But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don’t think of ways to indulge your evil desires. — Romans 13:14 (NLT)



A story (author unknown) has been told about a grandfather trying to teach his son about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather simply replied, "The one you feed."

Each one who follows Christ lives with the struggle of conflicting desires and behavior. On the one hand, we want to be obedient and pleasing to the Lord. On the other hand, we still live with our natural, sinful desires that seek to please ourselves. This is real: there is tension between the two. What is clear from the Scriptures is that we become slaves to whatever we give ourselves to (see Romans 6:16) – or as the story would put it, to whichever wolf we feed.

Christ died to set us free from being slaves to sin. Though we still struggle, we can experience victory over our sinful desires. How? By focusing on God; by feeding on His Word; by receiving the nourishment that comes from pursuing our relationship with Christ – who said, “I am the bread of life.” The Apostle Paul encourages us to be intentional about gaining the advantage in this struggle, saying “...count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 6:11)

Today, feed the good wolf. Remind yourself that you belong to God and with the Holy Spirit’s help in your life, count yourself dead to sinful desires and behaviors and alive to Jesus.

Resolutions...

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.—1 Corinthians 9:25-27

This time of year consumers are inundated with advertisements to lose weight, quit smoking, to finish school and more. Companies do what they can to cash in on a tradition called "New Year’s Resolutions." It is common during the first weeks of a new year to be asked what your resolution is, and then sometime in February to be asked if you’ve been able to keep it. In early January, the weight machines and cardio areas of fitness clubs everywhere are filled with people who are still hoping to lose those last 5 pounds or get into better health. However, the busyness won’t last long. By the end of February or beginning of March, the annual fitness fad dies, and the crowd thins out as the unmotivated drop off.

Here’s a challenge for you. Don’t refer to your spiritual commitments as "New Year’s Resolutions". Generally, people tend not to keep them. An athlete works out each day and slowly builds muscle, stamina and endurance as they train over the long haul. Paul, in his letter to the Christians in Corinth, tells them that they must discipline themselves like athletes. The Christian walk requires hard work, self-denial and difficult preparation. You are called to be on the field, not merely a spectator. Christians are called to be disciplined in prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. It is these areas that will help you live with purpose and stamina.

Resolve to be disciplined each day by spending time in God’s word and praying so that you can build your spiritual muscles.

How long will my prayers seem unanswered?
Is there still faith in me to reach the end?
I'm feeling doubt.... I'm losing faith
But giving up would cost me everything
So I'll stand in the pain and silence...
And I'll speak to the dark night

I believe in the sun even when it's not shining
I believe in love even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God even when He is silent
And I, I believe
Though I can't see my stories ending
That doesn't mean the dark night has no end
It's only here that I find faith
And learn to trust the one who writes my days
So I'll stand in the pain and silence
And I'll speak to the dark night

I believe in the sun even when it's not shining
I believe in love even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God even when He is silent
And I, I believe

No dark can consume Light
No death greater than this life
We are not forgotten
Hope is found when we say
Even when He is silent

I believe in the sun even when it's not shining
I believe in love even when I don't feel it
And I believe in God even when He is silent
And I, I believe.

The Uniqueness of Christ

The Uniqueness of Christ
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
—John 14:6

"No person who has ever walked this earth even comes close to comparison when placed up against Jesus Christ. He is unique. He is incomparable. He is our Lord. Here is what one unknown person wrote about Him years ago.

More than 1900 years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life. This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He cross the boundary of the country in which He lived; that was during His exile in childhood. He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous and had neither training nor formal education.

In infancy He startled a king; in childhood He puzzled doctors; in manhood He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the billows as if pavements, and hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service.

He never wrote a book, yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students. He never marshaled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun; and yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under his orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot fired. He never practiced medicine, and yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near.

Every seventh day the wheels of commerce cease their turning as multitudes wind their way to worshiping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him. The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone, but the name of this Man abounds more and more. Though time has spread 1900 years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives. Herod could not destroy Him and the grave could not hold Him.

He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils as the living, personal Christ, our Lord and Savior." -Anonymous

UPDATE !
We took max to the vet and found out max...had been shot by a pellet gun. The pellet is lodged by his spine in an area that makes it nearly impossible to remove. But he seems to be responding to pain meds and anti-inflammatory meds (you ever try to get a cat to swallow a pill? I might be taking Jim and Tawni to the doctor next!!!) We are keeping him locked in Tawni's room and watching him...if he does not get better the vet will refer us to a specialist. So keep him in your prayers !!

This is Tawni's baby Maximous James(aka TROUBLE). He disappeared about a week ago ( we assumed it was because Jim's parents brought their dog) We have been praying and putting up flyers....well he showed up this morning...injured. He can not move his back legs...and even as I am typing this Jim and Tawni are on their way to the vets office. So could you say a little prayer for Max, for Tawni and that it won't cost to much....(Jim is on strike...) Thanks !

Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.




I was suprised, I was actaully hoping I would be Sam. I find Sam to be loyal, trustworthy and a friend no matter what evil you might be facing, even when Frodo rejects him and asks him to leave....he still sticks by him. I have found myself in need of a Sam latley.....I hope if you ever need one I can be that for you.

Yep...I did it again...stoled something.....but I am sure the young men at the Rebelution wont mind !


Character (Part 4): Choosing The Bible And The Bullet
Read this story. It could change your life.




The Communist soldiers had discovered their illegal Bible study.

As the pastor was reading from the Bible, men with guns suddenly broke into the home, terrorizing the believers who had gathered there to worship. The Communists shouted insults and threatened to kill the Christians. The leading officer pointed his gun at the pastor’s head. “Hand me your Bible,” he demanded. Reluctantly, the pastor handed over his Bible, his prized possession. With a sneer on his face, the guard threw the Word of God on the floor at his feet.

He glared at the small congregation. “We will let you go, “ he growled, “but first, you must spit on this book of lies. Anyone who refuses will be shot.” The believers had no choice but to obey the officer’s order. A soldier pointed his gun at one of the men. “You first.”

The man slowly got up and knelt down by the Bible. Reluctantly, he spit on it, praying, “Father, please forgive me.” He stood up and walked to the door. The soldiers stood back and allowed him to leave. “Okay, you!” the soldier said, nudging a woman forward. In tears, she could barely do what the soldier demanded. She spit only a little, but it is enough. She too was allowed to leave.

Quietly, a sixteen-year-old girl came forward. Overcome with love for her Lord, she knelt down and picked up the Bible. She wiped off the spit with her dress. “What have they done to Your Word? Please forgive them,” she prayed.

The Communist soldier put his pistol to her head. Then he pulled the trigger.


~ Jesus Freaks, by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs ~
I have a question for you: was this girl’s sacrifice worth it? I mean, it’s one thing to lay your life down for a family member or friend or instead of denying Christ, but all she was asked to do was spit on the Bible for goodness sake! If I were in her shoes, with Communist soldier’s invading my Bible study, I’d be praising God that they came up with such an insignificant requirement! I don’t intend to be crude, but if you’ve ever sneezed or coughed when you were doing devotions, you’ve probably already gotten spittle on there. So what’s the big deal?

If you are inclined to agree with the last paragraph, I beg you to realize that her decision was one of extraordinary significance. She chose the precious Word of God over her own comfort and safety; a decision you and I make every single day, but almost always in the opposite direction.

Her sacrifice was worth it because it symbolized something much greater than simply a leather-bound Bible and a quarter-teaspoon of spit. It was a choice between her earthly home and her Heavenly Home, between her persecutor’s threats and her Savior’s promises. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain by choosing God’s Word over earthly comfort. Are we ready to make the same choice?

The answer is that we do make that choice, and we almost always choose comfort. We choose to “spit” on rather than sit under the perfect instruction of Scripture. You and I are constantly “spitting” on the Holy Word of God when we aren’t willing to sacrifice our meaningless comforts for some truly meaningful guidance. And I don’t care if that offends somebody. We offend God, my friends.

A sixteen-year-old girl in Asia laid down her life rather than neglect God’s Word. Are you willing to lay down your magazine? Pray to God that He will grant you the grace to be faithful to His Word. Because, honestly, most of us are too weak to shut-off our computer in order to have some distraction-free devotional time. It won’t get easier till we work harder.

You could say the Bible is “Chicken Soup for the Christian’s Soul.” It feeds our spiritual well-being and our strength of character. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word.” (Psa. 119:9) We will leave our souls starved and our character unguarded if we fail to make the Bible top priority.

Do you want to impact this world for Christ? Do you want to be a Godly young man or woman? Sidney Howard said, “One-half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.” What are you willing to sacrifice? When will you stop offending God by neglecting one of His primary means of grace in your life, His written Word?

Do not let the opinions of your friends or the customs of your family get in the way. Make the change today.

Start asking yourself the questions, "What does priority mean to me?" "What does it look like when something is top priority in my life?" "What does neglect look like?" "What other means of grace am I neglecting?" and most importantly, "What does the Bible have to say about all this?" Start with Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-2. Ask yourself, "What are these verses saying? What do they mean for me?"

Was that girl’s sacrifice worth it? You can bet the world it was.


In Christ, Brett Harris

Judas the man who never knew Jesus

I read this chapter in Max Lucado's book "On the Anvil" recently and it really struck me....it's not a long chapter ...it's is worth the read.


I've wondered many times what kind of man this Judas was. What he looked like, how he acted, who his friends were.

I guess I've always stereotyped him. I've always pictured him as a wiry, beady-eyed,sly,wormy fellow, pointed beard and all. I've pictured him as estranged from the other apostles. Friendless. Distant. Undoubtedly he was a traitor and a quisling. Probably the result of a broken home. A juvenile delinquent in his youth.

Yet I wonder if that is so true. We have no evidence (save Judas's silence) that would suggest that he was isolated. At the Last Supper, when Jesus said that his betrayer sat at the table, we don;t find the apostles immediately turning to Judas as the logical traitor.

No, I think we've got Judas pegged wrong. Perhaps he was just the opposite. Instead of sly and wiry, maybe he was robust and jovial. Rather than quite and introverted , he could have been outgoing and well-meaning. I don't know.

But for all the things we don't know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know Him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had religion but no relationship.

As Satan worked his way around the table in the upper room, he needed a special kind of man to betray our Lord. He needed a man who had seen Jesus but who did not know Him. He needed a man who knew the actions of Jesus but had missed the mission of Jesus. Judas was this man. He knew the empire but had never known the Man.

We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan's best tool of destruction are not from outside the church; they are within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from corrosion within - from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship.

Judas boar the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. Let's make it our goal to know....deeply.

THE REBELUTION IS COMING !!!

ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH (Church Website)
9AM-5PM, SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 2008
3550 SW Borland Road - Tualatin, OR - 97062

PARENT - Job Description
This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop, Pop-Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging
permanent work in an,
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
letting them know they are appreciated
for the fabulous job they do...
or forward with love
to anyone thinking of applying for the job.



** AND A FOOTNOTE - THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **

My Tawni turns.....14! Yep..in just a few short hours my baby will be 14. I can not believe it ! I have often had a shutter run down my spine....sometimes I even break out in a cold sweat when I think of the teenage years....one year down and I am happy to report...that we have not shipped her off to boot camp. Actually, I am very proud of her. She has stepped up to the plate and started really pitching in around the house with me working, she does her school work...even without someone there watching..and I always have reports of her refusing to do something she knows I wouldn't want her to...even when she could have gotten away with it! She was awesome in Peru and while feeding the homeless in Everett a few weeks ago....She has a sweet heart and I love her more than words can say.....the only problem I have with her...she's growing up to fast.

WE LOVE YOU TAWNI VERN GIRL !!!! HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY !!!

Having fun with the family in Montana!! We hope you and yours are haveing a wonderful Christmas and we pray you are blessed in the coming New YEAR !!!

I had a habit when I was young ....I would adopt families....Have you ever seen "what about Bob?" the one where the crazy patient moves in on his Doctors family...well ...that was me...anyways...this picture is of one such unsuspecting family....They are the Howard family of Pocatello Idaho. They were my family during some rough teenage years.....Darlene (the mom) was my sunday school teacher at church, her son was one of my first offical boyfriends (after the age of parental concent to date), their daughter Pam was my best friend.....I love them dearly and to this day keep in touch though I do not get to see them nearly enough!!! I am telling you all this to ask for prayer.... Walt (the Dad) fell and severly injured his back.....he has been flown to Colorado to see specialist there....I am unsure of the details but the whole family could use your prayers.....I know alot of people think..."I don't even know them..." thats ok...God does...and He knows how to help better than any of us would....so when you are done reading this...PLEASE...say a little prayer....

What if?

What if God couldn’t take the time to bless us today because

we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because

we didn’t follow Him today?

What if we never saw another flower bloom because

we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if God didn’t walk with us today because

we failed to recognize it as His day?

Wat if God took away the Bible tomorrow because

we would not read it today?

What if God took away His message because

we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if God didn’t send His only begotten Son because

He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

What if the door of the church was closed because

we did not open the door of our heart?

What if God stopped loving and caring for us because

we failed to love and care for others?

What if God would not hear us today because

we would not listen to Him?

What if God answered our prayers the way

we answer His call to service?

What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?


Author unknown

HELP !!!

The Cucjens have been asked to evacuate their home ! They had to leave without most of there belongings...and even their money!! They run on a cash system, so they can not just go to the bank and withdraw......and it is looking like their home will not make it through the fires !!! They also have a couple of Birthdays coming up for the kids (I am going to assume the twins..)this week !!! Can you even imagine??? Maybe losing everything you own in one day??? No money ? and 5 kids ?? If you are interested in helping Kimi found a way to wire them money through Walmart of all places! She has been sending it to the Mercy Creek Walmart on Arrow Drive in San Degio. If you need more specific info call Kimi !!!

The Irish Man returns ! With a family.....

Hey.....I got a strange comment on one of my posts...from a stranger in a far away land....unsure of who this mysterious commentator was...I bravely clicked on the name...and what did I find??? TONY !! Yep, it is TRUE! Tony finally decided to join us here in blog land !!! I have added a link to my link list....but I am sure some of you have noticed strange comments as well......don't be alarmed. Welcome to our world Tony & Maria ! We are glad you are here....

Refiners Fire

Someone passed this along to me and I wanted to pass it along to you!

Allow this to richly bless your day - The day that the Lord has made.

Malachi 3:3a says: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: “He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.” She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.”

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Weekend getaway.......

Last weekend our family snuck off to Birch Bay for a 2 night stay at a Trendwest resort. We had bought a "trial" membership almost 2 years ago and our points were about to expire..so we decided we better use them.....It was awesome to get away if only for a little while..here are the pics!!

My girls.....

Tawni......My Mermaide.......
An afternoon of fun in the sun at Lake Goodwin !