Alumni Authors Visit Sacred Heart - Features - The Spectrum - Sacred Heart University
This is the actual article written in the SHU newspaper. They did a nice job! It was a lot of fun to be there, meet the other alumni authors, see the campus again, and share my SHU experience. Best of all, I enjoyed talking about my books! It was a great evening! More colleges should do events like this.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
"If I were the Devil..."
I heard this recently, and thought it was so good. Can you see how we as a nation have been so deceived by the devil's tactics?
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
This speech was broadcast by legendary ABC Radio commentator Paul Harvey on April 3, 1965:
If I were the Devil . . . I mean, if I were the Prince of Darkness, I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in darkness. I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree, so I should set about however necessary to take over the United States. I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.” “Do as you please.” To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”. In the ears of the young marrieds, I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be extreme in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct. And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to say after me: “Our Father, which art in Washington” . . .
If I were the devil, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull an uninteresting. I’d threaten T.V. with dirtier movies and vice versa. And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized. I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for me. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. And I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine yound intellects but neglect to discipline emotions . . . let those run wild. I would designate an athiest to front for me before the highest courts in the land and I would get preachers to say “she’s right.” With flattery and promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against God and in favor of pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the courthouse, and then from the school house, and then from the houses of Congress and then, in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super weapons but not wise enough to control them.
If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the devil, I would take from those who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And then, my police state would force everybody back to work. Then, I could separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other words, if I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing.
Paul Harvey, Good Day.
http://nation.foxnews.com/paul-harvey/2012/03/21/1965-if-i-were-devil-warning-nation-paul-harvey
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
This speech was broadcast by legendary ABC Radio commentator Paul Harvey on April 3, 1965:
If I were the Devil . . . I mean, if I were the Prince of Darkness, I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in darkness. I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree, so I should set about however necessary to take over the United States. I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.” “Do as you please.” To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”. In the ears of the young marrieds, I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be extreme in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct. And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to say after me: “Our Father, which art in Washington” . . .
If I were the devil, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull an uninteresting. I’d threaten T.V. with dirtier movies and vice versa. And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized. I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for me. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. And I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine yound intellects but neglect to discipline emotions . . . let those run wild. I would designate an athiest to front for me before the highest courts in the land and I would get preachers to say “she’s right.” With flattery and promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against God and in favor of pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the courthouse, and then from the school house, and then from the houses of Congress and then, in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super weapons but not wise enough to control them.
If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the devil, I would take from those who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And then, my police state would force everybody back to work. Then, I could separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other words, if I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing.
Paul Harvey, Good Day.
http://nation.foxnews.com/paul-harvey/2012/03/21/1965-if-i-were-devil-warning-nation-paul-harvey
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Alumni Author Showcase at Sacred Heart University
On March 19, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart University, I had the wonderful opportunity to join a couple other alumni authors from Sacred Heart University and share our stories about our books, and our time spent at SHU. We all wrote very different books, and it was so interesting to hear their stories and experiences. It was a relaxing time, even though we were sitting in the front of the auditorium. We were treated like royalty, and it was so much fun talking to some of the students and staff afterwards. I learned a few things from the other authors as well. We all signed the poster, which was fun!
One of the main things we tried to get across to those who attended was that we are just average, ordinary people like everyone else who wrote some books, and if you have a desire or call to write, go for it! Pray for God's timing, and when it seems like the right time, then type up your manuscript and submit it to a publisher, or self publish. There are many opportunities to publish, and it's a great feeling to have a book that has come from your heart that you can share with others.
Monday, March 17, 2014
The question of sexual orientation
I'm writing this based on a comment made from my post entitled, "The Color of My Skin." First of all, the Bible does not condemn someone for the color of their skin, or other things we cannot control. However, it does condemn sinful sexual practices. The subject of sexual orientation is a very hot topic, and I think many fear to talk about it because when they do they are verbally abused and victimized for exercising their freedom of speech and religion. However, I am going to respond to this comment because I believe it brings up a good question, and needs clarification. I believe that the reason the momentum has swung to the side of favoring homosexuality and gay marriage in our nation is because of a misunderstanding about sexual orientation. I mean no one disrespect in my reply. Please hear my explanation. My book Fully Persuaded, which will be released later this year, goes into much more detail.
1 John 2:16-17: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." What a promise! That's great news if you're in the will of God!
All sin comes down to 3 basic foundational problems: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Just because people are ATTRACTED to something, WANT something, DESIRE something, that does not mean they can or should have it. If someone is married and desires someone else, it's not OK. If someone lusts after an expensive piece of art, it's not OK to steal it. If someone wants to sit down and eat until they're throwing up, that's gluttony and not healthy; it's just fulfilling the lust of the flesh and abusing their body, the temple of God. If someone desires to have sex with someone of the same gender, it's not OK. Just because you want to do something doesn't make it right. Pride says I should have whatever I want, and mind your own business, don't tell me what to do or what not to do. We might not want others to boss us around, but what about God? Where does He stand in your life? The Bible says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Saul was rebuked in the same manner in 1 Samuel 15:23: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." I don't know about you, but I don't want God to reject me from blessings He has in store for me!
Just because someone is depressed or anxious or angry, or addicted to food, sex, drugs or alcohol, that doesn't mean we celebrate those things. They are based on emotions, and yes - are natural because it is in our nature to feed the flesh, to worry and fret, to let our emotions get out of control at times, and to sin. We have to just work harder at them. God's laws for His creation still apply. We have to reign in these things. We may always battle with certain weaknesses and tendencies, but we are not bound to them. Through Christ we can have the victory, and that's what America (and the whole world!) needs to know. We need to help each other through our problems, not pretend the problems aren't there. And because we are made in the image of God, we have positive things in us as well, such as a caring heart, ambition, desire for life, courage, etc. Dwell on those positives.
Love and attraction are linked to emotions as well. Love that was meant to be pure can be tainted with disobedience and rebellion, desiring the FORBIDDEN (which for many is very attractive!). We then love and lust after things that are sinful. There is no gay gene, but certainly there are complex factors involved with those who are battling with same sex attractions, including environmental, certain genetic tendencies (just as bullies and victims of bullies, those who suffer mental illness, depression, anxiety, addictions, etc. also have genetic tendencies), social, cognitive, familial, behavioral factors, etc. God made you very special; strive to embrace your masculinity as a man and your femininity as a woman, and be the wonderful person you are, but in obedience to God and His intent for your life, which will never contradict His Word, the Bible. God will bless you when you obey Him, and your life will be so fulfilled when you are in the center of His will. Don't be deceived by what people say, even when it's the majority. The majority thought the world was flat at one time. Find truth. Jesus prayed in John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
AND...hate is an emotion of God, and as we were created in His image, so it is OK to hate certain things. Not people, but we can and should hate sin and its effects on our society, and hate the pain that is a result of sin. Here is a list of what God hates. Proverbs 6:16-19: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Do you hate these things also?
When we reject God's design for marriage, where does it end? If gay marriage is OK, then is being married to 3 people OK? Is marrying your daughter OK? Your pet? What if all parties are in love, and can consent legally? The same issues applies to transgender issues. How do you know if you're a girl or boy if it's OK to choose your own gender? What moral authority are you claiming? If you just go by what the majority thinks is right, or what is legal today in your particular culture, it will constantly change like shifting sands. There will be no stability in that society. People are fickle and change their minds often. Sinful natures cause us to desire our own best, and not always the best of others or what is the right thing.
Civil law that is based on God's moral law works. You have to legislate law, and it needs to be based on a solid foundation of what is right and wrong. Preferences can change, but not moral law. Why should we obey God's moral law rather than man's? Because He created us and this is His world. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He designed us. Many people desperately want to convince themselves there is no God, because then there is no accountability for their sin, and they can make their own moral law. If there is no God, then there is no Word of God. If there is no Word of God, there is no sacred standard. And if no sacred standard, then no eternal consequences, such as heaven or hell. We just live and do what we all want, and if the majority doesn't agree, we manipulate and pressure them until they do, and then we can make laws that allow us to have our way. Sadly, this line of reasoning often leads to despair. In our core we need meaning and purpose, and the good news is we do have that through Christ. We have a future and a hope. There is a God who loves us and cares about us. Don't let your selfish desires sacrifice that truth. It's just not worth it.
Truth is so important to God. Do you want to know what makes God extremely angry? Suppressing truth.
Romans 1:18-20: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." God is not hiding. He is real, and He is not only known by us in our own conscience and in viewing the world around us, but we clearly understand! Yes, to the point that we are without excuse. If someone were to stand before God one day and say, "God, if you only made yourself more clear, I would have believed in you! I would have understood!" His response will be: "It was clear, you did know, you did understand, and you are without excuse." It's not difficult to look around, even seeing the intricacies of our own bodies, to know God exists. The matter of the existence of God is not a philosophical or intellectual debate, but rather an act of the will.
The truth about lust is that it has a terrible destination: death. James 1:15: "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers [fornicators] and adulterers God will judge."
There may be powerful and wealthy organizations and businesses trying to sway the minds of people to believe that sexual orientation is something that cannot be changed, but it is simply not true, and does not apply to the same characteristics as the color of your skin. Search for truth, find it, hold onto it, and teach others the same. Do not be bullied. Remember the things you were taught from the Bible and stand for what is truth. It is a slippery slope to start redefining genders, marriage, and the sanctity of human life. Choose life, grasp truth, and obey the One who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (John 14:6).
"Have ye not read (see Genesis 1:27; 2:23-24) that He who made them at the beginning, made them male and female; and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh" (Matthew 19:4-5).
1 John 2:16-17: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." What a promise! That's great news if you're in the will of God!
All sin comes down to 3 basic foundational problems: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Just because people are ATTRACTED to something, WANT something, DESIRE something, that does not mean they can or should have it. If someone is married and desires someone else, it's not OK. If someone lusts after an expensive piece of art, it's not OK to steal it. If someone wants to sit down and eat until they're throwing up, that's gluttony and not healthy; it's just fulfilling the lust of the flesh and abusing their body, the temple of God. If someone desires to have sex with someone of the same gender, it's not OK. Just because you want to do something doesn't make it right. Pride says I should have whatever I want, and mind your own business, don't tell me what to do or what not to do. We might not want others to boss us around, but what about God? Where does He stand in your life? The Bible says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Saul was rebuked in the same manner in 1 Samuel 15:23: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." I don't know about you, but I don't want God to reject me from blessings He has in store for me!
Just because someone is depressed or anxious or angry, or addicted to food, sex, drugs or alcohol, that doesn't mean we celebrate those things. They are based on emotions, and yes - are natural because it is in our nature to feed the flesh, to worry and fret, to let our emotions get out of control at times, and to sin. We have to just work harder at them. God's laws for His creation still apply. We have to reign in these things. We may always battle with certain weaknesses and tendencies, but we are not bound to them. Through Christ we can have the victory, and that's what America (and the whole world!) needs to know. We need to help each other through our problems, not pretend the problems aren't there. And because we are made in the image of God, we have positive things in us as well, such as a caring heart, ambition, desire for life, courage, etc. Dwell on those positives.
Love and attraction are linked to emotions as well. Love that was meant to be pure can be tainted with disobedience and rebellion, desiring the FORBIDDEN (which for many is very attractive!). We then love and lust after things that are sinful. There is no gay gene, but certainly there are complex factors involved with those who are battling with same sex attractions, including environmental, certain genetic tendencies (just as bullies and victims of bullies, those who suffer mental illness, depression, anxiety, addictions, etc. also have genetic tendencies), social, cognitive, familial, behavioral factors, etc. God made you very special; strive to embrace your masculinity as a man and your femininity as a woman, and be the wonderful person you are, but in obedience to God and His intent for your life, which will never contradict His Word, the Bible. God will bless you when you obey Him, and your life will be so fulfilled when you are in the center of His will. Don't be deceived by what people say, even when it's the majority. The majority thought the world was flat at one time. Find truth. Jesus prayed in John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
AND...hate is an emotion of God, and as we were created in His image, so it is OK to hate certain things. Not people, but we can and should hate sin and its effects on our society, and hate the pain that is a result of sin. Here is a list of what God hates. Proverbs 6:16-19: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Do you hate these things also?
When we reject God's design for marriage, where does it end? If gay marriage is OK, then is being married to 3 people OK? Is marrying your daughter OK? Your pet? What if all parties are in love, and can consent legally? The same issues applies to transgender issues. How do you know if you're a girl or boy if it's OK to choose your own gender? What moral authority are you claiming? If you just go by what the majority thinks is right, or what is legal today in your particular culture, it will constantly change like shifting sands. There will be no stability in that society. People are fickle and change their minds often. Sinful natures cause us to desire our own best, and not always the best of others or what is the right thing.
Civil law that is based on God's moral law works. You have to legislate law, and it needs to be based on a solid foundation of what is right and wrong. Preferences can change, but not moral law. Why should we obey God's moral law rather than man's? Because He created us and this is His world. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He designed us. Many people desperately want to convince themselves there is no God, because then there is no accountability for their sin, and they can make their own moral law. If there is no God, then there is no Word of God. If there is no Word of God, there is no sacred standard. And if no sacred standard, then no eternal consequences, such as heaven or hell. We just live and do what we all want, and if the majority doesn't agree, we manipulate and pressure them until they do, and then we can make laws that allow us to have our way. Sadly, this line of reasoning often leads to despair. In our core we need meaning and purpose, and the good news is we do have that through Christ. We have a future and a hope. There is a God who loves us and cares about us. Don't let your selfish desires sacrifice that truth. It's just not worth it.
Truth is so important to God. Do you want to know what makes God extremely angry? Suppressing truth.
Romans 1:18-20: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." God is not hiding. He is real, and He is not only known by us in our own conscience and in viewing the world around us, but we clearly understand! Yes, to the point that we are without excuse. If someone were to stand before God one day and say, "God, if you only made yourself more clear, I would have believed in you! I would have understood!" His response will be: "It was clear, you did know, you did understand, and you are without excuse." It's not difficult to look around, even seeing the intricacies of our own bodies, to know God exists. The matter of the existence of God is not a philosophical or intellectual debate, but rather an act of the will.
The truth about lust is that it has a terrible destination: death. James 1:15: "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers [fornicators] and adulterers God will judge."
There may be powerful and wealthy organizations and businesses trying to sway the minds of people to believe that sexual orientation is something that cannot be changed, but it is simply not true, and does not apply to the same characteristics as the color of your skin. Search for truth, find it, hold onto it, and teach others the same. Do not be bullied. Remember the things you were taught from the Bible and stand for what is truth. It is a slippery slope to start redefining genders, marriage, and the sanctity of human life. Choose life, grasp truth, and obey the One who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (John 14:6).
"Have ye not read (see Genesis 1:27; 2:23-24) that He who made them at the beginning, made them male and female; and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh" (Matthew 19:4-5).
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
The Color of My Skin
I wrote this poem responding to a disturbing story on the news about someone vandalizing someone's cars because of the color of their skin. The amount of melanin in one's skin varies, and one shade is not superior over another's. As a nurse, this just frustrates me that people put such value on how someone looks. Everyone will make a judgment of us, as we all make an impression, but may it be based on our actions and how we conduct ourselves and care for ourselves, and not because of something that is so superficial as outward appearances.
The Color of My Skin
By Dawn Foss
Please do not condemn me by the color of my skin,
We vary on the outside, but we’re the same within.
The texture of my hair, the color of my eyes
These superficial things are just part of my design.
Disease or handicaps may make living my life hard,
Please treat me with support and kindness, not with
disregard.
Violence and disrespect for how I look to you
Is mean and callous, full of pride, hurtful through and
through.
Rather judge me for my acts, I can control these things,
Beauty is fleeting, age catches up, life flies with
outstretched wings.
If we would spend more time to judge what we do and say,
This world would be a better place, we’d show a better way.
What Makes a Family?
What Makes a Family?
By Dawn Foss
What makes a family, does it matter who you are,
In such a diverse culture, where we come from near and far?
People helped by neighbors, relatives, and friends,
All working together, is this a worthy trend?
Families can be churches, communities and clubs,
All with common interests, goals, and welcomed hugs.
Being there when trouble really hits the fan,
Loving one another respects your fellow man.
These are truly good things, we really need each other,
Reaching out with care, helping one another.
Defining what a family is can widely be defined,
But defining what a marriage is must stay within the lines.
God created marriage for one woman and a man,
Meant to be a lifetime, committed to God’s plan.
We mess things up when we’re outside the natural design,
Mistaking bonding between friends, we try to redefine.
Since marriage was created before we had the law,
Lawyers cannot change it, even though we are so flawed.
Sin creates problems with relationships, it’s true,
But doesn’t justify a change that’s just not ours to do.
A sex-crazed society can distort what’s good and right
Trying to fulfill what we want at any price.
Friendship, family, worshipping God is what we really need
To fill that hole inside us is what so many plead.
Spend time with a human, without the digital,
Face to face, one on one, this is so natural;
You will feel the bond that God desires for us all,
Not with sex but true friendship, breaking down a wall.
Get to know the God who knows your intimate design,
You’ll find His love will satisfy every last desire.
Read His Word to see He has a purpose and a plan
For your whole life, He knew you before the world began.
Trust the Lord who made you well to know what’s best for
you,
He’ll help you through your struggles with all you feel and
do.
Please Him with obedience, you’ll surely rise above,
And thank Him for your family, your friends and those you
love.
Friday, March 7, 2014
The Debate of the Century
The Debate of the Century: The Ham/Nye Debate
by D.W. Cloud
by D.W. Cloud
It was a debate that was won hands down by the creationist.
It was a lopsided debate that didn’t go far enough.
It was a debate that exhibited the ignorance of the evolutionist.
It was a debate that dealt with the most fundamental questions of life.
Please see the link below for a wonderful article about the almost 3 hr. Debate of the Century, as it's being called, between Bill Nye the Science Guy (an evolutionist) and Ken Ham (a creationist). It was one of the most watched debates on the topic of Creationism in our history. This article highlights some key points.
http://kathmandutraveler.com/ebooks/page39/resurrection.html
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
John 14:5-6: "Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
I am so excited about my upcoming album, "Beauty in Pain." There is much hope, comfort, encouragement and truth in those songs. I want all my albums to reflect God's majesty so people can worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH. I worship the Lord, sometimes even to tears of adoration, when I reflect upon His truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. I was thinking about that: this culture needs LIFE for sure! It needs TRUTH for sure! And then the WAY??? I would have said it needs HOPE. But what good is hope when you don't have direction, you don't know where you are going or where to find God? Hope has to be in something solid. That is Jesus Christ, the WAY!
That is the best news this fallen, lost world will ever hear, and I am fully persuaded to STEP IT UP - I am stepping up in my dedication to spread the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. My life has truly taken a turn from being content to faithfully serve in my local church, to having a burning desire to get this message to a broader audience, to use my influence to get the good news out. It's hard work but an easy job - everyone likes good news! People don't want to be confronted with their sin, but it's the only way to be healed. Keeping the positive focus that Jesus made a way for them, that there is hope, life, truth, direction - it's something everyone deserves to hear. I will still be serving in my local church, but am so excited to be on this rewarding journey!
John 3:14: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."
I am so excited about my upcoming album, "Beauty in Pain." There is much hope, comfort, encouragement and truth in those songs. I want all my albums to reflect God's majesty so people can worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH. I worship the Lord, sometimes even to tears of adoration, when I reflect upon His truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. I was thinking about that: this culture needs LIFE for sure! It needs TRUTH for sure! And then the WAY??? I would have said it needs HOPE. But what good is hope when you don't have direction, you don't know where you are going or where to find God? Hope has to be in something solid. That is Jesus Christ, the WAY!
That is the best news this fallen, lost world will ever hear, and I am fully persuaded to STEP IT UP - I am stepping up in my dedication to spread the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. My life has truly taken a turn from being content to faithfully serve in my local church, to having a burning desire to get this message to a broader audience, to use my influence to get the good news out. It's hard work but an easy job - everyone likes good news! People don't want to be confronted with their sin, but it's the only way to be healed. Keeping the positive focus that Jesus made a way for them, that there is hope, life, truth, direction - it's something everyone deserves to hear. I will still be serving in my local church, but am so excited to be on this rewarding journey!
John 3:14: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."
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