Stimulus Sermon

I have an opinion, just like everyone else about our economy, our President and our world. I've refrained from giving my opinion on my blog for many reasons.

But I received an email from a very awesome friend that pretty much sums up a very nice perspective of what I think is happening or will happen. I want to share it with you.

Thank you Greg! Love ya and big Hugs to you!)

You can state your opinion or not. I am interested and willing to hear anyone's view. But I refuse to get into nasty drawn out debates.

Disclaimer: I just know someone is going to snopes it and say this wasn't truly said etc. I. But it doesn't matter if the sermon ever happened or not. It describes exactly what is happening, in my humble opinion.

Genesis 47:13-27 

RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE - STIMULUS SERMON 

  

I would love to give the Pastor of this predominantly black church in Virginia three cheers. This guy is obviously a leader. Perhaps we should each decide who our real leader is... It is amazing to see that very little has changed in 4,000 years. 

Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God's Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will, to the 47th chapter of Genesis. We'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27. 

Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us? ... (reading) ... Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray. So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt , and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again. 

So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock - their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year. But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain. 

What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters? 

That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes... That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master? 

Yes. After Jacob and Joseph passed on, and the Jews began to drift away from their GOD, even they too became slaves in the land of Egypt   . 

  

I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one. 

We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people in Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to their leaders. 

What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr. Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"? Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. OBAMA IS NO MESSIAH! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh. Bow with me in prayer, if you will... 

Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day..." 

And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of a new Pharaoh's government. In God We Trust...   

  

And all of God’s people said amen! 

 

And I repeat AMEN!

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

Messenger Brings Me Direction

I've been trying to write this since Sunday night but I just can't seem to pen my thoughts clearly.

I have always said God has his reasons for everything. He just takes his time in making me understand why. He gave me direction that I could not miss this weekend. Finally, at a faster pace. He usually takes his sweet ole time.

Hubby and I attended a Weekend Married Couple's Retreat. It was our second since we've been married 14 months ago. I've gone to the Women's Retreat several times through the years. I always come back refreshed, renewed and much closer to God.

In a previous post, I talked about my awkward experience with my Priest.  It has bothered me since. As my post showed I was embarrassed, angry and confused. But as time wore on the anger subsided. But I felt a need that I needed to do something. But what?

I do not want anyone to feel like I did with this person.

 I've had many of you responding with your suggestions and I am so grateful. Thank you for not just the advice but the compassion and love you have shown me.

I had a conference with the Jesuit Priest first. He is down to earth and actually has more realistic beliefs. Hubby and I are astonished how this elderly Priest has views that actually relate to the "real world'.  He is kind and funny. And he has given me sound advice and direction through the years.

However, I was disappointed when I asked for advice concerning this exchange between the Priest and I. I thought he was joking at first. But his solution was since the church had more than one door, to use the other door. Again, I was speechless. My thought was "hell no" but I nodded. 

After that conversation I really had to pray and reflect. 

That afternoon we had a conference led by the Directors of the retreat. The directors were a married couple, Gloria and Francis Vanderwall. Gloria shared her story of growing up with a disability (Polio) and how she was judged.  One of the points was to  be careful what you call people because it can be a lasting effect on the person. Yes, we have all heard it said many times. But we all have to remind ourselves on a regular basis. 

As I listened to her story, I realized how our lives were alike. We both had disabilities, her parents raised us similarly and we have the same distaste of the word "CRIPPLED." My view of the term "Crippled" is in a post I wrote here. My tear ducts filled as I listened. 

During my reflection and prayer after the conference I told Hubby I really needed to talk to her. I had to let her know she touched me and that she had made a difference.

I asked Hubby to come with me because when we go alone to the Directors or Priest during these retreats, we lose some things that were said. Something like two heads are better than one.

She and I talked mostly with Hubby listening and periodically adding his thoughts. It was heartwarming to hear some of the things Hubby said that I didn't realize he even saw or realized. I'll leave that for another post in the future.

As we talked we were both near tears because that pain we have from being called Crippled came to surface spewing.  I shared the situation with the Priest. I told her all the emotions I had felt.  Or so I thought.

Then she said, "You were hurt. It hurts."

WOW!  It was like a glass of cold water was thrown in my face. She was right. I never add hurt or pain when something like this happens. 

During reflection later I asked myself why have I seldom said it hurts? I think I know the answer. 

Subconsciously I think if I show the pain and hurt it makes me seem weak. Not to others but to myself. I do not want others to see how vulnerable I am. I do not want people to feel sorry for me.  

By the end of our session I felt the weight lifted off my heart and shoulders. You don't realize how you are stressed until it is lifted..  

I asked her for advice of how to handle the situation with the Priest. She told me unfortunately I will have to educate him. I knew that. I sometimes feel like I should not have to educate ignorant people. She, like so many of you,  advised to tell him exactly how I felt face to face. She helped me with a scenario that I can handle.  I m looking forward to addressing the Priest after mass. I will certainly post the outcome.

I firmly believe God made her his messenger for me. She helped me realize how I was actually hurt more than anything. How I have denied to admit it is hurtful to myself. I have to work on that and I can tell it is going to be a long road but then I know I can't fail because God is holding my hand.

These retreats give you a lot of time to reflect and pray. The silence makes you analyze everything about yourself.   God. Your relationship with God. Your spouse. Your marriage. Your life. Everything.

I wonder what would happen if someone called me a name and I responded, "It hurts when you say that." I instantly think there response would be either laughing it off or sheer embarrassment. Or maybe they don't really care. And if they didn't care, how would that affect me?  

I am human. It will always hurt. I do not want to deal with the insignificant ignorant people. But maybe  that is one of my roles God has given to me. To teach people compassion. Educate them on things they have no clue about.  Or at least try.

The important thing I have to remember is God Loves me. He loves me even with my sins. He loves me despite my limitations. I am one of his children. That is what I need to focus on.

I want to end with this. Before you open your mouth and call someone a name, any name. Stop. Think what kind of effect it could do to that person, for the rest of their life?  If you are curious about something, and have the need to ask what happened etc, do it discreetly and in a respectful way.

Spontaneous Written Poem

I woke up this morning and had this need to write what I am feeling. I didn't work with it like I usually do for days for it to come out just right.  You'll see when you read it. If anyone has any suggestions for the title (I am terrible at titling), I would be so grateful. 

Oh and one more thing! No worries. I am NOT contemplating on committing suicide etc. 

Suffering is the journey to eternal bliss
Or so they say.
But isn't their any other way?

The BLACK hole once again appears.
It PUSHES on my chest.
It PARALYZES my mind.
It FORMS lumps in my throat.
It IMMOBILIZES s my body.
It makes people around me worried.

I KNOW what it is!
I WANT to fight i!.
I HAVE to fight it!
I HATE it!

I talk to God every day.
I ask for strength to able to close the hole.
Or give me a sign to show me the way.
But sometimes talking to him is like talking to a pole.

From experience I know he will answer in one way or another, in due time
In the meantime I will continue to love HIM like no other.

As I know he is with me..seen him three times, at the last minute, changing his mind

I want to see him again with opened arms.
But not turn me away. once again!

Give me the trip to eternal bliss with my one-way ticket!

Written by Justlittlecajunme

 

Inspiration

As I write Part II, I thought I'd post a video that someone sent me. The words hit me in the face! Thanks to Marla! I just became a fan of Matthew West!

Dream-Church--Unintentional Religion Rant

My dream night before last started with Randal and I arriving at St. Marcellus Church, the church I grew up going to as well as where my daughter was an altar server. First of all, the parking lanes were different positions where they were before. Then the church was surrounded by portable buildings that linked together.

We entered what we thought was the church but although it looked like a church on the outside, it looked like a gym inside. I was bewildered and then my nephew ran up to us from what seems nowhere. He was around 7 years of age with his curly hair dribbling a basketball. He asked us to go play basketball. I thought why in the heck is there basketball. He offered an handicap of a few points if we played with him. I told him no, that we were here for mass. He said, “You are NO fun.” Scene change..

We walk to one of the portables that were on the side and there was a line of people going in. We got to the entrance where the holder of the holy water is to do the sign of the cross as you enter church. Randal and I dipped our finger in the holy water, did the sign of the cross and it was known to wait in line until everyone entered and did the sign of the cross. After everyone had entered the line of people walked near a confession booth. An obese man was directing us commanding that we stay in the same line, there would be no cutting or talking and we had to wait until EVERYONE finished each duty. I don't know what my confession was.

My dream skipped to us walking into the gym/church where we had began. Half of the gym was an altar with a huge cross of Jesus, bigger that I have ever seen. There were two kneelers around 5 feet long right in front of the altar withe kneeling. There were many people kneeling and of course we had to wait for everyone to finish. We found a place on the floor as we finished and waited for the others. As we waited, I whispered to MyLove, that this waiting was ridiculous. He loudly SHH's me! I continued to mumble. It just seemed like it was a very long ordeal in my dream.

Finally, after everyone was finished a man came to the altar and started his sermon. Don't remember the sermon but after, he said, “Let's eat.” Evidently we didn't know to bring anything to eat or drink but most of everyone else had a ice chest.

A young teenage boy approaches and told us we could buy our lunch so I gave him a twenty for two sandwiches and 2 cokes. He returns with the food and was about to walk off. I reminded him that I had change coming. He said he'll be back. He returns with 2 cokes and candy bars. I inquired what those were for. He said, “That's your change.” I said, “No! I want my 10+.” He retorted that I got my change pointing at the coke and candy. I was totally frustrated...and then I woke up..

Analysis: Maybe God is telling me he wants me to go to church more. However, if the church hadn't pretty much excommunicated us, we would go to church. But after I found out by a priest since a) I was married in a catholic church in order to be in “GOOD FAITH IN THE CHURCH”S EYES I would have to get it annulled to remarry again in the church. I understand that, been there and done that. But being MyLove and I are “living in sin” and having intimacy, the priest cannot absolute me from my sins because what I am doing is a sin and I would just turn around and commit the sin again. I understand that too.

However, they want $$$ for the annulment and I went through it after my first doomed marriage from the start. They ask many questions that I found was not any of their business WHATSOEVER. They could annul it or then they can reject it with my money, no refund. MyLove was married but not in a Catholic church so he has no worries except living with me in sin.

So I guess we are doomed to hell if it is the priest's decision. That conversation with the priest just turned us off. We feel it's nonproductive to go to mass. We read our bibles and I pray every morning and every night. I have the confidence to know GOD will accept us in his kingdom. I have God in MY heart. I don't need a priest to be the mediator.

I believe the Catholic Church needs to conform where our world is at now. I'm not saying to do away with the commandments, I'm just saying it's quite disturbing that a “MAN OF GOD” will tell me I will never be right with God if I continue to live in sin. Even if MyLove and I marry, which would be with the Justice of the Peace, in the Catholic Church's view, we are still doomed because of not having that piece of paper from the Diocese stating my marriage was anulled.

I don't think God would have wanted me to get married again and then it wouldn't work out and cause the pain,suffering and financial strain I went through my previous marriages and divorces. And I thought my last marriage was a good one at first, if I am honest,. However, the last years of the marriage was complete disastrous. It was so dysfunctional I cried every night after I left because I realized how bad it really was and God took his time in showing me what to do.But he did come through.

They wonder why people are leaving the Catholic Church. I can tell you numerous reasons but this wasn't started as a religion rant. I DO believe there is a God and always will.

An Inspiration-Father of Special Needs Children

I've been following a father who has 11 children with 3 of them having special needs. Two have severe cerebral palsy. On Facebook, this man always writes moments of their lives, mostly with humor. He has a website http://www.fatherof11.com/ that everyone should check out. He has a video summarizing his life and the special needs kids. His facebook ID is Roy L Ellis.

I've watched the video many times and every time it never fails that my heart becomes heavy. It's such an inspiration.

At first I thought this could have been me. I was lucky to not have CP as severe as these girls, Emma and Hope. But then again, there is nothing to feel lucky about because these kids are so loving and smart, even with the severity of their disabilities. They are indeed special! They are a gift of God to these parents who took it and approached it with nothing but love and compassion. You can see in the words of this man how happy he is and proud of these kids accomplisments.

I can't seem to explain exactly how I feel. I admire this man. I see the kids and know God is watching over this family. I always comment that he is an angel and he is. He takes each day and finds humor and hope in every situation.

I hope he doesn't mind me writing and posting this but his post about the daughter-dance just inspired me to write although I have failed to express my true feelings.

Alot of people should see the video and follow Roy, It can make your perspective of things more positive.

The Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer
	God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --Reinhold Niebuhr In loving memory of Fr Bertram Griffin -- 1932-2000 Requiescat in Pace
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6