Hi again! I am so excited about this blog-topic!! It is all about sharing our faith, and I am so humbled to be able to tell everyone how Jesus saved me and overwhelms me with His love. As an Air Force brat, my family found ourselves living in a small town in South Dakota. Belle Fourche, South Dakota is a small town just off the military base that at the time had two main churches, a Lutheran and a Catholic church. My dad was raised Catholic, so we found our way to Mass every Sunday. I had my very first rosary and everything. When we moved back to Tennessee, we started attending First Baptist Church, Fall Branch, and I can distinctly remember asking my parents about salvation. I was probably seven or eight years old. My parents decided to take me to our pastor's house, Pastor Vic Wallace, who was and is a great man of God. In his living room, I told him I wanted to be saved, mostly because I didn't want to die and go to Hell, and he led me through the sinners prayer. Growing up I was a good girl, who loved the Lord and tried my best to keep His commandments. I know I failed Him often, but I also knew I was loved and saved because of Jesus. Well, when I was in the 6th grade, I went with the church to Higher Ground Baptist Church for their annual Judgment House drama, and were my eyes ever opened!! That night I saw what my sin, even though small by earthly standards, had caused Christ to suffer and ultimately die. That night I rededicated my life to Christ because I was no longer wanting salvation to avoid Hell, but I was so very sorry and ashamed that my sins had hurt my Savior.
I was led to Christ as a very young person, not fully understanding sin, but even now as an adult, I am still learning every day about my sin. Have I failed Him or sinned against Him? Sure, every day actually, but when I confess and truly repent of my sin, He is so quick to forgive and forget my sin. While on the cross, Christ, who was sinless, took on all the sins of mankind. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." For example, Christ, 2000 years ago, knew I would covet, lie, doubt, have a temper, and so on, and He paid my sin debt, which I never could afford. I could never do enough in this life to earn my salvation, but He made the way!!
I am so ashamed of how I let God down daily, but He is quick to remind me of how he wiped my sins away. I have had stuck in my head for the past week the line, "Oh, praise the One Who paid my debt, and raised this life up from the dead." Hallelujah, I am alive because He died for me and my sin debt!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
FAMILY
Hi! I am Brittany Hensley, and I am the oldest of two daughters to Karl & Christy Vogelsberg. (Say that name ten times fast!) I am 27 years old, and I've been married to my wonderful husband, Joseph, for a little over six years now. Growing up I was a child who loved learning, laughing and a little bit prissy. My Disney role model was Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I am very proud to say that my dad served in the United States Air Force, and by the age of four, I had lived in four different states. (Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, & South Dakota.) We decided to move back to Tennessee just before my 2nd grade year started, and we lived near my grandparents on their farm. On the farm we had cows, chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, dogs, cats, donkeys and horses at one time or another, and I'm sure I've missed a couple. (E-I-E-I-O) I went to Daniel Boone High School and our rival was Davy Crocket High School, where we played the annual Musket Bowl. If your school won three years in a row, your school earned a musket to display! I started college at the University of Tennessee, and I loved everything about college until I went home for summer break. I value the little things, and telling a boy that I loved him was one of them. Joseph Hensley is my first and only true love. Eighteen months later we got married in Chinquapin Grove, TN on January 7, 2006. In six years we have moved three times, lived in two states, been blessed with two amazing boys, and made countless friends.
Our Boys:
When I think of Stephen Karl, my first born, John 3:16 comes to mind. God gave His one and only son for sinners like me?! WOW!! I never knew I was missing something until I saw Stephen. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and he was all mine!! Then 21 months later, I met Carson Joseph. Ah! I had never felt my heart grow until that moment when I held him after delivery. Needless to say I was wrapped because of those big, beautiful brown eyes. I have been blessed more that I have ever deserved. Recently my husband, a Southern Baptist pastor, preached a message from John 1, and verse 16 has just been stuck on my life. "Indeed we all have received grace after grace." The word picture is that God heaps piles of grace upon us and then heaps more grace on top of that. In my life, I can definitely see where that "grace after grace" has been given.
Our Boys:
When I think of Stephen Karl, my first born, John 3:16 comes to mind. God gave His one and only son for sinners like me?! WOW!! I never knew I was missing something until I saw Stephen. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and he was all mine!! Then 21 months later, I met Carson Joseph. Ah! I had never felt my heart grow until that moment when I held him after delivery. Needless to say I was wrapped because of those big, beautiful brown eyes. I have been blessed more that I have ever deserved. Recently my husband, a Southern Baptist pastor, preached a message from John 1, and verse 16 has just been stuck on my life. "Indeed we all have received grace after grace." The word picture is that God heaps piles of grace upon us and then heaps more grace on top of that. In my life, I can definitely see where that "grace after grace" has been given.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
My Valentine...
This past week has honestly been one of the most surreal weeks of my life. Starting last Friday, when I took a pregnancy test, and to both my husband's and my own surprise, turned out to be positive. We were both extremely shocked & overwhelmed. Throughout the weekend our shock slowly faded into excitement & anticipation, thinking how awesome God is blessing our already wonderful family. We also couldn't help the normal wonderings of whether we thought the baby would have Joe's eyes or mine, what we would name him/her, and how lucky he/she was to have the 2 best big brothers ever. We had just started telling people by Monday, and this baby was already so loved by so many.
Then Tuesday was Valentine's Day, and if anyone knows me, they know I cannot stand Valentine's Day!! I have been happily married for over 6 wonderful years now, and I still detest the day. Any day that people feel they must give gifts to prove their love to another baffles me. Joe proves his love to me and our precious boys every day of the year, which is how a family should express their love. We had just sat down to eat our romantic dinner or Papa John's pizza, when I felt something I had never felt before, so I excused myself to the bathroom, where I found I was bleeding. I screamed and instantly started crying. I knew what was happening and was helpless to stop it. I knew I was losing our newest little surprise.
Wednesday morning I took another pregnancy test, which was negative, proving that I had experienced a chemical pregnancy, where the egg was fertilized, but never implanted. In less than one week, I was pregnant & unpregnant. The range of emotions we felt in 5 days are so extreme; we went from over-joyed to a heartbreak we have never felt before.
This Valentine's Day my husband not only proved his love to me, he single-handedly carried me through the toughest loss I have ever experienced to date. He left my side only once to take our oldest son to preschool. He held me while I sobbed and was incomprehensible. He made phone calls for prayers, while I wept. He single-handedly took care of our sons while I couldn't even take care of myself. He so defined love this week, even though his heart was breaking with mine. I can never thank him enough for how strong & loving he was. He epitomized the love spoken by Paul in Ephesians 5. He put his life on pause for me. At one point he even said that he wished he could be pregnant, so I wouldn't have to feel the sting of the miscarriage. He amazes me every day.
Today I'm reminded of Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may tarry the night, but joy comes with the morning." Joy is coming our way. The Lord has promised us that, but I ask that y'all pray for us while we tarry through the night. I prayed last night that the Lord reveal His plans for this hurt in 6 months, so we can have some understanding. And I'm trusting in Him and His plans for us. Thank you all for every thought and prayer for our family. We are overwhelmed by the love poured out on us. And Joseph Clark Hensley, I love you so much, and always will!!
Then Tuesday was Valentine's Day, and if anyone knows me, they know I cannot stand Valentine's Day!! I have been happily married for over 6 wonderful years now, and I still detest the day. Any day that people feel they must give gifts to prove their love to another baffles me. Joe proves his love to me and our precious boys every day of the year, which is how a family should express their love. We had just sat down to eat our romantic dinner or Papa John's pizza, when I felt something I had never felt before, so I excused myself to the bathroom, where I found I was bleeding. I screamed and instantly started crying. I knew what was happening and was helpless to stop it. I knew I was losing our newest little surprise.
Wednesday morning I took another pregnancy test, which was negative, proving that I had experienced a chemical pregnancy, where the egg was fertilized, but never implanted. In less than one week, I was pregnant & unpregnant. The range of emotions we felt in 5 days are so extreme; we went from over-joyed to a heartbreak we have never felt before.
This Valentine's Day my husband not only proved his love to me, he single-handedly carried me through the toughest loss I have ever experienced to date. He left my side only once to take our oldest son to preschool. He held me while I sobbed and was incomprehensible. He made phone calls for prayers, while I wept. He single-handedly took care of our sons while I couldn't even take care of myself. He so defined love this week, even though his heart was breaking with mine. I can never thank him enough for how strong & loving he was. He epitomized the love spoken by Paul in Ephesians 5. He put his life on pause for me. At one point he even said that he wished he could be pregnant, so I wouldn't have to feel the sting of the miscarriage. He amazes me every day.
Today I'm reminded of Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may tarry the night, but joy comes with the morning." Joy is coming our way. The Lord has promised us that, but I ask that y'all pray for us while we tarry through the night. I prayed last night that the Lord reveal His plans for this hurt in 6 months, so we can have some understanding. And I'm trusting in Him and His plans for us. Thank you all for every thought and prayer for our family. We are overwhelmed by the love poured out on us. And Joseph Clark Hensley, I love you so much, and always will!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Make God Lord of your workout!
I decided to start working out/running again about a month ago, and I started looking at new music to put on my ipod to motivate me while I ran. As runners, we all want up-beat, fun music, so I started looking on the top-40 charts. Plenty of songs fit the previously mentioned criteria, but they tended to need some editing due to language or appropriateness. As not only a pastor's wife, but also a Christian mother of young children, the last thing I wanted was a song on my ipod to be repeated by either of my boys to have curse words or to not glorify God. I was quite torn. Good workout music or God? Not one to compromise very easily, I became determine to get some Christian workout music that I can glorify God while I workout, and I did it. Here is my current playlist that you cannot help but get up and move to!!
Jamie Grace, "Hold Me"
Casting Crowns, "Courageous"
MercyMe, "Move"
DC Talk, "Jesus Freak"
tobyMac, "Funky Jesus Music"
Matthew West, "Strong Enough"
Mandisa, "Good Morning"
Francesca Battistelli, "This is the Stuff"
Natalie Grant, "Perfect People"
This playlist is about 30 minutes, and I warm up to Jamie Grace and cool down to Natalie Grant. Let me know of any other good uplifting songs I can use!!
Jamie Grace, "Hold Me"
Casting Crowns, "Courageous"
MercyMe, "Move"
DC Talk, "Jesus Freak"
tobyMac, "Funky Jesus Music"
Matthew West, "Strong Enough"
Mandisa, "Good Morning"
Francesca Battistelli, "This is the Stuff"
Natalie Grant, "Perfect People"
This playlist is about 30 minutes, and I warm up to Jamie Grace and cool down to Natalie Grant. Let me know of any other good uplifting songs I can use!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"Made to Crave" Chapter 1
I just started reading Lysa TerKeurst's book Made to Crave today, and I didn't realize that at the end of every chapter there is a handy little Reflections section! I had been hoping to just read through the book and be cured of all my battles with food, but the book makes you mull on what you have read and how it affects our own lives personally. I have decided to start blogging again, and these reflections make perfect little blogs. So here goes....
One weight loss company personifies cravings as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods. Take a moment to reflect on your own experience of craving, recently and over time.
If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form might it take? Would it be like the little orange monster or would it take a different shape? Describe what your craving looks like and how it behaves?
I crave sweet tea, sodas and chocolate. First, I find that I feel as if I'll thirst to death if I don't drink a soda or a sweet tea. When I crave or thirst for either the tea or the soda, it feels as if I am in the middle of the Sahara Desert about to literally die! Then out of nowhere my oasis appears: an Olympic-sized pool of sweet tea or soda. My cravings are very specific too. Sundrop (OH MY!) is amazing to say the least. This particular craving began about three years ago when my husband and I moved to Gastonia, NC, bottling capital of Sundrop. The wonderful people from Grace Baptist Church always have several 2 liters of Sundrop on hand at every church function, so it has to be from God right?! Secondly, I really only crave sweet tea from Pals, 'Sudden Service in a Flash.' Pals is a fast food restaurant that is only located in Northeast Tennessee, God's Country honestly, and this particular craving began to control me again three years ago when we moved outside of Pals' region. I would occasionally indulge in a sweet tea when we lived near Pals, but when I could not have it anymore, I wanted it so badly!
Like I said earlier, I crave chocolate, but that isn't completely true. I am without a doubt a choco-holic! Dessert should always include chocolate! I like chocolate any way in which I can get it, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, oh my! My craving though tends to look like an M&M. An M&M is just so perfect, like a hit of chocolate. Just pop one, or a few, and my chocolate craving subsides, sorta, until I need a bigger hit, like a cookie or brownie! This particular craving gets bigger and bigger as I try to resist it, and I find myself thinking in terms of chocolate. I have often picked restaurants where I can get my favorite chocolate treat, and Olive Garden chocolate tuxedo cake is my favorite!!
As personal as this is, I hope that you see that we all struggle somewhere with food, and I cannot wait to see how God resolves my struggles. I have no doubt He will. Feel free to comment with your own answer to Lysa TerKeurst question about our cravings. Sometimes, writing, or typing in this circumstance, is the best release, and we can really begin to address our food issues!
B
One weight loss company personifies cravings as a little orange monster that chases us around, tempting us to eat unhealthy foods. Take a moment to reflect on your own experience of craving, recently and over time.
If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form might it take? Would it be like the little orange monster or would it take a different shape? Describe what your craving looks like and how it behaves?
I crave sweet tea, sodas and chocolate. First, I find that I feel as if I'll thirst to death if I don't drink a soda or a sweet tea. When I crave or thirst for either the tea or the soda, it feels as if I am in the middle of the Sahara Desert about to literally die! Then out of nowhere my oasis appears: an Olympic-sized pool of sweet tea or soda. My cravings are very specific too. Sundrop (OH MY!) is amazing to say the least. This particular craving began about three years ago when my husband and I moved to Gastonia, NC, bottling capital of Sundrop. The wonderful people from Grace Baptist Church always have several 2 liters of Sundrop on hand at every church function, so it has to be from God right?! Secondly, I really only crave sweet tea from Pals, 'Sudden Service in a Flash.' Pals is a fast food restaurant that is only located in Northeast Tennessee, God's Country honestly, and this particular craving began to control me again three years ago when we moved outside of Pals' region. I would occasionally indulge in a sweet tea when we lived near Pals, but when I could not have it anymore, I wanted it so badly!
Like I said earlier, I crave chocolate, but that isn't completely true. I am without a doubt a choco-holic! Dessert should always include chocolate! I like chocolate any way in which I can get it, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, oh my! My craving though tends to look like an M&M. An M&M is just so perfect, like a hit of chocolate. Just pop one, or a few, and my chocolate craving subsides, sorta, until I need a bigger hit, like a cookie or brownie! This particular craving gets bigger and bigger as I try to resist it, and I find myself thinking in terms of chocolate. I have often picked restaurants where I can get my favorite chocolate treat, and Olive Garden chocolate tuxedo cake is my favorite!!
As personal as this is, I hope that you see that we all struggle somewhere with food, and I cannot wait to see how God resolves my struggles. I have no doubt He will. Feel free to comment with your own answer to Lysa TerKeurst question about our cravings. Sometimes, writing, or typing in this circumstance, is the best release, and we can really begin to address our food issues!
B
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thankfulness!!
I am a very huge fan of all things holidays or holiday-related (ask my husband), and Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. As much as I love Christmas, however, I almost love Thanksgiving as much! Throughout the month of November this year, I have been thinking of all the things I am so thankful for, and the things are innumerable!! God has so overly blessed me in 25 years that I just wanted to take a few minutes to openly praise Him for a few of the big ones!!
First, He sent His only Son to live perfectly on this Earth, so that Jesus could be my substitute for my sin. He took the sin of the world upon Himself and paid the sin debt that I could never afford! Thank you Lord for saving me!
Secondly, He blessed me with a family that always filled our home with unconditional love! My parents were supportive and tough on me all at the same time! They had expectations for my life, and they refused to settle for less than my best!
Thirdly, God brought into my life a very godly man, who is so proud of his faith. He is such a supportive and loving husband, who loves me most with no makeup and sweatpants on!! I love you so much Joseph!!
Fourthly, the Lord gave me a precious, healthy baby boy, Stephen Karl. Then when I thought I couldn't get any happier, the Lord gave us Carson Joseph. These two boys have taught me more about myself and fill my life every day with more laughs and love than the world could ever offer anyone! They are the best and worst of me, and I couldn't imagine a life without them!!
Finally, God has put very special friends in my path in this life. I have friends that I never thought I could deserve. They listen to me complain without judging as well as make me laugh!! My life is truly better with my very close friends in it!
I hope this post helps you smile as well as reminds you of the little things in your life that you have to be thankful for!!
-Britt :)
First, He sent His only Son to live perfectly on this Earth, so that Jesus could be my substitute for my sin. He took the sin of the world upon Himself and paid the sin debt that I could never afford! Thank you Lord for saving me!
Secondly, He blessed me with a family that always filled our home with unconditional love! My parents were supportive and tough on me all at the same time! They had expectations for my life, and they refused to settle for less than my best!
Thirdly, God brought into my life a very godly man, who is so proud of his faith. He is such a supportive and loving husband, who loves me most with no makeup and sweatpants on!! I love you so much Joseph!!
Fourthly, the Lord gave me a precious, healthy baby boy, Stephen Karl. Then when I thought I couldn't get any happier, the Lord gave us Carson Joseph. These two boys have taught me more about myself and fill my life every day with more laughs and love than the world could ever offer anyone! They are the best and worst of me, and I couldn't imagine a life without them!!
Finally, God has put very special friends in my path in this life. I have friends that I never thought I could deserve. They listen to me complain without judging as well as make me laugh!! My life is truly better with my very close friends in it!
I hope this post helps you smile as well as reminds you of the little things in your life that you have to be thankful for!!
-Britt :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
HOT Topic!!
It has been a while since I blogged last!! So, I decided that a "hot topic" today is just what the blog needed!!
I love "Glee," and I cannot wait until next week's Rocky Horror Glee Show!! I do, however, have a huge problem with three of the stars GQ spread. I have a problem with the provocative pictures because of the overt sexuality! The pictures make Britney Spears seem tame and docile, something I thought never would happen!! One of the actors in the provocative pictures is Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn on the show, apologizes, sort of to the upset parents in her blog!
She says, "Now, in perpetuating the type of images that evoke these kind of emotions, I am sorry. If you are hurt or these photos make you uncomfortable, it was never our intention. And if your eight-year-old has a copy of our GQ cover in hand, again I am sorry. But I would have to ask, how on earth did it get there?"
Does she really feel that this is a genuine apology?! I am quite offended that she would assume that most parents would first of all buy a magazine with such overt sexuality, and secondly accept such a horrible apology!! Neither my three year old nor one year old boy would ever be seen with this magazine because it is an adult magazine, but they are being exposed to these shots because I take them to the grocery store with me!! Because she decided to wear very little clothing and dance/jump around while being photographed, all while making a good chunk of change, my children are being exposed to the overt sexuality that leads to increased promiscuity and pregnancy among our youth!! I am not saying that Dianna Agron, Lea Michelle, and Cory Monteith are the reasons for higher pregnancy rates in teenagers, but their spread in GQ is in no way slowing things down!!
I wish they hadn't sold out and went so crazy sexual with this photo shoot, but since they did, they really shouldn't be surprised by the backlash and criticism! I understand art and fashion, and these photos were tasteless with zero art quality! These photos are more appropriate for Playboy, not for newstands in grocery and convenience stores where anyone, children included, are exposed to the pictures.
I love "Glee," and I cannot wait until next week's Rocky Horror Glee Show!! I do, however, have a huge problem with three of the stars GQ spread. I have a problem with the provocative pictures because of the overt sexuality! The pictures make Britney Spears seem tame and docile, something I thought never would happen!! One of the actors in the provocative pictures is Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn on the show, apologizes, sort of to the upset parents in her blog!
She says, "Now, in perpetuating the type of images that evoke these kind of emotions, I am sorry. If you are hurt or these photos make you uncomfortable, it was never our intention. And if your eight-year-old has a copy of our GQ cover in hand, again I am sorry. But I would have to ask, how on earth did it get there?"
Does she really feel that this is a genuine apology?! I am quite offended that she would assume that most parents would first of all buy a magazine with such overt sexuality, and secondly accept such a horrible apology!! Neither my three year old nor one year old boy would ever be seen with this magazine because it is an adult magazine, but they are being exposed to these shots because I take them to the grocery store with me!! Because she decided to wear very little clothing and dance/jump around while being photographed, all while making a good chunk of change, my children are being exposed to the overt sexuality that leads to increased promiscuity and pregnancy among our youth!! I am not saying that Dianna Agron, Lea Michelle, and Cory Monteith are the reasons for higher pregnancy rates in teenagers, but their spread in GQ is in no way slowing things down!!
I wish they hadn't sold out and went so crazy sexual with this photo shoot, but since they did, they really shouldn't be surprised by the backlash and criticism! I understand art and fashion, and these photos were tasteless with zero art quality! These photos are more appropriate for Playboy, not for newstands in grocery and convenience stores where anyone, children included, are exposed to the pictures.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Baptismal Blessings!!
Yesterday's service started with a splash!! We were blessed in witnessing four member's baptism!! Baptism is always so special because of what it represents. It is such a blessing because we as believers are given the opportunity to praise our Saviour by literally following His lead. Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, not because He was a sinner, but because He was our example! We need the Saviour because of our sins, so by the washing away of our sins, through the submersion in water, we are raised to walk in the newness of our life! Baptism in no way saves us, but it is an outward response to the inner change that we experience. I love seeing people get saved and then follow in Christ's footsteps. I can remember when I was baptised! My husband actually baptised me! It was such a great memory. I had been saved for several years, but I never understood the profoundness of baptism. I was "sprinkled" in the Catholic church as an infant, so I thought that was enough. The act of by adult baptism didn't save or "re-save" me, but what it did do, was show that I freely chose Him! It was an act of obedience, and every time that we have a baptismal service at church, those memories from my baptism come back! I am so thankful that Christ saved my soul, and He is still working in and around my life! These services are just one of the many reasons that I love my life as a pastor's wife!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Stephen Karl
Today is ALL about my big boy Stephen! As we celebrate his 3rd birthday, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of my sweet boy!!
FINALLY A FAMILY OF 3:
My Little Vol!
At his first Tar Heel game!
Happy 1st Birthday
First night in a Big Boy bed!!
First root beer float
The Best Big Brother
Beach Bum!!
I LOVE YOU STEPHEN KARL!!
FINALLY A FAMILY OF 3:
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ignorance is not Bliss!!
News channels have been running rampant with coverage of the "Burn a Quran" service in Gainesville, FL. 'Pastor' Terry Jones, and I put the title in quotations on purpose, is planning to burn Qurans on September 11, because, "it is full of lies." I pointed out that I used the quotes because he is in no way practicing ANY of the foundations of Christianity. He is as much a pastor as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are reverends; titles only!! These men not only bring negative attention to Christianity, but also set our faith back so many steps!! They rarely act or speak as a Christian should, in love, joy, and peace! I truly feel that they are some of the 'false teachers' the Bible refers to numerously in the New Testament of the Bible. During my daily Bible reading time, I came across a few scriptures that I think that Mr. Jones, as well as his supporters need to read.
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord..Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:14-21)
These verses are all about Christian ethics, and it is very clear that Mr. Jones has no regards for this scripture. He is all about vengeance and not living at peace with everyone. Our actions should reflect Christ, and his actions are mirror images of a child who is mad. 'I'm going to hurt you because you hurt me!' Christ's sacrifice for our lives should not be in vain because we are proud and angry. We should take the love of Christ to the Muslims, and definitely not show hate towards them. Why on earth would they want a relationship with Christ if all they see are mean, grouchy Christians constantly trying to destroy or harm them. My prayer is that the Muslims repent and find a relationship with the Saviour, Christ! Mr. Jones, you need to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make o plans to satisfy the fleshly desires!" (Romans 13: 14). Perry Noble, Senior Pastor at New Spring Church in Anderson, SC, urges his followers via twitter, "Burning the Quran doesn't prove you have faith..it proves you are a coward. Want to prove your faith? Actually shae Christ with a Muslim!" This lit a fire in me. It is so true, too. It is easiest to hurt someone, but to actually approach someone from a place of love and share your faith with them, is not easy at all. It is, however, the most rewarding things as a Christian you will ever do!!
Even though I do not agree with Mr. Jones, I also do not support the building of the 'Cordoba Initiative' at the Ground Zero site! It is not a coincidence that the Islamic leaders pushing for the mosque's build chose this name for the building! It refers to the mosque is Cordoba, Spain where Moor conquerors built a huge mosque in celebration of their victory over Christians in the 8th century. The Moors tore down the cathedral of St. Vincent of Saragossa and built the 'Mezquita' as a constant reminder of their victory! The proposed Cordoba House in NYC is nothing more than that; a constant reminder of Al-Qaeda's victory over the Americans, not only the Christians! As a Christian, I do not believe in nor support Mr. Jones' extreme and completely ignorant measures. Burning a Quran does not prevent a mosque from being built, but it only fuels the Islamic fire to have it built even quicker! We need to step out from behind the 'squeaky wheels' of the church and speak and act as Christ would want us. 1Corintians says, "for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (6:20). Our actions must glorify God and not distract from the cause!!
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord..Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good." (Romans 12:14-21)
These verses are all about Christian ethics, and it is very clear that Mr. Jones has no regards for this scripture. He is all about vengeance and not living at peace with everyone. Our actions should reflect Christ, and his actions are mirror images of a child who is mad. 'I'm going to hurt you because you hurt me!' Christ's sacrifice for our lives should not be in vain because we are proud and angry. We should take the love of Christ to the Muslims, and definitely not show hate towards them. Why on earth would they want a relationship with Christ if all they see are mean, grouchy Christians constantly trying to destroy or harm them. My prayer is that the Muslims repent and find a relationship with the Saviour, Christ! Mr. Jones, you need to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make o plans to satisfy the fleshly desires!" (Romans 13: 14). Perry Noble, Senior Pastor at New Spring Church in Anderson, SC, urges his followers via twitter, "Burning the Quran doesn't prove you have faith..it proves you are a coward. Want to prove your faith? Actually shae Christ with a Muslim!" This lit a fire in me. It is so true, too. It is easiest to hurt someone, but to actually approach someone from a place of love and share your faith with them, is not easy at all. It is, however, the most rewarding things as a Christian you will ever do!!
Even though I do not agree with Mr. Jones, I also do not support the building of the 'Cordoba Initiative' at the Ground Zero site! It is not a coincidence that the Islamic leaders pushing for the mosque's build chose this name for the building! It refers to the mosque is Cordoba, Spain where Moor conquerors built a huge mosque in celebration of their victory over Christians in the 8th century. The Moors tore down the cathedral of St. Vincent of Saragossa and built the 'Mezquita' as a constant reminder of their victory! The proposed Cordoba House in NYC is nothing more than that; a constant reminder of Al-Qaeda's victory over the Americans, not only the Christians! As a Christian, I do not believe in nor support Mr. Jones' extreme and completely ignorant measures. Burning a Quran does not prevent a mosque from being built, but it only fuels the Islamic fire to have it built even quicker! We need to step out from behind the 'squeaky wheels' of the church and speak and act as Christ would want us. 1Corintians says, "for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (6:20). Our actions must glorify God and not distract from the cause!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Where there is rain..there is a rainbow!!
Yesterday was another GREAT day at Grace Baptist Church-Gastonia!! Everytime I walk through the doors of church, i expect great things to happen, and praise the Lord, He NEVER disappoints!! Even while in the nursery, I learn and grow so much! I spent the AM service in the nursery with all the precious babies with two of our friends and my parents as workers! We really needed that many because there were so many babies. Isn't God good?! Needing more workers because He is adding to our congregations is a problem that excites us!!
Last night's service was all about Noah!! So many know the story by heart, and there are so many great applications from Genesis 6: 8-22. Joe preached a great message about Noah and the church today!! So often we as Christians try to do what 'we' think God has for us, but we need to first pray what God will have for us before accepting roles or jobs in the church as well as in life. Also delayed obedience is nothing more than disobedience!! Knowing what God wants us to do and putting it off because of so many different reasons, is simply disobedience!! The thing that hit me the most was when Joe talked about using his "sanctified imagination" and wondering what the people of Noah's time were thinking when the first raindrops hit the earth!! Can you imagine?! Noah preached, for some would say 90 years, that a mighty rain would destroy the Earth, and it had not rained EVER!! I'm sure people thought he was a crazy man, but Joe related it back to when the Rapture comes, what will our generation think?! How many people will be left here thinking, "well that preacher/singer/Sunday School teacher/etc wasn't so crazy after all!" The problem with these people is that after the Rapture takes place, it will be too late for them. This absolutely breaks my heart!! Never before have I seen the need for people to get saved by Jesus and Him alone!! Salvation isn't found only at church, praise God! God is such a big God that He can save you anywhere, even when you least expect it!! I have been a Christian for a long time now, and I am more excited than ever because of what I am seeing through dedicated people in my life!! We all need to strive to be like Noah!! "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so he did." (Genesis 6: 8-22)
Brittany!!
Last night's service was all about Noah!! So many know the story by heart, and there are so many great applications from Genesis 6: 8-22. Joe preached a great message about Noah and the church today!! So often we as Christians try to do what 'we' think God has for us, but we need to first pray what God will have for us before accepting roles or jobs in the church as well as in life. Also delayed obedience is nothing more than disobedience!! Knowing what God wants us to do and putting it off because of so many different reasons, is simply disobedience!! The thing that hit me the most was when Joe talked about using his "sanctified imagination" and wondering what the people of Noah's time were thinking when the first raindrops hit the earth!! Can you imagine?! Noah preached, for some would say 90 years, that a mighty rain would destroy the Earth, and it had not rained EVER!! I'm sure people thought he was a crazy man, but Joe related it back to when the Rapture comes, what will our generation think?! How many people will be left here thinking, "well that preacher/singer/Sunday School teacher/etc wasn't so crazy after all!" The problem with these people is that after the Rapture takes place, it will be too late for them. This absolutely breaks my heart!! Never before have I seen the need for people to get saved by Jesus and Him alone!! Salvation isn't found only at church, praise God! God is such a big God that He can save you anywhere, even when you least expect it!! I have been a Christian for a long time now, and I am more excited than ever because of what I am seeing through dedicated people in my life!! We all need to strive to be like Noah!! "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so he did." (Genesis 6: 8-22)
Brittany!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
In a DIV@S state of mind...
Hey ya'll!! Last night was our very first meeting as DIV@S, and it was nothing short of disorganized and delicious!! DIV@S is a small group for the young women in our church. We are Darlings In Victory @ Salvation!! We took our name from several passages in Song of Solomon. Song of Solomon says in chapter 2, verse 2, "like the lilies among the thorns, so is my darling(s) among the young women." This is what we pray, to stand out among the young women for Him!!
Last night we talked about Transformation!! On Sunday at the morning service, one of our DIV@S made the walk down the aisle and gave her life to Christ, once and for all. That is definitely the ultimate transformation!! Mary Anne read from Colossians, and discussed several things and the one that stuck out to me was about forgetting the past and letting God do what only He can do through us!! He can take our lives and make it something useful and beautiful! This simple devotion led to some great conversations about our own insecurities and anxieties!! I let everyone know the level of worry-wart that I am!! (I'm really not sure if anyone worries quite like me!!) We also talked about how great prayer partners and prayer warriors are, and how desperately we need to rely on others!! Find someone who will pray with and for you!! Mary Anne also gave some great advice to new/never matured Christians to read the book of James as a guidebook for your Christian growth!!
I walked away from last night's meeting even more convinced that God has big plans for us not only through our missions but also through our meetings!! I reflected on my own experiences last night, and I was more motivated than ever seeing the love and support from my fellow DIV@S!! I cannot wait to see what and where God takes us. "Rise up my darling(s)!!" (Song of Solomon 2:13)
Last night we talked about Transformation!! On Sunday at the morning service, one of our DIV@S made the walk down the aisle and gave her life to Christ, once and for all. That is definitely the ultimate transformation!! Mary Anne read from Colossians, and discussed several things and the one that stuck out to me was about forgetting the past and letting God do what only He can do through us!! He can take our lives and make it something useful and beautiful! This simple devotion led to some great conversations about our own insecurities and anxieties!! I let everyone know the level of worry-wart that I am!! (I'm really not sure if anyone worries quite like me!!) We also talked about how great prayer partners and prayer warriors are, and how desperately we need to rely on others!! Find someone who will pray with and for you!! Mary Anne also gave some great advice to new/never matured Christians to read the book of James as a guidebook for your Christian growth!!
I walked away from last night's meeting even more convinced that God has big plans for us not only through our missions but also through our meetings!! I reflected on my own experiences last night, and I was more motivated than ever seeing the love and support from my fellow DIV@S!! I cannot wait to see what and where God takes us. "Rise up my darling(s)!!" (Song of Solomon 2:13)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hello World!!
Hello World!! I am so excited about this, but I am also a little reserved!! Blogging is a way in which to fully put myself all the way out there and let you all in my life!! I do, however, think that God will use this blog for bigger things than I can even phathom, and that is really what I am shooting for!!
Now for a little about me!!
I am Brittany, and I am the mother of two beyond precious boys, Stephen and Carson!! Also, I am married to the man that God picked for me, and he just so happens to be a pastor!! Joe pastors Grace Baptist Church-Gastonia, NC. I never knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I married Joe!! I knew that it would be different from typical marriages because we were in even more of a fishbowl. People look at us and have different expectations of us because we are pastor and pastor's wife, but believe it or not, we are exactly like you!! We are tempted and fall short every day!!
Along with the fishbowl palace that I live in, I also get to experience the most wonderful things!! I get to hear first hand, and most times first, the victories!! From the cancer crusaders who are taking down that dreaded disease to the children coming to know the same Christ that I do as their personal Savior, I get the chance to celebrate with them, and that is just about the best part of life!!
As difficult or easy as my life may appear, I just feel so blessed!! My family and I have so many supporters and fans in our corners, and we feel your prayers!! We are so thankful for every one of you who give us words of encouragement and prayers of support!! We love you all so much, and each and every one of you out there have shaped who I am and who I am becoming!! We thank the Lord everyday for you, so keep those prayers going!! :) Until next time....(ps give me some feedback please!!)
Now for a little about me!!
I am Brittany, and I am the mother of two beyond precious boys, Stephen and Carson!! Also, I am married to the man that God picked for me, and he just so happens to be a pastor!! Joe pastors Grace Baptist Church-Gastonia, NC. I never knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I married Joe!! I knew that it would be different from typical marriages because we were in even more of a fishbowl. People look at us and have different expectations of us because we are pastor and pastor's wife, but believe it or not, we are exactly like you!! We are tempted and fall short every day!!
Along with the fishbowl palace that I live in, I also get to experience the most wonderful things!! I get to hear first hand, and most times first, the victories!! From the cancer crusaders who are taking down that dreaded disease to the children coming to know the same Christ that I do as their personal Savior, I get the chance to celebrate with them, and that is just about the best part of life!!
As difficult or easy as my life may appear, I just feel so blessed!! My family and I have so many supporters and fans in our corners, and we feel your prayers!! We are so thankful for every one of you who give us words of encouragement and prayers of support!! We love you all so much, and each and every one of you out there have shaped who I am and who I am becoming!! We thank the Lord everyday for you, so keep those prayers going!! :) Until next time....(ps give me some feedback please!!)
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