Judge not?...

Have you been accused of, or have you accused anyone of 'judging' recently? I have noticed this word being used repeatedly, and for several weeks I have been compelled to write my feelings regarding it.

I am sure that what I am about to write will offend some. My intention is not to offend anyone. However, almost 46 years ago I was blessed to be born in the United States of America. Although in the last 46 years things have DRASTICALLY changed, I still very firmly stand on my inalienable rights as a Free American. My inalienable rights include freedom of speech and expression, and you might say that I am now launching both…courageously and proudly.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger said it like this, “I think the only people who don’t want you to make judgments are the people who don’t want to be judged, because they know what they are doing is wrong. They are defensive.”

I once heard a story of a man that was standing in a voting line one day, and overheard a woman justifying her foolish choice for president by saying, "Well, we aren't supposed to judge." Imagine that! Choosing NOT to judge a political candidate on election day! No wonder our nation is in such a horrendous mess!

Our society has indoctrinated us to be ‘politically correct’. Alcoholism, drug use, and continual immoral lifestyles are now ‘diseases’. Diseases? Excuse me??!! A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. A disease is something that YOU CAN’T CONTROL!! Cancer is a disease! Alcoholism, drug use, and immorality are NOT diseases!! People that practice them simply, have no discipline, conviction, or principles!

I suppose that some would say that I am guilty of ‘judging’ after reading that last paragraph. (Ironic observation...when accusing one of ‘judging’, aren’t YOU then guilty of the same?)

I have chuckled when I have heard self proclaimed heathens (or simply ones who live like heathens) quote the scripture “Judge not that ye be not judged’, as a rebuke or reprimand to those who live in this great Democracy, and are simply stating their beliefs or opinions.

These types of scriptures are sometimes thrown in the face of Christians to invoke feelings of guilt and shame, when said Christians whom I might add are ‘Free Americans’, state their opinions or beliefs. To that I say, unless you live by ALL of the Great Book, it is deceitful and fraudulent to use it’s sacred verses at your whim or convenience.

To those of you who frequently quote it out of context, and have no idea where it is found,….Matthew 7:1 says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

Regarding Matthew 7:1-5. The context allows judging after you have first judged YOURSELF. Jesus did not make a blanket statement against judgment!

A ‘holier than thou’ and prideful attitude is one I refuse to own, and I do not condone, nor do I practice a daily dose of ‘judging’ people. However, now that we have established first, that here in America our inalienable rights INCLUDE freedom of speech and expression, and I who have made it my life’s objective to live by ALL of God’s Word, do not feel guilt when having an opinion, nor will I keep silent when I hold true a belief that is sacred to me, and I feel it is being compromised.

A quote I found most interesting; "He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” Henry David Thoreau.

There are things that I don’t plan on ‘cooperating’ with. I humbly pray for wisdom and courage. Silence is not an option, and charity MUST always be a top ingredient…but, silence is not an option.

Before I end this ‘write’, I am obliged to be ‘politically correct’. (*Smile & Wink*)

Democracy is communication: people talking to one another about their common problems and forging a common destiny. Before people can govern themselves, they must be free to express themselves.

Citizens of a democracy live with the conviction that through the open exchange of ideas and opinions, truth will eventually win out over falsehood, the values of others will be better understood, areas of compromise more clearly defined, and the path of progress opened. The greater the volume of such exchanges, the better!!

Democracy thrives upon the energy of citizens who are sustained by the unimpeded flow of ideas, data, opinions, and speculation.

Free American, signing off.

Why the hate??

****I recently read something that rang so true, and I felt like it couldn't have been written with more clarity or improved on. I immediately contacted the author, and he so graciously gave me permission to put it on my blog.****

(( I might add....Sam Hassas is probably one of the best, **If not THE best!** photographers EVER. Take a look and be impressed! www.hassasphotography.com))

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Why the hate??

I am going to preface this post with this first, I was born in Kabul Afghanistan.

All the hate towards the U.S. is sickening. America has her ills but when it's all said and done, (feel free to plug your ears here) it is the GREATEST NATION in the world and I dare say the history of the world.

I find it so hypocritical to those that came here from other countries and cast stones about the U.S. You left your country for a reason. War torn, dictatorship regimes, lack of work/jobs, quality of life, the list can go forever. Whatever the reason it's clear that HERE is better then where ever it was that you came from. Yet you freely insult, tear down and mock the very thing that gives you the life. The life you could have never had from where you came. A good life. A protected life. A FREE life.

I won't even start with the unbelievable amount of foreign aid that comes from the U.S. when trouble hits. TOp givers in every category for ever crisis over and over again. Japan, Haiti, 2004 Tsunami..........and hundreds of others.

I come from a proud race of men and women with strong hearts. It was sad to see these same people, my people be lotted together with the monster that is Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. That said, today is a great day. Not just for the U.S. but for the world.

I get it though, tall trees catch the most wind. My rant is far saying that we are perfect as a nation. We're certainly not. Just next time you decide to go on the attack about how bad things are here and how evil of a country the US is, consider what the consequences of you "speaking your mind" would have been if you were back "home".

Love it or leave it folks. Love the U.S.
Land o the free, home of the brave. Pass a cheeseburger.

***steps off soap box***

Sam Hassas

My April Fools Post.....(that some actually fell for!)

Just found out that I'm expecting my 4th child at 45 years old, and also celebrating the announcement of my first grandchild! Meanwhile, Chantal got accepted to Princeton, but is not accepting, as she is newly and happily engaged! I am writing all this while I sit in my brand new 2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class that my husband just paid cash for, and saying goodbye to my son David who just purchased a 5-star Hotel in Dubai, that he must immediately take possession of. #HappyAprilFoolsDay

In Response......

This blog entry is to respond to an 'anonymous' comment I received after writing a blog called 'The Debilitating Disease of 'Hypochondriasis''.

Dear 'Anonymous', I read your comment, and deleted it, as I felt that you totally misunderstood the context and spirit behind my writings. Although things are a bit busy right now, I felt compelled to sit down and write to you, because although I don't know you, you matter to me. I have immense empathy for you and your little daughter.

I'm assuming that you don't know me personally. I have been in the ministry all my life....I have worked with hundreds of people and held many hands in hospital rooms of people that in one day their life has taken a turn, and changed forever. THESE people are NOT the ones that I am referring to in my blog.

My post was referring to people that have nothing wrong with them, and try to conjure up sickness and affliction.

I am right now thinking of a girl that I won to the Lord that I have always described her as a 'Pentecostal Model'. An incredibly beautiful girl. Talented girl. She was very active and right in the middle of everything our church did. This girl is the same age as my oldest son, and has been like a daughter to me. At the age I think it was 21, one day she was helping her family with something, and all the sudden she couldn't walk or move. They took her to the Doctor and found out that the bones in her back were deteriorating. **I don't know all the medical details**, but to make a very long story short, she had a couple of very serious surgeries. (The first one, the Surgeon might have even done more damage than good).....This beautiful, talented, girls life changed in one day. She lives in pain like very few can relate to. She lives in an almost bedridden state. Her condition is not one that is 'conjured up' or the invention of a negative disposition. In fact she has never blamed God, and from her bed has made outreach calls and helped in organizational things.... from her bed. She has a debilitating situation, but it is NOT hypochondriasis.

I have also been in a surgical waiting room of someone that the doctor came out with dozens of 8x10 colored pictures (that he took during exploratory surgery), almost apologetically telling the husband that "as hard as I have tried to find something wrong with your wife,... I can't. I took these pictures as proof. Unfortunately, this is one time that I think my patient will be disappointed." He and the husband looked each other in the eye, both silently acknowledging the fact that this lady definitely was sick, but it was a different kind of sickness. Both shook their heads, and the doctor walked out.

Being able to discern the 'real' from the 'fake' is an asset when in the ministry. Although all need love and direction, there is only 24 hours in a day, and if we couldn't discern who really needed help, the ones who need it the most would be neglected.

I also must add that I have seen many a home broken because of this very 'Debilitating Disease of Hypochondriasis',.....if we don't address it, we really aren't helping anyone in the end are we?

My heart and prayers are with you and your daughter.

The Debilitating Disease of 'Hypochondriasis'

Do you know anyone with this disease? I’m sure we all have run into one or two in our lifetime. The problem is…..do they know it’s them?? Do they know that we all try to avoid all the talk about their aches and pains? Do they know that we are inwardly cringing when they seemly turn every conversation into a session regarding their latest doctors appointment?

How can they get so animated and excited when telling you about their gallbladder and feet problems for the umpteenth time? If it weren’t so pitiful, it would be hilariously funny!! What a miserable way to live!

I have often wondered, what motivates a person with ‘Hypochondriasis? Is it attention seeking, or merely an extremely negative personality? Do these same people find their self complaining about everything? It’s too cold, it’s too hot, it’s too loud, it’s not loud enough….?

We have watched a girl in our church go through 4 years of stage 4 Cancer. She has had endless sessions of chemo, and radiation. A Stem Cell Transplant, and 3 brain surgeries, and 1 hip surgery later, she is a beaming light of joy and optimism. I have noticed that she would much rather talk about other things. Why? Because she knows what it REALLY means to be sick and to suffer. ‘Real’ illness is not ‘glamorized’ in her mind, for she has truly experienced the ‘shadow of death’ and unthinkable pain. If anyone had rights to complain or be consumed with ‘sickness’, this girl would. But she doesn’t.

If you are reading this, God has so graciously given you the gift of life. In fact today, God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds! He also fearfully and wonderfully made YOU. Instead of being so fascinated with the negative and infatuated with sickness, why don’t you take a deep breath, smile as wide as you can, turn on some high-steppin’ music that gives glory to your incredible creator, and just simply sing…..Thank You.

Thank you for each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends….for everything Thy goodness sends.

Here’s my prescription,…..Thankfulness!!

Parenting, kids, influence....Rambling!

When raising our kids, many times we shielded them, or maybe a better way of saying it is; 're-directed' them from spending time with certain peers. These 'peers' many times were 'somebodies'. These peers many times were 'THE' ones to be seen with. I know that others watching from the outside probably thought we were crazy. After all, doesn't everyone want their kids to be seen with 'them'?!

I must admit that there were times that I would second-guess myself. "Can these kids REALLY negatively affect my kids?? After all, we're talking about the growing up years when they weren't doing horrible things-why be SO careful?............I can't explain it. It was always just a feeling I would get. An intuition. At those times I would pray that I was doing the right thing for my kids, and just keep on trucking, and re-directing, with my fingers crossed, and my heart holding its breath.

Our kids never knew it. In fact, very recently my husband and I, Chantal (17), and David (20) , were sitting across the table from a minister who asked us to give him some of our parenting philosophies. At this moment, just a few months ago, my kids heard for the very first time our ideas and feelings on this subject. (Our reasoning for not telling them what we were doing, was that we didn't want to raise kids that felt like they were 'superior', or 'better' than others. Had that happened, WE would have been the ones hurting them.) They listened quite captivated and somewhat surprised.

During all this time, and still to this day, we teach our kids that GOD gives them their identity - not people. GOD elevates them - people don't.

I'm so grateful to God for His help. I've seen my kids grow up to be very secure in who they are. I have seen them love people regardless of their 'status'. I see in them a real depth. The 'cool' thing to them is living for God.... so if you do that, no matter who you are, what you look like, how much your daddy makes a year, ....you're accepted, and they'll love you.

In looking back, I can truly say that those 'intuitions' (that I truly believe are God given), never steered us wrong. My kids were shielded and protected from influences that would have harmed them, not physically, but spiritually. In the end, there's only one that can elevate them, .....and He knows their name, He knows their every thought, He sees each tear that falls, and He hears them when they call!!!!

Family

What is going on in this head of mine tonight? I’m thinking about a word that means the world to me. Family.

What makes a great family? What makes a close family? What makes a strong family and keeps a family together?

I have been in the ministry all my life, and have observed many families. What stands out the most to me when I see a family that has that extra ‘specialness’ is one thing. Love. There is a little plaque that I put in a very conspicuous spot right out side our front door. Everyone that enters our home sees it. It reads, ‘Love is Spoken Here’. I’m really big on this. Our family not just ‘speaks’ love, but ‘shows’ love. To some who have not been raised this way, and look at our ‘way’ as ridiculous, or unnecessary, ....I don’t feel intimidated or in the least bit daunted…I just feel sorry….for you.

There have been times over the years when we felt immense pressure and had to take stands regarding the way we raised our children. We were ‘over-protective’, or ‘over-bearing’, …..etc….. Peer pressure comes outfitted a whole lot of different ways, and from a whole lot of different kinds of people. However, to this, we would stand tall, square our shoulders, smile, and, do it our way.

The ‘over-bearing’ mantra has never intimidated me. Proverbs…”She watches over the affairs of her household.” It is my job before God! (And when she does), “Her children arise and call her blessed.”

Love causes you to do a lot of things you didn’t think you were strong enough to do. One of them is sometimes standing up to people, and not always taking the easy road.

We are not finished raising our kids quite yet, but we are already blessed with little rewards that mean the world to a loving mom and dad…..

One of them happened just a couple of nights ago, when my beautiful daughter approached me, and trusted me with her heart. These are times that I stop and reflect, and thank God for the bond that we share.

Other rewards are when one of David’s clients (whom I have never met) sent me a 2 page letter giving me honor and thanking me because of the quality son I have raised. **David does her Pest Control.

Other rewards are when your own children call you blessed. A few years ago Jonathan left a message on our answering machine thanking us for the way we have raised him, and how much he appreciates us and loves us for it. The message was so heartfelt and touching that I have saved it to this very day, and listen to it frequently….it just makes my day so much brighter.

Although a little fragmented, I hope my rambling thoughts encourage a parent today. Don’t be lazy. Don’t be easily intimidated. Pray and ask God for guidance, wisdom, and direction. After doing that, just simply STAND. Stand and Love.

I have all the faith in the world that when you do this, you will have a great family, a close family,…a strong family that stays together through everything that life brings your way.

***I could go on and on!!!! Maybe I will....There just might be more to come!! =D

Let's Age Gracefully Ladies!

Yes, that's my title....'Let's Age Gracefully Ladies'.

What is worse than seeing a 'mature' lady walking down the street, trying her hardest to look like a teenager? Something just doesn't add up, does it? You get embarrassed for them and want to discreetly take them by the hand and very nicely let them know their really not pulling off the 'look'....

I have used the analogy of a flower when discussing this subject. The flower goes through all states of development much like a female. It has a bud stage, and then it goes through the height of its color, then to the fading stage before it one day dies.

There comes a time when the 'bloom is off the rose', however, when you stop trying to capture what is gone, and live and love the new season of your life, you will be so much happier!! My delight is not looking in mirror, but now it's seeing my beautiful daughter walk in the room, in the 'height of her color'.

I say, take the botox, take the articles on looking 'ten years younger, take the 'obsessed with myself' mentality, ....take it all and throw it under the nearest bus!! Deal with it! Stop spending thousands of dollars trying to turn back the clock! Enjoy every season....and spend more time with what's on the inside instead of the outside.

Aging steals, your physical beauty If that's, all you have to show So you better have, a deeper beauty That's everlasting, this I know, Time, can be so cruel And the years, can take a mighty toll Wrinkles, sagging, and all such Been the same, since times of old, You can, spend a fortune But the aging, will go through It's something, you can't stop Going on, inside of you, So develop, your inner beauty And don't neglect, the outer too Cause both of them, together Make up, what God, has made of you.

The Great Falling Away

I woke up this morning with this on my mind.

I have heard all my life that there would be a ‘great falling away’. Scripture refers to it…"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

I know of many people that are ‘falling away’. Good people. People that I have enjoyed friendships with. People that I have loved, and dearly love to this day. People that have sat in the same pews as me and worshipped in the same church as me. Many have lead in the worship experience, many have been in the ministry, and many have been raised in the ministry. These good people are simply ‘falling away’.

This term ‘falling away’ or ‘apostasy’ means; to depart from revealed truth, to lead away, seduce, mislead; to defect, to blind the eyes of the people by manipulating the truth. It's a walking away from the truth that you've once known in favor of something else. ….(In Matthew 24, verses 4-12, the Lord specifically warns about this time.)

One of the things that most disturbs me, is no one appears to have any fear of the Lord, or even of Hell any longer….(that hard stance is surely politically incorrect and ‘uneducated’). Although the Word of God clearly tells us that millions of those who claim to be Christian will stand before God and be quite surprised when they hear, “Away from Me, I never knew you.” Though they will tell him of all the great and wonderful things they did in His Name, He will still say ‘I never knew you’.

I ask myself, “How can this be?”….I am sure that there are many factors, but can one be that they have allowed things into their lives that has desensitized them? Did they open their selves up to television, media, internet, ‘higher’ learning,…and now they can no longer discern right from wrong - Holy from unholy - The pure from the profane?

The spirit of this world is ‘the old ways/paths are archaic - we need change.’ There are so many spiritual and political parallels that I see. Obama’s campaign mantra was ‘CHANGE’. ‘There is a new and better way to do this.’… Now the White House sports shirtsleeves, bare arms, and have replaced the once ‘Sacred’ Office, with an informal, laid-back posture - where EVERYTHING is accepted. Can you see the parallels??

We have seen young couples marry, and after the parents in all faith and trust give their daughters hand over in marriage, the young man all of the sudden has a ‘new and better’ way, and pulls the young new wife (who was lovingly been raised in the ‘old paths’) into the web of deception and apostasy (‘Change’). Oh the sorrow that this has brought the parents, it is one that I cannot even imagine. My husband has described the actions of this young man as the highest form of ‘treason’, and has gone so far as saying that when he marries our daughter, he is adding vows in the marriage ceremony that vow the young man to keep the sacred beliefs that we lovingly and fearfully raised our daughter in.

Oh what a time we are living in. It makes me want to embrace the truth harder and more intensely to my heart than I ever have before. I desire more than ever to love what God loves and hate what God hates. I pray for discernment, so that I can discern right from wrong, holy from unholy, and the pure from the profane. I will ALWAYS have accountability in my life. I will NEVER do away with Elders in my life. They are my balance. I NEED them in my life. I pray that I will not only have a love for God in my heart, but always a healthy fear of God in my heart.

If you are reading this and if any part describes you, - go back. You are not enlightened, just the opposite…you have been blinded. Find that real Man of God in your life and come home. The Prodigal did, and what a homecoming that was!

Why is my love for them so deep and my bond with them so strong??

I've heard it said that in any given congregation,

20% of the members are the 'workers', or the

'movers and shakers' so to speak--while the

rest enjoy the benefits. I have never sat down

and proven or disproven that statistic in our local

assembly...I'll leave all that stuff up to God! As a

pastors wife, I find a way to love them all...but I've

got to say that some just make it SO easy!!!! Tonight

was one of those nights when I looked around and my

heart burst with gratefulness and love.

It is the beginning of our cherry season, which in other

words, it's the beginning of our 'sacrificial season'. Precious

saints that work all week, reserve 4-6 of their weekends

*in a row* for one thing...to work for God's Kingdom.

***Asking nothing in return.***

Tonight I was so touched when I saw each of them coming

in after a long hot day of cherry selling. They unloaded their

trucks, and then moved into the sanctuary for our weekly

all church hour of prayer. My heart burst with pride and love

and gratefulness. These faithful saints are heroes in my eyes.

They are the ones who make FMT shine. They are the ones

that make FMT what it is.

Thank you Lord for giving us these precious, faithful saints...

And now you know why my love for them is SO deep and my

bond with them SO strong!!!! =D

Memories of Kauai

Two weeks of bliss is really what it was.....

We jumped on a plane headed for the Pacific Ocean. Our calendar had a big red X on 2 weeks worth of days. This is the longest we have ever went away together -ALONE ....no one but US!!!! **That's just what you do when you are celebrating 25 years of marriage!!

My honey had spent hours and hours planning this trip. His goal was to make it special and memorable....and that's exactly what it was.

Staying at 3 different sides of the island, we were able to experience the WHOLE beauty and wonder of this paradise called 'Kauai'.

We did so much....a scary helicopter ride, jumped off cliffs (him NOT me!), spent a full day on a Catamaran and saw hundreds of dolphins and whales, went scuba diving, watched a play, quads, incredible dinners, long walks, and so much more **Can't forget the imminent Tsunami that the world was watching!**

...But my favorite thing to do was to get in our convertible-top down,turn on our 'special cd' *had all our special songs on it*, and just drive. We would talk about our life together. What we've done, what we've accomplished. The children we made and nurtured, the church we have given our heart to. We would laugh out of sheer joy of just being together. When our sentimental talks would bring tears of love and gratefulness - we would burst out into laughter because we would see that the 'other' had that same deep love that sometimes just makes you cry. These were my favorite moments.

Memories that will last a lifetime were made on this special trip - I will hold them close forever, and play them over in my mind like a movie.

Looking forward to growing old with 'My Guy' and making many more special memories.

You know our love was meant to be -The kind of love that lasts forever
And I want you here with me- From tonight until the end of time
You should know, everywhere I go-You're always on my mind, in my heart
In my soul, Baby

You're the meaning in my life - You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life - You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me - I wanna have you hear me sayin'
No one needs you more than I need you

And I know, yes I know that it's plain to see - We're so in love when we're together
Now I know that I need you here with me - From tonight until the end of time
You should know, everywhere I go - Always on my mind, in my heart
In my soul

The Value of a Girl

The beautiful sunny 'San Diego' weather that we are so blessed with was hiding its splendor this last Monday, and Mr. Rain had taken it's place. Some of our youth at church, my daughter included, had a day off from school and wanted to just be together. We opted to have lunch in the food court at the local mall. We are a very creative bunch, and also took some games, so suffice it to say that we spent a very healthy amount of time at a table in the food court. We were not the only 'creative' bunch that had decided to make the food court our personal rain shelter. I noticed 2 girls and a boy sitting very near to us. They had already been there when we first sat down, and although were not eating, they were there the whole time we were. I have always had a burden for young people, and I just kind of felt drawn toward one of the girls. She was a very beautiful YOUNG girl. The make-up and seductive clothing didn't fool me. The guy that was with them could have starred in the music video 'Pants on the Ground'...Now enters Mr. Gangsta. As I played our latest craze, 'Monopoly Deal' with my daughter Chantal and these incredible young people from our church, I found it harder and harder to stay focused on the game. My laughter and joy began take a drastic turn. My heart was breaking and I was shaking with anger and sadness inside as I sat in this mall where people were deciding the 'value' of 'things' and buying and selling 'things'..... all the while there sat 2 young girls in the very same mall who didn't know their own 'value'. I shook with anger as I watched 'Mr. Gangsta' go from one girl to the other. He would sit on their lap and put his hands ALL over them. After spending time with one, he'd go to the other. As I sat there I began to feel VERY angry. I got up at one point and asked an employee to call Security. I was told that if there was no immediate danger, I would have to go to the information desk and make a request. Meanwhile my daughter had sensed something wrong with me. The other kids as well. When they noticed what was taking my attention, they all began to feel the same feelings of compassion, anger, sadness. I felt like something had to be done. As I was preparing to get up, I noticed one of the girls quickly walk away, followed by the other girl (the one I had been drawn to). This was my chance. I stood up and said "Excuse me, excuse me"...got her attention and she came over to me. My first question was 'How old are you?' I learned that this beautiful girl was 13. I wanted to cry. I began to talk to her about her 'value'. I told her that she was very beautiful and deserved so much more than to be treated how she was being treated. I could tell that I was reaching her, but when my daughter stepped in and began talking to her, I KNEW we were reaching her. We made friends with her and gave her our church card. When she left our table she left with the knowledge that she had 'value'. She was worth so much. That day really impacted me and the young people I was with. We saw so many things on this girls face in a matter of minutes....shame, embarrassment, regret, then... hope? A spark of hope?? It was a 'Real Life' lesson for them seeing that this kind of behavior doesn't bring bliss, but brings shame. It was a 'Real Life Lesson' when they saw the power of looking someone in the eye and telling them how 'valuable' they were to God and to the people of God. The value of one girl.....worth the whole world.

Today We Turn 25

Twenty-five years ago today I married the love of my life. When I think back, I remember feeling at the time - like I really loved my groom. But the love that I felt then doesn't EVEN compare to the depth, height, and width of my love today. Through good times, through bad times, in sickness, and in health, we have forged through the days. The days have turned into years. TWENTY FIVE YEARS!!!! We created 3 beautiful, incredible people, and are building a thriving church together. Together, we have accomplished so much.

Today I look back, but also look ahead. I know that you have lots more surprises up your sleeve. You have many more life ideas and experiments yet to live and try. And today, like I did so many years ago I vow to stay by your side. Whatever life brings us. I'm excited about spending it with YOU. Here's to 25 MORE with YOU babe!! I love you forever.....

Landmark Experiences

Last night in our evening service I received a 'Landmark Experience'. Words never do justice to these experiences, however, my husband best described it when he said that "It felt as if we had been take up in angels wings and carried into the Presence of the Lord." He quoted the verse in I Hebrews....."Of the angels, Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation?"

I couldn't stop weeping, and at the same time I felt like laughing because it was so beautiful and sweet. I didn't ever want to leave. I didn't want that feeling to stop. Before the night was over I just sat there in that special 'spot' where I received such overwhelming love from God. That 'landmark spot'. Today when I went to the church to do some work, I went to that 'spot' and just sat and let the tears fall in gratefulness for what God had done in my heart and life.

Today as I went through the daily 'stuff' that I do as a wife, mom and Pastors wife, I began to remember many other 'landmark experiences' in my life. As I thought of them I realized that those experiences are what has made me who I am. They have kept me through the hard times. They are what I hold onto when the demon of doubt would like to wage a battle with my mind. Today I took a journey; not physically, but spiritually to many of those 'landmarks' in my life, and thanked God for them.

Today my load is lighter. Today I can see clearly, for the rain has gone. Today I feel the brush of angels wings....But I know that when Tomorrow comes, *and it will*....I have another landmark in my life that I can return to and 'remember' the power and sweetness of God's love, and that memory will carry me through....

Pondering....

I was just sitting and pondering.....*this could mean trouble folks!*

I was born and raised in an Apostolic home. It's all I've ever known. (It's all I ever WANT to know... I might add!) I have always loved God and lived for him simply because I WANTED TO. Nothing has changed....I STILL WANT TO! I am, *to put it simply*....in love. In love with Jesus. In all the years that I have lived for Him, I have NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED any other 'way'. I am unapologetic about my 'lifestyle'. In fact, I consider my 'lifestyle' a privilege. There are many before me that have walked this narrow path. I value them and am so grateful for their faithfulness and commitment, and treasure the heritage that has been passed down to me. I now am lovingly and proudly passing this treasure down to my children.

Our political and religious world today scream for change. So far the only 'change' Washington has brought, is a president and first lady that have no respect or understanding of the sacredness of the highest office in our nation. Their dress code, their references to our incredible country, and political stance, scream and prove their 'CHANGE'=EMINENT DESTRUCTION!! We are being destroyed not from the 'outside', but from the 'inside'. Is this same evolution taking place in the Apostolic world? I say yes! And lookout, because the real damage is being dealt from the inside.

I don't want any shortcuts or new plans. I want what is tried and true and what I consider My Pearl of Great Price....just sayin'.

Happy Birthday To 'My Dream Come True'

Sixteen years ago today, God gave me the desires of my heart....actually He gave me so much more than I ever dreamed of, in a beautiful little package we named Chantal Lorraine Bertram.

God had called us to go on the evangelistic field, and we were selling our home and EVERYTHING we owned. Our family at the time, consisted of 2 of the most delightful boys you could ever ask for, and I was a very happy Mommy. My deepest dream however, was to have a little girl. At this very momentous time of our life, surprising and delighting us, Chantal made her entrance into our world. I remember crying and laughing in the delivery room telling my husband, the doctors and nurses, (like they didn't know already!)..."It's a girl! God gave me my girl! Oh I can't believe it! DID YOU HEAR ME??? IT'S A GIRL!!!! Thank you JESUS!!" They gave me polite little nods and congratulations, but that didn't dissuade me. I cried and laughed and gushed on. What a total blast this little package brought to our home.

She was and still is the perfect balance. She is not afraid of getting dirty, and is perfectly content in a jean skirt, cowboy boots, and a bun on her head....And she takes a backseat to no one when she gets all gussied up! LOL Tomboy, and Princess all in one package!

I remember praying over her every time I would change her diaper, or feed her. Thanking God for her, and asking God to keep His hand on her. To protect her and give her a heart after Him. My prayer has been answered. I have watched this little Tomboy Princess turn into an incredible young lady. She is one of our best altar workers. She sings with anointing, and genuinely loves people. She prays. She is a real christian!

With a grateful heart I write this....I know this is a public forum and others will read it, but there are 2 beautiful blue eyes that are my focus and this is written for those 'blues'.

Chantal, you are my dream come true and oh so much more. You have been nothing but a delight to your Dad and I and your 2 VERY protective brothers.(lol) You have brought laughter, singing (all the time...), and such fun to our home.

My wish for you is that you keep God first. He WILL give you the desires of your heart....I know what I'm talking about....He did that for me! I love you more than you will ever know. Happy 'Sweet 16'.

David & Chantal Singing 'The Prayer'

This is an audio clip of David and Chantal singing 'The Prayer' at Jonathan & Cynthia's wedding.

Thank you for letting a proud mama brag!

Introducing.....Prince David

This being a very 'transitional' time (Is that even a word?.....it is now!) in the Bertram household, with Jonathan married and out of the house, it really got Chantal and I thinking....Here's what we came up with.

We have officially crowned David Hunter Bertram the 'Prince' of the house. YES....he now holds the very royal spot that sits right next to the throne. Thus he must be treated like the royalty that he is.

This last Sunday night (the very first night after the big coronation), when we came home from church, Chantal (The Princess) and I were poised and ready. When he entered the dining area we quickly sat him down and asked him what he wanted to eat...."ANYTHING, to the half of the kingdom is yours just ask"....and that he did. We tirelessly served him his hearts delight. Meanwhile the delight was ours. Just to watch the little grin, huge dimples, and the chest expanding before our eyes was incredible fun. I must say that the Prince is milking this one for all it's worth. The Princess is working tirelessly in the kitchen granting the Prince his every wish. (It is loads of cute!!!!)

In my opinion, the Prince is so worthy of this royal treatment. He is nothing short of delightful. He has the Queen and blonde little Princess wrapped around his handsome little finger. However, the queen is now waiting for a new awareness to set in and be realized....The one that will occur with startling clarity,...the one when the Princess realizes her royal spot in the Kingdom, and has the Prince finally doting on her.....