it's my birthday!

ok...so, looks like my last post was in feb of this year. that's crazy! but, I have been busy with other things; you know, like facebook and reading everyone's status and playing farkle and knitting and reading and... okay, so you get the picture. LOL!

anyway, sunday (the 29th) was my birthday. and it occurred to me that i have only had a handful of birthdays that were memorable in 49 years. (which sounds kind of sad, but not really...)

my parents were missionaries when i was young so needless to say we were poor. (like housing projects poor) my 13th birthday is the first birthday that i can recall with any details. i got curtains for my bedroom window. they were a green and blue plaid and i thought they were gorgeous! not only were they cool, but this meant i didn't have to sit on the floor to get dressed any more.

on my 16th birthday, my mom threw me a surprise birthday party. my best friend at the time came and my mom and that was pretty much the guest list. haha! Since i was very shy and timid during high school, I did not appeciate the social aspects of being a high school senior. looking back, i guess God was truly protecting me. shy for me also meant naive to the point of clueless to the ways of the world. but, my mom and dad gave me a pearl necklace for my birthday and it was so beautiful. i felt rich and blessed. all-in-all, it was a good birthday.

then on my 40th birthday, paul actually pulled off a surprise party at our house. there were so many people and i got more gifts that one birthday than i had gotten in the previous 39 years combined. it was amazing! i know people say it's not about the gifts, it's all about getting together with friends and family...but i say, no matter how old you get, it's still a little bit about the gifts. it's just so much fun!

so, sunday was my 49th birthday. and again, it was such a memorable day...actually it was more like a birthday weekend. my family made me feel so loved and appreciated. friends gave me gifts...some small, some not so small...lauren, you rock!...paul, the boots are perfect!...steve, cash is also a welcome gift...:) and rhonda, lunch was too fun! and i got more 'happy birthday' wishes than ever before.

so i guess, the point of this post was just to say that i feel blessed and honored to have such good friends and a family that loves me. It doesn't take that much effort to make someone feel special. so thanks to all who remembered me on my special day and for helping to add this birthday to the list of memorable birthdays. with love!

a softened heart...

not too long ago, i received an email from a friend stating that congress was about to put into law a bill allowing illegal immigrants entitlement to social security benefits and if we wanted to do something to stop this we needed to sign our name to the petition and forward along. so, just like the many americans who had already put their 'john henry' on the petition, i was eager to do so as well. after all, if they get their hands on it, what will be left for me when i need it, right? (even though i know these email petitions have little to no impact on our legislators...) i signed it and forwarded it to all my friends.

a couple of days later, i got an email response from a very good friend. her words cut straight to my spirit and as i continued to read i began to cry. i literally felt my heart softening and realized how greedy and selfish my words had been. so, i asked first for her forgiveness and then for her permission and she agreed that i send her email to all of you. i hope that you read it and let the words soften your heart as well. how can we say we are like Jesus when we have no compassion and are so unwilling to share...whatever it may be...with those who are in need?! so, following is her email to me and my response back. i hope you 'get it' and then pray against the fear and the rebellion that rears its ugly head at times like these. thanks for reading...

Hi, Lisa,

This is an issue very close to my heart, so I thought I'd take a moment to write. It's obviously very complicated, and I think any "solutions" to the issue of illegal immigrants will be just as complicated as the issue itself. Let me preface this email by saying that I don't intend to get on a soapbox or judge others' points of view, but rather share my experience with you because, as they say, "the more you know..."
Since the Lord led me to study Spanish in college, I have had the opportunity to be in contact with many Hispanics in this country and abroad. They've been my friends, acquaintances, co-workers and clients. Many of them are "documented" (or "legal"), although, I must say, not all of them. Most recently I have had the opportunity to serve as a translator for non-English speaking patients in medical settings. I consider this an honor. They may have come to this country because they were discontent with their own circumstances, or in search of the American dream, or simply (and most realistically) because they could not put food on the table for their children. Whatever the circumstances may be, I do believe that, once they are here, it is unacceptable to turn them away from medical care or other social services.

It's a common belief that offering this kind of care to undocumented immigrants puts a burden on our country's budget and resources. The truth is, what these people offer to our country, especially in the work force, is absolutely invaluable. (I've heard the movie "A Day Without Mexicans" says it all. It shows just how dependent we are on immigrant labor in our own country.) I've spoken first-hand with employers who hire immigrants to do jobs that Americans will not do, even for $10/hour or more. These employers try to hire Americans; they want to hire Americans, but when none show up, they resort to immigrants. Besides the fact that immigrants tend to be dependable, hard workers, etc. Since these folks are on payroll, they do pay taxes and most likely contribute to Social Security and Medicare as well (I think it is required for employers to do this). In fact, many of them are entitled to tax returns they never see nor claim simply because they are "illegal". My understanding is that although that money rightfully belongs to them, it ends up in the hands of the government.

As believers, I know we are called to submit to our government. But we're also called to seek justice and mercy. I've come to the conclusion that, when I come into contact with undocumented immigrants, my role is to help them understand why it's important to adhere to the legal system in this country (although it is NOT always just) and how they can do that. This has sometimes meant encouraging them to return to their homelands to be with the families they left behind, or finding a way to get all their documents in order to remain in the U.S. But it also means showing them Christ's love which, practically speaking, means helping provide for their basic needs. I do hope our leaders in Washinton can find some solutions, but cutting off all benefits to undocumented immirgrants over-simplifies both the issue and the solution, and it completely ignores the undeniable value these people bring to our country. We should also consider that, although many adults arrive to this country without documents, the children born to them here are still citizens. Taking away benefits from undocumented adults means putting undue hardship on their children, who do have legal rights in this country.

Finally, in this country we all know our ancestors were immigrants. Perhaps legal, perhaps illegal, but immigrants just the same. My own grandfather came to the U.S. from Cuba on a boat. I can see now how it was all a part of God's plan for his descendants to live and grow in this country. So I'm the grand-daughter of Cuban immigrants. But, as I read scripture, I'm reminded that I myself will continue to be an immigrant until I reach my heavenly home.

Below are a couple of verses that help me understand how God views aliens:

Deut. 10:18-19 "He [God] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt."

Deut. 24:17 "Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice..."

Lev. 19:33 "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."

Lev. 25:23 "...the land is mine [says the Lord] and you are but aliens and my tenants."

We are all aliens...just like Abraham...looking toward the city whose architect and builder is God! We are all aliens in this land if we truly consider ourselves citizens of heaven.

For what it's worth :)

In His love,
Courtney

Courtney:
Please let me say first that i am sincerely sorry if i have offended you in any way. and what you have said has indeed softened my heart concerning this issue. i think sometimes we are too quick to jump 'on the band wagon' when it comes to issues such as this. like you said this issue is complicated and it would be better if we had all the facts concerning the proposed legislation. i'm sure that i do not have all the info necessary to make a wise and godly decision on where i stand. i truly do apologize.

your points are extremely thought-provoking and i will continue to think about this matter. i guess your heritage and the unique position you find yourself in has given you insight that most of us take for granted. i've tried to convince myself that i am not fearful when it comes to the days ahead of us...but truthfully, i believe that perhaps this kind of 'knee-jerk' reaction stems from nothing else but fear. this is a matter i will take to Father God. isn't is awesome how perfect his timing is and how he uses us to help each other to see things more clearly?! i am so thankful that you took the time to share your heart with me and i really will be praying about this. i would like to forward your email to the people that i sent the 'petition' to and ask them to prayerfully consider their stand on this issue. do you mind? i won't send it until i hear back from you and if you prefer me not to forward it, then i will certainly comply with you wishes. thanks again for not holding back. i admire your compassion.
with love, lisa

one more about the upcoming election

I know we are all sick and tired of hearing about the election and the ‘issues’ surrounding it, but I just felt compelled to send this to everyone in a sort-of last-ditch effort to get it across to everyone what I believe God is trying to say to all of us. The first part of the email is just an idea for everyone to consider (I think it’s an awesome idea!) and the second part is a prophetic word that was given to someone at church. Hopefully, you will all read it to the end and be convicted by Holy Spirit to act.

When did we become so complacent about things like our right to vote? The day we start to look at these ‘rights’ as no longer being privileges is the day that we no longer recognize the suffering and are no longer thankful for the sacrifices that were made to give us these ‘rights’…including the one that was made for us on the cross at Calvary. I personally will not stand before the throne of judgment and give an account of why I did not do what I could to stop the murdering of unborn children or for not letting my voice be heard regarding the wickedness of man and proliferation of his deceitful desires. Paul told the Ephesian church…”not to live as the [world]…who, having lost all sensitivity, gave themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more.” Eph. 5:17-19 (niv) (just a side note…I saw a commercial on tv the other day for the roofing company…using a sexy model laying on the roof of a house! What does sex have to do with getting a new roof? Really! I mean, come on!)

The fact that abortion and homosexuality have become ‘issues’ says to me that we need to stand up and speak up and anyone who wants to lower taxes but aligns himself favorably with either of these ‘issues’ does not deserve my vote. Eph. 5:15-16 (niv) says, “be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” If this was really not a big deal, then I don’t think Paul would have warned us to be ‘very’ careful…!

Someone told me not too long ago that they had decided after getting a negative response to an email regarding the political issues, that they were no longer going to forward or send emails that spoke against, or for, either candidate. My heart ached and I just thought that if Paul had stopped warning the churches of Corinth and Ephesus because someone didn’t like what he was saying, then how would they have ended up? My response to her was that if I reach only one person and they make a decision based on how things line up with the word and the will of God, then it’s worth a thousand negative reactions.

I guess the bottom line is this: we need to grow up and stop playing Christians and start accepting the fact that the world is full of ‘Christians’ who are dying in sin and we can do something about it. And if we don’t, then we will stand before the throne of judgment on that day and have to account for both our words and deeds, or the lack thereof…and hear Father God say, “sorry, but I don’t know you!”
Thanks for reading this far….hopefully, you will continue reading.
Lisa

10/25, 2008; Prophetic Word; given to K. Mitchell; Subject: “A heavy word from the Lord about the Election” KJV:Isaiah {21:11a} Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?{21:12a} The watchman said, …Friends,On Thursday, the Lord called me to go out into the neighborhoods around our home to do a prayer walk. As I walked, I looked at each house and spoke these words, that He had given to me to speak:"Fear the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ... know His truth and walk in it! Vote for Life!"That prayer walk was a powerful experience ... one which I would highly recommend for each of you do. Get a partner to go along with you. Perhaps many of you could meet as a group to pray, and then divide up the streets and neighborhoods; going out in teams. You could do this kind of thing through a mall or through an office complex as well. It could be quite incredible speaking this simple declaration, while driving around the belt line interstate loop in your city, if you have one. I did my prayer walk during the day, when there were few people to notice me. Whenever/however the Lord calls you to step out in this way, “do it.” The anointing upon this act of obedience was very strong. KJV:Psalms{111:10} The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. KJV:Proverbs{9:10} The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Before I write the second part of this short note to you, I need to tell you that I am writing it in a deep sense of the Fear of the Lord. When I finished my prayer walk, I asked the Lord what the consequences will be, if His word of truth and if His mandates are ignored in this Election. God answered my question. My husband has confirmed that this report of God's answer is to go out to each of you right now. The fear of the Lord upon me is the result of the responsibility I bear in presenting you such a message. If I do not share the message, the accountability upon me as a watch woman, is too overwhelming to think about. If, after I have shared this message with the Body, it is then ignored, the accountability will be very high upon everyone who has read/heard it. The consequences could be devastating. As I share this message, and as we receive similar messages from other people of God on these issues, none of us will be able to stand before the Lord one day and say that we didn't understand the situation ... that we didn't know what was a stake, or what He wanted us to do. We will have no place to stand before Him on this matter at all. So here is the word I received. Please pray before you read it.Here is what He said ...
10/23, 2008: "A great charge will come down upon the shepherds of my flocks ... against those who did not vote for Life, when the choice between sin and righteousness has been placed so clearly before you. A great price will be come down to be paid, not only for the choice the leaders personally make, but also upon them for not instructing their flocks to stand with My holiness and with My word on this matter. Every one, who has been entrusted with leadership in any form will be charged this price for indifference to Me, expressed in their silence. There is no option of refusing to cast a vote. Lukewarm is always rejected by Me. Men have tried to proclaim this Election to be a matter of color. I too have declared it as such, but not one of skin color. The color I see in this Election is red. I see the blood of the innocent, shed for human convenience and prosperity, and I am filled with grief and anger. For each one who makes a choice with a vote to support the murder of the innocent in the womb ... for each one who casts a vote in favor of one who will legislate rebellion against My commanded order for the covenant between a man and a woman ... for each one of these violations and for others against My holiness ... legislating against the life and the truth I have entrusted to you ... a great opportunity for destruction will now come. Each person who votes for the prosperity of abortion death, will open a great door into his home, into his life, and into his family for the spirit of Death to enter in freely. Death will come in many forms, and it will not be turned back from those who made a covenant of acceptance with it, through their vote. Hear Me ... this thing will be of your own doing, and these consequences in death will come to you by your own choice, because of your alliance with Death, made against my decree for Life. You have asked for guidance and for My heart, but so many have cast it aside to worship at their own altar of prideful intellectualism, materialism, and freedom. This Election will be like no other election to this day. My patience has been expended concerning this matter. This is an election of Life and Death; affecting not only nations, but also individuals who have claimed to know Me within those nations. Choose this day who is your authority. Choose this day whose word is truth. By your vote you will declare it. By your vote, either I will protect you, or I will step back to allow that which you have chosen to defend with your freedom and vote, to come upon you. Truly I say to you, choose Life!"KJV:Joshua{24:15} And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.KJV:Deuteronomy{30:19} I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:K. Mitchell

ok...now i'm REALLY ticked....

first, i apologize for not sounding very lady-like, but seriously...now, i'm ticked off. i just happened across an article stating that some executives of AIG (the company that our tax dollars are now being used to bail out of a careless financial mess) were sent on a retreat to a spa/resort in CA. the tab came to approx. $440,000. what is wrong with this picture?! that's more money than paul and i will make in 10 years! and, the saddest part of it all is that we are still going to bail them out at the tune of some ungodly amount of money!!! MY HARD-EARNED MONEY...which by-the-way isn't enough for me to afford even the luxury of getting a stupid manicure every 3 or 4 weeks! go figure! people are losing their jobs left and right, gas prices are ridiculous, groceries are outrageous and yet these dumb-butts who've been allowed to run this huge comglomarate into the ground are getting pampered and refreshed at one of the most expensive and exclusive resorts in the country...for....what????? another tough day on the golf course?!

one amazing weekend..!

I just have to say that this past weekend at Destiny Church was truly one of the highlights of our time here so far. We were blessed and honored to be a part of the live recording of Tyler Vaughn's worship album. It was definitely a time of coming together for all of us. And, even though some of the songs were new to us, no one seemed to be deterred by that fact. It was awesome to hear everyone lifting their voices as one and to see so many being filled with the very presence of God Almighty. It was truly one amazing weekend! I, for one, was honored to be a part of such an amazing event.

If you haven't gotten a chance to hear Tyler and witness the way he moves in the Spirit of worship, then you will most definitely want to get a copy of the CD when it comes out. i promise you won't be disappointed.

You can also go to his blog site (www.tylervaughn.wordpress.com) and read what he has to say.

Let the church rise up!

I don’t usually forward emails unless they are especially good or pertinent (as in this case). God forgive us for our lack of respect for human life and for the incomprehensible things we do! We live in a time when life itself is taken for granted and so casually tossed aside. Some very good friends of ours just lost their son this past week. He was born with spina bifida. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this condition, it is actually a hole in the spine that doesn’t allow the spinal chord to fuse properly and allows essential spinal fluid to leak. Bottom line, every day functions that we take for granted are hindered and most times non-existent. Our friend’s son, Daniel, was only expected to live a couple of days at the most. He would have been 16 years old in November of this year, had he lived. How amazing is that?! And how horrifying to think that the life of this precious young man, who touched so many lives, could have been so easily terminated had his parents not known how awesome our God is and how He extends grace and mercy to us when we need it most!
I’m also not one for sticking my neck out there and stating my political choices. That is between God and myself….however, I have to say this video blew me away. And even if there are a few facts that are embellished or over-stated, I’m not naïve enough to think that it isn’t happening somewhere out there. And God help us if we put someone in the white house that holds to the view or opinion that life is not sacred.
Please watch to video that is attached below and let Holy Spirit guide you to make prudent choices in this upcoming election. I pray that we are all brought to our knees.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge…”
- Hosea 4:6

“A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own evil desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear.”
- 2 Timothy 4:3

“This is why people are condemned: The Light came into the world. Yet, people loved the dark rather than the Light because their deeds are evil.”
- John 3:19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdbYjmbFzo