An Ode to the Jesus Girls

I have written a few articles for Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network over the past few years. Yahoo has stopped operating the site, so I have re-published a few pertinent pieces here.

An Ode to the Jesus Girls

Sophomore and Junior years at university,
I met five girls, curiosities to me.
Shannon, Ashley, Jahan, Danielle and Jennifer were their names,
They were not rude, loud or proud, and of the Gospel not ashamed.

They were not like campus groups who sought to proselytize,
Just five girls who loved God, without any guise.
They danced unto the Lord with grace and purity,
Not as slaves of sin, because Christ Jesus set them free.

They introduced me to our Creator, whom I did not love or think about,
I began to go to church, but my heart was not devout.
At college end God's Spirit broke my stony heart,
It pleased the Lord to use Jesus Girls and others to play a part.

Now, holy women who in God they put their only trust,
Submitting themselves to the One who is always righteous, just.
Young Ladies, look into the perfect law of liberty and continue therein,
And the Lord might be pleased to use you for a soul to win.

I also give honor to Shannon's parents, Erik, Jason + Patricia, and Lindsay.
~
Readers, please share a bit about people who influenced your early walk with Christ in the comments, thanks!

Firsthand Eyewitness Account: Tornado Day - April 16, 2011

I have written a few articles for Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network over the past few years. Yahoo has stopped operating the site, so I have re-published a few pertinent pieces here.

Adventures in Babysitting
A weekend of babysitting takes a surprising turn. Imagine being caught in the middle of a tornado with two babies. Within minutes, several tornadoes touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here is my eyewitness account.

On Saturday, April 16, 2011 around 4:30 PM, I was huddled in a pitch-black laundry room with a two-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy. A typical storm in Raleigh, North Carolina had turned into a weather event marked by the vestige of tornado activity. Within the span of minutes, several tornadoes touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. In Wake County and the surrounding counties of Lee, Alamance, Cumberland and Person, trailers were ravaged, houses had their roofs blown clear off, and a nearby Lowe's Home Improvement store was flattened to the ground.

My Saturday began like no other, but the tornadoes had not started yet. My day began at 4:00 AM when I was awakened by a screaming toddler. Upon hearing her cry, I stumbled out of bed and got to work. I was much obliged to do so, being a faithful babysitter for couple in North Raleigh. The husband and wife were having a much deserved romantic getaway weekend in Charlotte, NC. Their children, aged two and four, were under my care.

Saturday morning was gray and overcast. In between episodes of Curious George and Thomas the Train Engine, I had the news on in the background while I cooked breakfast and lunch, played with the kids, and helped with school work. The afternoon was characterized by increasing winds and intermittent rain. When the boom of thunder sounded, the toddler ran into my arms. The four-year-old began to ask questions in a worried voice. In the background, I heard the News 14 reporter say something about thirteen tornadoes touching down, attempts to view the Downtown Raleigh camera failing, and more about technical difficulties. Then the lights went out.

I peered out the back patio door. In the distance, saw a ominous, dark gray billowing cloud with three or four wisps beginning to spiral down. I did not wait for those spirals to touch the ground. I quickly ushered the children into the laundry room, which is the innermost room and lowest point of the two-story house. "What about my toys," the four-year-old boy asked. I said something along the lines of "this is not the time to be worried about your toys." The children were oblivious. I let them play with my cell phone, the only source of light in the dark room.

Curiosity got the best of me and I ordered the kids to stay in inside the laundry room as I ventured out into the living room. Since all the living room windows were veiled with curtains, I could not see what was happening. My eyes darted around the room and landed on the Southwest facing window. I approached it quickly and hastily yanked the curtain back. The sky was a wicked witch-esque green.

I began to shake, taking one or two steps back in shock. I finally came to my senses and bolted into the kitchen, grabbing an arm full of snacks that were sitting on the counter. Remembering, the little boy's inquiry, I scooped up an Iron Man figurine and hightailed it to the laundry room. In retrospect, those last two actions made no sense whatsoever, so maybe was not fully there yet. Before closing the laundry room door, quickly glanced at the Southwest window - I could literally see the wind.

I cast the food and toy upon the laundry room floor and crouched down in between the washer and dryer with the kids. I hugged the baby girl and little boy tightly. Covering them with as much as my body as I could. The layout of the laundry room is about ten by five feet. There are three doors leading to the following areas: garage, living room and drying room. I sat on the floor huddled with the children, one hand grasping knob of the door leading to the drying room. The crashing sound of the wind banging on the garage door became louder and louder.

What does one say in a time such as this? Initially, a quiet but panicked "oh my god" escaped from my mouth and then I remembered the one who upholds all things by the word of His power. Next, I said "Jesus", not as a curse word as it is commonly used, but in a spirit of hope, endurance, and need of the strong hand and outstretched arm of God.

When the devastation was over, I ordered the kids to stay in the laundry room and ventured into other rooms to survey any damage to the house. I saw broken windows, large wrought iron lounge chairs that were no longer housed inside the once-screened patio, a threatening gap in the garage door, outside walls devoid of aluminum siding, and the most amazing sight of all: a softball-sized hole and a horizontal six foot crack in the foyer wall. The force of the tornado shot a shard of aluminum siding slam through the wall. There is a literal hole in the wall to the outside. The foyer floor was a mess of chipped paint, shattered glass, and of course, the renegade siding.

The children and I spent the remainder of the day at the home of gracious neighbors. Upon hearing that the neighborhood was closed to entrants because of a gas leak, I endeavored to meet up with the parents. They had taken a scenic train ride to Charlotte on Friday, so they had no immediate transport back to Raleigh. They were able to get back to Raleigh with the help of a relative. After navigating through back roads, I finally met up with them around 9:00 PM. Following the transfer of the kids, I was off to comfort my sister. Two trees had fallen on her house.

Reflections on the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

I have written a few articles for Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network over the past few years. Since Yahoo is shutting down the business entity at the end of the month, I am re-publishing a few pertinent pieces here.

Reflections on the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs (July 2012)

The way to contentment is complete satisfaction in Christ and the things of God. To be mindful of the things of the Kingdom of Heaven and not be consumed by the cares of this world is a daily battle. One must think of 2 Corinthians 10:5 and diligently seek to live this out: "we are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

Contentment involves drawing strength from Christ through afflictions and burdens, and even everyday life. A good, steady temper in the heart produces the fruit of contentment. Depending upon circumstances and "creatures" for contentment is a miserable condition. True Christian contentment involves the stripping away of desires, whether worldly or "godly ambitions." Desires may grow from seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, but Matthew 6:33 must be the chief desire of a man or woman who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. This results in a greater trust in Christ, and obedience - when the love of God becomes your sole desire.

Many times in scripture, God chastises those who murmur against His providence. Since not a sparrow falls dead to the ground apart from His knowledge, it is proper to say that all things are from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: has God not set one against the other..." Children of Israel in the wilderness did not understand this important lesson. God said to them: "The curses shall pursue you and they shall be on you for a sign, and a wonder, and on your head forever: because you did not serve the Lord you God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things."

The way to contentment is to exercise faith, in not what can be seen, but in God's Holy Word. God is good. In Him there is no shadow or turning. Always make good interpretations of His ways towards you if you love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Crosses and afflictions and repining, as well as sins like pride and coveting can cause a great deal of discontentment. The way to contentment when one meets with any cross is to open the heart to God in prayer, and like His faithful servant David, walk away rejoicing.

Being a Supportive Wife During Hard Financial Times

I have written a few articles for Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network over the past few years. Since Yahoo is shutting down the business entity at the end of the month, I am re-publishing the pieces related to womanhood here.

Being a Supportive Wife During Hard Financial Times:
Musings and Lessons Learned from Washington Irving's "The Wife" (December 2010)

In "The Wife", a short story written by Washington Irving (1783-1859), the narrator's friend is fraught with agony over telling his wife about the financial losses he has suffered. The following article consists of musings inspired by "The Wife".

I recently came across a story written by Washington Irving (1783-1859) titled The Wife. Irving is best known for his short stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. Although I had not read those stories in years, I remember them as being frightening and satirical, respectively. Imagine my surprise when I sat down to read The Wife, a moving, inspiring, and heart-felt story. The following article consists of musings inspired by The Wife.

Make Dollars Stretch. Everyone at some point has heard a tale of women of who made meals out of nothing, like the Frontier women of old that did not shrink from adversity but rose to be a husband's strongest ally and comforter. I once read of a wife in the Depression-era Ozark Mountains of Missouri that made do with soups of wild herbs.

Money fights and money problems are among the top reasons frequently cited for divorce today. There are so many jewels in prose of The Wife about the nature of trust and love. The narrator's friend is fraught with agony over telling his wife about the financial losses he has suffered. Whether one is a long-time married man who has endured financial storms or a young man hoping and praying that he does not marry the next "Real Housewife" of so-and-so or Peggy Bundy (for the old school readers), The Wife seems like it could be an encouraging read for men.

"...so is it beautifully ordered by Providence, that woman, who is the mere dependent and ornament of man in his happier hours, should be his stay and solace when smitten with sudden calamity; winding herself into the rugged recesses of his nature, tenderly supporting the drooping head, and binding up the broken heart."

The above excerpt is from The Wife. All things considered, I was still bristled by the "mere dependent and ornament of man" phrase until I thought deeper about it. Some ornaments, while dazzling and beautiful, when put under pressure, become nothing more than shattered glass. Yet others can withstand pressure because they are composed of something else entirely.

Make Your Dwelling Place a Home. What makes a home is not elegant china patterns, the newest furniture, or a Martha Stewart dinner spread, but the spirit of honor bestowed upon family and guests. It is making people feel as if they do exist, and matter, when they walk through that door. In the same vein, it does not take a lot of money to make home-cooked meals and have a clean house. Proverbs 14:1 says "the wise woman builds her home, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."

From The Wife: "There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity. No man knows what the wife of his bosom is- no man knows what a ministering angel she is- until he has gone with her through the fiery trials of this world."

Though I am presently unmarried, I am preparing for marriage in the case that God has set apart for me a husband, in whom I would highly esteem. Among other initiatives, I am learning to budget my finances while conquering the wiles of covetousness and discontentment. I would love to be a stay-at-home mom. For now, I work diligently and faithfully in my present duties.

I find it helpful to read blogs on homemaking and books on keeping house, such as Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson. My Grandmother recently told me that she was storing five months of food for the winter months. I thought to myself "that's so cool!" She maintains a vegetable garden, stocks her cupboards with food, and keeps a deep freezer full of meat given to her from a relative who fishes and hunts wild game. No cat food for her! Every time I call her she always seems to be returning from taking someone a home-cooked meal.

There are so many women, both young and old who have shared with me valuable concepts on maintaining a well-oiled home. I shall consider their ways and be wise. To me, the heart of The Wife relates to what Apostle Paul said in his letter to the church at Phillipi:

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him [Christ Jesus] who strengthens me"

Sources:
The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon."The Wife" by Washington Irving, 1820; full text: http://www.textfiles.com/etext/AUTHORS/IRVING/irving-wife-596.txt
The Bible (NASB)

Lifesaver Dr. Ben Carson and Life Destroyer Kermit Gosnell

"Your submission, Lifesaver Dr. Ben Carson and Life Destroyer Kermit Gosnell, has been declined by the Yahoo Contributor Network.  Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately, we cannot publish this content, because it contains language, references or ideas deemed inappropriate by Yahoo Contributor Network."

Hmm, "inappropriate language, references or ideas"?  Alas, here you go:

I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;
And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down.
When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;
So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34 explains that one can look upon the lives of others and learn from them. The year 2013 featured significant news stories about two men with similar backgrounds and very different lives. This article will examine the lives of these men. One man has received the penalty of his errors, and the other appears to be humbly submitted to the will of God.



Dr. Ben Carson
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons

Kermit Barron Gosnell, age 72, and Dr. Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., age 62, grew up in cities notorious for violent crime, Philadelphia and Detroit, respectively. These black men came of age in the tumultuous 60's and 70's. Gosnell is a former physician. In 2013, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering three infants who were born alive during abortion procedures. Recently retired, Dr. Carson was a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics, and the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He made history in 1987, becoming the first surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head.

Gosnell grew up in a middle-class household and graduated at the top of his high school class. The future seemed bright for him, but it is written in Proverbs 4:18 that "..the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day" and the trajectory of his life shows that he did not walk that path.

The odds seemed against Dr. Carson from the beginning. He was raised by a uneducated single mother, albeit hard-working and God-fearing, in great poverty. As a violent and angry youth, he almost murdered one of his peers. Yet, in the providence of God, that incident drew Dr. Carson to the Bible. He learned that "...the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20). His testimony is one of a man called by the irresistible grace and power of the Holy Spirit, and turning away from a life of anger to a life of faith and obedience to God's Word.

Dr. Carson is a master of plain speech as evidenced by His keynote at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, while Gosnell was practicing double-speak a.k.a "suppressing the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18-23) as far back as 1972. In that year, he told the Philadelphia Inquirer: "as a physician, I am very concerned about the sanctity of life, but it is for this exact reason that I provide abortions for women who need them."

Per Romans 1, Gosnell used and approved of abortion procedures created by inventors of evil things. He also accumulated debt and several tax liens against his properties, even though he made thousands of dollars on abortions every week. It appears that Gosnell's practice was built on the love of money and not helping others. He not only caused thousands of deaths, but destruction and misery.

Dr. Carson was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after hearing the testimonies of missionary doctors at church. He desired to heal people physically, mentally and spiritually. He became a pediatric neurosurgeon to save the lives of children and babies.

Dr. Carson fears God, not man. He has debated ardent evolutionist, Richard Dawkins, and he did not concede to political correctness nor baseness at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast. Bible in hand, he humbly spoke about applying the law of God in many areas of life. After the event, his faith was spoken of throughout the whole world. On the other hand, according to testimony given during Gosnell's trial, it was said that Gosnell and his wife reserved the Lord's Sabbath for the unmerciful act of performing partial and live-birth abortions.



Mugshot of Kermit Gosnell

God created the institution of marriage and revealed the mystery of it in Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesian church. Dr. Carson holds his marriage in honor, having been married to his wife for 39 years. Whereas Gosnell was on his third marriage at the time of his conviction.

Now that Gosnell's trespasses are exposed for all the world to see, he is still unrepentant for the evil he has done. Firstly, against his Creator, and secondly, against his fellow man. In a February 2011 interview with Fox 29, he told reporters, "I expect to be vindicated."


In accordance with [his] hardness and impenitent heart, he is treasuring up for [himself] wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds. (Romans 2:5-6)

Dr. Carson is not the perfect man, and Gosnell is a man whose life has become a cautionary tale. Both have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The only difference is their standing before God. If Gosnell continues in unrepentance, he will go to Hell when he dies and be cast into the into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels on the Day of Judgment. If Dr. Carson continues in the love of God by the abiding power of His Spirit, on the Great Day of Judgment, he will stand, because Jesus Christ is able to make him stand.

Sources:
The Bible
Wikipedia.com
Biography.com
NBC Philadephia - Kermit Gosnell Lived in "Squalor"
Video - Ben Carson's National Prayer Breakfast Speech 2013
Generations Radio - Ben Carson Uses Bible at Presidential Prayer Breakfast! 

Five Ways to Save Your God Given Time and Money

1.) Do Not Covet

The tenth commandment should be ever before us: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 21:21). Covetousness is a sin that pervades not only society, but every human heart. So much time can be wasted dreaming about what we desire and do not have.

2.) Make Do or Do Without

The old saying "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" simply means being content and industrious by using what you have until you have the means to upgrade or buy more. Consider how much bondage to debt could be prevented on the premise of "making do". Imagine the hours of creativity and cheerful industry that could be produced in a home without a television.

Practical Suggestions
We all think of maintaining our cars, but what about oiling our wooden chopping boards twice a year? Do periodic maintenance on everything that you use. Pare down your wardrobe to quality pieces and things you need. Learn to me sew buttons, mend holes and fix hems or find a competent tailor.

Matthew 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

3.) Make Lists

Every time a need or want comes to mind, I write it down. There is wisdom in praying about whether or not to make a purchase. If you have placed your faith in the saving and sanctifying work of Jesus Christ, remember that God is your Father. He will not give you a stone if you ask for bread, though he may not give you bread either when "you ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

4.) Shop Online

Prices are almost always cheaper than retail on the Internet. For example, I recently ordered some B-vitamins that cost $5.00 less than its retail price. Many online retailers also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Online shopping also prevents impulse buying and wasted hours commuting to stores. Sticking to a shopping list is just as important when shopping online as it is in a physical store. It may be tempting to buy more than necessary because of the variety of products available. Therefore, self-control must be exercised in online shopping or your budget will be blown up with the click of a button.

5.) Be Prudent About Health and Nutrition

According to a study done at Harvard University, defaults on medical bills represent 62% of all personal bankruptcies. Exercising regularly and eating wisely can prevent a myriad of health problems that cost time and money, even life and limb. Albeit, there is no one-size fits all approach to eating and exercise. Theologian Jonathan Edwards once wrote that he "carefully observed the effects of the different sorts of food, and selected those which best suited his constitution, and rendered him most fit for mental labour" (Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One, 1834).

It may also be helpful to do some genealogy research in the area of health. How did your ancestors die? What are your family's generational illnesses, if any? If you have the blessing of being adopted, you can start a health journal now for your posterity.

It is impossible to take control of your health and live forever, because God has "appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). God is sovereign and expects us to be good and faithful stewards of everything we have been given.

Sources:
The Bible
Cancer, health insurance, bankruptcy | The Economist, Sep 7th 2009
The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One, 1834

In the Beginning...

Our Creator is so amazing.  Watch this on full screen:

The Awe Factor of God - High Quality Version; YouTube version below: