Answered Prayer

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

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

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

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...

1. He answered my prayer to get a B in college statistics.
2. 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.
3. 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.)
   
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. My little brother fainted a long time ago. When my mom and I prayed the bump on his head would diminish, it shrank.
7. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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!

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

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

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

We are 70% Water

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?

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

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

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

A Good Quote

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

Spiritual Champions

1. Have a dream.
2. Get pumped.
3. Bounce back.
4. Aim high. Philipians 3:14
5. Plan for trouble. Philipians 4:11-13
6. 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

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

"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

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

Faith

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

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

Cool Blog

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

Christian Love Actions

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