Jesus said to him, " 'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith." Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24
What kind of proof says that You exist?
What is it that people need to say "I believe?"
Is there logic and reason that explains You?
Can any human mind even conceive of You?
So many who believe will still argue and explain
giving logical reasons for Your Truth.
Even You would say to those who doubted,
You see my miracles and still do not believe.
So then, for many, proof is not enough.
Because it takes faith to love or not love.
It takes faith to believe or not believe.
It takes faith to know You are real;
To trust, to love, and to hope for a life,
a life beyond this life-a hope, a peace,
that goes beyond understanding and reason and logic.
Maybe I'm too simple a mind to want proof.
Proof that will be dismissed or ignored;
Proof that is an argument waiting to be explored,
and yet, all that can be done,
all we can do,
all we can understand is limited.
So, limited by our human minds,
that leaves just one thing,
one thing to help us, to tell us,
and to know that God is real...
Faith!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Friday, November 12, 2010
Another Year of Motherhood
As my twin sons near their twentieth birthday on November 15th, 2010, prayer and contemplation of my years as a mother has dominated my waking hours.
I worry I wasn't a good enough mom, and I search, in my prayers and my heart, for the memories of when I was a godly mother. These are the memories of raising my sons that I hold deep in my heart; the times when I was prudent and wise and when I taught my sons the virtues of life.
Yet, I will always remember the many times when I taught my sons vices, times of selfishness and complacency in my choices. These are the times I regret, but I also will accept them with humility. Because of God's Word, I know I must be thankful for my failures and short-comings.
Prayers of thanksgiving have given me the understanding of the mercy I recieve and the mercy I give. Having a heart of gratitude gives me freedom from the regrets that cause bitterness and despair. I will not allow that to happen, and so I thank God everyday for my successes and failures as a mother, and I know He is always with me.
I think of my sons and prayer for them often throughout the day. They will always be the focus of my petition prayers, because they have been the center of my life for twenty years. This is the truth of motherhood; my life is divided into two parts, before my children were born and after my children were born.
I thank God for another year of motherhood.
I worry I wasn't a good enough mom, and I search, in my prayers and my heart, for the memories of when I was a godly mother. These are the memories of raising my sons that I hold deep in my heart; the times when I was prudent and wise and when I taught my sons the virtues of life.
Yet, I will always remember the many times when I taught my sons vices, times of selfishness and complacency in my choices. These are the times I regret, but I also will accept them with humility. Because of God's Word, I know I must be thankful for my failures and short-comings.
Prayers of thanksgiving have given me the understanding of the mercy I recieve and the mercy I give. Having a heart of gratitude gives me freedom from the regrets that cause bitterness and despair. I will not allow that to happen, and so I thank God everyday for my successes and failures as a mother, and I know He is always with me.
I think of my sons and prayer for them often throughout the day. They will always be the focus of my petition prayers, because they have been the center of my life for twenty years. This is the truth of motherhood; my life is divided into two parts, before my children were born and after my children were born.
I thank God for another year of motherhood.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A Cause Worth Dying For
“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendents may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you…” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
It is my desire to help put an end to legalized abortion, one heart at a time. I am writing to all my sisters; to all the American women, young and old, who have been lied to about choice. I am writing to all the American men who love a woman dearly; a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, and care about the future of our families, our nation, and our world.
It is my passion to share the truth, the truth of life. It is my hope to touch your heart with my prose and poetry and to stir in you a desire to choose life. It is my love for each one of my American sisters and brothers which convicts me to risk everything to share this truth. The truth I have found in Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Church.
Read what I write with an open heart and open mind, and make your own decision, my friends. And know that you are loved no matter what you choose, but also know there is only one true choice, one choice of love and hope, one choice that gives life.
I can never say exactly how my lifelong search for love and truth has continually lead me to the amazing man named Jesus. Through Christ, I come to know the mercy and love of the Father, and I’m given the Spirit to guide me in truth, faith, and hope. I love life, even in my times of suffering and sorrow, so I will speak of life. And so, I must write. To reach the countless citizens of our country who have been fooled into believing we want the “freedom” to kill our children.
I wrote the following poem for my twin sons, and for all unborn babies. David and Dennis are an incredible gift from God and because I chose to give my sons life, they have given me life. God tells us the truth when he says the life we give our children will mean life for ourselves. Because of the choice I made, I am blessed with my children who are my joy, my peace, my hope. I pray all mothers and fathers may know this truth.
Babies
I feel my babies inside of me
Beneath my heart and completely free
Wanting so much to simply be
I am a part of this world.
But who am I to make this choice
To be the loudest and only voice
In my freedom to choose, I rejoice
I am a part of this world.
Sadly, others tell me it’s okay
To kill my child and walk away
And live to breathe another day
I am a part of this world.
But I also hear what the truth must be
As faithful friends try to help me see
When I feel my babies inside of me
I can’t stop their hearts because I’m free…
My babies are a part of this world!
Love in Christ,
Mom
April, 2001
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What Is There To Love?
I am a woman who suffers from monthly cycles of depression, only recently diagnosed as PMDD: Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. For about ten days nearly every month, I struggle with finding a positive attitude about relationships, work, and church. In fact, I often become despondent and full of despair, and I fail to find the good in life.
On these days, I hold onto the hope that the tears will end, the deep soulful sorrow, the desperate hopelessness, and the intense anger are symptoms of my condition, and they have no power over me. At least, that is what I must tell myself on the days when I can't help but feel these painful emotions.
After years of trying to treat my condition medically, with prescription drugs that did not work, and only seemed to worsen my symptoms, I decided to abandon the man-made solution and depend on God for my emotional comfort. With prayer, His Word, and His Sacraments, I find peace in the midst of my sorrow.
This past week, I have been suffering days of sadness and weeping. It is so deep and sorrowful, my heart and soul are in agony. Those who suffer depression understand the pain I describe. During these days, it is hard to get into His Word, but thankfully the Lord pursues me.
Yesterday, in my 7th grade religion class, a student asked me about a psalm reference which led me to scan through the book of psalms. My Lord captured my attention with the words, Prayer of One in Sorrow, Psalm 13.
It is a very short chapter, and I read the whole thing in seconds, soaking in His words of hope and truth. The last verse of the chapter filled my heart with gratitude and my mind with love. They say: ...Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord, "He has been good to me." Psalm 13:6
When I read these words from my Creator, my heart is filled with joy to know He will always be there for me. My God leads me to a place of contentment so I can once again find a reason and purpose for this difficult life. God is always there, and He tells me the truth, I have so much to love in life, even when my feelings and thoughts try to tell me something different.
He is always speaking to me, loving me, consoling me, and strengthening me in so many ways, in prayer, His Church, and His Word. He helps me focus on what is true and lovely. When I read His Word, I am filled with hope and a true sense of purpose, no matter what my heart may feel or my mind may think, I am loved by my God, and that is something worth living for.
On these days, I hold onto the hope that the tears will end, the deep soulful sorrow, the desperate hopelessness, and the intense anger are symptoms of my condition, and they have no power over me. At least, that is what I must tell myself on the days when I can't help but feel these painful emotions.
After years of trying to treat my condition medically, with prescription drugs that did not work, and only seemed to worsen my symptoms, I decided to abandon the man-made solution and depend on God for my emotional comfort. With prayer, His Word, and His Sacraments, I find peace in the midst of my sorrow.
This past week, I have been suffering days of sadness and weeping. It is so deep and sorrowful, my heart and soul are in agony. Those who suffer depression understand the pain I describe. During these days, it is hard to get into His Word, but thankfully the Lord pursues me.
Yesterday, in my 7th grade religion class, a student asked me about a psalm reference which led me to scan through the book of psalms. My Lord captured my attention with the words, Prayer of One in Sorrow, Psalm 13.
It is a very short chapter, and I read the whole thing in seconds, soaking in His words of hope and truth. The last verse of the chapter filled my heart with gratitude and my mind with love. They say: ...Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord, "He has been good to me." Psalm 13:6
When I read these words from my Creator, my heart is filled with joy to know He will always be there for me. My God leads me to a place of contentment so I can once again find a reason and purpose for this difficult life. God is always there, and He tells me the truth, I have so much to love in life, even when my feelings and thoughts try to tell me something different.
He is always speaking to me, loving me, consoling me, and strengthening me in so many ways, in prayer, His Church, and His Word. He helps me focus on what is true and lovely. When I read His Word, I am filled with hope and a true sense of purpose, no matter what my heart may feel or my mind may think, I am loved by my God, and that is something worth living for.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Eyes of Love
The following music video is a song by Brandon Heath which sings of our mission as Christ's disciples, to love like God.
May we, as disciples of Christ, love a little more this day, show mercy to those who hurt us, and have hope in the goodness of humanity. May we be known to everyone as followers of Jesus because of the love we have for one another.
God Bless, and Merry Christmas!
May we, as disciples of Christ, love a little more this day, show mercy to those who hurt us, and have hope in the goodness of humanity. May we be known to everyone as followers of Jesus because of the love we have for one another.
God Bless, and Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Trust Is Tough
Trust in Jesus Completely
by: Kristin Ball
What is it that will set me free?
To be willing to plant the seed
to let go of my worldly stuff
everything that can make life rough.
A house and cars bring me down
as I try to maintain solid ground.
Oh, but to have just a little more
of all the things I think I adore,
but the stuff only makes life harder
when I forget everything comes from the Father.
He sent His Son so I could see
that the Truth is everything that frightens me.
It's service and sacrifice
which will bring true joy
not having every little gadget
and must have toy.
Letting go of my wants
and giving it all away.
Instead of holding onto it
and watching it slowly decay.
What is it that will set me free?
Knowing the Love of the Awesome Three
The Son who came to earth to show the Way
To Our Father in Heaven, I will see some Day
The Spirit is Life, the breath of my Soul
This is the Truth that makes me whole!
Jesus can make you whole, too. Seek him this Christmas Season!
Merry Christmas, 2009
by: Kristin Ball
What is it that will set me free?
To be willing to plant the seed
to let go of my worldly stuff
everything that can make life rough.
A house and cars bring me down
as I try to maintain solid ground.
Oh, but to have just a little more
of all the things I think I adore,
but the stuff only makes life harder
when I forget everything comes from the Father.
He sent His Son so I could see
that the Truth is everything that frightens me.
It's service and sacrifice
which will bring true joy
not having every little gadget
and must have toy.
Letting go of my wants
and giving it all away.
Instead of holding onto it
and watching it slowly decay.
What is it that will set me free?
Knowing the Love of the Awesome Three
The Son who came to earth to show the Way
To Our Father in Heaven, I will see some Day
The Spirit is Life, the breath of my Soul
This is the Truth that makes me whole!
Jesus can make you whole, too. Seek him this Christmas Season!
Merry Christmas, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Unknown Day and Hour
With all the hype about 2012, we need to ask ourselves a very important question: Who is Jesus? Who is this historical man who taught amazing truths about God, was crucified, died, and was buried. Rose again and Ascended into heaven, promising to come again? Are his words worth believing and what must I do to follow Him?
Jesus is definitely the hot topic, the buzz around town, who still, after 2000 years, stirs in the human heart the passion of love or contemptuous hatred. He's the one most talked about even though the effort is to stifle his name.
For believers, like myself, it makes sense that Jesus is a Man who still changes the world, but for others, it's a problem. Why eliminate Merry Christmas from the public language, and focus only on the secular Santa legend for the Christmas holiday? Why do so many loud voices try to drown out the name of Jesus during this Christmas season? Because Jesus is a threat to the evil of this world, he is the Truth we all seek, and this deceptive world wants to bury the Truth.
It was attempted 2000 years ago, but the Truth could not be destroyed. He walked out of His tomb, he rose from the dead; he ate, taught, and walked with his disciples for 40 days before returning to heaven. He promised the Apostles he would come again, and that's what we are waiting for now, His return, which will mark the end of this world as we know it, and it seems we are nearing that day. Not to sound doomsday or anything, but the signs of the times are evident according to Jesus' prophecies. As Christians, we look forward to that day.
It will be a time of great pains, but for believers, great joy as well. We know that war, famine, earthquakes, and terrible calamities will fall upon our earth, but Jesus will come soon after to bring eternal peace and justice. For all those who trust in the Lord's Mercy, we will share in His Kingdom. Now is the time to accept Jesus, the Life, the Truth, and the Way, and know His Mercy. Because when He comes again, He will bring his justice, and we, the believers, his Saints, will fight the evil with Him and help Him create a new heaven and earth. Wow! Doesn't that sound awesome?
Find freedom from the fears that control your life, your thoughts. Find freedom from the death of sin and find hope for the gift of life. The true Messiah, Jesus Christ, told us the way to the Father, it is through Him. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, which came upon the Apostles and filled them with the gifts to boldly speak the Truth, the Church was born, and still thrives to this day. Through Scripture, prayer, and the Church, you can know the Truth of Jesus, and accept him as your Lord and Savior, and have his mercy and peace with a confident hope for the unknown future.
Discover his Mercy for yourself. Seek and you will find, Jesus.
Jesus is definitely the hot topic, the buzz around town, who still, after 2000 years, stirs in the human heart the passion of love or contemptuous hatred. He's the one most talked about even though the effort is to stifle his name.
For believers, like myself, it makes sense that Jesus is a Man who still changes the world, but for others, it's a problem. Why eliminate Merry Christmas from the public language, and focus only on the secular Santa legend for the Christmas holiday? Why do so many loud voices try to drown out the name of Jesus during this Christmas season? Because Jesus is a threat to the evil of this world, he is the Truth we all seek, and this deceptive world wants to bury the Truth.
It was attempted 2000 years ago, but the Truth could not be destroyed. He walked out of His tomb, he rose from the dead; he ate, taught, and walked with his disciples for 40 days before returning to heaven. He promised the Apostles he would come again, and that's what we are waiting for now, His return, which will mark the end of this world as we know it, and it seems we are nearing that day. Not to sound doomsday or anything, but the signs of the times are evident according to Jesus' prophecies. As Christians, we look forward to that day.
It will be a time of great pains, but for believers, great joy as well. We know that war, famine, earthquakes, and terrible calamities will fall upon our earth, but Jesus will come soon after to bring eternal peace and justice. For all those who trust in the Lord's Mercy, we will share in His Kingdom. Now is the time to accept Jesus, the Life, the Truth, and the Way, and know His Mercy. Because when He comes again, He will bring his justice, and we, the believers, his Saints, will fight the evil with Him and help Him create a new heaven and earth. Wow! Doesn't that sound awesome?
Find freedom from the fears that control your life, your thoughts. Find freedom from the death of sin and find hope for the gift of life. The true Messiah, Jesus Christ, told us the way to the Father, it is through Him. And with the power of the Holy Spirit, which came upon the Apostles and filled them with the gifts to boldly speak the Truth, the Church was born, and still thrives to this day. Through Scripture, prayer, and the Church, you can know the Truth of Jesus, and accept him as your Lord and Savior, and have his mercy and peace with a confident hope for the unknown future.
Discover his Mercy for yourself. Seek and you will find, Jesus.
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