Thought for Today

It helps to remember this verse when being tempted. No temptation is strong enough that we can't walk away from it.

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
~I Corinthians 10:13

Confused at God's Purpose

Have you ever wondered why God put you in a particular circumstance? I don't mean a random occurence, I mean when you know that you've followed God's plan and you still have no idea what the purpose was. I hope that makes sense.

I'm in such a place right now. God called us to a place for a short amount of time. We uprooted our family and we worked so hard while we were there. It was exhausting. Now, we're moving on and I'm happy about it, but I'm left wondering why God would call us to a place for such a short time.

Have you ever felt this way?

Satan's On My Back Tonight

Tonight I feel like a failure
Satan is all over my back
He's bringing up dirt he has on me
And I'm under such attack

He knows the wrongs I've done
And the mistakes I've made
He's using them to hinder me
In my guilty thoughts I wade

I know that Jesus loves me
And I know that He died for me
I love Him and I serve Him
I'm clinging to His truths to set me free

Satan has no hold on me
I'm clinging to those thoughts
I know tomorrow will be better
I just have to remember the cross

2008 copyright by me

Happy Veteran's Day!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 33:12

Obama is Not the AntiChrist

Obama's charisma and ability to pull the wool over people's eyes sure does leave a lot of people with the chills. He certainly does give me the creeps and he leaves me wondering of his role in end of time events. However, we must be truthful and obedient and seek God's word in this matter, rather than spreading rumors. Check out his article at Pursuing Holiness.

Four Biblical Prophecies That Show Obama is Not the AntiChrist

Glory in the Highest - Chris Tomlin

So Disappointed

I have listened to Ray Boltz's songs for years. Some of them are tried and true and have hung on for years. I've listened to them, played them over and over again in my car, and sang them in church. I've even linked to one of them on my blog. There's just something about the touching lyrics of his songs.

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb, with all my strength, with all I am.
I will seek to honor His command. I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.

Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

Keep me near the cross. Near the cross. May I never stray so far that I cannot see what flowed down for me at the foot of the cross.

Today I opened an email and learned that Ray Boltz has publicly announced he's living a homosexual lifestyle. It's easy for some to point their finger of shame at him. It's also easy for others to point their finger at me and call me judgmental. That's your choice, but that's not the point of all this. My heart is truly grieved for him and his family.

You see, Ray Boltz is the father of four children and he was married to his wife for 33 years before officially divorcing his wife this year. Personally, I can't imagine what I would do if something like this were to happen to my family. It would be devastating for sure.

Not only was he a father and husband, but as I said earlier, he well known for his songs and the lyrics to his songs. I am disappointed that he has chosen to break up his family, to follow a sinful lifestyle, and also that he has destroyed his testimony and condoned the homosexual lifestyle.

I certainly am not living my life to please others, so if stones are cast my way because I speak the truth, that's fine. I can live with it. I'm just sitting here wondering how his choices are going to affect others and their choice.

If you're interested, here's a link to a ministry that helps homosexuals. Stephen Bennett was a homosexual for many years before turning his life over to Christ. He has an amazing testimony.

Oh How He Loves Us

Cardboard Testimony

I originally had the video from GodTube posted, but the sound was not good. Here's the one from YouTube. Enjoy!

Thought for Today

The Christian life is not a way "out" but a way "through" life.

Rev. Billy Graham

Help Provide Bibles for U.S. Troops

I received this email today from Focus on the Family:

Campus Crusade for Christ's Military Ministry recently received the following note:

"I am a chaplain in the Army preparing to deploy with my infantry battalion of approximately 800 soldiers. I have no Bibles or resources as I have just taken over this battalion. They just returned from Iraq this past November and are already returning again ... Whatever you can do to help in resources would be greatly appreciated."

As this chaplain's note highlights, there remains a tremendous need for God's Word, especially as more troops deploy. We continue to receive requests for an average of 15,000 to 20,000 Rapid Deployment Kits per month--each one containing a pocket-sized New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, a daily devotional and a booklet that clearly shares the Gospel. Learn how you can help place these Bible and devotional kits into the hands of our troops.

Thank you for your support and prayers for our troops.

Click here for more information.

It is Well with My Soul

Very touching and inspiring!

Fields of Grace

There's a place that I love to run and play
There's a place that I sing new songs of praise

Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace

There's a place that I lose myself within
There's a place that I find myself again

Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace

There's a place where religion finally dies
There's a place that I lose my selfish pride

Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancin' with my Father God in fields of grace

I love my Father, my Father loves me
I dance for my Father, my Father sings over me
And nothing can take that away from me!

Obama Has "A Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible"

"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology," Dobson said. Added Minnery: "... He is dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."

Obama is definitely taking Old Testament laws out of context and then he suggests that we're the ones that aren't reading our Bibles? He's the one that needs to read the Bible! When are people going to see through this man? Obama is twisting scriptures from the Bible for HIS OWN GAIN!

Chonda Pierce - "Dwelling Places"

I've seen Chonda Pierce in concert twice. Both times were incredible. She has a great way of mixing in comedy with the message. Enjoy!

God Uses Ordinary People

You don't have to be a celebrity to be used by God. Even if you aren't beautiful or smart, don't have a good job, didn't go to college, and can hardly read, God can still use you.

Just look at David. He was a shepherd. The prophet came to David's house to ask his dad for a king. No one thought to bring out David because he was just a simple shepherd.

1 Samuel 16
Samuel Anoints David
1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long
will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
2 But Samuel said, "How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me."
The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate."
4 Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"
5 Samuel replied, "Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me."
Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel,
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is Yours

My whole life I place in Your hands
God of mercy humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne

I called; You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are

My whole life I place in Your hands
God of mercy humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne

I called; You answered
and You came to my rescue
and I wanna be where You are

In my life,
be lifted high.
In our world,
be lifted high.
In our love,
be lifted high.

I called; You answered
And You came to my rescue
And I wanna be where You are

As We Worship . . .

Sometimes when we worship, we're looking for a feeling. Was the lighting right? Was the volume right? Did the band sing songs that I liked? Let's remember that when we worship, it's not about us. It's about Him. This is an amazing video to remind us of our focus.

Money Trees, Plaques, and Windows

We visited a new church last night. It was a mixture of mostly traditional with a bit of contemporary mixed in. I was thankful that the pastor wasn't wearing a suit and tie and that the people were dressed modestly, yet casual.

There were stained glass windows in the auditorium. They weren't even outside windows. They were there for decoration with a light behind them. I guess these were just for looks. At the bottom of each window was someone's name. The names were actually a part of the window and not on a plaque.

Churches are full of these kinds of things - money trees, bricks, stained glass windows, plaques - all with names of recognition for good deeds. I want to remind us of Jesus said. This is from Matthew 6:1-4.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Let's be careful not to get caught up in praise and recognition for the things we've done. It is easy to get wrapped up into these things.

Jesus Paid It All - Kristian Stanfill

This song is awesome! Jesus paid it all for us.

A Little Humor for You

A little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race appear?"

The mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so was all mankind made."

Two days later the girl asked her father the same question.
The father answered, "Many ages ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved."

The confused girl returned to her mother and said, "Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?"

The mother answered, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."

Psalm 23 for the Work Place

Someone sent this to me in an email.

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without

murmuring and complaining.

He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.

He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop--- for He is with me!

His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.

He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.

He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check His retirement plan beats any 401k there is!

When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!

Everything Glorious by David Crowder

The David Crowder Band is one of my favorite bands. Enjoy!

Cultivate Joy

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

Serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13b

Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. I Peter 4:10

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy. Psalm 116:11a

Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11

Thoughts for Today

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

My Testimony

It is a blessing to have been raised by Christian parents that strived to follow the Lord. I can never remember not going to church. Of course, going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, but because of my upbringing I became aware of my need for salvation at a very early age.

I was six years old when I realized that I needed to make a commitment to Christ. I remember asking my mom exactly what I needed to do to be saved. She told me to pray and ask Jesus into my heart. I guess that’s the simplest way to explain it to a six-year-old child.

I was never a child that got into too much trouble. I can remember at four years old thinking about the consequences for my actions and my future and what I would tell my children someday. It’s kind of funny to think about that now.

Over the years I have recommitted my life to Christ many times. Now that I look back upon my younger years, I realize that many of my recommitments were out of fear, guilt, or a feeling of God not being close. I was raised in a legalistic church and it seemed as though many times the pastors and/or evangelists would use manipulation and guilt to have large altar calls.

At the young age of 12, I started to become involved in music ministries of the church. It started with playing the piano for the children’s choir, then the adult choir, and finally as assistant pianist.

I married at the young age of 19. We were so young and immature. Within 2 years of being married, my husband accepted the call into the ministry. It was almost mind boggling to think that God could choose us for His good. I tried to wrap my mind around the idea that God chose us out of all the millions of people in the world. Now I realize that we’re all called and that we’re all equally important; we’re just given different jobs for His plan.

Moving away from my hometown and my parents was really hard for me, but it was also good. It helped me to become more independent and to formulate my own belief of who God is. I was finally able to take God out of the box, so to speak, and realize that I did not have to live in constant condemnation. All of my trials and journeys have taken me into a deeper relationship with God. I’m not chasing a feeling; I’m chasing a relationship with my Father. I don’t serve Him out of fear or guilt, but because I love Him and all that He has done for me.

Shortly after my husband accepted his call from God, we began serving in youth ministry. Just three years later, God called us to sell half our possessions and move to Bible college. We became more involved in ministries there and branched out into serving in children’s church and an inner-city ministry for teens. Over the last six years, my husband and I have been involved continuously in youth ministry. We want to do what we can to reach teenagers. We want to show them that God loves them and that there are people in this world that love them. We want to show them how much better our lives are for choosing to serve Him.

I’m not a person that has a dynamic story of how God brought them out of the pits of hell and from a life of drugs and alcohol to save them. Nevertheless, I was just as lost as all those people until I found my Savior. Living for God was the best decision I ever made. I have such peace and joy in serving Him. I know that no matter what happens in my life that God will be there for me. My husband and I have been married for over 13 years and I have seen God’s hand upon our lives. It is amazing to look back now and see all the ways that He has directed us.

What is your testimony? If you'd like, leave a link to it below in the comments.

My Life Lately

Life has just been a bit crazy lately. We're going through a lot of changes and just praying about what God wants us to do. There could be a possible move in our near future. We're busy working on our house in case we need to sell it.

I haven't been so desperate in my attempts to know Him. Life gets in the way our relationship with Him. He's always waiting for us. I don't mean that I've lost my passion for God. I love Him so much. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm tired, I have a lot of things going on, and there isn't much thought for life-changing, thought provoking growth.

I have been praying and having some talks with God about my faith. I don't mean my faith and belief that Jesus is the Son of God, Christianity, or that kind of faith. I mean that God and I have been through a lot together. He has seen me through a lot of different things and I know He's always there. I have great faith that everything will be alright.

Hosanna

Hillsong United Lyrics
"Hillsong United Hosanna lyrics"

Verse 1
I see the King of Glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Chorus
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Verse 2
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Your Mission for Today

Your mission today, should you choose to accept it . . .

Your mission today is NOT to witness to anybody. Your mission is to make as many friends as you can. Listen to their spiritual journeys, their stories. Find out what God’s doing with them, where God’s already working in their lives. Just listen. Listen to the Spirit as well. If given a chance, tell what Jesus is doing with you right now, too. But first just listen to them, love on them a bit, and see what happens.

from Tossing Aside the Tract

Freedom in Christ

I've been hearing and learning a lot about freedom lately. Here's a verse I was reading and thinking upon today . . .

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

This whole thing of freedom is great. I am no longer bound to the legalistic chains that bind. I grew up with a horrible double standard.

"Don't listen to secular music." I was told this while many in the church secretly listened to secular music, but told no one because they'd be looked down upon.

"Don't listen to contemporary Christian music." It was treated as if it were of the devil, yet those people that shamed it were listening to secular music. Hmmm, I'd rather be listening to contemporary Christian music that uplifts the Lord then to hide my secular music in shame. These rules just make no sense.

"Men should not wear shorts." One time my husband came straight from work to a men's softball practice and he was wearing knee length military shorts. The pastor came to him and asked him not to do that again. Also, at one time the church/Christian school had a note on the door that said, "Thank you for not wearing shorts inside our building." This was by far the worst one ever! We used to have a van that would go around and pick up Marines for church. If the van driver saw Marines walking down the street, he would just stop and ask if they wanted to come to church. Of course, they were usually wearing shorts since they were out walking. Imagine how badly it made them feel to be invited to church, but then get there and see that sign. A few years ago, I found out that the school's boys' basketball team was wearing knee length basketball shorts. I was pretty much livid. It made me so angry that they had shoved these rules down my throat, put up signs, and shunned others that wore shorts, but suddenly it became ok. Whatever!!!! I do not have a problem with people wearing shorts, but don't shun them for it and then say it's ok. Geez!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, there are some issues with freedom too. Some people take it as a license to do whatever they want. If you'll look at the verse above again, you can see that it says, "in your freedom, do not indulge in sinful nature".

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin." John 8:34

Something Funny

My husband found an ad on the computer today for a youth and children's pastor. The position paid $125 per week and the required hours were 10 per week. It is so humorous that some churches still think of pastors as working only on Sundays or when the doors are open. It sounds as though that church is looking to pay a Sunday School teacher.

Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her

Wow! This is pretty cool!

Chris Tomlin - Enough

A Bit About Me

Since I can remember, I have always attended church. That's not to say that I've always done the right thing.

I was raised in a very legalistic church. It's a wonder I didn't rebel. I'm thankful that I didn't. Being raised in the legalistic environment is a part of who I am. Now that I'm away from it, it is easier for me to see the faults of this kind of teaching. Sometimes it's hard not to see things in that light. Sometimes I have to give myself a check up.

Liberals will say I'm too conservative. Conservatives might say I'm too liberal. I'd call myself very conservative though.

I hope you enjoy this journey with me as I share my thoughts.

Until then . . . I'm desperately seeking.

First Post & Bit of Info

I've been tossing around this idea of starting a blog about things I've questioned and learned. The problem is, I could never think of a name that seemed appropriate. After a lot of thought, prayer, and more thought, I finally decided on Desperately Seeking. That is what I'm doing. I'm Desperately Seeking to Know Him More.

Although blogger is not my preferred format, it is the easiest and most inexpensive way to get started. I have to admit I was a bit annoyed though. I wanted the url desperatelyseeking.com, but it was already taken. That's not what annoyed me; it was that the url was taken by a blog that hasn't been updated in years!!!! It's becoming harder and harder to find a unique url because of everyone that's on the web now a days. The same is with email addresses. Blogger really should come up with some rules on deleting idle blogs.

After I saw that the url I wanted was taken, I mulled over this for a few more days. We now have desperatelyseekinghim.blogspot.com.

Although I have been blogging for over a year, I prefer to keep my identity here confidential. I'm not ashamed of my beliefs, but I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by the things I say here. You'll learn more about that later.

Thanks for dropping by.