower of Christ at all. And now I'm just going to back away... slowly... slowly...
That leads to the second misunderstanding. There is a whole group of folks in the church, as I mentioned in my previous post, who glance through their Bibles, don't see the word "membership," and conclude that any formal affiliation with a church is unnecessary at best and unbiblical at worst. First, I have bad news for those people -- the word "trinity" isn't in the Bible, either. Ruh-roh, Raggy.
Second, there is substantial evidence throughout the New Testament that the pastors of the early churches kept very precise, formal records of the believers they had charge of. I would basically defy anyone to do a careful study of the Jerusalem church in the book of Acts, the job description of an Elder in the pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus), and Hebrews 13 and come away with the idea that it's cool for a believer to sorta hang out on the fringes of a church and never commit to it.
Side note: one of our teaching pastors, Daniel, tells a pretty great little story at the beginning of our membership classes about a guy who falls in love with this amazing, beautiful girl, spends all his time with her, can't shut up about her... and then three years later, they're still dating, but not married or even engaged. Of course she's frustrated, all his friends are saying, "What are you waiting for, dude?" but he keeps telling her, "We don't need to get married to prove I love you, right, baby?" Well, obviously the story is about us and the church. Of course we don't "need" to join a church to prove we love it, but we also can't reap the benefits of commitment unless we're actually committed!
Well, what are the benefits of commitment to a church, i.e. formal membership? First off, when a church admits you to membership, they're saying, "We testify to your salvation. We believe and acknowledge that you are a Christian." (Incidentally, this is one of the reasons why walk-the-aisle, sign-the-card "Baptist" membership is so pernicious -- if your pastors don't examine you and make sure you're actually saved, how on Earth can they be accountable before God for your soul?) What a precious testimony this has been in seasons of doubt! I have often countered the lies of the enemy and of my sinful heart about my salvation by saying, "No! 417 other people, including my pastors, daily witness to my salvation! They see fruit in my life! They believe I am a Christian!" Second, formal membership provides a structure of accountability in a way that mere attendance cannot. You are consciously, intentionally placing yourself under the authority of your pastors, and humbly opening yourself up to be held accountable to a life worthy of the gospel. You're also taking on the responsibility of bearing the burdens of your brothers and sisters in the church and being willing to call them out when they sin as well.
Speaking of sin... Sin. I'm always surprised to read the "Dear Boundless" letters that deal with couples having sex or living together outside marriage -- the writers almost always characterize their behavior as "mistakes" or "slip-ups" or "crossing the line" or some other such convenient phrases; rarely does anyone write in and say, My boyfriend and I have been violating the standards of a holy God every Friday night for three months. We've also been dragging the name of Jesus through the mud by our behavior, and we'd like some advice on how to stop being an offense to the Gospel...
But that's just what sin is -- defiance against the rightful Ruler of the universe. Listen, I don't know if you know this, but God, as the Creator of all things, has the right to rule the universe as he wishes. You don't go to Iran, dance around on a picture of Muhammad in a town square in a bikini, and then think you're going to get away with it by calling it a "slip-up" when somebody throws your butt in jail. Sin is a serious, serious matter -- why would we look at our brothers and sisters in the church falling into persistent sin and look the other way? We should feel shame at the thought of standing idly by while those who bear the name of Christ deny him with their actions when we could do something about it!
And that's just what church discipline is, people. Church discipline, at heart, is the Body of Christ refusing to allow the beloved children of God continue in sin unchecked. It is a reminder to those who have ignored the Spirit's whispers that danger lies ahead.
99% of the time, church discipline does not involve "excommunication." Usually, the preaching of the Word, worship, the sacraments, and community life are the means the Lord uses to discipline his people. Occasionally, a brother or sister will have to call you out for a particular sin. Less often, someone will have to be confronted in love by the pastors if they continue to live in unrepentant sin. Usually, that person will repent in the course of one of those events. If not -- if that person continues to refuse reconciliation and ignore the pleas of his brothers and sisters, acting like he is not a believer -- then the church is to treat him in the way he is acting! The problem is, people see Paul's command to the Corinthian church to treat the adulterous man in their midst "as an unbeliever" and think that means they kicked him out. But doesn't your church welcome unbelievers? Don't you pray that unbelievers will show up? Don't you invite unbelievers to your services?
Church discipline is a beautiful ministry of the local body; I for one am blessed to be a part of a congregation that has the structures for church discipline in place --it reminds me of both the grace and the judgment of God. I pray that I never have to be placed under formal discipline by my church, but I know that my fellowship with them is part of what ensures that I never will!
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