damascus.road

Do I know God's Word?

2009-08-06T19:07:00.003-05:00

It absolutely amazes me how I grew up thinking that I knew God's Word. I am learning more and more each day that I didn't. It's also becoming more clear to me that there are so many people that are just as I was.

For instance(s)..

I used to "study" the Bible to just be able to not look silly in my sunday school class.
I used to not understand ANYTHING that I was reading.
I used to try to rationalize almost everything that I read.
I used to not believe what I was reading. I can say this because I was not carrying out what I read on a daily, hourly, minutely basis.
and the list could go on...

I say all of these things because I can see clearly now how absolutely fake I was. I was living for myself and not carrying at all what God's Word says. Not only that, I wasn't even trying! I challenge you, as I challenged and keep challenging myself, that if you think that you know what God's Word says and that you think that you are carrying that out. Read Matthew 5-7. Pay close attention to the last few verses. Did you see what Jesus, God in Flesh, is saying? Who is it that builds his house on the ROCK?

True Christians are saved by Grace thru Faith. The Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith without works is Dead.

Matthew 5-7 is just one of many examples that showed me that I wasn't DOING what Jesus said to do. Furthermore , I COULDN'T do it because I wasn't a True Christian. I wasn't Born Again. I couldn't live by faith because I was living in the flesh. I didn't have the power to overcome the flesh. I praise GOD that His only begotten son has the power overcome the power of the flesh, sin, and even death. He keeps proving that to me everyday. Praise be to God! Thank you, Lord, for your Holy Spirit that draws us. Thank you for not leaving us in our sin and blindness. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes.

I would encourage anyone to listen to this sermon.
Brock Hardin - First Baptist Church Maumelle

Is he crazy? A radical christian? Nope, just part of the blood bought church of the redeemed!

(you had me at) Hello AGAIN!

2009-07-05T23:56:00.002-05:00

Been a very long time! Sorry for dropping of the face of the earth! It's been very busy around the Vallance household. One of the main reason is a new business venture. I'll have a to drop a line for the new company.. Check us out at doulostech.com... We are focusing on IT needs for churches. One specific need we are targeting is web presents and cloud apps specifically google's suite of apps.

I had been out of the web design world for over 3 years now. Needless to say I've had some catch up work to do. Lots of late nights reading and research. Hopefully it will pay off soon. You can check out a few WIP now...

Crosspoint Baptist Church in Greenbrier
http://crosspointlife.com

Our home church's up-and-coming site
First Baptist Church Maumelle
http://www2.fbcmaumelle.org

and it's youth tag-along site
http://www2.fbcmaumelle.org/youth

So much to do (and figure out) so little time ;)

Hope all is well with you and yours! God bless!

Shalom!
-Alan

Fireproof

2008-10-05T13:40:00.002-05:00

Adoni Jesus.
Fireproof my marriage, my thoughts, my actions, my faith, my soul, my eternity!

Linda, the kids, and I all went to see the movie Fireproof last night. If you need a cliff notes, you can read or re-read my previous post "I saw the light".

Needless to say (if you've been reading) the movie hit real close to home. I can honestly say the movie has some great truths in it! It is a wonderful movie! I would encourage anyone to go see it. If you are married, please go with your spouse to see the movie even if you have to drag them! The movie deals with some REAL LIFE issues. I praise the Lord for being able to go such a wonderful movie in a day and time that needs so much of the content that was packed into it.

I pray that you have the opportunity to go see it and you are blessed by it. I know the film is full of truth because I've lived it.

Thank you Lord for your many blessings!

God Bless,
Alan

Timely Message

2008-04-29T15:38:00.004-05:00

Our pastor has been going over a series of messages that are titled "Problems that Perplex". This was a timely message for our family. We have been have some disciplinary problems with Tyson. This points out the awesome message of 1 Peter 5:6-10. I'd encourage all to listen.

1 Peter Chapter 5 Verses 6-10
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 2:00:00 PM Dr. Jeff Beshears
Sunday morning Apr. 27th 2008 - v 6-7 We must confess to God our weakness. We must admit our pride before our Lord. We must accept our place before our Lord. v7. We must commit to God our worries...worries we face in life and worries we face about death. v. 7-9 We must commit to God our watch-care. His watch care is valiant, vigilant, and victorious.

Please keep us in our prayers as we do our best to fulfill our duties as parents.
Proverbs 22:6
Ephesians 6:4

God bless!

Walking in the Spirit

2008-04-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

This was originally part of a comment I made on another blog. I decided that it should be posted here.

We must continue to WALK in the Spirit. Yes, we have to WALK how the Spirit leads us, BUT WE have to WALK! Christ has given us a higher law than the law of Sin. We must walk in the power that He gives us. Our pastor used the example of the law of gravity. Gravity is always effecting us, but they are higher laws that can defy the law of gravity. Just as a plane gets enough speed, the law of aerodynamics takes over and supersedes the law of gravity. In this same way Jesus Christ has given us the POWER to walk in the SPIRIT and NOT according to the flesh! For all of those that give their life to him, we have that blessing!

I'm posting a section of Galatians 5. I don't like to post just a couple of verses because you don't see the whole context. Pay close attention to the first three because the next are probably very familiar to you. I believe that sometimes familiar verses are read out of context just because they a familiar verses. If we are Christ's (isn't that great within itself?) then we are to LIVE and WALK in the Spirit!

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

I sometimes can see the theme from the Nike commercials, "Just do it!" Are you struggling? Heavy burdened? Depressed? Anxious? Lay it down before Christ. Are you successful? Well liked? Financially secure? Lay it down before Christ!

There is nothing more that we can give to Jesus than our life, and that is nothing less than what he expects.

"Every morning we are to report to Jesus DOA."

Very good message

2008-04-22T20:11:00.003-05:00

I encourage everyone to watch this sermon by William Blackburn. Brother Blackburn is a God Fearing man that is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. He doesn't preach at the over-the-counter strength. He preaches the full Master Physician prescribed dosage.

William Blackburn - Court of No Appeal

I would also encourage you to browse around his website.
www.williamblackburn.com

Focus Factor...

2008-04-22T19:39:00.003-05:00

Over the past several months my job has demanded more and more of me. I've had to miss a lot of good Wednesday night services and miss a lot of time with my family. I honestly think that I have let my focus get diverted with worldly ambition. I can tell that my lack of focus has paid a toll on my entire family with our attitudes, our conduct, and our kindness. I ask that you whole heatedly pray for me and my family that we would regain our focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I pray that we all seek the truth that is found only in the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4 (Jesus speaking to Satan in the Garden)
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Philippians 2

Imitating Christ's Humility

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Shining as Stars

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

-- Read more --

March 4th

2008-03-03T19:57:00.002-06:00

It is my mom's birthday YAY!

TO; FRIENDS

FROM: TYSON HOW ABUOT THAT!

God + "__________"

2008-02-27T19:51:00.002-06:00

Does God alone make us happy?

Not many people would ever admit that they need God plus something to be happy. But the truth is that many people do.......
Being raised in a Christian home and in a community that is religious I probably said "I only need Jesus to make me happy" thousands of times. The truth of the matter is how I lived my life proved that I didn't really mean that. You see I was like so many other religious people in the fact I needed God + "_______" to make me happy. My blanks may have been something like: good grades, health, friends, money, husband, kids, house, job that pays well, car, or food, etc. Over the past few months I have really experienced TRUE happiness and TRUE peace. Its not of any material things that I have or even my family and friends. Its because I no longer rely on any person or thing for happiness. Sure I have people and things that make me happy.(I will not bore you and list them here.) Its just now that I'm saved I view those as "perks" and not necessities.

John 8:44

2008-02-25T20:38:00.004-06:00

Have you ever thought about the fact that many angels were deceived by Satan? They lived with God in Heaven and were cast out along with Lucifer to the Earth.
What about Eve? She walked and talked with God in the cool of the day and yet she was deceived by Satan. Her and Adam were both cast out of the Garden of Eden soon after.
Why is it that we often feel that we could never be deceived by the devil? We have this attitude that we would never fall for any lie or trick the devil told us. Are we giving the devil enough credit? Have we forgotten that the Bible tells us that Satan is the lord of this world and has blinded the minds of the unbelieving? (2 Cor 4:4) And that he masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Cor 11:14) He wants nothing more than for us to feel comfortable and secure in something that is a lie and false. The root of deception is that fact it blinds us to the fact we have been deceived. He does not want us to see the truth that is in God's word. Why? Because he wants our souls and the souls of those around us. How then can we know if we have been deceived or not? The only thing that one can do is seek the truth in the only absolute truth... God's word.

I pray that you will test yourselves, prove yourself to be in the faith! Eternity is too long to miss.

I bet this lady is from Arkansas!

2008-02-11T19:38:00.000-06:00

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy
boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the
intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and
opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, 'I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. When I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car.

Philippians 2:5

8 years and the flu!

2008-02-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

Alan and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary on the 4th. I use the word celebrate very loosely, because that is difficult to do with 102-103 temp. We went to see the Hogs play Florida last weekend and I came home with the flu. Alan came home from work on Tuesday running high temperature too. He too had the flu. Im better. Alan is still blah, but hopefully before our 9 year anniversary comes around we can celebrate this one without a thermometer and a bottle of Motrin.

Homework and monkies

2008-02-06T19:20:00.001-06:00

My kids love hearing stories about mine and Alan's childhood. (Times that Alan went camping, I went fishing with my dad, we went on vacations etc.) They have their favorites in which we have to share on a regular basis. Im saying all this to give you some background so you will better understand what is ahead.....

Tyson was working on his homework. He brings his assignment home on Monday and its not due back until Friday. What a blessing!!! Tyson has learned that he likes to get it out of the way first thing, but this week we have had a house full of illness causing a slight delay in getting started. Tyson is learning homophones. He had worked through the first few pages and got to the last set of homophones. (their, there, and they're) He answered the questions and then had to write 3 "funny" sentences that contained at least two of the three. He asked me for help, so I just said first you need to think of something funny and then just write your sentences from that. He thought for a long time and was getting very discouraged. I just mentioned that clowns were funny or even monkies at the zoo are funny. OOPS on my part!!!! That triggered a story in his mind that I share with the kids about monkies at the St Louis zoo throwing their poop at the crowd. He said "Thanks, now I got it!" After a few minutes I went to check on the progress. I just wanted to share the results of his thinking...

1. There are monkies at the zoo that throw their poop.
2. They're happy to see their prize.
3. Their toys are there favorite things to play with.

And to make it even worse.... He then had to draw a picture of one of the sentences. He picked #1. I asked him why he wanted to draw that one and just said because its funny! I laughed and agreed. I just hope the teacher can smile.

Just some questions......

2008-01-28T20:15:00.000-06:00

These are a few questions that have been stirring in my mind for several months.

1.Can one actually receive Christ and not live for Him until years later?
2.Can the Holy Spirit dwell in someone for 5, 10, 15 years and it not change a person?
3.What does it mean when someone says "I have been saved for many years, but NOW I'm ready to get serious about my faith?" or "get serious with God"

Many people state a similar tale.... Raised in Christian home, saved at an early age, lived like a "normal" teen, experimented in college, got married and had some kids, and NOW I want to get real with God. This concept is somewhat disturbing to me. It is disturbing because that is how I was living my life for so long.
Have you ever made a profession of faith? If you have look at your life 5 years after that moment..... are you 5 years more worldly? or 5 years more Christ like? do the same thing for 10 years? 15 years? And so on...
God starts working on or molding His children the moment they become saved. I made a profession of faith when I was 7 years old. At the age of 17 I should have had 10 years of evidence of shedding the world and 10 years of putting on Christ. Well, I was not that at all. I was 10 years more like the world. I looked, talked, and thought worldly. To me that just proves that I was lacking something or I should say someONE and that was Jesus.
But the good news is that God broke my stony heart with His word and I was saved by grace!

SURPRISE!

2008-01-27T14:44:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Alan's 29th birthday yesterday here at the house with a SURPRISE party! It was a blast. Alan had to leave around 4 to go hook up Jeff and Ashley's wireless internet for them. As soon as he left the house I called Ashley and she headed this way to help me set up. Joanne and Brian showed up around 4:30 to help too. Heather and Tim brought the sandwiches. THANKS for the help guys!! Then the other guests arrived around 5:30. Alan was due back any minute. We heard the garage door and like a bunch of fourth graders we turned out the lights and yelled SURPRISE when he walked in. He smiled and shook hands with the guys and we dug into some grub! The kids piled on my bed and watched Hannah Montana while the adults played a game of The Newlywed Game. Alan and I came back from scoring 0 points the first round to taking home the WIN in the end. We shared, laughed, prayed and celebrated! It was a wonderful time.

"Please scan your next item."

2008-01-24T20:40:00.000-06:00

Why does Walmart not reduce my total if I was the one who checked myself out? Shouldnt they pay me for working for them?

Step Aside Martha Stewart.....

2008-01-21T19:54:00.000-06:00

Zoe wanted to cook dinner tonight. The menu was Cubed Steaks (minute steaks), Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Bread, and a Susan Cake for dessert. She had a good time. She surprised Alan and Tyson with everything when they came home from basketball practice.
Zoe stirring the corn.
Zoe makes the best Mashed Potatoes!! YUMMY!!!
We all enjoyed the delicious dinner. Thanks Zoe!

Bible Belt

2008-01-18T22:19:00.000-06:00

Matthew 7:21-23.
I was born and raised in the Bible Belt. Everywhere you look there are churches, crosses, Christian books stores, God Loves You on bumper stickers, little fish symbols on the back of 4 out of 5 cars, everyone goes to church, everyone claims to love Jesus, everyone is talking about this Bible study or that Bible study......BUT why has none of these people came and knocked on my door out of love and concern to share with me Jesus Christ? The answer is that everyone here in this blessed region of the country thinks because their neighbor goes to church and can paraphrase some scripture that it means they are saved. A thing that happens many times here in the Bible Belt is we are taught the answers to the questions BEFORE we understand what we are being asked. I came across this article via Notes from the Trail and I thought it was a very good read.

The Gospel of John

2008-01-15T00:35:00.000-06:00

We recently had the opportunity to watch the movie The Gospel of John. The movie is the entire book of John in (I believe) the God's Word translation with each character speaking their part. The movie's scene selection is based on chapter and verse. It is truly a wonderful movie.

http://www.gospelofjohnthefilm.com/

With all of that being said... It truly amazed me how many times Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." He repeats this over and over! It is my prayer that his words are ever present on our hearts and minds. Praise GOD for his amazing love!

There are many wonderful truths in this Gospel. I recommend that you (re)read the book of John. Why are you still reading here??? GO START NOW!

Good Week....

2008-01-09T20:01:00.000-06:00

I have had a really good week so far. I have gotten to correspond with my really good friend about how we are ultra sensetive to sin. How we used to do things that we would not think twice about doing OR just justify doing it. Now we ask ourselves.... Should I do this? Is this right? It was just encouraging to talk to her and I feel blessed to have her as a friend. I love you, V!
Also, I have had contact with my former BSU director. While I was in college I was always active in the BSU or BCM(depending on how old you are). Over the past few days I have been flashing back to the memories I have from my college years and just hanging out at the BSU. Even though I was not a Christian at the time I still enjoyed being around the other students and the staff. We had an awesome time. We had F.I.R.E.(Faith In Real Experiences)on Wednesday nights and that is when we would have Bible study each week. One thing Jeff taught us was that no matter where you are in your life(high school,college,work,nursing home)that is your mission field. You will someday be at a different place and need to take full advantage of the people around you at every stage. The example he gave was the college campus. He stated that we(the students)will never all be at the same place again and we needed to focus on witnessing to the students that were there while we had the chance. Well, I can honestly and regretfully say that I did nothing to build the kingdon of God during those years. I can say that I now have taken that teaching and applied it to my life today. Now my place in life is work. I am surrounded by the same people 40hours a week. That is now my "campus". Im not taking a day with those people for granted, because I know soon I will be in the..... Nursing Home! Wow, I will have to be prayed up because Im scared of old people.(I had a horrible Adopt a Grandma experience, but that is another post)SMILE!

So just remember to take full advantage of your "campus" wherever that may be. Share Christ every chance you get.

It just makes sense.....

2008-01-07T21:17:00.000-06:00

I was on Journey Church's website and came across a quote that I just like.

Home is where the heart is..... and where the church should be.

2007.

2008-01-02T20:15:00.000-06:00

A year of Salvation!!!
A year of restoration of my marriage
A year of almost perfect health for the entire family
A year of many missing teeth
A year of a new home
A year of new friends
A year of trying new recipes
A year of blessings
2007 will be a year that I will never forget. Its a year that marks the beginning of my life.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Best Christmas Present EVER!

2007-12-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

And the strangest Christmas ever???

We had a wonderful time this Christmas. My dad came over Christmas Eve to spend the night and Christmas morning with us. Over the past few months my dad has gone thru some hard times in his life. It was great to have him here on Christmas. Do you believe in Divine Appointments? I've had two that stand out clearly in my life in the past 6 months. Christmas morning was one of them.

In the past there have been times that I have shared the Truth of the Bible with my dad, but it was always like talking to a wall. Like the words were coming out of my mouth, but just not sinking in. I do somewhat understand because I can't imagine the people in my life that felt the same with me before I was Born Again. I can't imagine how many Pastor experience this on a daily maybe hourly basis... For some reason I had felt for the weeks prior to Christmas that I was supposed to talk to Dad about his eternal destination. It was such a conviction that it was as if it would be the last time that I would ever have the opportunity to share the Truth with him.

It was a pretty normal Christmas Eve. When Dad arrived in the afternoon, we went to Walmart to get new bikes for the kiddos. That was dad's gift to them this year. After chillin' for a while back home at the crib, we went to Colton's to eat. We got there 15mins before they closed and was able to get a seat and something to eat. It was good! After that we came back home and settled down. Dad and the kids started out in all piled up in Zoe's bed. But I think Dad moved a little while after because Tyson is a squirmer... ;)

The kids and the adults all went to bed fairly early and easily. I woke up around 6:20am with some light on in the living room. I got up quickly to see what was going on. I was thinking that the kids may have gotten up and opened presents without us! Tyson was the only one up. He was just laying on the couch watching TV. He said that he woke up around 6:10am and just started watching TV. I couldn't believe that!!! I couldn't believe he wasn't waking everybody up...

I had put a pot of coffee on the timer for 6am so I poured me a cup. By that time Dad and Zoe came out of their slumber and joined Tyson and I in the living room. Linda came dragging in about the same time. So we all sat down and handed out presents. We take turns opening presents and ooh and gooh over each other's presents. I think that everyone was pleased with their presents. Tyson and Zoe went on a little scavenger hunt for their bikes that led them to the back porch for their bikes. It was cold out so they pretty much said "Sweet, Awesome" and then came RIGHT back inside ;)- But they were definitely a big hit! Dad and I got the bikes in the garage and did all the adjusting while the kids got bundled up and then came out to help. They rode down the road and back and were discouraged by the beginnings of frost bite. They came inside very quickly!

Linda was getting ready. Tyson and Zoe were playing with their new stuff. Dad was sitting at the kitchen table. I was getting a cheese ball ready to take to Memmaw's for Christmas lunch. I felt led to talk to Dad so I stopped with the cheese ball. I got my Bible and sat down at the table with Dad. We talked about what the Bible says about what happens after a person dies. We talked about God's righteousness, justice, grace, and love. I explained to him the spotless lamb that God provided for his sin and the sins of the world. We read about what it means to be Christ-like. We talked about what Jesus says about being Born Again. About being dead to our sin and a slave to righteousness. Linda and I both were able to share what God has done in our lives. It was the first time that I was talking to him, and it didn't seem like it was falling on deaf ears. There were some circumstances in his life that it was evident that the Holy Spirit was drawing him. Linda and I prayed with him and told him to spend some time seeking God and praying.

We had to say our goodbyes and make our appointment at Memmaw's with the cheese ball. Dad was on his way, and we were soon to follow. When we were pulling out of the driveway I told Linda, "This is one of the weirdest Christmas's ever." She said, "Yes. But isn't that what it is all about?" She was exactly right!

Christmas. A time that Christian celebrate God's ultimate gift. God's Grace. Jesus Christ.

I got a call the next day from Dad. He talked to me about feeling weird. He said that it was the strangest feeling. He told me that he did pray. He told me that he was SAVED on Christmas Day!

I am really excited to see God continue to move in our lives. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw my dad into sanctification so that God can be glorified thru my dad's life.

Folks, God is in the saving business! All we can do is to share God's Truth with people. His word says that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

I hope that this will bless your heart as it has ours! May you all have a wonderful New Year! I'll leave you with a couple of good sermons.

The Salvation Test
The Reality of Hell

The Real Nativity Scene

2007-12-20T23:38:00.000-06:00

So we've seen so many pictures, movie scenes, etc of the Nativity. Well like many things in Israel they just don't look quite like you have imagined. I wish that I could go back a little over 2000 years ago and be able to show you some pictures of the place as it was with Mary holding the baby Lord Jesus, God with Us. I would try to get a wide enough shot to get the Wisemen as they knelt there with their gifts. The Shepards would be there too. They would be there in their filthy clothes. They'd still be pale from seeing the angel and the Glory of God that they had just experienced.

I can't give you any of that, but here is where the place looks like today...

This is the Church of the Nativity:
After walking deep into the church, you walk down into a shallow cave that the church was build on top of. This was the spot that Jesus was born.

If you turn 180° from the above shot, you see the spot where they laid him. The manger would have been somewhere in this tight spot.

It is truly amazing to see God's Word in front of you when you go to Israel. So much becomes clearer when you see it all before you. Many, many things will not be as you perceived them.

I hope this encourages you. Yes. The place of the Nativity is real and tangible. But more than likely not what you would have expected.

If you haven't seen The Nativity Story, I would highly recommend watching it this Christmas season. It has a very Biblical storyline and is very enjoyable.

I would encourage you to remember that December 25th was originally a pagan holiday. Please, don't make it one at your celebration this year. Presents. Santa. Frosty. They can all be a big diversion of what the celebration of Christmas is about for Born Again believers of Jesus Christ. Re-read the birth of Jesus. Take the time to think about his birth. And remember that it was the very first breath in the journey to redeem a lost and dieing world for their sin. Oh, what a Father! Oh, what a Son! Oh, what a Savior!

John 3

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Is it Christmas or a baby shower?

2007-12-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

As soon as we got finished eating supper Alan starts wrapping Christmas presents. He is in the back for a while and he comes out with some gift boxes and a few presents. I instantly notice the PINK wrapping paper!!! I didn't say anything at first, but then I just couldn't resist. I asked him what is the deal with the pink paper? He replied, Its for the girl gifts. He came back with a red and green Christmas sack but instead of having the traditional red, green, or white tissue paper to match..... BLUE! Yep, you guessed it. That was a boy gift! There will be no getting Tyson and Zoe's presents confused this year. SMILE!

Call it like it is....

2007-12-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

I belong to the body of Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives within me. So, I say that to ask for a favor. Since I am a representative of Jesus Christ and claim to live how the Bible tells Christians to live..... if you see me living outside of God's clear and perfect guidelines I want you to CALL ME ON IT! The Bible actually says that Christians should do that. (1 Corinthians 5:9-12) God will judge the people of the world, but Paul tells the church at Corinth to judge people who are in the church (actual believers). That is what I want you to do for me. I will not be offended at all. I will be thankful. I never want to displease my Lord by saying I am a Christian and not live Christ like.(or being a stumbling block) I hear many people who claim to be saved stating that it is hard to live the Christian life. They use Paul as an example to justify this. Well, Paul didn't struggle living for God. His struggle was wanting to live perfect and knowing he could never be. Paul could not be perfect and neither can I, but we have something in common.... and that is after we were truly converted by the Holy Spirit we lived our lives striving to be.
So consider this an open invitation to you to be my judge if you see me living my life in a way that may cause someone else to stumble I ask you to call it like it is.

I saw the light.

2007-12-11T21:20:00.000-06:00

Ok folks. Go to the bathroom, Grab you a cup of joe, and hold on for the ride because this my take a while. Yep, I'm letting it all hang out.

Here's what Jesus has done for me. ( And the list is still growing)

Like many people in the Bible belt, I was raised in church. Actually, I was made to go to church pretty much all my life until I was off to college. I was raised by my grandmother since I was 2 months old, and she made sure that I was in church practically every time the doors were opened. There were times that I liked it and there were times I resented it. As I grew older, I started questioning things that I was taught, God, the Bible, Jesus, etc. I NEVER wanted to believe something "because my grandmother said so" (Even though I highly regarded her opinion most of the time). Throughout my elementary and high school years, I lead a "Christian" lifestyle. By that I mean that I didn't party or drink or cuss (much) or fight, etc... If you would have asked if I was a Christian, I would have said yes. The World kinda uses "Christian" as meaning the same thing as a relatively good person. I actually thought that I was a good person and most people around me did to.

Confession Time:
Let me let you in on a little secret that until now hardly anybody knew about. From the age of around 16 until 27 I was addicted to pornography. I also consistently had premarital sex with my girlfriend from my Junior year of high school on into college where we got married after becoming pregnant. (Now let me say that becoming pregnant wasn't the only reason we got married, but it did pretty much seal the deal.) All during my time at college I was using pornography, and continued to do so even after Linda and I were married. I can not tell you how much of my life that I have wasted with some perversion of Satan on what God intend to be the most intimate of things between a married couple. (Couple meaning, One Man and One Woman)
I'm telling you all of this not because I'm proud of it because I'm quite discussed at it. But I tell you so that you will hopefully understand a little more the following events. You see it was always in my mind that I was not harming anybody else. I honestly thought that what I was doing had nothing to do with anyone else, and furthermore it had no adverse affect on anyone else. I truly believed that.

My wife and I have two children. From the time that the first was born, my wife was pretty much on her own with raising them. I was about as passive as any one person could be. I was completely uninvolved. This was compounded by the fact that I had begun putting my new career in front of ALL.

Linda and I were married for 6 1/2 years living the way that I have previously mentioned. I had become quite numb (and dumb) to life the way it was at the Vallance household. Linda on the other hand had grown quite tired. After going out with a friend one night, Linda didn't come home. This honestly was the worst night of my life. She did return the next morning. The events following were the most difficult, stressful, and traumatic that I had ever faced in my life. Within a few short months, Linda had moved out of the house into her own apartment. After being separated for a few months, Linda filed for a divorce. I had never been so terrified in my life. I would ask the questions like why or how could she do this? What about all that we had together? I would lay in bed at night and literally just hurt all over my entire body. There were times that I even thought about suicide.

From the day that Linda moved out, I began to see just how lazy I was. Throughout all of the time that we were separated, I began to look deep into what I was doing in our relationship and began to look deep into our past 6 1/2 years of marriage. Then I started look deep into myself. I was in an apartment in Maumelle, AR. I was kneeling down at my coffee table with some Chris Tomlin song playing. And I was months from a divorce. I began to examine myself. God began to reveal to me the person I truly was. I began to realize that I wasn't the "good" person that I believed I was. I began to see all of the sin that was so much a part of who I was. All of the lies, idolatry, pervertedness. It was like my eyes were just OPEN! WIDE OPEN! I began to understand. NO, I MEAN TRULY UNDERSTAND!!!! I saw myself a sin stained, lowlife. An Enemy of GOD. It was at that moment that everything that I had ever been taught in all of my church going days became REAL! My self righteousness was completely burned away like filthy rags. I understood why God sent His Son to BECOME sin for ME! It was at that point that I knew what it was to be a Christian. When God reached out with His gift for me, I accepted it! I was BORN AGAIN! At that moment, God began to reveal more and more things in my life that were not acceptable in His sight. The things in the Bible that I had doubted before, I doubted no more! I began to see sin for what it is. I began to hate my sin. I saw how polluted my mind was. I asked God to complete strip anything that wasn't righteous away and just leave me what was left. I was no longer a slave to my addiction! I also began to pray and ask him about my marriage. When I asked, he answered. It wasn't with a bolt of lightening, or thunder, or a stone tablet dropping on the coffee table. But it was a still small voice. He simply said, "Let her go." I began to weep even more than before and fear struck thru me. But 1 sec after, I had complete peace. Peace that passes all understand. When he said, "Let her go." He was telling me another two things that I had never lived my life by. #1. You will have no other god's before me. This includes your wife. #2. Trust in ME. I had never truly put my trust in Him.

From that night forward, I have been living my life for the cause of Christ. I began to read my Bible because I knew that it was the only Truth in this world. The change in my life was evident. So much so, that Linda saw it from a far. 30 days before our divorce was final, Linda called her lawyer and stopped the proceedings. Yes folks, GOD saved my marriage. Linda and I moved back in together. We had some rough goes still, but I was faithful in putting God first. As hopefully you've read in her blogs, she start to question her salvation because she had never been CHANGED by the Holy Spirit. I would encourage you to read her blogs if you haven't already. But here's the spoiler, SHE GOT SAVED!

We are both so awe stricken' but it all. Our marriage has NEVER been what it is now. Umm.. A Godly marriage ;). Weeks after Linda being Born Again, we were blessed to go on a trip to Israel. It was an awesome time! There are no words that can describe seeing God's Word laid out before you!

Along with our salvation has came a burden about our friends and family that are lost. We are both burdened by so many people in the world claiming to be Christians, but just have religion.

It is my prayer if you have never been Born Again by the Holy Spirit in which your life was changed, that you humble yourself before a holy and righteous God and be sensitive to his drawing.

If you are reading this and you would say, "I'm a Christian" please take the time to examine yourself to prove that you are in the faith. The only way to do this is to read the Bible. Do not just go on what your grandmother told you, or your daddy, or your preacher! Humble yourself before a mighty GOD. Get real. Get honest. Get real honest. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have understood what it was like to be before a Holy God being a total enemy of His having no excuse or justification for yourself and your sinfulness? Did you repent (meaning stop doing) of those sins? Did you believe (meaning put all of your trust) in Jesus that he died to become your sin? Do you truly live your life for Him?

God Bless!

There will be more to come. Much Sooner than Later.

Stay seated like Jesus!

2007-12-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

I overheard Zoe playing school last night. She was calling roll and being very enthusiastic for each child. She would welcome them in the class and even comment on how nice they looked. I recognized names of kids in her class as she called them and she had family members as well. Then I heard.... "Jesus". And a second later she replied "here." (as she had for each child)

Tyson: Zoe, Jesus doesn't go to school. He already knows everything.
Zoe: Tyson, do not talk out in class or I will pull your card.

A few minutes later......

Zoe: No you can not go to the restroom. You need to get in your seat now! Why cant you stay in your seat like Jesus?

SMILE!

Do I have to have a Christmas Tree??

2007-12-03T20:33:00.000-06:00

I'm having a Christmas tree crisis this year. I have to laugh because well its one of those "that only happens to me" things. You may know that I was unable to get the Christmas tree's light to work when I originally tried to get it up one night last week. All week I patiently waited for Alan's return so he could get the lights working and we could decorate and all would be well in the land of Christmas trees. Alan started looking at the tree and he determined that it was just a broke tree. ( this was determined after shaking and twisting every single bulb ) Alan was also on call on Saturday so he is constantly being pulled away from the tree and time was ticking away. My precious time! I had made a schedule in my head as to how my Saturday was going to be played out. I even made the verbal announcement to the entire family during Saturday morning snuggle time. Well it was already well past noon and still NO TREE! So, I did the only thing I knew to do! Get the "old" tree out of the attic and put it up. The old tree is a small one and it lacks "fullness" if you know what I mean...... So I found some lights and began to cover it with lights. The kids were so thrilled to see something lit up. They put ornaments on it and were just thrilled to death. I have to admit the tree was UGLY, but it was a tree and it lit up. Now to my point....... This morning the kids let out a gasp and yelled that the tree had fallen over. WHAT??!!!??? How could that be? Who knows. The fact is that it was leaning over on the window. I was on my way out the door, so I just told Alan to go straighten it up for me. I asked him today what he did with the tree. He said that he tried to get it to stand back up but it appears that the ornaments are too heavy for it. As I type I'm looking over at the pitiful site of a tree and its propped up in the corner, the star is hanging on by a thread. I don't know what to do with it. Should I just take everything off and try it again? OR should I just stick my ficus tree (which already has lights) in the corner and be done with it.

The List

2007-12-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

A few days after I made Jesus the Lord of my life I decided to compare my salvation security that I had before with the security I have today. I wanted to see why I was so convinced for all my life (except the last year) that I was going to go to Heaven when I died, and now how I can see so clearly that my religion was going to send me straight to Hell. To do this I made a list of things that I would have told someone how I knew I was saved or going to Heaven if they were to ask me at any point in my life from my profession of faith until October 9th. I was able to prove myself wrong with scripture. This is a really wise thing to do. (try it) I want to share with you my list and the scriptures. I ask that you take the time to read the scripture!!!

I believe in Jesus (birth, life, death and resurrection). James 2:19 says that the demons believe in one God and tremble. Even Satan himself believes in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the demons or the Devil aren't going to go to Heaven.
I asked Him (Jesus) to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior of my life. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, 1 John 3:6. These scriptures talk about the change that occurs when one actually receives Christ. They become new. They no longer live like the world. They no longer habitually sin. ( 1 John 3:6 says "No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or know Him)
I feel guilty when I sin or I have a conscience. Titus 1:15 makes reference to the defiled and unbelieving having a defiled conscience. That tells me that unbelievers have a conscience. They too can feel guilty over something they do that is wrong. God placed in every person a conscience. Con means "with" and science means "knowledge". When we stand before God no one will be able to say... Well I didn't know that was wrong. God gave them the "with-knowledge" molecule so they do know its wrong.
God hears my prayers and He doesn't hear the prayers of lost people. I'm almost embarrassed to put this one on here because it seems absolutely crazy to me now, but it was something that I used to think validated my salvation. I was actually taught this!! (I wish I could remember who did, I would love to talk to them about it.) Acts 10 is the story of Cornelius. A lost man who prays and an angel appears to tell him that God heard his prayer and for him to send men after Peter. Peter then shares the gospel and Cornelius and his entire family are saved. And when you really think about this.... I mean we are talking about GOD here. The God who knows everything! Every thought I have had, every thought I'm going to have. Thinking he cant hear certain prayers because they are coming from a lost person is just foolish. But I was a fool.

Well there you have it. I hope that each one of you will make your own list and just do some research and reading in God's word. You may be amazed at what you find.

I can see clearly now.....

2007-11-30T18:26:00.000-06:00

I just am at a lost for words when it comes to how clear the Bible is to me now and how applicable everything I read is to my life. Its something that is just hard to explain. (especially when you are typing) I can read the Bible and actually remember what I read! I know that sounds silly, but for the 21 years that I just had religion and not true salvation, I would read the passage just so I could fill in the blanks in the Beth Moore workbook ( I have done my share of Beth Moore Bible studies ) and never really would think seriously about the passages again. Now I read my Bible every chance I get. Seriously. I look forward to it and want to do what God's word says do. The Bible tells us time and time and time again how Christians should live their lives. Its very clear. I feel like a big fool for thinking that I was actually going to go Heaven when I was not living my life the way the Bible tells Christians to live. For example:

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

It is very important to know who Paul is speaking to here. He is talking to the saints or the church. vs 3 He is talking to the very people who claim to be children of God. He is instructing them on things that just shouldn't be in the lives of God's children. I can say for the 21 years of my 'religious' life I was an immoral, impure and greedy person which made me an idolater which is breaking the Second Commandment. ( And when the Bible says "For of this you can be sure" I think that means FOR OF THIS YOU CAN BE SURE) See what I mean about me being a fool! I challenge you all to read the book of Ephesians and remember that Paul is writing to the Church of Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for Tyson

2007-11-29T21:48:00.000-06:00

I want to ask you to pray for Tyson. (and me) He came home from school on Wednesday upset because some boys were saying "Your Momma is so fat ...... " jokes. He was really bothered by this. He also said that they were teasing him about a girl in his class. They were saying Tyson loves ___. And he replied. Yep, the Bible says we should love everyone. So then the boys laughed and were joking about him wanting to marry the world. (keep in mind these are second graders) So, Tyson then tells me that he says to them that they need to be his friend because he reads the Bible and loves God. He told them that making fun of people and saying ugly words is a sin and God hates sin! I asked him if he really said that and he said "not out loud, but in my head." (smile) I told him that I was proud of him for at least thinking it. I talked to him about how the Momma jokes were not about me specifically and to just ignore them. He was quiet for several minutes and then he started to cry. I asked him what was wrong and he said he just had a bad daydream. He went on to tell me that he was standing in front of his class reading them the Bible and the boys kept knocking it out of his hands. ( my heart just exploded when he told me that) Anyway..... today Tyson asked his teacher if he could bring his Bible to class and read it. He told me that she said that he could. I find this hard to believe, but regardless its in his backpack. I was torn on whether or not to let him take it, but I thought I never suggested him read the Bible to them. I said IGNORE them. I learned something from my 7 year old son today. I learned we should always try to reach the lost.... NO MATTER THE COST!
I pray that he will grow up to be a God fearing Christian man like his Daddy.

Tis the season to be jolly......

2007-11-26T20:50:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm worn out and feel like I need to be in a nursing home somewhere making Christmas potholders because I can't do anything else! Wait. What am I saying? I can't make potholders either. Alan is gone to Miami this week and I thought that me and the kids could put the Christmas decorations out and put the tree up tonight and surprise Daddy when he got home. WRONG! I got the tree out of the box and once I figured out the middle section was actually the middle and not the bottom.... I couldn't get the crazy thing plugged in. I mean there are three plugs and they are even numbered. 1,2,3. BUT I would have had to bend the tree in half to get them to each other. There is NO way they reach!!!!! The saddest thing is that about 5 minutes after me trying to get the lights to come on Zoe said " Call Daddy! He will tell you how to do it." So, if you have any hints on how to make the lights on my kids Christmas tree come on please share! hahahha

Testify (3,4,and 5)

2007-11-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! I hope everyone had a glorious Thanksgiving Holiday. We had a wonderful time. We are actually still celebrating. We plan on going back home this afternoon. I'm hoping I can start putting up my Christmas tree today.
I wanted to go ahead and share with you the other 3 things that God used to wake, shake, and BREAK me!!!
The third thing was a book called The Way of the Master by Ray Comfort. A couple from church gave it to Alan and I so we would be able to witness to others the way Christ did. (Matthew 19:16-30) He used the Law. "The law is perfect in converting the soul."Psalms 19:7
I started reading it and listening to the CD that came with it "Hell's Best Kept Secret" and I was blown away. At first it was WOW! This really makes sense! This is really going to help me witness to others. Then I continued to listen to it over and over and I was convicted of habitually not obeying God's Law. (Exodus 20) We have the link on our blog.... Check it out.
Fourthly.... Our Sunday School class had several lessons on evangelism. This really caused me to see that I did NOT witness for the Lord. ( which I always had a valid reason not to) Yes, I have had many "religious" discussions with others about the Bible, served on leadership teams, taught classes, but I had never really got down to the core and shared what God had done for me. If you are in the parking lot of Kroger and you are walking and talking on your cell phone and you step out in front of a car, but someone pulls you out of the way and saves you from being hit. What are you going to do? Well, I know what I would do. I would first tell the person that I was talking to on the phone that I almost died. Then I would tell them about the stranger who pulled me to safety. Why is it so easy for me to talk to people about events / happenings in my life, but I never shared with them when Jesus pulled me to safety, took the cell phone out of my hand and gave me a safety manual for my life. The answer is simple. I was still walking around the parking lot!!! Jesus had not pulled me to safety!!!! During the lessons on evangelism I was convicted on not sharing my faith with my family, friends, and co-workers. I never wanted anyone to go to Hell, but I was not burdened enough to say anything to them.
Lastly, we had a 7 day crusade at our church. (It was outside in a huge circus tent.) From the very first sermon all the things that were causing me to causally think over the past year came down on me like a ton of bricks. I actually would read the scripture that we were asked to read at home and I would battle back and forth with myself. "I'm saved..... I'm lost. I'm fine because I believe in Jesus. I asked him into my heart. I'm saved." I would keep reading and the battle would continue. I got to the point that I was asking Alan questions like.... "Would a saved person do _____?" He would just tell me to see what the Bible says about that. Ugh. I just wanted a yes or no!!! On Monday night of the crusade the pastor took us through a salvation test. Many people say you should never question your salvation. BUT the Bible says....." Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves." 2 Corinthians 13:5 The test just consisted of us looking at the book of 1 John. I encourage you to read it. On my way to work on Wednesday morning I began to pray and explain to God how I was feeling. I asked that the Holy Spirit would reveal to me truth. I was tired of this internal battle going on. I was examining my life and I saw myself the way God sees me.... an enemy. The Bible tells us in James 4 that if you are a friend to the world you are an enemy of God. I understood what it meant to be lost for the first time. So I just said out loud.... "Lord, am I saved?" and about a half second later I got my answer. "No." I began to cry out to God and I repented and confessed my sins and I begged him to save me. And He did. I have not been the same since. I have not experienced "mountain top" high since October 9, 2007. I'm so burdened for lost that I grieve for my family and friends and I share with them what God has done for me!! I pray that you will read God's word and seek truth. I pray God never takes this burden away.

Testify (2)

2007-11-21T17:50:00.000-06:00

I want to share with you the second thing that God used to reveal to me truth about Him......

His word! I went to church and heard sermons preached on how Christians should live and how so many people just "play" church and play games with God and don't even realize it. When I first starting hearing these sermons....and actually seeing the verses in the Bible that are very straight forward on how Christian people should live holy and righteous lives. I would always be thinking of that "one" who needed to hear that. I would actually say to Alan on the way home. "Boy, I'm so glad ____ was there because they really needed to hear that!" Or "I wish _____ could have heard that one!" What a fool I was for thinking that. Those sermons were meant for ME! I'm the one who needed to hear it. You are either for God or against God. You are either hot or cold.In Revelation 3:15 Jesus says " I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." By examining my life (my personal crock pot) I realized I was set on lukewarm. I was going through life thinking everything was great. I love going to church and being around my church family and I love singing Chris Tomlin loud in my car on the way to and from work and even though I got a warm fuzzy when we would sing the song How Great Thou Art...... I was going to be spit out of God's mouth. I began to feel conviction for just going through the motions of Christianity. ( just having religion)

In the Beginning

2007-11-20T21:10:00.000-06:00

Howdy folks. We are just getting everything setup. If you are here, I'm glad you stopped by. Linda and I have been discussing creating a blog and now it has came to pass. We have plenty of stuff to talk ... er *blog* about.

My heart leaps with joy because of what GOD has done in our lives! I hope that our posts here show our true appreciation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his act of saving grace!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."

Testify!

2007-11-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

HI! My name is Linda and I'm a born again believer in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit starting dealing with me about a year ago. The Holy Spirit revealed to me some things that caused me to do start do some causal thinking which ultimately led to serious thinking about my profession of faith and my life in general. I would like to share with you the 5 things that the Holy Spirit used to "wake me up from religion" and show me truth through His word. I will try to put one a day for the next five days

First thing that happened was that Alan was saved or you could say he was born again. (Jesus says in the book of John "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.") There was a change in him. He was a new man! (Eph 4:21-24) At first I thought it was because he was a "new" Christian and that he would settle down and would go back to acting like many of the 'mature Christians' that I was used to being around. That didn't appear to happen. I started thinking about my profession of faith and how there was no evidence of change in my life. If I drew a picture of my life on a wall there would be no point that would have stood out to you as BAM! That's when she was saved. You would have to just take my word for it that it happened. So as I would watch him live for Christ day in and day out... I would find myself jealous of his relationship with God. Not that I wanted him to put down his Bible and talk to me or stop praying and watch American Idol with me. It was more that I wanted to want to read my Bible and pray, but was drawn more to James Patterson, Nicolas Sparks or just Christian books in general. I was raised in church and knew that its good to read the Bible, but for some reason I just was never able to really dig in. I'm not anti reading something other than the Bible. I am saying that I was convicted because I was reading things (even Christian books) more than the Bible. Especially seeing Alan read and hungry for the word of God.