We need a new f word to celebrate and not to curse: feasting.
Cursing is not kind. A neighbor and North Carolina state raped Elaine Riddick. A neighbor raped Riddick at the age of 13 and threatened to kill her. North Carolina state raped Riddick by sterilizing her without her consent while she was giving birth to her son conceived through rape. Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzYQLHHCxq8 of a CNN interview in which Elaine Riddick says about her North Carolina state-sponsored forced sterilization, "Later on because of my body was traumatized so severely I ended up having to have a total hysterectomy. But prior to that before I had the hysterectomy most of my life was I had to live in a whole lot of pain, hemorrhaging. When I got my monthly cycle ... it felt like someone had taken a knife and was gutting me .... My menstrual cycle ... wasn't normal because it lasted ... 12 to 15 days at a time, and this happened from the time ... after I had my son from the time I was 14 until I got into my 40s when I eventually did have to have a total hysterectomy."
Riddick said in the CNN interview regarding the psychological pain of her sterilization, "You will never recover from this because it's always there. Every time you wake up when you go to sleep it's there. You think about how you've been treated in this country here. You think about--well me myself I had been so severely damaged until I was on Prozac, Serentil and Haldol, and that's how I coped. I had to wean myself off these things in order for me to cope, and I have to cope, and I have to go on."
When we have been harmed or are harming people it is possible to find help and happiness. Christopher Yuan says he was strangled by a boyfriend/lover in his book Out Of A Far Country A gay son's journey to God. A broken mother's search for hope., and he continued to stay in the relationship for a while. Have you ever accepted something in a relationship that is unacceptable? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
Christoper Yuan says in this speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEDG2xxDGAg, "I didn't leave homosexuality because I thought it was so bad...I left homosexuality because I found something better, and His name is Jesus."
God the Son Jesus Christ is the answer for homosexuals and for everyone. Jesus Christ is the lover of humanity who teaches and empowers us to truely and generously love people. 1 John 4:7-11 Amplified Bible says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another."
Because God loves us, God does not will for us to have partner sex outside of marriage. Because God loves us, God wills for us to enjoy sex inside of marriage. God does not want any of us to be afraid of sexuality and try to stomp it out. God created sexuality. What God creates is good, beautiful and excellent provided we participate in God's creation according to His design. God designed sex to bond marital couples. Sometimes sex leads to reproduction. Read my article "Fearless Sex" at http://michelefjackson.blogspot.com/2013/01/fearless-sex.html.
Sexual sin doesn't have to stop us from enjoying fearless sex. Have you participated in killing an unborn boy or an unborn girl? If we are in relationship with God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit, abortion and any other sin does not separate us from the love of God. Stop sinning, and shake off shame and condemnation. Enjoy friendships with the opposite sex and the same sex, and if marriage is God's will for you, also enjoy sex with your spouse. Refuse to allow shame and condemnation to steal the joy and the feast of sex with your spouse. Read my articles "Second-Class Christian Citizens?" at http://michelefjackson.blogspot.com/2013/01/second-class-christian-citizens.html and "How to Catch and Keep Friends" at http://michelefjackson.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-catch-and-keep-friends.html.
Helen Keller was a speaker, writer and activist who was also blind and deaf. Keller said, "The greatest tragedy in life is people who have sight but no vision." People like Margaret Sanger and Clarence were not physically blind, but there were spiritually blind. Sanger and Gamble had no vision for the survival and thriving of the human race. People in favor of abortion, sterilization, infanticide and "family planning" are against the human race. Margaret Sanger of Planned Parenthood says in an interview with Mike Wallace, "I think the greatest sin in the world is bringing children into the world that have a disease from their parents, that have no chance in the world to be a human being practically, delinquents, prisoners, all sort of things, just marked when they are born. That to me is the greatest sin that people can commit" (Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsrOPDdbTzM.)
Clarence Gamble, a colleague of Margaret Sanger, and also a leader in the birth control movement, wrote in Hygeia, the health magazine of the American Medical Association, January 1948, "Why fear Sterilization?" to justify forced sterilization, "Most frequent of all is the need to prevent children from being born to parents whose reproductive cells carry well defined inheritable defects. In many cases the parents themselves are not defective; the defect may show up first in the birth of a defective child, but in certain types of defect this means a strong likelihood that other children born to the same couple will also be defective. In a hereditary form of blindness, for example, it would seem criminal to allow additional children to be born to lives of darkness."
Chen Guangcheng is blind. He is also the husband of Yuan Weijing and the father of Chen Kerui and Chen Kesi. Chen Guangcheng filed a class-action lawsuit in China in 2005 against forced abortion and forced sterilization practiced as part of China's one-child policy. China put him in jail and house arrest from which he escaped and is now living in New York with his family. In this interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doiWP2SQx2E Chen Guangcheng encourages people to find out the truth and support human rights and freedom.
People in favor of abortion, sterilization, infanticide and "family planning" do not think, speak and act according to the Truth. I saw a bus ad saying, "I lied for a living." The ad could be for abortionists like LeRoy Carhart, who killed through an abortion Jennifer Morbelli and her daughter, Madison Leigh, who may have had a disability, and Cristin Gilbert, who had Down's Syndrome and was raped, and Gilbert's child. Watch these videos of abortion clinic staff discussing the process of second-trimester abortions and third-trimester abortions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eipSl72hsmI, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIlYXmG287g.
Whether we live in China, North Carolina, other parts of America and other parts of the globe God loves us and desires for us to live well with great joy. God does not want us to be passive and refuse to participate in good deeds. Are you a victim of American state-sponsored sterilization? Don't let threats or pressure stop you from standing up for what's right. You are lovable to God, and God wants you to love yourself and other people.
A Persian proverb says, "Opportunity should be grabbed." In North Carolina $10 million is to be split equally among those sterilized through the North Carolina Eugenics Board. Compensation claims must be filed by June 30, 2014, for victims to receive a one-time payment to be distributed June 30, 2015. North Carolina had a eugenics board from the 1930s through the 1970s through which social workers, family and others arranged for people to be sterilized. If you think you are one of the victims, you can ask the North Carolina Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation to check the North Carolina Eugenic Board's records by completing and mailing them this form: http://www.sterilizationvictims.nc.gov/documents/FirstPartyVerificationform.pdf. Sometimes people are not able to speak up for themselves and need advocates. If you are not a victim, but are an advocate for a victim, you can ask the North Carolina Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation to check the North Carolina Eugenic Board's records by completing and mailing them this form with required attachments: http://www.sterilizationvictims.nc.gov/documents/ThirdPartyVerificationform.pdf. These forms are verification and not a guarantee of compensation.
In South Africa Desmond Tutu retired as archbishop to head the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that exposed many of the evils done under apartheid, so that evil may be stopped and good promoted. North Carolina is not the only American state that did state-sponsored sterilizations. Cindy Trimm says in her book Commanding Your Morning, "Think big and think detailed!.... Become a visionary--be creative. Take the limits off your mind! Think beyond where you are.... Ask God to enlarge your capacity for thinking, to take the limits off." Other American states besides North Carolina and other nations need to apologize to, financially compensate victims and erase all forms of "family planning" evil. The door to evil has not been closed. US Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in the 1927 Buck v. Bell case upholding American state-sponsored sterilization, "It is better for all the world, if instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind. The principle that sustains compulsory vaccination is broad enough to cover cutting the Fallopian tubes.... Three generations of imbeciles are enough." Like Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion in America Buck v. Bell has not been overturned.
A Korean proverb says, "The fortunate man has bread and friends." If you have filed a North Carolina verification form, please share your experience and inspire others. Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
Pray and participate in good deeds to end evil. "Clamor del pueblo sube al cielo" ("The outcry of a people rises to heaven.") Love can overcome abortion, sterilization, infanticide and "family planning." Sexuality should be a love feast.
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Friendship Or Family Control?
Sadie Long and Janice Black have been friends for several years. Long is also Black's legal guardian and caretaker. Black cleans hospital equipment at a medical center in North Carolina and has developmental and physical disabilities.
One day Long noticed a scar on Black's stomach and asked Black about it. Black said it was the result of an operation done to fix her. Long didn't pursue the matter at that time.
A Dutch proverb says, "Sooner or later, the truth comes to light." Long learned about North Carolina forced sterilization practices through news reports.
Proverbs 17:17 Amplified Bible says, "A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity." Long helped Black to learn that Black had been forcibly sterilized by North Carolina state when she was 18 because the state considered her to have the mental capacity of a seven-year-old and at-risk for becoming pregnant. Sadie Long says about Janice Black, "Janice never had a boyfriend, she's never been out on a date, she's never been sexually involved;" read more of their story at http://www.wfae.org/post/nc-eugenics-victims-story.
Black is now in her 60s and also a resident of Mecklenburg county which is the same county where Wallace Kuralt worked as a welfare director from 1945 to 1972, according to The Charlotte Observer and said in a 1970 interview that “we’ve pursued sterilization of the inadequate parents more actively than any place in the world... Our activities (in birth control and sterilization) have caused us to give aid to less than 50 percent of the families we would have had to give aid to if it were not for these activities.” Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/08/08/4223519/alice-mae-jackson-and-eugenics.html#storylink=cpy.
Long has been helping Black to go public with her story and play a role like William Lynch, Charles Holt, Alice Mae Jackson, Elaine Riddick, Nial Ramirez and others who have been sterilized and seeking financial compensation from the state of North Carolina. North Carolina is the only US state set to pay compensation to victims of state-sponsored sterilization even though state-sponsored sterilization occurred across the US.
Disabled and non-disabled we all need friends. God the Son Jesus Christ is a friend and a model for friendship. John 15:12-14 Amplified Bible says, "This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do." Jesus Christ died for people's sin once and for all time. Jesus Christ rose from the dead in three days. Jesus Christ insists that His people die to selfishness and love people.
Sadie Long and Deana Copeland are both legal guardians and caretakers for persons with disabilities. Copeland is the legal guardian and caretaker of Andrea Hood who has cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autonomic dysreflexia. Hood requires full-time care. As a caretaker of Hood, Copeland receives $1,400.00 through a Medicaid program.
Until recently, the Affordable Care Act prohibited guardians from serving as paid caretakers of an adult child with disabilities. Also regulations to allow parents, spouses and other relatives to serve as both guardians and paid caretakers is still being worked out. Read more at http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/08/disability_rights_advocates_fa.html.
Many families feel that their disabled family members will have a better life being cared for by family as opposed to state staff.
Charles Holt was 19 and living in a North Carolina state institution when he was forcibly sterilized. Charlie Follett was a teenager living in a California state institution when he was forcibly sterilized.
California has more than 20,000 state-sponsored sterilizations and is believed to be the US state with the most sterilizations based on laws like the Virginia sterilization law upheld in the 1927 US Supreme Court decision Buck v. Bell. However, all state records have not been made public. California is also the state where sizable numbers of Chinese started coming to America in the 1800s to make a living mining gold. China today also has state-sponsored sterilization. Feng Zhongxia was subjected to a forced abortion, a forced sterilization and other evils. Philip P. Pan reports in The Washington Post article "Who Controls the Family?, "She recounted that she was seven months pregnant and on the run when she learned that local officials had detained more than a dozen of her relatives and wouldn't release them unless she returned for an abortion.
"My aunts, uncles, cousins, my pregnant younger sister, my in-laws, they were all taken to the family planning office," she said. "Many of them didn't get food or water, and all of them were severely beaten." Some of the relatives were allowed to call her, and they pleaded with her to come home.
Feng called the family planning officials. "They told me they would peel the skin off my relatives and I would only see their corpses if I didn't come back," she said. The next day, she turned herself in. A doctor examined her, then stuck a needle into her uterus. About 24 hours later, she delivered the dead fetus. "It was a small life," she said quietly.
Afterward, she said, the family planning workers insisted on sterilizing her, too. "I'm a human being. How can they treat me like that?" she asked;" read more at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/26/AR2005082601756_2.html.
Some say abortion, sterilization and discrimination against the disabled and others is necessary to treat society. However, God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit says human life is valuable in all its varieties and stages.
If you are a guardian and/or caretaker of a person with disabilities, what are your thoughts about the Affordable Care Act? Also please share stories about victims of abortion and sterilization. Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
One day Long noticed a scar on Black's stomach and asked Black about it. Black said it was the result of an operation done to fix her. Long didn't pursue the matter at that time.
A Dutch proverb says, "Sooner or later, the truth comes to light." Long learned about North Carolina forced sterilization practices through news reports.
Proverbs 17:17 Amplified Bible says, "A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity." Long helped Black to learn that Black had been forcibly sterilized by North Carolina state when she was 18 because the state considered her to have the mental capacity of a seven-year-old and at-risk for becoming pregnant. Sadie Long says about Janice Black, "Janice never had a boyfriend, she's never been out on a date, she's never been sexually involved;" read more of their story at http://www.wfae.org/post/nc-eugenics-victims-story.
Black is now in her 60s and also a resident of Mecklenburg county which is the same county where Wallace Kuralt worked as a welfare director from 1945 to 1972, according to The Charlotte Observer and said in a 1970 interview that “we’ve pursued sterilization of the inadequate parents more actively than any place in the world... Our activities (in birth control and sterilization) have caused us to give aid to less than 50 percent of the families we would have had to give aid to if it were not for these activities.” Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/08/08/4223519/alice-mae-jackson-and-eugenics.html#storylink=cpy.
Long has been helping Black to go public with her story and play a role like William Lynch, Charles Holt, Alice Mae Jackson, Elaine Riddick, Nial Ramirez and others who have been sterilized and seeking financial compensation from the state of North Carolina. North Carolina is the only US state set to pay compensation to victims of state-sponsored sterilization even though state-sponsored sterilization occurred across the US.
Disabled and non-disabled we all need friends. God the Son Jesus Christ is a friend and a model for friendship. John 15:12-14 Amplified Bible says, "This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do." Jesus Christ died for people's sin once and for all time. Jesus Christ rose from the dead in three days. Jesus Christ insists that His people die to selfishness and love people.
Sadie Long and Deana Copeland are both legal guardians and caretakers for persons with disabilities. Copeland is the legal guardian and caretaker of Andrea Hood who has cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autonomic dysreflexia. Hood requires full-time care. As a caretaker of Hood, Copeland receives $1,400.00 through a Medicaid program.
Until recently, the Affordable Care Act prohibited guardians from serving as paid caretakers of an adult child with disabilities. Also regulations to allow parents, spouses and other relatives to serve as both guardians and paid caretakers is still being worked out. Read more at http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/08/disability_rights_advocates_fa.html.
Many families feel that their disabled family members will have a better life being cared for by family as opposed to state staff.
Charles Holt was 19 and living in a North Carolina state institution when he was forcibly sterilized. Charlie Follett was a teenager living in a California state institution when he was forcibly sterilized.
California has more than 20,000 state-sponsored sterilizations and is believed to be the US state with the most sterilizations based on laws like the Virginia sterilization law upheld in the 1927 US Supreme Court decision Buck v. Bell. However, all state records have not been made public. California is also the state where sizable numbers of Chinese started coming to America in the 1800s to make a living mining gold. China today also has state-sponsored sterilization. Feng Zhongxia was subjected to a forced abortion, a forced sterilization and other evils. Philip P. Pan reports in The Washington Post article "Who Controls the Family?, "She recounted that she was seven months pregnant and on the run when she learned that local officials had detained more than a dozen of her relatives and wouldn't release them unless she returned for an abortion.
"My aunts, uncles, cousins, my pregnant younger sister, my in-laws, they were all taken to the family planning office," she said. "Many of them didn't get food or water, and all of them were severely beaten." Some of the relatives were allowed to call her, and they pleaded with her to come home.
Feng called the family planning officials. "They told me they would peel the skin off my relatives and I would only see their corpses if I didn't come back," she said. The next day, she turned herself in. A doctor examined her, then stuck a needle into her uterus. About 24 hours later, she delivered the dead fetus. "It was a small life," she said quietly.
Afterward, she said, the family planning workers insisted on sterilizing her, too. "I'm a human being. How can they treat me like that?" she asked;" read more at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/26/AR2005082601756_2.html.
Some say abortion, sterilization and discrimination against the disabled and others is necessary to treat society. However, God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit says human life is valuable in all its varieties and stages.
If you are a guardian and/or caretaker of a person with disabilities, what are your thoughts about the Affordable Care Act? Also please share stories about victims of abortion and sterilization. Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
Monday, July 29, 2013
You Make Us Better?
"As I have already said, our number one goal should be to develop a close, intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Being in continual fellowship with God and learning to obey Him in all things will make you happier than you might ever imagine. Since God is Life, how can we hope to enjoy life apart from Him?" (Joyce Meyer, Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits 14 New Behaviors That Will Energize Your Life) Good, enjoyable relationships start with God who is love and expand to self and other people. "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6 New Living Translation Bible.) 1 John 4:10-11 Amplified Bible says, "In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another."
Desmond Tutu and Nomalizo Leah Shenxane married on July 2, 1955. Almost 6o years later they are still married and still loving and enjoying God, each other and other people. Desmond Tutu is also involved in helping to free from a Chinese prison Chen Kegui, husband of Liu Fang, father of the little boy Chen Fubin and nephew to Chen Guangcheng, who is the blind, human rights activist who exposed forced abortions and forced sterilizations practiced as part of China's one-child policy and is continuing to work to end China's one-child policy and other human rights violations. Tutu writes about Chen Guangcheng in a June 21, 2013, Huffington Post article "Chen Guangcheng: Has NYU Bowed to Pressure From China?", "Chen Guangcheng has been one of the most outspoken of the Chinese dissidents abroad, taking a public stand against Chinese human rights violations, including the abominable practices of forced abortion, imprisonment and enslavement of religious minorities, and the unthinkable execution of prisoners for the harvesting and sale of their organs. He is also charismatic, intelligent, with a wonderful story -- a self taught lawyer who defended villagers against corrupt officials, who before gaining fame for his escape from house arrest was known ... in the villages as the "barefoot lawyer.""
When Jesus Christ lived on earth, He had a variety of relationships. Wherever He went, He sought to make people's lives better now and forever. What are some of the ways people are better off for being around you? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
Desmond Tutu and Nomalizo Leah Shenxane married on July 2, 1955. Almost 6o years later they are still married and still loving and enjoying God, each other and other people. Desmond Tutu is also involved in helping to free from a Chinese prison Chen Kegui, husband of Liu Fang, father of the little boy Chen Fubin and nephew to Chen Guangcheng, who is the blind, human rights activist who exposed forced abortions and forced sterilizations practiced as part of China's one-child policy and is continuing to work to end China's one-child policy and other human rights violations. Tutu writes about Chen Guangcheng in a June 21, 2013, Huffington Post article "Chen Guangcheng: Has NYU Bowed to Pressure From China?", "Chen Guangcheng has been one of the most outspoken of the Chinese dissidents abroad, taking a public stand against Chinese human rights violations, including the abominable practices of forced abortion, imprisonment and enslavement of religious minorities, and the unthinkable execution of prisoners for the harvesting and sale of their organs. He is also charismatic, intelligent, with a wonderful story -- a self taught lawyer who defended villagers against corrupt officials, who before gaining fame for his escape from house arrest was known ... in the villages as the "barefoot lawyer.""
When Jesus Christ lived on earth, He had a variety of relationships. Wherever He went, He sought to make people's lives better now and forever. What are some of the ways people are better off for being around you? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on http://www.Twitter.com/Michelelove30.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Courage And Common Sense
Courage should be coupled with common sense. After Frederick Douglass published his book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845, Douglass sent his former slave owner, Thomas Auld, a copy of the book.
The Chinese invented the umbrella. Sometimes we need our friends to cover our courage, so that a bad situation doesn't rain on us.
Friends helped Douglass to get out of the United States and to seek refuge in England, which had abolished slavery in 1807.
By 1846 friends purchased Douglass' freedom from Thomas Auld. They also gave Douglass money to start an anti-slavery newspaper. By 1847 Douglass published the North Star. Former president and friend of Abraham Lincoln Benito Juarez said, "The respect for the rights of others is peace." The North Star was not only concerned with the rights of African Americans. The motto of the North Star was "Right is of no sex--Truth is of no color--God is the Father of us all, and all we are brethren."
Proverbs 3:27-28 Amplified Bible says, "Withhold not good from those to whom it is due [its rightful owners], when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again; and tomorrow I will give it—when you have it with you."
Douglass' friends could have spent their money on something other than purchasing Douglass' freedom and his newspaper. To have chosen to spend their money elsewhere would have probably meant that Douglass would be returned to slavery, separated from his wife and children, unable to provide for them economically and an international voice of inspiration for human rights would have been silenced.
Is God telling you to help someone?
Instead of making excuses, why not consider all the ways good could come out of it, and do what God says to do. A Japanese proverb says, "Do quickly what is good."
The Chinese invented the umbrella. Sometimes we need our friends to cover our courage, so that a bad situation doesn't rain on us.
Friends helped Douglass to get out of the United States and to seek refuge in England, which had abolished slavery in 1807.
By 1846 friends purchased Douglass' freedom from Thomas Auld. They also gave Douglass money to start an anti-slavery newspaper. By 1847 Douglass published the North Star. Former president and friend of Abraham Lincoln Benito Juarez said, "The respect for the rights of others is peace." The North Star was not only concerned with the rights of African Americans. The motto of the North Star was "Right is of no sex--Truth is of no color--God is the Father of us all, and all we are brethren."
Proverbs 3:27-28 Amplified Bible says, "Withhold not good from those to whom it is due [its rightful owners], when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again; and tomorrow I will give it—when you have it with you."
Douglass' friends could have spent their money on something other than purchasing Douglass' freedom and his newspaper. To have chosen to spend their money elsewhere would have probably meant that Douglass would be returned to slavery, separated from his wife and children, unable to provide for them economically and an international voice of inspiration for human rights would have been silenced.
Is God telling you to help someone?
Instead of making excuses, why not consider all the ways good could come out of it, and do what God says to do. A Japanese proverb says, "Do quickly what is good."
Monday, June 3, 2013
Autism And A Desire For A Variety Of Human Relationships
Rafael and I were recently shopping at Whole Foods grocery store. We love to sample products.
I was talking to Suzanne who was presenting samples of coffees roasted by developmentally disabled employees in Maryland, which is a state bordering Virginia where Rafael and I live. When I was talking too long with Suzanne according to Rafael, Rafael kissed and hugged me to indicate that we should move on.
This morning though Rafael did not want to move on from drinking the blend of Ethiopian and Indian coffee we purchased from Suzanne.
Rafael and I enjoy going out to a variety of public places. I think if I looked into it I would find African and Native American nomad blood in our heritage.
People with autism enjoy living fully even with social and communication challenges. Rafael has autism. Sometimes he has crying spells. He cannot explain why he cries. Some have tried to tell me that people with autism cry sometimes for no reason. I think just because we don't know the reason does not mean that a reason(s) do not exist.
The movie Ocean Heaven is about a single father who has liver cancer and his son who has autism. Dad, Mr. Wang played by actor Jet Li, can't figure out why his son would walk off to a McDonald's and lay his head on a statue of Ronald McDonald. Unknown to dad, his son, Dafu played by actor Wen Zhang, met a girl who is a traveling acrobat who dresses similar to Ronald McDonald for her job. During her stay in town, Dafu and Lingling become friends. When Lingling has to leave town because of her traveling acrobat job, the friends are separated. Dafu is laying his head on Ronald McDonald because he misses Lingling.
It doesn't take long for people to attach to other people. Rafael and I were inspired by a sermon on Sunday from Dr. Samuel R. Chand at Grace church in Dumfries, Virginia. Dr. Chand is from India and now lives in America. When one of his daughters named Rachel was pregnant, Rachel and her husband named the baby Jude. Dr. Chand was so excited about Jude that he talked to Jude and laid hands on Rachel's belly to pray for her and Jude.
When it was time for Jude to leave his womb home, Rachel went to the hospital. But Jude's heart stopped beating, and he died.
Jude hadn't even lived one year, but his grandfather, Dr. Chand, was attached to Jude. When Jude died, Dr. Chand cried a lot and not always tiny tears sometimes heaving tears.
In Genesis chapter 2 God said it is not good for man to be alone. This doesn't just mean that women and men will desire to get married, it also means that God created us with a desire to be in a variety of human relationships. People with autism and other people are not exempt from being made with a desire for a variety of human relationships.
God has also created us male and female. We are conceived in sexuality, and we desire sexuality from the beginning. From the time I could talk I had questions about sex, but adults didn't like to talk to me about sex.
God made sex. What God makes is good. God talks about sex in His Bible with love and respect. God is not tense or out of balance when discussing sex. Creyentes (believers) should imitate God.
What are some ways you have been surprised at the depth and breath of desire for human relationships? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/michelelove30.
I was talking to Suzanne who was presenting samples of coffees roasted by developmentally disabled employees in Maryland, which is a state bordering Virginia where Rafael and I live. When I was talking too long with Suzanne according to Rafael, Rafael kissed and hugged me to indicate that we should move on.
This morning though Rafael did not want to move on from drinking the blend of Ethiopian and Indian coffee we purchased from Suzanne.
Rafael and I enjoy going out to a variety of public places. I think if I looked into it I would find African and Native American nomad blood in our heritage.
People with autism enjoy living fully even with social and communication challenges. Rafael has autism. Sometimes he has crying spells. He cannot explain why he cries. Some have tried to tell me that people with autism cry sometimes for no reason. I think just because we don't know the reason does not mean that a reason(s) do not exist.
The movie Ocean Heaven is about a single father who has liver cancer and his son who has autism. Dad, Mr. Wang played by actor Jet Li, can't figure out why his son would walk off to a McDonald's and lay his head on a statue of Ronald McDonald. Unknown to dad, his son, Dafu played by actor Wen Zhang, met a girl who is a traveling acrobat who dresses similar to Ronald McDonald for her job. During her stay in town, Dafu and Lingling become friends. When Lingling has to leave town because of her traveling acrobat job, the friends are separated. Dafu is laying his head on Ronald McDonald because he misses Lingling.
It doesn't take long for people to attach to other people. Rafael and I were inspired by a sermon on Sunday from Dr. Samuel R. Chand at Grace church in Dumfries, Virginia. Dr. Chand is from India and now lives in America. When one of his daughters named Rachel was pregnant, Rachel and her husband named the baby Jude. Dr. Chand was so excited about Jude that he talked to Jude and laid hands on Rachel's belly to pray for her and Jude.
When it was time for Jude to leave his womb home, Rachel went to the hospital. But Jude's heart stopped beating, and he died.
Jude hadn't even lived one year, but his grandfather, Dr. Chand, was attached to Jude. When Jude died, Dr. Chand cried a lot and not always tiny tears sometimes heaving tears.
In Genesis chapter 2 God said it is not good for man to be alone. This doesn't just mean that women and men will desire to get married, it also means that God created us with a desire to be in a variety of human relationships. People with autism and other people are not exempt from being made with a desire for a variety of human relationships.
God has also created us male and female. We are conceived in sexuality, and we desire sexuality from the beginning. From the time I could talk I had questions about sex, but adults didn't like to talk to me about sex.
God made sex. What God makes is good. God talks about sex in His Bible with love and respect. God is not tense or out of balance when discussing sex. Creyentes (believers) should imitate God.
What are some ways you have been surprised at the depth and breath of desire for human relationships? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, Virginia 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/michelelove30.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A Way To Help Family And Friends
1 Timothy 5:8 Amplified Bible says, "If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters]." The Llamoca family may or may not be creyentes (believers). They are followers of the practice of provision advocated in 1 Timothy 5:8.
Nelson D. Schwartz writes in the May 6, 2013, The New York Times article "Wave of Immigrants Transforms a Small Town," "Fourteen years after she arrived from Lima, Peru, and started working as a baby sitter, Itziar Llamoca now owns Fiesta Place, which makes traditional decorations and balloon arrangements for family events like baptisms, weddings and the girl's coming-of-age party called the quinceanera. She earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees from colleges in Westchester and bought the store with her sister from its original owners several years ago.
Ms. Llamoca, who now holds American citizenship, did not rely on bank loans to make the purchase. "For us, it was easier to borrow money from the family," she said."
A Twi African proverb says, "Poverty makes a free man become a slave." Owning a business is one of the best ways to escape poverty and to live in the freedom of financial independence. Family can help family find a way to financial independence through financial contributions to get a business going, by working together in a business and by other ways.
Giving donations are better than giving loans. Romans 13:8 Amplified Bible says, "Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]."
Booker T. Washington, an African American leader and head of Tuskegee Institute, believed in combining education and work training. He wrote in his book Up from Slavery, "Great men cultivate love ... only little men cherish a spirit of hatred."
Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, had to overcome hatred of Christians. At one time in his life he was an illegal drug abuser and dealer who had frequent sex with men. Time in prison and a HIV-positive diagnosis helped him to read a Bible. Christopher Yuan eventually co-wrote with his mother, Angela Yuan, the book Out Of A Far Country A gay son's journey to God. A broken mother's search for hope. In the book he writes, "As I continued to read the Bible, I came across Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 (NASB)--passages normally used to condemn gays and lesbians to a fiery fate. "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." But I realized that God didn't call lesbians and gay men abominations. He called it an abomination. What God condemned was the act, not the person. For so long, I had gotten the message from the Christian protestors at gay-pride parades that the God of the Bible hated people like me, because we were abominations. But after reading these passages, I saw that God didn't hate me; nor was he condemning me to an inescapable destiny of torment. But rather, it was the sex he condemned, and yet he still wanted an intimate relationship with me."
God wants an intimate relationship with all kinds of people. God also wants all kinds of people to love each other as much as they love themselves. Family and friendship are for everyone. A Korean proverb says, "The fortunate man has bread and friends."
What are some wonderful ways family and friends have helped each other to be financially independent? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, VA 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on the social media Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/michelelove30.
Nelson D. Schwartz writes in the May 6, 2013, The New York Times article "Wave of Immigrants Transforms a Small Town," "Fourteen years after she arrived from Lima, Peru, and started working as a baby sitter, Itziar Llamoca now owns Fiesta Place, which makes traditional decorations and balloon arrangements for family events like baptisms, weddings and the girl's coming-of-age party called the quinceanera. She earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees from colleges in Westchester and bought the store with her sister from its original owners several years ago.
Ms. Llamoca, who now holds American citizenship, did not rely on bank loans to make the purchase. "For us, it was easier to borrow money from the family," she said."
A Twi African proverb says, "Poverty makes a free man become a slave." Owning a business is one of the best ways to escape poverty and to live in the freedom of financial independence. Family can help family find a way to financial independence through financial contributions to get a business going, by working together in a business and by other ways.
Giving donations are better than giving loans. Romans 13:8 Amplified Bible says, "Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]."
Booker T. Washington, an African American leader and head of Tuskegee Institute, believed in combining education and work training. He wrote in his book Up from Slavery, "Great men cultivate love ... only little men cherish a spirit of hatred."
Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, had to overcome hatred of Christians. At one time in his life he was an illegal drug abuser and dealer who had frequent sex with men. Time in prison and a HIV-positive diagnosis helped him to read a Bible. Christopher Yuan eventually co-wrote with his mother, Angela Yuan, the book Out Of A Far Country A gay son's journey to God. A broken mother's search for hope. In the book he writes, "As I continued to read the Bible, I came across Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 (NASB)--passages normally used to condemn gays and lesbians to a fiery fate. "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." But I realized that God didn't call lesbians and gay men abominations. He called it an abomination. What God condemned was the act, not the person. For so long, I had gotten the message from the Christian protestors at gay-pride parades that the God of the Bible hated people like me, because we were abominations. But after reading these passages, I saw that God didn't hate me; nor was he condemning me to an inescapable destiny of torment. But rather, it was the sex he condemned, and yet he still wanted an intimate relationship with me."
God wants an intimate relationship with all kinds of people. God also wants all kinds of people to love each other as much as they love themselves. Family and friendship are for everyone. A Korean proverb says, "The fortunate man has bread and friends."
What are some wonderful ways family and friends have helped each other to be financially independent? Write to:
Michele F. Jackson
P. O. Box 2106
Woodbridge, VA 22195
Follow Michele F. Jackson on the social media Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/michelelove30.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Awesome Aging
God made Church discipline to be appropriate at times. God did not design Church discipline to be eternal. God through the Apostle Paul asked the Corinthian Church to ask a man who had sexual relations with his father's wife to leave the Church (1 Corinthians 5.) Later Paul encouraged the Church to welcome him back into their group.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 Amplified Bible, "But if someone [the one among you who committed incest] has caused [all this] grief and pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure, not to put it too severely, [he has distressed] all of you. For such a one this censure by the majority [which he has received is] sufficient [punishment]. So [instead of further rebuke, now] you should rather turn and [graciously] forgive and comfort and encourage [him], to keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow and despair. I therefore beg you to reinstate him in your affections and assure him of your love for him"
Fashion Designer John Galliano was dismissed in 2011 from the house of Dior after a drunken party in a Parisian cafe that included him saying, "I love Hitler," says The New York Times in the February 14, 2013, article "Tentative Step By Fallen Star To Come Back."
Jesus Christ is for a good party with alcohol. He changed water to wine well after a lot of wine was consumed at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, Israel (John 2.) However, drunkenness is dumb and false joy. Ephesians 5:18 Amplified Bible says, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit."
"Celebrare ante el Rey.(Celebrate before the King)," sings Abel Zavala in his song "Unanimes" on the album Jesus mi fiel amigo. What about churches having more praise parties with humor, good music and other celebrations of life that are fun? Read my article, "Heart Disease, Depression and Christianity."
And after a good praise party, the mood is set for much, hot and spicy marital sex for couples of all ages. Sexual love doesn't have to end when we reach a certain age. Jack, a character in the romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco, says to Marilyn, his wife of more than 30 years, "You have very, very beautiful eyes." Marilyn comments, "Come on. You know I have to go upstairs, and um I'm going to take my calcium so my bones don't break into little pieces, my aspirin so my heart doesn't clog up, my Metamucil so I don't get colon cancer, and of course my estrogen to convince my body that I'm still 23." Jack responds, "Come here." They kiss, and marital, senior sex ensues.
Abraham also enjoyed marital, senior sex. Abraham had his first child at 86 and seven more stretching well into his 100s.
In God's eyes age is just a number not a reason to stop living a full, enjoyable life advancing God's Kingdom through relationship building.
If you are not making frequent delicious with your spouse, contact a Bible teacher, Bible counselor, Christian sex therapist and/or Christian marriage counselor. God designed sexual relations for spouses to give and to receive enjoyment from each other while strengthening their marriage. Whether one screams out in passion, silently savors sex or is somewhere in between, marital sex is made for merriment. Solomon writes in Proverbs 5 The Message Bible, "Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don’t ever quit taking delight in her body."
Sex at 60 and beyond may not be the same as sex at 25, but then again it may be even better. Moses was married, and he was also in his right mind and healthy body up to death at 120. Imagine the sexual expertise and possibilities!
Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina have been married 85 years (86 in May 2013) and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple. Zelmyra is 101 years old. Herbert is 104 years old. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild -- another good testimony against abortion and for life, legacy and immortality. Please read my article, "Big is Beautiful."
How did the Fishers stay married so long? They are Christians who are good lovers and good friends. Solomon's Shulammite wife says about Solomon in Song of Solomon 5:16 New Living Translation Bible, "His mouth is sweetness itself, he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."
Not only do married people need friends, so do singles. Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta, who is 80 years old, and others are helping Galliano reestablish himself in the fashion business after working on his alcoholism and attitude.
The New York Times in the February 14, 2013, article "Tentative Step By Fallen Star To Come Back" reports about Galliano, "He was punished because of what he said, and I think deservedly so," Mr. Foxman said. "But if he's punished for the rest of his life, he will become an anti-Semite."" Mr. Foxman is Abraham H. Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League.
Oscar de la Renta is well past the American traditional retirement age. Jack decides not to retire and to continue his psychiatry profession. Brazilian writer Paul Coelho writes in the introduction to his book, The Alchemist, which has sold more than two million copies and been translated in 52 languages, "What is a personal calling? It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend."
Age is not a barrier to following our legend. Coelho switched careers in his 40s to become a writer, and he is still writing in his 60s.
We do not have to do the same profession all of our adult life. The apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen who became ministers.
Many people are missing their legend for multiple reasons. The ultimate reason is that they are refusing to listen to and let God lead their lives.
February 10, 2013, marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year. What about celebrating a new release of self-centeredness and embracing God's plans for our lives without any reservations?
God is also for us taking frequent breaks from the regular work routine and resting and celebrating. In the Old Testament God set-up feasts and Sabbaths that lasted sometimes more than one day. It would be good to separate Abraham Lincoln's birthday from President's Day. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, encouraging border states to outlaw slavery, helped push through Congress the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which finally freed all the slaves nationwide in December 1865, led the United States through the American Civil War preserving the Union and battled periods of depression.
Black History isn't just for or by black people. No people's history is just for and by them. Collaboration has been and always will be part of the creative process of bettering the human race.
Paisa (Money) is also a necessary part of the process. People can be trained to the highest, hardworking and still broke. Bucks are needed to boost businesses and other entrepreneurial efforts off the ground. Read my article "Faith, Fear and Japanese Americans." People who were in the bottom 20 percent of income earners in their societies, but are now in the top 20 percent, please share about the financial assistance you received during your climb. Lovers are generous givers.
"I am on a mission, a mission of love," sings Donna Summer in her song, "Love is the Healer."
1 John 4:16 Amplified Bible says, "And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him."
The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 Amplified Bible, "But if someone [the one among you who committed incest] has caused [all this] grief and pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure, not to put it too severely, [he has distressed] all of you. For such a one this censure by the majority [which he has received is] sufficient [punishment]. So [instead of further rebuke, now] you should rather turn and [graciously] forgive and comfort and encourage [him], to keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow and despair. I therefore beg you to reinstate him in your affections and assure him of your love for him"
Fashion Designer John Galliano was dismissed in 2011 from the house of Dior after a drunken party in a Parisian cafe that included him saying, "I love Hitler," says The New York Times in the February 14, 2013, article "Tentative Step By Fallen Star To Come Back."
Jesus Christ is for a good party with alcohol. He changed water to wine well after a lot of wine was consumed at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, Israel (John 2.) However, drunkenness is dumb and false joy. Ephesians 5:18 Amplified Bible says, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit."
"Celebrare ante el Rey.(Celebrate before the King)," sings Abel Zavala in his song "Unanimes" on the album Jesus mi fiel amigo. What about churches having more praise parties with humor, good music and other celebrations of life that are fun? Read my article, "Heart Disease, Depression and Christianity."
And after a good praise party, the mood is set for much, hot and spicy marital sex for couples of all ages. Sexual love doesn't have to end when we reach a certain age. Jack, a character in the romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco, says to Marilyn, his wife of more than 30 years, "You have very, very beautiful eyes." Marilyn comments, "Come on. You know I have to go upstairs, and um I'm going to take my calcium so my bones don't break into little pieces, my aspirin so my heart doesn't clog up, my Metamucil so I don't get colon cancer, and of course my estrogen to convince my body that I'm still 23." Jack responds, "Come here." They kiss, and marital, senior sex ensues.
Abraham also enjoyed marital, senior sex. Abraham had his first child at 86 and seven more stretching well into his 100s.
In God's eyes age is just a number not a reason to stop living a full, enjoyable life advancing God's Kingdom through relationship building.
If you are not making frequent delicious with your spouse, contact a Bible teacher, Bible counselor, Christian sex therapist and/or Christian marriage counselor. God designed sexual relations for spouses to give and to receive enjoyment from each other while strengthening their marriage. Whether one screams out in passion, silently savors sex or is somewhere in between, marital sex is made for merriment. Solomon writes in Proverbs 5 The Message Bible, "Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don’t ever quit taking delight in her body."
Sex at 60 and beyond may not be the same as sex at 25, but then again it may be even better. Moses was married, and he was also in his right mind and healthy body up to death at 120. Imagine the sexual expertise and possibilities!
Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina have been married 85 years (86 in May 2013) and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple. Zelmyra is 101 years old. Herbert is 104 years old. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild -- another good testimony against abortion and for life, legacy and immortality. Please read my article, "Big is Beautiful."
How did the Fishers stay married so long? They are Christians who are good lovers and good friends. Solomon's Shulammite wife says about Solomon in Song of Solomon 5:16 New Living Translation Bible, "His mouth is sweetness itself, he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."
Not only do married people need friends, so do singles. Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta, who is 80 years old, and others are helping Galliano reestablish himself in the fashion business after working on his alcoholism and attitude.
The New York Times in the February 14, 2013, article "Tentative Step By Fallen Star To Come Back" reports about Galliano, "He was punished because of what he said, and I think deservedly so," Mr. Foxman said. "But if he's punished for the rest of his life, he will become an anti-Semite."" Mr. Foxman is Abraham H. Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League.
Oscar de la Renta is well past the American traditional retirement age. Jack decides not to retire and to continue his psychiatry profession. Brazilian writer Paul Coelho writes in the introduction to his book, The Alchemist, which has sold more than two million copies and been translated in 52 languages, "What is a personal calling? It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend."
Age is not a barrier to following our legend. Coelho switched careers in his 40s to become a writer, and he is still writing in his 60s.
We do not have to do the same profession all of our adult life. The apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen who became ministers.
Many people are missing their legend for multiple reasons. The ultimate reason is that they are refusing to listen to and let God lead their lives.
February 10, 2013, marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year. What about celebrating a new release of self-centeredness and embracing God's plans for our lives without any reservations?
God is also for us taking frequent breaks from the regular work routine and resting and celebrating. In the Old Testament God set-up feasts and Sabbaths that lasted sometimes more than one day. It would be good to separate Abraham Lincoln's birthday from President's Day. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, encouraging border states to outlaw slavery, helped push through Congress the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which finally freed all the slaves nationwide in December 1865, led the United States through the American Civil War preserving the Union and battled periods of depression.
Black History isn't just for or by black people. No people's history is just for and by them. Collaboration has been and always will be part of the creative process of bettering the human race.
Paisa (Money) is also a necessary part of the process. People can be trained to the highest, hardworking and still broke. Bucks are needed to boost businesses and other entrepreneurial efforts off the ground. Read my article "Faith, Fear and Japanese Americans." People who were in the bottom 20 percent of income earners in their societies, but are now in the top 20 percent, please share about the financial assistance you received during your climb. Lovers are generous givers.
"I am on a mission, a mission of love," sings Donna Summer in her song, "Love is the Healer."
1 John 4:16 Amplified Bible says, "And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him."
Friday, February 1, 2013
Heart Disease, Depression and Christianity
Following a diagnosis of coronary-artery disease and bypass surgery it is not uncommon to slide into depression. One of the reasons for the slide into depression is a break-down in our body's communication system.
Neurotransmitters are more than 60 chemicals in the body that communicate between neurons. Depression interferes with the production and processing of neurotransmitters which impacts heart disease and other diseases like diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer's.
Sometimes people consider physical health as more important than mental health. The reality is that they both need our regular attention, and failing to take good care of ourselves physically and mentally is dangerous. Many people know that heart disease can be fatal, but they may not know that so can depression. In addition to the link between hearth disease and depression, most of the 30,000 American suicides annually stem from clinical depression. "One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you," says author Rita Mae Brown.
Help to overcome all types of illness can be found through God, the Church and living according to the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Amplified Bible says, "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]."
Disobedience to God is deadly. Obedience to God opens opportunities for eminent, enjoyable living. Neal Krause, a sociologist and public-health expert at the University of Michigan, has since 1997 conducted a study of 1,500 people. One of the study's findings is that people who maintain a mindset of gratitude for what's going right in their lives have a reduced incidence of depression.
Sometimes we do not even know that we are depressed. Michael Hyatt in his "Get Out of That Funk" article at michaelhyatt.com on February 6, 2013 lists seven questions to ask ourselves:
"Question #1: Am I getting plenty of rest?
Question #2: Am I exercising three to four times a week?
Question #3: Am I eating high-energy foods?
Question #4: Am I staying hydrated?
Question #5: Am I getting enough sunshine?
Question #6: Am I focusing on the positive?
Question #7: Am I hanging out with energetic people?"
Maintaining our health requires a multifaceted approach. Maintaining our health is loving God, ourselves and other people. Love is not limited to feelings; love is actions and interactions. In addition to a relationship with God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost and living based on the Bible, help to live healthy can also be found through medical professionals and support groups. The North Carolina Black Churches United for Better Health involved 50 churches with 2,500 members mixing spiritual and communal life with eating better and exercising more. This group became a national group, called the Body and Soul project, with the same objective.
Your Christian fellowship may prayerfully consider starting a health support group if it does not already have one, and/or maybe your church could hold regular praise parties playing music by multiple artists including Gospel singer Debra Ashley, who has a song, "Praise Party," on her album, New Birth, and was healed from a heart attack. Praise parties are opportunities to celebrate creatively without excessive alcohol, illegal drugs and partner-sex outside of marriage. Some of the best medicines are humor, forgiveness and marital sex.
Health is a hot topic today that is a wonderful, worthy and wise way to fulfilling Matthew 28:18-20 Amplified Bible which says, "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
Forming and maintaining good friendships through disciplining is good for us and good for others. Dr. Derek Grier says in his book, 60 Minutes of Wisdom Insight In an Instant, "I do not need a prophetic gift to predict where you will be in five years. Anyone can forecast your tomorrow by looking at the people you hang around today. First Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Imagine what good company might do! Many people have questioned the importance of becoming part of a church. I think the answer can be illustrated in nature. I have read that when geese form the V formation, the whole flock adds over 70 percent to its flying range. When each bird flaps its wings, it becomes uplift for the birds that are following. Please don't mishear me. Don't just join any church, but find a church where you experience uplift. Find a church that flies in divine order, and then don't just sit and stare; connect your gifts and talents to the formation."
Please share an on-line comment about Christian groups that uplift others in the areas of physical and/or mental health. Also tweet with me. My Twitter name is Michelelove30. Recommend this article on Google.
Neurotransmitters are more than 60 chemicals in the body that communicate between neurons. Depression interferes with the production and processing of neurotransmitters which impacts heart disease and other diseases like diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer's.
Sometimes people consider physical health as more important than mental health. The reality is that they both need our regular attention, and failing to take good care of ourselves physically and mentally is dangerous. Many people know that heart disease can be fatal, but they may not know that so can depression. In addition to the link between hearth disease and depression, most of the 30,000 American suicides annually stem from clinical depression. "One out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you," says author Rita Mae Brown.
Help to overcome all types of illness can be found through God, the Church and living according to the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Amplified Bible says, "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]."
Disobedience to God is deadly. Obedience to God opens opportunities for eminent, enjoyable living. Neal Krause, a sociologist and public-health expert at the University of Michigan, has since 1997 conducted a study of 1,500 people. One of the study's findings is that people who maintain a mindset of gratitude for what's going right in their lives have a reduced incidence of depression.
Sometimes we do not even know that we are depressed. Michael Hyatt in his "Get Out of That Funk" article at michaelhyatt.com on February 6, 2013 lists seven questions to ask ourselves:
"Question #1: Am I getting plenty of rest?
Question #2: Am I exercising three to four times a week?
Question #3: Am I eating high-energy foods?
Question #4: Am I staying hydrated?
Question #5: Am I getting enough sunshine?
Question #6: Am I focusing on the positive?
Question #7: Am I hanging out with energetic people?"
Maintaining our health requires a multifaceted approach. Maintaining our health is loving God, ourselves and other people. Love is not limited to feelings; love is actions and interactions. In addition to a relationship with God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost and living based on the Bible, help to live healthy can also be found through medical professionals and support groups. The North Carolina Black Churches United for Better Health involved 50 churches with 2,500 members mixing spiritual and communal life with eating better and exercising more. This group became a national group, called the Body and Soul project, with the same objective.
Your Christian fellowship may prayerfully consider starting a health support group if it does not already have one, and/or maybe your church could hold regular praise parties playing music by multiple artists including Gospel singer Debra Ashley, who has a song, "Praise Party," on her album, New Birth, and was healed from a heart attack. Praise parties are opportunities to celebrate creatively without excessive alcohol, illegal drugs and partner-sex outside of marriage. Some of the best medicines are humor, forgiveness and marital sex.
Health is a hot topic today that is a wonderful, worthy and wise way to fulfilling Matthew 28:18-20 Amplified Bible which says, "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
Forming and maintaining good friendships through disciplining is good for us and good for others. Dr. Derek Grier says in his book, 60 Minutes of Wisdom Insight In an Instant, "I do not need a prophetic gift to predict where you will be in five years. Anyone can forecast your tomorrow by looking at the people you hang around today. First Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Imagine what good company might do! Many people have questioned the importance of becoming part of a church. I think the answer can be illustrated in nature. I have read that when geese form the V formation, the whole flock adds over 70 percent to its flying range. When each bird flaps its wings, it becomes uplift for the birds that are following. Please don't mishear me. Don't just join any church, but find a church where you experience uplift. Find a church that flies in divine order, and then don't just sit and stare; connect your gifts and talents to the formation."
Please share an on-line comment about Christian groups that uplift others in the areas of physical and/or mental health. Also tweet with me. My Twitter name is Michelelove30. Recommend this article on Google.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Rejection
In the pursuit of finding a spouse, many people will not be selected. Some may remain friends, others will not. Some people have problems processing rejection properly.
God calls believers to give and receive rejection with elegance and esteem. Romans 12:18 New Living Translation Bible says, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
It's a lesson Majid Movahedi needs to learn. In 2008 the Iranian Supreme Court convicted Movahedi of throwing a bucket of acid on the face of Ameneh Bahrami. The court sentenced him to jail, to be blinded and to economic compensation to Bahrami.
Bahrami rejected Movahedi's romantic advances for two years. Movahedi just couldn't accept "no." So Movahedi blinded Bahrami and disfigured her face with the acid.
Sometimes we have to accept a "no" to love ourselves and to love someone else. True love learns to manage negative emotions and to tap into the self-control of the God the Holy Ghost to manage emotions effectively. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:14 English Standard Version Bible, "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
View rejection as God redirecting and preparing you to possess something better. With more than seven billion people living on planet earth, a good possibility exists that another person is available to say "yes" to our romantic pursuits. Comedian Carl Reiner says in the Huffington Post newspaper article, "Carl Reiner -- The Art Of Being Funny," on February 1, 2013, about his wife of 64 years, Estelle, who had one of the most famous movie lines when she said, "I'll have what she's having," in response to the simulated-deli-orgasm scene with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal directed by Carl's and Estelle's son, Rob Reiner, in the movie, When Harry Met Sally, "My wife . . . said, "Marry someone who can stand you." And that's absolutely true! There are many, many reasons to break up but if you can stand the worst of what they do, why break up? (Laughs) You're only going to get someone who will annoy you in another way so whatever little annoyances there are, you can stand that. We were able to stand each other very, very well."
While Bahrami does not know Jesus Christ, she has accepted that forgiveness is better than an eye for an eye. She asked that Movahedi's blinding be stopped and that only economic compensation be pursued for the more than one dozen surgeries she has undergone.
Acid attacks like Movahedi's of Bahrami happen mostly to women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Uganda, Liberia, Afghanistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Columbia and the United States. IoL News reported on January 23, 2013, that Bogota Columbia Councilwoman Olga Victoria Rubio says that acid attacks happen because men want to punish women for their beauty; they use the acid attack to fulfill their desire to isolate women. Rubio says that so far 55 cases of acid attacks have been uncovered in Bogota, Columbia, but she thinks this is just scratching the surface of the problem.
Acid attacks are not always well known, but romantic rejection is. Romantic rejection happens almost everywhere.
Yet one person will never reject us. He will help us to properly process rejection. David writes about God in Psalm 27:10 New Living Translation Bible, "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close."
God holds believers close and never lets them go. John 17:3 Amplified Bible says, "And this is eternal life [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed one, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."
Hold God close. He will be our forever friend and lead us to other friends. He will also led us to a spouse if that is His will for us. Psalm 73:24 New Living Translation Bible says, "You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."
Please leave an on-line comment sharing stories of rejection turned into finding true love.
God calls believers to give and receive rejection with elegance and esteem. Romans 12:18 New Living Translation Bible says, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
It's a lesson Majid Movahedi needs to learn. In 2008 the Iranian Supreme Court convicted Movahedi of throwing a bucket of acid on the face of Ameneh Bahrami. The court sentenced him to jail, to be blinded and to economic compensation to Bahrami.
Bahrami rejected Movahedi's romantic advances for two years. Movahedi just couldn't accept "no." So Movahedi blinded Bahrami and disfigured her face with the acid.
Sometimes we have to accept a "no" to love ourselves and to love someone else. True love learns to manage negative emotions and to tap into the self-control of the God the Holy Ghost to manage emotions effectively. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:14 English Standard Version Bible, "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
View rejection as God redirecting and preparing you to possess something better. With more than seven billion people living on planet earth, a good possibility exists that another person is available to say "yes" to our romantic pursuits. Comedian Carl Reiner says in the Huffington Post newspaper article, "Carl Reiner -- The Art Of Being Funny," on February 1, 2013, about his wife of 64 years, Estelle, who had one of the most famous movie lines when she said, "I'll have what she's having," in response to the simulated-deli-orgasm scene with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal directed by Carl's and Estelle's son, Rob Reiner, in the movie, When Harry Met Sally, "My wife . . . said, "Marry someone who can stand you." And that's absolutely true! There are many, many reasons to break up but if you can stand the worst of what they do, why break up? (Laughs) You're only going to get someone who will annoy you in another way so whatever little annoyances there are, you can stand that. We were able to stand each other very, very well."
While Bahrami does not know Jesus Christ, she has accepted that forgiveness is better than an eye for an eye. She asked that Movahedi's blinding be stopped and that only economic compensation be pursued for the more than one dozen surgeries she has undergone.
Acid attacks like Movahedi's of Bahrami happen mostly to women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Uganda, Liberia, Afghanistan, Iran, the United Kingdom, Columbia and the United States. IoL News reported on January 23, 2013, that Bogota Columbia Councilwoman Olga Victoria Rubio says that acid attacks happen because men want to punish women for their beauty; they use the acid attack to fulfill their desire to isolate women. Rubio says that so far 55 cases of acid attacks have been uncovered in Bogota, Columbia, but she thinks this is just scratching the surface of the problem.
Acid attacks are not always well known, but romantic rejection is. Romantic rejection happens almost everywhere.
Yet one person will never reject us. He will help us to properly process rejection. David writes about God in Psalm 27:10 New Living Translation Bible, "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close."
God holds believers close and never lets them go. John 17:3 Amplified Bible says, "And this is eternal life [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed one, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."
Hold God close. He will be our forever friend and lead us to other friends. He will also led us to a spouse if that is His will for us. Psalm 73:24 New Living Translation Bible says, "You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny."
Please leave an on-line comment sharing stories of rejection turned into finding true love.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
How to Catch and Keep Friends
As raindrops were pouring from a pale, grey sky earlier this week, I was
pouring over the book of Romans chapter 12 for tips to catch and keep
friends. My readings got me to thinking and praying broadly about the
subject.
Welcoming and living in a wide variety of relationships are not optional for believers. Chantal Sicile-Kira categorizes relationships in her article, "The Transition To Adulthood: Planning Ahead," for the magazine, Autism File, that is applicable to all people. She describes four circles of relationships:
1) The Circle of Intimacy includes those with whom we share our secrets, dreams and values. These are our best friends and are usually family members, but can and should also include others. We know and share a lot about what is going on in each others lives, our thoughts and feelings.We feel safe enough in these relationships to support each other spiritually and emotionally. Jesus encouraged intimate relationships beyond biology. Mark 3:33-35 New Living Translation Bible says, "Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
2) The Circle of Friendship includes friends or relatives whom we see for occasional social activities, such as for a movie or to eat a meal, but who are not our closest friends. The Bible records that Epaphras and Paul shared some time in jail and time spreading the Gospel, but not with the intensity and intimacy of the relationship between Timothy and Paul.
3) The Circle of Participation includes people who we participate with in our life, such as on the job, business or ministry, our place of worship, schools, sports teams, social clubs and other organizations. This circle contains people who may eventually be in the Circle of Friendship or even the Circle of Intimacy. We can socialize with members of our church, other churches and other groups. Luke 9:49-50 New Living Translation Bible says, "John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.”"
4) The Circle of Exchange includes people who are paid to be in our lives, such as medical professionals, teachers, counselors, governmental officials, sales associates, auto mechanics, etc. These people can also be cultivated to move into the Circle of Participation, Circle of Friendship and even the Circle of Intimacy. Everyone is a potential friend/disciple. Matthew 28:18-20 the Message Bible says, "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.""
Welcoming and living in a wide variety of relationships are not optional for believers. Chantal Sicile-Kira categorizes relationships in her article, "The Transition To Adulthood: Planning Ahead," for the magazine, Autism File, that is applicable to all people. She describes four circles of relationships:
1) The Circle of Intimacy includes those with whom we share our secrets, dreams and values. These are our best friends and are usually family members, but can and should also include others. We know and share a lot about what is going on in each others lives, our thoughts and feelings.We feel safe enough in these relationships to support each other spiritually and emotionally. Jesus encouraged intimate relationships beyond biology. Mark 3:33-35 New Living Translation Bible says, "Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
2) The Circle of Friendship includes friends or relatives whom we see for occasional social activities, such as for a movie or to eat a meal, but who are not our closest friends. The Bible records that Epaphras and Paul shared some time in jail and time spreading the Gospel, but not with the intensity and intimacy of the relationship between Timothy and Paul.
3) The Circle of Participation includes people who we participate with in our life, such as on the job, business or ministry, our place of worship, schools, sports teams, social clubs and other organizations. This circle contains people who may eventually be in the Circle of Friendship or even the Circle of Intimacy. We can socialize with members of our church, other churches and other groups. Luke 9:49-50 New Living Translation Bible says, "John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.”"
4) The Circle of Exchange includes people who are paid to be in our lives, such as medical professionals, teachers, counselors, governmental officials, sales associates, auto mechanics, etc. These people can also be cultivated to move into the Circle of Participation, Circle of Friendship and even the Circle of Intimacy. Everyone is a potential friend/disciple. Matthew 28:18-20 the Message Bible says, "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.""
The circles of exchange and participation are casual relationships. The circle of friendship are comfortable relationships with people who are not involved in the intimate details of our lives. The circle of intimacy contains our confidants.
We can have more than one confidant. While David had Jonathan, Jesus had Peter, James and John.
We can also have multiple same-sex and opposite-sex relationships in the circles of exchange, participation, friendship and intimacy. Many don't have a problem with same-sex friends, but some stumble over the idea of opposite-sex friends especially for married couples. God made the human race female and male. Living in the Holy-Ghost fruit of self-control we can have casual, close and appropriate relationships with both the opposite sex and the same sex. The Apostle Paul had many friendships with women such as Priscilla, Lydia, and Phoebe to name a few. He also had friendships with men.
Having only same-sex friends cripples us. God made us male and female not just for marriage. We learn and are made better people gaining balance and appreciation of difference being raised by a mother and a father. Then we branch out from the family into non-familial relationships where we are designed to continue to grow in balance and appreciation of difference. The Prophetess and Judge Deborah was instrumental to developing the courage, confidence and combat skill of Barak.
Of course some opposite-sex friends are great for dating. First-date conversation should be about God and each other. Yet many people talk too much about former relationships while trying to start a new relationship. "When a woman dwells too long on the topic of her ex-boyfriend, a man feels discouraged. If it was a recent breakup, a man can understand that an ex-boyfriend is on her mind. He will also know that she is not ready for a relationship with him. He will worry that she will always compare him to the ex-boyfriend. He will think, There is no possible way I can compete with this guy. He probably shared some great times with her. When a man feels too discouraged, he loses interest. If she boasts about how handsome or rich or smart her ex is, her date will feel annoyed. She's boasting, she's insecure, he'll think. Don't think that being the object of some other guy's desire will make you more valuable in this man's eyes. He may just see that you are trying desperately to impress him. He'll see your insecurity. When women catalogue their ex-boyfriend's faults, inevitably men think about her shortcomings, not the ex-boyfriend's. When she says, "He cheated on me; I don't know why I stayed with him," he thinks, She's a pushover. When she says, "I didn't really care about him, but I stayed with him out of pity," he thinks, She's a martyr. When a woman picks on her ex-boyfriend, a man will take it as a warning: If I stick around, she'll do that to me someday," says Bradley Gerstman, Esquire, Christopher Pizzo, CPA and Rich Seldes, MD, in their book What Men Want.
Here's some tips plucked primarily from Romans chapter 12 on catching and keeping friends.
1) Accept people without arrogance. Pride refuses to mature and to forgive saying, "I'm perfect." Humility embraces our unique God-given design along with personal growth and repentance. We all make multiple mistakes throughout life.
African American R&B singer Anita Baker sings in her song "I Apologize," "Lord you should have heard the way he shouted and the way that I screamed . . . I apologize . . . Because I know I was wrong."
Admitting our wrongs is a sober judgment of ourselves and is loving ourselves and others. When we do someone wrong trying to gloss over it doesn't clean up the mess but often causes it to spread.
In admitting our wrongs we are not rejecting who we are. We are trying to improve. Self-improvement is relationship improvement. God accepts us and works to change us into the fullest likeness of His good self. God gives us His strength to consistently admit our wrongs without losing a positive view of ourselves. Even though believers do some awful things, God thinks we are awesome. God never loses hope in the victory of good over evil. The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament even though before he became an apostle he was a serial killer going around seeking Christians to put in jail and to have sentenced to death.
2) Extensively, enthusiastically, excellently use the special gifts God has given us to build relationships. I had a friend who said his gift was encouragement. However, I ended the relationship because his encouragement was not authentic. We were communicating by email often twice daily, but he never was willing to talk by telephone or meet in person. What was he hiding that was inhibiting him from drawing closer to me? What type of spirit was behind his behavior? His emails seemed to embrace me in warmth, but they never led to the intimacy of spontaneous conversation and in-person engagement. John 6:63 Amplified Bible says, "It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life."
3) Cultivate a diverse number of friends of the same sex, opposite sex, same gifts, different gifts, multiple races and relationships in all four circles. The Apostle Paul participated in all types of relationships. Timothy, Titus, Priscilla, Aquila and Barnabas are some members in Paul's Circle of Intimacy. The Apostles Peter and James and Lydia are some members in Paul's Circle of Friendship. Governor Sergius Paulus, Publius, the head of the island of Malta, and his father are some members in Paul's Circle of Participation. Acts 28:8 Amplified Bible says, "And it happened that the father of Publius was sick in bed with recurring attacks of fever and dysentery; and Paul went to see him, and after praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him." Governor Felix, Drusilla, the wife of Governor Felix, King Agrippa, Bernice, the wife of King Agrippa, and Governor Gallio of Achaia province are some members in Paul's Circle of Exchange.
Paul had relationships with men and women, Jews, Greeks and people of other races, believers and nonbelievers. Paul was not a snob, sexist or racist. Paul welcomed everyone while reserving his circle of intimacy for believers which is not discrimination but the wisdom of being closest with people of the same faith and purpose in life. If we try to have intimacy with enemies, then we risk destroying people. Jesus Christ says in Mark 3:25 Amplified Bible, "And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last." Bishop Derek Grier of Grace Church in Dumfries, Virginia, said in the mid-morning 1/13/2013 sermon, "The devil comes in the form of division;" "He comes with strife to destroy unity." Dr. Grier said the devil wants to destroy unity because unity removes limitations; we can do so much more together than by ourselves. He also said that unity amplifies and multiplies.
We like Paul are called to nurture and expand the four circles of relationships, to have relationships with the same sex, the opposite sex, different races and to have a diversity of relationships with people of all types. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 New Living Translation Bible, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."
4) Love people authentically. Love is friendly, intentional, consistent and Holy-Ghost empowered to commit through thick and thin times. Romans 12:10 Amplified Bible says, "Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another." Friendliness helps form, maintain and grow relationships. Neither Christ nor Paul displayed a "Do not disturb me" attitude toward people. Nor did they confuse Jewish culture with Biblical revelation. Christ and Paul tried to connect with the widest possible range of people. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 the Message Bible says, "Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists; the defeated, the demoralized--whoever, I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ--but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!"
Sometimes we are not honoring people in our relationships because we are jealous and/or envious of them. People will admit to some sins, but jealousy and envy are not the usual ones. Yet they are common ones among siblings, friends, colleagues and other relationships. Cherish and celebrate our gifts and the gifts of others without comparison or covetousness. We are all essential. Romans 12:4-6 the Message Bible says, "In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't."
African Americans Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are long-time best friends. Both are in communications, but Oprah is single, never married, mother of a deceased child while Gayle is divorced with two, healthy children. Oprah was raised in poverty. Gayle spent her elementary school years in Ankara, Turkey, with vacations in Paris, Rome and Greece and maid service.
Oprah, the first African-American female billionaire, says she and Gayle, who is a co-anchor of CBS This Morning and an editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine, have overcome jealousy and envy in their more than 30-year friendship by being continually supportive of each other and spending copious amounts of time and attention on their friendship. Oprah bought a full-time nanny for Gayle to help her with her children, Kirby and Will, who are less than one year apart in age. Oprah sees money as a tool that can help others, but if that is all someone wants and expects from the relationships, then they are not really a friend. Money is a relationship-building tool. Luke 16:9 Amplified Bible says, "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), so that when it fails, they [those you have favored] may receive and welcome you into the everlasting habitations (dwellings)." Gayle says she views Oprah's and the success of those around her as something that also makes her better. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 New Living Translation Bible says, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." We grow together or tear each other apart together.
Some have a false sense of loyalty avoiding participation in other Christian ministries or other relationships. While we should give more time and attention to our marriage and other relationships in our circle of intimacy than our relationship with our dentist and other relationships in our circle of exchange, that doesn't excuse us to focus on our marriage to the exclusion of all other relationships. Showing authentic love comes with spending time and attention on a variety of relationships. Jesus was confidants with Peter, James and John. He also socialized with casual acquaintances like the Samaritan woman who had five-husbands, a current live-in lover and probably a blended household of no-telling how many children..
5) Serve God through serving people. Friends help friends in a wide variety of ways. A story talks about a man taken out of the earth realm and into a trip of hell and heaven. The angels showed him a room in hell with a group of hungry people trying to eat dinner. They never did eat because the spoons they were using were longer than their arms and no one helped them to overcome the obstacle. Then the angels showed him a room in heaven. The man was shocked to see a similar scene of hungry people trying to eat dinner with spoons longer than their arms. Yet they had happy faces and were enjoying their meal because they helped each other overcome the obstacle.
It's natural to serve self. It's spiritual to serve self and others. Routinely examine our behavior asking, "Who does this serve?"
6) Pursue hospitality. Welcome strangers and friends. Seek to make strangers friends and friends closer friends. Creativity can cultivate relationships. In the early 1400s the ruler of the East African port city Malinda sent a personal envoy with a giraffe as a present to the Ming dynasty emperor in China. The giraffe was a big hit. Maybe you can't make a splash by bringing a giraffe, but you can put together a backyard barbeque with a special theme for the families of your children's friends and others, or you can do something else with simple flair.
God meant for believers to do the spectacular in our individual way. Jesus Christ says in John 14:12 Amplified Bible, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father."
People who are one-dimensional and/or refuse to try novel ways make it difficult for people to stay in relationship with them and to attract new relationships in the circles of friendship and intimacy.
Some spouses drain the life out of their marriage and other relationships by allowing themselves to become dull. Meanwhile plenty of singles and married people excel at exceeding people's expectations. The immoral ones are waiting to suck in spouses in dull marriages and dull singles looking for excitement. Proverbs 5:3 Amplified Bible says, "For the lips of a loose woman drip honey as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil."
Pleasure is not sinful nor is using honey to catch and keep friends. Motives make a difference in determining the difference between good and evil. Christian, African American Jazz singer Carla Cook sings in "It's All About Love," "You can catch more flies with honey." God is pleasure. Yes, your eyes are not tricking you; you read that right. God is pleasure. David writes in Psalm 16:11 Amplified Bible, "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."
Some are bubbly with great ideas about how to attract people, but they rarely follow through. “The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs,” says Vance Havner. God is more than a dreamer; He's a doer and likes doers. If you want to catch and keep relationships, chase people. Hebrews 11:6 Amplified Bible says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]."
Sometimes we bomb in our efforts to catch and keep people. Don't worry. Cooperate with God to learn and to correct the error of our ways. Proverbs 24:16 Amplified Bible says, "For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity."
7) Be sensitive to and live in the emotions and actions needed for the situation. Romans 12:15 New Living Translation Bible says, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep."
My son, Rafael, has lots of energy and is full of joy. He likes to bounce on his bed and in the chair he sits on amidst our balcony garden. Rafael recently got a new mattress because his old one had a crater in it due to his bouncing on his bed. I would like to preserve his enthusiasm and our finances, so I put a chair like the one in our garden in his bedroom and explained that he can bounce on that instead of his bed.
8) Turn enemies into friends. Abraham Lincoln said, "I do not like that man. I must get to know him better."
Watch out that self doesn't become our enemy. One of the top strategies of Satan is to manipulate people to get us to turn on our self. Joseph Cotten tells Ingrid Bergman in the movie Gaslight, "You're not going out of your mind. You're slowly and systematically being driven out of your mind."
Insanity is ineffective thinking. One way Satan tries to manipulate people is through anger. Feeling anger is not a sin for it can be a signal of being mistreated. Holding onto anger is where sin enters. Holding onto anger accompanies losing control of our thoughts and emotions. When God's goodness doesn't control us, then the evil of sin does. Sin is a slave master. Peace is power. As believers we have the mind of God the Son Jesus Christ and can use it to slay Satan by refusing to stay upset.
Peace is not passive. In the 1900s Mahatma Gandhi was mad that the British were denying independence to the people of India and monopolizing many Indian industries. Gandhi developed satyagraha which is civil disobedience through peaceful pushing for truth. Gandhi's methods were used by Martin Luther King Jr. to peacefully push civil rights for Africans Americans and others in the United States. Many who were enemies to the ideas of Gandhi and King initially were won over by their peaceful protest.
Please share your experiences catching and keeping friends by leaving an on-line comment, tweeting with me via my Twitter.com name "Michelelove30" and Google's G+. Abraham Lincoln says, "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Woo 'Em
God loves to woo us and others constantly. The Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion and Public Life study in 230 countries as reported in the January 8, 2013, issue of the newspaper USA Today found that Christians make up 32 percent of the world's religions followed by 23 percent of Muslims, 16 percent of unaffiliated, 15 percent of Hindus, seven percent of Buddhists and another seven percent of Jews and other faiths.
God and believers have been loving and living Matthew 28:18-20 Amplified Bible which says, "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
Pastor and author Francis Chan says about making disciples in his article "A Time to Make Disciples" in the January/February 2013 issue of Relevant Magazine, "Realistically, the task will require a life-time of devotion to studying the Scriptures and investing in people around us. Neither of these things is easy, nor can they be checked off a list. We are never really "done." We continually devote ourselves to studying the Scriptures so that we can learn with ever-greater depth and clarity what God wants us to know, practice and pass on. We continually invest in the people around us, teaching them and walking with them through life's joys and trials."
Making disciples is starting and stretching relationships by investing in people qualities like the love and the truth of God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 4:15 Amplified Bible says, "Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
What a tall order! Don't feel up to it? No worries mate. God's got your back. Philippians 2:13 Amplified Bible says, "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." God lives inside of believers, and He passionately desires and is able to love people through us the way they need to be loved. Trust God. Don't listen to the terror tactics of Satan trying to convince us love doesn't work or is too much trouble.
Today we have so many ways to communicate love, truth and the other goodness of God not only in person but also through cellular telephones, email, Skype, instant messages, text, mail and other modes of communication. Be creative and consistent in cultivating loving communication. It's impressive that Christianity is the world's number one religion, but still billions are not lovers of Christ and the billions who are lovers of Christ need to be nurtured to new levels of overflowing with the character of God for all eternity.
An eternity doesn't mean that God has called us to love beyond our limits. Sometimes we need to say "no" to say "yes" to the best disciplining. Our first relationship is with God, then our spouse and ourselves, then our children, then other family and then others. If you talk to God and find that a business colleague has priority over God, spouse or family, ask God for forgiveness and transformation. God is willing, able and faithful to fix it.
Some of us don't like differences and change and tend to just develop relationships with family not wanting to do anything like African-American Jarena Lee who in the 19century in one year traveled 2,325 miles on foot to preach 127 sermons. She also became the first woman approved to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church which is the first black-controlled Christian denomination in the United States of America. Neither Lee nor Jesus limited themselves to biological relationships, so neither should we. Imitate God. Stretch out. Ask God to prune out criticism and judgement from your heart. Someone beautiful is waiting to be shared. Embrace a diversity of people instead of noxious, needless, negativity. Cooperate with God to lose the "No es posible" attitude. Romans 15:7 Amplified Bible says, "Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God."
Biblical disciplining contains much common sense that can be corroborated in scientific research. Proverbs 25:2 the Message Bible says, "God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things." John Gottman, Ph.D., has a Love Lab at the University of Washington where he conducts counseling and research on couples. Dr. Gottman writes in his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work that friendship between partners is critical. Friendship is desirable in marriage and other disciplining efforts. All relationships are disciplining opportunities.
Ask God today to cause you to not act distant and difficult but rather overflowing with the love of God and all the goodness of God that lays the foundation for new love and nurtures old love. A new friend/disciple and an old one will appreciate and thank you for eternity.
God and believers have been loving and living Matthew 28:18-20 Amplified Bible which says, "Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)."
Pastor and author Francis Chan says about making disciples in his article "A Time to Make Disciples" in the January/February 2013 issue of Relevant Magazine, "Realistically, the task will require a life-time of devotion to studying the Scriptures and investing in people around us. Neither of these things is easy, nor can they be checked off a list. We are never really "done." We continually devote ourselves to studying the Scriptures so that we can learn with ever-greater depth and clarity what God wants us to know, practice and pass on. We continually invest in the people around us, teaching them and walking with them through life's joys and trials."
Making disciples is starting and stretching relationships by investing in people qualities like the love and the truth of God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 4:15 Amplified Bible says, "Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
What a tall order! Don't feel up to it? No worries mate. God's got your back. Philippians 2:13 Amplified Bible says, "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." God lives inside of believers, and He passionately desires and is able to love people through us the way they need to be loved. Trust God. Don't listen to the terror tactics of Satan trying to convince us love doesn't work or is too much trouble.
Today we have so many ways to communicate love, truth and the other goodness of God not only in person but also through cellular telephones, email, Skype, instant messages, text, mail and other modes of communication. Be creative and consistent in cultivating loving communication. It's impressive that Christianity is the world's number one religion, but still billions are not lovers of Christ and the billions who are lovers of Christ need to be nurtured to new levels of overflowing with the character of God for all eternity.
An eternity doesn't mean that God has called us to love beyond our limits. Sometimes we need to say "no" to say "yes" to the best disciplining. Our first relationship is with God, then our spouse and ourselves, then our children, then other family and then others. If you talk to God and find that a business colleague has priority over God, spouse or family, ask God for forgiveness and transformation. God is willing, able and faithful to fix it.
Some of us don't like differences and change and tend to just develop relationships with family not wanting to do anything like African-American Jarena Lee who in the 19century in one year traveled 2,325 miles on foot to preach 127 sermons. She also became the first woman approved to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church which is the first black-controlled Christian denomination in the United States of America. Neither Lee nor Jesus limited themselves to biological relationships, so neither should we. Imitate God. Stretch out. Ask God to prune out criticism and judgement from your heart. Someone beautiful is waiting to be shared. Embrace a diversity of people instead of noxious, needless, negativity. Cooperate with God to lose the "No es posible" attitude. Romans 15:7 Amplified Bible says, "Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God."
Biblical disciplining contains much common sense that can be corroborated in scientific research. Proverbs 25:2 the Message Bible says, "God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things." John Gottman, Ph.D., has a Love Lab at the University of Washington where he conducts counseling and research on couples. Dr. Gottman writes in his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work that friendship between partners is critical. Friendship is desirable in marriage and other disciplining efforts. All relationships are disciplining opportunities.
Ask God today to cause you to not act distant and difficult but rather overflowing with the love of God and all the goodness of God that lays the foundation for new love and nurtures old love. A new friend/disciple and an old one will appreciate and thank you for eternity.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Grey Areas
Sometimes issues arise in life that the Bible appears to not have discussed. In Romans 14 the Apostle Paul says about these areas believers want to live in a freedom that is balanced by care for the conscience of believers who may live in less freedom than we do and an attitude lacking judgement toward those who live in greater freedom than we do.
One of the things Paul said in Romans 14 is that some consider every day a holiday (holy day set apart to God) whereas others celebrate particular days as holidays to God. Paul said we should be mindful that first we are faithful to God and do not doubt the way we are celebrating. Then we consult God to see if those in our sphere of influence are being harmed by the way we are living and then we need to not be judgmental of those who celebrate holidays to God differently.
When we consider the conscience of others and lacking judgement these are not meant to put us in bondage. For example, Paul was a Jew. Before he became a Christian, he believed it was wrong to have friendships with non-Jews (Gentiles). Some Jewish Christians continued not to associate with non-Jews. Paul did not. He formed friendships with non-Jews like Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. Some considered his friendships with Gentiles a stumbling block (something that hinders the faith of others) but it wasn't.
Paul wanted those who had weaker consciences to be welcomed and respected and ultimately raised to a higher level of faith motivated by love. Philippians 1:9 New International Version Bible says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -- to the glory and praise of God."
One of the things Paul said in Romans 14 is that some consider every day a holiday (holy day set apart to God) whereas others celebrate particular days as holidays to God. Paul said we should be mindful that first we are faithful to God and do not doubt the way we are celebrating. Then we consult God to see if those in our sphere of influence are being harmed by the way we are living and then we need to not be judgmental of those who celebrate holidays to God differently.
When we consider the conscience of others and lacking judgement these are not meant to put us in bondage. For example, Paul was a Jew. Before he became a Christian, he believed it was wrong to have friendships with non-Jews (Gentiles). Some Jewish Christians continued not to associate with non-Jews. Paul did not. He formed friendships with non-Jews like Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. Some considered his friendships with Gentiles a stumbling block (something that hinders the faith of others) but it wasn't.
Paul wanted those who had weaker consciences to be welcomed and respected and ultimately raised to a higher level of faith motivated by love. Philippians 1:9 New International Version Bible says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -- to the glory and praise of God."
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Friends and Prayer
In prayer and in other parts of life two or more are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:10 New International Version Bible says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
One way we can help each other up in through prayer. Friends should pray for each other. Psalm 28 indicates that when we pray we should show respect to God and not take for granted that He is able to hear us. Often we are in trouble. We can talk to God about trouble and triumph. He has the ability to keep us or bring us out of the pit (bad places in life).
God can also extend mercy in our situations. Friends are designed to extend mercy to each other. We are to build each other up.
God helps us through life. God is a shepherd. He desires to lead and to direct us in this earthly life and in the next lie if we are chosen for eternal life. God leads us and directs us in the way we should go.
We are at the forefront of God's mind. God wants to make sure that we live the good, abundant, enjoyable life He promised. Friends should want this too for each other.
One way we can help each other up in through prayer. Friends should pray for each other. Psalm 28 indicates that when we pray we should show respect to God and not take for granted that He is able to hear us. Often we are in trouble. We can talk to God about trouble and triumph. He has the ability to keep us or bring us out of the pit (bad places in life).
God can also extend mercy in our situations. Friends are designed to extend mercy to each other. We are to build each other up.
God helps us through life. God is a shepherd. He desires to lead and to direct us in this earthly life and in the next lie if we are chosen for eternal life. God leads us and directs us in the way we should go.
We are at the forefront of God's mind. God wants to make sure that we live the good, abundant, enjoyable life He promised. Friends should want this too for each other.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Celebrate Life
Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian employee of the Hebrew King Zedekiah, didn't have to help the prophet Jeremiah, but he did (Jeremiah 38-39). Enemies of Jeremiah spoke to Zedekiah, so that Zedekiah had Jeremiah placed in a prison filled with mud. The Hebrew people were at war with Babylon, and little food and no water was available to Jeremiah in prison. Ebed-melech spoke to Zedekiah, and Zedekiah released Jeremiah from prison.
People like Ebed-melech and Chuck Wall speak up when others are wronged. One day in the spring of 1993 an anchorman commented on a bad situation, "Another random act of senseless violence." Chuck Wall, who is blind and a human relations instructor at a college in Bakersfield, California, heard the comment and was inspired to commit random acts of senseless kindness. Wall shared his idea with his students asking them to do something out of the ordinary to help someone and then to write an essay about it. He also decided to print bumper stickers that said: "Today, I will commit one random act of senseless kindness...Will you?" The idea caught on in Wall's community and spread internationally, so that today many are familiar with the phrase "random acts of kindness."
Kindness celebrates and reproduces life. Chuck Wall's kindness has helped other people. When Ebed-melech was kind to Jeremiah, God was kind to Ebed-melech. Jeremiah 39:15-18 Amplified Bible says, "Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was [still] shut up in the court of the guard, saying, Go and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring to pass My words against this city for evil and not for good; and they will be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you [Ebed-melech] on that day, says the Lord, and you will not be given into the hands of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely deliver you; and you will not fall by the sword, but your life will be [as your only booty and] as a reward of battle to you, because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord."
Perhaps Ebed-melech is one of the early believers who shared the news of an eternal, loving relationship with God with others in his native Ethiopia. Today Ethiopia is an African nation never conquered by a European nation in modern times and is a Christian-majority country that has been filled with Christians for centuries.
Please share ways you celebrated life today.
People like Ebed-melech and Chuck Wall speak up when others are wronged. One day in the spring of 1993 an anchorman commented on a bad situation, "Another random act of senseless violence." Chuck Wall, who is blind and a human relations instructor at a college in Bakersfield, California, heard the comment and was inspired to commit random acts of senseless kindness. Wall shared his idea with his students asking them to do something out of the ordinary to help someone and then to write an essay about it. He also decided to print bumper stickers that said: "Today, I will commit one random act of senseless kindness...Will you?" The idea caught on in Wall's community and spread internationally, so that today many are familiar with the phrase "random acts of kindness."
Kindness celebrates and reproduces life. Chuck Wall's kindness has helped other people. When Ebed-melech was kind to Jeremiah, God was kind to Ebed-melech. Jeremiah 39:15-18 Amplified Bible says, "Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was [still] shut up in the court of the guard, saying, Go and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring to pass My words against this city for evil and not for good; and they will be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you [Ebed-melech] on that day, says the Lord, and you will not be given into the hands of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely deliver you; and you will not fall by the sword, but your life will be [as your only booty and] as a reward of battle to you, because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord."
Perhaps Ebed-melech is one of the early believers who shared the news of an eternal, loving relationship with God with others in his native Ethiopia. Today Ethiopia is an African nation never conquered by a European nation in modern times and is a Christian-majority country that has been filled with Christians for centuries.
Please share ways you celebrated life today.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
You Are Never Too Old
Sexual love doesn't have to end when we reach a certain age. Jack, a character in the romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco, says to Marilyn, his wife of more than 30 years, "You have very, very beautiful eyes." Marilyn comments, "Come on. You know I have to go upstairs, and um I'm going to take my calcium so my bones don't break into little pieces, my aspirin so my heart doesn't clog up, my Metamucil so I don't get colon cancer, and of course my estrogen to convince my body that I'm still 23." Jack responds, "Come here." They kiss, and marital, senior sex ensues.
Abraham also enjoyed marital, senior sex. Abraham had his first child at 86 and seven more stretching well into his 100s.
In God's eyes age is just a number not a reason to stop living a full, enjoyable life advancing God's Kingdom through relationship building.
If you are not making frequent delicious with your spouse, contact a Bible teacher, Bible counselor, Christian sex therapist and/or Christian marriage counselor. God designed sexual relations for spouses to give and to receive enjoyment from each other while strengthening their marriage. Whether one screams out in passion, silently savors sex or is somewhere in between, marital sex is made for merriment. Solomon writes in Proverbs 5 The Message Bible, "Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don’t ever quit taking delight in her body."
Sex at 60 and beyond may not be the same as sex at 25, but then again it may be even better. Moses was married, and he was also in his right mind and healthy body up to death at 120. Imagine the sexual expertise and possibilities!
Please share something sweet about senior sexuality. Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina have been married 85 years (86 in May 2013) and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple. Zelmyra is 101 years old. Herbert is 104 years old. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
How did the Fishers stay married so long? They are Christians who are good lovers and good friends. Solomon's Shulammite wife says about Solomon in Song of Solomon 5:16 New Living Translation Bible, "His mouth is sweetness itself, he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."
Abraham also enjoyed marital, senior sex. Abraham had his first child at 86 and seven more stretching well into his 100s.
In God's eyes age is just a number not a reason to stop living a full, enjoyable life advancing God's Kingdom through relationship building.
If you are not making frequent delicious with your spouse, contact a Bible teacher, Bible counselor, Christian sex therapist and/or Christian marriage counselor. God designed sexual relations for spouses to give and to receive enjoyment from each other while strengthening their marriage. Whether one screams out in passion, silently savors sex or is somewhere in between, marital sex is made for merriment. Solomon writes in Proverbs 5 The Message Bible, "Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don’t ever quit taking delight in her body."
Sex at 60 and beyond may not be the same as sex at 25, but then again it may be even better. Moses was married, and he was also in his right mind and healthy body up to death at 120. Imagine the sexual expertise and possibilities!
Please share something sweet about senior sexuality. Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina have been married 85 years (86 in May 2013) and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple. Zelmyra is 101 years old. Herbert is 104 years old. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
How did the Fishers stay married so long? They are Christians who are good lovers and good friends. Solomon's Shulammite wife says about Solomon in Song of Solomon 5:16 New Living Translation Bible, "His mouth is sweetness itself, he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
One Is Not Enough
"Then Elkanah her husband said to her, Hannah, why do you cry? And why do you not eat? And why are you grieving? Am I not more to you than ten sons? (1 Samuel 1:8 Amplified Bible). Hannah loved her husband, Elkanah, and like all of us she was created for family and community. Consequently, a relationship with only one person would not meet her God-given relational needs and purpose. Hannah wanted to add a child to her family and community.
We are created with a desire and purpose for relationships with God and people whether we want to add a baby to our family like Hannah and/or add a spiritual baby to our spiritual family like the Apostle Paul who frequently went out preaching to people who had never heard about God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost and God's desire for an eternal relationship with believers.
Believers seek relationships with new people and to make strangers friends. 1 Peter 4:9 Amplified Bible says, "Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him)."
Some spouses and singles suck the life out of their relationships and fail to seek new relationships by trying to be and demanding that one person be the all-in-all to him or her for much of the 1,440 minutes in a day. God created us to need multiple friendships and relationships in varying degrees of intimacy. Chantal Sicile-Kira categorizes relationships in her article, "The Transition To Adulthood: Planning Ahead," for the magazine, Autism File, that is applicable to all people. She describes four circles of relationships:
1) The Circle of Intimacy includes those with whom we share our secrets, dreams and values. These are our best friends and are usually family members, but can and should also include others. We know and share a lot about what is going on in each others lives, our thoughts and feelings. We feel safe enough in these relationships to support each other spiritually and emotionally. Jesus encouraged intimate relationships beyond biology. Mark 3:33-35 New Living Translation Bible says, "Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
2) The Circle of Friendship includes friends or relatives whom we see for occasional social activities, such as for a movie or to eat a meal, but who are not our closest friends. The Bible records that Epaphras and Paul shared some time in jail and time spreading the Gospel, but not with the intensity and intimacy of the relationship between Timothy and Paul.
3) The Circle of Participation includes people who we participate with in our life, such as on the job, business or ministry, our place of worship, schools, sports teams, social clubs and other organizations. This circle contains people who may eventually be in the Circle of Friendship or even the Circle of Intimacy. We can socialize with members of our church, other churches and other groups. Luke 9:49-50 New Living Translation Bible says, "John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.”"
4) The Circle of Exchange includes people who are paid to be in our lives, such as medical professionals, counselors, governmental employees, sales associates, etc. These people can also be cultivated to move into the Circle of Participation, Circle of Friendship and even the Circle of Intimacy. Everyone is a potential friend. Matthew 28:18-20 the Message Bible says, "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.""
The circles of exchange and participation are casual relationships. The circle of friendship are comfortable relationships with people who are not involved in the intimate details of our lives. The circle of intimacy contains our confidants.
All of us need to receive a relationship with God for eternal life and security that God offers to us for free. John 17:3 Amplified Bible says, "And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."
We also need human friends. Jesus says in John 13:34-35 New Living Translation Bible, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Bishop Noel Jones and T.D. Jakes are believers in God and best friends. Jones is single. Jakes is married. They both also have other friends and children. The Holy Ghost living on the inside gives us the self-control to overcome the pride, insecurity and self-centeredness that demands excessive attention from someone and hinders us from expanding our relationships with God and people in the circles of exchange, participation, friendship and intimacy.
What are some ways you practice friendliness?
We are created with a desire and purpose for relationships with God and people whether we want to add a baby to our family like Hannah and/or add a spiritual baby to our spiritual family like the Apostle Paul who frequently went out preaching to people who had never heard about God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost and God's desire for an eternal relationship with believers.
Believers seek relationships with new people and to make strangers friends. 1 Peter 4:9 Amplified Bible says, "Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him)."
Some spouses and singles suck the life out of their relationships and fail to seek new relationships by trying to be and demanding that one person be the all-in-all to him or her for much of the 1,440 minutes in a day. God created us to need multiple friendships and relationships in varying degrees of intimacy. Chantal Sicile-Kira categorizes relationships in her article, "The Transition To Adulthood: Planning Ahead," for the magazine, Autism File, that is applicable to all people. She describes four circles of relationships:
1) The Circle of Intimacy includes those with whom we share our secrets, dreams and values. These are our best friends and are usually family members, but can and should also include others. We know and share a lot about what is going on in each others lives, our thoughts and feelings. We feel safe enough in these relationships to support each other spiritually and emotionally. Jesus encouraged intimate relationships beyond biology. Mark 3:33-35 New Living Translation Bible says, "Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
2) The Circle of Friendship includes friends or relatives whom we see for occasional social activities, such as for a movie or to eat a meal, but who are not our closest friends. The Bible records that Epaphras and Paul shared some time in jail and time spreading the Gospel, but not with the intensity and intimacy of the relationship between Timothy and Paul.
3) The Circle of Participation includes people who we participate with in our life, such as on the job, business or ministry, our place of worship, schools, sports teams, social clubs and other organizations. This circle contains people who may eventually be in the Circle of Friendship or even the Circle of Intimacy. We can socialize with members of our church, other churches and other groups. Luke 9:49-50 New Living Translation Bible says, "John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.”"
4) The Circle of Exchange includes people who are paid to be in our lives, such as medical professionals, counselors, governmental employees, sales associates, etc. These people can also be cultivated to move into the Circle of Participation, Circle of Friendship and even the Circle of Intimacy. Everyone is a potential friend. Matthew 28:18-20 the Message Bible says, "Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.""
The circles of exchange and participation are casual relationships. The circle of friendship are comfortable relationships with people who are not involved in the intimate details of our lives. The circle of intimacy contains our confidants.
All of us need to receive a relationship with God for eternal life and security that God offers to us for free. John 17:3 Amplified Bible says, "And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."
We also need human friends. Jesus says in John 13:34-35 New Living Translation Bible, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Bishop Noel Jones and T.D. Jakes are believers in God and best friends. Jones is single. Jakes is married. They both also have other friends and children. The Holy Ghost living on the inside gives us the self-control to overcome the pride, insecurity and self-centeredness that demands excessive attention from someone and hinders us from expanding our relationships with God and people in the circles of exchange, participation, friendship and intimacy.
What are some ways you practice friendliness?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Helpful
We cannot do what God called us to do by ourselves. God seeks to be our best friend, and He designed for us to also have human friends. One of the things friends do is they help each other in a wide variety of ways. 2 Timothy 1:16-18 says that Onesiphorus was such a friend to the Apostle Paul helping him to get through an adverse time in his life. Delight in finding out what help your friends need and how you can help, then help.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Embracing New Ideas
No es posible. Sometimes we shoot down the ideas and ways of doing things of a spouse, family member, friend or associate because these challenge our beliefs and/or make us uncomfortable. For example some believers think that victory in Jesus Christ means that we will not have long-term problems, and that God cannot use us during the time we have long-term problems.
How challenging it must have been for some when Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry in Israel was healing people, driving out demons, teaching and preaching, yet He allowed John the Baptist, a man who had baptized Jesus and promoted His ministry, to be beheaded in prison. How challenging it must have been for some that 2 Corinthians 12 records that the apostle Paul prayed three times for a thorn (some type of problem maybe even a disability) to be removed from his life, yet God said no to removing the thorn and yes to continuing to use Paul in an apostolic ministry of healing other people, teaching and preaching.
Here are some current-day examples of times when our thoughts may be challenged. Our spouse may want to move to another state even though the family is well established in the current state of residence. Our spouse may want to try a new sexual experience. A friend wants to spend more time with us. Someone of a different political persuasion says they are a Christian. Planners comparing their personality and way of doing things to spontaneous people and vice versa. Some may have tried to stop the marriage of a person without arms and legs because how could he even have sex or take care of himself?
God is sovereign. God created us the way we are on purpose with a plan for our life. God's purpose and plan are good, very good even if it may not be what we or others expect. When people aren't doing what we expect, when their ways are challenging to us, stop efforts to immediately shoot down their ideas and ways of doing things. Instead believe the best of their intentions, pray and observe. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Amplified Bible says, "But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast." It is possible that we are wrong and have been wrong for a long time. African-American Jazz singer Diane Reeves sings in "Mista" from the CD In The Moment Live In Concert, "It ain't too late. No. It ain't too late. Never too late to change your mind because every day is a miracle. Yes. A chance to make it." Changing our mind (a part of repentance) is something that God gives us the responsibility to seek regularly. Humility and repentance work together. Humility is the ability to let go of the wrong, embrace new godly ideas even from unexpected sources without embracing a bad view of self or needing to always be number one.
Even if our spouse, friend, family member or associate has a new idea that cannot be embraced, seek a win-win solution to maintain respect, kindness and strengthen the relationship. Christian, American and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says, "Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side." Not only married people but all friends are supposed to understand that they are on the same side. God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost seek to develop individuals and relationships to be on His side. So do we! Join Rafael's and Michele's relationship group Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at 14336 Winewood Lane #11, Woodbridge, Virginia.
How challenging it must have been for some when Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry in Israel was healing people, driving out demons, teaching and preaching, yet He allowed John the Baptist, a man who had baptized Jesus and promoted His ministry, to be beheaded in prison. How challenging it must have been for some that 2 Corinthians 12 records that the apostle Paul prayed three times for a thorn (some type of problem maybe even a disability) to be removed from his life, yet God said no to removing the thorn and yes to continuing to use Paul in an apostolic ministry of healing other people, teaching and preaching.
Here are some current-day examples of times when our thoughts may be challenged. Our spouse may want to move to another state even though the family is well established in the current state of residence. Our spouse may want to try a new sexual experience. A friend wants to spend more time with us. Someone of a different political persuasion says they are a Christian. Planners comparing their personality and way of doing things to spontaneous people and vice versa. Some may have tried to stop the marriage of a person without arms and legs because how could he even have sex or take care of himself?
God is sovereign. God created us the way we are on purpose with a plan for our life. God's purpose and plan are good, very good even if it may not be what we or others expect. When people aren't doing what we expect, when their ways are challenging to us, stop efforts to immediately shoot down their ideas and ways of doing things. Instead believe the best of their intentions, pray and observe. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Amplified Bible says, "But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast." It is possible that we are wrong and have been wrong for a long time. African-American Jazz singer Diane Reeves sings in "Mista" from the CD In The Moment Live In Concert, "It ain't too late. No. It ain't too late. Never too late to change your mind because every day is a miracle. Yes. A chance to make it." Changing our mind (a part of repentance) is something that God gives us the responsibility to seek regularly. Humility and repentance work together. Humility is the ability to let go of the wrong, embrace new godly ideas even from unexpected sources without embracing a bad view of self or needing to always be number one.
Even if our spouse, friend, family member or associate has a new idea that cannot be embraced, seek a win-win solution to maintain respect, kindness and strengthen the relationship. Christian, American and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says, "Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side." Not only married people but all friends are supposed to understand that they are on the same side. God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost seek to develop individuals and relationships to be on His side. So do we! Join Rafael's and Michele's relationship group Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at 14336 Winewood Lane #11, Woodbridge, Virginia.
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