It's Official...Almost

I passed my licensing exam this afternoon! Yay! The test was much harder than our intructor suggested it would be. There was a lot of information that we did not cover in class. The basic premises we covered were all there, but they went into much more detail than I anticipated. I tried not to panic. I just reasoned them out to the best of my ability, using the process of elimination. Luckily, that worked. Plus, I prayed a lot before the test. Now, all I have left to do is some paperwork that will make me officially appointed by the insurer that I work for to sell for them as an agent, or as the law now calls it, producer. By the way, did you know that technically speaking, an agent is the agent of the insurer and not the insured? Just something to ponder.

It is really times like this when I realize that without him, I really am nothing...

This week

This week I am taking a pre-licensing class for Property and Casualty Insurance. There is soooooooo much information. I am beginning to run out of steam. They literally cram the equivalent of a whole semester of information into a week. I am taking the exam on Saturday afternoon. I could have waited longer, but everyone I have talked to advised me to take the exam as soon as I possibly could after completing the class. I hope they are right.

I would appreciate your prayers.

My brain

I found this interesting quiz today. I did it and it seems pretty accurate. Here are my results:

Your Brain Usage Profile:

Auditory : 50%
Visual : 50%
Left : 58%
Right : 41%




Gina, you are somewhat left-hemisphere dominant with a balanced preference for auditory and visual inputs. Because of your "centrist" tendencies, the distinctions between various types of brain usage are somewhat blurred.

Your tendency to be organized and logical and attend to details is reasonably well-established which should afford you success regardless of your chosen field of endeavor, unless it requires total spontaneity and ability to improvise, your weaker traits. However, you are far from rigid or overcontrolled. You possess a degree of individuality, perceptiveness, and trust in your intuition to function at much more sophisticated levels than most.

Having given sufficient attention to detail, you can readily perceive the larger aspects and implications of a situation or of learning. You are functional and practical, but can blend abstraction and theory into your framework readily.

The equivalence of your auditory and visual learning orientation gives you two equally effective sensory input systems, each with distinctive features. You can process both unidimensionally and multidimen- sionally with equal facility. When needed, you sequence material while at other times you "intake it all" and store it for processing later.

Your natural ability to use your senses is also synthesized in your way of learning. You can be reflective in your approach, absorbing material in a non-aggressive manner, and at other times voracious in seeking out stimulation and experience.

Overall you tend to be somewhat more critical of yourself than is necessary and avoid enjoying life too much because of a sense of duty. You feel somewhat constrained and tend to sometimes restrict your expressiveness. In any given situation, you will opt for the rational, and learning of almost any type should be easy for you. You might need certain ideas explained to you in order to fit them into your scheme of things, but you're at least open to that!

Gazelle

Thanks to my friend Debbi and her husband John, I can now use my new Gazelle. In the spirit of exercising more in 2006, I purchased this fun little piece of exercise equipment. It arrived on Wednesday in a million pieces. Luckily I did not have to put it together. John offered to help and so I gave them a bookshelf I had been wanting to sell or get rid of to say thanks. They have a daughter, Megan, who is in college and starting to accumulate household items so that she can furnish an apartment soon. I gave her some stuff that I had in storage a month or so ago. It worked out well. I wanted to get rid of some clutter and she needed the stuff.

I'm back!

Hi everyone! I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. It has been crazy around here for the last few months with work, school and the holidays. Also, after prayerful consideration, I decided to take a hiatus from blogging and the net for a while. All things considered, I think it was a good thing.

We spent Christmas in New York City this year. We stayed at the Waldorf=Astoria on Park and Lexington. The hotel was great, but our rooms were kind of small. But, who goes to New York to hang out in a hotel room anyway? So,it wasn't a big deal. We were only there four and a half days so we didn't get to do everything we wanted, but we did a lot. The highlight of our trip was Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Former mayor Giuliani was there. A gentleman from the New York Opera sang "Oh Holy Night." It gave me chills. Good stuff! Oh, and of course I can't leave off all the shopping on 5th Avenue and Madison Ave. That was a blast. Finally, on Christmas night we had dinner at Tavern on the Green and then we took a carriage ride through Central Park.

What else is new? Let's see. Oh, I got a promotion at work. When my boss came to me to discuss the opportunity I was hesitant and not sure it was something I wanted to do right now because I am in my final semester of college and I am taking 19 hours of classes. But, I decided to pray about it and I asked a couple of close friends to pray about it with me as well. In the end, my boss was practically bending over backwards to accommodate my schedule. So, I decided to take it. I am glad I did. I think it is a step in the right direction and will be good for my checkbook and resume. The only drawback is that I have to go to a pre-licensing class in week or so and then take a state licensing exam to get my property and casualty insurance license in West Virginia. Ordinarily, this would be no big deal. But, on top of all my classes, its a bit daunting. So, I really would appreciate your prayers.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of (B)Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, "Who do people say that I am?" (Mark 8:27)

Today, as I was reading the above verse from the gospel of Mark, I thought about the question Jesus posed. Just out of curiosity, I decided to google it. Here are the top 10 hits:

1. Jesus is the Messiah.
2. Jesus is the only way.
3. Jesus is the real one.
4. Jesus is the Son of God.
5. Jesus is both God and man.
6. Jesus is God in human flesh.
7 Jesus is the Word.
8. Jesus is Lord.
9. Jesus is the YHWH the "I am."
10. Jesus is not known amongst the public ...

Yes. Jesus is the Messiah, the only way, the Son of God, was both God and man...the Lord. Yet, for far too many people, Jesus is not known. Today, Jesus asks us, "Who do YOU say I am?" How will you respond? Will you affirm that he is the only way? The real one? The Lord? Or, will you say, "He is not known amongst us!" ?

Today, if you his his voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:15)

Frustration

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:15-25)

I seriously could have written this! Sometimes I really disgust myself.

Have you ever battled with the same sin over and over? How did you handle it?

Looks Like Armageddon!?!

I had the weirdest telephone conversation today at work. I got a message off my machine from a middle aged man who was looking for a particular type of insurance that we do not offer. So, I called to tell him that and about midway into the phone call he says to me, "Are you a Christian?" I said that I was and he proceeded to tell me that he believes that Hurricanes Wilma, Rita and Katrina are sure signs that the world is getting ready to end. I didn't want to mention to him that hurricanes are not a new phenomena, being that he was a potential customer. Nevertheless, he continued to speak of death and devastation for a couple of minutes until I interjected with this hopeful statement: "Well, we should pray that this hurricane doesn't end doing the kind of damage that Katrina did." He said, "The wind blows where it will, we can't stop the hand of God." Then he asked me how old I am. I told him that I am 29. He said I sounded much younger and then he politely excused himself and hung up.

I guess he was looking for a younger woman. :)

A Charismatic Calvinist

Thanks to Jared, I discovered a new blog today called Reformation Theology Apparently it is from the folks at Monergism.com. I liked it so much, I decided to add it to the blogroll.

I particularly enjoyed John Hendryx's interview with John Sampson from Faith Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. In it, Sampson tells the story of his poignant journey from Arminianism to Calvinism in a manner I think many of us can relate to. It is definitely worth the read.

Sampson also discloses that while his church is essentially reformed in theology, they are also charismatic. On the main page of the church's website, I found this article which attempts to answer the question, "Are miracles for today?" It is an interesting article and suggests that cessationism does not have strong biblical support, a view which I personally espouse. Here is an excerpt from his interview with Hendryx which I think is an excellent point:

Some would describe a charismatic in terms of the outrageous things we’ve all witnessed taking place on Christian television in America. That’s the only reference point some people have. That’s very sad because these extremes are as repulsive to me as they are to others.

Lets face it, eisegesis happens! It happens in all kinds of settings. Imagine for a moment a Christian television station that simply broadcasted the extremes within each denomination 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The Integrity of God

Webster's Dictionary defines integrity as:

1) An unimpaired condition: SOUNDNESS; 2) Adherance to a code of moral, artistic, or other values; 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided: COMPLETENESS.

In very basic terms, integrity is doing what you say you will do when you say you will do it. It is standing up for what you believe is right no matter what the circumstances may be. A person of integrity does not waver. A person of integrity is steadfast. Although we often hear stories of men and women of great integrity, I submit to you that our God is the quintessential example of integrity.

"All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

God's word is his integrity. If we are to believe this, we must first acknowledge that The Bible is inspired and infallible. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16) Earlier this week I was talking to my mom about a bible study presentation she was giving at her church. When I mentioned starting with the premise that the bible is the inspired, infallible word of God, she said, "Oh, I think they all know that. It's too basic."

But is it?

I know that it is a statement that most evangelical Protestant churches list at the top of their statement of faith. But, I am not sure that we really believe it. At least we don't often live like we believe it. Because if we truly believe that the Bible is free from error, and fully inspired by God, then why do we have such a difficult time believing God for the things he promises to us in his word? The bible is full of examples of where God honored his word. In fact, he says that he places his word above his name! That's a pretty powerful statement.

Throughout history, God has shown himself faithful to his word. Lets consider a few prime examples:

In Genesis 2:16-17 he told Adam and Eve, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Although the serpent convinced them that they "would not surely die", God remained faithful to his word. As it is written in Romans 5:12 "...through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men..."

Perhaps one of the most memorable promises or covenants God made was with Abraham. In Genesis chapter 14-17 God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations. God said to him, "Look toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And then he said, "So shall your descendants be." (Genesis 15:5-6) We know that God honored that promise by giving life to Sarah's womb and blessing them with a son, Isaac. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians 3:29 that all who belong to Christ, both Jew and Gentile, are Abraham's descendants, and "heirs according to the promise."

In Isaiah, the coming of the messiah is prophesied. It is later fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ, the one who would save the people from their sins and deliver us from the curse of the law. Thank goodness for the faithful integrity of our creator!

Shortly before Jesus is crucified he makes another incredible promise. In John 2:19 he tells a group of unbeliving Jews, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Of course, they were astonished. They mocked him saying, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and in three days you will raise it up?" Little did they know he was talking about the temple of his body. Once again, God's integrity could not fail.

Finally, we know that Jesus promised his disciples that he would not leave them alone. He promised to send a comforter. (John 14:6) This promise is realized on the day of Pentecost when the holy spirit came upon them in the upper room and equipped them for the ministry God had called them to.

These are just a few examples of how God has honored his word throughout history. There are countless others. So, won't you decide today to believe God? He has promised us so much if we will only be as Abraham was, being "fully assured" that what God promises, he is "able to perform." (Romans 4:21)

God isn't a genie in a bottle or an ATM machine. He doesn't always cater to our every whim. He loves us far to much to do that. But, he wants us to come to him in prayer, allowing his desires to become our desires. If we do that, and seek him above all things, he promises to bless us with spiritual blessings beyond measure.

Do you need to experience God's peace? His forgiveness? I don't know the problems you are facing today, but I do know that God is greater than any problem we have. Reach out to him. I promise he will not disappoint you. His integrity depends on it.

Should I Be Offended? Insulted?

I was having an email discussion with one of the commenters here and I got this statement in response to one of the emails I sent:

"Its obvious you had someone write this email for you; if not at least dictate much of the verbiage."

Excuse me?

It gets better...

He goes on to say:

"Don't really know who wrote that email for you, but I'd appreciate it if they'd show the courage to at least reveal their identity. Or, at least communicate with me that you are getting help (a lot in this case) from a friend."

I don't know whether to be completely offended that my character has been called into question, or just laugh. I've never been accused of being a plagiarist before.

Psalm 63

God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:1-8

Do you hunger for God this way? I know I do. This is one of my favorite psalms.

Bible Verse

Ok, I need your help. I am trying to select an appropriate bible verse for my father's headstone and I would like your suggestions.

Thanks!

Gender Roles in the Church

I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet... 1 Timothy 2:12

The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 1 Corinthians 14:34

Currently, there is an excellent post on the proper role of women in the church at Thinklings. Of course, this is a topic that people generally have very passionate opinions about.

I have to admit, this isn't a subject I have given much thought to until now. However, the newest associate pastor at my church is a woman and I am joining the church on Sunday. So, when I read Jared's post, It made me stop and think about my own opinions and beliefs about this controversial subject. Was Paul merely responding to a problem the early church faced? If so, what are we to make of his reference to created order immediately following his prohibition on women teaching or exercising authority over men? Was Paul somehow limited in his thinking because of the culture he lived in? If so, doesn't it damage the claim of inspiration and infallibility of the scripture to assert that Paul could have been culturally biased?

I could go on and on with questions that arise in my mind when I think about this issue. Its an interesting topic. I would love to hear your views.

World Communion Sunday

We participated in World Communion Sunday today at our church. This event takes place every year on the first Sunday in October in many churches throughout the world. It is an opportunity to unite in ecumenical worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ from other denominations. Today we celebrated the eucharist with our Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist and Catholic neighbors in the middle of downtown Huntington. It was an amazing experiece. I was filled with awe to know that at the very same moment I was partaking in the sacraments, there were people all around the world doing the very same thing.

Towards the end of the service, one of the ministers made a comment that really touched my heart. He said, "What brings us all together, our faith in Jesus Christ, is far greater than those things which divide us."

Faith

I am really enjoying the bible study I am going to on Thursday nights. On the first night we learned a 5 statement pledge that will govern our study. It is:

1. God is who He says He is.

2. God can do what He says He can do.

3. I am who God says I am.

4. I can do all things through Christ.

5. God's word is alive and active in me.

I know this is going to be a powerful journey. I know it because from the moment I committed to doing this bible study I have had nothing but trouble. I have wanted to give up and say, "I quit" several times in the last two weeks. I believe that the enemy hates it when Christians get serious about their faith. He doesn't want anyone to be successful in Christ. He doesn't want us to advance the kingdom of God. He doesn't want us to reach out to the unchurched. He knows that he can't steal our salvation, but he would love to destroy our witness, our joy and our hope.

The truth is I just really want to reach the next level in my Christian life. I want to grow in my faith to the point that I completely trust God in all things. I really do thirst for him. I want to know him intimately. When I think about giving up, God is quick to remind me of the kind of life he brought me from. The fact is, no matter what kind of trials I face as a Christian, I know what a life without God is all about. As they say, "I've been there, done that, and I've got the t-shirt." The enemy is a liar and nothing he has to offer is worth the price you have to pay. I thank God that he reminds me of that every day.

Prayer Request

I would like to request prayer for my co-worker's grandson that was born yesterday. He has some birth defects that they were unaware of, despite many ultrasounds. He is missing his left middle finger and all the other fingers on both hands are webbed together.

The baby's name is Austin. His parents are Jennifer and Joey.

The Day of the Lord

I was running late for church this morning so I decided to go to a Baptist church that is a lot closer to my house. The topic of the sermon was "The Second Coming of Christ." As long as I have been attending the Presbyterian church, I don't recall ever hearing a sermon about eschatology. It has never been a subject that I was very interested in. Thus, I do not have a clearly formed belief concerning these things. So, how about it? What are your eschatological views? Are you Preterist, Premil, Postmil, Pre-wrath, Amil, etc...

What is interesting is that last night I was actually reading Revelations. While reading, I was thinking about the premillinial pre-trib teachings that I grew up with. Something struck me as I was reading. If this view is correct, then why would God loose Satan again to deceive the nations after the tribulation period and millinial reign is over? Who is he going to deceive? The saints who ruled with Christ? The people who accepted Jesus during the great tribulation? I find it hard to believe that those people who have made it through the great tribulation and all the wrath that has been poured down on sin would turn against God again.

"Believing God"- A Beth Moore Bible Study

I am really excited to report that I started an 11-week Beth Moore women's bible study tonight at my church, First Presbyterian. There were about 15 women there, raging in age from early 20's to late 60's. I am very optimistic about this bible study. Lately I have been feeling a little blah about my spiritual life and I have been experiencing some reservations about joining the church I attend. At first I felt that I wasn't being challenged enough. But, then I realized that perhaps it wasn't the church's fault, it might be mine! GASP! May it never be so! :)

The fact is that I normally just attend the traditional Sunday morning worship services and an occassional Sunday night contemporary service. I have not been going to Sunday School or participating in any small group bible studies. So, I think before I determine that " I am not being fed" I probably need to buy a set of silverware.

I enjoyed the small group experience because it provided me with an opportunity to get to know some of the women one on one. Its really hard to do that in regular church services. I hope this experience will help me feel more involved. I have felt like somewhat of an outsider for a while because I didn't really know anyone there when I started going.

Support the Relief Effort

The people of New Orleans, and the other cities and affected by Hurricane Katrina need our help. You may not think that the relatively small amount of money that you can afford to give will go very far. But, if we all give a little, together we can do a lot. Remember, this could be you or one of your family members. Show the love of God to those who are hurting by making a donation today. The Red Cross makes donating easy. You may give online here or you can reach them by phone at 1-800-HELP-NOW.

In addition to your monetary support, please continue to lift up all the people affected by this disaster in prayer.

Thank you and God Bless You.