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Faith and Finances

Did you know there are more verses about money in the Bible than any other subject? God cares about how we spend money, how we save it, how we give it, and our overall view of it.

Faith and finances go together, they are not seperate.

When Delario and I got married, we immediately knew our money needed a makeover! Unfortunately, in college (and after) we both made some unwise financial decisions, which followed us into our marriage. I wish I would have taken the wise counsel when I was single to pay off debt...instead, I went shopping!

They say more than any other subject, money can cause the most strife in a marriage. It's true, it can.....and it does, when you have not learned how to be kingdom-minded when it comes to money. If we would only trust God and follow His lead in our finances, we would save ourselves a lot of trouble.

We knew the Lord was ready for us to get serious about our money when we got the book, "Total Money Make-Over" by Dave Ramsey, in the mail as a wedding gift six months after we got married! We carefully read the book, and got started reducing our debt. I'm happy to announce at the end of this year, we will have paid off more than $20k in debt! That's a lot of money, and a lot of sacrifice!

But, it has been so freeing! God wants us to be free in all areas of our lives-even our finances! Are you financially free? Don't know where to start? No worries. Here's how we did it:

• We listed all debt from the least amount to the greatest amount, and began paying off our debt from the smallest debt owed and worked our way up to the top.


• Double up on payments when possible


• We made a budget everytime we got paid, allocating every single penny, being careful not to wastefully spend


• Remain faithful in paying your tithes....it will stretch your faith, but God is faithful to provide all your needs! We promise!


• Try to tithe to yourself as well. This is called the 10-10-80 method (tithe church 10%, yourself 10%, and pay bills & living expenses off the 80% left)

It doesn't matter how much or how little you make, God wants us to be faithful stewards with what He has given us. Our goal for 2009 is to save more money and give more money. As we pay off the debts, we are able to give to ministries, family, missionaries, etc. In the book of Acts, the first Christians went without a need in the Body. Wouldn't it be nice if we got back to that philosophy of giving?

So, what are you waiting for? Do you have the faith to give over your finances to the Lord? Ask for the Lord's wisdom in this matter. I trust He will speak! I leave you with this verse I read just this morning during my quiet time with the Lord:

"Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"

Proverbs 17:16

The Anti-Christ?

I've avoided blogging about this topic, but I just can't keep quiet about it any longer. It all began about 5 months ago when a white co-worker of mine suggested that Obama might be the anti-Christ. I was quite shocked to hear this allegation, but just assummed it was one opinion of one person.

Then, as the election drew closer, and Obama began to narrow in the lead, I began hearing this allegation of the anti-Christ more frequently from primarily white, conservative Christians.

Let the record be shown here, as a Christian I do not agree with all of Obama's politics, but I did vote for him. Proud of it. Not ashamed. Yes, I still love Jesus. (Last time I checked Christ was not the leader of either party, but He is Head of the Church!)

I was at a Christmas dinner last night when someone "jokingly" said something about our new president being the anti-Christ. I believe her statement only became a joke when she looked over at me and realized there was a black woman at the dinner table. Oops! I guess that wouldn't have been the right time to announce to my white Christian friends my husband and I are going to Obama's inaguration on January 20, 2009?

Seems to me many white Christians who think Obama may be the anit-Christ don't like him because he does not fit into their little box of what a "Christian President" should look like. I guess George W. Bush did? Not quite. Just two nights ago on Nightline, in an interview GWB said he does not believe the Bible is a literal text and that the same God Christians pray to is the same God Muslim's and every other religion pray to. Really? I thought the Christian God was the Triunal God? Doesn't that make Him distinct?

I digress...

My pastor, Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, who is considered a conservative evangelical preacher, and very well respected throughout the nation as a Bible scholar and teacher has been invited to speak at the Inaguration Prayer Breakfast next month. I don't think Tony Evans would risk his reputation speaking there if he thought Obama was the anti-Christ! (Disclaimer: I am not suggesting Evans voted for him...I have no idea how he voted)

Instead of spreading rumors and speculations of Obama being the anti-Christ, I encourage all of us to pray for him. Isn't that what scripture challenges us to do for our government leaders?

Who's birthday is it anyway?

Well, the holiday season has officially been kicked off with Thanksgiving being a week ago. I hope all had a wonderful time giving thanks and eating turkey and getting stuffed with stuffing!

One can barely catch their breath before looking up and it's already December and the Christmas countdown has begun!

I love Christmas.

The decorations.

The music.

The festivities.

The food.

It is so tempting to let all of the extra sights and traditions of Christmas distract us from what Christmas is really all about: A Birthday Party for Jesus!

I work in a local elementary school in the community where I work, and yesterday while coloring a picture of Santa Clause, my co-worker asked the kids, "So who's birthday do we celebrate on Christmas?" They all just sat around looking at each other, and one kid confidently yelled out, "Santa!"

Wow. Santa. Really?

They seriously sat there for a minute not knowing what we were talking about. So, we told them during Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birthday. The sweet kids then said, "Ohhhhhhhh!"

It was such a startling moment for me. So, I ask, do your children know who's birthday it is we will celebrate on the 25th of December? Will they say Jesus? I encourage us all to take time to tell someone everyday until Christmas that the 25th is the birth day of Jesus!

Dealing with Difficult Disciples

Notice my title does not mention dealing with difficult people. I am specifically referring in this post how to deal with difficult disciples--you know, those who call themselves followers of Christ.

I have decided getting along with non-believers is much easier at times than getting along with Christians. I've found myself here recently absolutely amazed at the behavior of some fellow-Christians God has providentially placed in my life. I use the word providence because I know the Lord has a purpose for me and you crossing paths with every single person we encounter in life. We don't get to choose those people!

I have attempted to avoid one person I have been having difficulty with, thinking that was the best method to keep the peace. Well, that didn't work. Then I thought, "I'm not going to let this person talk to me this way, I'm going to start retailiating and putting this person in their place!" Well, that only created more hostility. I found myself being very angry, judgmental, and completely consumed about their sinful behavior.

I really wanted this person to change, while all along God was asking me to change!

In a conversation with my friend, Lori, (who is not a difficult disciple!), she challenged me to stop trying to control the other person's behavior, and instead, to take control of my behavior toward this difficult disciple. Then Lori wisely lead me to the word of God:

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:1-2

Ouch. I read this and knew immediately what my response should be with this difficult disciple. The truth is, sin is contagious. While I was ranting about this person's sinful behavior, I became sinful myself. I was pointing out the speck in their eye, while not recognizing the log in my own eye!

I confessed this to the Lord, released this person, and got busy restoring this difficult disciple gently. Does this mean we are best friends? No. But it does mean I can serve this person, pray for this person, write a note of encouragement, listen to this person, seek to understand this person. But the greatest way I can restore this person is to love them, which is the true mark of a disciple of Christ. The law of Christ mentioned in verse 2 above is: Love thy neighbor.

Do you have a difficult disciple in your life? Maybe it is your husband, your mother, a co-worker, a roomate, or an in-law. I encourage you to meditate on this passage and then apply it to your difficult situation. I trust the Lord will honor your obedience.

Many months ago I saw a prayer posted in a friend's office. I didn't understand it at the time I read it, but oh boy, do I now! It read the following,

"Lord, grant me the compassion to love, rather than to tolerate."

God has not called us to tolerance, but He has called us to love. One requires the supernatural Spirit of God, one does not. This is now my prayer too.

Mr. President

My heart is overwhelmed today as I woke up this morning to the reality of the first ever African-American (bi-racial, to be exact) President-Elect of The United States!

I kept the old Civil Rights theme song in my mind yesterday and today, "We Shall Overcome!"

And now, not just African Americans, but all Americans have overcome. Now we can shout with hope and unity, "Yes We Can!"

You can read President-Elect Barak Obama's acceptance speech here.

My husband and I, along with some friends from church celebrated together last night at an election watch party. We screamed, cried tears of joy, reflected on the struggle of our parents, grandparents, & great-grandparents, and pinched ourselves in total disbelief!

What about you? How did you celebrate this historical moment? What are your thoughts on our new president?

Yes We Can!

Let Your Blessings Fall!

My favorite season by far is fall: the smells, colors, and cool air just make my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. We just hit our cool temps here in Dallas this last week, so it was time to officially make our home fall friendly!

So, I put my Martha Stewart skills to work and decorated our mantle on a dime! My hubby and I went shopping together and had a great time! Awww...we are approaching our first holiday season as man and wife! What about you? What do you love about fall? Enjoy these pics!

Fireproof

Within the last 5 months or so, my husband and I know of multiple marriages on the brink of divorce. Sure, we all hear about the statistics of marriages ending in divorce, but these are our friends and family members battling broken marriages.

Perhaps it's more disheartening to me because I am married now. D and I went to see an excellent Christian film, Fireproof, a couple of weeks ago, and it is a must see for everyone: married or single. We came out knowing one thing for sure:

Every marriage will go through the fire...the couples equipped to extinguish those fires can survive.

I encourage everyone to go see this movie, or send a couple as a treat to go see it! Let's fight for our families and have marriages that are fireproof against the schemes of the Enemy.

Enjoy the trailer of Fireproof

Lynzee Rocks!

In a random image search for my name, the exact way it is spelled, I found out that Lynzee is an old 80s rock group!!!! No kidding! Check out the history of the band here.

Have you ever heard of this band? Are you a fan? I feel really cool having a rock band named after me! Google your name & see what you get. Let me know if it's as cool as this rock band. Gotta love the hair.

8 is Great!

In honor of our 8 month anniversary last Friday, here are 8 great photos from the wedding day! I promise once we hit 1 year I'll stop posting so many wedding pics!!! Enjoy!!

Palin's Petty Politics

Ok, I just got finished watching the RNC and Governor Sarah Palin accept her party's nomination as the Vice President.

I am angry.

First, let me say I do not consider myself a democrat nor republican. I have given both parties a fair and balanced look. Tonight, my decision has been made crystal clear.

I am endorsing and voting for the Obama/Biden ticket.

But, first let's get back to why I am angry. I am so offended by Palin's negative comments of Obama being a former community organizer. (Here is the entire transcript of her speech.)

She boasts of first being involved with the local PTA-what does she think that is?

As an employee of a faith-based inner-city community organization/ministry, I am highly offended of her insinuations that community work is not a noble or respectable work. It further solidifies for me that the GOP is not for all people, but only a few. The work millions of Americans are doing in communities, especially those communities where "the least of these..." reside, is honorable, worthy, sacrficial, and deserves respect.

Shame on you, Sarah Palin!

I admire a man who desires the office of the presidency recognizes the value of community. In my opinion, that is putting "country first."

Never Stop Dreaming

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights march on Washington on August 28, 1963, and Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech. Tonight Barak Obama will accept his party's nomination as the first African-American presidential nominee. Despite your political persuasion, this indeed is a monumental moment in history. I am thankful to be alive to be able to witness such a day. Never stop dreaming!

Phelps Phever

I don't know about you, but over here at my house, we were totally obsessed with the Olympics. Both my husband and I said we enjoyed it more this year than ever before. I know that had to do with the amazing performance of Michael Phelps--8 golds in one Olympics-WOW! Maybe it also had something to do with high gas prices and us being stuck at home!

My sweet husband has been inspired and has Phelps Phever! You see, my honey is a 29 year-old man who cannot swim (sorry I told your secret!). So, he's decided to take swim lessons beginning next Tuesday for the next month. When he called the aquatic center in our city, he asked the person on the other line, "What's that style of swimming Michael Phelps does? That's what I want to learn!" I thought that was so cute!

As he went to go pay his fee today for his swim lessons, an elderly woman of at least 106 years-old (according to my husband), took one look at him and said, "Your'e gonna sink straight to the bottom!" Isn't that a hoot!!!

Truth is, I admire him for having the courage at 29 to try to learn how to swim and not let fear or pride get in the way of his desire to learn how to swim. Keep checking back in & see how D is doing in swim lessons!

What about you? Did watching the Olympics inspire you? If so, how?

The Bible Belt and Irving Bible

Jackie Roese, pastor to women of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas made history today at IBC...she became the first woman to teach from the pulpit on a Sunday. You may be thinking, "so what!" but this made the 10 o'clock news tonight in Dallas!!!!

I definitely live here in the Bible belt!

What are your thoughts about women teaching from the pulpit at church?

Just Because!

These are from my husband, just because!! I had to take a picture of them because they are so beautiful. These are hydrangeas & roses mixed together. Thanks, sweetie!

Walker's Wisdom?

I just read this article posted over on Sandi Glahn's blog that I had to share. It is an article written by Rebecca Walker, daughter of feminist author Alice Walker (The Color Purple), who shares the devastating effects of her mother's radical feminist worldview.

I've been reading the book of Titus, written by Paul who urges Titus to teach sound doctrine so that people may be led by the truth that leads to godliness. I believe we women have to be so very careful who and what we allow to 'teach' us...

Check out the article & let me know what your thoughts are. In the meantime, let us remember that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...

Hectic at Home?

Sorry, friends. It's been a minute since I last posted. Thanks for checking in though and reading my blog. Life has really kept me busy here lately and blogging has just not been possible, though I do enjoy it.

As many of you know, the first 5 months I was married I was not working full-time. I was finishing up school and being a full-time wife. Since beginning to work in full-time ministry, our household has really been hectic. Gone are the days of cooking every night and keeping our apartment clean! I'm still trying to figure out how to balance work and home. I am seeking the Lord on how to bring more order and harmony to the demands of work and home. I don't know how working mothers come home after a full day of work and tend to their family. God bless them!

I've been doing some thinking, and more than ever I am understanding God's call for women to be keepers at home (cf. Titus 2:3-5). God is really speaking to my heart about the importance of women being freed up to be home--even if it's just for a season. I do not think this means women have to be stay-at-home full-time, but perhaps it means switching from a full-time job to a part-time job.

Or, take for example, one of my sister-in-laws who has prayerfully applied for some jobs closer to her home and with more paid holidays. She and her family cannot afford for her to come home permanently at this time, but possibly working 3 miles from her home will allow her to get home quicker to her family (oppossed to the 1 hour commute she is doing now). I applause her for this move of faith!

Anyway, I say all of this to express that though I have been called to full-time ministry for such a time as this, I believe the Lord is preparing my heart to understand the importance of my role in the home in the future.

What about you? Where do you stand on this issue?

If you are married with children:
Can you honestly say your home has top priority? Is your home suffering due to your work outside of the home? Is the environment of your home one of an oasis? Are you aware and on top of the spiritual well-being of your home? Your marriage? Your children?

If you are married without children:
Your husband and your home should still be a top priority for you. True, being married without children you do have some flexibility, but this time without children is so foundational. This time should be spent treasuring your relationship with your husband. Are you becoming one more each day? Use this time to properly prepare as much as possible for children in the future: financially, spiritually, and even learning how to parent a child God's way. Anything outside of the home is not more important than this!

If you are single:
I wish I would have taken the wise counsel from my older friend, Julie when I was single. She encouraged me to save my money when I was single and get out of debt. Sadly, I did not take her advice, and let me tell you....bringing financial debt into a marriage is not fun! So, get a second job! Cut down on going out to eat, and dare I say...shopping!!!!!! In doing this, you will honor the Lord and honor your future spouse by becoming a good steward with your finances. One more thing: ask the Lord to begin speaking to your heart about the role of a wife and mother. When I was single, I got my hands on everything I could read about this topic.

I never meant for this post to be so long, but as you can see, the Lord is really stirring my heart about this topic. I think it's no coincidence, because as I am called to minister to women, this is an area we American women need to prioritize: our home. I have been challenged by the Lord in this area, and I pray you will take these things to the Lord in prayer as well.

Let's set our hearts to Him to help our homes not be hectic!

History is Made Tonight!

Catch and Release

I heard a story this week that is just too good not to share. It's a true story of two men, one white, one black. One a wealthy art dealer, one a homeless man residing in Ft. Worth, Texas.

In an attempt to 'minister and serve' in the Union Gospel Mission of Ft. Worth, Texas, Ron Hall attempted to befriend a homeless man named Denver Moore. His attempt didn't go off too well, as Denver wasn't very interested in any friendship with Ron. Afterall, what did they have in common? However, Ron felt that his sucess by the world's standards was a significant offering to this poor black man.

How arrogant this rich white man was...Denver would teach him a thing or two!

"What do you want with me?" Denver asked one day to Ron. "I just want to be your friend," said Ron. "Friend?" Denver proceeded to tell him there was one thing he heard growing up as a boy in Louisiana--that white people, while fishing catch their fish and then release them back into the water. Ron confirmed this was true. Denver told Ron if he was thinking about catching him in a friendship for a time and then releasing him soon after, that he would not be interested in a friendship with him at all.

I got to thinking, isn't this what we do in ministry and in some of our relationships with others? We catch them, and then we release them. We're in and then we're out. This is not the picture of a true relationship, and this is definitely not the example of Christ.

I've started a new job this week-my first after graduating from seminary. I will be ministering to women in an inner-city community in south Dallas. This story reminds me in ministry to be about the business of people, not programs! I don't want to catch women and then release them. I want to catch them, and relying on God's strength, never let them go.

Read along with me more of Ron & Denver's story in Same Kind of Different as Me. It's going to start off my summer reading! Let me know if you too will be reading it.

The Newlywed 15

So, in an effort to be authentic and vulnerable I've decided to write about a subject that no woman likes to discuss: her weight!

D & I have been married now for 4 months. You can tell we are happy by looking at our waistlines! Yikes! I have not gained 15 pounds as the title suggests, but being a newlywed is a lot like being a freshman in college. Remember the 'freshman 15' everyone warned you about? Well, no one warns you about the Newlywed 15!

When I went to the doctor last month for my annual check up, I lamented my weight gain to my doctor, and her response was, "Oh yeah, that happens to us all in the first year of marriage!" She told me to give myself a break and not be hard on myself, it's just life change.

Well, I don't like this part of life change. My husband and I have been working out little newlywed tails off in the gym. He's lost 7lbs and I've lost about 4. We decided we weren't going to go on any "get thin fast scam diets," but do it the healthy, organic way--eating healthy and working out. Here's a couple of things we are doing together:

-Exercising 4-5 days a week doing lots of interval cardio and resistance training
-Eating lots of fiber: vegetables, fruits
-Drinking lots of water!
-Trying to cut out processed sugar (this has been hard!)
-Eating fish 2 times a week (my husband, not me...I don't like fish)
-Cutting back on starches, but not entirely
-NO FAST FOOD! (we haven't had fast food all year)

I will admit, I have been discouraged. I am trying to look at this whole weight loss thing through a realistic, fresh way. I want to be healthy, I want this to be a lifestyle change, I want to be strong & have endurance, I want to challenge myself, and I want to be willing to work for those changes. It takes time though. We live in a society with lots of quick fixes, and a healthy lifestyle is not a quick fix, it occurs over a lifetime. So, I am giving myself some goals, but I'm not saying to myself, "I have to lose 10lbs in 10 days!"

One more thing, Sunday when I was having a pity party and punishing myself with unhealthy thoughts, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a verse we often quote as Christians, but rarely believe or practice. This, I believe is the key to my efforts:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
Acknowledge him in all your ways,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Check it out!

I wanted to share with everyone a new blog I will be contributing to for ProvenWay Ministries. I serve with this ministry as the Next Generation Specialist. Basically, that means I serve as the voice and face of the young generation. You can find it by clicking here. The blog is for women, by women. It will exist to create a dialogue for women leaders in ministry. We will discuss everything from leadership issues, next generation ministry, Bible study, how to be an effective leader, and whatever else may come up!

If you know women who may benefit from this blog, spread the word! We desire to walk beside women, and pass on proven ways!

A Love Letter to Oprah by James Robison

Dear Oprah,

I remember when you first launched your daily talk program throughout the country. My wife and I have watched with amazement as it has grown. I know you have been gratified by its broad acceptance and popularity.

My wife Betty and I have been praying for you since Gene Self (my former staff member and close friend of Stedman's) began to tell me about the relationship you had with his friend. On numerous occasions I thought we were going to be able to get together and just talk based on comments Stedman made to my associate. This never occurred, but we have watched your television programs and especially the talk format grow until they have worldwide impact.
Betty and I also host a daily television program, LIFE Today (http://www.lifetoday.org/), which airs around the world. I also founded the ministry of Life Outreach International. With the help of countless supporters, Betty and I have been sharing the life and love of God in word and deed in the U.S. and abroad. We focus heavily on Africa, feeding more than 400,000 children each month and drilling hundreds of fresh water wells.

I am writing out of a sincere love and concern for you. I have heard some comments recently, visited the "New Earth" and witnessed the influence of Eckhart Tolle. Some of your statements concerning your beliefs and the direction you are going actually brought tears to my wife's eyes. She was stunned to hear your views of Jesus Christ, eternity and the Bible.
You are a true example of the opportunity and success that America offers people who have had difficult challenges. I can relate, because I am the product of a forced sexual relationship on a 40-year-old woman. As I child, I spent time in a foster home, then with my birth mother and a stepfather who could not read or write. Later, my violent, alcoholic father came back into the picture. It ended when I pointed a gun at him in self-defense as he threatened to kill me. By the grace of God, I did not have to pull the trigger. A couple of years later, I committed my life to Christ and God changed me, established my life, and gave me a future. My wife Betty and I recently celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. We have three children and 11 grandchildren.

We have witnessed the vast influence you have been afforded. There is no question that you sincerely care about people. Your outreach in Africa and your personal response to the suffering you have seen reveals your genuine interest in the well-being of others. I believe you truly care about others.

You have become popular because you shared your own challenges, your own questions and your own failures. You have shared your battle with weight and tried to help people improve their own health. Anything that helped you, you passed on. I appreciate that. I sense that you believe in God and want the best for all His people.

What breaks my heart is that somehow we, as Christians, have failed to effectively communicate the greatness of our God to you. I cannot express how much I want you to fully experience the grace that God freely shares through Jesus Christ, as well as the supernatural enabling He provides "to live appropriately and victoriously in the now," as you eloquently put it.
We both know that life can be difficult, but God Almighty has provided a helper through the person of His Holy Spirit to walk through the valleys and also enable us to experience success without our gain becoming idolatrous addiction. He offers us the very things that you claim to be discovering in a mind-boggling journey wrapped in New Age philosophy and relativism. The Apostle Paul warned against the human tendency to justify ungodly ideas by "changing the truth of God into a lie" and allowing our own appetites and desires to control us rather than the proven principles of the Bible.

Here is my great concern. You have obviously seen good Christians whom you admire, such as CeCe Winans and Nicole C. Mullen. I know both of these wonderful women and I am sure they shared the reality of a personal and deep relationship with Jesus Christ. But where have we, as Christians, either in our prayer life or in our example failed to connect with you and inspire you so you could see Jesus as He really is? Many have seen limited portraits of God, such as the extreme suffering depicted in Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ. But you may not have been able to see the power of the comment Jesus made to his mother when he fell beneath the weight of the cross in that movie. He commented, "Mother, I came to make all things new."

Oprah, He is the one who enables us to rightly live in the now. Only Jesus Christ can free us from past problems, present pressures and future pursuits that can become idols. Rather, we look back on the past, thank God for the lessons we have learned, trust Him for grace to deal with painful experiences, and provide present abiding power to count it all joy when we face temptation and trials, knowing that He will walk with us not only in the presence of our enemies and accusers, but even through the valley of the shadow of death. He is our ever-present spiritual and personal Shepherd. Think about this: He said it was necessary to leave and send "another of the same kind" -- the Holy Spirit, His Spirit living in us in order for us to live life fully and freely.

Surely you have seen the reality of this eternal truth. The fact is He not only covers the past and provides for the present, but He also promises to secure our future. We are, in fact, eternal beings. We are not creatures of the day. It breaks my heart to hear you say that a sentence from your pastor concerning God being a jealous God caused you to reconsider your entire belief system. You misunderstood what the pastor intended and the reality of God's jealousy. He is not jealous of us, He is jealous for us in the sense that He does not want to see anything foolishly captivate us and take us as prisoners. God does not want you to miss the supernatural fulfillment that He freely offers. It is like a wife being jealous not because her husband associates with other women, but because she knows that he might be captivated by a false relationship and taken away from his first love and his family. Godly jealousy is an expression of love and concern for our best interests -- not a petty human emotion of fear, but concern that we might miss the very essence of life.

Oprah, you are gifted. You have been so blessed and I know you recognize and appreciate it. I believe that you want to share the best you can discover with others. But Oprah, can I encourage you to please sit down and go a little deeper and discover something that will also truly enable your friend Eckhart Tolle and others caught up in his teaching to see that God has given us Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, who not only lived and died, but now through the power of His Spirit is available to live in us if we open ourselves to His indwelling presence? This is not mere religion, it is relationship with the living God and an unconditional love for others.

You are an honest seeker and sincere in your desire to help others. Please give us as Christians another chance to clearly communicate the matchless, amazing grace of our great God and give Jesus, the One who has never in any way failed, the opportunity to become the fullness of life for you and those you care about. He will enable you to deal with the past, live fully and meaningfully in the now, and secure your future, so that whatever challenges may come, you will have a Friend and Father who never leaves or forsakes you.

As believers, Betty and I are praying for you and encouraging every person with faith in Jesus Christ to lift you up in loving prayer before the Lord. You are a special person and it is my prayer that you not miss anything God has to offer. I pray that your journey will inspire all of us to examine our lives and become more consistent, compassionate, effective witnesses for Christ. Perhaps each of us as Christians should feel some weight of responsibility for not more effectively demonstrating the great message of hope found in Christ. Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will never be disappointed in Him.

God loves you so much, as well as everyone you sincerely seek to inspire.

Praying His best for you and those you love,

James Robison

About the author: James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International, a Christian media ministry and mission relief organization. He and his wife, Betty, host of the television program Life Today; He has authored numerous books, including The Absolutes: Freedom's Only Hope and True Prosperity.

Is God Green?

Go green.

It seems like everytime I turn on the television, get on the internet, or drive past a billboard on the highway, the message to go green is everywhere. Today is Earth Day, a day to bring awareness on how to be environmentally friendly to our earth.

I was shopping the other day and noticed there are even cute handbags and t-shirts promoting the 'go green' message. Green is hip. Celebrities, corporate companies, and cities have all gone green.

As I see green everywhere I couldn't help but to wonder one question: Is God green?

What does the Bible say about this 'go green' message? What is God's position on the green campaign? What should be the Christian response to the environment.

I believe that not only is God green, but He's always been green! He was green when green wasn't in! Scripture reveals this truth. First, I believe the Lord cares about the Earth because He took the time to create it! God could have created it in one blink of an eye, but He took His time creating the Earth (6 days), taking into account every detail. Read below for just a glimpse of this creation in Genesis 1:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water....God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: cattle, creeping things, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” It was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the cattle according to their kinds, and all the creatures that creep along the ground according to their kinds. God saw that it was good."

I love the last part, God saw that it was good. He was pleased with His creation and took pleasure in His creation. We too should look at the earth and see it as the Lord saw it for the first time. Whenever I look at the massness of the ocean or huge mountains I know I am always taken back and amazed at God's creation. How did He do it? I am not sure, but I do know that it was good!

Because we see that God is green, then Christians should be green too! It's not a matter of your political persuasion, it's your Christian duty. In fact, this was the first commandment given by God in the Garden to both Adam and Eve. I believe it is applicable for us today. Take a look:

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.” Gen. 1:28

God blessed them and then commanded them to subdue the earth and to rule over the creatures. This was not only a commandment, but it was their job. What a big responsibility too. God who took the time to create the earth allowed mankind to be His vice-regents, or representatives to take care of the earth. Unfortunatley, we have not always done a good job of taking care of the earth.

The reality is, this earth is passing away. This position is not popular, but the Word of God describes to us that because of the fall of man and the advent of sin, the earth experiences the ramifications of sin as well. There will come a day though, when Jesus will come back and create a new heaven and a new earth! It will be then that the earth will no longer moan.

In the meantime, let's not be so heavenly minded we are no earthly good!

Go green because God is green, not because it's the hip thing to do. Do what you can to conserve the beauty of God's creation. Happy Earth Day!

Almost There

I can't believe it's been 3 years I've been in seminary now. I think this has been by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do. There were times I thought I wasn't going to make it, but I'm almost there! Thank you, Lord!

In four weeks I will graduate with my Master's of Arts in Christian Education (concentration in Women's Ministry) at Dallas Theological Seminary. It has been quite a journey to discover my giftedness and passions, and to see how that relates to a vocation. I am looking forward to this milestone in my life, and I treasure the opportunity seminary has afforded me. I have been trained by some of the world's top biblical scholars...wow! It has been amazing to study God's Word and theology, and to be able to sharpen my mind.

More importantly, I have a deeper love for the Lord and the Word of God, which in turn has deepened my compassion to share it with others. I am grateful for the many friends and family members who believed in me, encouraged me, and affirmed me during this time. Your love and support saw me through!

I'm almost there...

Church isn't a building.

It's a community on a journey...

Reaction

During a lovely trip to our local farmer's market last Friday, I discovered I am allergic to mangoes! Go figure! I never knew that in my 28 years of life! I have never eaten mangoes before, but tried one for the first time on Friday. It actually tastes pretty good. The texture is weird, but they are juicy. My husband didn't care for them at all.

Almost immediately after eating the mango I felt the corners of my mouth stinging. I assumed it was because I was eating so many acidic citrus fruit.

After doing some quick research on google I found out there is a cross section between mangoes and poison ivy. The nectar has the same chemicals from poison ivy found on the outside of the mango. So, if you bite into a mango be careful! I am happy to say the allergic reaction went away and I no longer have a rash.

Ouch!

"All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts."

Charles Spurgeon

Bridal Blues

Two months. We have now been married for two whole months. Sixty days. Time flies by so quickly, and I've got a case of bridal blues...

I think bridal blues is like post-pardum after pregnancy-but for brides!

I've been warned by many former brides that after the big day, things can become a little nostalgic. I mean, the day just zips by. All of that planning, all the fuss, all the flowers...and it's over. I look at our pictures and I just want to cry! How can we get that day back? Oh, how I wish we could! The Bible is so true in saying our lives are but a vapor, a mist.

People say the fun truly begins after the wedding, and I will say I believe them, but I want to put my dress back on one last time! I asked my husband the other day real sweetly if I could put my dress back on, and he quickly said, "NO!" Oh well...I guess I do just need to move on!

I think I am feeling this way because for a girl's whole life she dreams of that day, that moment...and then it is just gone. Friends were telling me, "Just take it all in." I did take it all in, and it truly was a great day. It was the commencement of a blessed future with my husband, as we now are on the journey of becoming one each day, sharing laughs, cries, disappointments, and even sharing the bathroom!

Maybe I shouldn't be blue! It's a beautiful day outside and I am truly blessed to be experiencing God's goodness in the land of the living!

My times are in Your hand.

Psalm 31:15

La Luna de Miel