Calvinism vs Armenianism

For reasons that I cannot begin to comprehend, I have lately been fascinated by the Calvinism vs. Armenianism debate. I don't know why.
I have learned that women do not usually blog about this, but preachers do. They write loooooong posts and looooooong comments on other's posts. I don't know where they get all that time! The other thing is that the more I read about it, the stupider I feel (see how bad it is? I just wrote "stupider") These writers use long words I never heard before like "Lapsarianism" and "amyraldism".
I have seen harsh disagreement between these two positions. I have also seen inflexibility. For example, one man wrote that if you aren't a calvinist, you're an armenian. Oh, and of course, they both use some of the same words, but define they differently. Another example; Do I believe in the sovreignty of God? Yes. Do I believe that God chooses people to go to hell? No. Do I think that is two opposing views? No, but that's just me!

The sad thing is that it appears that both groups believe that the other group cannot possibly be saved. Hmm. Since I do not place myself in either group totally, where does that leave me? Hmmm.

Ahh, theology!

Mommy Musings, A tale of two Babies

Almost thirteen years ago, a wee baby was born to the Arias Family. Her 23 year old mama tried her best to prepare for her arrival. She read the books and listened to Dr. Dobson on the radio. (this was actually very helpful) But nothing prepare her for the reality of a baby. Mama and Daddy were preparing to head for the mission field in the next month after the blessed birth. So, shopping and packing, visiting and last goodbyes, they flittered all around Southern California during Baby¨s first month. Oh yeah, and a last trip to Disneyland. And a few Christmas programs. Mama was amazed at how well Baby did on all these outings. She did well, until nightime, that is. At night, Baby could not sleep. She fussed and cried. We took turns walking here all hours of the night, Mama, Daddy and Granny. Baby was frustrated. Mama was frustrated. Still, ding-bat Mama did not realize that maybe she was making this situation worse. She never dreamed that all the running around might be affecting her little one. As Baby grew, she seemed to need even more stimulation, leading ding-bat Mama to put Baby in her swing In Front of the TV, just so Mama could get some work done. Needless to say, Mama was not incredibly anxious to have another go at motherhood.

NOTE. There was another baby born between the two girls. I adore my son, but I cannot hardly remember anything from his babyhood. This may be because baby girl Number 1 was two at the time, and I was on overload. Sorry Ronnie.


Fast forward to Little Girl Number 2. Mama is now 35. She has watched "The Baby Whisperer" and read her book, especially the parts about over-stimulated babies. She and her Big Girl get the house ready. She relinquishes her SS class. After baby is born, she stays home. When she does go to Church, she keeps Baby in the cry room. Amazingly, Baby is much calmer. No need for hours of walking and lullabies. Very little frustration. Fewer tears from Baby and Mama. But then, Mama makes a mistake. Mama takes the ladies for a quick retreat. (Not her idea) One nïght away from home. Baby cries all night. Mama walks the halls of the retreat center and remembers the past. Next night, at home, same thing, fussiness. But then, all is calm again. Not perfect but definitely livable.
Maybe later on we can go out and about, but for now, for the first few weeks, we will stick close to home.

Lesson learned, and it only took 13 years.

Another Note.
God was exceedingly merciful to Baby Girl Number 1. She has turned out to be a lovely, godly young lady, in spite of her ding-bat mother.

A miracle

Last week, a lady from Church stopped by my house and told me that a guy in our church had had an accident and had broken/dislocated his shoulder and would need expensive surgery. The Preacher went to see him the very next day. He was horrified when he saw the x-rays of the broken shoulder, and the pain this brother was suffering. Through the public health system, the dr had given him an appointment for the following Friday. That night Neil took two men from the Church over to visit Jose Luis. They encouraged him, but also gently told him that maybe this was God's way of getting his attention, as he was not really faithful at all to God or the Church. This man broke down and cried out to God in repentance, acknowledging his guilt in this matter. The men prayed with him, asking God to heal him.
Neil knew that his physical condition shouldn't wait, so on Sat night, he drove Jose Luis into Valdivia to the Regional Hospital to the emergency room where they took more x-rays. Here's what they said. "Boy, why are you here? There's nothing more than a contusion here!" What!? He's OK! He doesn't need surgery. Its just a contusion! Wait a minute. Was there a mistake in the first x-ray? The second? No, my friends, there was healing from Above. When did this happen? We don't know. We just know that God is still here, and He still pays house calls! We praise you , Lord!

Mommy Musings

I guess since I have a new baby, it makes sense to blog about it. I don't think I've done a series, but I have been thinking a lot about mothering, especially during the time-outs for nursing, so I've got a few things to say.

Getting Real and learing to love.
I am going to try to be honest here. This may make you think less of me, but at least it will be the truth. I also think that it may encourage others to know that not every other mom is the perfect mother, and that we can all strive to be better at this sacred calling.
Confession: I am not a Baby Person. I do not, generally speaking, like babies. (Gasp! The Horror! How can she say that!!!!) Do you know that God knew that there would be women
who would have babies that would not be Baby People? Sure! Why else would he have written the Titus 2 command for the older women to teach the younger women to love the children? NOTE: I LOVE MY CHILDREN, but I had to learn to love babies!
Do you love babies? Great! Then you need to learn to spot out young ladies who need to learn this, and share your joy with them. Mentor an over-whelmed new mommy. Help her see past the tiredness and crying and see the joy. Also, many new mothers need to learn motherhood skills. The reason that they are so frustrated may be because the do not possess the skills needed to be competent mommies. I my own case, I only had one sister, born 4 years after me. Mother always wanted more babies, but the Lord said No. So, I grew up, never having the opportunity to care for a baby. I lived in Chile,where nobody babysat, and those who needed a babysitter, usually had a maid to do it. Many young women today grow up never having cared for a baby.
I was totally without experience in the Baby department, and it showed. May God bless all first-borns, who live through their mother's inexperience! I made a lot of mistakes and I had to repent of many bad attitudes. I want to share something I read this morning. I didn't comment there, but decided to tackle this here. Yes, we are all appalled at this mommy's lousy attitude. Yes, she is wrong. But let's not crucify her. Here is a woman (and a baby) in desperate need of some Titus 2 tough love. She is trying to find justification for her bad attitude, but what she needs is some help and loving. Also, she doesn't need the guilt trip. You know, the women who have a dozen kids and never ever dreamed of leaving any of them not for one second! They never wanted to go to a retreat alone, or even to the salon. This is not what that poor, foolish woman needs. Mostly what she needs is some godly examples. Maybe you can invite this woman or others like her over for tea or whatever. You can dote on her precious baby, and maybe she can start to see her child through different eyes. I don't know. Maybe you can offer to pray with her. Ask her if she has any needs. Ask her if she is getting enough rest. Ask her if you may offer her some advice. If she says no, thank you, then let it go, you tried. But maybe, she'll just break down in tears and you'll be able to share and help.

Now, almost 13 years after my first baby, and 9 years after my second, God gives me a third chance to do it right. Things are different now, I am different now. Had I known then what I know now, I'd probably have had more babies!

An Award!

What do ya know? I got an award! Michelle in Mx, missionary to the Deaf, awarded me with this:

This means a lot because I would be awfully sad if people thought my blog was a lot of fluff! Thanks, Michelle! I would also like to thank God because without Him, life itself would have no purpose, much less a little ole blog like mine!





And now, it is my great pleasure to pass this award on to Sis. Julie, missionary wife, of Julie's Jewels. Her blog knows no fluff!!!! Her purpose is to share what God shares with her through His Word, and I am always blessed.

More Baby. Mas de la Guagua

Arent my kids cute?

¿No son lindos mis niños?

Baby, oh Baby! Mi Nena!

This will be a bi-lingual post for all our friends and family.
Esta entrada será bilingue para todos nuestros amigos y familiares.

Here's the last family photo without Vanessa! Aqui esta la ultima foto familiar sin Vanessa!

Here's the hospital, before all the hoopla.

Aqui esta una foto de la clinica antes de todo el espectaculo.

After this, they took me to what they call pre-parto, where I spent the next 4 hours.

The Dr was having a really busy day, so we spent most of the time with the midwife who did not really believe my stories of the previous births. By the time the contractions got really bad, then they decided to insert the catheter for the anesthesia. It took forever because of the really painful contractions. They kept telling me to roll up in a ball (yeah, right!) and be still. (are they kidding?) By the time the catheter was inserted and before I could feel the efects of the aneshtesia, I felt that the baby was coming. I told the midwife. She couldn't believe it! i had gone from 4 cm to 10 cm in 30 minutes! They wheeled me lickety-split into the delivery room and called Neil and Mom who they had sent out for the anesthesia precedure. In the delivery room, I had two really bad contractions which, by the way, I could feel because as yet the anesthesia had not taken effect. Then, before Neil and Mom could get into their scrubs, the baby is born!!!!! I was thrilled and ticked off all at the same time! Ticked because Neil and Mom missed the whole thing, and that I felt the whole thing!!!!!! I won't even tell you about the screaming! (me, not the baby!)

Despues me llevaron a pre-parto donde pasé las siguientes cuatro horas. El Dr. estaba muy ocupado, asi que estuve todo el rato con la matrona, quien parece no haber creido cuando le conte de la rapidez de los otros partos. Cuando las contracciones estaban super fuertes, decidieron insertar el cateter para la anestesia. Se demoraron, porque fue super dificil. Querian que yo me enrollara(como si pudiera) y no me moviera (¿estan locos?) Cuando ya habian insertado el cateter y antes de sentir los efectos de la anestesia, senti que la guagua ya venia. Se lo dije a la matrona y no me podia creer. Yo habia avanzado de 4 cm hasta 10 cm en 30 minutos. Me llavaron rapidito al pabellon, y llamaron a Neil y Mama, porque los habian echado para la cosa de la anestesia. Una vez en el pabello, tuve 2 terribles contacciones mas, que igualmente senti, porque la anestesia todavia no habia tomado efecto. ¡Y nacio la guagua! Yo yestaba feliz y a la vez molesta porque 1, Neil y Mama se lo perdieron todo, y 2, Senti tod0! Y ni les voy a hablar de los gritos (los mios, no los de la bebe!)

Alls well that ends well!
Ya todo esta bien!

Ronnie wasnt really keen on holding the baby

Ronnie no queria tomar la guagua.

But he had a change of heart!
Pero cambio de parecer!

Heres a shot with Emily and the lovely flowers she brought.

Una foto con mi hermana Emily, y las flores que trajo.

One last pre-baby post

That is, if the Dr. doesn't change his mind tomorrow. All is ready...... I still don't have a diaper bag. Diaper bags are serious things, not to be purchased on a whim. It has to be big enough, small enough, not too pink, as those show the dirt all to easily. I'll just wait until I can find the perfect bag!


The Dr. asked us to come in to his office on Sat evening, as we were in the city anyway. Neil and I were wondering what he was going to say, or was looking for. I told him that I figured that he would want to see if I was dilated at all. Neil asked me just how the Dr. would find that out, was there a test or something? I laughed. I told him exactly how the Dr. found out just how many centimeters dilated someone is. He gave me the most horrified look! Now, this is our 3rd baby. Where has that man been?????


My 9 year old is getting excited about the delivery. He asked me if I was having "contraptions"!


Now, on to the elections. Just know this. God has determined who will become the next president of the USA, and that man will be there to fulfill God's sovereign purposes. That thought encourages me, as I am not thrilled about one of the candidates, and I am really frightened by the other one! I have just finished reading in the Bible about Nebuchadnezzar, and how God chose to use him to punish his rebelllious people. Are the Americans really any better than the Israelites of old? I think not.

We are having a prophecy conference this weekend. That's not my favorite subjects, but in light of current events, its good to go over again. It gets me to thinking about that old song, "Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!" Hallelujah!

Evangelistic campaign

We had a revival/evangelistic campaign last week. It was exhausting! The Lord worked mightily, first in our Church members. We had great turnout every night and visitors. The first three nights were focused on revival. Then, Sat and Sunday was all gospel. We had 6 people make professions of faith, two of them being particularly meaningful because we had been praying for them for years! One man Francisco Reyes (yes, Francisco is quite a popular name)
Well, we've prayed for him for 12 years. The other in Judith (pronounced Joo-deet´), we have prayed about 2 years for her.

It in not always easy for me to have guests several days in my house. I must say that hospitality is not always easy, but I do my best not to complain to DH. You see, here we cannot just put the visiting preacher in a hotel. Even if we had a hotel! Of course, my DH loves having guests, the more the merrier! I did find myself hiding out a bit more in my room. I guess my hormones have got me a bit more sensitive than normal.

It was also hard because the Preacher and I are early-to-bed people hosting late-to-bed people. Neil stayed up with them, but its a strain for both of us. I say this not to complain but to share that Preachers, Evangelists and their families are all-too-human, and aren't always as smiley inside as they are outside.

Of course its almost a sin to even mention a complaint when the Lord was so gracious as to work in our favor. Anyway, next time your Church has special services with special guests, pray for your preacher's family. They could probably use the extra measure of grace!

Baby News

I had the last ultrasound this morning. Little Miss Chubby is 37 weeks along, and if labor does not start naturally in the mean time, Dr. will induce labor on Tuesday, Nov 4. That will be great, as I will have my mind off the election, and on more "important" things. Trust me, my daughter will have a greater impact on my life than Obama or McCain.

We couldn't see much today, except for some mighty chubby thighs. What can I say? Thats my Baby!

We also got the bill to pre-pay. Guess how much. No, don't bother, I'll tell you. 400.00 dollars. Thats it. Nothing more. In the nicest hospital in 300 miles. Praise the Lord! The Preacher was ecstatic! He loves a bargain. He thinks we should have another baby. I said "Sure, with your second wife"

On another note, my Mom took me to have my hair done today for my B-day. I had highlights done. Took the guy 3.5 hours!!!!!!!! It looks great, but I don't want to see the inside of a salon for another year! I have never seen a more meticulous hair-dresser in my life. He did a great job on every one that came in while the lady was putting the foil in my hair. Did I mention that I look great? I'll post some baby pics next week.

We had an evangelistic campaign last week. I'll blog about it tomorrow. It was great.

Little touches

In "Little Women", after Beth dies, Jo is all alone. But she finds out that housework sometimes is its own reward. I always find this passage touching and encouraging, as sometimes it seems that what we do goes unnoticed and unappreciated.



Other helps had Jo--humble, wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her, and which she slowly learned to see and value. Brooms and dishcloths never could be as distasteful as they once had been, for Beth had presided over both, and something of her housewifely spirit seemed to linger around the little mop and the old brush, never thrown away. As she used them, Jo found herself humming the songs Beth used to hum, imitating Beth's orderly ways, and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy, which was the first step toward making home happy, though she didn't know it till Hannah said with an approving squeeze of the hand...
"You thoughtful creeter, you're determined we shan't miss that dear lamb ef you can help it. We don't say much, but we see it, and the Lord will bless you for't, see ef He don't."

Marriage Blessing for Courtney

A lot of you are familiar with Courtney's Contemplations and know that she is getting married this week. I don't think she follows my blog, but just the same, I'd like to wish her a lovely wedding and a beautiful marriage.

Dear Courtney,
This is a time you and your family have been looking forward to for a long time. When I started reading your blog, "Christopher" didn't even exist, as far as you were concerned. You were waiting, being a blessing to your family. You were preparing for this time. Some questioned your convictions about dating and you aswered them sweetly but firmly. I don't know if you even had any doubts about God's plan. If you did, they didn't show. If you were rebellious to your parent's leading in this matter, it didn't show. I don't think you were, because God chose to bless you and bring to you the desire of your heart. God rewards faithfulness.

I pray that your wedding is all that you hope for. But even more, I pray that you marriage turns out even better than you ever dreamed possible. Always have a teachable spirit, and God will, through different people and events, teach you how to be a great wife. The good times will be great, and the fiery trials can bring you closer to the Lord and to each other. The children you have will have the blessing of Christian parents and grandparents. And they will be as much of a blessing and honor to you, as you have been to your mom and dad.

Blessings,

Rhonda

Prayer answered!

We found the keys!

Ronnie found them under the recliner in the living room. Hallelujah!

Does Jesus care? Oh yes, He cares, I know that he cares!

Flylady and child labor

That is how I am coping with the "nesting".

Flylady, for obvious reasons. If you are a naturally neat person, you won't understand, but if not, you know exactly what I mean. God bless her!



Now, for the child labor. I have not done well in teaching my son how to work. My DD, yes. There is more "girly" work 'round here. Anyway, we somehow discovered that DS can vacuum the living room. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but it it actually helpful to me. Also, he has to bring in the wood for the fire. He usually makes a mess. Now he can either not make so much of a mess or he can clean it up himself.

I used to feel bad making my kids do things around the house on a regular basis. I kinda feel bad the DD is doing most of the dishes. I feel guilty somehow. In all fairness, I let her choose: dishes or laundry. She picks dishes everytime.

Truth is, I am doing the right thing by teaching them how to work. Actually, its how I'm going to get through the postpartum season. I really want to do right by this baby. With my first two, we just kept moving right along, rushed and busy, dragging Baby along with us. Then we wondered why the babies always seemed to cranky. Schedule? Routine? Impossible with Babies 1 and 2. And I was frustrated and cranky myself. Whatever attitude Eileen develops with this Baby will color her feelings for babies for the future. I want her not to dread having and caring for babies.

So, we'll share the housework. Raise the Baby together. Take is easy. Enjoy this season.

Baby News

Well, there is no baby news per se, just "me" news. The Dr. ordered a glucose tolerance test and it came back too high. Not high enough to warrant another test, just enough to put me on a low carb diet. Yuck! I could never ever ever do the Atkins diet-Never. I just love my carbs.

I have, however, eliminated white sugar, well, any added sugars, and desserts and chocolate and white bread, and corn bread. Have I ever told you how delicious Chilean bread is?

My birthday is coming up soon and I just want to skip it. Whats a birthday without sweets? DH says he will grill steaks. Sorry, not interested. I love a good steak, but with potato salad or a baked potato, know what I mean?


Anyway. I have an appointment for a sonogram Oct 29. Then the Dr. will decide when and if to induce labor. He has decided to induce since we live so far from the hospital. Dr. doesn't want me giving birth in the car!

Blessings to you all

a rather unusual prayer request

We lost our car-house-church keys that also had the remote for the electric gate on the day of the funeral. We've looked everywhere. I know that God cares about everything that is important to us, so please help me pray that the keys would be found!

Thanks!

Femininity

I was going over Flylady's website the other day. I don't usually, because I have the book, and I'm not always in a Flylady mood. However, "nesting" instincts have kicked in with a vengeance, so I'm into Flylady again. This time, I am enlisting the help of my 12 year old daughter. Its good training for her, and keeps me from becoming overwhelmed.

Anyway, that's not why I am writing. I am writing because I started reading the "Hey,Tom" column where women can ask Tom a question about home repair or about men in general.

Someone asked him this question about ladies and long hair that I thought was interesting. Here is his answer

Now, I am not saying that every woman has to have long hair. My own hair isn't very long. But I do know that my DH sure would like it if it was!

Good times and bad, really bad times

These past few weeks have been extremely active. We had US visitors, which was great. They stayed for 10 days and we all had a great time. While they were here, I received an email from an old friend. She said that she had attended a funeral at her former Church, where we met, and had seen some of our mutual friends. It was so great to hear from her! She and her husband are involved in their Church and happy. The only thing was, I couldn't help but wonder about who had died, that would have brought my friend back to her old church. I told Mom about it, saying that I believed that it must have been someone we know. Sure enough, we soon found out that Bro. Morse had died. The Morses have been faithful in their Church for years, and have been to Chile at least twice. Bro. Morse loved missions. We were very sad and are praying for his wife and grown children.
Then, last week, we found out that our dear friend, Pastor Joaquin Hurtado, of South Gate, CA, suffered a heart attack as well. He apparently had tremendous blockage in his arteries, and if not for all the exercizing he did, would have been in Eternity now. We are happy that God has allowed him to continue here with us for a while longer. If anyone is interested, Bro. Hurtado helped to make a video about the history of the Spanish Bible, called "A Spanish Treasure".

So, one dear friend gone, one dear friend stays. Life goes on.....until tuesday morning.
Let me give you some background to this story. We have an Awana-like kids club every Sat. afternoon. A few years ago, a little boy, Francisco, started coming to club. What a disaster! He was uncontrollable. Only Pedro could handle him, so he was always on Pedro's team and on Pedro's lap during story time.
Fast forward to this year. Francisco is older, a bit better behaved. I became his Sunday School teacher a few months ago. He likes to sit next to me, and anticipate everything that I am going to say. I have to ask him if he wants to teach the class, or can I. Then he smiles and is quiet....for a while.

At kids club, we made three posters, which we read aloud every Sat. Here's what they say:
1. What must I do to go to heaven? I must recognize that I am a sinner, I must feel bad about this, and I must want to stop sinning.
2. I must believe with all my heart that Jesus is the only Savior, and that he died to pay for my sins.
3. I must ask Jesus for forgiveness, and invite him into my heart to change my life.

This past Sunday, during the morning service, Neil asked which of the children had been saved. Several raised their hands, including Francisco.

This past Tuesday morning, we recieved a phone call around 6:45 a.m. Not usual at all. I got up to answer. It was Jorge telling us that he had heard on the radio that there had been a fire at Francisco's house, and that two children had died. Neil headed over there to find out exactly what had happened, as sometimes there is misinformation. Unfortunately, it was true. Francisco and his cousin and their great-uncle died in the fire. The whole town was shaken by the news. Francisco had often bugged his folks about coming to church, but they had refused. They were encouraged by our assurance that Francisco indeed was in Heaven. The mother admitted that she had tried to go upstairs to rescue the kids, but her husband had stopped her, because she would have died as well. She said that she knew that if she had died, she wouldn't be where Francisco was. The parents allowed us to hold the funeral at our Church yesterday. The Church was packed to overflowing, (around 300) and there were hundreds outside. The club kids sang, recited Philippians 2:5-11 which was the last Scripture that we had memorized, and they recited the Gospel posters. Neil preached the Gospel and we all sang hymns. The mayor was there as were several politicians, and the press was there. Afterwards, Neil was able to lead one man to the Lord. We pray that the seed that was sown will grow in people's hearts.
Please pray for Francisco's family, that they might be saved. And please pray for Pedro. He is a fireman, and was the first on the scene at the fire. He tried to save him, but could not. I know that the sights and sounds that he heard that morning will haunt him for years to come.

Fire!

Our terribly long building project was finally coming to an end. There were details, to be sure, but only a few "biggies". One, the flooring in the main auditorium, and two, the black iron fence.
This week, the men laid tile where it was supposed to go, and today, they were going to lay the carpet. My DH would not be there today, as he had a dentist appointment in the city. While we were waiting at the dentist, he got the call. You see, our church is heated with an airtight, wood burning stove. They had been keeping a fire going to continue drying the newly-laid cement.
Well, Miguel spread the glue to lay the carpet and after a while, the fumes from the glue caught fire. It didnt cause any structural damage, as our building is brick, but the smoke blackened everything. The ceiling will have to be covered with plaster again, and painted, as will the walls,
after we ladies have washed off as much soot as possible. The guys that were there are pretty shaken, as the flames grew quickly. We praise God that none of the men were injured in any way, and that the damage was minimal. Neil brought the electrician over to check the newly-installed wiring. We are going to have to replace some light fixtures and the like.
So, the building project continues. I am sorry, for Neil doesnt know how to pace himself. He works himself ragged, then gets sick. We have visitors from the US coming next week, and we had hoped to have all this done by then. I know it does not really matter, the visitors will not care. But we will. Oh well, at least every one is OK

Balance

A few years ago, we received a visit from an American pastor. We discussed many issues. He told us that he believed that the sign of a mature Christian was balance. I nodded my head, but I remember thinking "Compromiser!" But as I see different Christians openly judgemental at other Christians for having Sunday School, for example. I realize that we need to step back and reconsider our actions. Other Christians have ideas different from mine, not sinful, but different. Why should I care? Why do we feel the need to expose them and make them know just how wrong they are?



Also, are my positions extreme? Some people think so. What am I to do, change my convictions so as not to appear extreme? Well, I don't think so. What I must do though, is behave myself in such a way as to not appear that I feel spiritually superior to anyone because of my standards or positions.

I need to ask God to show me if I am really pleasing Him, or just trying to show off, by making someone else look unspiritual compared to me. For, who is to say that I am more spiritual?

Who tries the hearts? Who knows? God does! And he commands me to mind my own business to "work out my own salvation with fear and trembling". If some Christian sister seems unconcerned about certain behaviors, I should pray for her, that the Holy Spirit would direct her as He sees fit. Now, if she asks my opinion, I will not hesitate to give it, but unsolicited advice is rarely heeded, never appreciated. Do I have a duty to tell her what I think? Nope. Even in my own Church, among my own ladies who look to me for guidance, I am careful. I only say what I feel I need to say, if I think that she is ready to hear it. If not, I wait.

Now, balance is something I look for. Not compromise, but balance. The whole problem is, what is balanced? I do not know. It may all depend on my attitude. If my position makes me angry towards others or causes me to mock them or judge them, then I need to take a good long look at my position. I think sometimes we "do" things for God, without ever really asking Him about them. Even if I am doing the right things, am I doing them for the right reasons, and with the right motives? That is what I need to be concerned about. Especially before going out to "correct" someone else.