Good Question...GREAT Answer

Question: "What is predestination? Is predestination biblical?"
Answer: Romans 8:29-30 tells us, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Ephesians 1:5 and 11 declare, “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Many people have a strong hostility to the doctrine of predestination. However, predestination is a biblical doctrine. The key is understanding what predestination means, biblically.
The words translated “predestined” in the Scriptures referenced above are from the Greek word proorizo, which carries the meaning of “determine beforehand,” “ordain,” “to decide upon ahead of time.” So, predestination is God determining certain things to occur ahead of time. What did God determine ahead of time? According to Romans 8:29-30, God predetermined that certain individuals would be conformed to the likeness of His Son, be called, justified, and glorified. Essentially, God predetermines that certain individuals will be saved. Numerous scriptures refer to believers in Christ being chosen (Matthew 24:22, 31; Mark 13:20, 27; Romans 8:33, 9:11, 11:5-7, 28; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 2:9; 2 Peter 1:10). Predestination is the biblical doctrine that God in His sovereignty chooses certain individuals to be saved.

The most common objection to the doctrine of predestination is that it is unfair. Why would God choose certain individuals and not others? The important thing to remember is that no one deserves to be saved. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23), and are all worthy of eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). As a result, God would be perfectly just in allowing all of us to spend eternity in hell. However, God chooses to save some of us. He is not being unfair to those who are not chosen, because they are receiving what they deserve. God’s choosing to be gracious to some is not unfair to the others. No one deserves anything from God; therefore, no one can object if he does not receive anything from God. An illustration would be a man randomly handing out money to five people in a crowd of twenty. Would the fifteen people who did not receive money be upset? Probably so. Do they have a right to be upset? No, they do not. Why? Because the man did not owe anyone money. He simply decided to be gracious to some.

If God is choosing who is saved, doesn’t that undermine our free will to chose and believe in Christ? The Bible says that we have the choice—all who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). The Bible never describes God rejecting anyone who believes in Him or turning away anyone who is seeking Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). Somehow, in the mystery of God, predestination works hand-in-hand with a person being drawn by God (John 6:44) and believing unto salvation (Romans 1:16). God predestines who will be saved, and we must choose Christ in order to be saved. Both facts are equally true. Romans 11:33 proclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

Craig's List, An Ocean of Opportunity

I love how gracious the Lord is when He points out how self focused I can be.  I get a little too excited about the great deals to be had and get a wee bit wrapped up in MY intentions in the moment.  My focus seems to shift.  I get somewhat of an addictive high when I find such good deals and unfortunately today's high came at the expense of another.  That high suddenly became such a huge huge low.

So to back up a bit...earlier today I found some AMAZING deals on Craig's list.  I was so excited for the price and the furniture I was about to get.  The prices were so fabulously low and I knew the potential they had, wa-hoo score for me.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new pieces.  The girls and I hitched the trailer and set out for our first stop.  I met a nice family, we swapped some stories, picked up the two new (old) dressers and off we went to our second stop.  As we pulled up to the next house I was on this high because things were going so well...thinking yea for me...and then...the good deal turned bad, so bad.  Pain struck my heart soon after the lady of the house opened the door.  She asked me to please excuse her mess of  a house, she was preparing to move.  Last Sunday this mother of five, not to much older than me, lost her husband suddenly.  She can't keep the house, she is scrambling to selling most of their stuff.  She and her five boys are moving in with her parents.  She shared that one of her sons wakes up screaming in the middle of the night for his daddy...another one looks up to Heaven begging Heaven to give his daddy back. 
A total stranger shared her grief stricken heart with another stranger. This trip to Gilbert today was not about a dresser...it was about an opportunity.

If you are reading this please take 2 minutes to lift this family up in prayer.  I have her contact info and I have a couple ideas that I am praying over that I would like to do for her.  I am not sure what God would have me do???  I am overwhelmed with her situation and all that she shared.  I cannot even fathom what she is going through but I do know that God can.  I know today was orchestrated by a Sovereign God who hears our cry.

Like I said, it was a gracious reminder to me that it's ALWAYS about Him...every single second of the day.  All of a sudden my trailer of worldly goods seem so. so. completely. unimportant.

If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.  Colossians 3:1&2

Did You Have a Dream?

I thought this was a great article.

Something that came to mind while reading this...

"God forbid something happens to your husband, make sure you have some education or something to fall back on."

Worldly wisdom or Godly wisdom?

We've been so inundated with so much worldly wisdom that it's so hard sometimes to know what Godly wisdom is. 

That's when we say..."Lord, I have heard so much...help me to set aside all that I have heard and teach me through your word what is from you.  Help me to discern well...open my eyes and give me Your wisdom."

"If any of you should lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

Decisions Decisions

This message couldn't be more timely for us.  We all have decisions to make in life and I have to say I am guilty in thinking it was God's trail of "bread crubs" that lead me to making the right decisions. 

I have to admit what he is talking about in the sermon is huge in the Church and I am guilty of it big time!!  Eye opening and life changing on how to make godly decisions.

Another Amazing Opportunity for the Duggars

My heart hurts for the Duggar family and I pray for healing, the only kind of healing God can bring. If I know the Duggar family, they WILL use this pain to encourage others. Glory will go to God, they will turn their hearts to the Lord, their children are going to learn first hand how Christians deal with pain through the example of their parents, their marriage will strengthen, and they will go on trusting the Lord with the size of their family. The most amazing thing...America will see a true and steadfast faith and how much peace we can truly experience in our most difficult times.  He is a faithful God and I have no doubt He is going to bring so much good out of all of this.  This opportunity IS His goodness.

What's My Reason?

He legitimately had every reason in the world to keep the change for himself. 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXL9vIUbWg   (just incase the video dosen't show up)

Michelle, You Truly Are One Of My Heros!!!!!

As most of you already know they are going to have their 20th baby....and I know most people will roll their eyes and say they are crazy.  With all the rolling of eyes and criticism she always returns the with understanding and truth.  Made me think of this...Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.  Philippians 2:14-16


I think God is soooooo good and I am so encouraged by this family.  I think all of Michelle answers were awesome in this video.  Obviously, 20 kids is not Gods plan for everyone but it amazes me to see how many kids they are raising up in the Lord and sending out into this world for Christ. 

This may sound offensive and really it's just a thought that passed through my head for a second......What if...it was the non-believers who closed their wombs and the believers who adopted more and left their wombs open to whatever God saw fit?  Honestly, it was a split second thought.  I wonder what the world would look like?  Don't get me wrong, I believe God is completely sovereign through it all...all of our fears and doubts.   

UPDATE...

We went out today to visit with our friends and they were gone.  We were sad but we totally trust God in this.  We prayed in the car that God would lead us...in particular, my heart was praying for Gabby. We were led to more new friends in need and had a chance to talk with them for a bit. Another sad situation...husband and wife on the streets. She was very protective of herself and stuff. Very little eye contact. It was evident she has had a hard past. She had some understanding about Christianity.  She has encountered some weird "god stuff" on the streets with others sharing and wanting to force things on them.  She did not want us to pray with them because of some "scary" expierences in the past but she did ask us to pray for them when we go home.  It was a great opportunity to share about the true Christ, His love for us, and the freedom He offers. It was really sad to see the way this lady viewed herself...almost unlovable.
Then it was a miracle what happened next. We started once again driving aimlessly around and we happen to see Curtis walking across the street and this was not a street that was close to where we had met him in the first place. I do not believe in coincidences or accidents! God is sovereign in EVERYTHING!  Curtis informed us that Gabby had a warrant out for her arrest and she was now in jail.  John too was arrested. Please pray. My friend and I are going to try to visit Gabby in jail this week. I do believe with all of my heart the Lord has lead us to her, just not sure why yet?  I just know that I want her to feel cared for  and most importantly that Christ cares! Please please pray if you are reading this!

Food Bags

A while back the girls and I, for a home school project, made food bags.  The girls wrote a verse on the bag, filled it with food and then we kept them in the car so we would always be prepared if we happen to come across someone in need.
We ran out of the bags a while ago and I had been really wanting to make more bags but had not got around to doing it.  This time though, not only did I want to make bags but I really had a desire to seek out those in need but was not sure what that looked like for the girls and I since it probably would not be safe for us to do on our own.  So I prayed about it.  Not to long ago I was having a conversation with a friend of mine in our home fellowship...she shared with me a similar desire.  So we bought some food, put our bags together and went out!  I can't tell you how much it blessed me!!!

I won't go into great detail but God did lead us to some precious people in need.  We have already visited them twice.  My husband went the second time to meet them.  If you are reading this right now please please say a prayer for Mary, John, Gabby, and Curtis.  Their situations are heart breaking.  All non related.  They just know each other from being on the streets.  To give you an example...Gabby graduated high school last year, she is from a broken home and is already out on the streets.  She is a very sweet girl with big dreams.  We had the privilege to share the Lord with them and pray over them.  We are very excited to go back and visit with them more.   As of right now they sleep in the back corner of an abandoned parking lot on blankets. 
The conversations we have had with our girls have been so deep, so eye opening and to hear them pray for these lost souls...there is nothing like it. 


I love love this song.  I can't even begin to tell you what it does in my heart.  When I was young I use to pray that it would not be the Lord's will for me to be a missionary (i know you all laugh cause you use to pray the same thing...well okay, not all of you).  Now, I would love it if He chose to send us.  I know you guys are giggling because you all know how much I love my make-up, home decorating and shopping....I can't begin to tell you really how much that stuff does not mean to me.  It means nothing to me but a little fun. There are times I despise all of that stuff when I think about the unfathomable number of people in need of Christ.  I don't want any of those earthly things to become waisted thoughts or time.  And I get it, it's not my stuff that is preventing lost souls from coming to Christ.  It humbles me though and I am so thankful for my blessings.  I don't deserve any of it.  Most importantly... I don't deserve my eternal destination. 

We are going to go back this week to visit our new friends.  Please pray for them...and for us.  I am not their savior...I cannot change their life (as much as my heart aches to provide for all their needs)...pray that we would share well with them and point them in the direction to the One who can.

UPDATE: 11/1/2011

We went out today to visit with our friends and they were gone.  We were sad but we totally trust God in this.  We prayed in the car that God would lead us...in particular, my heart was praying for Gabby.  We were led to more new friends in need and we had a chance to talk with them for a bit.  Another sad situation...husband and wife on the streets.  She was very protective of herself and stuff.  It was evident she has had a hard past.  She had some understanding about Christianity.  She has encountered some weird "god stuff" on the streets with others sharing and wanting to force things on them.  It was a great opportunity to share about the true Christ and the freedom He offers.  It was really sad to see the way this lady viewed herself...almost unlovable.  Then it was a miracle what happened next.  Driving aimlessly around we happen to see Curtis walking across the street and this was not a street that was close to where we had met him in the first place. I do not believe in coincidences or accidents! God is sovereign in EVERYTHING!  Curtis informed us that Gabby had a warrant out for her arrest and she was now in jail.  John too was arrested.  Please pray.  My friend and I are going to try to visit Gabby in jail this week.  I do believe with all of my heart the Lord has lead us to her.  I am not sure why but I want her to know we care and most importantly, Christ cares!  Please please pray if you are reading this!

Act 17:26

I think if things are ever going to look different it has to start in the Church.  I just recently heard a teacher speak on the topic of Race and even though her heart was in the right place and her intentions were to encourage unity, little did she know she accomplished the exact opposite!!  It broke my heart and actually started a fire within me.  Everything she said was so off and felt so wrong!  My heart was beating so hard I thought it was going to come out of my chest.  After the lecture was over, as insecure as I felt, I chose to speak with the teacher about some of the things that did not sit right with me.  She thanked me and then intellectually justified things.  As I drove home that morning the frustration inside of me grew and grew. 
Either the Church does not understand the theology of race or, not even realizing it, they have adapted to the cultures way of thinking including the terminology. We cannot expect unity if we think or act like the culture.  Think back to how you learned about Race?? School, movies, TV?  I know as a kid I did not learn from the Church.  The images I saw and the terminology that was used only created another generation of segregation. So incredibly sad!!  Thankfully I have come across some amazing pastors who have exposed the very poor teaching and proclaimed biblical truth.
There are some topics I really wish we heard the Church discuss more...Education, Race, and Adoption.  Very very important topics to the Church!
This video is such a great example of why even the church is slow to change in the topic of Race.  Segregation was accepted in the Church.  I hear my dad talk about growing up in it.  My Grandfather himself was very racist.  The crazy thing is, the Bible taught the same thing then as it does now.  What was up with these pastors back then and even now???  Seriously, THE CULTURE SUCKS and we the Church NEED TO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!



Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

For parents out there who desire to teach their children the truth about Race I highly recommend Answers in Genesis.  Search their site, so many great things for kids.  The girls and I are going through this right now and it's GREAT!!!

Here is a short video, right to the point..

A Must Must Watch!!!!!

Watch it to the end...but make sure you have tissue!!

Victor, a 9 year old, was in the hospital alone with cancer.  The Watters family was often on the same unit becasue their daughter too was dealing with a simular cancer.  The Watters family adopted Victor, cared for him, shared Jesus and loved him up until his death on September 7th, 2011. 


As another friend of ours shared on their blog..."A life with a soul is filled with so many blessings. I can't say (because I don't know this family), but I would guess that whatever struggles came with bringing Victor into their home (financial, emotional, etc.), were a pittance compared to the abundant blessings showered upon the Watters family from and through their five years of interactions with him.

Pilgrim's Progress

I know most of you are going to think I am a big dork for recommending this movie...but that's okay.  Most of you already think I am a dork LOL!

For some of your little right brain learners this is perfect.  It is a great visual.  SOOOO much to talk about, as you know, if you have already read the book.  My little right brainer has a hard time sitting and listening to a book, so for her this was perfect.  Now when we read the book she has a picture in her head and some understanding.  Some of you who have little boys would love this movie too.

And one more thing...this movie made me cry.  I'll say it myself... I am a dork LOL!!!  

If you have netflex you can get it there.

Things That Make You Go HMMMMM

You know when you get that unsettled deep down gut feeling that God is doing something.  Nothing is coincidental right?!?!?   It's almost like He is giving hints but I can't quite put the hints together??? 

"OKAY LORD, YOU'VE GOT MY ATTENTION...WHAT WHAT WHAT?"

I know, I know...wait. 
It's almost like a treasure hunt.

I am excited but I don't want to get excited because I don't even know what I am getting excited over.  kind of makes a person go nutty. 



btw...this CD is AWESOME.  The girls and I listen to it often.

I Really Love the Words to This Song

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Chorus

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Chorus

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Just Working Through Some More Pride

That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.  Ecclesiastes 1:9


Reminds me I am not alone.  I am not the only one.  And I guess it would be prideful for me to think I was...the only one.

Suppose we all were experiencing the same thing...what benefit would that be?  Well I guess it might make me feel better?  But that's not the point of our experiences. 

Many years ago I was dealing with years of infertility and then following that we were going through adoptions.  Seriously, at the time, I felt like I was the only one experiencing my thoughts, depression, and marriage issues.  I actually got angry at others and the Lord that I was the only one going through this. 

Of course I see now.  I realize I was so caught up in my emotions.  It really was, at the time, all about me.  I am so thankful for Gods mercy.  I am grateful that the Lord loves me so much to He help me get over myself and receive the gifts He had planned for me to receive in that time of pain.  I am also grateful He works it all together for His good...EVEN my selfish "I'm the only one" thoughts.    It has taught me how to share my experiences with others in a God honoring way, unlike before. When sharing I used to have thoughts running through my head like, "you wouldn't understand, or, you have no clue".  Totally prideful!  Then there were times I just didn't share at all in order to protect myself from what others may say because of their lack of understanding and then, I would get angry because I felt like I couldn't share.  I realize now, I don't always have to share!!!  Most of the time when I thought I was sharing really all I was doing was complaining, grumbling, and inviting you to my pity party and then when you did not appease my flesh I would get mad at you.  Ugh, such a vicious cycle!  Good grief, how is it that some of you still love me, LOL!!! 

The past has taught me to remove my expectations on others.  It's not always about them understanding my situation...it's about how Christ is working, it's about how good God is, despite the situation!!  It's about me trying to understand what God is teaching me and translating that to others so they may turn towards God in their situation.

So right now, to be honest with you, I feel like I am the only one who has children that dis-like each other.  Daughters who are sooooooooooooo mean to each other.  They act like they hate each other.  They fight and bicker all the time.  And I'm not talking about the typical toddler fights. Every time I turn around I swear they are yelling something so hateful to each other. Their facial expressions and body language is terrible!!!  I would like to blame it all on one particular child, and yes, she may need a little more help than the others, but we all need help in this area.  We don't all respond like we should due to stress levels and sometimes shock from what we are hearing come out of our child's mouth.

Back to the whole expectation/ entitled attitude thing.  I do realize I CANNOT expect my children to obey or be kind, loving and compassionate.  Even if that's what I try teach them ALL DAY LONG!  It's about directing their hearts towards the Lord and how their actions makes the Lord feel (not how mommy feels) so that they would want to please the Lord...not me.    It's about me going to the Lord daily and asking Him to get a hold of their little hearts and make the changes He needs to make.  In the mean time...I really want to pull my hair out!!!!!  Not to mention it's breaking my heart.  So if you feel lead, please pray for our hearts, our reactions responses and that we would be able to bring glory to Christ through our weaknesses.

Thanking God For His Mercy

I am passing on an article that is so raw, so authentic and so beautiful!  We over here have had our small (and I mean small compared so many out there) share of "after the airport" experience and continue to.  I can't tell you how grateful I am for those who chose to pray for us, love and encouraged us, even when you didn't understand what we were going through.  Heck we didn't understand what we were going through. 
I can't tell you how hard it was and how depressed I felt soon after our adoptions.  DID NOT EXPECT THAT!!! And the judging eyes or the subtle comments and sometimes not so subtle were so upsetting and made me feel like I was crazy not to mention made me feel SO isolated.  I truly felt like I was loosing my mind!!!  In part it was our fault because we shared so much of our frustration so openly and I think it shocked so many.  My goodness we were shocked too so I can imagine how we looked on the outside?!?!  I feel like I am in a good place now with all of that.  Judging eyes and the subtle comments don't phase me as much anymore.  God has provided me with safe places to share my crazy, loosing my mind kind of times with ones who understand, ones who know our hearts and ones we trust will speak truth in love and not judgement.  Don't you just love those safe places!!  God is so faithful!


If you know a young mommy who may be struggling with little ones or a mommy who has adopted or just a mom going through a hard time...encourage her, love on her, and remind her "she is following a God in this story who loves and restores... She will not remain exhausted and spent.  We are loved by a merciful Father."


And to the friend who shared this article...thank you for being a safe place.  You have and continue to encourage and love me through the times I feel like I am going to loose my mind.  Love you!!

Luke 22:32d

Truly Worth Your Time

I know most of us have busy lives (as a friend of mine puts it..."no time to fart left") (did I just say that???) anyway, if you ever get some time to sit and read, read this!!! 
Such an amazing testimony.  I promise it will encourage you to a greater faith.  It's like a great book...once you start, you won't be able to stop. 

Divided the Movie

http://www.dividedthemovie.com/#watchlink 

A young mans journey to find out why we are loosing our children.

A Tall Glass of Encouragement

Not that anyone noticed....and not that I expect anyone to notice but, this blog took a bit of a shift.  I went from sharing spiritual things...to sharing about my thrifty finds and the fun home projects I have been working on at home.  Not that that is a bad thing but if you could see my heart as the Lord does you would see that the shift was due to my lack of zeal, disappointments and very discouraged heart.  Don't get me wrong, I am going to keep up with my fun projects because I really enjoy them but I just have to say that my heart is in a better place.

Here is what I know, and what my heart is totally okay with...

Relationships are seasonal.
Relationships are purposed.
Sometimes they last and sometimes they don't.
Friends come and go. 
They are a gift to be enjoyed.
Friendship brings wisdom, love and comfort.
Friends share truth. 
Friends love you through the growth spurts.

Having said all of that...Here's what I also know,
Relationships were NEVER meant to end on a bad note.  Even though they are sometimes seasonal, God would never end a season on a bad note.  Although it does happen and God is so good to reveal so much to us in those times of separation, we as believers should never be okay with unreconciled, unresolved issues.  It should be a deep pain in our heart and soul until things, Lord willing, get resolved.

A good and very wise friend of mine encouraged me that when relationships goes through a rocky time it is very important to always (and I say all of this with a lot of !!!! because they are all so very important)...
1.  WAIT, Be Patient!!!
2.  While you are waiting, ask the Lord to reveal what He needs to reveal!!!! (Usually the issue that caused the break is not the real reason for the break...God allowed the break to happen so that He could reveal the real heart issues.)  If you continue to focus on the "issue" you will miss it all.
3.  Commit to Pray for restoration, even if your heart is not there yet!!!
4.  Think the best of that person!!!!! (so hard!!!) 
and then most importantly, TRUST that the Lord IS doing good work.

Even though I knew all of that to be truth my impatient heart began to hurt so bad from some spiritual battles in my life that I became soooo discouraged and depressed. 

Literally last night and this morning I told the Lord that I felt like my heart could not handle it anymore, that my heart desperately needed some encouragement.  I asked him this morning to heal one of those spiritual battles in my life.  That afternoon He did more than that.  He not only restored a friendship, He made it stronger than before.  Pride was washed away, Satan's lies were revealed, pain was totally removed, hearts were completely encouraged and truth prevailed.  And because of what was done on the cross, there was complete restoration.

Needless to say...I AM TOTALLY ENCOURAGED!!! 

God's work is...... SOOOO GOOD.  and I say that like I was completely! and utterly! dehydrated! and the Lord just poured me a nice big, huge, over flowing, refreshing cold one. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.    of course I am talking about a drink of water ;)

He Pretty Much Nails It

Your Knowledge is limited to what God has revealed...It helps keeps us in our place.