Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Colorado ablaze
Monday, June 25, 2012
To take offense or not to take offense; that is the question.
Over a month ago now, I began posting a series of blog posts connected to my journey away from cessationist theology and into, what I believe, a more fully biblical perspective on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
After posting three blog entries, I received a phone call from someone who was offended by one of my posts. The interesting part in all of this is that someone ELSE had actually read the blog, jumped to a false conclusion, took up an offense, called another person and told them to read the blog, and that person drew his/her own conclusion, took up an offense even though the blog entry had nothing to do with them, and subsequently called me. This person didn't call to get clarification but to sever ties.
In order to maintain peace according to the Bible...do everything within your power to maintain the bond of peace....I deleted all three blog entries having to do with my spiritual journey. A friend of mine in response said, "Why did you do that? Your heart was right and what you wrote had nothing to do with anyone in particular or even collectively? You should be able to write what the Lord is teaching you." I agreed with this friend, but I sensed that Holy Spirit was encouraging me to take the low road and honor the Lord in this way. In the process, I had to come before Jesus and see if I was offended by what had happened because quite easily a seed of offense leads to more offense if one does not pluck the seed for that nasty weed out quickly. I was not offended, but just saddened by the unfolding of the entire scenario. The Lord reminded me, however, of His Truth:
"Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7)
and again,
"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!'" (Luke 17:1)
These are powerful words because in both cases, Jesus declares WOE to those through whom offenses come. I don't want to be one who causes offense; thus, I deleted the posts because I was being misunderstood and someone else took offense and then through them, others took up offenses. In the end, it's the responsibility of the people reading not to take up an offense over something that has nothing to do with them, but in the light of the love of God, it is my responsibility to do everything within my power not to put a stumbling block in the way of my brothers and sisters.
Some may ask, "So why even address this? Let it drop." If the issue only involved one person, I would do so, but sadly, it involves a whole group of people, and out of love and honor for them, I sensed the need to clarify, even though not asked, that my blog entry had nothing to do with any individuals or groups of people...it was simply a reflection on my personal journey with the Lord. I apologize for any misunderstandings which may have unfolded as a result of me sharing my heart. I bless all those involved and hope that the Lord brings His bride into unity in the Spirit for the days ahead when we will need each other like never before.
After posting three blog entries, I received a phone call from someone who was offended by one of my posts. The interesting part in all of this is that someone ELSE had actually read the blog, jumped to a false conclusion, took up an offense, called another person and told them to read the blog, and that person drew his/her own conclusion, took up an offense even though the blog entry had nothing to do with them, and subsequently called me. This person didn't call to get clarification but to sever ties.
In order to maintain peace according to the Bible...do everything within your power to maintain the bond of peace....I deleted all three blog entries having to do with my spiritual journey. A friend of mine in response said, "Why did you do that? Your heart was right and what you wrote had nothing to do with anyone in particular or even collectively? You should be able to write what the Lord is teaching you." I agreed with this friend, but I sensed that Holy Spirit was encouraging me to take the low road and honor the Lord in this way. In the process, I had to come before Jesus and see if I was offended by what had happened because quite easily a seed of offense leads to more offense if one does not pluck the seed for that nasty weed out quickly. I was not offended, but just saddened by the unfolding of the entire scenario. The Lord reminded me, however, of His Truth:
"Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7)
and again,
"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!'" (Luke 17:1)
These are powerful words because in both cases, Jesus declares WOE to those through whom offenses come. I don't want to be one who causes offense; thus, I deleted the posts because I was being misunderstood and someone else took offense and then through them, others took up offenses. In the end, it's the responsibility of the people reading not to take up an offense over something that has nothing to do with them, but in the light of the love of God, it is my responsibility to do everything within my power not to put a stumbling block in the way of my brothers and sisters.
Some may ask, "So why even address this? Let it drop." If the issue only involved one person, I would do so, but sadly, it involves a whole group of people, and out of love and honor for them, I sensed the need to clarify, even though not asked, that my blog entry had nothing to do with any individuals or groups of people...it was simply a reflection on my personal journey with the Lord. I apologize for any misunderstandings which may have unfolded as a result of me sharing my heart. I bless all those involved and hope that the Lord brings His bride into unity in the Spirit for the days ahead when we will need each other like never before.
Ark International
I am getting to know some very quality people here in Kansas City, down-to-earth, real, giving, loving, caring, and very aware people who are fun and exciting to be around. Janet and Everett Marsh head up an amazing group of folks called ARK INTERNATIONAL (click on the name to open the link to their website).
They are knowledgeable, helpful, fun-loving, and the real deal kind of people who want to see others in this city and in the nations well-prepared for such common things as power-outages due to any kind of storms coast to coast, unexpected "surprises" like needing to evacuate your home due to raging forest fires or flooding, and whatever else life may throw at people. Their goal is to equip people physically, emotionally and spiritually to be ready and reduce the stress levels that always accompany these kinds of situations.
Have a look at their website as they have an excellent training coming up at the end of this week which may be of interest to you.
They are knowledgeable, helpful, fun-loving, and the real deal kind of people who want to see others in this city and in the nations well-prepared for such common things as power-outages due to any kind of storms coast to coast, unexpected "surprises" like needing to evacuate your home due to raging forest fires or flooding, and whatever else life may throw at people. Their goal is to equip people physically, emotionally and spiritually to be ready and reduce the stress levels that always accompany these kinds of situations.
Have a look at their website as they have an excellent training coming up at the end of this week which may be of interest to you.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Do you eat food?
You may laugh reading this blog post, but I'm serious. Do you eat food?
Here's my follow-up question: How much food do you throw out in a month because it has gone bad in your fridge or expired on the shelf?
If you are an average American, you throw out 25% every year! If that doesn't make you sit up and read further, maybe being more specific will...it did me:
Monthly food budget: $400
Average amount tossed out: $100
LOSS: $100/month X 12 = $1200/year!
So, essentially, the average American household is flushing $1200 down the drain or tossing it in the garbage, and quite needlessly. If you simply redirected that amount of money toward THRIVE FOODS....LINK HERE then you would be doing 3 things:
1. Saving money on your food budget.
2. Eating healthy, non-GMO foods.
3. Saving time because of not running to the store so often.
Click on the link above or right here: http://www.shelfreliance.com/ArdenCz3 and get started today!
Oh, plus, there's the added bonus that you could become a consultant yourself and earn income. Can you say it's a win-win situation?
Why am I blogging about this on my personal blog? Because I believe it in so strongly, and I am hoping to start my friends and blog readers on a path to healthier living and eating! Eventually, I'll have a THRIVE blog, but for now, click, browse the site, contact me, or just go ahead and place an order. My initial suggestions for those who may be skeptical are to order the following:
1. Pantry size can of instant milk. (Run a blind taste test with your family and see if they can tell the difference)
2. Pantry size can of whole egg powder. (No more running to the store to get eggs for that recipe)
3. Pantry size can of any fruit that you love...try them dry and then try them rehydrated. My personal favorite is the blueberries!
4. Any of the THRIVE EXPRESS meals...very quick, no preservatives, non-GMO, and GREAT for busy families!
What better time than now to give it a try? What will you lose? Nothing! What will you gain? Health, time, and savings on many levels! Have fun and begin your THRIVING LIFE!
Here's my follow-up question: How much food do you throw out in a month because it has gone bad in your fridge or expired on the shelf?
If you are an average American, you throw out 25% every year! If that doesn't make you sit up and read further, maybe being more specific will...it did me:
Monthly food budget: $400
Average amount tossed out: $100
LOSS: $100/month X 12 = $1200/year!
So, essentially, the average American household is flushing $1200 down the drain or tossing it in the garbage, and quite needlessly. If you simply redirected that amount of money toward THRIVE FOODS....LINK HERE then you would be doing 3 things:
1. Saving money on your food budget.
2. Eating healthy, non-GMO foods.
3. Saving time because of not running to the store so often.
Click on the link above or right here: http://www.shelfreliance.com/ArdenCz3 and get started today!
Oh, plus, there's the added bonus that you could become a consultant yourself and earn income. Can you say it's a win-win situation?
Why am I blogging about this on my personal blog? Because I believe it in so strongly, and I am hoping to start my friends and blog readers on a path to healthier living and eating! Eventually, I'll have a THRIVE blog, but for now, click, browse the site, contact me, or just go ahead and place an order. My initial suggestions for those who may be skeptical are to order the following:
1. Pantry size can of instant milk. (Run a blind taste test with your family and see if they can tell the difference)
2. Pantry size can of whole egg powder. (No more running to the store to get eggs for that recipe)
3. Pantry size can of any fruit that you love...try them dry and then try them rehydrated. My personal favorite is the blueberries!
4. Any of the THRIVE EXPRESS meals...very quick, no preservatives, non-GMO, and GREAT for busy families!
What better time than now to give it a try? What will you lose? Nothing! What will you gain? Health, time, and savings on many levels! Have fun and begin your THRIVING LIFE!
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