Today most people are celebrating Valentine's Day in the usual way: Roses, chocolates, sweet cards, and maybe a special date. But I would guess that most people celebrate the day without ever wondering what started the day in the first place. It all began with a martyred priest named Valentine, who lived under the Roman Empire in the late 600s A.D. There are many different stories as to how and why he died, but all agree that it had something to do with his faith. When I was about eight years old, I saw a movie of his story. In that story, the priest Valentine befriends a blind orphan girl and shows her love she has never felt before. He points her to Jesus in everything he says and does. Eventually, he gives her the ultimate act of love by taking her place in a lion-filled arena.
This story is a reminder that true love is not a romantic feeling; it is a choice to show the heart of Jesus no matter the cost. Jesus chose to pay the penalty of our sin by dying on a cross over 2,000 years ago. He didn't have to die; His Father had 12 legions of angels ready to rescue Him if He would have but said the word. Yet He chose to die, because that's how much He loves us. How can we do anything less for Him?
John 15:13
"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
2.14.2009
2.12.2009
What this world needs
What this world needs
Is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two bit politician peddling lies
Another three ring circus society
What this world needs
Is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you
Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suit
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love them in their time of need
A Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love
That's what this world needs
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change our heart before He changes our shirt
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our revelence
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
Jesus is our Savior
That's what this world needs
Father's arms around you
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
~Casting Crowns
Is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two bit politician peddling lies
Another three ring circus society
What this world needs
Is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you
Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suit
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love them in their time of need
A Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love
That's what this world needs
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change our heart before He changes our shirt
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our revelence
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
Jesus is our Savior
That's what this world needs
Father's arms around you
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
~Casting Crowns
He impacted our world
Today, all over the world, people celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of a man who changed history. Charles Darwin and his theories (which by the way, do not--by scientific standards--even qualify as theories) had such an impact on the world that we are still feeling the effects today. And I suppose we will feel the effects for many, many years to come. His thoughts and ideas are taught in public (and many private) schools as fact, rather than the fiction they are. Even more sobering is the fact that over 12,000 churches have or are going to celebrate "Evolution Sunday" in honor of Darwin. These churches are saying that evolution and creation are compatible. I beg to differ. That's like saying an earthquake helped an architect build a skyscraper. If churches are supporting evolution, I would question whether they are a part of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
Although Charles Darwin impacted our world in a very lasting way, there is someone who had an even greater impact. Jesus Christ was born over 2,000 years ago, and the entire universe is still shaking from it. He is still changing lives, and His Name is being preached throughout the entire world. His life, His words, and His actions will live on forever, and they will lead you not into deception and despair; but to truth and everlasting hope.
Although Charles Darwin impacted our world in a very lasting way, there is someone who had an even greater impact. Jesus Christ was born over 2,000 years ago, and the entire universe is still shaking from it. He is still changing lives, and His Name is being preached throughout the entire world. His life, His words, and His actions will live on forever, and they will lead you not into deception and despair; but to truth and everlasting hope.
2.05.2009
Happy Birthday Mom!
Yesterday was my mom's birthday. We had a fantastic time celebrating, and had many surprises for her. On Sunday we had a Super Bowl party with some friends, and they put up all sorts of banners and decorations for Mom. We sang Happy Birthday, and had brownies for dessert. A huge thank-you to Hannah and Mrs. K. for helping to coordinate the surprise!
Monday night Carl and I stayed up until Mom was asleep, and then made a huge banner and homemade birthday cards for her. We were downstairs taping the banner together when we had a bit of a scare: Footsteps in the living room. We were fairly worried about the surprise being ruined, until Dad called down the stairs. It took us quite some time to figure out how to put the banner up, but we were finally able to get it up. The next morning we all waited in the kitchen until Mom came out, then sang Happy Birthday again.
Last night Dad took us all out to eat, and then we came home and had cake and opened presents.
Happy Birthday Mom! I love you SOOOO much!
P.S. No, my camera is not having color issues; Mom really did dye her hair red (with wash-off spray). Actually, it's supposed to be pink, but that's what you get when you have dark hair. We kids thought it was funny, but Dad wasn't really sure whether to laugh or cry when he saw it (and then he had to go out in public with her!).
Monday night Carl and I stayed up until Mom was asleep, and then made a huge banner and homemade birthday cards for her. We were downstairs taping the banner together when we had a bit of a scare: Footsteps in the living room. We were fairly worried about the surprise being ruined, until Dad called down the stairs. It took us quite some time to figure out how to put the banner up, but we were finally able to get it up. The next morning we all waited in the kitchen until Mom came out, then sang Happy Birthday again.
Last night Dad took us all out to eat, and then we came home and had cake and opened presents.
Happy Birthday Mom! I love you SOOOO much!
P.S. No, my camera is not having color issues; Mom really did dye her hair red (with wash-off spray). Actually, it's supposed to be pink, but that's what you get when you have dark hair. We kids thought it was funny, but Dad wasn't really sure whether to laugh or cry when he saw it (and then he had to go out in public with her!).
1.31.2009
25 Similarities between America and Nazi Germany
By Brannon Howse
http://www.worldviewmatters.net
Even the most nominally aware person knows all too well that our nation—and the world—is engulfed in a major economic catastrophe. Thanks to the variety of factors at work, some observers have characterized it as the perfect economic storm. Yet this drama is a mere thunder shower by comparison with a far more devastating potential that threatens to wreck not just the American dream but the entire American ideal. If this maelstrom reaches its full power, liberty and justice for all—to say nothing of the pursuit of happiness—will be wiped from the face of the earth.
A perfect cultural storm is developing from the convergence of three forces, any one of which would seriously harm our way of life. But together they portend the near certain doom of the most cherished American values. Socialism, pagan spirituality, and pragmatism have come together over the last several decades to produce a cataclysm waiting to happen.
Socialism imposes the redistribution of wealth and private property through an all-powerful, freedom-robbing central government. Pagan spirituality embraces the worship of nature along with occult practices and beliefs. Pragmatism proclaims that the truth or worth of an idea is based solely upon the results it brings (pragmatists believe that truth is relative, situational, and that a desired end justifies any means required to reach it). All three of these political, spiritual, and intellectual systems have taken a dominant place in the American worldview.
Doomsday—Again
It’s been said that if we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. There are those who have even compared the rumblings in America today as similar to those in pre-Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While I don’t buy the notion that our government might be ready to establish concentration camps, the storm clouds heading this way have brought ideas into our public policy, laws, and national consciousness that bear a frightening resemblance to what has gone before—in the worst of times. This same collection of worldviews laid a foundation for the atrocities and godless government of Hitler’s Germany.
Adolph Hitler, you’ll recall, established the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. He also bought into what I call One World Spirituality, a merging of the three worldviews of evolutionary humanism, Hindu pantheism, and occultism.
Atheism in America is no longer in vogue among our “intellectual elite.” It’s being replaced by the far more insidious pantheism—insidious because it is more acceptable to the masses than outright disbelief in God. Pantheism is on track to become the dominate worldview in America and around the world in very short order.
Similar Is as Similar Does
Please understand that I’m not sensationalizing when making these observations. First Chronicles 12:32 says men of the tribe of Issachar were called wise because they “understood the times and knew what God would have them to do.” To help you make your own assessment of the situation, I’ve distinguished 25 benchmark issues that clearly define the intensity of the tempest that is nearly upon us. And yes, there are obvious comparisons with the growth of Nazism in Germany. I will point them out unabashedly because it’s only reasonable to say so if something that looks similar to an earlier, dangerous historical parallel actually is similar. After all, storm warnings, by nature, foretell bad news.
As you read through my list, I invite you to understand the times and prepare to respond with a Biblical worldview.
1. Hitler eliminated Christian holidays in the schools first by calling Christmas “Yuletide.” Most American public schools now call Christmas vacation a “winter break.”
2. Hitler outlawed school prayer in Germany. In 1962, The U.S. Supreme Court did the same for us.
3. Hitler took Easter out of schools and instead honored that time of year as the beginning of spring. It has likewise become common for schools in America to refer to time off at Easter as “spring break.”
4. Hitler controlled the church using intimidation and threats. A half-century ago, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson, promoted a bill that included an amendment to use the Internal Revenue Service to remove the non-profit status of a church that speaks against the election of any specific political candidate.
5. Hitler enticed thousands of pastors to promote paganism in their congregations. Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in America, doubling every 18 months according to a June 2008 article in The Denver Post. Many American church-goers practice paganism such as “Christian” yoga, contemplative prayer, and walking a labyrinth. As evidence that church doors continue to open further to aberrant beliefs, a 2008 survey found that 57% of evangelicals do not believe Jesus Christ is the only way to God.
6. Hitler prevented dissenters from using radio to challenge his worldview. Many powerful liberals in America have made clear their intent to reintroduce the “Fairness Doctrine” that would require conservative and religious radio stations to offer equal time to anti-Christian, anti-conservative worldviews.
7. Pastors who spoke against Hitler’s worldview and his murderous regime found themselves on trial and frequently imprisoned for “Abuse of Pulpit.” In America, hate-crime legislation has the potential to criminalize Christians and pastors who speak out against the homosexual agenda.
Read the entire article by ordering a free copy of our new, 32 page magazine that came out this week. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/digest.shtml
http://www.worldviewmatters.net
Even the most nominally aware person knows all too well that our nation—and the world—is engulfed in a major economic catastrophe. Thanks to the variety of factors at work, some observers have characterized it as the perfect economic storm. Yet this drama is a mere thunder shower by comparison with a far more devastating potential that threatens to wreck not just the American dream but the entire American ideal. If this maelstrom reaches its full power, liberty and justice for all—to say nothing of the pursuit of happiness—will be wiped from the face of the earth.
A perfect cultural storm is developing from the convergence of three forces, any one of which would seriously harm our way of life. But together they portend the near certain doom of the most cherished American values. Socialism, pagan spirituality, and pragmatism have come together over the last several decades to produce a cataclysm waiting to happen.
Socialism imposes the redistribution of wealth and private property through an all-powerful, freedom-robbing central government. Pagan spirituality embraces the worship of nature along with occult practices and beliefs. Pragmatism proclaims that the truth or worth of an idea is based solely upon the results it brings (pragmatists believe that truth is relative, situational, and that a desired end justifies any means required to reach it). All three of these political, spiritual, and intellectual systems have taken a dominant place in the American worldview.
Doomsday—Again
It’s been said that if we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. There are those who have even compared the rumblings in America today as similar to those in pre-Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While I don’t buy the notion that our government might be ready to establish concentration camps, the storm clouds heading this way have brought ideas into our public policy, laws, and national consciousness that bear a frightening resemblance to what has gone before—in the worst of times. This same collection of worldviews laid a foundation for the atrocities and godless government of Hitler’s Germany.
Adolph Hitler, you’ll recall, established the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. He also bought into what I call One World Spirituality, a merging of the three worldviews of evolutionary humanism, Hindu pantheism, and occultism.
Atheism in America is no longer in vogue among our “intellectual elite.” It’s being replaced by the far more insidious pantheism—insidious because it is more acceptable to the masses than outright disbelief in God. Pantheism is on track to become the dominate worldview in America and around the world in very short order.
Similar Is as Similar Does
Please understand that I’m not sensationalizing when making these observations. First Chronicles 12:32 says men of the tribe of Issachar were called wise because they “understood the times and knew what God would have them to do.” To help you make your own assessment of the situation, I’ve distinguished 25 benchmark issues that clearly define the intensity of the tempest that is nearly upon us. And yes, there are obvious comparisons with the growth of Nazism in Germany. I will point them out unabashedly because it’s only reasonable to say so if something that looks similar to an earlier, dangerous historical parallel actually is similar. After all, storm warnings, by nature, foretell bad news.
As you read through my list, I invite you to understand the times and prepare to respond with a Biblical worldview.
1. Hitler eliminated Christian holidays in the schools first by calling Christmas “Yuletide.” Most American public schools now call Christmas vacation a “winter break.”
2. Hitler outlawed school prayer in Germany. In 1962, The U.S. Supreme Court did the same for us.
3. Hitler took Easter out of schools and instead honored that time of year as the beginning of spring. It has likewise become common for schools in America to refer to time off at Easter as “spring break.”
4. Hitler controlled the church using intimidation and threats. A half-century ago, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson, promoted a bill that included an amendment to use the Internal Revenue Service to remove the non-profit status of a church that speaks against the election of any specific political candidate.
5. Hitler enticed thousands of pastors to promote paganism in their congregations. Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in America, doubling every 18 months according to a June 2008 article in The Denver Post. Many American church-goers practice paganism such as “Christian” yoga, contemplative prayer, and walking a labyrinth. As evidence that church doors continue to open further to aberrant beliefs, a 2008 survey found that 57% of evangelicals do not believe Jesus Christ is the only way to God.
6. Hitler prevented dissenters from using radio to challenge his worldview. Many powerful liberals in America have made clear their intent to reintroduce the “Fairness Doctrine” that would require conservative and religious radio stations to offer equal time to anti-Christian, anti-conservative worldviews.
7. Pastors who spoke against Hitler’s worldview and his murderous regime found themselves on trial and frequently imprisoned for “Abuse of Pulpit.” In America, hate-crime legislation has the potential to criminalize Christians and pastors who speak out against the homosexual agenda.
Read the entire article by ordering a free copy of our new, 32 page magazine that came out this week. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/digest.shtml
1.22.2009
Roe v. Wade
Today marks the 36th anniversary of the worst ruling in U.S. Supreme Court history. Because of that ruling, millions of helpless babies have been ruthlessly murdered; all in the name of convenience. My heart cries out for every life that has been taken through the horrors of abortion. How can we beg for mercy when our hands are red with the blood of innocent children? Make no mistake: God will avenge their blood. He is merciful, but He is also just. May we have the sense not to stand in His way. Dear Jesus, give us the courage to make a stand. Show us how to end this horror.
1.20.2009
I found not one
Ezekiel 22:30-31
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads," declares the Lord God.
I once heard someone say that this verse didn't mean that there were no righteous men in the nation; just that there was no one that would rise up and intercede for the country. No one understood the predicament the nation was in, and because they weren't in constant prayer, they didn't realize that they even needed to stand in the gap.
How true is that of this nation? Sure, we have some righteous men and women in the country; but how many of them even know that God is looking for someone to "build up the wall and stand in the gap for the land," let alone be willing to do so? Think about that verse. God searched over the entire land, and didn't even find ONE man who would stand and intercede. He would have turned from destroying the land on account of one man, and didn't even find that. He is searching this nation; will He find even one righteous man here who will stand in the gap?
Derek Prince once said (many years ago) that the heart of Jesus Christ for this nation is a broken one. He has done more for America than He has for any other nation, save Israel, and yet we turn our backs, and harden our hearts, and close our ears to His voice. Warnings have fallen on deaf ears, and the judgment that we may soon experience has been long in coming. Prince said that the only way this nation will avert the judgment it so deserves is if men and women get down on their knees and start repenting and interceeding for this country.
We just watched a new era of life enter with the inauguration of the new President. With it, I have heard so much hate-talk towards the President, that it makes me sick. Believe me, I'm no fan of our new leader, but God doesn't call us to bad-mouth our leaders--He calls us to pray for them. Paul told the early Christians to obey and pray for those in authority over them--and that was during the Roman reign! If those Christians could pray for their leaders, how much more should we pray for ours? If we aren't satisfied with the way our leaders are running the country, we need to get down on our knees and pray that God will turn the hearts of the kings toward Himself.
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
I don't mean to come across as pessimistic; Jesus Christ is still on His throne, and He still reigns on high over everything. But that doesn't give us an excuse to stand by and watch our world fall into greater darkness; it should motivate us to reach out to the broken-hearted, and offer them an everlasting Hope when all hope seems gone.
"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads," declares the Lord God.
I once heard someone say that this verse didn't mean that there were no righteous men in the nation; just that there was no one that would rise up and intercede for the country. No one understood the predicament the nation was in, and because they weren't in constant prayer, they didn't realize that they even needed to stand in the gap.
How true is that of this nation? Sure, we have some righteous men and women in the country; but how many of them even know that God is looking for someone to "build up the wall and stand in the gap for the land," let alone be willing to do so? Think about that verse. God searched over the entire land, and didn't even find ONE man who would stand and intercede. He would have turned from destroying the land on account of one man, and didn't even find that. He is searching this nation; will He find even one righteous man here who will stand in the gap?
Derek Prince once said (many years ago) that the heart of Jesus Christ for this nation is a broken one. He has done more for America than He has for any other nation, save Israel, and yet we turn our backs, and harden our hearts, and close our ears to His voice. Warnings have fallen on deaf ears, and the judgment that we may soon experience has been long in coming. Prince said that the only way this nation will avert the judgment it so deserves is if men and women get down on their knees and start repenting and interceeding for this country.
We just watched a new era of life enter with the inauguration of the new President. With it, I have heard so much hate-talk towards the President, that it makes me sick. Believe me, I'm no fan of our new leader, but God doesn't call us to bad-mouth our leaders--He calls us to pray for them. Paul told the early Christians to obey and pray for those in authority over them--and that was during the Roman reign! If those Christians could pray for their leaders, how much more should we pray for ours? If we aren't satisfied with the way our leaders are running the country, we need to get down on our knees and pray that God will turn the hearts of the kings toward Himself.
Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
I don't mean to come across as pessimistic; Jesus Christ is still on His throne, and He still reigns on high over everything. But that doesn't give us an excuse to stand by and watch our world fall into greater darkness; it should motivate us to reach out to the broken-hearted, and offer them an everlasting Hope when all hope seems gone.
1.11.2009
Relaxing weekend
Relaxing? I think I've forgotten the meaning of the word. We have had something going on every weekend for the last. . . . .well, I'm not sure how long. And we have stuff going on every weekend at least through the rest of January, and February is filling up pretty quickly, too.
This weekend may have been busy, but it sure was fun. Friday night we met with some friends at a restaurant after I was done working, and had supper there before going to a "Game Night" with some other homeschool families. We had a lot of fun playing basketball and some board games. Of course, it seemed we had to leave much earlier than we would have liked--Hannah and I would probably need a week straight to feel we had an adequate chance to talk! :)
Saturday we had another chess tournament. There were only two kids in the senior high division--including me--so they combined the junior and senior high for playing, but did the awards seperately. Carl, Robbie, and I all ended up playing some of the same opponents, and Robbie and I faced off in the fourth round. Robbie played amazingly well that day, and his only loss was to me! Considering some of his opponents, and that he was one of the youngest playing in the division, that was a great feat! He ended up taking 2nd place with his four wins, and got first place in his grade! Carl and I both played the same kid (who, I might add, was extremely good) during the tournament, and both ended drawing with him. So we both ended up with 4.5 wins, which was enough for first place in our divisions. It was great to have Carl and Robbie score in the top two places of the junior high division, especially for Robbie! He's beginning to make a name for himself!
This weekend may have been busy, but it sure was fun. Friday night we met with some friends at a restaurant after I was done working, and had supper there before going to a "Game Night" with some other homeschool families. We had a lot of fun playing basketball and some board games. Of course, it seemed we had to leave much earlier than we would have liked--Hannah and I would probably need a week straight to feel we had an adequate chance to talk! :)
Saturday we had another chess tournament. There were only two kids in the senior high division--including me--so they combined the junior and senior high for playing, but did the awards seperately. Carl, Robbie, and I all ended up playing some of the same opponents, and Robbie and I faced off in the fourth round. Robbie played amazingly well that day, and his only loss was to me! Considering some of his opponents, and that he was one of the youngest playing in the division, that was a great feat! He ended up taking 2nd place with his four wins, and got first place in his grade! Carl and I both played the same kid (who, I might add, was extremely good) during the tournament, and both ended drawing with him. So we both ended up with 4.5 wins, which was enough for first place in our divisions. It was great to have Carl and Robbie score in the top two places of the junior high division, especially for Robbie! He's beginning to make a name for himself!
1.01.2009
No matter what the "experts" say. . .
"There are better things ahead of us than anything we leave behind."
~C.S. Lewis
~C.S. Lewis
Christmas 2008
We had a wonderful Christmas vacation, and greatly enjoyed spending so much time with our family! We made it out to the Steele farm Sunday night, and spend that night through Christmas morning with the Steele side of the family. On Monday Dad's older sister, her husband, and their youngest son came over for supper and the opening of presents. Carl got the board game Stratego from our grandparents, so we all played that for a while that night. It took a while to brush up on the rules of play, as we hadn't played the game in several years, but it wasn't too long before we got the hang of it again. Christmas Eve another of Dad's sisters came from the Cities to spend time with her parents (and us, of course!).
Christmas Day was spent at a cousin's house in the Cities. It was really good to see everyone again, but 21 people in a not-so-big house sure was interesting! :-) Afterwards, we left for my grandma's house; and we ended up taking an extra passenger. Our cousin Tony, 13, wanted to come with us, and after clearing it with everyone, spent Christmas evening through the next Sunday morning with us. That made for some really fun times! Hide-and-seek in the dark (and I do mean DARK) basement, and our "hot-potatoe/dodgeball" game were huge hits throughout the time spent together. We were very thankful that the roads were perfectly clear, and made it home just fine on Sunday.
(This picture is of Carl and Tony's "Feet of Fury." I think I'll just leave it at that.) :-)
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