Faith

Isn't it interesting that the Bible says that the just shall live by faith, and not just be saved by faith? I mean, salvation is by grace through faith, but the faith doesn't end there. To live the Christian life requires daily faith.

Now, I believe that the faith is a gift from God. Am I using that faith? Right now God is requiring a great deal of faith from me. I can assume that He has given me all the faith I need, right now.

All I can say is that now I will have a lot more patience with those I considered "whiners".
I hate whining, and yet I find I've been doing a lot of it lately. I mentioned in a meme I did recently that I wished that I was more compassionate. I guess God took me seriously and decided I needed some fiery trials in order to have more compassion on others. Well, dear God, I am ready. Use me as you see fit. Help me to find a song and laughter even in trials and sorrow. Lord, increse my faith.

God is good, even to puppies

Here is Minnie Mancha, our beloved dalmatian, taking care of Sunny's puppies.

The things I gleaned from camp

Most of what I learned at camp, I didn't learn in the meetings, but during the times I was able to fellowship with our guest speaker and his wife. Pastor and Mrs Preston are dear friends and I learned quite a bit.
1. We were talking about Christian love. I remember this quote. "I will not let anything you do keep me from loving you"
2. Bro. P says, "If Satan cannot get you to deny a truth, he'll lead you to go to an extreme on a truth" For example, we were talking about the tragedy of Kent Hovind's conviction and sentence. Bro. Hovind is an excellent speaker about Creation. But he allowed himself to get carried away to an extreme on the issue of taxes and government. He thinks he's right, but what good does that do now? Now some people who might have listened to him speak on creation will probably think he is a nut now. I am afraid he has hurt the cause of Christ and creationism. Extremes are usually bad. Bro P's next favorite thing is....
3. Balance! Balance in the Christian life. I think of Randy Alcorn's the Grace-Truth paradox.

God bless you, my friends,
please pray that God would give me wisdom. I still haven't felt the "jolt" from Heaven!

Rhonda

Wisdom

I usually blog about things I feel confident about. I have strong opinions and my blog is a great outlet for them. I believe that much of the Christian life is pretty much straight forward. You know, do this, don't do that. Read the Word. Go to Church. Be kind. Forgive. Pray.

But sometimes there are some shady areas. I don't deal well with gray. Black and white I can handle, but no gray! I hate gray! So I've been asking wisdom from the Lord, who promised to give us the wisdom that we need. I keep waiting to get a jolt from the sky. I want that wisdom now! Oh yeah, and patience too! Pronto!

I guess I've graduated from the doing stage of Christianity to the being stage of Christianity. Its like going from kindergarten right into college. I feel out of place and unsure as to how to proceed.

Well, as soon as the promised wisdom kicks in, I'll share some of it!
R

Tagged!

Michelle got me! I guess she knew that even if I was on a break from writing, I would still be reading!

What’s your name and website URL? Rhonda at www.missionary-mom.blogspot.com
(as if you didn't know)

What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (two sentences max)
I got to be a part of the opening cast of a Disney Store in Cerritos, California. I worked there for nine months. I loved it! BTW, "pixie dust" is just a Disney name for good old-fashioned "elbow grease"

Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max)
Aerobics

Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (one sentence max)
More piano lessons

What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max)
Piano, for Church, and counseling, again for Church.

If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max)
Tracy Hogg. I would like to better relate to babies. (I am not a baby person)

What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you? Capable, hospitable,
hardworking.

Now list two more words you wish described you. Compassionate and teachable

What are your top three passions? God, family, ministry,

Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max) Hmmm. How do you measure success? If I can go to bed at night, content with the work I've done and with a clean conscience before God, I consider myself highly successful.

If you like Memes, and haven't done one in a while, consider yourself tagged!

R

Camp 2007

We went to the West with Jesus these past two weeks. We had cowboys andIndians, stereotyped to the hilt. We had a great time.

More later,
R

Yeah, I'm supposed to be on a break...

But I have a few things to write.

First of all, I would like to talk about my doggy Sunny, who was killed last week. Sunny was one of those special, once-in-a-lifetime dogs. She stole our hearts from Day 1. Even the Cat and our Dalmation, Minnie, loved her. But she had a small rebelious streak. She liked to get out of the fence. At first, we would run after her, but it was impossible to catch her. We'd get within 4 feet, and she'd run ahead. So, after a few months, we let up our guard and gave her a bit of freedom, against our better judgement. It seems that many parents do that! We give in to our children's "little" rebellions. And of course, her rebellion, as innocent as it may have seemed, ultimately caused her death. Which brings me to thought number 2. Rebellions causes collateral damage. Of course, we didn't die, but we suffered. I'm still sad. It does me good to remember that my rebellion, no matter how "small" it may seem to me, causes innocent people to suffer.



Next thought. There is a couple in our church who have been "dating" (for lack of a better word) At first, they wanted to do things the right way, and keep a good testimony. But we'd often see them in the street late at night, alone in the dark or alone in his car. We pleaded with them to be careful, to avoid temptation. We spoke to her mother, encouraging her to set limits. All this to no avail. It seems that this 15 year old girl is expecting a baby. We are heartbroken, knowing that whis is not God's plan, and was totally avoidable and there will be lasting consequences

On the other hand, we have a second couple who got married in August. What a joyful wedding! Last month, Patty shared with us all that she was pregnant. They were thrilled! Today, she went to the Dr. and the sonogram shows that the baby is dead. They are heartbroken. Today, we are all wondering at God's Providence and sovreignty. Of course He knows best.

I am printing out the devotional books for camp. Pray for our camp. Weve been facing many problems. We've had so many problems, I just know we're going to have a great camp!
Blessings,
Rhonda

Bloggy Break for Camp

Happy New Year to you all! May this year see the return of our Lord!

We had a lovely Christmas, then we had a tragedy. Our darling dachsund doggy was killed by a car. We are all heartbroken.

I am taking a bloggy break to have time to prepare for camp, which starts next week. I'll be back after the 20th.

Blessings to you all,
Rhonda