I am 42 years old and have been married now for nearly 24 years. I am the mother of three terrific children (ages 25 [Elisha], 22 [Joshua], and 19 [Andrew]) and the grandmother of three PERFECT little girls (ages 6 [Robyn], 4 [Brittney], and 1[Destiny]). I am also "mommy" to one adorable pup...a Chihuahua named Pepper Jack.
Something you will notice as you take time to look over my page (besides the fact that I am LONG WINDED...lol) is that I am a firm believer in fun. Living for God does not mean that you have to stop being happy, or you have to give up laughing and smiling or even "a bit of tomfoolery". Having fun isn't a sin (as long as it doesn't go against Gods will and His ways)...God created laughter and if you ever seriously read His Word you will see His geniune sense of humor. In fact, if anyone has a reason to smile it would be the Christian! NO JESUS---NO JOY...KNOW JESUS---KNOW JOY! Too many people are uptight and feel as if to live for Christ they have to refrain from anything fun or funny---there is such a thing as "good, clean fun". Enjoy life and live it well---in Christ.
I was born in Huntington County, IN. and lived in a small town outside Fort Wayne (Andrews) for the first 11 years of my life. I have two brothers and (unfortunately) no sisters. My family moved from Andrew, IN. to Prestonsburg, KY. in 1976. I lived there until my husband and I moved our family to Menifee County (KY) in 1996. I attended Andrews Elementary (K-4)...Prestonsburg Elementary (5-8)...Prestonsburg High School(9-11)...at which point I regrettably droped out. I went on to receive my G.E.D. and then I attended Prestonsburg Community College where I majored in Early Elementary Education and graduated from in June 1995.
Currently my life is all about my family and ministry.I love attending church services and love to be in His presense. It is always an awesome thing to experience God's Holy Spirit. I enjoy spending time with my family and (of course)friends. My daughter and her family live approximately 10 minutes from me (give or take). My oldest son lives in Morehead, KY. (about 35-40 minutes away. And my youngest is currently living back home since returning from Henderson Nevada on Sept. 22, 2007.
Here's some pictures of my loved ones...
Other tidbits about me...I LUV to read, listen to music, play yahtzee, and sudoku. I enjoy watching movies and a little television...and of course I enjoy time on my computer.This is who I am and I'm not a bit sorry for it...lol!
My husband [Gary] and I are partners in an outreach ministry where we visit and hold services at three area Nursing Home facilities, organize and conduct Tent Revival Meetings, teach a New Converts/ Young In Christ Study Group, visit the shut-in's (those who are sick/elderly/and otherwise disabled and unable to leave their homes)...we hold services with them. We also visit those in the hospital whenever possible, and preach and teach the Gospel wherever invited to do so. My husband has even on occasion ministered in the Rowan County Jail. Our ministry is chartered under the name "His Arms Wide Open Ministries" (as of September 1, 2007). We didn't receive it though until October 9, 2007. {I took a picture of our Charter because I was anxious to share it with you all}.
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.. ..[And , here's some pictures of our most recent Tent Meetings]...
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.. ..Enjoy your visit here...I hope to get to know you much better along the way!NOW...here is What I Believe...
#1 ~ The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
#2 ~There is only One True God–revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
#3 ~In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God's son Jesus was both human and divine...born of a virgin.
#4 ~Though originally good...man willingly fell to sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
#5 ~Every person can have restored fellowship with God through 'salvation' (accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin).
#6 ~In the two ordinances established by Jesus— and I participate (practice) these... (1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
#7 ~The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. (Yes, I have received Baptism in the Holy Spirit.)
#8 ~The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles. (Yes, I have spoken in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.)
#9 ~Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike.
#10 ~The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. I believe 'the Church' is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ. I believe the Great Commission is OUR commission until Jesus comes.
#11 ~A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church and our communities.
#12 ~Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for everyone...even US today...and is provided for in Christ's atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins).
#13 ~In The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. I am SO looking forward to this day!
#14 ~In The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.
#15 ~A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.
#16 ~I believe and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. 'And so shall we forever be with the Lord!' Praise God!
I also believe that HELL WAS NOT created for YOU or ME, but for the devil and the fallen angels...but if YOU or I should end up in HELL it is completely by our own undoing...GOD does not want any of us to go to HELL. It isn't "denomination" that takes you to heaven...it isn't "race" that takes you to heaven...it isn't "gender" that takes you to heaven...it isn't "intelligence" that takes you to heaven...it isn't economic/financial status" that takes you to heaven...it isn't "where you live" that takes you to heaven...it IS WHO YOU KNOW...JESUS! So please get to KNOW Jesus! Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP not a RELIGION!
So. What do YOU BELIEVE? If you have already been saved (accepted Christ as your Saviour and turned from (repented) of your sins...I am so thankful for your decision and I praise God for you my brother or sister! But if you haven't yet made that choice, then I would have to say to you...you are a sinner; to which you would probably be highly offended and tempted to "loose your religion on the spot!" What nerve! Afterall, I don't even know you. No, I don't know you, but I know someone who does and I know how He feels about sin. I also know that it is a fact that a person can be dying of cancer and not even be aware of it...just because he/she isn't aware of the cancer...does not mean that the cancer is not killing them. It's the same way with sin. Some people are sinners and they aren't even aware of it...but that doesn't mean that their sin is not "spiritually" killing them. Before I can even begin to lead anyone to Christ and the wonderful salvation He offers...I must first convince them of their need for a Savior. So, if you are STILL reading this and you are among those who haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior yet...please read on. The love of God compels me to show you the truth that has been shown to me. I do not doubt that you are a "good" person" and you may think that everythings tight between you and God...but allow me to share God's measuring rod with you: The Ten Commandments.
1. You shall not worship any other god but GOD. Has there ever been anything in your life that has been more important to you than God?
2. You shall not make a graven image. Have you ever placed an exceeding great value on "religious" pictures and statues as more than what they really are...just pictures and statues? How about crosses? These are not "holy and divine as God is holy and divine...have you made them to be "holy and divine like God?
3. You shall not take the name of GOD in vain. Have you ever used the name of God in a disrespectful manner or as a curse?
4. You shall not break the Sabbath. Have you ever failed to set "one" day aside specifically as a day of rest and to meditate on the Lord?
5. You shall not dishonor your parents. Have you ever been disrespectful or disobediant to your parents?
6. You shall not murder. Have you ever been so angry that you have thought about killing someone...or wished them dead?
7. You shall not commit adultery. Have you ever lusted for someone other than your spouse before?
8. You shall not steal. Have you ever taken anything that did not belong to you...even by mistake, but then upon learning you had taken the thing mistakenly...you kept it anyway...a pencil? a pen? anything at all?
9. You shall not commit perjury. Have you ever told a lie?
10. You shall not covet. Have you ever wanted the belongings and lifestyle of another so much that you begrudged their having those things or that lifestyle...that you were jealous and envious of them??
Many Christians will say that the “You shall nots†are too negative and that we need to be more positive since the revelations and teachings of Jesus. These ten teachings are not the old clothes of Judaism, but have been relevant to human relationships throughout the ages.It is important to understand that Jesus did not come to destroy the Law. Matthew 5: 17-19 says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."God's Law applies to everyone today, just as it did to all those during Old Testament times. It is still God's guideline and standard for "godly" living. And disobedience of ANY of these laws carries the penalty of spiritual death for the guilty party. Just as God will never change...neither will His Law.
1. The first Commandment forbids us to put anything before God. It applied to the Jewish people then as the gods of their neighbors often tempted them: The Baals and the Asherah poles. It applied to Germany sixty years ago where god was a god of racial purity. It can apply to us in our modern world where acquisition is the god of the day. God is demanding that first of all, we give Him prominence.
2. Commandment number two includes an explanation in the expanded version found in Exodus 20. It describes the types of images that might be made and…“you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.†No image of God will ever be found in a Synagogue and the Romans were astonished to find no statues in the Holy of Holies when they destroyed the temple in 70AD. “For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.†The wholeness of God cannot be captured in a picture or statue. God will not tolerate images, which might replace Him as an object of worship.
3. What does it mean to take God’s name in vain? It’s an attitude problem. Many use God’s name daily because they have a poor vocabulary. God’s concern here is with respect for “the nameâ€. God’s very name represents who he is; His power, nature and character. It is a powerful name and should be spoken with respect. To take God’s name in vain is to discount His position and authority.
4. Some of the Commandments can be turned into positive statements: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. There are whole denominations that have been created over interpretations of this command. What is its purpose? In the circumstances where it was given, to a nomadic agricultural society, one could work every day. 24/7 is expected of the ambitious today. Maybe there is a natural rhythm to life where we need one day out of seven to recuperate and rest for the next six days. This commandment has protected workers from unscrupulous masters for centuries. The day of rest was originally Saturday. The early Christians decided to use Sunday. St. Paul said that we shouldn’t judge each other over Sabbaths. We need to take one day off per week. It’s good for us.
5. Honor your father and mother. This commandment has a promise attached. “…that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.†Family is important. If we continue honoring our parents through our life, our children will see us and hopefully get the message. It is one key to an orderly society.
6. Do not murder. Did God have to say it? Murder must refer to people taking the law into their own hands and killing. It cannot refer to war or capital punishment. These are dealt with elsewhere in the Bible. The Children of Israel waged great wars in God’s name. This commandment refers to our personal responsibility for the death of others. It is a rule for the individual.
7. What does adultery mean? It means what it always meant; cheating on your spouse. Jesus carried it one step further when commenting on this commandment. He said, “whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matt.5: 28) In our age of easy access to sex, the commandment applies to much that goes for entertainment in the year 2007.
8. Do not steal. We all know what that means and we don’t rob the bank or the supermarket. Where most of us need help is in the “gray†areas like income tax returns, lotteries and expense accounts.
9. Perjury is usually translated as “false witnessâ€. When we’re called to testify in court we are asked to swear on a Bible that we will be honest. What is the value when so many today do not even believe that the Bible is God’s word? To be caught lying in court is perjury. The ancient Hebrews answered to judges and I expect that this injunction meant more then and helped the judges to administer justice. Gossip and slander must fall under this heading.
10. Do not covet anything that is your neighbors’. This is greed and envy, focusing on what others have and what we don’t have. This is the one commandment that is hardest to obey. We see things every day that we want. It’s the basis of our commercial society. “Create a need then fill it.†is the lesson taught to new salespeople.
Jesus was called on by the Scribes to answer “Which is the first commandment of all?†(Mk.12: 28) He replied “The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.†(Mk.12: 29-31)These words of Jesus do not cancel the commandments; they focus them and point to the purpose to which they all lead. The point of the Ten Commandments is this---to show sinners the righteous standard of God...and their true state before God.1 Timothy 1:8-11 "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 1for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."Proverbs 6:23 "For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,..." In light of the fact that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross did not eliminate the Law and that the Ten Commandments are still God's guidelines for living...how did you measure up? Have you broken (disobeyed) any of these commandments? 1? 2? or more? Even breaking one will make you guilty of sin...but there's GOOD NEWS for you!
Before Christ ascended to Heaven, He gave ALL His followers a very important job to do while He was away. And since I am a follower of Christ then I am also a worker for His kingdom...so, this is my job...and I LUV it! Let me tell you about my job. It's not a JOB in the sense that most jobs are because this is both the greatest priveledge to be able to DO and the most important task one will ever undertake. What is this job? Sharing the GOOD NEWS (Gospel) of Jesus Christ with everyone!If you have examined your life using the measuring rod of God (The Ten Commandments) and you have come up short (and we all do)...then, I want to give you the opportunity right now to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ...and because I don't want you to think that this is all "me"...get a Bible to follow along. Now let's take a walk down the ROMAN ROAD.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin. We were born under the power of sin's control. First stop along the road- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..." Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain. Second stop along the road- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it. Third stop along the road- Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!" When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us! Fourth stop along the road- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!" Fifth stop along the road- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Sixth stop along the road- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door, ask Him to come into your heart.
Destination Salvation...Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death and enslavement by sin. God provides salvation for all who believe and accept His free offer of forgiveness. Mankind’s only hope of redemption from the fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son (blood that was shed as Jesus was beaten, and as He died on the cross). Jesus said in Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." - Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door? Are you ready to open your hearts door to Him and allow Him into your life? If so then there's just one thing you need to do: pray this very important prayer---
Dear God, I come to You according to Your Word and promise in Romans 10:9-10,13 which says, "That if you confess with your mouth ' Jesus is Lord ' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be Saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are Saved"..."for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be Saved". I know I have not lived my life for You. I'm sorry for my sins. I ask you NOW to forgive me and cleanse me. I ask that You wash away my sins with the precious blood of Jesus. I desire to turn from my sinful ways, and I ask, NOW, that You live Your Life in me. This moment, I give myself to You and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and I make Him Lord of my life.I give You my life and my heart and my soul. And NOW, according to Your Word, by Faith I AM SAVED. - AMEN
If you prayed that prayer...you were sin's slave, but now...You are a child of GOD! And I have a new baby brother or sister! WHOOHOO! Welcome to the family! Thanks be to Jesus and Praise His Holy Name! John 1:12 "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name!" If it's not too much to ask, please let me know if you have just prayed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour...send me a message or leave me a comment. I would love to pray for you.
Now that you have been saved...ask God to reveal Himself to you. Begin to read the Bible. A great place to start is in the Gospel of John and read what God says about Jesus, about you, and about being born again. The Bible says that we are to desire God's word like a newborn baby desires mother's milk.Aren't you hungry to know the truth? It may seem hard for you to understand at first, but stick with it. You have a Teacher and Guide...the Holy Spirit who will help you. Also, you need to look for and attend a local church where God's word is preached. Assembly and fellowship with other Christians is important in your learning and development as a Christian.
Another thing you need to consider is Water Baptism. This is one of the ways you first show that you have been joined to Jesus. This is an action, and actions will not save you. However, it is an act of obedience and a symbol of commitment. Jesus Himself was baptized in water, and He is our example. Here's what this act symbolizes--- When you go down in the water you show that you have been crucified and buried with Him (Jesus). And when you come up out of the water you show that you have been raised to walk with Him in newness of life. You are "resurrected in Christ...a new creature (person).
Some important chapters for you to read: * Romans chapter 6---You have been born again. * John chapter 3---Your body has become God's temple. Your heart is where He lives. Forgiveness is yours in Jesus and you belong to Him. * John chapter 17---Jesus prayed a prayer just for you before He died.
You will also need to read your JOB instructions...because brother/sister we've got work to do! The most familiar version of the Great Commission is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20. Please take time to read this.