bookofvessels's Xanga

Sometimes you just need better shoes...

Mon, 18 May 2009 23:35:58 GMT

I woke up this morning with mixed feelings...one thing I made sure to do was thank God for my job. I forced myself to be grateful of my blessings -which is to have a job that I more than not like to do. That was supposed to be helping me get up and ready for work; be positive! I slept pretty well. Anyhoo I was driving to work brainstorming about where I could work-lol. Maybe a part time job could work? Hmmm...Kolh's is right around the corner? Then something on the Christian radio station (880 am) caught my attention. He was talking about what to say to people when they're going through difficult valleys or even yourself. I knew I needed this because I feel I don't always know how to comfort. Well, anyway he was saying sometimes we as people pray for an easier path, but sometimes we should pray for "stronger shoes." I was like wow God I keep praying about coming home and I gotta be home now! So right then and there I prayed for "stronger shoes." I prayed that He would give me enough patience, love, and will to be able to work each day until another door opens for me. Sometimes we don't know what God is doing, we don't know what is being worked out, or how His plans are going to change us for the better. I believe each hardship and trial tests and works out our faith. The whole being of faith is that we cannot see it and still we believe. Life is not always smooth & is not always in our favor but I believe with the attitude and fight; it can build up character and continue to refine a person over & over. Then we'll really have the faith that we can conquer anything through Christ Jesus. So instead of focusing on me (as usual) I'm going to just pray that however God wants to use me, so be it and that His time is the Best time and I trust what He's doing because........

In every situation of life, God is already at work before I get there. He is working creatively, strategically, & redemptively fo rmy good and His glory. He's not only with me now, He's already way up the road ahead of me. While I am struggling with the problems of today, God is at work providing solutions for the things I am going to face tomorrow. He's already there, working creativly in situations I have yet to face, preparing them for me and me for them....

Do you pray for our president?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:35:09 GMT

How do you identify yourself?

Christian

How does this describe you?

It means that I have placed my trust in Jesus, believing that I need to be saved and he is the only one that can save me. It also means that I have acknoweldged him as Lord, therefore i choose to obey his words

It oftens seems that when people identify themselves as "something"-Christian, Muslin, Athiest, Diest, etc. people often will watch you and put you under the headlights..would you agree?

Yes, I think they should.

Why is this?

Because it helps you remain accountable. It kinda keeps you on your toes when you know that people hold you to a certain esteem, and it helps you stay focused on actually being a Christian.

But this is different than the pharasaical way. I'm talking about genuinely seving Christ in front of the world, not serving Christ only when eyes are watching.

Well let me ask you, as a Christian, is your way the only way? Because you mentioned the world?

Well, Jesus said He is the Way, truth and life, and nobody comes to the Father but by him. He also says that he is the door, and many other things like this. He is making it clear that there is only one way to be saved, and that way is only through Jesus.

That's interesting you mentioned Jesus saying He is "the Life." How do you draw the line when it comes to abortion? Is that a life to you?

Yes it is. God had us on His mind before we were born. I think it is sad that our society tries to argue when life begins, or when it doesnt begin.

Do you understand that this is a touchy subject because of women's rights? Women want their right to choose what's right for them?

It definitely is a touchy subject. I think that instead of forcing women to have children, we (the Church) needs to love them. We need to give them hope, we need to make them aware that they have more options, and ultimately we need to be prepared to adopt some of these children. Instead of condemning them outside of abortion clinics we need to be willing to step out of our comfort zones to help them.

It is easy to say "Dont have an abortion," but it is completely different to love the unborn child enough that you will want to take that child into your own home.

Meshach, because you've said your way is the only way based on the bible....do you try to bring people to your way? If so, how?

I do, part of the Great Commission in Matt. 28 is to go and make disciples. I don't do it as much as I ought too. However, when I do I like to engage them in thoughts about life. I like to see how the conversation is going so that when I bring Jesus into it, they dont feel bombarded. The Bible says that He who wins souls is wise, so we definitely need to be about the business of winning souls, but we also need to make sure we use wisdom in our approach.

Have you found it difficult? Why do you think this is?

Sometimes I find it difficult, especially if I don't know the person. But when it comes down to it, it is something that we have to do. If we say that we love our brothers and sisters then it is necessary to give a champions effort in trying to lead them to Christ. At first it is very difficult because people ask all types of questions that we are unprepared for, but the more you witness the more prepared you will be. And to add something else, it is not just the going and telling, but it is the interceding for them before God. Because ultimately it is God that saves, not us. So if we really want to see our friends and neighbors come to Christ we will witness to them in word and deed, and we will also pray for them continually. I think this is the meaning of the parable Jesus gives in the beginning of Luke 13.

Just out of curiousity…Do you pray for our president?

I pray for him weekly. He has a tough job that I would never want to do, and he needs as much prayer as he can get.

Hmmm.did you vote for him?

Yes.

Despite the fact that he was for abortion?

Yes, there were other issues out there that I considered. When I looked at all the issues I decided he was the better candidate. I don't think it is wise to vote or not vote for someone because of one singular issue.

Do you feel Jesus would have voted based on the candidate's beliefs?

I don't presume to know what Jesus would do.

Of course not but I assume you read your bible and some of the issues were in there, or no?

Of course. Issues like social justice, abortion, war, and many others. When comparing the candidates and looking at how they would resolve certain issues, I tended to like President Obama's solutions more than Senator McCain.

Fair enough...any last words to the world?

Yes, read your Bible and pray everyday. Also make sure you are listening to good preaching. I suggest Alistair Begg, who is at truthforlife.org... PEACE

Meshach Kenyion, seminary student/Father

Not religious

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:20:40 GMT

How do you identify yourself? Religious?

Im not religious. My beliefs are a way of life. Christ is real to me. A crucifix or some traditional ritual do not explain my relationship with God.

So Nijel, have you been following the recent news with Miss California?

Yes, I have

What are your views?

I think that she did an awesome job sharing her faith and not being intimidated by the whole world watching her. It shows a lot about her character and faith as Christian believer.

So do you believe marriage is intended for one man and one woman?

Absolutely, That was God's original and perfect plan for mankind and no one should ever try to change it.

Well what would you say to a close friend or family member if they were choosing to have a same sex partner? If anything….

God never intended them to be that way and that he can heal and change them. Its a mental and demonic influenced stronghold that can be broken. Everything is subject to the blood of Christ and can be removed by his power. God is a restorer to all who receives him. If you reject his plan, you reject salvation and receive eternal separation. He doesn't want that for you. He is a God of his word and he loves you. He doesnt want to lose you.

Soooo you tell homosexuals this in person????

I haven't clearly had an open opportunity to convey this message to someone who has openly told me that they were homosexual. A lot of homosexuals don't outright tell you, but you know that they are caught up in a different lifestyle. I continue to pray for more boldness and wisdom to address the situation with homosexuals at appointed times.

So how you draw the line then since you're praying for more boldness....with befriending the world and being of the world?

The word says that evil communication, corrupts good manners. If you have a geniune relationship with God, you should not feel comfortable saying or doing everything that a non-believer does. You should stand out without trying to. Jesus was fruitful in his ministry. When Jesus was amongst the world, there was fruit that followed. If you are a believer and have being sharing casual company with any non-believers then eventually one will overtake the other.

So whats your stance on drinking and cussing? Many people find no wrong in doing these things, (many have said it’s not in the bible that you shouldn’t cuss) sometimes a night out is just a night out full of casual fun.

Scriptures clearly states to not be conformed to this world and and to present our bodies as living sacrifices, not taking part in strong drink. Scripture clearly states that drunkards should not inherit the kingdom of God. I do not believe that a spirit believer can be comfortable partaking in worldly matters without feeling any conviction. In most cases, the secular community prohibit profane language in public, that should tell you something. People do not like to feel like they are being judged. They justify their actions because of their fleshly desires to do what ever they feel. Clearly they are blind to sin and do not understand spiritual things. They need to be enlightened and shown that they are condemned by the law. The word says that if one man breaks one law, that he is guilty for violating all of them. Regardless of the gray areas, man has to be reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ. The only way to achieve that is Romans 10:9

Well, you say it's in the bible...Do you feel many people do not believe that the words in the bible are the actual words from God Himself?

Yes. I agree. We have to be enlightened to the truth. It’s easy to sin, just be yourself. Lol. I Corinthians 5:17 says that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things pass away and behold all things have become new. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. All are on the "Road to Damascus" until we are confronted with truth. It’s easy for someone to say that the bible was written by a man. II Tim. 3:16 explained how scripture was given by inspiration by the Holy Spirit. Again, our own flesh wants to analyze what is right in our own eyes.

Thank you.

Nijel Mills, 27, Recovery Specialists

Talking with a Christian man......

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:37:35 GMT

How do you Identify yourself? Spiritual? Christian?

~I label myself a believer, a Christian, redeemed, saved, whatever the Bible says I am as a result of repenting and trusting in Christ.

Ok so lets begin with today's news....how do u feel about the recent Miss California controversy?

~The Miss Cali "controversy" is only controversial because we live in a world that rejects God. I don't really feel anything about it, its just sad to see how little people care about how GOD feels about these issues. The attack is always on the person, not God.

So then how do u explain the issue of homosexuality..bc I've read blogs where homosexuals have come to terms that God accepts them for who they are.

~Homosexuals who have come to terms with "god" accepting them for who they are are not Christians. The only way to define Christianity is to apply the Christ standard according to the Word of God...the Bible. If a person is homosexual and states that God is pleased with them in that lifestyle, does not serve the God of the Bible, neither do they serve a real god. They have made their own "god" to serve themselves and their own ideas so they do not have to submit to the idea of them being wrong...a very sad thing that a LOT of people on this earth (especially in the US) do everyday. You either serve God or you serve yourself.

Is it hard for you to tell people they are in sin? Or how do you go about doing so?

~Its a humbling thing, so yes it can be difficult to let someone know that theyre in sin. I try to only go there when the opportunity presents itself...I consider myself to be a honest person, a blunt person, so I make sure its clear when I do let em know.

I have found that people say a lot they are being judged by others esp. by Christians....what do u say to this?

~Most of the people who say that they are judged by Christians don't know what "judgement" means in the context of when they're using it. Its just the easiest defense. Once again, the anger/agression is toward the person speaking the Word of God rather than the Bible itself.

So Taelor, What do you think is the #1 reason why people dont come to Christ?
~I think the #1 reason people don't come to Christ is because they don't Love Jesus.

Looking at our nation today and the types of things you might find on tv that you might not have seen years ago....do you agree with the people that these are the last days?

~I absolutely agree on the fact that these are the last days.

How do you explain "the last days" to an unbeliever or someone who has never read the bible?

~I probably wouldn't use the "last days" as a draw card to win people to Christ personally, because you have to be Biblically sound in that area to expound on it on the spot. I'm not, but I know the signs of the times and some Scripture to support them...Im just not good enough with it to use it as part of a witnessing tactic.

Tell me then...what's heavy on your heart? What saddens you?

~What's heavy on my heart is the fact that people just don't care about God and that His Son's sacrifice means NOTHING to them in the sense that they won't live for Him.
Its sad to me to see the separation that following Jesus causes between me and people I have always known and Loved...I pray God becomes a rescuer to them so our fellowship is an eternal one, not one that separates different ways after we die.

Name: Taelor Gray

Age:24

Profession: Customer Care

Please

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:25:51 GMT

"Each day I watch you wishing you would know me. You say you do, you tell others you believe I'm me, but child you don't Know me. You haven't realized that if you truly love me, you would follow my comandments. You would believe my Words. I'm not filled with anger by you, yet I am saddened. I am filled with compassion that you walk day to day head down low. You smile, you laugh but you know not Joy unspeakable. You don't know that the Joy I give you stays within you despite what's going on in the world. You don't know I sent my only son, Jesus to bring you an abundant Life. You live a settled life purchased by the world, but one without any peace. That life has no promises, no security, no guarantees. It is an empty life. A dead-end. My love asks 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. I don't ask that you stop your fun, I created fun to be guilt-free. Just put Me first. Allow me to steer your wheel & I promise I will never steer you in the wrong direction for I am All-Knowing. I knew you in your mother's womb child, I know all of your hearts' desires. I promise to never leave you feeling empty, not the way they have left you. You have a hurt inside, a void and only I can fill that, only I can lift that hurt. How can you know how to Love? How do you expect to be loved, when you don't know Love? I am Love. No one has ever shown you this love. An unconditional love that you don't even deserve, but yet I watch and wait for you. I wait for you to trust me with your life & give me your heart. I wait for a relationship with you, until then you will never truly know what it is to LIVE. Let me order your steps, let me bless you, let me LOVE on you! You can cast ALL your cares on me because my burden is light. I can deliver you from every hurt & pain. I can show you YOU. Please invite me in your life, for it was I who predestined it according to my purposes and will. I will pick you up off the floor & strengthen you...I am the ultimate comforter. I am the Guiding Light.....I am your Heavenly Father. I love you."

Deliverance

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:00:31 GMT

Many people have never experienced the presence of God-like His true being, His comforting touch, His security and most of all LOVE. Most of my life has been involved with God in some form or fashion. We dibbed & dabbed with the catholic church & jehovah witness, maybe baptist? So I've been praying for awhile now, but I truly Encountered Him for the first time in 2004. There's a huge difference between praying to Him and going about your daily life, asking Him for help from jam to jam -And- encountering Him, relying on Him day to day. Well, ever since I really found Him things haven't been the same. Each day hasn't been perfect & in some ways it's been harder because I live with conviction and can't enjoy the things I use to the same. I don't enjoy lying or cheating, letting people down, or not being kind to people. I say all this because recently I went through a really, really hard time; a Rough time. I'm sure most mothers do especially first time mothers...not only did I taste a form of depression, but I also..how do you say? Ummm ignored God? I don't know, something was going on between us. As I said I know firsthand His word is real and alive and it can bring Life to its readers, but I refused to open my Word & continued to slide downward. I'd say for the last 5 weeks., So last week I finally opened it up- I finally put down all my negative thoughts, my zombie ways, and bitterness. Why was I avoiding it before? I don't know, but I do know it hasn't been the same since. I haven't shed a tear since that day & it's been over a week. No more bed confinement, or sluggish moments. I've been reading and really grabbing hold to His promises...James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He Will draw near to you." I've recently relived this scripture and made it come alive or rather God brought it alive for me.. so yes I'm doing much, much better. I am a child of God! I don't have to trudge through the mud! I've been laughing and enjoying my days. I don't ever want to look back at those dark days..Don't get me wrong-we will encounter trials & harships, but I will Never go through them without my God; His love & grace. I've had a break through like never before & I'm so appreciative of His love and backing. I encourage all to latch on to Him, why do it all on your own? It just doesn't make sense It didn't make sense when I did it. Get on your knees and call out! Call out to Him and ask Him into your life, cast all your cares on Him..ever since I did, my burden's been so much lighter

Wow even more

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:29:44 GMT

So at this point I really just want to QUIT! The way my body hurts, my emptiness...can I just make it stop???My mom encouraged I quit and then felt bad that others were encouraging me to press through. I called another close woman in my life to vent to, didn't mean to cry...(don't forget my breast hurt hurt ) I guess I was looking for a way out? Someone to say it's ok. You see as I've said before it's not that I feel guilty for my baby, I feel guilty that I didn't believe. I mean in my mind I don't see how God could create something that I can't even do? I can't wrap my mind around. I don't want to quit..But I do.... So anyhow my other mother said it would be okay to stop and for my sanity I gotta take care of myself. She thought I wasn't taking care of my health and body., which I'm not. I starve for most of the day and am bedridden (not really). So shortly after I visit my family and learn my symptoms are caused from mastitis, an infection of the breast. Okay I'm done for real now. Is this my way out? Sent from God? (lol, i can laugh now). It's just too much now. So many thoughts going through my mind, I just want to end it, it's not worth all this. I know my cousin didn't want me to quit, but I was just going out of my mind. When I got home, she helped me try to unplug my milk ducts with warm compresses for the pain. It felt good, but I was still confused. I visualized by next week, no more pumping, no more worrying where I'm going to be and do I have enough milk for him, etc. Well I nursed him again . Okay so maybe I'll start the process of termination-lol tomorrow, clean slate. Well, baby ate at 12:30 then at 5:30. Thanks God, you made it easy right on time. Today I woke up with an extra kick, maybe a hint of hope. My body felt a lot better, I had enough energy to take him a bath. AND I nursed again. Instead of an hour it's been 40 minutes. My breast is feeling better and hes starting to nurse alittle longer on that side....so I say all this to say today has been good, I'm still in the race and He's pushed me through another week.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7

Wow

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:36:45 GMT

Wow! First thing I can say is wow. Yes I know, I haven't even been able to get back on Xanga, you would think I had all the time in the world-and the one day I had a couple hours to myself, I didn't know what to do with myself...okay so first off I planned on writing something really positive this past Sunday, butttt I haven't been able to get on here. After going to church for the first time in wks, our First Lady spoke on patience and not giving up. I felt like she was speaking to my situation. So I'm like "yea I can do this!" Alrighty come Tuesday I start to get really exhausted and I had chills. I was freezing. So Wednesday comes and I don't even know what happened but I felt terrible. I didn't get out of bed until 10 o'clock. I cried on my baby boy's little face and he smiled. I don't know what happened? I didn't want to talk to anyone, I felt achy and really almost worthless. I know reading the bible, God would show me something that would speak life but I didn't even want to do that. So thursday comes along and what do you know? I'm freezing again and I'm achy....I don't want to get out of bed. Well, I do because it makes me feel even more sick to be in my room all day but I'm so exhausted. I just didn't feel well at all. I was supposed to babysit but I couldn't. My son needs a bath so bad but I just don't have the energy. So I don't have babysit, but I don't know what's wrong with me? My head hurts, my back, and I have a fever. My cousin ends up coming over and takes my son for me. Okay so I really don't feel relieved, I still don't have energy. Yea, I couldn't even get on here. I didn't know what to do with myself, I went to sit on the porch and get some sunlight-nope too cold. All I did was take a shower. I really felt like being around people because I don't want to isolate myself, I know that can be dangerous to feelings of depression. By 6:30, my stomach is aching because all I've had was cereal at 10 am. My body feels so beat up, I feel like nothing. I went to subway but I just sat in my car for like 20 minutes just thinking. Plus, it was warm in my car and I still have goosebumps. So, at this point I really.......to be continued

Another Journey

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:29:00 GMT

The last journey I was on here speaking about was my journey to lose weight-funny. Since then, I had a gorgeous baby boy. Sunday he will be a month old. Soooo I had No idea what motherhood would be like..yes it's only a month but it's been a journey already. Spiritually I would say my faith is being challenged. The scripture says, I can do ALL things through Christ Jesus-who strengthens me. Yes strengthens. I go back and forth feeling trapped, feeling zombie-like. It's funny because just yesterday I told a friend things are settling & starting to feel "normal." I'm breastfeeding because I know God created it that way-not saying similac is wrong, but for me personally I wanted to do it that way. He put milk in us for our babies & i just think it's beautiful...anyhow it's been tough Just when I think I'm getting better I'll have a down day (like today) and I just want to quit. Man how I wish I could just "make" him a bottle, take 20 out to feed him and be on my way. I hate complaining & I guess this is why I've chosen to come back to my writing ways. I've had a lot of my chest that I feel writing helps me to vent & even therapeutic as I write. I don't want to quit breastfeeding, I want to do it for my baby-I want to believe that God has given me what it takes to get through it...He only gives us what we can handle and believe it or not: we've been equipped. Okay so I'm believing in that <---- smile and speaking "I can do this" into existence....

I used to love H.I.M

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:05:18 GMT

I was young when we 1st met-I thought he was interesting, but I wasn’t really “attracted” to him. I wanted to be nice, so I kept him as a friend.

Over time, we had different interests so now we were distant associates. I talked to him every now and then I have to admit he was such a good friend. He listened better than any of my other friends. He didn’t seem to mind that much that I didn’t give him a whole lot of my time. At least he didn’t complain to me about it. He was always forgiving and welcoming each time I came to him.

I look back on how I only went to him when I was sad or needed something, but even then he was there. I could tell he liked, well loved me. You could just tell by the way he listened, the way he provided for me, when I wasn’t even his. Still, I just didn’t love him the same way.

He tells me now, he kept his faith the whole time, for many years. He knew I was meant to be with him. Talk about patience. I know I frustrated him. I took his kindness and never thought to return the love. I finally told him I loved him, but still I wasn’t ready to give him all of me. I didn't want to "be" with Him. Sadly I figured he'd always be around regardless. His love was too easy, I wanted to go after the challenge, win another’s love.

So while I was in battle with “them,” I selfishly kept my friend around, on the side of course. He knew, but he loved me; so he remained. We would argue sometimes. He asked me how could I tell him that I love him, but continue to hurt him. Continue to give him half of me? Hold back from him. I didn’t mean to hurt him. I mean I wanted him around, we had known each other for sooo long. I could always count on him. But it wasn’t enough to surrender to him. I wanted the Best of Both Worlds. His comfort & security, but “their” pleasure & excitement.

So my friend remained loyal, he waited some more. He kept giving me things when I needed, kept listening, kept loving me. And I continued to chase after my men, getting by with their settlements for me. You know when someone gives you just "enough" to get by, just to keep you around.

Well, not to my friend’s surprise, my men disappointed me for the last time. Weakened me until I thought I had nothing else to give. I was exhausted. Even though my friend was waiting with open arms to pick up my broken pieces, I didn’t run that fast to him. Eventually I knew we would be together, but I still had feelings for my ex. Still had hope, that maybe I could be that One to save him. I was nervous, too. If I got with him, would that be it? Just me and him? No one else, no more fun?

I had to think about it some more.

Day by day, week by week, I was starting to fall….I started to see how much he loved me, how long he had waited for me. Who else was going to show me his consistency and loyalty?

Then I knew it was meant to be. The time had slipped by so fast, I didn’t even had time to notice how fulfilled I was with just Him. I didn’t need anyone else after all. No other man. I was tired of dating, tired of battling. More than anything, I was tired of using my friend, taking from him. After all, I love Him. I want to give to him the way he gives to me. Back my "I love you’s" with actions. So, I’m ready to be in a committed RELATIONSHIP with you….

* I still love H.I.M