Class/Grade IV Cancer STINKS

I'd heard of stage 4, as in the last stages of cancer before one is expected to die.

But I hadn't heard of Class IV or Grade IV.

I enter a whole new arena, from a (unfortunately) personal position.  It isn't just somebody I know or have heard about.  It is my brother. My brother has Class IV brain cancer.

David with his wife and their sons.

Well, this isn't the first time cancer has touched our family.  My father had skin cancer, but it wasn't a big concern, and it was heart failure that took him (22 years next month!).  And my paternal Grandma (whom I didn't know) died of cancer.

The most involved I've been with a cancer patient was when Everette's Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer just over 5 years ago.  They figured he'd have about 2 years to live.  We buried him in 3.5 months.  And during those months we dropped most of our family projects (we were doing major landscaping) in favour of spending as much time with him as we could.  And when things suddenly turned for the worst we were so glad we hadn't banked on the two-years-we-didn't-get.  Danaka and Rauchelle had spent the last week staying with Grandma & Grandpa, memories they can always hold on to, knowing they were loving on them with their presence,  a held hand, a sip of water offered, a needed hug.

I believe in instantaneous and progressive miracles.  I do.  I've seen them.  My husband has been a part of them.  I WANT ONE NOW!!!  Yes, I'm yelling that.  My insides are screaming for that!  I WANT MY BROTHER HEALED!!!

Born on Christmas Day, next year we will be celebrating David's 50th Birthday.  It shall be a BIG CELEBRATION.  I say that in Faith for a great outcome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tumor grade

The grade of a tumor refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Cells removed by biopsy are used for grading. The following grading system may be used for adult brain tumors:

Grade I
The tumor grows slowly, has cells that look similar to normal cells, and rarely spreads into nearby tissues. It may be possible to remove the entire tumor by surgery.

Grade II
The tumor grows slowly, but may spread into nearby tissue and may become a higher-grade tumor.

Grade III
The tumor grows quickly, is likely to spread into nearby tissue, and the tumor cells look very different from normal cells.

Grade IV
The tumor grows very aggressively, has cells that look very different from normal cells, and is difficult to treat successfully.                            (from http://wiki.medpedia.com/Brain_Tumors)


I wish I had never had to know that.  I wish I didn't even know that Class IV existed.  Sometimes naivety seems more comfortable.  But that's not my option.  Unfortunately.

I know I will have much to learn as we walk this part of our journey.  Learn some things about cancer and health and the medical system.  But more than that, we have much to learn about relationships, about supporting one another in spite of personal view points, about patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, etc.....and self-control.  About forgiveness, about gentle answers turn away wrath, about preferring one another above ourselves.  Tough life lessons.

And about letting go.  Hopefully, we don't need to let go of David because hopefully he's stuck with us for a very long time.  But I probably have lessons to learn about letting go of my ideals, agendas, etc.

Class IV Cancer STINKS!!!!  but the lessons that surround it will be priceless.  This I do know.

Friends

I didn't find my friends.....

God gave them to me.

~Emerson

Sunlight is Good for your Health

So many people are afraid of the sun.

Everette and I took our youngest 3 to the big playground in town last week, and at only 10 in the morning I saw a mother who was all bundled up in long sleeves, jacket to her neck, full length pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses on.  Her toddler was similarly dressed, although he really didn't want to keep his hat on.  She was far more successful getting him to keep his sunglasses on.  And the older son who was likely 7-ish dutifully kept his sunglasses and hat on, and kept near arms-length from his mama.

Honestly, I thought this was sad.  Sad that this good-intentioned-loving-mama was living in fear from the beautiful warm sun that blesses our days.  Fear of cancer, premature aging, whatever.  Fear to be exposed.  And she was passing fear on to her impressionable children.

How entrenched are the ideas/lies we've been fed from 'Corporate America'?  Can we not think for ourselves?

Here's a video from The Health Ranger to help us better understand the health we can get from eating properly and getting appropriate sun, and what dangers may lie ahead if we avoid sun exposure, and why suntan lotion might be the culprit behind much of the skin cancer that's occurring.

I found Mike's video enlightening and refreshing.  Because I'm tired of people being so afraid of the sun, and even tanning salons.  Dr Mercola says to stay away from tanning beds that make a noise when running (other than the actual timer ticking), but that tanning beds and standup tanning lamps are a boon to your health, particularly during winter months and those living farther away from the equator.

Consider whose been funding the nonsense of the media we've been gobbling up for decades.  Who is bound to lose money if we have a greater understanding of our bodies and a healthy relationship with the (free) sunshine God has blessed us with?

Inform yourself.  Think for yourself.  Love on yourself.

Does God Have a Specific Plan for Your Life? Probably Not.

Sarah at Emerging Mummy always has great links. Wish I were a speed-reader like she must be!

She often has timely links to things I've been pondering, and recently she had a link to Don Miller, the author to books such as "Blue Like Jazz", & "Writing a Storyline: An Alternative to Mission Statements".

Does God Have a Specific Plan for Your Life? Probably Not.

The hundreds of comments on his blog are also interesting, although there's no time for me to read them all. I haven't learned to speed read (yet).

I've been really pondering the idea of our hearts' desires, and having discussion with friends along our cross-country trip. I find that most Christians I've spoken with are very uncomfortable with doing what their hearts' desires are, because they think that is selfish, and not God-honoring.  They expect that their own hearts' desire will likely be in conflict with God's desire for them.

Actually, many of us have been told that we can't even trust our feelings, our hearts, nor our imagination. We've rejected these things as if they are evil, rather than realizing that they are marvelous gifts from God. We've thrown them away and instead we have puffed up with head knowledge.

But I believe that those desires that we actually have are actually given to us from God, and that's why He says that He will give us the desires of our hearts.

It really bothers me when people say things like "You never should tell God that you don't want to be sent to Africa, because that's where He's definitely going to send you then!" as if He's purposely going to make you go where you don't want to go. He's a meanie. What an ogre!!

I believe that when we are walking in communion with our Creator, and we are living true to ourselves (vs to religion & obligation) then our desires will be in accordance with the will of God. And I don't believe that His will for us is laid out in detail, like what University we should attend, the 'one' we should marry, the house we should buy.

I know that scripture says "In all things give thanks, for this is God's will for you." Its full of patterns we can follow, character we can nurture. But the details are for us to discover, in our intimacy with Him.



I'd love to hear what you have to say about it.

Every Happening, Great and Small....

“Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.” – Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990); British writer, social critic

Debate & Prayer

It's been a busy and invigorating day today.  Alot of debate, discussion, hashing over.

We spent the morning in debate with Micah, with Layne often being the mediator as we must be speaking a different language than Micah speaks, & vice versa.  Mom doesn't like these kind of discussions so it makes her squirm a bit, and suggest we go to the park or something.  But Micah enjoys the stimulation just like we do.  Iron sharpens iron.

Then we took children for a swim, which they always love.  And Barb & Darrell Kent came over as Barb needed prayer for her back. 

We are believing for fluid to fill up those discs supernaturally.  We had a great time of testimony, about the goodness of God, about healings, and some prayer.  I always feel encouraged when visiting with them, and today was no different.  Like spirits.

Laars is feeling better, although not yet up to par.  No throw ups today, and less of a fever, and he slept most of the day away.  He ate little which is really good to give his body energy for healing.

We anticipate leaving in the morning for the Island; the last leg of our trip, but we will see how the day is lived out.  We make our plans, but let the Spirit direct us.  He brings people and circumstances into our lives to bless us in ways we hadn't imagined.  What an exciting life.

Security

Well, it doesn't look like we will be On The Road on Friday as we had originally planned.  We'll keep you informed.  It might be Monday, or in a few weeks.  We are presently trying to work some glitches out, and trying to stay calm.  It will all work out good, I know.  We are practicing patience, and love, and graciousness.

Moving can be a trying event, but it is during these times that we have many, many, many opportunities presented to us in which we can practice Love.  I can see that many of our children feel a bit stressed; an uncertainty because we don't know all the details, and yet there is a feeling of excitement at the same time.  It is a good opportunity for them to also practice Love, and not letting their emotions rule their behavior.

And about being 'uncertain'.......

I'm of the persuasion that in our culture we put our faith in job-security,or in owning a house, or even in our collection of possessions.  But there is absolutely no security in any of that.  There is only security in the Love of God.  That is the only permanent relationship we can be truly secure in.

I trust that our children find their security in Him Who Breathes Life Into Them.  Who Sustains Their Lives.  Who Loves Them with an Everlasting Love.  That's where Security is.  Only in God.

The Way This Big Family 'Home Schools'

Many people ask us how we 'home school', so I thought I might just throw together something to say about it.


First off, I'm kind of put-off by that label.....home school. First off, it implies that we do what they do at school, but instead of going some where's for the day, we do the same sort of thing here at home. (We don't.)

Secondly, it's with an assumption that 'schooling' of any kind is a normal occurrence, and that to not school is abnormal.

Thirdly, in the 'home school movement', our family would be considered more of the 'unschooling' group. Very un-bookish (re: textbooks). So, we aren't a typical 'home school' family.  (Not sure we are 'typical' in any sense of the word!)

Fourthly, the assumption is that children go to school, or do school, as a means of gaining an education.  As if nothing can be learned outside of the acceptable 'going' and 'doing'.  As if learning is something to acquire at a designated place, in an ascribed manner. Like filling a bucket up with something that is measurable (the whole reason for testing).  And one thing is considered more worthy to be acquired, and that worthiness is decided upon by.......Whom??

My philosophy, shall we say, is very simple.

We learn by being.

 By being inquisitive; curious. 

Being present in the moment. 

By questioning.  

By knowing there is never a stupid question.

We learn by experiences that delight our senses. 

Exploration, whether that is via books, or ones imagination,

or physically exploring a subject or place. 

We ingest information when we have an appetite for it,

not when it is forced.

My motto basically is "We Learn By Living".

This really is The Simple Life.  The life lived around relationship, more than accomplishment.  Motivated by relationship with one another, and with God, rather than a list of what one must know or do to be considered successful.

I know that I still have much to learn.  And what do I consider worth learning about?

LOVE

Read 1 Corinthians 13.  Known as The Love Chapter.  I can do all the wonders of this world, both physically and spiritually, but if I have not love...........I am nothing.  Really, 

Love is All We Need! 

 

 

(My philosophy is pretty much the same when it comes to my relationship with my Loving Heavenly Father. It is not about the doing, the going, the measuring. It's the being. I am His and He is mine. It's that simple. I just am.)

Question for You:  Do you have a motto you live by?

O Canada!

The Olympics are on. Here we are, a big family all born in Beautiful British Columbia, and when the world's Winter Olympics come not only to our country, but to our province, where are we??? On the Atlantic coast, just about as far away from the Games as we could be within this big country. But I'm just fine with that. To be honest.....I'm not a big fan of the Games, nor of professional sports, nor the whole spirit behind competition. Call me 'odd', that's ok. You wouldn't be the first one.

Now, I think its great to have such world exposure on our beautiful country. Canada has a lot to offer. Listen to this.......



So, I'm not trying to be an Olympic party-pooper. It doesn't thrill me. Some of my family watches some of the competitions. It's talked about a little bit around here. Everette usually catches a bit on the TV each evening, as does Danaka.

Now, one day, our own daughter might be at the Olympics. Actually, the Commonwealth Games are a higher goal, shall we say, for those in her sport (air rifle), so although the Olympics sounds more accomplished to the rest of us, the Commonwealth Games is her goal.

Will I be thrilled if it is my daughter who makes it to the Games? You betcha! Will I think the whole "competition spirit" is a good thing? Not likely.

I'll be thrilled for her to have the experience of more world travel.

Of meeting other athletes from other nations and cultures.

To make friends with those she would otherwise have never met.

To learn to handle her stresses better;

to practice the presence of God in her uncertainty;

to rise to her challenges.

To collect a mosaic of memories I couldn't provide for her.

This, too, is what I hope for all the athletes who have come

to our beautiful country to fulfill their dreams.

May they truly find themselves as better people,

with a heart for the world,

no matter what their standings were.

And more than anything, 

May they hear in their hearts a call from God

that He loves them

no matter where they are

and no matter what they do.

He just Loves.

God's Love

 " "We didn't do anything to make him love us and we can't do anything to make him stop loving us."

Steve McVey of Grace Walk

The Myth of the Perfect Parent

The Myth of the Perfect Parent | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

I was informed of this article via a parenting forum I lurk at sometimes.  And I can so identify with much of the confusion, worry & fret, and the measuring of success we do as parents.  We may judge others, but I know I can be awfully harsh on myself.

Listening to freebelievers and thegodjourney plus reading some of the books I've read recently (The Misunderstood God, & He Loves Me!) are helping me keep my mind on the pure Love of my Father who Loves me (and my children) with abandon.  He's absolutely crazy for us, singing and dancing over us with joy, and He wants our own joy to be full......of Him.  I walk and rest in that love and the grace He bestows.

I am quite aware that we haven't been perfect parents, but I think I'm learning these days that I don't need to freak-out about some of the things that I used to, or feared that I would freak-out about if they were ever to happen in our family.  God's Love and Grace are so great to carry us through anything, and at the same time we can be anxious about no-thing!!!  That isn't a brag about us.....it's a brag on how Big and Awesome our Father is!!!

I currently have a situation in which there is constant practice for me to leave it with Abba....to learn to be anxious about no-thing.  I have stated my concerns as I felt it was a mom's responsibility, and now the decisions here on out are not mine to make.  I need to learn to stand back more.  To watch and pray, and to speak less and love more without so many words.  A new stage.  A new place to grow.


"We are not sovereign over our children—only God is. Children are not tomatoes to stake out or mules to train, nor are they numbers to plug into an equation. They are full human beings wondrously and fearfully made. Parenting, like all tasks under the sun, is intended as an endeavor of love, risk, perseverance, and, above all, faith. It is faith rather than formula, grace rather than guarantees, steadfastness rather than success that bridges the gap between our own parenting efforts, and what, by God's grace, our children grow up to become."  (from the article 'The Myth of the Perfect Parent')

Question for You:  Is there something in particular that you have learned recently about parenting that you could share?

The Centrality of the Home

Oh my!!

Here is a hot audio by Voddie Bauchum.  You might not like it.  But there is truth here.  It might 'hurt' if you are involved with or run a Youth Group at your church.  It might hurt if you have stopped with having 2 children, or maybe 3.  Voddie hits hard, but this is a message that needs to be heard. 


This audio is the foundation of Voddie's book Family Driven Faith.  It's about how we are to Evangelize and Disciple the Next Generation.  How are we doing it?  Well, statistically the church has failed.  At this rate there will be just a handful of Christians in a few more generations here in America.

Question for You:  How do you think it is best to pass on your values to the next generation?

The 'Furious Love' of God

Patricia King interviews the producer of 'Furious Love', Darren Wilson.

Alot of what Darren and Patricia talk about are spoken of in books I've recently read. "The Misunderstood God" by Darin Hufford, and "He Loves Me" by Wayne Jacobsen, and even "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young of which I am presently re-reading.

The Love of God is not just a nice cozy word and idea to think about when we consider Jesus coming as a babe to eventually give up his own life on the cross so that we can one day go to heaven.  The Love of God is soooooo wide and deep and thick and tall.  There is no way around it, or over it.  There is no figuring it out.  No way to explain it in words.

One must Experience it.

That's the cry of my heart these days.  Not to Do Anything.  Just experience Him and His love. 

To be Lost in His Love.

Question for You:  Did you have opportunity to see 'The Finger of God'?

The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party

By John & Marlys Hardcastle



WIFE TO HUSBAND: Darling! I have decided to have a big birthday party for you!

HUSBAND: Wonderful!

WIFE: On December 25th.

HUSBAND: That's not my birthday.

WIFE: I know, I know, but we'll just SAY it's your birthday.

HUSBAND: That's your ex-boy friend's birthday!

WIFE: That's okay, I have decided to call it your birthday.

HUSBAND: No, its not okay. Why don't you just pick any day that is NOT your ex-boy friend's birthday? Aren't you interested in what is true? In what is pleasing to me? Even enough to find out my real birth date?

WIFE: Now, now, don't get upset. I have decided that we'll just SAY it is your birthday. I've sent out the invitations and everybody is doing it so that makes it okay.

HUSBAND: It does?

WIFE: Yes, and you wouldn't want me to change the date and inconvenience anyone. I have decided it is okay.

HUSBAND: You've decided. I would be pleased if you would just take my hand and follow me and spend a few moments with me.

WIFE: Later, later. No time now. I have invited ALL the family. My Father and Mother and Uncle Bill and Cousin Betty and Ernie and all the kids and grandkids and, Oh, the children will love it! We'll do it for the children! They deserve it!

HUSBAND: For the children. I see, a day to exalt family...and you call it my birthday. Makes me think you love family more than me.

WIFE: Oh, you'll love it, too, I have decided. And we'll all give gifts to each other.

HUSBAND: This is supposed to be MY birthday? Yet you give gifts to others? Why?

WIFE: And I'll decorate the house...red ribbons and bows and...

HUSBAND: Red? Red is your ex-boyfriend' s favorite color! I like blue and green. Blue skies, blue seas, green grass, trees, birds...

WIFE: Oh, I'm putting up a green tree decorated with gold and silver balls and we'll put gifts under it!

HUSBAND: Like the idolators throughout history....every green tree... That is idolatry.

WIFE: And I'll have to buy gifts and do lots of shopping and...

HUSBAND: ...so the God of Mammon will get his.

WIFE: It will be worth it! I'll decorate and bake cookies and fruitcake and...

HUSBAND: Sounds like you'll be really busy. Come away my beloved and spend a little time with me...a walk by the river, a...

WIFE: Later, darling. I'll be busy, but you'll love it...I've decided. The hustle, the bustle...oh, yes, and I've decided to have a nice baked ham...

HUSBAND: Charred swine's flesh! On what you SAY is my birthday and is not! Who is in charge here? Why do you just do YOUR THING and assume that I will put my stamp of approval on it? If you love me, why do you not DO the things that I say? Why do you not do things MY WAY? You don't even KNOW me! I suppose the next thing you'll do is dress your ex-boyfriend in a red suit and have him drop down the chimney!

WIFE: Uhhhh...


Christmas is celebrated on the same day the pagan Romans celebrated their satanic high day.






Question for You:   Does it matter to you that Christmas is celebrated on a pagan holiday and most of its symbols are based in paganism?

Faith Required

Proverbs 3:5-7a

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;

I can't see the Big Picture, so I don't always know the right things to do. God, who is unlimited and outside of time is the only One who sees the wholeness and fullness of the Big Picture. So, if I trust Him, even in times when I don't understand why He asks me to do something, then that is wisdom. People around me might think I am being foolish because they don't understand the situation, but that's exactly where faith and trust come in. If I understand it all, then faith is not required. It is when I don't get it that I move beyond my own understanding and step into faith.


I endeavor to walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)

Question for You: Do you have a favorite Scripture or saying that helps you keep in Faith?

What's Your Identity?

Do you know who you are? Really who you are? Is that based on who your parents said you are, or society around you? Or who God says you are, or who satan says you are? (say....“Liar!”)



In Genesis 3 we read:

 ¹ Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

² And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; ³ but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

⁴ Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Right at the beginning of human history we see somebody having doubts about who they really were and how they related to God. Before the interaction between the serpent and Eve, Eve was probably very confident in who she was and in her relationship with God. Everyday she walked and communed with God. She knew only goodness and truth and holiness. Things were perfect. But then the serpent came on the scene and slyly suggested doubt in the mind of Eve. "Did God really say....????" Eve had never doubted God and His Word before. There had been no reason to doubt. satan suggested that God was withholding something good from Adam & Eve, and she didn't stand on who she already was, what her true identity was. They had been made to live in God's glory (Rom 3:23). They were made for communion with Him. But once sin arrived in their realm, that pure communion was broken, they fell from His glory, and they were sent away from the garden.

Let's jump to the New Testament, in Acts 19:

13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”

I ask again, "Do you know who you are?" If an evil spirit were to ask you that question, would you have a confident reply based on who God says you are? Or would you sulk away, unsure of yourself, questioning your identity in God and in the body of Christ.


For those who are 'in Christ Jesus/Yeshua' here's some of God's Words about you. It is just a small start to what the Lord says about you.

Romans 8:14,17 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God...... that we are children of God. And if we are [His]
children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him].

(Gal 3:26,4:6, John 1:12)

1 Cor 1:2 ...to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling... (Phil 1:1,Col 1:2)

1 Cor 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? (1 Cor 6:19)

Eph 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Eph 2:19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

Eph 4:24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

2 Peter 1:4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Eph 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

The thing I have to remind myself is that the Truth of the Word is the truth, no matter how I am feeling about it. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 5:9) whether or not I am feeling redeemed. But when scripture says that I am redeemed, I need to align my thinking AND my words to declare that truth. Otherwise, I am agreeing with a lie.

So, when we know we blow it and sin, and we are feeling like a shmuck we can go directly to the cross and ask for forgiveness and know that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because God's Word says that we are. Its not based on how we feel. Its based on the truth of the Word. When thoughts of condemnation come at us we can say `No, I am righteous because I am in Christ Jesus, and the Word says that if I confess my sin then God is faithful & just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.`

Then start to make your actions and your words to support the truth of the Word.

Agree with the Word. Don't agree with the adversary, because he's a liar.

Agree with the Word. Always with the Word.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.

Question for You: Do you have a favorite Scripture to stand on to help you remember what your identity in the Lord is?

PS....I enjoy Beckah Shae's music. Listen here to her song Hephzibah

Our Words Create

We've heard on our childhood playgrounds "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!" That just is not true. Names and those words do hurt us. We so often take those words to heart, accepting those fiery darts of the enemy and then we let them fester and grow.

Our words are more powerful than most of us ever realize. They create.

Genesis 27 is the record of when Jacob pretends he is his brother Esau, and presents himself before their father and successfully sneaks a blessing out of Isaac. This story clearly shows how much power these people believed that words had. For in verses 33-36 Isaac tells Esau "Who-where-is the one who hunted game, brought it to me, and I partook of all when you had not yet come, and I blessed him? Indeed, he shall remain blessed!"
When Esau heard his father's words, he cried out an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me too, Father!"
But he said, "Your brother came with cleverness and took your blessing."
He (Esau) said, "....Have you not reserved a blessing for me?"

Esau and Isaac both knew and understood the power of their words, and that the blessing that Isaac gave to Jacob would be played out in Jacobs life, which also effected Esau's life because part of that very blessing was "be a lord to your kinsmen, and your mother's sons will prostrate themselves to you; cursed be they who curse you, and blessed be they who bless you." (v29)

We need not be victims to the words spoken by others towards us. When somebody says something to you that does not line up with the Word of God, take those words and related thoughts captive. Take Action!!



Isaiah 54:17
"No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,"
declares the LORD."

From the Torah it says:

"Any weapon sharpened against you will not succeed, and any tongue that will rise against you in judgment, you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Hashem, and their righteousness from Me -- the word of Hashem."

There's power in words. And when they come at us, we need to be discerning to know the source from which they come, so that if they are coming from our adversary, then we can refute them, or condemn them. We must take action. In Eph 6 we are told to be wise about the devils means of attack, so that we can overcome him.

Below I have a list of scriptures that talk about the power of our words. Consider how they effect your life, and those around you.

Prov 16:24 "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb: Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." (So, if pleasant words are good for our soul/body, then what do unpleasant words actually do to us? Is that where some of our bad health originates from?)

Matt 15:11 "It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” (With regards to the above verse, could those defiling words coming from our mouth effect our physical bodies?)

Luke 4:36 Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!” (Mark 16:20, John 14:12 Greater works/signs will we do as believers. Our words must hold huge amounts of authority & power. Are we careful how we wield that power?)

Job 22:28 says about His people (when they are obedient)
"You would utter a decree and it would be done." (Is this a decree that God mandated them to say, or is it their own words spoken from a heart in-line with God's Word?)

1 Sam 6:18 "The large rock, on which they set the ark of the LORD, is a witness to this day"

This is an amazing and yet scarey thought. That even the rocks around us, the materials in our house, have an ability to hear and record and play-back what they have heard. Before you think I'm off my rocker, consider technology today, that can store information and then we are able to retrieve it. That's the whole workings behind computer chips!!

Ecc 10:20 "Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say."

Now this verse jumped out at me about a year ago after hearing some Christian science men talk about quantum physics. When I read this verse it hit me, that it wasn't even just my spoken words, but it was my thoughts, really the intent of my heart even, that was somehow tangible. My thoughts create a frequency, and that creates a change in my own body (my feelings of rejection are translated into emotions and effect my behavior) and influences the environment around me. (I think this verse is very likely where we get the saying "A little birdie told me.")

There is a Japanese scientist named Dr. Masaru Emoto who is famous for his studies and photos of water crystals, and how they react to music, words both spoken or written. You'd find some of these photos absolutely amazing. Look here for a start.

Question for You: What would you like to create with your words?

The God Journey

I became aware of the podcasts of The God Journey through Emerging Mummy and so I am starting to work my way thru the archives. I'm pleased with what I've listened to so far, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of these 2 men chatting back and forth. Be forwarned, the first 5 mins or so are just chatter, about random stuff. But then, that's alot of how my girlfriend Lisa and I start a conversation....a little of this and a little of that, and then we are onto some deeper topic sharing our heart and whatever else fits.

Today I was listening to Get Off the Dock and it jived with stuff they talked about on the previous show A Family Without Fences. And I can so identify with what they are saying. Not because I've ever been in a pastoral position (officially, never). But because I've been on the receiving end, the place where a pastor has blatantly told me that I was being deceived and walking down the wrong path, because I wasn't understanding scripture the same way that he was. And I really think it irked him big time because I had actually believed or agreed with somebody else who I had actually just met and who wasn't my shepherd like he was.

Anyways, I think Wayne and Brad have so many valid points they make about us not learning how to hear for ourselves the voice of God, our own lover of our soul, and how we don't trust ourselves to hear from Him but are always looking for somebody else to be the mediator or the translater or the go-between.

This is a walk I've been on for years now, especially since I left organized religion/the church about 7 years ago now. I am a slow learner, I suppose. And I have admittedly fallen for the "give me a John" as I easily fall prey to listening/relying on yet another preacher/author/prophet instead of pressing in to my personal relationship with God Himself, listening to Ruach breathe life and truth into my spirit.

He is my Good Shepherd, and I am His lamb(I don't belong to any other shepherd), and I am always learning more and more how to hear His voice. But I can and do hear it. For myself.

He is ALL I need.


Question for You: In what ways do you 'hear' God speaking to you?

How Great is Our God

We were fortunate enough to be introduced to a DVD of Louis Giglio while we were in AZ last winter, and the whole family was ahhhhed by Louis' talk. Today, while I was visiting Astronomy Picture of the Day Mitchell was "Ah, remember that really cool talk about "If Earth was the size of a golf ball? That was so cool, I wish we could watch it again!"

Well, mama found it on YouTube, and thought I might as well share it with those of you who have never heard of this phenomenal show. It really makes you marvel at the creativeness and utter awesomeness of God. We feel so incredibly small, and yet so incredibly special to God.












Question for You: What part of these videos spoke the most to you about How Great is Our God?

Love Me Where You're At

I became aware of Francis Frangipane about 1.5 years ago through Elijah List and I have always enjoyed and been moved by Francis' writings. Same thing today.

Thanks to our webpastor this article was brought to my attention as I don't subscribe to Elijah List anymore. I couldn't keep up with all the reading ;)

I'm a bit teary-eyed today as I have cried while reading a blogpost of somebody I don't know nor follow, and I cried when Rauchelle shared the story of the boy with the wet pants (check out the previous post here), and I cried again reading Francis' writings. They aren't tear-jerkers. I'm just pregnant! That is a good enough explanation.

Question for You: Do you tend to be weepy or cry alot when you are pregnant?