Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! WOW ~ a new year, new beginnings, possibly new friends, new loves (meaning a hobby, a precious baby, or your first home purchase). With each year we shed the old and bring on the new. Perhaps some of you are shedding bad health and deciding you are going to be healthy; or you have shed living in debt and have become debt free. Whatever you are gaining new in 2015, remember to be Thankful for the old.  The countdown has already begun!

Appetizer # 11

# 11 Sincerity - honesty of mind or intention

At my home town church about 20 years ago, a young pastor was our guest speaker that day and he started his sermon with the question, "Is God in this church?" The small congregation said, "Yes, God is in this church!"

He proceeded to tell us that about three months prior to preaching at our church, he had the privilege of being a guest speaker at a Presbyterian Church; and wanted to know if this church was truly a Christian church or a religious church. 

He told how he let his beard and hair grow out real long and shabby to the point of looking homeless. He dressed himself in torn and dirty clothes so he looked the part as well. When he walked in the door that Sunday, he said, "Not one person acknowledged him; not even the ushers." 

He purposely sat on the front pew; whereas, no one on his left or right looked his way. The service lasted about an hour or so; and when it was over, it was announced that everyone come downstairs for fellowship. So he followed the crowd. Once everyone got situated, he stood around a while hoping to get asked to sit at some one's table and no one offered, so he sat in a corner alone. He did not say how long he sat there, but he did say, he finally decided to leave; so he slipped out~ unnoticed.

A week later, he arrived at the church to preach his sermon. His hair was cut nice, he had shaved and was wearing a suit and tie. When he walked in the door, everyone, including the ushers could not be more hospitable. He thanked everyone for the warm welcome and went to the alter to prepare for his sermon. 

At the alter, he asked the question, "Is God in this church?" The congregation responded, "Yes!". He asked a second time, "Is God in this church?" Again the congregation responded, "Yes!" The pastor asked the members if they remember a man last Sunday, and he described what he looked like and where he sat. He paused to see if any hands would go up ~ only one! 

The pastor responded, "I'm going to ask one more time, Is God in this church?" The congregations said, "YES", louder! He paused and said, well the man I described last week was me. The whole congregation gasped. And his response was, "God is not in this church!"

Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Hebrews 12:9 AMP 

Milk Does a Body Good!

“It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside the frame.” 
― Unknown Author 

There is nothing to fear but fear itself, so why do you fear living? What is it you are afraid of? The Mothers of this generation put themselves, their lifestyles and their children in a little frame and expect to grow and blossom without any difficulties of it all fitting within that perimeter. Not communicating properly with your children, spending quality time with them, and educating them with something as simple as washing their hands after using the restroom.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NLT

You don't eat broccoli, you don't eat carrots, you don't eat roast. All which are full of vitamins, protein, and enhance the internal organs in your body. Well you eat carbs (which turn into sugar), fried foods (which clog your arteries), drink soda pop (which deteriates your bones, is full of sugar that turns into fat, and decays the teeth). These are just a few of the things, we think in the long run will keep us healthy and in good working condition.

So after three generations, our children are at risk being born with diabetes, heart diseases, and low bone density. 

Or your child is always sick with a cold and runny nose; which again starts with proper rest, healthy diet, and a stable lifestyle. You can't keep your children up to 1 am and get them up at 6 am, give them a donut and Coca-Cola for breakfast and expect them to have an attention span while learning. 

Think how your lifestyle is and remember because you can't see it inside doesn't mean all is well on the outside!

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.] Colossians 3:20,21 AMP 

It's All About Me!

Having a baby out of wed-lock can be a load to bear as well as raising them alone! It's not foolish to wait until you get married to have sex. It is foolish to have sex before you get married!

You ask, why should you get married before sex? We are creating a generation of children who do not know how to have healthy relationships as well as instilling in them respect, morals and values. It's also necessary to have two people in a relationship; because one compliments the other in raising children, educating your children, and loving your children so they too can pass on the family values!

There is no such thing as old-fashion parenting! To value your child's well being, education, spiritual growth and health is not a thing of the past. By marrying in the presence of God and man, before anyone has sex and children, it will drastically reduce sexual diseases, illegitimate children, parental neglect, and government assistance.

We make mistakes in life, but choosing to get pregnant is not a way to trap a man. It is selfish, immoral, and speaks insecurity. Your children are not toys we play with, but human beings who, again, need nurturing, educated, loved and to feel secure!

So become a woman of spirituality, strength, wisdom, confidence, and grandeur~ then you will attract the same in a man!

Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end [the functions of] both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [to save, sanctify, and raise it again]...........You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. I Corinthians 6:12-20 AMP 

That's a Wrap!

Two car loans, mortgage, loan on furniture; and Uh Oh, the washer just broke down, "Man", there is no money. Put it on the charge card and pay it later! Well, well well, robbing Peter to pay Paul! Most people would say, I'm going to be in debt anyway, it's a way of life! It's not a way life is, it's the way you choose to live your life or in other words ~ the American Dream~ spend spend spend and borrow borrow borrow - - - -WHOA HORSEY! 

You are working to pay bills, not working to live! In (Proverbs 22:7 AMP); The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Put in another way, the song the seven dwarfs sing goes, Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho it's off to work I go ~ we are going to change that to, I Owe, I Owe, It's off to work I go! 

Does it really sound like you are living the American dream? Not at all! It sounds like you are working MORE than you are enjoying life -- and getting nowhere! There are bills we are going to have that are standard if you own a home, which is insurance, lights, water and heat. However, those are bills you do not borrow money to obtain. Being debt free gives you a sense of freedom and a balance of working, recreation, saving, spending, and giving! 

 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. I Peter 5:7 AMP

We want everything right now and waiting is just not an option~ well being sick, in debt, and stressed out far out weighs waiting - Don't you think? Now what can you shed to ease the weight you have been carrying far too long? 

Strive to be debt free ~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]. Romans 13:8 AMP

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! I pray you all truly gave Thanks for Christ's birth and how we enjoy paying homage to a Savior who exudes Joy, Peace and Love! Let's Celebrate!

1 + 1 = 1

"I really need to get back in school, but I cannot make up my mind in what field I would like to major in. I know who will have the answer ~ my Mom", the husband says. "Oh OK", the wife says. "I will be glad to help you." The husband responds, "Naw, I'll talk to my Mom about it." 

When we value Mom/Dad’s opinions over our wife’s than we devalue our wife; and again if we value Mom/Dad’s opinion over our husband’s than we devalue our husband.  Mom/Dad, best friend, girlfriend, etc. are not who you need to confide in for answers to decisions in your marriage ~ or your personal business.

How about existing burdens that was in place before he/she made the commitment to marry; such as child support, student loans, back taxes, credit card bills, etc. Nope, when you marry, again, you become one, and everything is the responsibility of the husband and wife. So if you feel you do not want to enter into a union that has baggage, then remember to do your homework first. If you truly love this person, then pull your sleeves up and get prepared to move mountains ~ together!

It’s not a deal breaker, it’s your attitude towards it. Don’t get married if you are not mature enough to understand we are not perfect and your spouse will not be perfect either; so focus on the good in them and you won’t notice the bad.

It’s not a game nor is it something we can get in and out of with ease - - - - like changing our clothes. We tell ourselves, “No I don’t like this one, so I’ll get rid of him/her and take the next best thing!” Not a good idea; and it shows your character. Some of us are not aware we have insecurities and some are; whatever the case, commit to something and the first thing to commit to is Jesus Christ. He loves us perfectly and when we seek Him daily for His love; then we are able to love our spouses the way He loves us. It’s a win-win situation.

Marriage is not a thing of the past. We need the husband and wife relationship back into our culture; and our children, who will become the leaders of this world, do too! 

But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave [behind] his father and his mother and be joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently, And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide. Mark 10:6-9 AMP

WWJD?

How many of you would be willing to turn the TV off for a month and find other ways to be entertained and resourceful?

The assignment will be instead of looking at the TV for your ideal lifestyle, look outside your door. How then can you be entertained and resourceful? Smiling at someone, assisting someone with housework who is recovering from cancer or cooking some meals for a single Mother who just had her second baby are some ways we can do the will of God.

If you are financially blessed, pay a light bill for someone for a month. God is not asking you to judge them or say, “They can get up off their lazy butt and work like I can and pay their own light bill!” He’s asking you to make a difference and be an example instead of small talk that means nothing.

We look to TV for our clothes, relationships, the ideal woman we want to be (comparing ourselves to other women; which is a NO-NO), the financial status we would like to have, and in our minds, the easy way of living. Is there really an easy way of living? Hiccups happen; however, when we are of sound mind and body, we can endure them with ease!

It’s time to STOP, look both ways before crossing the street. We have become so complacent, our brains are not being used to the fullest potential; nor is our ability to do GOOD to others!

How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. Hebrews 10:38 AMP

I Haven't Forgot!

Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Here Comes Santa Clause ~ I just want to name a few of the songs our children are singing today.

Many of them do not know The Drummer Boy, O Come all Ye Faithful, Silent Night, We Three Kings, or Joy to the World ~ which are songs that speak of Christ~ the words also speak of the Joy the Christians felt at His birth.

We have gone so far in left field, no one appreciates nor have been introduced to these songs about a Savior born to save us from our selfish, destructive ways ~ And we are becoming selfish and destructive - - - whether to our selves or to our country.

All is not lost. It can be restored; just begin with less receiving and more giving, fellowship with neighbors, and daily read the bible. Good should prevail over evil! Christ wasn’t born for naught!

And while they were there, the time came for her delivery, And she gave birth to her Son, her

Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. Luke 2:6-15 AMP

Appetizer # 10

# 10 Dedication – commit oneself to a certain cause.

“I will never attend an anti-war rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me.” Mother Teresa

Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you (recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all) – your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in (intelligent and sympathetic) appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line (the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, (and) be very patient with everybody (always keeping your temper) I Thessalonians 5:12-14 AMP

In the Old Testament of the bible, war was necessary to conquer territories, protect kingdoms, and for the right to worship God.  It was not just to create conflict; there was always a necessary reason.

Conflict is not something we want to engage in for attention, our own selfish needs, or because someone made us angry. When we start acting out of anger towards anything, we create danger.

So to keep peace, we have to be a peacemaker. How does that look, you ask? Well read the Gospels where Jesus went about doing good; healing the sick, the lame, the afflicted. He also ate and talked with despised Samaritans, tax collectors and criminals ~ those who were deceitful and unkind.

Yet, His kindness turned their wayward ways into believers of how their lives could generate positive effects that will want people coming back for more. So it’s not easy being angry, it’s actually demeaning and life threatening. So infect others with kindness and trust, so you too can be trusted.

Who's Calling My Name?

Have you ever been somewhere and thought you heard someone call your name? I have; and I turn around and there’s no one. Then I go somewhere else and I’m sure someone is calling my name. So I turn around again and don’t see anyone, nor does anyone come toward me as if they know me. All day long I kept hearing my name being called and all day long I did not see anyone that looked familiar or identified themselves.

About the tenth time, I’m getting agitated. I can feel my anxiety rise; however, I know that I cannot react out of speculation, so I keep my composure and decide it’s time to get away from that area.

By the time I get home, I go over in my mind of how I heard my name being called all day long and yet there is no one that comes forward or says, “Hey Gwen, it’s me!”  I know I heard my name loud and clear because not many people have the name “Gwen”.

That is how God feels every time we use Oh My God (OMG) or Lord. I’m sure He has answered us many times, just to find out, it’s a false alarm too numerous to count.  

The Word says, “You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7 AMP

Thoughts Matter!

“I cannot take those pain pills”, I told the nurse. She said, “You have to take something because I know you’re in pain.” Yes I was in pain after my hysterectomy; however, the pain pills did not take away the pain. They only made things foggy - - - and made me feel loopy! I asked if I could take the 800mg of Ibuprofen instead, which helped more than the pain pills and I was coherent!

After that experience, I realized that anyone who is dependent or addicted to something:  alcohol, drugs, food, work, sex- - their daily lives are foggy with wrong thinking. In their minds all they want is some clarity of mind. Why am I thinking this way, or why do I feel this way?  What in my mind is causing these negative thoughts and feelings of defeat!

Be careful though, because Satan is a deceiver of the brethren. He is so manipulating and crafty that he can make you think you are insignificant and worthless. When you have those thoughts come to mind, say out loud, “God loves me and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

Now, I know you shed some light on your dark situation just now!

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.  Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.  God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”  I Corinthians 1:26-31 NLT

Please Sit Down!

I politely asked this student to sit down more than I wanted to. And he acted as though I was not talking; completely ignoring me and hoping to get a laugh from the other students. Yes, he got laughs, sneers~ and took 15 minutes of everyone’s learning time.

Surely you don’t think he had the upper hand? Nor did he leave the class, No ma'am, he had extra work piled on him that was not an easy one page essay to write---due at the end of class. No respect for authority figures at all!

I am reading a book called, “Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow”, by R.C. Sproul; who is a minister and college professor.

 In Chapter 3 titled, “Worship”, Sproul recalls studying abroad at the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands years ago. He expresses how much of a culture shock it was to him; due to the respect the students gave the professors and clergy. On his first day of class, the professor enters from the side door and immediately every student stood at attention. He approaches the podium, nods, and they all sit down. He goes on to tell how the professor lectured without any interruptions or any one asking questions. (Sproul, pg. 43)

Once the lecture was complete, the professor closed the books, and turned towards the door to leave. Again, the students stood up as he left. It amazed and intrigued Sproul immensely.  He writes, “This is something we need to be mindful of in our own culture (I AGREE). We have proclaimed our independence from monarchs and have little respect for sovereignty. We don’t know much about paying homage. We don’t know the “proper court etiquette,” particularly when we come into the presence of our King.” (Sproul, pg. 43). 

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong.  Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other. I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NLT

What Are You Wearing Today?

All of the young teenage ladies who are all but collapsing daily with being in competition (not with other women, men, or even celebrities), but with themselves. Evaluate yourself and yourself only!

Take a long good look at you! Who are you anyway? Ask yourself that question, and if you for one second hesitate, then you don’t know who you truly are. If you answer quickly with I am _________________and fill in your name; that’s not what I am asking. We put on clothes with what the world wears, we put on makeup with what the world wears; we put on images of what the world portrays! But is it really you?

Many of you are probably frustrated by now wondering where I am going with this. Are you clothed in peace? If you work at being peaceful, you will very seldom have conflicts, doubts, chaos, and disruption. Are clothed with Love? The bible says, “Perfect Love cast out fear!” (I John 4:18); which means God loves us perfectly, with no conditions and when we love him also, we know without a doubt, all is well! Are you clothed with self-control? Can you control your anger when bad talk is going around about you? Well can you? 

It's a blessing to look nice and feel good about you, but that is not who you are. Those clothes we put on daily is not who we are, the hair styles we wear are not who we are, the fancy shoes we wear are not who we are. Now that you have a little bit of clarification of what type of answer I am looking for ~ now I will ask it again, “Who are you?”

idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:20-25 NLT

God's Helping Hand!

Father I ask for forgiveness from you and ALL of those whom I have hurt; those I remember and those I don’t. I pray in Jesus name that moving forward, I pray first about EVERYTHING AND for EVERYONE unto You before I decide to take anything into my own hands. I truly need Your helping hand upon me at ALL times, so that I can love the way you love, show compassion the way you show compassion and pray the way you pray in order to keep peace and be peaceful! In Jesus Name I pray! And so it is!

Opposites Attract

This is so important and necessary, so necessary that I’m going to emphasize relationships again; this time more direct!

In an intimate relationship we enter into; our concept is to change the other person to be like us or to our liking.  We don’t like the way they dress, we don’t like the way they eat, we don’t like the way they throw their clothes in the floor, or we are serious and they like to tease and laugh!

When you try to put magnets together that are alike, you can force it all you want and they will not come together; however, if you put magnets together that are opposite, they connect instantly!

I do not own the rights to this photo 

I have also attempted to change someone before God made me realize I had faults too. When we focus on someone else’s faults, it takes the attention off of ourselves ~ or so we think. I know when I am around someone who is constantly degrading someone else; my attention is actually on the person who is pointing the finger more than on the person who the finger is being pointed at.

Rewind the tape! So when did you become perfect? I only know of one perfect being; which is Jesus Christ - - - - - and He surely didn’t go around condemning anyone by saying, “You need to change how you dress; or you need to change your hair cut”. He saw the good in them, showed them compassion; and loved them.

I do not own the rights to this photo 

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. I Corinthians 13:4-5 TLB

Those Telephone Lines!

Did you pray about it? Yes I just ask you did you pray about it. I know I’m probably getting a puzzled look right about now, or your saying under your breath, who does that?

Which is easier, getting on the phone and ramping and raving to your friends, and they call their friends and before you know it, EVERYBODY knows your business and NONE of them can help you ~ nor have a solution to your problem.

I do not own the rights to this photo 

So now what? Your blood pressure is up, you’re probably in tears by now and you just found out who your friends are. I know, it does hurt --- you thought you could confide in that person and they cared about you like you cared about them. Well take a deep breath, let out a big sigh, get up off the couch, wipe those tears and pray!

Now let God handle your friends and your problems! Yes, it does feel better! One more thing; don’t forget to Thank Him!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 

Appetizer # 9

# 9 - Confidence is defined as faith

I know many of you are tired of hearing about my failures, but here I go again (SMILE)! In 2013 I had no money, was off on Christmas break from substitute teaching, and no car! I kept thinking that God was going to bless me with finances any day now and it didn't happen. The closer it got to Christmas, the more fearful I became ~ and the more lack I received. (And I was being taught the true concept of Christmas~ we have made it about gift giving, instead of how our lives are better by the birth of Jesus)

I remember crying for two days - - - -just boohooing to the point of being inconsolable! Well, this is 2014 and although it took a year, I have learned from my own experience, that the more I focus on negative thoughts the more I'm going to get it! Thoughts of lack, defeat, worry, why me, etc.~ the Word says, "and unto us a child is born...................and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Satan has tried, BELIEVE me, he has come at me every way you could imagine ----sickness, unemployment, no car, living off family, getting behind on bills, etc. 

But this time, I said, "Satan, you do not know the kind of God I serve! Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.(Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV) 

And although I am still waiting on my good, I have kept my joy and faith in Christ, knowing He has already provided ~ and in ways I can't imagine! Praise Be To God!

For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength; but you’ll have none of this. Isaiah 30:15 TLB

Easy Now!

So you got into an argument again with your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, whoever, your significant other is. I know when I was married, it was not enjoyable to always be in conflict ~ unkind words, punches being thrown, holes in the walls, etc. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.(Proverbs 15:1 NLT)

Constant conflict wears you down, hurts, and also causes health problems as well as being unhealthy. If there is strife and confusion (arguing and hurtful name calling, and back biting) in your home,  you are allowing Satan in your house and he enjoys seeing your home being destroyed. (I also understand that hurting people hurt other people, whereas, we cannot keep holding on to our past and expect to have a prosperous future)

As the Word says the thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy; and Christ said, I came that you may have life and have it in abundance to the full until it overflows (John 10:10).

I knew I could not live like that anymore, my health began to fail in addition to my other afflictions, I didn't want to come home, nor did I feel it was something I was willing to fight for. If you are experiencing this in your household, PLEASE stop it now and turn to Christ. Seek a bible based church, a spiritual Christian who will encourage you in love, and pick up the bible and begin to turn yourself around first - - - - -if you haven't already started, it's time! Then your spouse will follow!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:17-19 NIV