Realizing the Truth

Pay Less for Medical Bills

2011-12-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

For those without health insurance, remember you can let the medical provider know and ask for a discount. I have done this and gotten 10-35% discounts. Usually this means paying right away; however if you have no insurance and ask to make a payment plan, the medical providers can still give a discount. For instance, a relative had a bill from the hospital. I forget the exact figures but do remember that if he had insurance the bill came to over 20 thousand dollars (the relative had been in the hospital for about five days- the docs insisted on giving him a whole lot of tests though he did not really need them in my opinion if one looked at his history). Since he did not have insurance, the medical bill came to around fifteen thousand.Another relative of mine had a bill of around six thousand because of surgery needed to fix a broken arm. He did not have a job yet. Because the hospital had grants, they forgave the whole bill. Both of these examples happened in Texas.My friend in Kansas was in between jobs within the past year. He hurt his arm and explained his job status. They gave him coverage that lasted for a year; it paid 100 percent of his medical needs. These stories give truth to the adage, "Ask and you shall receive." Here are more thoughts on the matter. http://understandthetruth.blogspot.com/2008/09/subsidizing-pride-with-taxes-reasons.html.One more example, my mom got 100 percent medical coverage for everything but prescriptions which were a $3 copay at MD Anderson because she applied for financial aid. This required truthfulness and humbleness and a lot of forms to fill. "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find." That is somewhere in the Bible.

Sunny Side Song and more

2011-10-25T13:21:00.001-07:00

Help for people who need it that won't increase taxes

2011-05-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Do we have students at universities providing services in real case scenarios for people in need- for instance having medical students give exams with teacher supervision to people who have trouble paying medical bills, student architects making blueprints for houses for people whose insurance are shirking their responsibilities, marketing and communication students doing homework by helping non profits who need people with those skills, student lawyers giving free legal advice to people with low incomes who need advice? Basically couldn't teachers in universities and some high school and across all grades give real life homework that could help people and be supervised so they would have a good impact? Let's work smarter and have some real accountability; doing this more could really help and boost people's self worth, and it would likely get them to volunteer more instead of escaping into booze, drugs, television, video games, and more. Let's live it up for real.

This post is partly inspired by watching the trailor below.

A Dream Come True

2011-04-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Accentuate the Positive Song and Video

2011-04-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Toddler Strategies

2011-04-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Toddler Strategies

Bethany Hamilton "Soul Surfer" Story

2011-04-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Soul Surfer info.

Children

2011-03-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

In Texas public education there is a 1:1 teacher to education personnel ratio for proof click here. Please sign the petition at the link in the last sentence and write a letter to local politicians to fix the schools. Click here to write them.
Also, politicians are thinking of not complying with the Adam Walsh Act which mandates that states make a sex offender registry. Tell your politicians to make that registry or they will be held liable for child neglect.

Heaven and Hell Experiences

2011-03-01T07:18:00.001-08:00

Click people's visits and visions of heaven and hell to see people's experiences.

Head from Korn Interview

2011-01-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Oil to plastic to oil

2011-01-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

I want one of these machines. They cost around 13k. Let me know if you want to pitch in. Happy new year! * This has subtitles.

Good article about God's reality for an atheist

2010-12-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2010/03/how-i-found-god-and-peace-with-my-atheist-brother.html

The Wonders of Creation

2010-07-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

Namesake Info.

2010-07-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

Aland info.

Visions

2010-07-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Medjugorje

Creation Calls

2010-07-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Creation Calls Video on God Tube

Financially Fit Article - Hope =)

2010-07-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-110102-5999-1-secrets-of-extreme-savers?ywaad=ad0035

Bent But not Broken - article by Kay Camenisch

2010-07-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

devotion
Bent But Not Broken
By Kay Camenisch
Guest Writer

CBN.com –In January, an ice storm descended on our state. As freezing rain fell, the coating of ice on trees in our yard grew thicker and thicker. We watched limbs grow heavy from the weight of the ice, droop, then break and fall to the ground.

The cherry tree just outside our window was really sad—and not just because of the cherry pies we’d miss if it were destroyed. The tree was pathetic looking. The double trunk parted in the middle. One half leaned east. The other leaned west. Limbs bent lower and lower.

I kept checking, expecting to see the whole tree crumpled in a heap. The branches finally touched the ground. But it didn’t break.

In contrast, strong and healthy trees over fifty feet tall were ruined. Because of the storm, we lost five trees. But our little cherry tree survived just fine. In fact, when the ice melted several days later, the limbs straightened up, reaching for the sky. The tree is intact and looking good.

As I've cleaned up broken limbs, I’ve realized that we can learn from the trees. The cherry tree looked mighty sad as it bent to the ground, but didn’t lose a lot of limbs because it bent over. The pressure of the weight was relieved as it bowed down. Likewise, we weather storms of life much better when we are flexible and are willing to humble ourselves.

That's not new a new concept. Years ago, Jesus said, "whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12 NASB). But seeing the principle exhibited by the trees has made it more graphic.

There is another reason the limbs of the cherry tree didn’t break. They had help in carrying the load. When they leaned over, they rested on the ground.

Likewise, when we humble ourselves and lean on the LORD, our Rock, His strength is made known in our weakness. “He gives a greater grace. … "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 NASB).

When we are humbled by things outside our control - like ice humbled the trees - we tend to blame it on circumstances or other people. However, our misfortune could be the hand of God against us. According to James, God humbles the proud. When we are proud, we not only carry the burden alone, we also struggle against the hand of God.

Isaiah used trees to describe God’s opposition to the proud:

For the LORD of hosts will have a day of reckoning
Against everyone who is proud and lofty,
And against everyone who is lifted up, That he may be abased.
And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up,
Against all the oaks of Bashan, …
And the pride of man will be humbled,
And the loftiness of men will be abased,
And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day (Isa 2:12-13, 17 NASB).

Isaiah’s proclamation sounds harsh and certain. However, destruction is avoidable. We don’t have to be abased by God. If we are like the cherry tree - quick to bow and to seek God’s help - the Lord will lift us up when He is exalted.

I’m grateful for our little cherry tree, which bent but wasn’t broken. Through it, I discovered a key to God’s grace. And I need all the grace I can get.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet 5:6 NASB).

Send Kay your comments

Read more Devotions on Spiritual Life

More from Spiritual Life

Kay W. Camenisch is the author of Uprooting Anger: Destroying the Monster Within. She has been published in The Upper Room and The Lookout. Contemporary Drama has published one of her plays, and she is a regular contributor to a newspaper column.

Kay is also a pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother. She has worked closely in ministry with her husband, including in local churches, as missionaries in Brazil, working with a church school, training young adults to mentor troubled youth, and establishing and directing a ranch for troubled young men.

Inspiration

2010-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

https://www.akiane.com/store/catalog/product/view/id/165
Follow the link and be inspired. Smiles.

New Prayer

2010-06-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Thank You God for when I'm wrong
Thank You God for when I'm right
And thank you for dear friends
Who help me see the Light
In Jesus' name amen
Arrivederci

Testimonies and Redemptions

2010-05-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.precious-testimonies.com/General/a-e/EncouragingTestIndex.htm

God redeems; give Him a chance. Love.

Sexually Indulgent Now, Marriage Ruined Later? - Health & Science - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com

2010-03-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Sexually Indulgent Now, Marriage Ruined Later? - Health & Science - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com

Glimpses of Heaven

2010-02-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

This next artist is excellent and inspirational. I'm inspired to use my talents more.

Thank God for children.

http://www.oaoa.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=2&id=35077 What I wrote on the cross I have faith will come to pass on this side of heaven. Big smile.

Insightful ?'s

2010-02-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

If people read a verse or two or more of the Bible every time they were tempted to drink/smoke/intoxicate(this includes media smut), would they get filled with the Spirit instead of spirits that want to suck the life force out of them? Would they pay more attention to their children/loved ones and have better lives? I want my life to say yes.

Hmm...

2010-02-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

James 4:7 says "Submit to God, resist the devil and the devil must flee." So I'm listening to James or Josh McDonald and he says that trials bring us closer to God. So whether we go through a trial to grow us or whether it is because we are not submitting to Him and are dishonoring Him; the way to get out out of it and feel peace is to submit to God and do things His way which is the right way anyway.

Praying...Trace Adkins and Wounded Warriors

2010-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Praying...

Adoption

2010-01-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

One of my fave quotes by Lou Engle- "Adoption is the underground railroad." Now I better get to work to help adoptions happen more. =) Cheers to overcoming evil with good.

FYI

2009-11-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

If you look at the gang witnessing at http://www.wayofthemaster.com/watchwitnessing.shtml ,it'll make you laugh and think most likely.

Day of Fire Testimony

2009-11-13T09:12:00.001-08:00

The Enemy's Strategy

2009-10-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

The enemy- devil- is trying to get people to be depressed, focused on the wrong things, and or suicidal so we do not use our gifts and talents to honor and love Him and people. With God let's keep loving Him and people and trusting Him. In the process we will defy the devil. *** This insight happened because I have been sick this week and my heart has felt sick and sad over various things, but God is in me and overcoming. Whew. =)

Insight

2009-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

This insight is long; it sure did bless me and hopefully you. http://gbcbyouth.wordpress.com/2007/02/28/james-513-18/ .

Importance of Examining Yourself before Communion

2009-08-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hey,
This scripture is clear that we ought to take time to examine ourselves and repent before we take Communion. What do you think?

1 Corinthians 11:23-32
23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (KJV)

Scripture and Discernment

2009-05-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

1 John 1:6-7 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin."
Some people who call themselves Christians are supporting a President that uses taxes to fund abortions and wants to enlarge government run healthcare which would pay for abortions and unconscionable drugs like the morning after pill. The US government is not doing a good enough job with public schools. Why would a "Christian" in the US want to give the government more power?

Why to not worry or freak

2009-04-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Why worry or freak? If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you can trust God and pray about anything with assurance. He'll guide you and put on your heart what to do and everything else He will cover. When we pray about it He covers it as well in just the right way. We do not see the big picture and people are not robots so the solutions are not as pretty or nice as we would like; but the fact always remains that God has it covered and justice will ultimately prevail. Ahhhh! That is better than Calgon. It is the rest of God balanced with us working on what He leads us to do.

Socialism Analogy

2009-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said ok, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism.

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little.. The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when government takes all the reward away; no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that…

“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” – Margaret Thatcher

This came from an email I received; the author was not named.

Lower Credit Card Interest Rates

2009-04-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the news a lady said that 75% of people who ask for a lower rate on their credit cards get it. She said a part of the reason for this is that credit card companies realize you could transfer the balances and pay a lower interest. People can pay their debt and stay out of it. Take action! =)

$80,000

2009-03-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

I read an editorial that said if the government divided the stimulus by every person that was in the US, each one of us would receive $80,000. The only reason I have not freaked out about potential inflation is because God is bigger and He takes care of me no matter what with love!
On a side note, maybe more governors will not accept the money from the feds to minimize inflation. May the leaders in the world- especially the US be submitted to Jesus and get wisdom and start using it in Jesus' name amen.

Wind Power

2009-03-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

I heard a while ago that the big windmills people use to generate electricity kill a lot of birds because they get sliced by the blades as they turn and that people who live close to them are extra sensitive to heat. Today I sat in a chair and felt static electricity; how much more sensitivity would I have felt if I were next to bunch of electric generating windmills?
It makes me sad to think that this is a measure- one of many - that the government throws our money towards without thoroughly thinking through the consequences. If we had thought through the consequences of subsidizing corn to be used for gasoline would the world be in this crazy economic state? Would it be easier to feed the creatures around the world since food would be less and it would not cost so much to feed animals?
Hmmm...Lord have mercy! I pray for the leaders -especially in government- to be submitted to Jesus Christ and to get wisdom and use it for good and for God's will to be done and His kingdom to come in Jesus' name. Amen

How long are eggs good?

2009-03-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

I just read an article to tell how long eggs are good. Basically if they sink to the bottom they are fresh, stand up a bit a bit old, and if they float, they are too old to eat. If you crack it and it smells bad, throw it away.
You can click here to see the article.

Neat Video

2009-03-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

This video is really cool. I love lions.

Story Behind Cinderella

2009-03-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

This video and the explanation is so heartfelt and real. Enjoy!

Hypocrisy

2009-02-28T05:41:00.000-08:00

It is really ludicrous that our economy is hurting and the government - specifically Obama is now spending federal- our tax money-money on abortion. Also, he wants to make it harder for doctors and medical professionals to follow their conscience and not advise patients toward abortions or birth control. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/abortion_rule
So now if some people in the medical profession stand up for what they believe is right, does that mean they could lose their job? Wouldn't that hurt the economy?
Let's have free speech instead of speech that will line the pockets of the medical industry which in this case promotes harmful behavior.

Petition to have Obama show Birth Certificate

2009-02-28T05:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81550
Go here if you want to sign a petition to have Obama prove he was really born in Hawaii.

Scary Book Thoughts

2009-02-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

Today I read the back of a book for young people that was categorized as a thriller. It was about a few young children dealing with a ghost. I know that if that book were to have a character who had a relationship with Jesus then any ghosts or demons in the story would be rendered harmless if the believer knew their power and authority with Jesus to tell the ghost or demon to go away. It really bites that some young people in the US and likely more countries are reading and watching a bunch of scary things and do not realize that with a relationship with God through Jesus they can take authority over any spiritual darkness. Thank God Frank Peretti sheds light on this.

A Good Way to Help Healthcare with no Taxes

2009-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is a quote from an article about churches and communities giving free healthcare "Hundreds of communities across America are creating their own free health clinics. They treat a total of about 3.5 million people, who don't have insurance, according to the National Association of Free Clinics."
Here is a link to the complete article http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/546550.aspx .
This is hopeful and no taxpayer money needed.

Combating Peer Pressure

2009-02-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

When I was in high school there were a lot of arguments people used to get teenagers to make bad decisions ie. screw up. A few of the lines were "How do you know if you do not try?" "My parents used to do it." "Are you scared?"

Here are ways to combat these attempts to get people to make wrong decisions.
1. "How do you know if you do not try?"
Well, we can look at others consequences and behavior and see it is wrong. When I see someone on heroin and see them under the influence after a few months, I can quickly tell it is bad and I do not want to do it. If I see a raw egg, I do not have to taste it to realize that I would not like it. I do not have to "try" jail to realize I do not want to go there.
2. "My parents used to do it?"
They stopped. In cases of smoking, if your parents hadn't stopped, they likely wished they had.
3. "Are you scared?"
Typically this is used oftentimes at many ages. In high school that was one of the ways guys would try to get girls to sleep with them. The comeback can be," Are you scared to get married first?" or "No; I'm not stupid and do not want to contribute to the economy with a baby, sexually transmitted disease, or condom at this time or in some cases ever."
4. "You won't date me because I'm fat!"
Comeback: "Well, if you take care of yourself like that then how would you take care of children and me?"

True Love Revolution

2009-02-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

A group at Harvard found at http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/tlr/ , known as True Love Revolution, is promoting abstinence until marriage. In one of the interviews about why they believe this is important, the founders of the club told of a time when they asked a group of students if they had ever had sex with anyone and not felt an emotional connection afterward. No one raised their hand.
The girlfriend and founder of this club, Ms. Kinsella, is quoted in an article. Below is an excerpt.

"They bat away worries from friends that maybe they should try sex first, just in case. The answer is no. Ms. Kinsella says abstaining is a matter of emotional health.

Taking small bites of her salad, she quotes from a course she took on female behavioral biology and describes the “awesome effects” of the hormone oxytocin, released during orgasm. 'When people have that bonding experience with someone and it ends,” she says, “they tend to feel heartache.'"

The article can be seen at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/education/edlife/abstinence.html?ref=edlife

I hope more people realize that waiting is better and do not have to learn the hard way and go through all the heartache and grief of broken relationships. Young people would do well to know this and have the self control to wait until marriage.

Cameras in the back of school buses

2009-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

There should be cameras in the back of school buses with a live feed to some secure place on the internet where caring individuals could note any wrongdoing and students or school personnel could be accountable. School buses could also be cleaned daily with Lysol and once a week the windows could be cleaned. This would lower the risk of sickness drastically. I believe we should add this to the stimulus; as a former bus driver, I know that not every thing that ought to be caught is and some students suffer.

Truth and Joy Cartoon Link

2009-01-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

http://joyfultoons.com/

Saving Grace

2009-01-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

I remember in high school a girl was devastated by a broken engagement and she started burning her arms with cigarette butts because the physical pain was easier to bear than the mental pain. (She really had to deal with both!)
Today I saw an interview with a girl who had a similar experience. You can see it at http://www.cbn.com/700club/guests/interviews/Lanae_Hale010809.aspx
Fight the good fight!

Answered Prayer

2008-12-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

God is good. The other night I heard a baby crying outside of Walgreens. I prayed the baby would stop crying as I glanced at the mom sitting in the front seat of a minivan. I looked backward, did not hear the baby crying, and saw the baby happily sitting in the mom's lap. God's awesome; keep praying. =)

Another Testimony of Saving Grace

2008-12-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

A few years ago- I believe in 2002 or so, my mom and I were in my room and the closet light was in the on position. My mom said she smelled something burning. She looked in the top of my closet and found that a blanket reached and touched the lightbulb. She turned off the light and took the blanket down. It had burned through four layers of the blanket as it had been folded; the blanket had been that high in the closet for a long time- likely at least a year. I believe that was God keeping me safe. Now there is no light bulb in that closet. =)
May God bless and keep you.

RE: Hard Work and Breakthroughs

2008-12-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

In regards to the information below, to get medical grants (I think of them like scholarships) people can ask the hospitals what resources are available to help them pay and then if the need is big like cancer or some terminal illness, they can ask companies if they have any resources to help. It takes work to find resources that will help, but if someone does not have the money and needs help, they do not have to whip out the credit card right away. Being humble, asking for help, and seeking is a way to offset the monetary costs. Knowing God and praying and using the gifts He gave you to find what you need is a key as well. Of course if somebody has an emergency fund to pay the bill incurred and takes care of themself ie. eating healthy and not doing drugs, that is even better.
Well, that is it for now; I'll write more later about how spiritual well being intertwines with health. Remember 3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." You are loved. =)
PS I pray a lot in Jesus' name that I do not have to go to the hospital and deal with a lot of medical hooplah.

Hard work and breakthroughs

2008-12-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

Health insurance is a big deal in America, but some people do not realize that hospitals have grants to help pay for medical bills and corporations have charities that will sponsor people to get testing and treatment for certain ills like cancer if people qualify.
My brother and mom both received grants from hospitals. I'll write more re: this later.
Oh, real quickly, if you go to the emergency room in Round Rock and pay your bill as soon as you are done there, as of two or three years ago they give you 10% off. Cash is not king; Jesus is. Seek and you will find.

I know Jesus is legit because...

2008-12-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

He answered my prayer to get a B in college statistics.
When my mom was receiving care from hospice (she was at home), a nurse said that patients who knew Jesus were peaceful towards death, but patients who did not know Him as Lord were anxious at death.
Before my mom died, she saw Jesus and relatives in heaven by water. She said her dad was throwing anchor in the river to pick her up. In an old hymn and I believe in the Bible it talks about the throne room of God being surrounded by a river. ("Shall We Gather by the River"; other people have testified about people dying and seeing visions of heaven.)
I have seen spiritual activity and the power of Jesus to make the spiritual activity for His glory. For example, at MD Anderson (a cancer hospital in Houston) there was an extremely pessimistic gentleman. I prayed pessimism would leave him. After fervent prayers, it did. He looked younger and his wife who was receiving treatment was the better for it.
My friends' little girl and I konked heads pretty hard. She looked like she might get a goose egg on her head, but she did not. We prayed.
My little brother fainted a long time ago. When my mom and I prayed the bump on his head would diminish, it shrank.
God has answered prayers for provision in money, food, medical treatment, and more for my family.

There are many more testimonies; I'll work to keep better track of them. Jesus loves you; I hope you know Him as Lord and Savior. With Him being your Savior comes a love and liberty and a Holy Spirit that is unsurpassed. Merry Christmas!
PS If you have problems with the Trinity, think of how a son can be a dad, son, and brother; and when he dies, he can be a spirit. Get the picture? =)

Value and Virtue

2008-12-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 31:10 says, " Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." In other words she is priceless!
This is a quick note specifically to the women that we can choose to be virtuous everyday. Even if we have not in the past, we can make up our minds to press forward and make the right decisions that will honor God and our husband or future husband.
I hope and pray that the past actions do not prevent us from making better future actions. Let's break free and make good futures in Jesus. With Him we can do it.

Angst and Prayer

2008-11-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Why people want to give the government more power in the USA when it already has trouble handling what it has irks me and puts me closer to God through prayer. Our school systems are far below many countries, http://www.alec.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Report_Card_on_American_Education&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=5824 , the government has huge deficits and lots of scandals, they misuse our money http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer , the government subsidized bus systems don't have safety restraints but we the people get ticketed if we do not wear them. In fact children six and under wear no safety belts on a bus- they are not provided; the children ride for free! It gives credibility to people who say our nation is fighting a culture of death. Abortion is allowed and paid for by the government sometimes; the President to be supports that.
I know there are things to be happy regarding like God and people who follow Him and do good and good funny jokes and things like that. I will not let the bad stuff get me bummed in Jesus' name. Life is too short. But, I will say, this country needs help and my prayers continue and I do not want more government power- any government power to be abused! I hope and pray we the people, the churches and non-profits get it in gear and start making this world a better place. I'm talking to myself as well.
http://americansfortruth.com/
The above link inspired me to pray more. The USA needs help.

A Double Standard

2008-11-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

It is so sad that on a public bus there are no means to ensure a toddler has a safe strapped in seat; yet in a car, which in most cases does not get government subsidies, people get ticketed not only if a child is not wearing their seat belt but also if they are not in a car seat.

Messed Up Stuff

2008-10-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I saw a movie Call+Response ( http://www.whatsyourresponse.com/ ) about the 27 million people in slavery and just now I saw Brian Welch- Head- he used to be in Korn and now he is a soldier for Christ- in a video ( http://www.brianheadwelch.net/ )he made that depicts physically and spiritually and emotionally being addicted to meth. The video is below the Fox interview.
In the movie Call + Response, they say that some of the slaves- especially in sex slavery which is still legal in parts of the world- get addicted to meth and that when there is an opportunity to leave they go back because of their addiction. In this country some people get addicted because they are trying to escape from bad feelings and get thrills and more I do not understand fully.
I wept because in this country some people pay for the same thing that is used to control and keep people in slavery in other parts of the world. That is so wrong. God, I want everyone to know Jesus and be healed so that nobody ever touches meth and other drugs that rob people of their purpose and dreams! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! Heal us gently Lord Jesus and help us help people in need; deliver us from evil...

?'s for the Editor

2008-10-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Dear editor,
Since Obama wants to raise taxes for oil and other big companies, won't those companies raise prices for we, the 95% people, who would have just gotten a tax cut? Isn't that a recipe for inflation?
Also, do you think all the people that support abortion also support capital punishment?
Hmmm...
Sincerely,
Alanda Ledbetter

***I sent this to the Statesman; let's see if it gets published. Comments are welcome.

Just Say no to Debt

2008-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Save money to grow; don't spend it unwisely and owe. By the grace of God, let it happen more please God- especially for the good stewards- in Jesus' name amen.

Subsidizing Pride with Taxes: Reasons why Communism and Socialism are Damaging Drains to Societies

2008-09-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've heard some people defend socialism's healthcare "solutions." Basically it is let the government manage it, with our taxpayer money, which would be increased to 50% at least. "Free" healthcare would burden many with heavy taxes. In some cases we would be subsidizing for people who overeat and smoke. We already have a heavy tobacco tax. If that was managed right, we would have less healthcare issues. Why should we give the government more taxes when they misuse what they already have? Need proof- read a newspaper or check http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer
or google government waste.
There are some people who say many do not receive healthcare because of no insurance. My response is that there are non-profits, churches, and communities who will help pay medical bills. Hospitals have grants from the government to waive some people's medical bills. People ought to seek and find them. Talk to financial aid. Hello!
I believe a part of medical lack of coverage is fear and pride. Some people do not want to ask for help, but I guess if they are "entitled" to it because they live in a country where people pay 50% or more in taxes, they do not mind. When there are resources out there- some of which I help make happen, I do not want to be obligated to pay more to do what is already being done just because some people have laziness, ignorance, and pride blocking their view of how to pay for getting healthy.
We live in a country where some- many- people earn what they get and help each other in communities. The laissez faire- hands off government- (the theory or system of government that upholds the autonomous character of the economic order, believing that government should intervene as little as possible in the direction of economic affairs.- from dictionary.com) is a foundation of this country. Let's get the government to help facilitate the organizations and ministries who want to help people who have health issues instead of creating a mismanaged revenue stream that would be another burden to us. There are revenue streams to help people. Lets get them flowing right.
I'll leave it here and address fear in another blog God willing. Lord have mercy.

Let's be real...

2008-09-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

So the another night I went to a friend's party and some people who did not believe in God started dissing Him verbally and asked if God was real why bad things happen like three year olds getting raped. They also showed anger at a God who would make them fallible. There are several responses. #1. We are not robots; people make stupid choices. We are not God and do not always see where justice is given in life to people who commit that horrible crime or any horrible crime. #2. God made us! We have a voice and power to "judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and the needy." How many people actively use their gifts and talents to actually do this-bring justice for those in need... ie. Volunteer, write letters to people in positions of authority and demand accountabilty, etc. ?
In the Garden of Eden God gave us dominion on earth and access to a relationship with God. With this relationship with God- now through Jesus- we can be led by God, the Holy Spirit, to fight injustice. Even if someone does not admit there is a God, surely they must realize we have the most reasonable brains to do something about injustice! Hello! Shouldn't we quit wasting money, time, and energy on stupid television shows and activities that take away time we could be fighting injustice or providing for our families and the ones we love? Shouldn't we quit self recriminating, nursing regrets and things that hurt our hearts like unforgiveness and step forward and live in the future instead of the past?
Now, I do not want to sound unsympathetic. I spent many years grieving and feeling sorry for myself even though I loved God. I had to get close to God and receive inner healing and His grace to get a good attitude to live my life without sinking into depressive behaviors (escaping into drink or too much television, food, etc.) But you know what, by God and His grace, I got over any blame or anger I had with God, looked at MY CHOICES AND RESPONSIBILITY, and got over it. By the grace of God and God willing I will determinedly and relentlessly go forward, not kick myself for the past, and make this world a better place. Hoorah!
Oh, the idea about me being responsible to stop bad things from happening instead of blaming God and not thinking to do anything to help Him change the awful things that happen came from a Covenant house letter- Covenant House takes in homeless children. When we walk with God and work, we can really make huge changes for the better. I hope and pray the body of Christ gets it more together and thank God for the successes.

Our Country's Safety

2008-08-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

In the USA a lot of people drive, and we have the freedom to bear arms if we are law abiding citizens. Some who would want to attack us here in the US realize we have weapons and vehicles and freedom to use to defend ourselves. This scares them. Many people in the world do not know how to drive and much less have access to their own vehicle. (I know this on a personal level from friends from Korea and Russia who say public transportation is the norm. When they get here, they are scared to drive and have a big learning curve. Also, some nations have a lot of people who have no change to spare much less to buy a car.)
I say this to underscore the wisdom of keeping our rights to responsibly bear arms and keeping our own means of transportation. I would like it more eco-friendly, but I'll take the freedom and power of having my personal vehicle and appreciate it and be thankful. God willing it will stay that way.

The Trinity is not so hard to understand!

2008-08-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not so hard to understand. I can be a sister, mother, and daughter, and I have a spirit. God can be a Father, Son, and have a Spirit as well. Get it?

Proof of Jesus

2008-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This article quickly portrays more evidence of Jesus and the Bible's legitimacy. http://www.christianarsenal.com/Apologetics/MessProphecies.htm
Enjoy!

What holds us together- laminin- a protein in every living thing

2008-08-04T00:13:00.001-07:00

For more information, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
=) Jesus rocks!

We are 70% Water

2008-08-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

These http://videos970.tripod.com/ and http://www.healthleader.uthouston.edu/archive/MIND_BODY_SOUL/2006/powerofwords0330.html
links to articles about the power of words over water. Let's encourage each other and provoke one another to good works! =) I'll do more research on this. In the meantime you can put affects of words on water in a search engine and see some more results.

Who Impacts me the Greatest and Why?

2008-07-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Jesus impacts my life the greatest. He said to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. When I actually succeed at doing this, it is hard to go wrong.

If everyone on the planet actually did this, we would have world peace. Following Jesus' example fully and not buying into the quick thrills that much of the mainstream culture pushes on people would free people from addictions, oppressions, depressions, and more. That's why Jesus impacts my life the greatest; He shows me a way to be to make the world and the people in the world better and more loved.

(This was the answer to a scholarship question. I'd like some money for school.)

Heavenward

2008-06-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This is something that I hope helps people have peace and hope through Jesus. http://www.authspot.com/Journals/Heavenward.139534
It did for me!
Be blessed!
Alanda

Insight into Iraq

2008-06-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a good read and has some insight into Iraq. http://regentrussell.blogspot.com/

A Good Quote

2008-06-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

My friend said today, " The closer you get to God, the closer you get toward your destiny." Righteous! =)

Spiritual Champions

2008-06-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Have a dream.
Get pumped.
Bounce back.
Aim high. Philipians 3:14
Plan for trouble. Philipians 4:11-13
Never quit.

These were notes my mom took at church. Pastor Mark Westerfield likely preached these. I thank God I was given a mom and such good friends and family that are spiritual champions!

Living on Mars

2008-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just heard on www.klove.com that a guy lives by only eating Mars bars and vitamin supplements. He eats over 4,000 a year! http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/weird/article1233465.ece
Wow! I wonder how hyper he is. =)

A Joke

2008-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." A Proverb.

Now, a joke:

SHIRLEY AND MARCY
A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.Finally she said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is." The little girl said, "Well, who is she?" "That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy." "Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? " "Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"

Faith in Action

2008-01-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Check it and see! http://www.myspace.com/shabbathestreets

Faith

2008-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

Hebrews 10:24 (Whole Chapter) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

James 2:17 (Whole Chapter) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:26 (Whole Chapter) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I put these up here to show that works and faith in God go together. I hope and pray more Christians show faith and works, and that people see it and know God and Jesus more. Amen- (means)So be it.

Free Slaves Worldwide

2008-01-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

These websites show ministries that help abolish slavery. There are 27 million people in slavery today. Slavery is illegal. http://thehomefoundation.net/ and http://zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Authors/Author.htm?ContributorID=HunterZ&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Cool Blog

2008-01-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

http://sol-lym.blogspot.com/2008/01/washing-of-feet.html

Christian Love Actions

2008-01-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hi,

These two ministries are on my heart and do really good works. One is www.persecution.com and the other is www.shaohannahshope.org . I hope you feel led to help and do so. Peace and love in Jesus, Alanda

Love Languages

2007-12-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Today I received a lot of goodies that were early Christmas gifts, and they helped me feel so loved. It reminded me of the five love languages Gary Chapman details in his book about love languages. They are the language of gifts, healthy touch, acts of service, quality time-listening or doing something fun, and affirming words/praise/compliments.

He asserts everyone has a love language that means the most to them. I like them all, and the gifts are wonderful.

Well, I wanted to share. Merry early Christmas!

Alanda

Why we should clean up tv and not watch so much

2007-12-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Long time no blog. Life sure is full when you have responsibilities and friends. In any case, I'll get back to some evidence of why the television shows should have higher ethics and standards especially for children and note why we should forgo the television more often than we do. Much of this evidence is at http://www.labouroflove.org/tv-toys-&-technology/television/research-on-the-effects-of-television/ . Why reinvent the wheel?

Also, when I was in college, I wrote a paper for linguistics. The paper, "The Effects of Media on Language Acquisition," shows that children who watch a lot of television have their visual part of the brain stimulated, but because they were not verbally interacting with the television, their language/verbal part of the brain did not get exercised and their vocabulary and communication skills decreased.

Another interesting fact is that for social dilemmas, another college class I took, my classmate wrote a paper to determine whether or not violence on television effected children's behavior. Studies show that it does. When writing about how to solve this problem, she suggested that concerned viewers write letters and noted that television executives said one letter was like one or ten thousand opinions to them because for every one person who wrote, one or ten thousand people thought it.

Do you want another reason to forgo TV? It has to do with money. A Yahoo article a while ago said if people stopped paying for cable and used the time working a second job, in a certain amount of years they would have saved enough money from electric and cable bills and earned enough from their other job to be a millionaire.

Well, let's do some good stuff and be well! Be blessed readers!

Bringing About Decent Television

2007-11-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Let's fix television programming. We can do it. Let's boycott advertisers who air their ads on raunchy shows like The Family Guy, American Dad, and whatever other perverted raunchy shows - oh and let's not forget the shows with gratuitous violence. Here is a link to a list of advertisers' contact information http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/advertisers/main.asp . Let's boycott and let the advertisers know so they yank advertising to avoid a revenue loss.
Also, let's pressure cable companies and satellite companies to offer family friendly packages of channels so Americans who buy into that won't subsidize the raunchy, violent programming on the air waves. How do we do that?
Well, you can fill out a survey at http://www.parentstv.org/boone/Pat-Boone-Survey.aspx , and Pat Boone will share the views with some powers that be in the industry.
Next will be a "blog" that shows evidence why this programming is bad for our brain and society. Stay tuned.

Persecuted Christians

2007-11-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

Some of the world still persecutes Christians. Indonesia, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Columbia, Chiapas, and more tolerate harrasment, abuse, and murder of Christians. Persecution.com has evidence.
Why don't more churches talk about this? Why isn't there more exposure in the "mainstream" media? Why don't we write letters to ambassadors of these countries and put pressure on these countries to stop?
I believe if we started groups of people writing letters to those in prison, sending care packages, and pressuring countries to stop more than we do now, there will be a change. Also, people will realize more that it takes more courage to be a Christian than to not be one, and that the freedoms in this country, especially of religious liberty, is to be protected and cherished.
As for taking action by writing to the people in prison for their faith and sending care packages, I do that. Now for those letters...

Introduction

2007-11-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

Finally I'll be on the web in more than an email fashion. There are so many ways to express ourselves (me and whoever is reading this). It's about time I start using the web more.

Well, I hope this blog helps you understand that God loves you lots, He is real, and that Jesus was not crazy. He is legitimate. No one has ever disproved the Bible and archaeological evidence supports it. If you have troubles believing this, take a look at Biblical Archaeological review and then look at other histories and how they correlate with the Bible. If anything absolutely disproved the Bible, the media would have a field day.

Now, some of you may be thinking that the Bible says the earth is 6,000 years old and that does not coincide with the carbon dating. Well I say to you, the Bible says God is the Beginning and the End- the Alpha and Omega. In light of this, the matter He used to create could be timeless, before He invented time- the day and the night. So carbon dating and the age of the earth the Bible supports can coexist.

If you have questions about God, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer. Having a belief in Jesus as Lord and Saviour is essential for living a peaceful, meaningful life. By saying prayers in His name, not only do we incorporate our physical and soul actions, we also ask the Most Powerful Force to act in regards to whatever we are asking Him to accomplish. Invoking God's power through Jesus destroys anything that tries to set itself against Him. We may see an immediate answer or we may not, but in any case big things are happening and though we may not see all the answers because we are not omnipotent, good things are happening.

Some of you want proof. Of course you can see testimonials on many Christian ministries and Christian's websites. If you want unbiased testimonies, I've read articles in various magazines about how sick people who are prayed for are more likely to heal. God's power is at work. I'll say this, two friends immediately come to mind who are not doing drugs- one who was addicted to heroin- anymore. I prayed for them for a while and they both are away from that lifestyle and have productive lives. Both have admitted that they felt God calling them to a better place and are glad that I prayed. Another, my friends daughter has a hole in her heart. It is not fully closed, but is smaller than before. Her daughter -less than two- is an everyday miracle.

Do you want more proof? I dare you to ask Jesus to be real to you. I dare you to ask the Highest High Power to show Himself. I dare you to go to church and look for people who match the description of what we should be like in the Bible and ask what their testimonies are. I dare you to read the Bible and call some of our bluff when we do not act right. Let Jesus be real to you.
Thanks for the time and attention. More will be soon.
These sites show more evidence:
http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/
http://www.cbn.com/
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/6562/apologetics/smj.pdf
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/159/19/2273