Blogger For Christ . com

I recently got married on August 24th, 2008.  It was a very busy ordeal.  There were over 200 people at my wedding.  Preparation for the wedding was tough, but overall, I think that everything went well.  I like being married.  Marriage is good, but like any other relationship there are always hardships to overcome.  Getting married will not solve any previous problems that were in your relationship.  There is no magic formula that allows life to be easier for married folk.  Being married is a job, you have to work at it if you want it to work.

Marriage began in the bible with Adam and Eve.  Eve was created to be Adam’s companion and wife.  God  said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;  I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18).  When Eve was created, she and Adam were to be one.  ”This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh:  she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:23-24).  This is what marriage is about.  You and the person you marry should become one.  There should be no room for selfishness.  

When you and your mate become one, there should be a sense of sacredness because marriage is a gift from God.  ”Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6).  Marriage should be taken more serious.  Too many people get married for the wrong reasons.  This is evident because of the high divorce rates (America has a 50% divorce rate.  Check out http://www.divorcerate.org/).  People marry for wealth, status, and convenience.  People should get married for love.

Take a look at the helpful marriage tips below.  These are tips that I will start to use more.

• Prayer - This is the most important key to a successful marriage.  You and your mate should pray together everyday.  The devil likes to keep confusion going.  Pray that God rids you of that serpent.  Pray for understanding, good health, patience, and anything else that you think will help your marriage.
• Communication - I think this is the second most important key to a successful marriage.  Don’t just listen, try to understand your mate.  Try to understand their point of view and why they have that point of view.  On the other side, be willing to express your views.  Don’t keep things to yourself and don’t let things build up inside of you.  This will just cause more problems.
• Do things together - It is very important that you and your mate spend time together.  Exercise together, go for walks, go to plays.  Try to be as active as possible.
• Be Supportive - Always be supportive of your mate.  Support their endeavors, be honest but don’t tear them down.  Give suggestions if necessary.
• Keep your business private - Do not go and broadcast any of your marital problems to your friends or family.  Your marriage is between you and your mate.  If you need help, see a pastor or a marriage counselor.  IF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP, GET OUT AND PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE.  Introducing friends or family to your personal business is one of the worst things that you can do for your marriage.

Getting married is a promise between you and your partner.  Marriage is a sacred bond.  Follow God’s word in everything that you do and pray daily.  Here are my wedding vows:

As we stand before both God and man making public our commitment to one another, I wish to make it known that I recognize God’s authority over my life, which is exercised from His loving heart.  He has chosen me to be one of His own.  I recognize also that He has blessed me, and entrusted to me your life.  In recognition of these things, I, Richard Harris affirm my love to you Alisha McCamy as I invite you to share my life as my wife, my partner, and my one true love.  You are beautiful, smart, and generous and I promise to always respect you with kindness, unselfishness and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.  I purpose to love you with God’s love, to provide for your needs through His enablement, and to lead you as He leads me, as long as He gives me life, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.  Alisha, I look forward to establishing a home where Christ is glorified.  Toward that end I promise to allow God to use you in my life as He sees fit.  I thank Him for you and your love.  Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth.  Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.  Love is eternal.  I love you.

God Bless!

Marriage Get married, Love, Marriage, Relationships, The married life

God has done great things for me and my family.  I am sure that He has done great things for you as well.  God blesses us daily and He consistently displays His power to all.  He wakes us up in the morning, He gives us air to breath, He gives us food to eat, and He clothes us.  God also exhibits the many marvels that He created.  We have Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, The Grand Canyon, and the Northern Lights to name a few.  God loves us, but He doesn’t give us blessings just to be nice.  God gives us blessings so that we may tell others of his greatness.  God wants us to witness to all.  God wants us to tell our story.  God wants us to draw others to Him. “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe” (John 1:7).

Dictionary.com has many definitions for the word “witness”, but one stands out to me.  Dictionary.com defines a witness as one who sees, hears, or knows by personal presence and perception.  Therefore, if you see, hear, or know anything good that God has done for yourself or others; then you should tell someone about it. 

I have a little story about myself that I tell people about.  This is me witnessing.  This is my testimony.  I went to school for Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering.  That is a blessing in itself, because I often argued with myself about changing majors.  College was tough, but thats not the story I will talk about right now.  My story is about employment.  During most of my college years I worked for a law firm.  Working for a law firm had nothing to do with me wanting to become an engineer.  I needed money, so that was the job I had.  There was period where the law firm started to loose clients.  The reason for this is sketchy but I believe it had something to do with our firm over charging clients.  Nonetheless, clients were terminating our services.  The firm wasn’t raking in the dough like it was accustomed to, so the layoffs began.  Almost everyone I came in with were let go.  I was a good worker, but it was by God’s grace that I was not let go.  There were other good workers that were let go but God kept me safe and secure.

As I was working for the law firm, I was looking for an engineering co-op job.  I needed some engineering experience, companies don’t like hiring people with no experience.  I went to job fairs, I posted my resume on various websites, and I searched the newspaper.  I couldn’t find anything.  One day I got a call from a company, they wanted me to come in for an interview.  I was ecstatic.  I went in for the interview.  I sat down and had a long conversation with the interviewer.  Everything was going great, until he said that they were not hiring anymore co-op students.  I was confused.  Why interview people if you are not hiring?  I asked him that vary question.  He said that although they were not hiring now, they may hire again in the future.  I left the interview and I was very disgusted.  

Now, it is senior year in college and I still do not have engineering experience.  There was a job fair at my university and I decided to give it another shot.  A lady was speaking, and she said that the company that she worked for would be hiring for the summer.  I grabbed an application and filled it out.  When I turned in the application, the lady said to expect a call within two weeks.  Two weeks came and went.  I did not receive a call.

I was discouraged but I was still faithful.  I wanted job experience in the engineering field.  I knew that it would be tough for me to get a job straight out of college with no experience.  About a month passed and I received a phone call.  A lady was on the phone.  She said that she had some job openings for the summer.  I asked her which opening I was considered for.  She replied, “We have three openings, you choose the one that you would like”.  Then she went into detail describing each position.  I choose a position that I was interested in.  I asked for the date and time of the interview.  She told that there was no interview and that I already had the job.  I was amazed.  I knew that this opportunity was not a reflection of my grades.  My grades were Ok, but not that Ok.  This was the work of God.  He opened the door.

My co-op experience with the company was great.  I was able to learn new things and meet new people.  Best of all, I think that the company was happy to have me.  Graduation was coming fast and I really wanted to stay with the company.  I didn’t hide it either, I told them I was interested in working for them full time after graduation.  They told that they didn’t think there would be any money in the budget to hire me.  My supervisor said that he would speak to the director.  Weeks passed and I heard nothing.  I started applying to other jobs.

I received a call for an interview.  It was for another company.  The interview went great and I received an offer the following week.  Compared to my expectations, the offer was very low.  They also wanted me to work fifty hour work weeks including weekends if necessary.  I received an offer but it wasn’t the one that I wanted.  I had a week to accept or decline the offer.  The week was almost over when I received an offer from the company that I had the co-op experience with.  The director was able to get money in the budget just for me.  The offer that they gave me was much more.  I accepted it and declined the other offer.  The best part about it is similar to how I got the co-op; I did not have to go on an interview.  God opened the door.  Throughout this ordeal I remained faithful and God blessed me.  I have been with the company since May 2008.

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)  for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:31-33).  God Bless!

Christian Principles Be a witness for Christ, Witness, Witness to others, Witnesses

Jesus Christ is the basis of Christianity.  The foundation of Christianity is rooted in the belief that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the world.  Jesus lived a perfect life, died for the sins of all, was resurrected from the dead, and will returned one day to reclaim his people.  Who ever believes in Jesus will be saved and will have eternal life.  ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

Birth

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod the Great.  He was the son of Mary and Joseph ( a carpenter).  Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth and one night Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel.  Gabriel told Mary that she was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God.  Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had to leave Nazareth because of the Census of Quirinius.  So, they traveled to Bethlehem.  When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was a shortage of rooms.  When Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had to use a manager in place of a crib.  Mary was a virgin and gave birth to Jesus by the miracle of the Holy Spirit.

Three wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus.  They followed a star that they believed was a sign that Jesus had been born.  King Herod heard about the birth of Jesus.  King Herod felt that his reign would be threatened by the birth of the King of the Jews, so he ordered the deaths of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two.  Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to avoid the massacres.  They remained in Egypt until Herod’s death and then they settled in Nazareth. 

Baptism

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.  John was preaching and he was baptizing people.  Jesus went to John and asked to be baptized.  John replied, “I have need to be baptized of thee” (Matthew 3:14).  Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).  John went on and baptized Jesus.  When Jesus came up from the water the heavens opened up and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove.  God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Temptation

After Jesus was baptized, God led him to the desert.  While in the desert, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights.  While in the desert fasting, the devil appeared to Jesus and tempted him.  Jesus was very hungry and the devil asked Jesus that if he was the Son of God, command that the stones be turned into bread.  Jesus answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).  The devil then brought Jesus to the holy city and he set him on a pinnacle of the temple.  The devil told Jesus that if he were to jump off of the pinnacle that God would send his angels to save him.  Jesus responded, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7).  Finally, the devil took Jesus to a mountain and showed Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world.  The devil told Jesus to worship him and he would give Jesus all of the kingdoms.  Jesus replied, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).  The devil departed from Jesus and angels came and ministered to Jesus.

Ministry

Jesus ministered to all about God.  He spoke about God’s love, God’s character, salvation, forgiveness, repentance, etc.  He found apostles and ministered to them so that they may minister to others.  He also performed many miracles.  His miracles include:

 (http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/jmrcls.html)

Arrest 

Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples.  Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  Jesus knew he had been betrayed.  In fact he prophesied it.  ”Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2).  During the passover dinner which was the last supper, Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him.  All of the disciples questioned Jesus, each asking “Lord, is it I”. 

After the last supper, Jesus took his disciples to Gethsemane where Jesus went to pray.  Jesus was sorrowful about death.  He asked God if there was a different way.  ”O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).  After Jesus finished praying, Judas came to him.  However, Judas did not come alone.  Judas was with a great multitude of people that had swords.  Jesus was arrested and taken away.  Jesus was charged with blasphemy.

Death

Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate.  Jesus was asked if he was the King of the Jews.  Jesus answered “Thou sayest” (Matthew 27:11).  Jesus was being accused by the chief priests and elders.  Jesus did not answer to there accusations.  Pilate asked Jesus if he had heard the accusations.  Pilate marveled at the silence of Jesus.  Pilate did not want to have Jesus put to death, so he let the people make the decision.  He decided to release a prisoner of the people’s choice.  There was Barabbas, a notable prisoner and there was Jesus, King of the Jews.  Pilate asked the people who they wanted released.  The people asked for the release of Barabbas.  Pilate asked the people what should happen to Jesus.  The people called for Jesus to be crucified.  Pilate washed his hands of the death of Jesus.  ”I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it” (Matthew 27:24).  The people responded, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25).

Jesus was then taken into the common hall.  A crown of thorns was put on his head.  He was spit on, mocked, and beaten.  Jesus also had to carry his own cross.  He carried his cross to a place called Golgotha.  They set a written accusation over his head.  It read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS”.  The people mocked him.  They said to him that if he was the Son of God then he should save himself.  They said that if came down from the cross, then they would believe.  Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46).  Jesus cried out again and died.  When Jesus died, there was an earthquake.  Graves were opened.  The body of Jesus was taken and laid in a tomb.

Resurrection

Mary and Mary Magdalene went to see the body of Jesus.  There was a great earthquake and an angel from heaven came and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb.  The angel told Mary and Mary Magdalene, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:5-6).  The angel also told them to tell the disciples that Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead.  They left the angel and went to tell the disciples.  As they were on their way, they met Jesus.  They fell by his feet and worshipped him.  Jesus said to them, “Be not afraid: go tell my brethen that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me” (Matthew 28:10).

Jesus is alive and well.  He is waiting to return and save us.  He wants to give us the gift of eternal life.  In order to be saved though, you must believe.  Jesus died for us all.  He paid the ultimate price for our salvation.  Tell all about the goodness of Christ.  Take care, be well, and God Bless!

People Of The Bible Bible, Jesus Christ, joy of jesus, Lord and Savior, Love Jesus, Son of God, Son of Mary

Forgiveness is a very important element of Christianity.  In order to be forgiven, one must forgive.  I’m sure everyone has been hurt by someone in their lives, and I’m sure that everyone has hurt someone else.  Always forgive and remember to forgive yourself as well.

How do we know when enough is enough?  How many times should we forgive someone if they keep hurting us over and over again?  Peter, an apostle of Christ had the same questions.  Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  till seven times” (Matthew 18:21).  Jesus replied, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).  Jesus basically told Peter that we should repeatedly forgive each other.  Jesus followed up his discussion with Peter by telling him the parable of the unforgiving servant (this parable can be found in Matthew 18:23-35).

The parable of the unforgiving servant starts off with a servant who owes his master some money (ten thousand talents).  The servant did not have the money and his master was very disappointed.  The servant’s master wanted to sell the servant, the servant’s wife, and the servant’s children in order to make up for the debt.  The servant pleaded with the master and begged that the master would have patience with him.  The servant vowed to pay the master back.  The servant’s master was moved with compassion and forgave the servant his debt.  

Now, this vary same servant had loaned money (an hundred pence) to one of his friends.  He went to collect the money from his friend, but the friend did not have the money.  The servant then grabbed his friend by the throat and demanded his money.  His friend pleaded with him to have patience.  The servant did not have patience with his friend, instead, he put his friend in jail until the money was paid.

The servant’s master heard about what took place and was very disappointed.  He sent for the servant.  When the servant arrived, the master scolded him.  The master said that the servant was wicked because he failed to forgive his friend.  After all, the master forgave the servant perviously.  The master then delivered the servant to the tormentors until his debt was repaid.

Jesus told this parable to explain how God will forgive us.  We will be forgiven according to how we forgive others.  ”For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).  So, if there is anyone that you have not forgiven, including yourself, the time to forgive is now.  Do not lose out on salvation because you have not forgiven your neighbor.

Remember the Lord’s Prayer and keep it in your hearts.  God Bless.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  

Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  

Give us this day our daily bread.  

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  

Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13)

Christian Principles always forgive, ask for forgiveness, Bible, forgive, forgive your neighbor, forgive yourself, forgiveness, forgiver, God forgives

There are many different Christian denominations across the world.  Each denomination has a varying as to what they believe and how they practice that belief.  With all of the different denominations that exist, how does one figure out which denomination has the true belief?  If you are a Christian or if you want to become a Christian, the basic beliefs of a Christian are listed below.  When reading this list, ask yourself if you are living your life according to these Christian beliefs.The Bible is the true and living word of God.  

One

The Bible outlines how you should live your life and serves as a guide to salvation.  The Bible describes God’s character and God’s expectations of us.  The Old Testament and the New Testament are equally important.  Recommended readings - 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy. 3:16, 17; Psalms. 119:105; Proverbs. 30:5, 6; Isaiah. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians. 2:13; Hebrews. 4:12.

Two

There is only one God.  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  These three entities represent the Holy Trinity and are one.  God is creator of all.  God is all powerful, all knowing, and is everywhere at once.  His existence is infinite.  He has no beginning and no ending.  Recommended readings - Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.

Three

God created man and woman in his image.  He gave us free range over the earth and he gave us free will.  Human beings are born into sin because of the events that took place in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Recommended readings - Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.

Four

The life of Jesus Christ was the example for everyone to model.  Live life without sin.  Christ is perfect in all aspects.  Jesus Christ came to earth to die for the sins of all.  It is through Jesus that we can be saved and given the gift of eternal life.  Jesus was resurrected from the dead and will come back to earth soon for the final judgement.  Recommended readings - John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.

Five

Christ wants us to develop a relationship with him.  He wants us all to be saved.  Recommended reading - 2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.

Six

The church is the body of Christ and Christ is the head of the church.  The church is an important aspect of Christianity.  The church is where  believers gather and share the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Christians confess the goodness of God.  The church has the responsibility to go out and spread the good word of God with all people.  The church should not turn anyone away from the truth.  Recommended readings - Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.

Seven

Baptism is a the public confession that Jesus lived on earth, died for our sins, and resurrected.  Through baptism, we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Recommended readings - Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.

Eight

God gives all of his people spiritual gifts that will allow them to minister to all.  There are various spiritual gifts such as healing, the spirit of prophesy, public speaking, etc.  Recommended readings - Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.

Nine

The Law of God is explained in the Ten commandments.  All of the Ten Commandment must be kept with no exception.  Recommended readings - Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.

Ten

Stewardship is an important part of Christianity.  God wants us to give faithful tithes and offerings.  Recommended readings - Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.

Remember that the list above are just the basics when it comes to serving God.  There is much more information in the Bible.  I recommend that whoever reads this article will pray to God and ask him to show you direction.  Ask God to show you the truth about what he expects from you.  God will direct you.  ”Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Psalm 119:2).  God Bless.

Christian Principles belief, Believe, Christ, Christian, Christian Beliefs, Jesus, What Christians Believe

My birthday was Monday, December 15.  I turned twenty-five and I am thankful for life.  There was an incident that happened that could have made my birthday my last day on earth.  I was asleep and my wife was in the shower.  Suddenly, I heard a loud beeping noise emanating from the hallway.  Cameron started barking.  It was the smoke detector, a fire was burning in our laundry room.

I quickly got up to see what the noise was.  I smelled smoke and I heard a crackling noise.  As I moved closer to the laundry room the smell of smoke began to choke me.  Cameron’s barks turned into high pitched chirps.  The crackling got louder.  When I made it to the doorway, I didn’t see anything.  My wife ran out of the shower and approached the doorway.  We walked into the room and there it was.

A small fire was burning next to the furnace.  The fire was burning on a white towel.  I had previously walked our Yorkie, Cameron.  It was wet outside and I used the towel to wipe off his feet.  I threw the towel in the corner, not realizing that it was next to the furnace.

I saw the fire extinguisher mounted on the wall.  I was scared to get it because I thought I would get burned if I went too far into the room.  I don’t know how to use one anyway and I didn’t want to waste anymore time.  My first reaction was to run out of the apartment.  I yelled, “Lisa, lets get out of the house”.  My wife had other plans.  She ran into the kitchen and filled a bowl with water.  She immediately ran back to the laundry room and doused the fire with the water.  She ran back to the sink and I followed.  As I crabbed a bowl and I inadvertently moved her bowl out of the way and filled my bowl with water.  She looked at me like I was crazy and continued to fill her bowl.  I was in panic mode.  We ran back to the laundry to put out the fire.  We poured water on the fire until the fire went out.

The fire was out but the apartment was still smoky.  We cracked the windows and turned on a couple of fans so that the smoke would clear out.  I am thankful that my wife, our dog, and I are safe.

After that episode, I felt very emotional to say the least.  My wife and I had got annoyed with each other earlier in the day.  I kept thinking; what if the smoke detector hadn’t gone off, what if my wife and I didn’t hear the detector, what if our Yorkie was in the laundry room, what if that was the last time that I would see my wife?  I burst into tears.  My wife came over and hugged me.  I told her what was on my mind and she reminded me that none of those terrible things happened.  The detector did go off, we heard it, Cameron is OK, and my wife is with me.  We hugged again and exchanged kisses and I love yous.  We got on our knees and thanked God that we were not hurt.  We embraced each other once more and we went to bed.

Always remember never take anything for granted.  Be thankful.  Tomorrow is not promised to us.  Live life to the fullest according to God’s will.  Never forget to express your feeling to your loved ones.  God is good and I am extremely thankful that no one was injured.  That day, my birthday, will be a day that I will never forget.  I will never forget to give thanks to the Lord.  “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).  God Bless.

Gratitude be thankful, thank God, thank you, thankful, thankfulness, Thanks, thanks a lot

Today has been an adventure to say the least.  The devil has been busy.  I woke up this morning to start my day.  I planned to finish my laundry, iron my clothes for work tomorrow, and write an entry to this site.  Nothing happened according to my plan.  First of all when I got of bed today, I flipped the light switch to the on position and there was no light.  I quickly flipped the switch off and then flipped the switch on again.  Still no light; the power was out.  Immediately, I called my wife to see if the power was on before she left for work.  It was.  Next, I called our apartment complexes emergency hot line to see what happened.  The guy who answered didn’t know anything and told me to call the power company.  My wife called me back to inform me that over 2,000 people in the area had lost power.  The power would not be restored until 4:00 pm.  It was 11:45 am; what was I going to do for four hours with no electricity?  I was furious!

That’s not all folks, the devil wasn’t done messing with me yet.  I decided to go to my parents house so that I could get my mail.  I got married recently and I didn’t change my mailing address.  Since I was going to be out, I also wanted to go to my mother in law’s house to pick up our Christmas tree.  I called my wife back to let her know what I was going to do.  She said that she was getting off early and suggested that we run those errands together.  So, I went to wife’s job so that we could have lunch together and then run our errands.  I let her know I was on the way.  She said that she would be ready by the time I got there.  I should have known better.  I arrived at her job, went in, and I noticed that she was at her desk with what looked to be piles of paper stacked up.  Her eyes were glued to her computer screen.  “Let me finish writing up this report”, she said.  I asked her long it would take.  “Give me about fifteen minutes”, she replied.  I walked out and waited in the car.  Fifteen minutes passed, twenty minutes passed and she still had not walked out.  I grew impatient and irritated.  I went in to get her and there she was.  Talking to co-workers!

After she completed the conversation with her co-workers, we finally made it to the car.  We got in, I tried to start the car and nothing happened.  I waited a minute or two and tried again, still nothing.  I tried with the remote starter and it didn’t even make a sound.  I was already upset that my wife wasn’t ready on time, now this.  I popped the hood to see if I could diagnose the problem.  I didn’t see anything that was out of the ordinary.  Sometimes my starter freezes up, so I grabbed my snow brush and tapped on the starter with the handle of the brush.  Ah ha, that did the trick.  We went to lunch.

After lunch, we were headed to my parent’s house when I noticed that my temperature light came on.  My car was overheating.  I was worried because I just put a new engine in my car for this very reason.  The shop that replaced my engine is closed on Sundays so I had to find a place that could possibly put coolant in my car.  I found a place and they told me that the coolant I had in my radiator was very clear, like water.  They “topped off” my coolant.  YES!  The problem was fixed, so I thought.  Well, a little bit later, my “low coolant” light came on.  How could this be?  I just got the coolant refilled.  Then my temperature light came on again.  So, I pulled over immediately.  Thank God that there was another service shop down the road.

The service shop was about five minutes away.  So it was extremely frustrating when it took me 45 minutes to arrive at the shop.  Stop and go, stop and go was the way I coaxed my car down the road.  When we finally arrived at the service shop, I could not believe my ears.  Like the last, I was told that my coolant was clear like water.  They recommended that I get the system flushed out.  So I plan to take my car back to the shop that replaced the engine.  I was very angry to say the least.  We decided to go home.  The trip home was long.  The temperature would come on after a couple of minutes of driving.  I drove for a while, the temperature light came, and I pulled over so it could cool off.  This happened about a dozen times before I made it home.  When I made home the lights were on.

The devil was busy today, but the Lord was even busier.  The Lord kept us safe through all of my trouble.  I prayed that we find out the problem to my car issues and make it home safely.  Although, the cause to my car trouble is inconclusive, I am faithful that I will find out the answer tomorrow.  We made it home safely.  I got angry a lot today.  I got angry that the power went out, I got angry when my wife wasn’t ready, and I got angry due to my car trouble.  Through it all, God was with me.  The devil had me down a little, but overall, he could not steal my joy.  I am happy for the blessings that God has given me.  I am happy that my wife and I are safe, I am happy for life, and I am happy to be a servant of Christ.  Remember that no matter how hard the devil tries to steal your joy, you always have something to be thankful and happy for.  The Lord loves us all and he wants us to be joyous for what he has done for us.  “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:14).  God Bless.

Christian Principles be joyful, Joy, joy of jesus, make a joyful noise

Have you ever been through tough times in your life where you didn’t know how you would survive?  Have you ever been laid off, totaled your car, or lost your home?  Life has a way of sneaking up on you.  When everything seems to be going well, terrible and unexpected events take place.  Bad things happen, its inevitable.  The question is “What do you do when bad things happen?”.  Do you wallow around in self pity?  Do you work even harder to make things right?  Do you ask for help?  The answer to the question should be simple, but sometimes we get so caught up in our struggles that we forget.  When bad things happen we pray and keep the faith.

There is power in prayer but you have to have faith and believe in what you are praying for.  I had to learn this lesson many times in my life.  When bad things happen, I have the tendency to harp on the situation.  At times I lose faith.  I am an Electrical Engineer and I faced many struggles when I was in college.  I struggled in many classes, but my Achilles heel was Physics.  I did well in high school Physics, but college Physics seemed to be completely different.  No matter how Physics was broken down to me, I just didn’t get it.   I studied with other students, I went to the professor for help, I even tried to google answers to my homework assignments.  Nothing seemed to work and I ended up repeating Physics the following semester.

The next semester started and I went in with a positive mind set.  I had it all planned out.  I’m going to go to school early, study Physics, go to class, study Physics, go to lunch, study Physics, go home, and STUDY PHYSICS.  Well, it sounded like a good idea at the time but midway through the semester I noticed that I was in the same predicament as before.  What was I doing wrong?  Was I playing too many video games between study sessions?  I did play a lot of video games but that wasn’t the problem.  The problem was that I didn’t know how to study and I wasn’t praying for understanding.

I was desperate and I started trying to do everything on my own.  I forgot that I serve a King who is all powerful.  The keys to success were in my hand, but I didn’t unlock the door.  God knew this and he was testing me.  It seemed like the more I studied, the worst I did.  Suddenly, it hit me.  I prayed and I had faith in what I was praying for.  I prayed for understanding so that I would be able to pass my tests and pass the class.  Taking Physics three times in row was not an option.  Needless to say, I passed Physics.  I got a C-, but I passed.

I could have had an easier time if  I would have just prayed about my struggles in the beginning.  I needed to trust God, I needed to have faith, and I needed to pray.  The Bible says “Trust the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understand.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  The Bible also says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5-6).

Your struggles may be more pressing than a Physics class.  I have had more pressing struggles than my Physics class.  But the key is to treat all struggles the same.  No struggle is too big or too small for God to handle.  So what ever you are going through, big or small, don’t worry.  Pray and keep the faith.  God Bless!

Faith Faith, Faithfulness, Have faith, Power of Prayer, Pray, Prayer, Praying