I had the pleasure of reviewing a pre-release copy of Megan’s Christmas Miracle. This book takes readers on a magical journey to the place of Jesus’s birth, Bethlehem.   Along the way  are enchanting stories that people are sure to relate to.

The story starts in New York, where Megan, part of a family of 5, has a special Christmas tradition…spending the Christmas holiday at a destination of the family’s choosing.  Each member of the family writes their dream destination on a piece of paper, and one lucky person has their destination chosen from a glass bowl each year.  From Los Angeles, to Paris, each child has a strong preference on where they would like to go this year.  Megan, the youngest of the children, chooses Israel, so she can see Jesus’s place of birth.

Needless to say, the other children in the family are not happy about this decision and try everything in their power to get the youngest family member to change her mind (and pick a more suitable, safe destination).  From giving their sister cold, saddened glances in the hallway, to placing newspaper clippings of violent current events in Israel, nothing seems to deter Megan from experiencing her dream of seeing the birthplace of Jesus.   When the time comes for the destination to be chosen, the lucky piece of paper that is drawn is Megan’s, and the family makes plans to travel to the Holy Land.

Once there, each member of the family experiences a magical, too good to be true experience.  For example, Megan’s older sister dreams of being a fashion designer, and she runs into her idol (a famous clothing designer).  What is Megan’s adventure?  Well, in short, she gets to experience the miracle of our Savior’s birth firsthand.  How you ask?  You’ll just have to read it and find out!

In conclusion, I highly recommend this entertaining book.  It is filled with interesting dialog, facts about the birth of Jesus, and life lessons.  With the Christmas season coming up, it is sure to be a welcome addition to your Christmas library.

This book will soon be available in our Christian bookstore.

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With super fast computers to crunch data,  underwater sensors, deep space satellites, and a plethora of other technological tools that weren’t available in the past,  humans have increased our understanding of God’s creation at an unprecedented rate.  One area of creation that we have been learning tons about recently, are oceans, and the activities that occur below this once undiscovered part of our planet.

The scientific names of various depths in the ocean.

For example, did you know that there are underwater trenches deeper than the grand canyon, that are thought to have formed over 142 million years ago?  In fact, we now know that this is where tsunamis are formed, such as the one in Tailand, in 2004, that took the lives of 220,000 of God’s children.  These acts of God have been occurring for thousands of years.  In fact, we’ve recently been discovering entire cities, buried under hundreds of feet or hardened ash.  From buried murals, artwork, and structures, there is no doubt of God’s power.  In fact, the 2004 tsunami has the power of 600 million Hiroshima atom bombs!

So how does science aid in the knowledge we have, and why does it matter?  While the why is vastly complicated, the short of it is this.  Through underwater sensors, we can record the sound waves that occur when these massive ruptures in the earth’s crust form.   While not audible to the naked ear (the deep, rumbling sound waves are simply too low for our ears to hear), we can slow down time when listing to these recordings, and actually map the topography of the bottom of the sea, as well as how the event spreads across the oceans.  Science is able to figure out a plethora of information about a tsunami from data collected at the bottom of these massive underwater trenches, helping save millions of lives, by better predicting tsunamis.    Going back to the 2004 Thailand tsunami, we know that the crest was 300 miles apart…quite a massive crack in the earth’s crust, isn’t it?

Exploration is an innate part of our God given nature, and we have repeatedly tried to visit the depths of the sea. which is thought to be some of the oldest parts of the earth.   This area is so hostile, the zone name, The Hadalpelagic Zone‘s name is derived from the Greek word for HELL.

From this, you can imagine that exploration has been difficult in a place where there is 8 tons of pressure per square inch.  In other words, imagine that you are a McDonald’s hamburger on the highway.  Now, imagine an 18-wheel semi running over that hamburger.  That, is how hostile this area of the ocean is.  Making matters worse, over 20,000 volcanoes, along with earthquakes (that induce deadly tsunamis) occur frequently here.  Despite this though, these events help us map out the history of creation.  You see, when volcanos erupt in these dark, frigid depths, the magma turns instantly into glass when it comes in contact with the water.  Therefore, each eruption spreads its contents throughout the ocean, creating layers of mineral rich substance.  In fact, this magma turned solid, is how underwater mountains are formed.  How cool is that?

Despite the risks, our efforts to explore this area prevail, as there is so much to learn about our origins from it.    One thing we’ve learned, is that the bottom of the ocean has layers of plant and animal “silt”.   These layers of dead plant and animal fossils,  is one of the methods that scientists use to date how old the earth and ocean are.  This is one reason we can so accurately estimate the history of events on this earth… by analysing these layers of silt, and seeing what fossils, minerals, etc that we find.  This principle is similar to how we date dinosaur fossils we find encased in rock.

Back to the exploration of the ocean…In 1960, a submersible craft was created, and two brave men traveled for 5 hours, going down to the depths of the deepest trench, a staggering 36,000 feet, where the region is far more hazardous than that of Mars.  This hadalpelagic zone expedition paid huge dividends.  You see, up until this point, we expected the complete blackness, crushing pressure, and frigid waters, to be too hostile for complex animals to survive.  However, when the two man “landed” on the bottom of the ocean, they were in for a real surprise (up until this time, we could only theorize about what we’d find).

Hadalpelagic Zone Sea Cucumber

When they turned on their spotlight, they discovered that not only were there vast amounts of colorful, other-worldly creatures surviving, but that these sea creatures were thriving.  These animals, whose lineage has evolved over millions of years, have the ability to withstand the pressure, see in complete darkness, and live in abundance.  By eating the remains of dead plants and animals whose remains make up the silt bottom, the plants and animals in this region prosper.

In conclusion, the burning desire that science has to explore the depths of the ocean, has lead to a vastly increased understanding of the creation that God has created.  Without technology and scientists that have a burning desire for answers, we would have never discovered the abundant, colorful ecosystem that God has allowed to exist.   Through these types of discoveries, we learn more about God, and the earth he created for us.

If you have thoughts on this post, please feel free to share them below, or discuss your convictions on this subject with friends, by commenting using the Facebook “Like” button.   As always, I encourage you to continue exploring your faith through reading Christian books, discussing why you believe what you believe, and actively seeking truth.

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You shall not kill the child by obtaining an
abortion. Nor, again, shall you destroy him
after he is born. Barnabas (c. 70-130, E), 1.148.

Tertullian, Early Christian Priest

You shall not murder a child by abortion nor
kill one who has been born. Didache (c. 80-140,
E),1.377.

They bear children, but they do not destroy
their offspring. Letter to Diognetus (c. 125-200),
1.27.

We say that those women who use drugs to
bring on abortion commit murder. And we also
say they will have to give an account to God for
the abortion. So on what basis could we com-
mit murder? For it does not belong to the same
person to regard the very fetus in the womb as a
created being (and therefore an object of God’s

care)-yet, when he has passed into life, to kill
him. We also teach that it is wrong to expose an
infant. For those who expose them are guilty of
child murder. Athenagoras (c. 175, E), 2.147.

In our case, murder is once for all forbidden.

Therefore, we may not destroy even the fetus
in the womb, while as yet the human being
derives blood from other parts of the body for
its sustenance. To hinder a birth is merely a
speedier way to kill a human. It does not matter
whether you take away a life that has been born,
or destroy one that is not yet born. Tertullian (c.
197, W),3.25.

Among surgeons’ tools there is a certain
instrument that is formed with a nicely-
adjusted flexible frame for first of all opening
the uterus and then keeping it open. It also has
‘a circular blade, by means of which the limbs
within the womb are dissected with careful, but
unflinching care. Its last appendage is a blunted
or covered hook, by which the entire fetus is
extracted by a violent delivery. There is also a
copper needle or spike: by which the actual
death is brought about in this treacherous rob-

bery of life. From its infanticide function, they
give it the name, “killer of the infant” -which
infant, of course, had once been alive. Tertullian

(c. 210, W), 3.206.      ’

Indeed, the Law of Moses punishes with
appropriate penalties the person who causes
abortion. For there already exists the beginning
stages of a human being. And even at this stage,
[the fetus] is already acknowledged with having
the condition oflife and death, since he is already
susceptible to both. Tertullian (c. 210, W),3.218.

Are you to dissolve the conception by aid of
drugs? I believe it is no more lawful to hurt a
child in process of birth, than to hurt one who
is already born. Tertullian (c. 212, W), 4.57.

I behold a certain ceremony and circumstance
of adultery. On the one hand, idolatry precedes
it and leads the way. On the other hand, murder
follows in company …. Witness the midwives,
too! How many adulterous conceptions are
slaughtered! Tertullian (c. 212, W), 4.78.

There ate some women who, by drinking
medical preparations, extinguish the source of
the future man in their very bowels. So they
commit murder before they bring forth. And
these things assuredly come down from the
teaching of your gods. Mark Minucius Felix (c.
200, W), 4.192.

Women who were reputed believers began to
resort to drugs for producing sterility. They also
girded themselves around, so as to expel what
was being conceived. For they did not wish to
have a child by either a slave or by any common
fellow–out of concern for their family and
their excessive wealth. See what a great impiety
:he lawless one has advanced! He teaches adul-
tery and murder at the same time! Hippolytus (c.
225, W), 5.131.

In conclusion, this issue is obviously a very touchy one.  People have very strong opinions.   My objective in discussing these things, is to make people think about the real reasons they believe what they do.  Do they believe them because someone told them to?  Or do they believe what they believe, based on prayer, Bible study, and thoughtful dialog with other people…including people who have differing viewpoints.

Explore Your Faith.

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Broken Words by Jonathan Dudley

While reading this book, I had to constantly remind myself that Dudley is merely presenting Biblical quotes, and historical background.  Because I had believed certain things for so long, it was a truely hard book to read.  However,  there are hundreds of references from periodicals, books, theologians, etc.  Because of the vast amounts of research that have gone into this book, I feel confident in saying that what he writes, is factual and objective.  For the purposes of this review, I’ll focus on the first of the controversial issues discussed, abortion.

Abortion

Growing up in an evangelical household, I was always under the impression that the issue of abortion was essentially a non-issue.  Life begins at conception.  Period.  However, several pages into this, I was amazed at how manipulated I was, along with millions of others. Dudley clearly outlines the history of the issue of abortion, and agrues against absolutism on abortion, as well as opposition to embryonic stem-cell research.  Throughout the chapter, Dudley tells us that most Christian theologians throughout history, including Augustine, Aquinas, and many American evangelicals (up until the 1980s) have believed that life does not begin at conception.

This was an absolute shock to me.  I had thought for all of my life, that the issue of abortion went back to the early church, and there was a clear stance on it.  However, this was clearly not the case.  Instead, the book provides clear evidence of political manipulation.  When evangelical leaders compare abortion to the Holocaust (Rick Warren), and call it a nonnegotiable issue for Christians in voting decisions, it is clear why so many Christians believe what they believe about abortion.

“The reason I believe life begins at conception, is ’cause the Bible says it,” declared Rick Warren in a 2008 interview.  In its literature, Focus on the Family claims to provide “Scripture verses that speak to the value of preborn life created in God’s image from the moment of fertilization.”

But is the Bible really clear about this controversial issue?

In the case of Focus on the Family’s claim, their cited support for this conclusion about the moment of incarnation comes from several verses including Luke 2:6-7, Luke 1:41, 44 and Genesis 9:6 (NIV Bible):

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…[saying] ‘As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”

Whoever sheds the blood of a human by a human shall that person’s blood be shed;for in his own images God made humankind

Dudley argues that “The implicit suggestion that this verse provides us with information on when moral life begins (along with interpretations of Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1) reflects the willingness-evidenced also in the creationist movement-of modern, populist evangelicalism t0 interpret any part of the Bible, including its poetry and narratives, as conveying precise factual information about contemporary moral and scientific issues”.

Taking the last verse, Dudley explains that “there is no logical path from the belief that humans are created in the image of God to the conclusion that the embryo, therefore, is a human created in the image of God.” (page 29)

All of these are good points, but the Bible verse that really made sense to me (in helping me understand that the issue is not as cut and dry as politicians and evangelical leaders would like us to believe), comes from Exodus 21:22-25

When men have a fight and hurt a pregnant woman, so that she suffers a miscarriage, but no further injury, the guilty one shall be fined as much as the woman’s husband demands of him, and he shall pay in the presence of judges.  But if injury ensures, you shall give life for life.”

Basically, this says that the accidental destruction of fetal life requires a fine, while injury to the mother requires “life for life”.  This clearly suggests that there is a difference in the moral status of a fetal verses maternal life.  And throughout history, this passage has been used by both Jewish and Christian traditions, as a basis for holding the belief that the life of a mother is more important to that of the fetus.

Drawing from this passage, the Evangelical periodical Christianity Today published a special on contraception and abortion, written by a leading professor of Old Testament from famously conservative Dallas Theological Seminary’s Bruce Waltke:

“God does not regard the fetus as a soul, no matter how far gestation has progressed.  The Law plainly exacts: “If a man kills any human life he will be put to death” (Lev. 24:17).  But according to Exodus 21:22-24, the destruction of the fetus is not a capital offense…. Clearly, then, in contrast to the mother, the fetus is not reckoned as a soul,

History (remember that the hard line on abortion started in the mid 1900s) documents Christianity’s stance on abortion throughout the years.  The Christian theologian, Augustine stated:

“If what is brought forth is unformed but at this stage some sort of living, shapeless thing…then the law of homicide would not apply, for it could not be said that there was a living soul in that body, for it lacks all sense, if it be such as is not yet formed and therefore not yet endowed with senses”

Moving to the Jewish faith, you’ll see that they take a much more liberal stance on abortion:

The Mishna (a main part of the Jewish Talmud), states:

“If a woman has difficulty in childbirth, one dismembers the embryo within her limb from limb, because her life takes precedene over its life.  Once its head (or the greater part has emerged, it may not be touched, for we do not set aside on life for another.

When George W. Bush came out as an opponent to human embryonic stem cell research, Orthodox Jews issued the following statement that supported human embryonic stem cell research:

Our Torah [the first five books of the Christian Old Testament] places great value upon human life…each human was created in God’s image….The Torah commands us to treat and cure the ill and to defeat disease wherever possible’ to do this is to be the Creator’s partner in safeguarding the created… [M]aximizing the potential to save and heal human lives is an integral part of valuing human life.  Moreover, our tradition states that an embryo in vitro does not enjoy the full status of human-hood and its attendant protections.  Thus, if cloning technology research advances our ability to heal humans with greater success, it ought to be pursued.

In conclusion, the intent of the author was not to persuade people that abortion is OK.  That is a deeply personal decision that should be made with extreme caution.  However, Dudley believes in shedding light on the entire story…not just the story that a small group of evangelical leaders want you to believe.  Stating that the Bible clearly says that life begins at conception, is simply not true.   There is valid evidence that supports both sides of the issues.  However, due to the political gain to be had by polarizing the American public, the issue has been distorted and made into an undeniable truth.

If you are looking to understand why you believe what you believe, Broken Words by Jonathan  Dudley, is a great book, available in my Christian book store.  You may disagree with what he says, but you’ll know why you believe it.

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This is the perfect day, the perfect time, the perfect opportunity to thank the One who has given us everything listed above and so much more. As a not-so-young adult who has put her faith in Christ, Thanksgiving has such a deeper meaning. I am thankful that He pursued me with such a Holy zeal, I couldn’t turn to the left or the right without bumping into Him. I am thankful that, at the bottom of the pit, He reached His mighty yet gentle hand and took mine as He lifted me out. I am thankful that He showed me what life everlasting looked like and gave me the opportunity to choose it. I am thankful for His faithfulness and that His grace doesn’t end at Salvation. He pours it out into every aspect of my life; as a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister and most importantly as His child. There is so much more to be thankful for. The list could go on and on but instead of filling this blog post with my stuff, I’ll ask you what youare thankful for. What has He done for you? Who is He to you?

I’m sure there are many people out there who are struggling with those questions. Those who really aren’t feeling that “thankful” today. Life can get treacherous. Those who are facing failing relationships, financial devastation, fading health, deepening depression, or fill you in the blank. I don’t want to discount any of those things but I can tell you that you can still be thankful this Thanksgiving. It’s about choices. Thankfulness isn’t really a feeling but rather a choice; a decision you make not based on circumstance but hope, a resolution to find joy even through the sorrow. After all, that’s what it is all about isn’t it? Blog peeps, find that spark of light in the depth of darkness and hold on to it until it becomes a full out sunrise!

If you haven’t experienced God’s grace yet, there is no time like the present. What an awesome Thanksgiving memory to make. You will never be the same and you will never regret it. So, what are you waiting for???

Here are some verses that talk about being thankful:

1 Chronicles 16:8-12~ Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make know among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he pronounced.

Psalm 100:4~ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

1 Corinthians 15: 57~ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14~ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ…

1 Thessalonians 5: 16~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will  for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12: 28 & 29~ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

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This week God revealed something to me that is probably pretty simple, something that most of you have already grasped and understand completely. Discipline is for my own good.

How many of us have looked our kids in the eyes and have said “I love you too much to let you continue________________” or “I am disciplining you so that you will learn ______________”. I know I have. And with 4 kids it happens several times a day. This Sunday, our pastor talked about teaching our children to obey us. He explained that when our children don’t know how to obey and honor authority, they grow up not knowing how to honor and obey authority including the Lord God himself. I don’t know about you but I want to raise respectful, other’s-minded, humble kids who love the Lord with all their heart. In essence I love them, so I discipline them.

What types of discipline work most effectively?

When my youngest daughter was about four or five, she had done something that required discipline (I can’t remember what), so I sent her to her room and called her down a few minutes later to give her a spanking. As I turned her around I noticed her back side was lumpy and very well-padded. While she was upstairs, (knowing she was about to receive a spanking) she had stuffed her pants full of socks.

Isn’t that what we do when we try to avoid the discipline of our Father? We know we did wrong, we know the consequences, but instead of thinking “this is for our own good”, we decide to pad our backside. Or, like so many children, we cry out “God, this isn’t fair, you’re mean!” But oh how we get it all wrong.

I admit, sometimes I will discipline in anger. I will raise my voice, threaten empty threats, and give the evil mom eye (you know the one…the one that says “you better knock it off now” without ever saying a word). God, on the other-hand, NEVER rebukes in anger but always in love. He never impulsively sends us to the corner or smacks our hands. He never raises His voice or spurts out threats that never come to fruition. Our Daddy is firm, yet gentle; unyielding, yet trustworthy. The Bible says, that we should count it a blessing when we face the Lord’s discipline “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son” ~Hebrews 12:6. The Lord’s discipline is evidence that we are His children. And just as I say to my children, “I love you too much to let you do that or act that way”, God lovingly looks at us and with a soft whispers says, “I love you so much that I am going to show you a different way.”

So next time you face a trial or difficulty or maybe even a consequence of a bad choice, you should thank the One who loves you and desires to show you just how much. I know I will.

Here are some corresponding NIV Bible verses:

Deuterotomy 8:5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;

Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

Proverbs 3:12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Lamentations 3:39 Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?

Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

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The Little Shepherd's Christmas - Children's Christmas Book

The Little Shepherd’s Christmas is the story of a young boy named Reuel.   Reuel’s very excited because his father, for the first time, agreed to let him come to the field and work alongside his brothers, taking care of their flock of sheep.  This feeling of newness and excitement is something that most people have fond memories of.  Whether it is the first time you got to drive a car, have a sleepover, or go to school.  There is something magical about first times for all of us.

Soon though, trouble brews.  One of the sheep that Reuel is supposed to be keeping an eye on, disappears.  Reuel frantically searches for this lost sheep.  Soon, after wandering far from his family, he finds the sheep caught in a thorn bush.  He carefully untangles the lost sheep from the bush.  But then, all of the sudden, the night sky turns as bright as day and an angelic voice is heard.

“Fear not! For I bring you tidings of great joy that shall be to all people!  Unto you has been born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Then, the angels started singing.   It was so beautiful that Reuel couldn’t help but sing along.  After singing, Reauel was so excited that he ran, telling everyone of the great sights he saw in the fields.   He asked everyone if they knew about the manger that the angel talked about.  He had to find this baby that he’d miraculously heard about!!!

In efforts to keep some things a mystery until you read the book, I won’t go into what happens next.

I can tell you that this book is exceptionally illustrated.  The author does a great job at creating images that warm the heart, and make you feel as if you are a part of the story of Christmas.  The accompanying text (story) is beautifully crafted.

If you have a soft spot for Christmas books for children, this is a must have.  It captures the essence of Christmas at its core, and would be a great addition to any family library of Christmas picture books.

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Pat Robertson Quotes

1.  “Many of those people involved with Adolph Hitler were Satanists, many of them were homosexuals–the two things seem to go together.” “The 700 Club,” 1/21/93, ADL report on Religious Right, page 131

2.  “My personal feeling is that oral sex is against nature.”

3.  “I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God, you just rejected him from your city. And don’t wonder why he hasn’t helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I’m not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that’s the case, don’t ask for his help because he might not be there.”(commenting after the city of Dover, Pennsylvania voted to boot the current school board, which instituted an intelligent design policy that led to a federal trial)

4.  “God considers this land to be his. You read the Bible and he says ‘This is my land,’ and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, ‘No, this is mine.’ … He was dividing God’s land. And I would say, ‘Woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the E.U., the United Nations, or the United States of America.’ God says, ‘This land belongs to me. You better leave it alone.’” (commenting on why Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive stroke)

5.  “It may be a blessing in disguise. … Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. Haitians were originally under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon the third, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you will get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it’s a deal. Ever since they have been cursed by one thing after the other.” (commenting on the earthquake in Haiti that destroyed the capital and killed tens of thousands of people, Jan. 13, 2010)

6.  ”I think the sky is blue because it’s a shift from black through purple to blue, and it has to do with where the light is. You know, the farther we get into darkness, and there’s a shifting of color of light into the blueness, and I think as you go farther and farther away from the reflected light we have from the sun or the light that’s bouncing off this earth, uh, the darker it gets … I think if you look at the color scale, you start at black, move it through purple, move it on out, it’s the shifting of color. We mentioned before about the stars singing, and that’s one of the effects of the shifting of colors.” on a telecast of the 700 Club

7.  ”[The] feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians.” Fundraising letter from Pat Robertson that was an in- kind contribution to the Iowa Committee to Stop ERA, as reported in The Washington Post, August 23, 1993

8.  ”There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that sanctifies the separation of church and state.”

9. “Just like what Nazi Germany did to the Jews, so liberal America is now doing to the evangelical Christians. It’s no different. It is the same thing. It is happening all over again. It is the Democratic Congress, the liberal-based media and the homosexuals who want to destroy the Christians. Wholesale abuse and discrimination and the worst bigotry directed toward any group in America today. More terrible than anything suffered by any minority in history.”

10.   “When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What do you mean?’ the media challenged me. `You’re not going to bring atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to govern America than Hindus and Muslims?’ My simple answer is, `Yes, they are.’” “The New World Order,” page 218

Controversial Pat Robertson Quotes

11.  ”A lasting peace will never be built upon man’s efforts, because man is sinful, vicious, and wicked.”

12.  ”If you go all the way back to the days just following creation, men lived nine hundred years or more.”

13. “I would warn Orlando that you’re right in the way of some serious hurricanes, and I don’t think I’d be waving those flags in God’s face if I were you, This is not a message of hate — this is a message of redemption. But a condition like this will bring about the destruction of your nation. It’ll bring about terrorist bombs; it’ll bring earthquakes, tornadoes, and possibly a meteor.”(commenting on “gay days” at Disneyworld)

14.  ”The key in terms of mental ability is chess. There’s never been a woman Grand Master chess player. Once you get one, then I’ll buy some of the feminism…” (According to the Chess Federation of the U.S. there were already two women Grand Masters at that time, both from Georgia. Since Robertson’s gaffe, three more women became Grand Masters)

15.  ”People have immortal spirits with incredible power over elemental things. The way to deal with inanimate matter is to talk to it.” quoted in San Francisco Examiner

16.  ”It is interesting, that termites don’t build things, and the great builders of our nation almost to a man have been Christians, because Christians have the desire to build something. He is motivated by love of man and God, so he builds. The people who have come into (our) institutions (today) are primarily termites. They are into destroying institutions that have been built by Christians, whether it is universities, governments, our own traditions, that we have…. The termites are in charge now, and that is not the way it ought to be, and the time has arrived for a godly fumigation.” New York Magazine, August 18, 1986

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It’s easy to say the words, but are words enough? Does saying, “I forgive you” mean we have forgiven as God forgives us?

These questions have haunted me most of my life. They still haunt me.

No matter how many times I say I forgive, I wonder…Have I truly forgiven?

Understanding came when I learned this important truth: Forgiveness is a choice.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean erasing what happened or ignoring the past. Forgiveness stops the past from controlling your mind, will, and emotions and from stealing the joy of your present and the hope of your future.

One of the hardest things I’ve had to do and the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my walk with God was in forgiving my ex-husband of the abuse that occurred in our marriage. Now, I’m not going to expect you to believe I was totally innocent in the events of my life and the failure of that union.

Whether victim or perpetrator, we all play a part in domestic violence.

However, this has been the utmost test of my willingness to obey God’s command
that I forgive as He has.

Sometimes I wonder if I’ve yet to arrive.

However, I have reached a place of peace.

Now I can look back without bitterness, anger and resentment; only a deep, abiding sorrow for the entire situation.

How did I reach that place of peace?

Prayer, ranting, raving, crying, begging for release from the bitterness in my heart, and resting in His gentle assurance that as I continue to say the words and release the situation and my former husband to Him, the heart change would come. And it did.

Or so I thought.

My book Tempered Dreams (#2 in a series ISBN# 0-9769960-3-0) deals openly and candidly with domestic violence. Believe me when I say it was sheer torture to write. Any author knows that writing pulls your emotions, rips your heart, and sometimes, tears your very soul. So it was with this book. But the story had to be told. The hardest part, however, was the dedication.

In the middle of a difficult chapter, God instructed me to dedicate the book to my ex-husband “in the spirit of forgiveness.”

Are You crazy, Lord?

You want me to put in writing for the whole world to see that I was abused?  No way! I just can’t.

Forgive as I’ve forgiven…

Still I hesitated, praying for a way out; begging the Lord to change His mind just this once.

In the end, I knew I had to be obedient.

My prayer became, “Okay, Lord. You win. Just help me get through the last few chapters then I’ll write the dedication.”

He did, then came the moment of truth.

How could I do it? I’d already ripped my heart out to tell the story. I’d searched every corner of my mind and soul to ensure readers understood healing is possible through love, mercy, grace -and yes-forgiveness, forgiving your perpetrator and yourself.

Still….How could I lay the remaining shreds of my heart on the altar? How could I bare my soul in such a public display? How could I know others wouldn’t think I was being self-serving nor doing this out of false pride or worse false humility?

I couldn’t.

The only thing I could do was trust God and obey.

I wrote….For James, in the spirit of forgiveness.  Though painful, what we experienced was nowhere near this horrific or dramatic; for that I am eternally grateful.

Was it easy?  No.

Did it help?  Maybe. I still have moments of intense feeling –not always good- toward my ex-husband and I still have to release him to God.

Am I glad I did it? Yes. Not only because of the blessings and peace that result from being obedient, but because of the comments I’ve received from others who found courage to do the same because of that dedication.

Have I arrived at the victorious destination of true forgiveness? I doubt it…Has anyone?

The Art of Forgiveness By Pamela S. Thibodeaux (© 2009)
Tempered Dreams is availble for Kindle & Nook for only $1.99! Print copies can be purchased directly from the author.
Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction and creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ Find out more about Pam and her work by visiting her websitehttp://www.pamelathibodeaux.com or blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

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I want to be worthy of respect, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not fond of dishonest gain, upholding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

- (1 Timothy 3:8-9)

Your grace, O God, has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions to live sensibly, righteously and Godly in the present age.

- (Titus 2:11-12)

Listen to the Voice of God

The first verses give a list of sins that go against God’s law.  These are things that many very dedicated Christians struggle with on a regular basis.  The second verse brings a little bit of hope.  It tells us that Jesus has come to give us salvation (while teaching us about how to best live).  One thing that I especially like about the second verse, is that it clearly speaks about living in the present moment… The present age.

We all struggle with sin.  Oneof the main reasons Jesus is so amazing.

He didn’t sin!

He rose above every single time.  No matter what he was feeling, Jesus practiced what he preached.  He was the first and only one to talk the talk, and walk the walk. This is incredibly humbling to me.  Before Christ fulfilled ancient prophecies and rose from the dead, Jesus lived a miracle.  He went through his entire life making perfect decisions.  No other religion has a savior or prophet that lived a sinless life.  I think that is pretty cool.

Going back to our own lives, we know that we all mess up sometimes.  Sometimes we consciously make decisions to say and do things we shouldn’t.  God understands this and makes it very easy for us to still be called followers of Christ, despite our shortcomings.  It’s a simple little thing called forgiveness.

However, God clearly calls us to attempt to live a sinless life. (knowing we’ll all fall short now and again)  For example, when Abraham was 99 years old, God came to him and said, “Serve me faithfully and live a BLAMELESS life.”

Remember that the Bible is God’s collection of writings, designed to light our path throughout life.   There are countless instructions contained within the pages of the Bible.  Deuteronomy3:20 says ”by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days”.

Attempt to obey the instructions God spoken to us through the Bible.  Next time you’re about to do or say something you know doesn’t align with God’s instructions, think to yourself, “I am breaking the law  if I do/say this.  I am breaking God’s law.”  It’s a pretty big deal to break the law in real life.  Why do we take breaking God’s law as a less serious offense?

We all sin.  God knows it, and is cool with it…as long as we go to him in prayer, and try to do better next time.  However, it is also clear that the ultimate goal should be to live blamelessly…without any sin.

I encourage you to continue to serve God and explore your faith.

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