Tastes Like Chicken

God was talking to me today so I thought I would share with whoever is reading this.

On another person's blog, they talk about being salty (read Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50, and Colossians 4:6). So, everything I am going to say stems from that blog.

1. If a seasoning has no flavor (that's where the salt comes in), it has no value. If Christians make not effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world, we are worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.

2. We should counter act the moral decay in society, just as salt preserves food.

3. Satan tries to take our saltiness. He tempts us with things of this world. But compared to heaven's sweetness and God's power, it tastes like cardboard (from shasa). A quick fix when we are feeling hungry.

Give God the chance to keep you good and salty. Feed from His blood, love, richness, grace, and power. Stay in His presence and word so you won't be hungry enough to eat cardboard!


John 6:56 - Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.

A Call to All

First of all... note how there is no longer a "comments" link after my posts. That's right, I changed it to say something cool like "what say u?" Okay, I am a dork.

Secondly... I just love the girls in the youth group. They are awesome. It is so great to see them grow in their faith. Anyway, they are going to start a girls bible study aimed at reading the entire bible and keeping each other accountable for reading regularly. I totally need something like this. Latley I have been reading every night (1 Kings, learning all about Solomon!) but I don't always do that.

So, here is my question to all who are reading this: Have you read your bible today? Especially those of you who have time to read people's blogs every morning, make sure you are reading God's blog, too.

I never thought of it that way.... the bible is like God's blog. Wow, I am almost becoming as insightful as Skip. Speaking of Skip, if you haven't read his blog you should. It is full of wonder insight on everyday life. Go ahead, the link is righ tover there -------> (and up a little)

Something Funny

Well, tonight my husband and I are off to spend quality time with the family.

I have been doing a lot of cleaning today and was going to write something about cleaning out our "spiritual closets" but I ran out of time. Instead, I leave you with this. Now, I haven't heard all of it because my speakers quit working for NO REASON but the first half was entertaining. It reminded me of something Sam and Chelsea would like. Enjoy...

Does it matter what God thinks?

Okay, well....

Tanner came home today. I just wanted to hold him forever. He looks so much better than he did the day he was born. Praise God!!

Tonight we had to go to a meeting involving our exchange student from Germany who is really Russian (don't ask). I know what most of you are thinking : Scott and I are going to ruin our marriage. Or maybe I just still hear D's voice ringing in my head. She will only be here for three weeks and the Cooper's thought it would be a great opportunity for us. I am excited and scared but what are you gonna do?

Well, I was reading CNN's website and I wanted to share this article with everyone. I am so thankful that I go to a church where there are at least some people who still care what God thinks and wants for our lives. Happy reading.

Downs

Well, I was having a really good time at singing (it always puts me in a good mood) but then I was in the car driving home. Sandy called. They got some test results from the hospital and Tanner has Downs Syndrome. I was overcome with tears and too many thoughts to record here. What I do know is that Tanner has the best parents in the world and God brought him into the most loving and caring family with a wonderful big brother and sister.

Whoever is reading this, if you could pray for our family. We don't know everything that we will encounter in the future but pray that God would give us courage and strength (especially for Gary and Sandy).

Giving Your Life

Well, with everything that is going on with Tanner, I decided to come home tonight and sleep in my own bed and eat real food. I'll be back tomorrow morning though.

Here is what God has taught me the last few days. We are called to submit our lives to Him. Give over everything. Well, for the most part, this isn't too hard for me. However, I am the type of person who likes to feel in control. None of us felt "in control" this weekend. How can you? Gary and Sandy definitely didn't feel in control with the helicopter paramedic came in and put their baby in this weird looking box and said "You will be able to see him in three hours in Peoria." Then they took him. You would think they would be able to ride with their five hour old son but noooooo.

So, I think what the Lord has taught me is that I not only have to submit the things in my life that I can change, but also the things I can't. A lot easier said than done. With that said, I have some laundry to do and some sleep to get. Thanks to everyone for your prayers. It was amazing seeing Tanner get stronger and stronger as people were praying for him!!!!

Our Knight in Shining Armor

I love my sister so much. She always has such a great outlook on life. I wish I could be more like her. Anyway, she told me something a few weeks ago that I just keep thinking about. Probably because I am such a hopeless romantic. So, here tis:

"If you think about it, the whole story of Jesus is a romantic love story. A knight in shining armor comes into our lives and we fall in love with him. He loves us and wants to be with us so much that he is willing to be beaten and nailed to a cross to die. But we know that we will be together again someday. Once you can see how much Jesus loves us and you fall in love with Him, then you will be more likely to fall in love with someone who is like Jesus."

I wish I was that smart when I was 16. So to all you single girls out there: Fall in love with Jesus first. Then, when God puts a wonderful Christian guy in your life, you are more likely to realize it and make good decisions!! Yay for good decisions!

Well, in case it is not obvious my brain isn't functioning properly so I am going to go. Bye.