Jesus for President

With the election only a few days away, and I remembered to bring my computer to work today, I thought that I would take a few minutes and write about my recent read of the book Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. It was like no other book I have ever read. The first part was about history, and for me it was very interesting to read. There were even a few humorous parts if you applied them to our everyday life now.
In the second part, they compared and contrasted Jesus and Caesar. I had never really thought about how huge it was when Jesus was on the earth to follow Him and what kind of statement they were actually making. (Maybe this is not new to everyone, and I’ve lived in a box for too long….) To proclaim Jesus, a mere peasant in most eyes, as Savior and Lord, above Caesar was asking for trouble, but it really showed me just how much they believed. I had to step back and question myself, and wonder if I would have been that sold out, or not….I would like to think I would. I loved the explanations that they gave about the parables and the mustard seeds…it amazes me that they honestly didn’t kill Him sooner….I wonder if they figured He would just go away, and at what point did they realize that something was going to have to be done. These thoughts lead us all the way up to the crucifixion, and even the similarities with it and a coronation of Caesar. And then we know the rest of that story, and how the risen Savior did something that no Caesar could or ever will be able to accomplish, and yet, somehow that wasn’t good enough for many Jewish people.
The next section, began to talk about the interference of church and state, and how we say they are separate, they really aren’t. To be honest, I had some problems in this section. The authors come across as anti-war and even say that Jesus was against it. (to this they make an excellent point with sound Biblical backup, but....) When Jesus returns to this earth, He is not going to quietly come back and make everything right, there is going to be a battle and He is going to win. This leaves me a bit confused......

My heart does go out to the soldiers who find themselves trying to love God and serve somewhere else and follow someone else’s orders, and now find themselves in a crisis of faith and duty. Does this make me for or against the war in Iraq? I do not know…but I do think that anyone who does find themselves in this position, they should be let out of the military. In the world we live in, protection is necessary, so it is a hard call. Our world was broken from the moment Adam and Eve sinned, and only one person can put it back the way it was intended to be, but it is not time for that. So now, we have to live in the brokeness. That's my take anyway.
I did find it a bit disturbing to read about America and speeches from our Presidents, and one of our campaigners saying that America is the only hope for the future…really?? America who is so far in debt because we keep bailing everyone out…and now cannot bail itself out. I do not see anyone lining up to re-pay us for the billions of dollars we have given out over the years. Although, and I am not in politics or economics, but even I know that the way to get out of debt is NOT TO SPEND MORE MONEY!!!!! It’s time for Americans to stop spending and pull on their waders and get out of the @&$* that we’ve gotten ourselves into. (It does show me that politics and religion are a scary mix.)
This leads me into probably my favorite part of the book. The real stories of real people and the difference they are making to change the world around them for the better. I loved reading about them helping one another and living together and sharing life. I loved the story about Darin and Meegan and their family that included them taking in an elderly woman. I loved the statement about being pro-life that basically said if you are pro-life, then you need to be willing to take a young pregnant woman in and take care of them and show them what God’s life is all about, not just say I am pro-life because I am against abortion. Much of it made me stop and think…what have I missed the boat on? So, now it is time to see what I can do to change the way I ACT since the way I THINK has already been challenged. If you haven’t, go read Jesus for President…heck you can borrow it from me. You may not agree with everything Claiborne and Haw write, but they will challenge you to think about things differently.

Just dry

For the past few months, I have to admit, I feel like my prayer life has been a little dry. God has really moved in my life in huge ways in the past year or so, it has been really a blessing, even the yucky stuff. But now, I sorta feel that I am afraid to take my requests to Him. Part of it is because He answered some huge prayers of mine, but they were not in the way I expected Him to do it, and that has left me feeling a little insecure. (I am not complaining about how they got answered believe me, it was just my Plan b but God's Plan A~) I still talk with Him on a regular basis, but I know it is very different than it was before. Anyone ever been here?? Can you offer me some insight??

Try not to hate people....

This was the bumper sticker of a guy driving to work this morning. Now, bumper stickers annoy me. Just little quips about something stupid or something huge and you think you are making a statement by putting it on your car. Well, for the man who is trying not to hate people, was the most hateful driver I've encountered in a long time. First he tailgated me. When I finally got over in to the right hand lane, going about 75 mind you he, follows me, because I guess he figured that he was better off. 75 is 10 more than I should have been doing, and so I wasn't about to go any faster so there he sat still tailgating me. Finally the traffic cleared on the left side and so he began to swerve in and out of traffic so he could get 5 places in front of where I was. Where are the police when you need them?? Anyway, I just had to share....try not to hate people....but don't put it on your car if you are an idiot. =)

How high, How deep, How far....

Isaiah 43: 1.But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
2.When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
3.For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt, Ethiopia, Cush." and Seba as a ransom for your freedom.
4.Others died that you might live. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
5."Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west
6.and from north and south. I will bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth.
7.All who claim me as their God will come, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them." (NLT)

I do not know where you are today, but if you sometimes doubt like I do, that God isn't there when you are down, trust in Him . One of my favorite things to say in times like these is, "God doesn't want me to wait for the storms of life to end, He wants me to dance in the rain." It isn't always what I do, but I really try. God has been so good to us and I just have to praise Him and trust in Him.

I am reminded of a campfire today when I write this. At the ladies retreat, they had a campfire for us. As I was sitting there being warmed by the fire I had to stop and think about my life for a moment. Sometimes, when we are "in the fire" we are so consumed by the part that is in the fire that we neglect the parts that aren't...and they get cold. It is my prayer that God will reveal any "cold" parts and perhaps turn them toward the fire for a while because I know like the verse says, "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you" I love that!! It makes difficult times somewhat easier to know that He is there...He loves us that much.

Fireproof....

This past weekend Jim and I went to see the much hyped Christian film Fireproof. The movie was great, however, I am still after a few days questioning part of it's message. While it was appealing to see God's message of love, grace and forgiveness on the big screen, I couldn't help but ponder a couple things. So I thought I'd share.



I take the issue of porn viewing very seriously. It's great that the main character was a fireman, but how many men out there could realistically take a baseball bat to their computer? How many women for that matter? According to a Focus on the Family survey in 2003 found that 47% of families thought that pornography was a problem in their home. (source: http://www.safefamilies.org/sfStats.php )


Pornography Time Statistics
Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography
Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography
Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines
Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States

http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html (source)



Let's face it, this is a huge problem, one that is generally swept under the rug and it ruins lives and destroys marriages. Now back to the movie...I would have loved to have seen the next time..for him to become accountable to a friend, to call someone, to walk away...even to fail because that is what happens sometimes. Speaking from someone who has walked a mile in the wives' shoes, it doesn't just go away, it is an on-going battle and one that has to be taken seriously. (please note: Women look at it too, and i am in no way bashing here.)

My second issue was, and I know I may catch some flack here, but the whole concept of now that you've got Jesus your life is going to be great. Again, life doesn't work that way. Suffering is a part of life. When Jesus spoke to the disciples about "taking up their cross" I am sure He wasn't talking about the easy road. Look where taking up the cross got Him. He suffered, bled and died. None of that was great....yes it was for the greater good...our good. But even He asked for the cup to pass from Him, but went on to say, "not my will, but Yours be done." It is a little disconcerting that people will get this prosperity gospel message and wonder why their lives didn't get better. Then what for them? Thinking...look I gave my life to this Jesus and nothing is better, in fact it could be worse....look at the couple in the movie. That guy gave his life to Jesus and he kicked a porn addiction, healed his marriage and even made up with his mom.


I commend the filmmakers for even taking on a project like this, for even attempting to show the world what it is like. It really was a good movie...but since this is my blog, this is my opinion.

Psalm 128 "Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine.."

Psalm 128
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Over the past few months I/we have been through allot(just ask my wife, and the kids...) and I have encountered many who are one of the following (mostly out side of our church family):
1. Unhappily married (as if it were an arranged marriage!)
2. Happily divorced (some multiple times)
3. Going through a divorce (with and without children which is a tragedy)
4. The "I Just got married because I need her extra money" group.
5. The "I just got married because I really love my girlfriend and were going to get married anyway so why not now" group.
6. The "I tolerate the old lady because it's too hard to train another one" group.

Then there is the group I feel that I am in, which I have found to be in the small minority most of the time. It is the one that many feminist groups would think holds women down in a subservient role. A role that is detrimental to the growth of young women, especially young mothers. We can't stop there, it's even worse in the World's view: how horrible it is to be a stay-at-home Mom, but also on the flip side there is also a group within the "christian" community that believes that it is horrible if mom needs to find work outside the home also.

Hmm...that's another post.

Anyone who thinks that because she did stay at home with two children she did not 'live up to her potential' as a liberated woman, doesn't have a concept of what it means to be a Godly Woman. Of course what really matters is what God says through His Scripture as to what it really means to be a Woman.

She has raised two Godly kids who continue to amaze her as to their knowledge of the who Jesus is, and their understanding of their place in God's plan . This is where I fallen down in the past as the spiritual leader of the home, and she has taken the lead in many ways. This is part of the reason I am writing this today.

She now needs to work outside of the home full time and I think that this sometimes effects her self-confidence! She often wonders if she is being a 'good mom'. Well here is an observation...The kids are the apple of her eye, or the 'pea in the pod', or the 'collar of the dog' to make it applicable to each of them! From each of their teachers in school, to their Sunday School Teachers who continue to be amazed by their respectfulness, to strangers at the store who complement her on their behaviour, to the things about God that they teach me all the time.
They reflect the Godliness they see in her. I am continually amazed by what she had done over our wonderful almost 11 years of marriage.

Who would have thought that the quiet 'stalker girl'(that's another story) I met 12 years ago (who had lived in the same house her entire life, except for college) would have stepped out of her comfort zone so many times I have lost count. She supported me in moving 800 miles from everything she knows. She has followed me to leave a church she loved and joined a church plant in support of what I felt was God's calling. She has endured physical trials for herself and the kids while I was at work or traveling and not able to be with her. She feels the same strong call to travel to Kenya to serve the poor and trust that God will make it happen. Who would have pictured her as persevering and tough?

God does, as he has given her sufficient Grace, in His time, in His amount. She has weathered many of these things because of her desire for God. I continue to be amazed at her walk with the Lord. Daily she is in the Word, praying and seeking God's guidance for her and her family.
I love the Godly Woman I married. Her son love his mother, and will seek a wife that has a heart for God like her one day, I pray. Her daughter loves and looks up to her mother, and continues to strive to be a Godly Woman like her in many ways. The "olive plants round about my table".

Now, she is working on Proverbs 31; 16 "...she considers a field and buys it and plants a vineyard."(Below) by taking on a full time job. I know it is not easy for her to be away, but again God is giving all that we need, in His time, His amount and for His plan.
I could go on....but I will end with I love you Katie and the Godly woman that you are. I am humbled every day when I go to God and thank Him for placing you in my life. I some times feel very undeserving, but then again, isn't that how it is with many of the blessings the Lord provides!

Proverbs 31 (King James Version)
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Some Living Water

This past weekend, I attended our church's ladies retreat. Our speaker, Cindy Morris, spoke on John 4, which is below for you to read yourself. One of the things that struck me the most, was when she started talking about water and words for it; waves, ripples, cascades, destroys, erodes, and so on.

When I started to think about it, the word that came to my mind was cleansing. God, who is our Healer, has been so good to cleanse us from sin, but He also cleanses us from a lot of other things too: anger, hurt, betrayal, pain, and suffering. When I began to think about cleansing, I realized that the process, although good, think of a nasty cut and blood for a moment, is very painful and sometimes unwanted. I know on several occasions my kids have cried harder at the thought of cleaning a scrape than the actual scrape itself. Our lives are sometimes full of nasty cuts, and they can be bleeding, oozing, and hurting. But when we allow Christ to pour the cleansing Water of healing over us, miracles can happen.

John 4: 1.The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John,
2.although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
3.When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4.Now he had to go through Samaria.
5.So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
6.Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7.When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
8.(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9.The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. )
10.Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11."Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
12.Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13.Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
14.but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15.The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16.He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17."I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband.
18.The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19."Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.
20.Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21.Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
22.You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23.Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
24.God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25.The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26.Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

I love that this passage allows us to see Jesus as the person He was. He was a radical of his time...speaking to a foreigner, someone who the Jews thought was beneath them and a woman at that. He revealed Himself to her and she believed.(see vs. 39-42 same chapter)...sometimes even the disciples had trouble with that, and they were with Him all the time. She not only believed, but told others and they believed too....isn't that what it is all about??

On a side note, I am finally getting to reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. Anyone who missed the earlier discussions some at the church had and wants to now...let me know.

Kenya Bound???

Ok, readers...and I know I have a few....=) For over a year now, God has been prompting me to take a trip to Kenya. Living Hope is heading there at the end of the year, and I attended an informational meeting this morning. I am very interested, and honestly, Jim is too. God would have to open a lot of doors for this to work out, so I am asking you to pray for clarity for us. If it is not his time, I know that he is going to close those doors. Specifically, getting off work since I just started a new job, doing something with the kids, especially if we both go, financial support....just to name off a few. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks so much for your prayers in advance.

Psaml 23 the re-mix.....

Psalm 23: 1-6 The LORD is my shepherd ; I shall not want .
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever .

(this is KJV, the one I memorized....)

This past Sunday our pastor challenged us to re-write Psalm 23 in our own words how we relate to God....here is mine.

Even though I usually forget, God provides all I need.

He helps me to rest in Him, and gives me undeniable peace.

He completes me; His paths, although not mine, will be just.

When I am on my knees wondering how life got this way; I will continually trust in Him, because He is with me and will always take care of me.

You are above all those who do not think much of me. You treat me like a princess; and I am blessed.

Even when things seem bad, Your grace and mercy are abundant, and until I can be in Heaven sitting at your feet, I will keep on keeping on here on earth.