Journal Of A Camp Counselor

sadichka · July 13, 2005

I have been asked many questions about being a Camp Counselor. So, I have decided to create a journal of daily occurances that I feel help me prepare to do the Lord's work. To reveal myself in this public forum is not one that I particularly like, but I pray that it will help those of you that have asked me to do so. Here we go...

Thursday, July 13, 2005:

I am planning on going to a funeral today. A family member of an acquaintance died and I feel the need to support them. The desire comes from a recent experience that I had a few weeks ago. One of our family members died after a lengthy illness. Although I felt prepared to deal with the emotional feelings, I had no idea how the Lord would touch my heart. The moment when a person walks in to view the body is one that we all dread. However, I found it comforting when this person came in and stood there, for the longest time, just staring as their eyes filled with sorrowful tears. I asked myself, "Had they known each other?" when our eyes met we both nodded at each other; I felt the need to pray for this family. One by one, people came in, stood for a second, looked over and nodded. Not all of them had tears in their eyes as this other person. I wondered why I felt a connection with this person and not the others. I had not known about their family members illness, until I heard of the death. Understanding was given to this person because they were in the 'same boat', so to speak. Understanding transcended spoken words to fulfill the Lord's promise of comfort for my family.

When a person dies, the Lord understands. He gave His Son so that we, those who believe, repent and turn from our sinful nature, could live. I can imagine the Lord, looking down on His Son as He was being crucified by those afraid of the truth, with tears in His eyes...He acknowledges the sacrifice and nods.

Sada

sadichka · July 14, 2005

oops! Today is Thursday, July 14,2005

Last night I was fortunate enough to speak with a friend. One that I have not seen in quite a few months. Whenever we get together it is usually to share the wonderful changes that the Lord has made in our lives. She sat by me in the back of the church and sang. It was beautiful and comforting. Unfortunately, I have not been able to sing in quite some time, I did not view this as a 'wonderful change'! This is difficult for me to accept because I had always believed that the Lord blessed me with an ability to sing His praises. My voice is gone and I have been instructed to sit in silence and take my meds. The camp theme this year is "I Have a Plan For You". I have been thinking about the 'plan' that I thought God had for me....namely, singing. It is interesting how 'my idea' of God's plan for my life has just gone ...'ka-phloot!' Until He sent my friend, my Spiritual Sister in Christ, to uplift me. She said, "I will pray for you to receive strength to accept God's will. You have praised the Lord through your singing, you have given your all. Now, God wants you to sit in silence, and receive His blessing."

Psalms 37:7

7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him

I now wait with a different attitude. I wonder and dream of the path that the Lord will lead me through. I wonder how much I have missed by not listening? "Be still." my heart tells me; "Be silent and you will hear the Lord."

Sada

sadichka · July 16, 2005

Okay! So I am in the middle of making dinner and I had a thought. Here I am preparing a nourishing meal for my family: summer salad, fruit salad, grilled chicken with veggies & ice water (with lemon wedges). It is a fitting dinner for 110 degree weather. It is also what my family needs. Changes occur in our daily life that are so trivial that it is easy to look right past it! Now, if it were 30 degrees instead of the muggy 110...I'd probably make soup. The point is, that is how God is with us. He gives us what we need, nourishment for our souls. Rest for our physical body. Friends to help us in our sorrows.

2 Corinthians 3:18

We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Sada :D

sadichka · July 18, 2005

Hello all.

This weekend was 'hecka' hot :wacko: I spent the weekend shopping! The little known fact of a Camp counselor is the amount of 'moolah' that you spend on your campers! When I shop, I try to think of things to get that will help them at camp. Sometimes they forget to bring items that will be useful and help make the camping experience a little more enjoyable. The one item that is a 'must have' is Cheetos Cheeze balls! Okay, well, I 'must have' those! ;) Actually, I purchase quite a few Bibles. It is hard to believe that some of them do not have Bilbes. Here is a quick list of items that I have found to be useful, purchase eight of each...6 campers, 1 co-counselor, 1 counselor.

Bibles (Dollar Tree has KJV small print paperback), chapstick or lip balm, shampoo ( Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo is the best because it washes anything from mustard to baby oil out of the hair...messy day is great, but the aftermath is gross!), notepads, pens or pencils (colorful works well), highlighters, chocolate bars!, Pringles (they pack well), Water...water....water...you can't have too much bottled water! (sometimes they do not bring alot, you don't want them to get dehydrated), sewing kit, sunscreen, extra socks, mini shampoo, mini conditioner, mini lotion, hairspray or styling gel.

Items are also needed for the week, depending on if you are assigned a cabin or a tent....I will create a list for each tomorrow.

Sada

seeking_truth_1 · July 18, 2005

Sada:

As an FYI Nelson Bibles has a year 2005 "special" to try and distribute 1,000,000 Bibles

They're soft cover NKJV versions and they're only 1.00 each

ISBN 0-7180-1086-8

Available at most Christian book stores

Hope you're feeling better

sadichka · July 19, 2005

Things for a counselor to bring when camping in a tent:

A small folding table, couple of folding chairs, extension cord, flashlight, twine, staple gun (don't forget the staples ) **so you can staple the tent canvas to the floor...just in case a few of them might get the idea to sneak out**, electric coffee pot, foam cups (hot/cold type...last year I only had plastic...for all of you scientists out there, what happens when you pour boiling hot liquid into a plastic cup?! Ouch!), munchies (instant coffee, tea, cookies, crackers, ooohhh...cappuccino ) a few plastic spoons, stackable plastic bins (small ones for the campers to put their Bibles, pens, pencils & personal items. This way they do not get lost among all of the luggage. It also keeps things a bit more organized **snicker :lol : **), lights (as in the xmas type.), clothespins, safety pins and the most important thing is to bring an extra large ziplock bag (you'll have to ask me at camp what this is used for! ) a broom, a couple of floor mats or a long piece of indoor/ outdoor carpeting, hand wipes.

Be prepared to:

Enjoy yourself, share the Word, share yourself, listen, laugh, cry, listen more, make lifelong friendships, have fun.

Romans 13:11-12

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Sada

sadichka · July 20, 2005

Well, I don't feel like writing a separate list for "cabin" campers, so just refer to the above. Let's add a few items also:

Batteries (AA/D) for flashlights that may not work, lantern (I have a coleman rechargeable...works great!) did I mention bottled water? ;)

Well, the time is drawing near. I have been contemplating what 'plan' God has for me, personally. It is important to be truthful with yourself about yourself. God knows all, sees all and 'Is' all. He is in charge and knows all of the good and the bad that occurs in your life. He loves us despite or faults and weaknesses. As a matter of fact he is able to glorify His strength through our weakness. We just have to submit our will to Him. That is my prayer for today....That I am able to submit completely to Him.

Sada

sadichka · July 21, 2005

Romans 12: 1-5

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

I can read these verses over and over again. The truth that is spoken and conveyed through the simple imagery is astounding. Humility. Thoughtfullness. For all members within the 'body of Christ'. Trust in Him and Believe.

Sada

sadichka · July 22, 2005

Today is a sad day. My cousin Tania died of Cancer. She was 49 years old. I wrote this in her memory:

Time’s Provision

July 22,2005

Lord, sorrow has seized my downcast soul

Overflowing as a torrent rain

Time profits in the day’s departure,

With waves of emotion its true intent.

The world will not subdue its movement,

Nor will birds silence their devotion.

Time maintains the unrelenting trek,

To greedily devour its provision.

Restraint is vain against time’s ambition.

This measure of time I devote to You.

While silently waiting for instruction,

I am comforted by Your Scripture:

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy!

He that goeth forth and weepeth;

bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again,

With rejoicing; bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalms 126:5-6

Please pray for our family. This is the second child that my Aunt has had to bury in a little over a year.

Sada

sadichka · July 27, 2005

Good morning.

Today starts the camp countdown (at least it does for me.) I am back from the funeral, a bit tired, but with a new perspective. Death and taxes, it has been said, are the only two certainties in life. While that may be true in context, it can be said that 'life' has certainties also. My cousin and I spent Thanksgiving together a few years ago at my parents house. Our Baboonya had died earlier that year and we wanted to keep the 'tradition' of our families joining together for dinner alive. We sat on the floor in my old room that had been converted to help take care of Boonya (she also had Cancer). The impressions of the hospital bed remained, imbedded in the carpet. Only her dresser drawer remained, standing against the newly painted wall. It had remained virtually untouched since Boonya died. Dust gathered, her comb lay still beneath it. We talked about the times Boonya would make her famous fried chicken. (I still miss it ). We both sat with outstretched legs and giggled at the fact that Boonya, if she were there, would make us both get a rag and dust her 'kamotha'. I don't remember all of the details of the conversation (although I remember that it lasted several hours!) but I do remember the time that we spent laughing and, at times, crying. We chose to spend time with each other to reminisce about our times with Deda and Boonya. The many family dinners that we had together. Our belief in God. Our differences and similarities. One thing in life is certain ...time does heal all wounds. How have you spent your time today? As for me and my family, we will spend it serving the Lord.

May He bless you and your family abundantly...with 'time'.

Sada

sadichka · July 28, 2005

Hello.

Only a few more days until I go to camp. My thoughts have been scattered...do I have enough water, snacks....did I pack all of my clothes? Did the kids pack all of their clothes? Pens, paper, Bibles...etc....

So, I decided to read a few verses from the Bible:

John 21:15-19

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Feed My lambs," He told him. 16 A second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Shepherd My sheep," He told him. 17 He asked him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You." "Feed My sheep," Jesus said.

These verses I have read many times before. I have a question though. Why does Jesus say it this particular order? "Feed My lambs; Shepard My sheep; Feed My sheep." Why does He refer to feeding the 'lambs' first and then refer to feeding the 'sheep' last? Well, I don't have the answer but I am certain that the Lord will provide me with one at camp. Then I will report back to everyone. God is good.

**thinking....thinking **

Hey, it just occured to me, I am going to camp to help feed His lambs (aka children) and then I am going to come back here and share His glory with all of you (aka sheep!)

Cool!

See ya.....Sada

sadichka · July 29, 2005

Today is my last posting before heading down to LA. I was looking for a posting on the Yahoo site (around April 2002) that had to do with 'predestination'. I was not able to find it, however, I ran across an old posting that I had made...message #1037...March 28, 2002.

**Dear empty room,

Whew! I was wondering when I would get a chance to talk to myself! I had a couple of thoughts and just wanted to jot them down. It is a shame that people 'speak' with each other on the internet and cannot speak a word with these same people in person. Such a waste. I want to proclaim the wonderful knowledge of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, that He 'purchased' YOU and ME with the price of his "blood". During the times of Moses, the sacrificial lamb was slaughtered so that the angel of death would 'passover' the homes of God's chosen ones. The ones whom placed the blood of the lamb over the doorway to their homes, they were saved from the peril of 'death'. How can we do the same thing and escape the peril of death? How can we have life eternal with the most Holy Lamb? The Lord Jesus Christ GAVE His life for us through His shed blood. Our body is the temple of God, our heart is the doorway....When we believe and accept Christ as our saviour we accept the gift of grace...His blood is placed over us through acceptance, death has no hold anymore. We are washed clean of sin through repentance, we are deemed 'worthy' to partake of everlasting life with our Savior. It is that simple.

BELIEVE & REPENT

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that

WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting

life." John 3:16

May all who come across this and believe, be blessed with joy

everlasting.

Sada (2002)**

Please feel free to post on this thread during the week that I am at camp.

Sada (2005)

fountain-drink · August 1, 2005

Well, My Dear Sadichka;

I was looking forward to seeing you at the UMCA on Sunday when the kids were gathering to be loaded on the buses. I saw your daughter, but I did not see you. You must have driven up with dear honey. My dear honey was a chaparon on one of the buses and met your dear honey while at the campground. My dear honey said night patrol sounded like fun (after speaking with your dear honey, of course!) Anyways, I told him there is next year. We shall see what becomes of that, HUH???????

Let us know how camp went when you get back. I pray all the children at camp come closer to God.

sadichka · August 12, 2005

Tk....

I will make sure that your hubby is added to the call list for night patrol next year. The operating tools of choice are...night vision goggles and a 10 million watt spotlight! It really lights up the woods.

Sada

sadichka · August 12, 2005

Where do I start? Tiredness aside, camp was amazing. Ask your children, nephews, nieces....anyone that attended. It was amazing. I am not going to state specifics, but many children came to accept the Lord and His merciful gift....Salvation.

Peace abides within the hearts of those that accept and love the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sada

sadichka · August 18, 2005

I think that one of the coolest things is when you see your campers at a function. It is a relationship that continues to grow. A relationship based on the belief that the Lord died for us. We all fall short of perfection ( I know, :huh: you are all surprised at that one!) We, as Counselors, should remember that the children entrusted to us at camp are still in need of our attention....down here in the world. I have realized that it has become a lifelong commitment. Always be on guard and remember that the life we lead in the world is a constant example for those around us.

See you in LA #### the picnic!

Sada :wub:

fountain-drink · August 18, 2005

Amen, Sister!!

sadichka · August 19, 2005

It has been brought to my attention the other day that a statement made by many people claim that salvation is attained by faith "AND" works. Although 'works' are important, Salvation alone is attained by the acceptance of the Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. That simply means that once a person has accepted the Lord, there life changes....thus the labeling of 'born again'. Accept Christ, Repent of your sins, begin life as a 'new creation' being led by the Spirit.

Put Him in control of your life and you will begin to be a useful vessel to Him. Thus doing good 'works'.

'Works' are the end result of becoming one of His sheep.

Baaaaa! :D

Sada

sadichka · August 22, 2005

Good Morning!

I am a bit tired ...ok I'm exhausted! What a weekend. If any of you were in LA, we probably ran into each other at the picnic or the funeral. As for the picnic, I would like to thank all of you for your hospitality. As for the funeral, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, especially the children. Remember them in your prayers, it is one of the most difficult things to see children lose their Mother.

I am fortunate. The Lord has blessed our family with health. I have been healed of my illness. It happened at Camp through the grace of God. It is my testimony. I am humbled that He would choose to touch my life in this way. I can only show my gratitude by continuing in His will. I had no idea that a miracle was waiting for me. For once, I am speechless.

Sada

Micah · August 24, 2005

It has been brought to my attention the other day that a statement made by many people claim that salvation is attained by faith "AND" works. Although 'works' are important, Salvation alone is attained by the acceptance of the Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. That simply means that once a person has accepted the Lord, there life changes....thus the labeling of 'born again'. Accept Christ, Repent of your sins, begin life as a 'new creation' being led by the Spirit.

Put Him in control of your life and you will begin to be a useful vessel to Him. Thus doing good 'works'.

'Works' are the end result of becoming one of His sheep.

Baaaaa! :D

Sada

Good post Sada. Last night I was talking to my spefka kids about salvation, and trying to get them to understand about Grace Faith and Works. Reading the quote from the book of James below always puts an interesting spin on things. To understand what true faith is, that repentance from dead works and service to God will always come from true faith. James 2:24-26 "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Any faith that is not accompanied by repentance and works is not true faith, it is the faith of the devil. James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

Take Care,

Micah

p.s. Trying to figure out who you are. :D

sadichka · August 25, 2005

Still speechless ;)

Sada

2 Corinthians 13: 8-9

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.

sadichka · August 31, 2005

Good morning....

Boy, did I have a bad day, yesterday. It was like taking one step forward and being 'forcibly' pushed back ten steps. I was not a willing servant yesterday. I was not a 'good' Sadichka. :angry:

Today I have a renewed spirit. :rolleyes: I pray that the Lord forgive my unwillingness to do His will. I ran across this scripture today. It has helped me and I pray that it will help you. May the Lord bless you all with joy and peace and may He send comfort to those of you that are searching for His Truth. Sometimes we just need to stop and wait, He knows the path and all of the obstacles that lie in wait....the next step you take may be your last.

Sada :wub:

1 Timothy 1:12-17

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry-- 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy because of this, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate the utmost patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

sadichka · September 2, 2005

Hey Micah!

Thanks for the response! I just noticed that you replied.

So, you want to know who I am? I left clues on my new topic....

We know each other. But you call me....

Tsotsa Sada :D

sadichka · September 3, 2005

2 Corinthians 4

1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God. 16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The scripture quoted above is true. We must, as believers, realize that we will be persecuted for proclaiming His name...that of the Lord Jesus. However, there are times in a persons life that they may feel persecuted due to actions, words or attitudes not associated with the name of the Lord. I am guilty of all of those. The most difficult thing to do is to face yourself...as God sees you. It was difficult to ask Him to reveal this to me, because it was more comfortable to justify my own actions while continuing to find fault in others. Sometimes life is not easy. When I acknowledged my faults to the Lord and gave Him control of my life, the things that used to bother me suddenly seemed trivial. He is merciful.

May the Lord give you peace.

Sada :D

sadichka · September 7, 2005

I have often wondered about how God chooses to 'call' His servants. I wonder how He goes about the selection process. During harvest (I am in the Central Valley, you know ) it is important to wait for the fruit to develop properly. Every season is different and dependent upon the weather. If it rains, and the grapes have already been picked, special tasks must be performed in order to save the harvest from mildew. If it is unseasonably cold, and the grapes have already been picked, they must stay in the 'elements' longer. I suppose that is alot like us! In our lives, we all have different 'seasons' that we are in, both Spiritually and physically. We also have different occurances in our lives that help to form our opinions. Life's circumstances are constantly changing. We are continually having to adapt to these changes. The one thing that we can rely on is the fact that we are worthy of His love....He is waiting for us to choose Him. We have been given the chance to be 'fruitful' and enjoy a plentiful harvest....with Him. That's cool!

The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9: 9-13)

9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

**Imagine that, Matthew just got up and followed Him! I wonder what Matthew saw in Jesus to prompt him to just get up and follow? Well, I gues that is another subject to discuss**

Sada

sadichka · September 8, 2005

2 Corinthians 10: 7-11

7 Is it outward appearances you look to? If any man is confident as regards himself that he specially belongs to Christ, let him consider again and reflect that just as he belongs to Christ, so also do we. 8 If, however, I were to boast more loudly of our Apostolic authority, which the Lord has given us that we may build you up, not pull you down, I should have no reason to feel ashamed. 9 Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters. 10 For they say "His letters are authoritative and forcible, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and as for eloquence, he has none." 11 Let such people take this into their reckoning, that whatever we are in word by our letters when absent, the same are we also in act when present.

It is easy to judge a person trhough our own perception. However, it is a trap that we must not fall into. Be careful, dear children, of being harsh to one another. Have courage when the Lord is teaching you, have compassion and understanding when he is teaching your friend.

Sada :wub:

sadichka · September 9, 2005

What is first? :huh:

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Main Entry: 1first

Pronunciation: 'f&rst

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go

: preceding all others in time, order, or importance

**Thought of the day ...Words are important. They express feelings, thoughts, emotions and instructions. Taking into account that words can uplift one person and, at the same moment, convict another. We must be careful in choosing our words. Especially in an environment that relies expressly on written form.**

When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is to think about all that I have to accomplish. Honestly, I do not always think of God first. I am able to tuck Him neatly in the back of mind until I need Him. Thats a terrible thing to do. I have been convicted of the lack of time that I actually spend thinking of Him, praying to Him or even praising Him. It is more convenient for me to have a Lord that is "on-call" when I need Him. I am humbled by the Lords patience with my selfishness. This weekend I ask that all of you join me in prayer to thank the Lord for all He has done in our lives.

Sada :wub:

ligonier · September 12, 2005

Wow Sadichka, that is so true in my life also. It usually seems that when something goes wrong or bad, that is the time I think to turn to God. When there is trouble in my life. Then I realize what I am doing and feel this guilt, that I have neglected to praise God when things are good. Neglected to give Him glory and thanks for all the good things, and remember to turn to Him when I need something "fixed".

Do you think that this may be why "bad" things happen in a believer's life, so we are given a reminder to turn to him ?

Or do bad things just happen, and we are just "slacking off" when we do not remember to praise Him continuously ?

I don't know how to put this so it won't sound like I'm on the "soapbox". When I recognize that I'm turning to God because something is going wrong in my life, I try to turn my prayers from "Lord I need...." or " Lord can you fix....", to "Thank you Lord for what You have given me" or "Praise and glory to you Lord for your mercy and patience".

It's a difficult thing to turn from my weak, needy, fleshly state - and just turn over my problems to God.

sadichka · September 13, 2005

Hi Ligonier,

Thank you for your comments, I truly was inspired by them. In regards to you question:

Do you think that this may be why "bad" things happen in a believer's life, so we are given a reminder to turn to him ? Or do bad things just happen, and we are just "slacking off" when we do not remember to praise Him continuously ?

God is not concerned with the things of this world, He is concerned with the righteousness of the heart....the soul. The afflictions of this world are temporary. The trials that we endure while here on earth result in the destruction of the flesh. Whether it is a physical addiction (such as alcoholism or drug addiction) or whatever keeps us from having our mind on the Lord (including internet xxx addiction-which is a destruction of the mind) we are in a battle. We are not forgotten. The Lord will use that affliction in our life in order to draw us to Him. Once we are His, He uses those same ‘battles’ that we fight in order to bring others to Him...through our testimony. Read Song 34 in the pesnik. We are Christ’s soldiers now.

Sada :wub:

Sirach 2: 1-11

1. My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. 2. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity. 3. Cleave to Him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life. 4. Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. 5. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. 6. Trust in Him, and He will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in Him. 7. You who fear the Lord, wait for His mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall. 8. You who fear the Lord, trust in Him and your reward will not fail; you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy. 10 Consider the ancient generations and see; who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who ever perservered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon Him and was overlooked? 11. For the Lord is compassionionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in times of afflictions.

Proverbs 3: 3-5

3. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; 6. in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

sadichka · September 13, 2005

Good morning everyone :D

On the Anonymous thread a statement was made by "Not My Child". I didn't want that statement to be overlooked.

"The enemy is within"

Simply stated and true. In addition to that thought, Not only is the enemy within but is behind our defensive lines in the form of superiority and self righteousness. I am from a family that did not go to church on Sundays, we only went to the Paska young kids dzela on Sunday. I came from a violent household and a family of alcoholics. I was fortunate (or was it unfortunate) to be taken into a group of drinking church goin' teens! At the time, I was happy to be accepted because it was so difficult to get into this group...they were the ultimate group of 'cool'. I was looking for acceptance and a place to belong. Unfortuantely, they were also the group that like to destroy and hurt. I was taught that it was okay to do this because we were 'special'.

Well, one evening we all got into the car. There were eight of us...four in front and four in back. I was the lucky one to sit on someones lap in front and we continued on to Whittier Blvd. **Cruising Whittier Blvd. was the greatest thing to do back then on a Friday night!** Someone from the back handed me an egg and we stopped at the bus stop and saw a man sitting at a bus stop. One of the guys in the car called the man over saying that we needed directions. The man who was well dressed, around 35ish, walked over to the car with a smile on his face....that is until I threw the egg and it hit him in the forehead. Everyone roared with laughter and so did I, until I turned and looked at the mans face dripping with egg. He looked right at me and said, "Thank you." As we drove off I remember looking back. He stood there, egg dripping from his shirt. He looked toward the fleeing car and caught my eye...he smiled. Even now, I remember the love and compassion that man had toward a bunch of arrogant self righteous teenagers. That event changed me. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to marry out of the group. The main characters are still friends, have chi together, believe themselves to be 'better' than others (including myself). Some of the 'group' actually looks in on these forums from time to time, but rest assured, they will not see themselves in this story.

The point of this is...we all must take responsibility for our own faults and not sweep them under the carpet (or the kavyor). Acknowledge your faults to the Lord and open your eyes to the faults of your children. Time is short and we, as parents, are ultimately responsible for teaching our children. I pray that the Lord will strengthen each and every one of us.

Sada

ps...thank you for the inspiration "Not My Child"! :wub:

sadichka · September 14, 2005

Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

“Love” is a four letter word. A strong word. A word, when accompanied by action, is all powerful. It takes on many different meanings and has different levels. It is from this emotion that we see evidence of Salvation within a person. It is representative as an active devotion for our Lord. It is the foundation of our walk with Christ.

“For God so loved the world...”

“Love” is a word that is often taken for granted. A word that is overused in our society to declare fleshly delight. (such as: “I love that new convertible” or “ I love my new shoes!” ) Our actions of love, as imperfect fleshly creatures, are overshadowed by our thoughts and desires. For even in our ability to fulfill the law through love, we fall short because of our unrighteousness. The perfect love of God is overwhelming.

Sada

sadichka · September 20, 2005

It is important to continue to cleanse ourselves of our daily way of life within the world. This type of ‘regeneration’ was experienced at camp because the world was taken out of our grasp and kept from our ‘eyesight’. The reason that this is important is because the world is full of deception and dishonesty. After camp, a week of fellowship and the Word of God, we descended the hill with a renewed spirit. It has only been a little over a month since camp and, once again, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

So, I stopped in my tracks! Picked up a Bible....and read this:

Titus 3: 4-7

4. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Take the time to ‘shed’ the layers of the world’s corruption from your daily life. Remember that He has willingly offered to take your burdens. Cast them off.

Sada

ligonier · September 20, 2005

When you wrote about "Love", it triggered a memory in me of a verse that I had read that I thought would add to what you wrote about how intense love is.

Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) Chapter 8: Verse 6.

"...for love is as strong as death, it's jealousy unyielding as the grave."

Edited September 20, 2005 by ligonier

sadichka · September 23, 2005

I do not think that we can truly grasp the love that the Lord has for us and often forget His jealosy. We say, at times nonchalantly, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." in order to prove and justify ourselves....our points. We forget that there is a cotinuation of the scripture....

John 3: 17-21

17For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil, 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.

Sada

special message to "God doesn't hear me"..... Salvation is a gift. You have a choice to accept His love or not. It is spelled out for you. Accept Him and live; Deny Him and you are already judged. Come out of the darkness. His love is beyond our understanding but not beyond our reach. He hears you.

ligonier · September 23, 2005

Amen Sada.

sadichka · September 27, 2005

I want to thank you all for your kind comments, both online and in person.

Accountability.

That word has been running through my mind for days. I have been asked more questions, by teenagers, in regards to Accountability, than any other question. Here are a few:

1. At what age am I accountable for my actions?

2. Am I accountable for my actions if I follow teachings that may be incorrect?

3. Am I accountable for leading others down a wrong path?

4. Am I forgiven if I am afraid to follow God's will?

5. Why am I held accountable for things that my parents or grandparents did when they were young?

6. Am I accountable for hating someone....really stongly?

I will answer these questions as I am led. Remember, it is a daily walk with the Lord. I am willing to answer these questions...at least in time :D

Sada

seeking_truth_1 · September 27, 2005

1. At what age am I accountable for my actions?
2. Am I accountable for my actions if I follow teachings that may be incorrect?

3. Am I accountable for leading others down a wrong path?

4. Am I forgiven if I am afraid to follow God's will?

5. Why am I held accountable for things that my parents or grandparents did when they were young?

6. Am I accountable for hating someone....really stongly?

**********************************************************

I'll offer up what I believe based on Scripture

1) This will take a bit to get to

2) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17 NLT)

If you know better and activity persist in a behavior contrary to Scripture, it's sin

3) “"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt 18:6 NKJV)

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” (James 3:1 NLT)

If one is in a position of influence (such as a teacher/elder etc...) they will be held to account for irresponsibility in their duty

4) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

You are forgiven because of the price paid by Jesus on the Cross.

“8 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT)

David, Moses, Peter and Lot all messed up and didn't do God's will periodically

That does not exclude us from living an upright life, but your desire should be to walk in the life God has planned for you

There is a BIG difference between making mistakes versus willful disobedience

You don't punish your child for accidentally spilling their milk but you might deal with them if they look you in the eye and pour it out because they don't want to drink it

5) “6 He passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the LORD, I am the LORD, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.

7 I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Even so I do not leave sin unpunished, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations."” (Exodus 34:6-7 NLT)

You are not accountable in that you are somehow held responsible for their bad behavior. However, Scripture would indicate that bad behavior with consequence can visit multiple generations. Abusive parents often times produce abusive children who become abusive parents themselves. It is our responsability to break with familial sins so as to avoid brinding judgement upon ourselves. If your parents were alcoholics, stay away from alcohol etc...

6) The only thing a Christian should hate is sin. We are to love people

“Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.” (Romans 12:9 NLT)

“You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.” (Ps 97:10 NLT)

“"But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Mattthew 5:22 NKJV)

ligonier · September 28, 2005

Accountability.

I am accountable for what I do, to God.

I have a Bible (the Word of God). I need to open it and read the words written there. I am responsible (accountable) for looking in there (the Bible) to justify what I do, and what I believe. If I am following the words of a man, I need to justify what they tell me by what is written in the Bible. If I cannot justify what someone is telling me by what is written in the Bible, I should not listen to/believe them (that person).

We (believers) have a standard to which we should measure all things, the Bible.

The Bible contains all Truth.

1. You are accountable at the age when you understand that you commit sin purposefully, that it is not an accident. When you knowingly oppose the will of God for the sake of your own desire.

2. You are accountable for all of your own actions.

3. You are accountable for all of your own actions.

4. You are not forgiven if you are afraid to follow God's will. (Matthew 18:7-9) It is your own responsibility to remove sin from your own life.

5. You are only accountable if you continue in the sins of your parents / predicessors. You are only accountable for the sins that you yourself commit.

6. As a believer, you must hate the sin, but love the sinner.

I apologize for "stepping in" to your thread Sadichka. I hope I don't disturb your "flow" by this.

sadichka · September 29, 2005

Thank you Seeking and Ligonier!

Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with the posts. I knew that God would provide an answer.

Sada

sadichka · September 29, 2005

The word heaven is used 690+ times in the bible, depending on the version that you use. I will be quoting from the King James version. As in any type of foundational study, a person needs to build a ‘foundation’ for their belief in order for it to stand up during controversial discussions (Such as the ones that occur in these forums! ) However, first and foremost, it is important to know what you believe and why you believe it.

Genesis 1:1....In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:6-7...6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Heaven must have been extremely important because it was the starting point (foundation) created by God. As you can see, it goes hand in hand with the creation of earth. Heaven existed and was used by birds:

Jeremiah 4:25.....I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.

Job 35:10-11...10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?

So, we know that heaven is...well, look up! This is our proof. (The camp kids know what I am talking about)

Now that we have our foundation, we will start to build on it. More later.

Sada

sadichka · September 30, 2005

To 'Crayon' (no, I haven't forgotten you either :D )

James 1: 5-12

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

The Lord is nearer that you think. When we are going through a trial, He is there....carrying us through as we flail about.

Be still. Listen to Him.

Sada :wub:

sadichka · October 5, 2005

The Lord has made a provision, a resting place for all of his 'flock' to live eternally. He made a promise to all those that accept His grace, the gift of eternity in His presence. This is our hope and comfort.

Hebrews 11: 11-16

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was barren, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful. 12 And therefore from one man--in fact, from one as good as dead--came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been remembering that land they came from, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But they now aspire to a better land--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Such is heaven: it is on high; here are no noxious and pestilential vapours, no mists or fogs beclouding, no storms and tempests, but it is full of light and glory; having the delightful breezes of divine love, and the comfortable gales of the blessed Spirit; here is no heat of persecution, nor coldness, nor chills of affection; here is plenty of most delicious fruits, no hunger nor thirst; and here are riches, which are solid, satisfying, durable, safe and sure: many are the liberties and privileges here enjoyed; here is a freedom from a body subject to diseases and death, from a body of sin and death, from Satan's temptations, from all doubts, fears, and unbelief, and from all sorrows and afflictions; the inhabitants of it are the spirits of just men made perfect, angels, God, Father, Son, and Spirit, and Christ in human nature; upon all which accounts it is abundantly the better country. John Gill

A true place. It is real. It is beyond our limited thought process to even imagine the splendor that it contains....Heaven. To be with our Savior and partake in perfect joy and dwell within His abundant light.

Sada

sadichka · October 13, 2005

Romans 5: 18-21

18 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is life-giving justification for everyone. 19 For just as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Good morning

The word 'justification' is life giving (as stated above). What is justification? It is the act of making one righteous. "How does a person become justified?" you ask. Well, through Adam (one man) we were made sinners. The Law was given so that we would become aware of our sins and become responsible for our actions. Through the gift of Grace, Jesus Christ was 'obedient' and willingly died for our sins. He took the penalty for those sins. Through belief and acceptance of His sacrifice for us, we are made righteous...we are justified. Not that we deserve it (because of our sinful nature), but because He loves us.

Sada

sadichka · October 18, 2005

Good morning.

I have been contemplating whether or not to write about this subject, but for some reason, I can't get it out of my mind.

Childhood.

I did not have a childhood like many of you that view these forums. I did not go to morning church. I did not know that it even existed until after I got married. I did, however, go to Sunday School. My Dad used to drop me off at the old LA UMCA with a couple of quarters for 'melastinee money' and go for coffee with his friends. Sometimes I used to go to second half (a church service that was somewhat like Wednesday night church). One day I didn't feel like going to second half. So, I waited by the fence, as I usually would, clutching my quarter and my Bible. I leaned against the fence and noticed a figure on my left side walking up to me. I looked at his face and he was haggard. A Hispanic man that reeked of alcohol. He had a well used pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket, I could tell becuase it was torn and ratty. There was something that I saw when I looked into his eyes. It was poverty. He reached his hand toward me....I wasn't even afraid. He grabbed my arm forcefully and began to pull me down the street. I don't remember who came to my aid, I just remember a hand on my shoulder. The man let go and took a few steps back...I broke free from the 'saving hand' and walked towards the man. I reached out and gave him my quarter and smiled. He looked at me and tears welled in his eyes. I turned to go back to the UMCA and the 'saving hand' that was now attached to a stern voiced Dsadsa! I remember being scolded about not going into second half but not the actual words. The thing that I remember the most is looking back and seeing that man holding the quarter and crying.

Just had to share that for some reason. :wub:

Sada

ligonier · October 19, 2005

Thank you sadichka.

Over the years I've heard stories of angels appearing to people, usually in the context of testing someone's charity. Looks to me like an angel (or, the Holy Spirit) worked (appeared) through you to touch that man's heart.

sadichka · October 26, 2005

Good morning, I didn't sleep well last because I was thinking about finishing my thoughts about the Lord's prayer. I have been working on it for about three months and I am glad that it is done.

PRAYER:

Prayer is a discipline, so it is important to start this training young. Be sure to pray within ear distance of even the youngest child, because what may seem uncomfortable to you will become commonplace for your child. With continued effort, family prayer can be taught to be of special significance, as time goes on. Remember to speak from the heart and in a ‘child’s language’, refraining from using words that they do not understand...let it flow freely.

Thank God openly for your child, remembering not to use prayer as a reprimand. Such as, “Lord, please help my son to be MORE obedient!” This type of open petition will not gather your child unto the Lord, it will bring about resentment toward prayer. Do you praise your children for the exact same thing? Or do you rejoice in the differences of their God given abilities? Just as God revels in all of the unique goodness in each one of us.

Spontaneous prayers throughout the day, that recognize God’s sovereign power over our lives, are a continuous glory to our Heavenly Father. Although it is comforting to pray for our needs during a crisis, as it is fresh in our minds and hearts, we also need to openly acknowledge the simple things that Yahweh has blessed us with. Whether it is a beautiful sunrise, rich in color, or a gentle blowing breeze that soothes our skin. Our earnest prayers to the Lord will convey an understanding of the awesome power of God to our children.

Jesus gave us the most wonderful inspirational gift of “the Lord’s Prayer” as a guideline for us to acknowledge the Father. It states in Matthew 6:7-9...”And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this:

“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.....

How do you honor the Father? How do you acknowledge His awesome power and majesty? The Most High is responsible for all things. Which one of His works has affected your life the most? Begin prayer with a true and heartfelt appreciation of the Lord and the magnificent blessings that both surround and inspire you.

A life filled with the Spirit is a life richly blessed with solitude and joy through prayer. It is the stepping stone to a peaceful and productive life through the guidance of the Lord’s loving-kindness and discipline. To live without the personal experience of prayer is to live outside the presence of God. Ask the Lord to guide and direct your footsteps daily, continually seeking His will. As it is written in Matthew 6:10...

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...”

Many feel an emptiness as they live their lives based on the expectations of the world, rather than the will of God, by seeking worldly means of gratification. However, as you continue to saturate yourself in the “Word” and seek guidance through daily prayer, your longing will be satisfied. Not only will you become fortified in the strength of the Lord, you will be over flowingly fulfilled by the Spirit of Truth. This is a request that we make of the Lord, as it is written in Matthew 6:11...

“Give us this day our daily bread,”

Also, it is necessary to purge yourself of all iniquity when coming before the Lord in prayer. The Father knows all that we do and all that is tucked deep within our hearts. He already knows our sins and shortcomings, so it will be no surprise when we confess them. Do not let sin keep you from prayer. Yahweh loves us with such purity that we should come to Him with no misgivings of our own worthiness. Remember, through the redeeming blood of Christ we are cleansed. The confession of sin is important to initiate spiritual cleansing. Matthew 6:12 brings to mind the accountability of our actions...

“And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors;”

When we acknowledge and take responsibility for our actions, we then allow ourselves to be totally and completely led by the Spirit. In other words, we become vulnerable...like a child. We trust God to lovingly discipline us, guide us, and fill us with the embodied power of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 6:13, it proclaims our acceptance of God’s trustworthiness...

“And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

Sada :wub:

sadichka · October 27, 2005

Listen.

The Lord is calling you.

Be still.

Do not lean to your own understanding.

The danger of temptation is real. Temptation in and of itself is harmless, however, the embracing of this same temptation leads to a separation from God for all eternity. The Lord in His wisdom has blessed us with the Bible. The Living Word, the Bible, contains both blessings and curses at the same time. Which do you choose?

Listen.

The Lord is near.

Be still.

He will not forsake you.

Solomon was blessed with wisdom, but it did not free him from the bonds of sinful lust. A lust that could not be satisfied. He knew how destructive it was to embrace the temptations of Satan, but he also knew how dangerous it was NOT to listen to the calls of God. Wisdom educated him in the laws of reason and taught him how to understand the powers of the conscience. He had a choice to abstain and to refrain from justifying his actions.

Job 38:36

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

Listen.

He Cares.

Be still.

He will lead you.

“By these God speaks to the children of men, and reasons with them. The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord; and, wherever men go, they may hear a voice behind them, saying, This is the way; and the voice of conscience is the voice of God, and not always a still small voice, but sometimes it cries”...Matthew Henry

Listen.

Those that accept will be mine forever.

Be still.

He will come.

Sada

sadichka · November 2, 2005

Dating?

"What are girls thinking?" and "What are guys thinking?"

Girls are driven by what they feel....guys are driven by what they see.

Girls: Be aware that the way you dress triggers a guy's thoughts. It's a fact. It isn't fair, but be aware that you only have one 'first impression' to give. From that point on, that is what he will be driven by (at least until he gets to know the real you. ;) ) Do not be discouraged. Ask a guy about things that interest you....music, sports, video games.

Guys: Be aware that the words that you use in order to get attention from a girl is (at times) taken to heart. Girls 'wear' the labels that you put on them because they want to be noticed by you. Try approaching them with a few things to discuss....uh...music, sports, video games. You might find out that they like the same things that you do.

Dr. Sada B)

sadichka · November 7, 2005

Romans 3:28 & James 2:24 are written by the Apostle Paul and the Apostle James, respectively:

Romans 3:28; For we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law

James 2:23-24; 23 So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

It is important to note the time period of these letters and to whom they are written. This excerpt is taken from the The Oxford Annotated Bible preface fo Romans:

“Paul had been engaged in collecting contributions from the Gentile churches of Greece and Asia Minor forthe needy Jerusalem church. It was his hope that these gifts would dispel rumors of him and his work which some members of that church felt had been an anxiety to him. The collection was now complete, and Paul (apparently in Corinth) was awaiting the opportunity to go to Jerusalem with it. He intended afterwards to carry the gospel to Spain and, on his way, to stop at Rome where the church had already been established by others. He writes to the Roman church to announce this intention and to explain his understanding of the gospel (partly perhaps to secure the support of that church.)”

This excerpt is taken from the The Oxford Annotated Bible preface to James:

“The Letter of James is a sermon in the form of a letter...The author ‘presupposes’ knowledge of the gospel on the part of his reader, and is concerned to remind him how Christians ought to live....It is sometimes asserted that James is in conflict with Paul on the question of faith and works. The difference between the two, however, is largely one of emphasis and vocabulary. For Paul faith is the believers loyal relationship to Christ; for James it is a mere assent to theological statements (see 2:14-16). Whereas James speaks of works, Paul speaks of fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5: 22-23); for him “works” are “works of the law” (Gal 3: 3,5) and are opposed to faith. On the other hand, Paul would have shared James horror at an empty belief in God (James 2: 18-19); his motto for the Christian life is “faith working through love.” (Gal 5:6).

James’ premise and statement to ‘the believer’ is that having faith without works is the ‘proof’ that the so-called believer’s faith is hollow and does not exist. It is taken from a historical standpoint in which Abraham was justified in his faith in God and by his actions of obedience. Abrahams actions were in accord with an overall submission to God’s will. His faith was not a ‘dead’ faith of words alone, but of action in obedience to God.

Paul’s statement of faith to the Romans reveals that true righteousness does not rest in the obedience to the ‘law’ but on faith in God’s act of redemption: also known as God’s grace. Paul further states that these works of ‘love’ produces the Fruits of the Spirit. Upon acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are complelled to do good works. The ‘proof’ of this is the peace, joy, and comfort that rests in our souls.

The two verses do not contradict each other. They are looking at the flip side of the same coin.

Sada

sadichka · November 15, 2005

Hey campers!

Have you received a letter from your counselor or co-counselor? Have you seen them at a function lately? Have you sent them a letter or called one of the other campers in your group?

Share some photos, share some stories, keep in touch...it's kinda like a long distance cabin discussion!

Sada

ps to my camper: We will have a one on one cabin discussion SOON!

Russianqt03 · November 15, 2005

Dating?

"What are girls thinking?" and "What are guys thinking?"

Girls are driven by what they feel....guys are driven by what they see.

Girls: Be aware that the way you dress triggers a guy's thoughts. It's a fact. It isn't fair, but be aware that you only have one 'first impression' to give. From that point on, that is what he will be driven by (at least until he gets to know the real you. ;) ) Do not be discouraged. Ask a guy about things that interest you....music, sports, video games.

Guys: Be aware that the words that you use in order to get attention from a girl is (at times) taken to heart. Girls 'wear' the labels that you put on them because they want to be noticed by you. Try approaching them with a few things to discuss....uh...music, sports, video games. You might find out that they like the same things that you do.

Dr. Sada B)

Tsa Sada,

Hmm Boys that I'm interested in make their first Impressions of a girl by the way they dress. If they are one of those 16-18 year old Hoochie LA/Fresno girls in those short skirt...the boys follow them around like puppies...hehe..just my thoughts.

Russianqt03 · November 15, 2005

Hey campers!

Have you received a letter from your counselor or co-counselor? Have you seen them at a function lately? Have you sent them a letter or called one of the other campers in your group?

Share some photos, share some stories, keep in touch...it's kinda like a long distance cabin discussion!

Sada

ps to my camper: _vti_cnf We will have a one on one cabin discussion SOON!

Huh?! We have people my age in this forum? Or younger? Whos the camper?

sadichka · November 15, 2005

Hi Sarah!

Yes, there are many 'campers' that view this forum. People that post on the internet have a tendency to forget that. This is not a 'closed' forum and we all need to be aware that children also read what we post....even if they do not join in.

Also, in regards to my 'Dating' post:

Hmm Boys that I'm interested in make their first Impressions of a girl by the way they dress. If they are one of those 16-18 year old Hoochie LA/Fresno girls in those short skirt...the boys follow them around like puppies...hehe..just my thoughts.

That is exactly my point. God wired men and women differently.

They (the guys) are visual. Sometimes :wub: ...when a girl dresses provocatively they are surprised to learn that the guy is only after them for their body. My point is, don't be surprised. It's not always the rule, but for the group of guys that you are talking about (16-18 crowd) their actions are fueled by an overabundance of testosterone.

Sada

Russianqt03 · November 15, 2005

Thanks for the reply. Actually I'm talking about the 16-18 year old hoochies attracting the guys my age..the 21+ group. Pff...all the little chicks are taking all the guys my groups age! I'm not the only one that believes that...believe me...I've been to parties...church...get-to gethers...and those girls always seem to be around...making a name for themselves when they should be at home in bed! Don't they have bedtimes??!

sadichka · November 16, 2005

Phew! :wacko:

I thought that you were into the Demi/ Ashton thing! 21 and over....good for you. Those guys are coming out of the 'puppy' stage (come on guys, you know that I am kiddin'...well, sort of! ;) )

The average dating age span is about three years (with the guy being the older of the two.) I've noticed a recent swing to much older guy / younger girl as boyfriend and girlfriend.

There are MANY single and available guys between 24 and 30!

Have a great day!

Ts. Sada

Russianqt03 · November 16, 2005

Ohh heck no! Haha...I think the guys should be a little older...buut not that much older!!! There are plenty of 17 year old pups for those 17 yeah old or so girls. Hehe...forgot about the 24+age group... :huh:

sadichka · November 16, 2005

Well, on to a new topic....

Faith

To tell you the truth...the thought of Faith overwhelms me. I know we have heard that if we have faith of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is so tiny...if you hold it in your hand and a breeze picks up, it will fly away. However if you plant it, water it and the sun shines on it...it grows faster than any other plant that I've seen. It is rooted well.

So, why does it overwhelm me? It is frustrating for me to admit that, at times, I don't have faith like that little speck of a seed. I doubt God.

Then a thought comes to mind....a little seed that was planted in my heart when I was a little girl going to Sunday School. Jesus loves me! I read the Bible and am filled with the Holy Spirit, I am comforted by God's promise. The love of the Son shines on me. I am reminded that I will not be forsaken and my Faith grows. It is rooted well in the love of God.

This is just a day in the life of Sada. :wub:

EGK · November 17, 2005

Well, on to a new topic....

Faith

To tell you the truth...the thought of Faith overwhelms me. I know we have heard that if we have faith of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is so tiny...if you hold it in your hand and a breeze picks up, it will fly away. However if you plant it, water it and the sun shines on it...it grows faster than any other plant that I've seen. It is rooted well.

So, why does it overwhelm me? It is frustrating for me to admit that, at times, I don't have faith like that little speck of a seed. I doubt God.

Then a thought comes to mind....a little seed that was planted in my heart when I was a little girl going to Sunday School. Jesus loves me! I read the Bible and am filled with the Holy Spirit, I am comforted by God's promise. The love of the Son shines on me. I am reminded that I will not be forsaken and my Faith grows. It is rooted well in the love of God.

This is just a day in the life of Sada.

Sada:

That was really beautiful what you wrote. You are a credit to your parents for you have brought honor to them, a blessing to your husband and children for you truly have wisdom. A true child of our Lord Jesus Christ because he lives in your heart.

EGK

sadichka · November 21, 2005

EGK,

Thank you for your blessings and inspired word.

Sada

sadichka · November 21, 2005

Dear Miss "A" :unsure:

I know that, at times, life seems unbearable. I've been there. As much as you believe that no one can understand, I do. I've been there. Remember the 2 o' clock in the morning cabin discussion? We were able to shed the expectations of the world, the expectations of family and the expectations of ourselves. The Lord showed us that He is in control. He revealed that He loves you. He allowed you to rest in Him. He blessed you with freedom from pain. Remember the prayer that we had? The Lord gave you the strength to overcome. He has not left you. He is still there with you....right now....He is carrying you through.

Please realize that the 'tongue' is a 'fire'. (James 3:6) From the same mouth come blessings and curses. (James 3:10) Goodness comes from within. The Lord has already found you to be acceptable....you ARE His. Period. Guess what?! He leaves the rest of the flock and searches for the one that has gone astray. Marco?!

See what I mean? There's the proof....He found YOU. :wub:

Ts. Sada :D

<<<<<air hug>>>>>

sadichka · November 23, 2005

Well, Miss 'A' :unsure:

Tonight is the night. I hope that you don't back out. Isn't interesting that what we talked about is currently being discussed? Just like camp. The answers are there, we have to be willing to accept them. God's will vs. our will.

Isaiah Chapter 18: 4,5

4 For thus the Lord has told me, "I will look from My dwelling place quietly like dazzling heat in the sunshine. Like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest." 5 For before the harvest, as soon as the bud blossoms and the flower becomes a ripening grape, then He will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives and remove and cut away the spreading branches.

The Lord is the vinemaster of our lives. He decides the circumstances, we make the choice. He chooses how to prune sin from our lives in order to make us 'fruitful'....useful to Him. Many times, we believe the choices that we make are for God. Many times, we run from Him without even realizing it.

Trust in Him; Forgive yourself; Learn to love.

T. Sada

sadichka · November 26, 2005

There are many times when I read a post on this forum, I have an opinion. Sometimes that opinion is strong and filled with frustration, others times it is not. I try (really, I do!) not to react impulsively to others opinions if I do not agree. I also with hold my opinion (at times ;) ) if I agree strongly. Why am I bringing this up?

Well, just because a person chooses not to reply does not mean that the idea, thought, or theory is approved of. I believe that we all have a right to be heard. Even if the idea being presented is not accepted by the majority of people. Communication is the key that opens the limitations of our minds, thoughts and our hearts. As a rule, people just want to be heard. I try to keep this in mind when responding.

There are questions....there are answers...

Where do yours come from? Are you truly searching for an answer or are you needing to justify your actions? When (and if) you ask a question of the Lord, do you believe the answer given to you?

Shed the bonds of your own desires. Give them up. Hand them over. Put them down. Don't pick them up again because you will certainly not be able to overcome these thoughts by yourself. What can you do, you ask?

The first step is to accept Him.

He has overcome the temptations of sin. He has given of Himself for you. He has sent the Comforter. He has loved you before you were even born. He has gone to prepare a place for you. He knows you. He loves you.

Already accepted Him? Great! Now...believe Him.

Sada

sadichka · December 1, 2005

Hebrews 13:4

4 Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible:
The sin "adulterers" are guilty of, is a sin committed by persons, who are either one or both in a married state, and so is directly a pollution of the marriage bed: this was punishable with death by the law of God, and light of nature; and though men may make light of it, God will judge and punish such as commit it, both in this life, with diseases, poverty, and disgrace, and in the world to come, at the great day of account; for however secretly it may be committed, God, who is omniscient, sees it, and will bring it into judgment; nor shall any be able to escape the righteous judgment of God, for he is omnipotent, as well as omniscient.

I know a man that lived a terrible life with his first wife. She was a ‘loose’ woman that continually slept with other people. She would stay out for days at a time and he never knew when she would be home. He stayed with her for five years, until she didn’t come home one day. He never saw her again. He had the marriage annulled due to abandonment (only at the urging of his family and friends). All along he continued to pray to God for strength and understanding. He continued to attend church in this little town and tried to ignore the judgements that people placed upon him and his life. He knew the reason that he married her was based upon his lustful desires and not built upon a foundation of the love of Christ. He did, however, love God and trusted Him completely.

Until one day, a woman came to church. She was fortyish and had been single all of her life and had just moved to this little town. A friend invited her to church. When she walked in, she knew that she had found sanctuary. She had given up hope for a life with a husband and was at peace. She had not sought out companionship, and it had not found her. She did, however, love God and trusted Him completely.

These two people met. They created a frinedship based on their love and acceptance of Christ. Several years later, they married and are both active members of their church. They had several children together. These children live an upright life and also bring glory to God through their worship of Him. They have truly become a blessing to their parents and to God.

His forgiveness of sin transcends our limited understanding. His blessings are placed upon those that He chooses. We are all sinners. All sin results in death. All sin is forgiven upon belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and when we repent of the sin that consumes our lives.

Sada

fountain-drink · December 1, 2005

Beautiful....Beautiful....my eyes were misty while reading this!

sadichka · December 5, 2005

Sit down and have a cup of chi. This will take awhile to read.

JEREMIAH 36

1 In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 "Take a scroll, and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time I [first] spoke to you during Josiah's reign until today. 3 Perhaps, when the house of Judah hears about all the disaster I am planning to bring on them, each one of them will turn from his evil way. Then I will forgive their wrongdoing and sin."

4 So Jeremiah summoned Baruch son of Neriah. At Jeremiah's dictation, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words the Lord had spoken to Jeremiah. 5 Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, "I am restricted; I cannot enter the temple of the Lord, 6 so you must go and read from the scroll-which you wrote at my dictation -the words of the Lord in the hearing of the people at the temple of the Lord on a day of fasting. You must also read them in the hearing of all the Judeans who are coming from their cities. 7 Perhaps their petition will come before the Lord, and each one will turn from his evil way, for the anger and fury that the Lord has pronounced against this people are great." 8 So Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. At the Lord's temple he read the Lord's words from the scroll.

9 In the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, all the people of Jerusalem and all those coming in from Judah's cities into Jerusalem proclaimed a fast before the Lord. 10 Then at the Lord's temple, in the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the Lord's temple, in the hearing of all the people, Baruch read Jeremiah's words from the scroll.

11 When Micaiah son of Gemariah, son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the Lord from the scroll, 12 he went down to the scribe's chamber in the king's palace. All the officials were sitting there-Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. 13 Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard when Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people. 14 Then all the officials sent [word] to Baruch through Jehudi son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi, saying, "Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come." So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them. 15 They said to him, "Sit down and read [it] in our hearing." So Baruch read [it] in their hearing.

16 When they had heard all the words, they turned to each other in fear and said to Baruch, "We must surely tell the king all these things." 17 Then they asked Baruch, "Tell us-how did you write all these words? At his dictation?"

18 Baruch said to them, "At his dictation. He recited all these words to me while I was writing on the scroll in ink."

19 The officials said to Baruch, "You and Jeremiah must hide yourselves and tell no one where you are."

20 Then they came to the king at the courtyard, having deposited the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and reported everything in the hearing of the king. 21 The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi then read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing by the king. 22 Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning in front of him. 23 As soon as Jehudi would read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut the scroll with a scribe's knife and throw the columns into the blazing fire until the entire scroll was consumed by the fire in the brazier. 24 As they heard all these words, the king and all of his servants did not become terrified or tear their garments. 25 Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah had urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. 26 Then the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the Lord had hidden them.

27 After the king had burned the scroll with the words Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 "Take another scroll, and once again write on it the very words that were on the original scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah burned. 29 You are to proclaim concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: This is what the Lord says: You have burned the scroll, saying: Why have you written on it: The king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land and cause it to be without man or beast? 30 Therefore, this is what the Lord says concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David's throne, and his corpse will be thrown out [to be exposed] to the heat of day and the frost of night. 31 I will punish him, his descendants, and his officers for their wrongdoing. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah all the disaster, which I warned them about but they did not listen."

32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch son of Neriah, the scribe, and he wrote on it at Jeremiah's dictation all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim, Judah's king, had burned in the fire. And many other words like them were added.

God will let you know when you are going the wrong way! Satan, on the other hand, will encourage you to embrace your own righteousness, your own understanding of the 'truth'. His deceptive tactics have only improved through the generations. God will bring discipline to those that He chooses, in order to save them from their own desires and misguided judgements.

HEBREWS 12

1 Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.

4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly, or faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives. 7 Endure it as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline--which all receive--then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn't we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but healed instead. 14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness--without it no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. 16 And see that there isn't any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn't find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears.

18 For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19 to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. (Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20 for they could not bear what was commanded: And if even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned! 21 And the appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am terrified and trembling. ) 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels in festive gathering, 23 to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to God who is the judge of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24 to Jesus (mediator of a new covenant), and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not reject the One who speaks; for if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven. 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now He has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven. 27 Now this expression, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what is not shaken might remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Choices: Right or wrong. Truth or deception. Life or death.

Is He knocking? Is He shaking you? What will you do when He does? because....it will happen. Will you open the door to your heart? Will you let Him in or will you stand in defiance of the truth? I am not an illustrious speaker nor am I a 'besednik'. I am just like you. I have to make a choice.

I choose my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who do you choose?

Got Passport?

Sada

sadichka · December 9, 2005

Hello Miss 'A' B)

I hope that you were able to get some sleep after the encounter that we had the other night. Just to let you know, there are many people praying for you and your friends. These are complete strangers that have chosen to keep all of you in their thoughts and ask for God's strength to be poured upon you.

It is interesting to believe that a complete stranger can truly make a difference in your life. We both know this to be true, it is our 'proof' of His power and complete love for us. Everyone at one time or another feels overwhelmed and finds themselves in situations that get out of hand...out of control. Continue in your faith and learn to love yourself.

A person is not born with an understanding of the world around them. As infants, we have only a caretaker to feed us, nourish us and love us. It's kinda like that with our Lord. We come to know Him as we grow and learn. It is important to understand that we were all born without knowledge of Him.

Although, He knew us when we were still in the womb....because He is our Caretaker.

T. Sada :wub:

sadichka · December 12, 2005

Perception:

The way that a person reacts to a situation is based on the perception that they have. For example, if a teenager is given a choice to attend a party that they know is going to have drugs, alcohol, etc...their prior experiences will guide them into making a decision. Sometimes good decisions are made, sometimes bad. A teenager that has been exposed to 'alcoholism' within the family (at an early age) will draw upon past experience to guide him compared to a teen that has not experienced the terror that can be associated with effects of alcohol. The choice is to embrace the life that you have been exposed to or not. Sometimes it is easier to just give up and go down the easy path. Numb yourself; forget your problems.

Unfortunately, you know what the effects of that can be:

one little , two little , three little :wacko: drinks can do a lot of damage!

I have been fortunate to survive 'living' with an alcholic family member. 'Living' with an alcoholic means to walk on eggshells daily. To be able to draw some sense of a normal life from the fragments of sober times is like having found a treasure. When you embrace this 'demon' called alcohol and his 'cousin' called drugs, you are completing the cycle. You do not have to be that person. You do not have to be bound by the chains of an addiction!

The Lord wants you to cast your burden upon Him. He says to take His yoke because it is light. Believe that He has broken the chains of sin that bind you. Do not hold onto them anymore. Believe in Him and be set free!

Matthew 11: 28-30

28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

T. Sada

sadichka · December 15, 2005

The other day, I had to go shopping after class. Since I was already in town, I went to Fashion Fair. There was so much noise and so many people, I started feeling a bit claustrophobic. Soooooo....

I walked toward the food court (There's a Starbucks in there!) and a lady approached me. You know those people....they want to show you a miraculous discovery. They talk fast and try to sell you products from their cart. Normally, I try not to make eye contact and walk really fast. This time, I stopped. Her name was Nyht (pronounced Ni-yoot) she had a strong accent and it was a bit difficult to understand her, but it didn't seem to bother her. She just kept talking and talking and showing me her products....then she talked and talked and told me that since I was such a good listener, she was gonna make me a deal! I was surprised that I didn't walk away! I just smiled at her and listened.

After about fifteen minutes, I asked her what country she was from. Can you guess???? Yup, she was from Israel! "Pretty Cool, God!" I thought. I told her that I had to go get a few things (Starbucks completely left my mind!) and I proceeded to tell her that I would be back. She looked down and was a bit discouraged, I told her again..."Believe me, I WILL be back!" with that said, I smiled and continued on with my errands. I didn't feel 'closed in' anymore. :D

About a half an hour later, I started back toward the carts...and a guy (I'll call him 'Mr. Stumbling Block' ) jumped out in front of me from one of those carts and started jabbering about how I need to purchase his product. Guess where he was from??? You got it...Israel! I told him, "Dude! I am not going to buy anything from you. I am going to that cart over there and talk with Nyht." He was angry and started talking really loud...so I told him, "Dude, you need to calm down." So he took this warmed up sack of rocks (yes, he was selling a warmed up sack of rocks with 'healing herbs' inside of it!) and put it on my shoulders. He held me there in the middle of the mall with all of these people walking by...diverting their eyes and walking really fast by us. :wacko: Oy!

So, I took the bag of rocks off my shoulders, handed them back to him, and told him (very calmly, I might add) that I was not going to buy anything from him. He told me, "Fine if you don't care if you die or not, go! The herbs inside this bag can heal you! So, if you want to die...Go!" Now, it was more than a little interesting that this conversation took place. Especially since I had just written about taking the yoke of Christ upon myself. Do I place my faith in a bunch of smelly rocks or not? Well....NOT! I smiled at him and walked away. Was I scared? Uh, yes!

When I walked up to Nyht, she asked if I was OK. I just nodded and smiled. I asked her to show me her products and we started talking about ..... take a guess...Yup, we started talking about God! She called over another one of her Israelite friends and we had a conversation about the glory of God. Wow!

Moral of this story: Don't keep your head buried in the sand, look around at what God has for you. He will protect you from stumbling blocks and will guide in the direction that He wants you to go. His will be done!

Sada

sadichka · December 16, 2005

:D

Give someone a smile today and don't be surprised if they give it right back.

sadichka · December 17, 2005

Psalm 4: 1-5

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? {How long} will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him. 4 Tremble,and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD.

The other day the Lord provided me with an answer. It is always amazing to me when this happens. I read the above verse today and wanted to share it with you.

Sada

sadichka · December 21, 2005

This morning I baked. You know us Russian cooks, baking means making dozens and dozens of *whatever* and then sharing it with family and friends. Sometimes I freeze it, but it rarely survives past a few weeks with our large and hungry family.

My daughter told me that when she thinks of "winter" ;) she is reminded of the cookies and candies that I make. For days on end the preparations are made & ingredients are purchased. The kitchen is cleaned spotless and then they all stand back. I am a cooking maniac and could probably rival any 'Iron Chef' that comes my way. I prepare several items at one time. I have come to accept that my organizational skill is a gift that my Mom gave me.

I love my Mom, but it wasn't always so great, because we did not agree on alot of issues. The relationship between Mother and daughter is fragile and confusing at times. As a Mom, I tell my girls to try and see the good in people, even if they are saying bad things about them. Girls have a tendency to snipe each other with rude remarks in order to preserve themselves from getting hurt. Some Moms try to be their daughters 'best friend'. The problem is that a daughter needs a Mom to guide her and tell her things that she may not want to hear. Truth about relationships, truth about love, truth about the outfit that you are wearing, truth about dating,etc...

Thanks Mom! :wub:

Sada

ps...for you guys reading this :crazy: : It all makes sense to us womenfolk!

sadichka · December 24, 2005

Just a little note:

I will be going camping tomorrow....and I will be returning after the first of the year....so:

Be safe

Make good decisions

Enjoy your family and loved ones

Be fruitful

Encourage one another

Oh yeah! The most important one: Help your Mom with the dishes because she'll probably be really tired from cooking! Whew! All those pishki!

Sada

sadichka · January 6, 2006

Well, I am back from vacation. Not too much sun but it was relaxing.

A new year begins. Full of hope and dreams for most people. Unfortuantely, as life continues for most, it has ended for one of my son's friends. He died in a car accident on New Year's day. He was the first fatality of the year.

When a person dies suddenly, it affects their friends and family so deeply. The lump in the throat is difficult to deny. The birds sing more vividly and the sky appears bluer. Memories are searched for...you think..."What was the last thing that we talked about?" Stories are shared among friends in the present tense...you say..."He wants to get his car painted when we come back to school" *you remember and correct yourself* "I mean, he was going to ..." *your thoughts drift and words are replaced by silence*

Death sucks for those of us left behind! It really does.

I have to credit my son for choosing his friends well. They are respectful and accepting of the rules within our home. They come from all walks of life: Punjab, Mormon, Lutheran, Catholic, Molokan. Each of his friends are welcome in my home.

Please pray for this boy, his family and his friends. So that the Lord will strengthen them during this horrific trial that they are having to endure.

"...for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith."

Sada

sadichka · January 6, 2006

I picked up one of my Bible's today. Opened it up. Guess what I saw?!

Stains.

I was a bit upset because, well, it's the Bible and it is supposed to be clean! Isn't it?

I picked up another Bible. Opened it up. Guess what I saw?!

Folded pages.

I was upset again because, sheesh, it's the Bible and it is supposed to be neat! Isn't it?

I picked up yet another Bible. Opened it up. Guess what I saw?!

Ripped page.

I was starting to chuckle by this time because, gosh, it's the Bible and it is supposed to be whole! Isn't it?

I noticed that there is no dust gathered on my Bibles.

Are your Bibles clean, neat, without ripped pages & gathering dust?

:wub:

GOT PASSPORT?

sadichka · January 10, 2006

Acts 21: 39-40 &

Acts 22:1-2

39 But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people. 40 And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,

1 Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defense which I now make unto you. 2 And when they heard that he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet:

These people had just tried to kill Paul because he threatened their way of life in following the law and observing traditions that were set by God through Moses. They 'laid' hands on him...that was not to give him a blessing, rather to confine his preaching of the Truth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This mob was seeking to kill and silence him, they were not accepting of the truth that the Gentiles were adopted into the family and found to be worthy of God's promise of salvation through faith.

The interesting point of verses 1 & 2 of Acts 22 is that Paul refers to those that had just tried to kill him as "Brethren". Can you imagine him standing there at the threshold of the castle, requesting to speak to the multitude that had just savagely beaten him? He probably stopped and turned to face his accusers. I imagine he raised his hand to silence them and they complied. Silent and waiting for words of repentence because he "disobeyed" the law of God by worshiping with Gentiles.

What is even more interesting is the fact that he choose to speak to them in their language, Hebrew. Can you imagine if he tried to speak to them in Greek? Most of them would have remained loud and embittered because they wouldn't understand what he was talking about! It would be like a man standing and trying to talk loudly over the crowd of murmuring people. I can't even imagine someone trying to teach the word of God to someone in a language that they did not understand! Can you imagine if Paul said, "Brethren, you must first learn the Greek language in order for me to discuss matters of spiritual importance." Of course, he would have said that in Hebrew...first.

Russian language...it's all Greek to me!

Sada

Journal Of A Camp Counselor

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