Why I Do Not Engage in Halloween

People swarm to the party stores to purchase the scariest costumes and decorations in the name of fun.

Linked here is a: Post(video) by Mark Brown, sharing the history behind Halloween and how it came about.

I share his same values about Halloween and here's why:

In Yahweh's word, it tells us as the Body of Christ we are set apart:

Leviticus 20:26 (NLT)
You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. 

Luke 14:25-27 (NLT)
A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

As Mark stated in the video; if I participate in Halloween I open the door to satan and the evil underworld allowing it into my life. That is the opposite of what Yahweh wants.

It is one thing to evangelize sharing the Gospel. It's another to dress up like some crazy character in the name of fun.

Our job as Disciples of Christ is to share the Gospel to win souls for Yahweh. This is something we are called to day every day, not just one or two days a year.

We need to step up. We need to take a stand against the evils that we face daily. Sure it is hard. No where in Yahweh's Word does it say life is easy.

No more luke warm or closet christianity. Either you are for Yahweh or you are against Him.

I challenge you to stand against evil and share the Gospel to win souls to Yahweh.

Let's chat. Leave me a comment.

Still Saturday | Advent Day 7

Merry Christmas 2013

This is the one and only Christmas greeting I will share for all my family and friends.

Nativity Story music video - O' Holy Night sung by +Josh Groban at the end. To see scroll to bottom of post.

This video is +Lindsey Stirling and pianist Kuha'o Case.


Scripture of Jesus coming and birth
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel [God with us].

Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:18-21
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,[b] for he will save his people from their sins.”

Luke 2:1-21
The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Fashion Trucks | BEDN

Fashion trucks: The next big thing?

The link above leads to an article in the Houston Chronicle that showcases four fashion truck owners. They vary in the type of merchandise offered. You can buy vintage clothing from one. Another is exclusively shoes. The merchandise changes each week. There's only one of something that you won't see again.

These trucks come in a variety of styles. As you see in the image provided here, Urban Izzy, is a bus. Another is a pop-up camper. Which the owner says is a huge job to set up and tear down each time. Something she didn't think about in the beginning. Another truck is a big box truck. While another is a double decker bus. They have been modified to resemble a retail shop inside with shelves. racks and so on.

See what one fashion truck owner and its customer say from Boston, MA in this video:

What do you think? Would you purchase a pair of shoes from a fashion truck? In the video one person suggested more variety in merchandise. Do we need more fashion trucks?

I think it's an awesome business concept. There's been food trucks around for ages. Why not fashion trucks? Any business can be mobile. I've even read about a mobile massage truck.

Busy people love it when businesses come to them. It's a step up from the door to door salespeople. In the old days, doctors used to make house calls. I believe some still do. Also, there were the old peddlers who pulled their horse-drawn wagons full of merchandise who would make stops in villages and if passing a farm to offer their wares to people. See, back in those days going to the store was an all day trip because downtown was miles away and they had to walk, ride a horse or use a horse-drawn wagon.

History repeats itself, in a more modern fashion.

Have you had a fashion truck experience? If so, please share in the comments!

Happy Wednesday!

World Toilet Day-Top News | BEDN

In September 2012, John Kluge co-founded the nonprofit Toilet Hackers to bring "dignified sanitation" to all.

When Kluge visited destitute areas of the world and saw how bad the sanitation was he jumped into action to come up with a solution to the problem. Below is a link that explains his story and some of the projects he and others participating with the projects are doing.

Celebrate World Toilet Day | PBS News

Watch this video:

World Toilet Day website. See more videos and ways to participate and help support bringing proper sanitation around the world.

This post is part of my Blog Every Day in November participation. If you'd like to jump in and start posting check out Elizabeth's blog.

BEDN | World Kindness Day

 

When I'm walking along and I see a sad or sour look on someone's face, I give them a big smile. Instantly, they smile back. When walking through the store and I see someone struggling I lend them a helping hand with a smile. They instantly respond with a smile and gratitude of my assistance. I once saw someone walking along the street who was handing out flowers to everyone with a smile. I can recall the times kindness was extended to me and the instant uplift it gave me and how it made me feel. That's what I like to do to extend kindness. In doing so, it lifts one's spirits and makes them feel better, at least for that moment. How do you celebrate kindness?

#BEDN

BEDN | SOMETHING DIFFERENT

#BEDN Blog Every Day in November

Today we're instructed to write about something different than what our normal genre is.

So, since I'm a motorcyclist, I'll write something about motorcycle racing.

I've only been to the motorcycle race track once when my husband wanted to partake in a track day. It wasn't what I expected from racing. After watching videos of motorcycle racing I thought that all racing was like what I saw on the video. It's not!

What I witnessed was a bunch of riders riding around the track. One cruiser, full dressed, was on the track. It was moving at a snails pace compared to the sport bikes. It was almost hilarious, honestly. Although, I feared for her because those sport bikes buzzed past her like a blue angel on maneuvers. If she had moved just a certain way, they could've clipped her and sent her spinning out of control.

Even though I was proud of my husband for giving the race track a go... I'm not impressed with that kind of racing. To be honest, it was as boring as watching a snail move.

I enjoy watching "The Isle of Man TT". See the video below:

Now, that's exhilarating and exciting. They take those curves and corners like they're nothing. They must have eagle eye vision to go at those speeds without crashing. Although, there are some who do go down. I've heard that some men have died in this annual race. Wow! I've also seen some crazy stuff on videos where racers went out of control to totally recover and continue racing as it's just another day at the office. Awesome!

What's your take on motorcycle racing?

BEDN | Food Glorious Food

#BEDN Today's theme: Food glorious food.

See the video below. Do you remember the play, Oliver? That's sheer torture for those kids. They're served slop verses the adult men eating a banquet. There's something wrong with that picture, in my not so humble opinion.

Yes, that was a depiction. However, many know what it's like to crave "real" food.

I believe many of us can relate to this on some level. In the U.S. there's this fight with the food industry to get packaged, canned food labeled with a GMO tag that contains genetically modified organisms. In my personal opinion, I believe we need to get back to putting food dishes together from scratch from our own organic gardens or an organic community garden. Stop eating processed manufactured packaged foods. I can attest to a drastic improvement in my health and well being by doing so. It's my right to take care of myself. I stopped giving my health to the health and food industry. Anyone can do it. It's a choice. I choose to live a better quality of life.

[20130724] Farmhouse Porch Chats

It's that time of week again! Let's join Patrice [err Wendell] at the Farmhouse on the porch [err the barnyard trough?]

Here's the questions and my answers for this week:

Yes, I'm a day later. But, better late than never, I say.

1. Do you use any type of water filter (pitcher or sink mount)?
   Yes, I use a brita pitcher. We actually have a filter built into the fridge that has water fed through to the door. I double filter my water.
   
2. Do you have any tips for staying hydrated in the warmer weather?
   Wendell's idea is great... However, I personally keep two water bottles ready full of water to drink.
   
3. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
   Well, my hairs wave at everyone and everything. They even wave at me when I look into the mirror.
   
4. Are you on top of all the chores/work you do, or are you always running behind?
   As FlyLady.net says: "You're never behind. Just begin where you are. You can do anything for 15 minutes."
   
5. If you could sing a song to Wendell, what would it be?
   For you, Wendell.
   

Happy Wednesday Evening, everyone!

Transitioning

{S}he woke up to the sun shining brightly and warm. She could hear the birds singing their morning songs. She is a morning lark herself. {A lark, early bird, or morning person is a person who usually gets up early in the morning and goes to bed early in the evening.}

The early bird gets the worm.
-Benjamin Franklin

Over the past several months things have shifted, transformed and transitioned. The transitioning. Yeah, that's a constant.

Since 2009, after the miracle I experienced, God has been doing some major transformation work in me. The music video linked below: You Are More by Tenth Avenue North is my life's theme song. As part of the lyrics say, "I'm not who I used to be" & "I've been remade".

GOD has changed me. HE has given me a new perspective and outlook in my life.

By the first of July I will be offering Biblical Life Coaching services. GOD has given me a calling to use more of the gifts He has placed in me. I'm humbled to bits about this. I can remember from a time when I was a teen that people would just open up to me and spill their guts to me. That's a hard thing to go through ... people offloading onto me. God has given me the unique ability to not absorb the emotions and attitudes of people. I learned this is my body work. If one isn't careful they take on the other person's pain, emotions and depression, etc.

So, what is GOD doing in your life? Name one area you are being challenged in. Leave a comment below and share how GOD is transforming you.

Prayer: Dear Abba El Shaddai, GOD, I lift up my readers to YOU and pray that they will be blessed and challenged to seek YOU and allow YOU to work in them transforming them for YOUR glory and honor. I pray that YOU bring them through their pain and depression, frustration and stress. Show them in the most unique way, that only would come from YOU, YOUR love, compassion, mercy and grace. Thank YOU, GOD. In the name of Jesus, the Messiah, amen.

Identity

What's your identity? Where do you find your identity?

When our focus is not on GOD... we find our identity in worldly things... our job, what we wear, the company we keep, our home, the car we drive and a whole host of material things tied to the world. I've even done it.

There was a time when I had to be dressed a certain way. I couldn't have a hair out of place. My home had to be like a show place, on and on I could go. The very biggest thing I had my identity tied up in... I was a victim. A victim of my past hurts. A victim of someone's judgment against me.

In the past several months I've been going through a life transformation like none other. And... GOD is the core of it. HE has been teaching me through the Holy Spirit to put my focus back on HIM. Teaching me that I am a "Child Of The KING!".

In all this happening... My mind has been set free... free of the identity of a victim... HE has made me victorious. HE has blown off the prison doors and set me free. Free to live victorious in HIM.

Listen to +Scott Neth in this video. He tells us about our identity being in GOD. We are victors in the battle. Victors in this battle because GOD, through Jesus, has won the battle! We don't have to live in torment anymore! Praise GOD!

Crafted For Excellence

I've been so very blessed over the past few months. I've been going through a life transformation.

Long before I started this journey my friend, Scott Neth, started his next book, Crafted For Excellence.
Also, long before, Scott started a video series he called Morning Light. I enjoyed the wisdom and nourishment from watching those videos. It seemed as though they disappeared out of the blue. And then, surprise, just a week or so ago, Scott announced the return of his video inspirations. He was picking up the Morning Light videos again. Accept, there are changes. It's not Morning Light any longer. It's changed to: Crafted For Excellence, in support of his new book, named the same. Before starting the videos back up Scott was posting excerpts from his book on Facebook and Google Plus. As part of my transformation I have been reading these posts and praying. God has been doing some amazing work on me.

HE does speak to us. If we would just shut our mouth and minds off from the hustle and bustle of the world and focus on HIM, we would be able to hear HIM. It just brings to mind a scene from the movie, Waterworld, with Kevin Costner, when he told the little girl, Enola, her mind was too noisy that she needed to be quiet so she could hear the world around her. It's the very same thing with GOD/The Son/Holy Spirit. We need to shut off all the outside/inside stimuli influenced by our physical world. Find ways to relax our soul/heart/mind and allow GOD to do a work in and through you. LISTEN!

Below is one of Scott's videos. Take minute and watch it. Be blessed. As the expression goes: "We're too blessed to be stressed!"

20121117 - Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

Click image
and join Amy.

This is one of my favorite hymns. What's singing in your heart today?

[20121110] - Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Click image
and join Amy.

My contribution today
Psalms 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.

Psalms 9:2
I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

Psalms 71:23
I will shout for joy and sing your praises, for you have redeemed me.

Isaiah 42:11
Join in the chorus, you desert towns; let the villages of Kedar rejoice! Let the people of Sela sing for joy; shout praises from the mountaintops!

20121108-Thankful Thursday

Click image to visit
our hostess, Laurie.

I'm so thankful and grateful for my joy in Adonai, YWHW! Below is a great video, less than 10 minutes long. It expresses so well about joy in GOD. Check it out!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays [20120922]

Click image and
join Amy & others.

My contribution today!

Keith and Kristyn Getty
http://www.gettymusic.com

Then Sings My Soul - [20120908]

Click above image to join Amy
in Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

This is not the typical song video. I came across this video while searching for a song video. I have Steven Furdick's "Sun Stand Still" eBook. I started reading it, and got distracted. I've not gotten to the point in the book where he talks about the Faith Confessions mentioned in the video. My soul was lifted as I watched this video. I SO needed this. I hope and pray it speaks to the hearts of those who "SO" need it, today.

Please, be patient and take the time to watch it all the way through. You will be blessed.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays [20120811]

Click above image and join Amy,
as well as see what others posted.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday [20120804]

Click above image and join Amy,
as well as see what others posted.

The Story Behind "Strong Enough"

"Strong Enough" through all adversity.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Watch live streaming video from goodfriday at livestream.com


I am disabling comments. Simply soak up the Word of God. Be bathed in it.