A Living Sacrifice

Sorry it has been so long...

2010-03-26T15:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, for the few of you who were actually reading my blog...

Sorry it has been forever since I've posted. If you really want to keep up with me, follow me on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/linzhorn

One day, when life slows down a bit, I will start this blog again. Till then, see ya on facebook!

All Talk and No Action

2009-09-13T22:14:00.003-04:00

· Today we talked about recognition and submission…if we fail to recognize who Jesus is we will never submit to His Lordship!

· The reason so many Christians never experience a significant breakthrough in their lives is because we refuse to obey God in the small things.

· How can He trust us with what is next if we aren’t being faithful with what He’s showing us now?

· The question we need to answer is, “Did I pray a prayer to get me out of hell…or did I confess Jesus Christ as Lord and tell Him that I would submit to His leadership and follow Him?”

· When we see who Jesus is we won’t have a problem doing what He says.

· Is there any area of your life in which you are unwilling to submit to Jesus? If so…He’s not going to give up and move on to something else…the best thing to do when He’s dealing with you is allow yourself to be dealt with!

(http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/09/13/sunday-night-reflections-116/)

All this sounds good till you know who wrote it. I wish I could say that I believe Perry Noble actually lives by these words, but I can’t. If he did, he would openly repent for his foul mouth and selfish attitude. He would be leading NewSpring into the holiness of the Almighty God instead of into the darkness of the world. You know, I can agree with the statements above; I only wish I believed Perry was truly following his own words and leading the people of NewSpring in the Light of God’s Word. I have some friends still at NewSpring, and I pray daily for the church and for Perry. However, I pray for God to humble him and lead him into being the godly example a pastor should be.

Weight Loss Support Group?

2009-09-06T20:03:00.002-04:00

If you have trouble staying on the band wagon, join me on this weight loss journey. We can support and encourage one another. I need to be held accountable, and I know I'm not the only one! Just comment here if you want to join me.

Obama Health Care Plan IS Socialism!

2009-08-14T22:56:00.005-04:00

Double click on the images to view larger size.

These images were found via a google search. Sorry I don't know who deserves credit for them. Again, WE MUST STAND FOR OUR FREEDOM IF WE ARE GOING TO KEEP IT!

Citizens Ejected From Georgia Health Care Town Hall For Mentioning Constitution

2009-08-12T20:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=23472

Read this article, written by a man who was thrown out of a town hall meeting after having his anti-socialism literature confiscated!

We MUST stand up for liberty NOW! If America is to remain the republic our founding fathers intended, we must not only be willing to stand but actually stand! We must not allow the socializing of our nation to continue. TAKE AMERICA BACK, PEOPLE!

Go here to join the fight for our freedoms:
http://www.the912project.us/

http://www.lp.org/

Libertarian Party Platform
Sec. 2.9 Health Care

We favor restoring and reviving a free market health care system. We recognize the freedom of individuals to determine the level of health insurance they want, the level of health care they want, the care providers they want, the medicines and treatments they will use and all other aspects of their medical care, including end-of-life decisions.

I am still here!

2009-07-28T09:06:00.004-04:00

I did not intend to disappear for so long! Much has happened during my virtual disappearance, but I won't take a lot of space with a play-by-play of my life. I will, however, take a moment to thank Debbie, Gail, Scott, and all those behind the scenes who were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and came to our aid during this time of need. May your reward be rich!

As you may notice, my favorite websites are a bit different from before. Please check out "In the hedge with David J" and the accompanying YouTube site. As we become more and more willing and open to following God's lead and example, He lays burdens on our hearts and opens our eyes and minds to certain aspects of life. I have been both amazed and grateful at how subtle changes have led to great visions in my husband lately. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and my husband with a great desire to be used of God.

Please continue to pray for us and our families. As is true for many of you, our way is unsure right now, but our faith stands firm in the knowledge that

Romans 8:26-28 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. ²⁷ And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

God knows better what we need than we do, and His timing is always perfect even if we have to wait. God always has a reason and a plan for our good, so we must learn to truly trust Him in every detail of our lives.

May you have a Jesus-filled day of prayer and praise today! Ask God who you can help in His name today. We must be His hands and feet if we really want to see people come to Christ!

Scripture vs Brad Cooper

2009-05-26T22:51:00.004-04:00

If you attend NewSpring Church, you know who Brad Cooper is (student pastor for Anderson campus). Check out this video, and see if Brad's "truths" line up with God's Word listed below.

VIDEO: The truth is that you are evil

SCRIPTURES: (Click each reference to open a new window and read the Bible for yourself.)

Let me just point out that God's Word gives a clear definition of sin:

1 John 3:4 (New International Version)

⁴Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

Weight Loss Update & Other Stuff

2009-05-21T13:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't updated lately. My husband and I have lost our financial aid funding for summer, so we are now both out of school and looking for jobs. Any ideas welcome?!

I am now at 190.6 lbs, trying to stay on track! I had another sinus infection and have pulled a muscle in my elbow somehow. That makes workouts difficult, but I'm better now and must get back to the daily grind.

Also we felt God leading us away from NewSpring Church, so we are seeking God's wisdom and guidance for us in where to go from here.

As always, keep the emails, comments, and prayers coming!
Lindsey

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

Do Not Worry

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Prayer Request

2009-04-26T22:39:00.003-04:00

For those of you who know me, it should not come as a surprise that when life gets tough, I ask for prayer. Well, while I cannot divulge information, I will ask for your prayers for my family. God is moving in a swift and mighty way, and we are left to simply trust that God knows much better what we need and when we need it than we do! Quite a few changes have been made in our life in the past few months, and it has become extremely evident that there shall be quite a few more. God never promised life would be easy, He just promised to carry us through our time on this Earth. Please remember us in your prayers!

Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

Weight Loss Update

2009-04-21T23:14:00.003-04:00

This blog page has been acting up, so I've been unable to upload anything the past week. Sorry!

Anyway, the scale stays at 191.4lbs. That kinda bums me out, but then I think that at least it hasn't gone up. Trust me, I have not been the best to myself the last week. When you join nursing school, sick kids, sick family, and the everyday stresses to my already hectic life... you get the picture. With that said, I want to scold myself and share a thought with you.

I have said to other people many times We must not live under the circumstance but rather IN SPITE of them! Now does my list of stresses and excuses for my irresponsible behaviors and bad decisions sound like I have been practicing what I preach... NO! However, now that I have seen the error of my ways, I am striving to be better.

If you are on the weight loss journey or if you just want to encourage me and those who are fighting this battle with me, please comment. Some of you prefer to email me directly, but please pass this message on to anyone you know who may need encouraging. I pray that my battle will not only help me be happier but that it may help someone else and glorify God in the process.

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, let us encourage one another in this fight. Let us pray for one another and speak words of encouragement to pick each other up. Keep the comments coming!

In Christ,
Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-04-07T22:22:00.004-04:00

Hello again! Sorry I missed last week. I forgot to weigh in Tuesday and just skipped it till this morning. I managed to pull a muscle in my elbow and have been lazy this past week. I was actually kinda scared this morning, but the scale said 191.4 lbs. YEA!!!!!!! If I can lose 10 pounds each month, I will be at my goal by Christmas. Please pray for me and send lots of encouragement my way. With 3 kids and nursing school, some days are definitely better than others. If I happen to cross your mind, send a prayer up for me. God may just know that I am weak at the moment.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. --1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Weight Loss Update

2009-03-24T21:32:00.004-04:00

Okay, here goes another week's report...

I weighed in this morning at 193.6 lbs, just short of 3 pounds down from last Tuesday! I am happy with that, but I am even happier that I had to buy a couple of new blouses to wear to clinicals last week because all my "professional attire" was too big! WOO-HOO! Anyway, when I started the nursing program, I had to purchase XL pants and 2XL tops. This semester I purchased L pants and XL tops. Last week, I had to buy L shirts. Yes, I realize that to some people that is still WAY too big, but I have not been able to purchase clothes outside the "Plus Size" section in over 10 years! I am excited! My week got even better when my husband noticed my changes and commented (more than once) that I looked nice and that an outfit looked good on me. Please understand, my husband is a wonderful man and has loved and supported me through these times, but I know that deep down, he wants (and definitely deserves) better. To see the light in his eyes and know that he really means the compliments he's giving me makes me want to do even better. I love seeing my husband happy, and I can't wait for these other 80 lbs to go away and see his reaction! I want to be the wife he's dreamed of all his life, and this fat has only served as a hindrance to those dreams being fulfilled. This journey is on its way. Keep watching, and I'll try to get some new pix up soon. Thanks for all your encouragement!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;
give preference to one another in honor. —Romans 12:10
--Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-03-17T21:59:00.005-04:00

Okay, guys. It's Tuesday again. I have way too much to do for it to be 10pm already, but the clock doesn't seem to care. Let me just start this post by thanking those of you who have emailed or commented to encourage me. You have no idea how much I've needed it this past week! Please keep my family and me in your prayers. I will try to post a bit of what it happening one day later in the week, but for now just take us to the Lord in prayer and know that He knows what we need. Again, thank you for your love and friendship!

Now for the update... I lost exactly one pound, so I am at 196.2 lbs now. I got David to help me get my measurements last night. They are still WAY too big, but they are better than they were!

Thanks, Lynn for this today:

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
--John 17:4 (NIV)

Anyway, thanks for everything, and if you're interested... check out www.mypyramid.gov for some great healthy eating tips!

--Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-03-11T20:54:00.003-04:00

Hey, everybody! Sorry I didn't update last night. I've had a migraine since Saturday and still don't feel well. I am down to 197.2 lbs. It's still not good, but it is at least a little bit in the right direction. Any encouragement will be appreciated!
--Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-03-03T21:29:00.004-05:00

Okay, I weighed in at the same weight as last Tuesday, 198.6 lbs. I am a bit frustrated but not really surprised. We have had a week to say the least. I am just thankful the numbers weren't higher than last week!

I just want to share a couple of Bible verses that have been speaking to me the last few days:

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
~ Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)

Whatever you do, do well.
~Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)

Now I just have to work even harder to lose more for next Tuesday. Any encouragement will be greatly appreciated!

For My Wonderful Husband

2009-03-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

This is the song we had played at our wedding in September 1993. I don't ever want my husband to wonder if I love him, admire him, cherish him, or want him.

David, I love you even more today than all those years ago! Sixteen years and three kids later, I still gets chills when you are near me and long for you when you're away! I love you MORE...

Yours Always,
Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-02-24T18:43:00.005-05:00

Okay, today I weighed in at 198.6 lbs. I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm not where I was! This has been an extremely trying week, so I did not get the exercise in that I had wanted. However, I did do at least a little something everyday. On days that I can't get to the gym and I don't feel well, I park farther from the building at school and take the stairs instead of the elevator. On days when my kids are acting like they're attached to me when I get home, I go play with them. And, no, that doesn't mean I sit at the table and play UNO! :-)

Anyway, I am on my way and thanking God for the progress in the right direction. It isn't easy, but Jesus didn't give His life so we could live on Easy Street. He gave His life so we can live forever! I am often convicted that my body is supposed to be a temple, and I am supposed to be a shining light for Jesus. Ya know, I have never seen a globular temple or a waddling light. How can I claim to be an example of Jesus when I look like offspring of
Stay-Puff and

Michelin Tire Man ?

That image will change! Keep watching for updates! Ask me if I don't post; that way you keep me accountable. Thanks for your prayers and support!
Lindsey

Weight Loss Update

2009-02-19T22:57:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note for those asking about my weight loss journey...

I've been sick on-and-off sick October, so I pretty much fell off the band wagon and got ran over! :-( I got back up to 206.5, just 7 pounds shy of where I started. YUCK!

HOWEVER...
Thanks to a wonderful friend-of-a-friend who is a personal trainer, I now have a trainer and am back on the band wagon with more than a little bit of accountability and encouragement. In 7 days, I am now down 6.5 lbs to an even 200 lbs. That is definitely not where I want to be, but you have to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Feel free to ask me if I don't update the first part of next week as I am weighing in on Tuesdays now.

Thanks,
Lindsey
Romans 12:1-2

The Mom Song

2009-01-29T22:21:00.002-05:00

This video is just too good not to share! Sorry it's been so long since I wrote. Everyone at our house has been sick, and my school is kickin' my butt! Thank God for my wonderful husband! Enjoy the video! Share any thoughts or additions to "The Mom Song."

Mom Song - video powered by Metacafe

Who's your "Britney"?

2008-12-29T22:51:00.004-05:00

Heard a song the other day that made me really ponder...

Do we REALLY see people through the eyes of Christ?

Here's the lyrics to Bebo Norman's "Britney"

Britney im sorry for the lies we told
we took you into our arms and then left you cold
britney im sorry for this cruel cruel world
we sell the beauty but destroy the girl
britney im sorry for your broken heart
we stood aside and watched you fall apart
im sorry we told you fame would fill you up
and money moves the man so drink the cup

i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
you never see it coming back
i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
but i can see it coming back for you
yes coming back for you

britney im sorry for the stones we throw
we tear you down just so we can watch the show
britney im sorry for the words we say
we point the finger as you fall from grace

i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
you never see it coming back
and i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
but i can see it coming back for you

yeah, its coming back for you, yeah, its coming back for you, yeah, its coming back for you, yeah

britney i do believe that love has come
here for the broken
here for the ones like us

i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
you never see it coming back
and i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
but i can see it coming back

i know love goes around the world we know
and you never see it coming back
you never see it coming back
i can see it coming back for you

its coming back for you... yeah
(repeat)

Makes me think of Britney Spears. Also makes me wonder a few other things:

How often we look at people for what we can get from them?
How often do we see people's appearances instead of their need?
How often do we see circumstances instead of opportunities?

We, as Christians, are not told to assess people's situations. We are told to share Jesus. Again, when Jesus said to share the gospel with all people, He REALLY meant ALL people.

Now, let's pray to see as Jesus sees and be heartbroken for what breaks His heart. The world can be changed but not through labels, petitions, boycotts, or boisterous rants. The world can be won one heart at a time! Go be Jesus to someone today!

Children just need to see Jesus!

2008-12-23T12:48:00.002-05:00

Something jumped out at me while reading this morning. Check out what the Scripture says in

Matthew 21:14-16 (New International Version)

14The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant.
16"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.
"Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read,
" 'From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise'?"

The children didn't have to be taught to praise God. All that had to happen was for them to be in the temple and see who Jesus is and what He did for the people around them. How awesome is that?! No one had to lift the children's hands or teach them to jump and shout. All they needed was to see Jesus.

People, God is still the same! If we get the kids into the church and show them Jesus, they will come to Him willingly and praise Him with their whole heart, mind, body, and soul just as we are commanded. What they don't need is to see their leaders "praising" in church on Sunday and living like Jesus is still dead the rest of the week. If we truly believe Jesus is the risen Savior we claim He is, then we must proclaim it in our daily lives. These children see even when we don't know they're watching. And just in case you didn't know, when we reach the children, they will take Jesus home to their parents! All they need is to be shown Jesus... really shown Jesus!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
"Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is LORD!"

Wanting and Whining

2008-12-20T22:08:00.003-05:00

Luke 23:8-11
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

In my reading today, a couple of things jumped off the page at me:

**The Scripture says that Herod "had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle." Never does it say Herod wanted to get to know Jesus or spend time with Him. It simply says Herod wanted to see what he could GET from Jesus.

**The passage goes on to say that "Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate." After Jesus did not give Herod what he had wished, Herod just ran his mouth and made fun of Him. Then he sent Jesus to Pilate to be done with Him.

Now, how often are we guilty of these same actions? Too many times, we only stop to pray when we have a need or desire. Then our prayer is just enough to pat ourselves on the back and tell God what we want from Him. Too often, we don't spend time listening to what God wants to tell us. Then if God doesn't act on our selfish plea, we act liked spoiled brats. We moan and complain, spreading misery and contempt instead of love and compassion.

As unsaved people, these actions are bad enough. However, if we claim to follow Christ, these actions are reprehensible! Jesus Christ loved us so much that He left the glories of Heaven to be born on Earth, laid in an animal trough in a smelly barn; be raised as a carpenter's son; be ridiculed and persecuted; and then betrayed, beaten, and murdered JUST FOR US! But, guess what?! The story doesn't end there! Jesus rose from the dead! Our God is ALMIGHTY! He even conquered death and Hell for us! The least we could do is live daily for Him, listening to His voice, and following His lead CONSTANTLY!

Oh, and by the way, please note that I said "we" and "us" because I am the first to admit imperfection.

Merry Christmas!

Nature declares His glory!

2008-12-15T21:08:00.003-05:00

Galapagos from Darek Sepiolo on Vime

The wondrous creations of God never cease to amaze me! Enjoy this video from underwater at Galapagos Island shot September 2008 by Darek Sepiolo.

Gift Offered to ALL

2008-12-13T21:38:00.003-05:00

I was reading a couple of days ago...

Matthew 26:17-30 (New International Version)
17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
18He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' " 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."
22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."
26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

What jumped out to me was that Jesus said His offering was for ALL. In case anyone is wondering, yes, when Jesus says, "All," he means ALL! How often do we deem people unworthy of mercy or think we are personally too low for Jesus to reach to where we are? Hallelujah! God does not see as we see! He had already made it perfectly clear that He knew who would betray Him, yet He willingly offered His gift to them all. If only we could learn to see through the eyes of our Savior, what a wonderful difference we could make in this world. If we are picking and choosing who is worthy to receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, we are unworthy to be called "Christian"! Too many people have been pushed away and hurt by self-serving, self-righteous church members! We too soon forget that we too are sinners, and ONLY through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ do we escape damnation. Jesus is coming back, and Hell is a REAL place of ETERNAL TORMENT! The #1 priority as a child of God should be reaching the world with Jesus. He, not we, must be made famous, one person at a time.

These days, everyone is screaming for change. The only REAL change that matters is the transforming grace of our almighty God. He takes old, worthless, dirty rags and turns us into shiny, bright lights to a dying world. He makes all things new!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ponder these thoughts. Let me know what you think.
Merry Christmas!
Lindsey

A Better Solution?

2008-12-11T22:07:00.003-05:00

--Author Unknown

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said, “Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.”

So the Doctor said, “Ok, and what do you want me to do?”

She said, “I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.”

The Doctor thought for a little while, and after some silence he said to the lady, “I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.”

She smiled, thinking that the Doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued, “You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. That way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.”

The woman was horrified and said, “No, Doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!”

“I agree,” the Doctor replied. “But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.”

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He had convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!

Sometimes I just need to be reminded...

2008-12-07T22:19:00.003-05:00

God has reminded me recently how very much I have to be thankful for!

The week before Thanksgiving, we were side-swiped during a hit-and-run with two of our kids and our 16-year-old niece in the car. NO ONE WAS HURT! Our car only suffered minor damage. The other driver was caught, and we have a court date later this month.

Our furnace caught on fire at 3:30 this morning. Thank God no one was hurt, and the fire was contained within the unit. Once power was shut off to it, the fire dispelled. We called our emergency maintenance line, but the unit is going to have to be either completely rewired or replaced. The apartment manager donated us a space heater. We are praising God that we were up. Ayana (our baby girl) has a cold and had diarrhea. She had woke us up, and my husband was putting her into the shower to clean her up. I walked into the bathroom and smelled smoke. I checked on the boys and came downstairs. When I reached the hall closet where the furnace, I could hear the crackle of the flames. I felt the door...still cool. When I opened the door, I actually saw the flames inside the top of the unit, and sparks were flying out into the closet area (which is where I keep my school books and supplies... paper!). I ran upstairs, screaming that the furnace was on fire. David jumped out of the shower, grabbing his clothes. I grabbed Ayana, wrapped her (still dripping water) in her blanket. I woke up the boys, and I ran with the kids out to our car and turned on the heat. I had to put Ayana's pull-up and clothes on in the car! Anyway, David flipped the breaker and made sure the fire was out. We brought the kids back in, called maintenance, and waited to see what he said. After he said the danger was over, we put the kids to bed. David and I went to bed about 6:30 and got up this morning about 9:30 and had an AMAZING day of praise and worship at church this morning! No matter what the circumstance, God never fails and is always reminding me of His goodness!

Thanks for your friendship, love, and prayers!
Merry Christmas!
--Lindsey

PS-- If you haven't checked it out yet, check out NewSpring online.

A few thoughts on salt from my husband

2008-10-26T21:50:00.014-04:00

I was thinking the other day about Matthew 5:13a, “You are the salt of the earth,” focusing on the word salt. It’s interesting to me how God used salt to describe how we are to make people thirst for Him. In John 4:13-14, Jesus said that if you drink of His water, then you will never thirst again. We see God telling us to go out and make the thirsty seek Jesus.

People without Jesus are thirsty for peace and love. They are walking everyday incomplete and searching for someone to love them. Even the most hard-headed people thirst!

Our job is to make these people thirst a little more, hoping they will seek Jesus’ water. If we don’t give them enough salt, then they don’t even notice much of a difference. If our words and actions are weak, then our salt is weak. Matthew 5:13b, “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” If we give them too much salt, then the overload will strangle them! If we are too pushy, we judge them, and are arrogant, we strangle the Word of God. So how are we to use our salt? Here’s a recipe that works wonders for making people want Jesus! First of all, we allow Jesus to show Himself in our daily lives. Secondly, we witness in love and truth so that our salt dosage is just enough-- careful that we don’t add too much. Basically God spells this winning method out in His Word:

We pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We prepare. Ephesians 6:10-18
We love. 1 John 4:21
We witness. Romans 10:8-15

There you have it-- a sure way to live a Christian life and win souls to Jesus!

Now get out there and make ‘em thirst for Jesus!

In Christ,
David J.

Our son accepted Jesus Christ!

2008-10-22T23:41:00.006-04:00

This is the email David sent to our pastor's assistant last night. I just had to share! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!
--Lindsey

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Braxton accepted Jesus Christ as Lord!
Date:	Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:17:09 -0400

I just wanted to share with all of you that my son, Braxton, accepted Jesus Christ as Lord. I am so excited and so thankful that I’ve got to see the first of my three children accept our Lord Jesus Christ!

I asked him what he meant by "accepted Jesus" during supper. He answered my questions lining up with Romans 10:9-10. I know with children, we cannot coach them, which is why I let him talk. All I can say is that he has it! He knows who Jesus is and why he will be going to Heaven!

I want to send a thank you to Pudge for being an example to my oldest son! I also want to thank all of you for building a church were souls some first.

I talked to Braxton about being baptized, and I explained what it means. He wants to be baptized. Just let me know when we are going to make this happen.

I’m so beside myself right now! My son is saved at age 10!

My prayer is now that God would use him for His service and use him to reach his friends and our community for Christ.

Truly it has been a wonderful day!

In Christ,
David

America Needs a Vision!

2008-10-16T22:03:00.002-04:00

I keep hearing Christians saying they don't care about the candidates' ideas on taxes, education, or abortion. All they want is "a vision." I have to ask... just what do you mean by that? Without knowing what the candidates believe and want to implement on the issues, just what vision will we get? How can we know their vision without knowing their beliefs and policies? Let's just look at a couple of items: taxes and abortion.

TAXES: My vision for America is that she remain a capitalistic republic, not a socialist society. The idea being pandered by Senator Obama is that the federal government has the right to "spread the wealth" of the hard-working providers to those who have less. My friends, that is pure unadulterated Marxism. Distributing the wealth is a core value of socialism and communism. To some Christians, helping our fellow man is an obligation. While I do believe we should help one another, I do not believe the federal government has the right to take from one person to give it to another. Unlike the children's story most of us heard, even Robin Hood didn't take from the rich and give to the poor. He took from the government and gave to the poor. What America needs is for government to be made smaller and for the individuals to be encouraged to work for what they have. Americans need to be proud to be Americans everyday!

ABORTION: My vision for America is that ALL people have "the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" granted in our Constitution. How can we claim to be a civilized nation when we allow children to be murdered?! That child cannot have the first of the 3 rights granted by the Constitution as long as a woman is allowed to hire a thug... er, doctor... to murder the child. Once the sperm joins the egg, life has begun for the child. No amount of medical terminology can change that fact. The question now is simple: without protecting human life, how can a candidate have a vision for America? If we continue to murder our children, there will be no America for which to have a vision.

So, if you are one who has been saying all you want is a vision from Senators McCain and Obama, please explain exactly what it is you want. Using the term "a vision" doesn't tell me what you really want. Help me understand what is more important than saving the unborn children and keeping America free?

Timely Article for American Voters

2008-10-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

Jack Wheeler is a brilliant man who was the author of Reagan's strategy to
break the back of the Soviet Union with the star wars race and expose
their  inner weakness. For years he wrote a weekly intelligence update
that was  extremely interesting and well structured and informed. He
consults(ed) with  several mega corporations on global trends and the
future, etc. I think he is in  semi-retirement now.  He is a true patriot
with a no-nonsense approach to  everything.  He is also a somewhat well
known mountain climber and adventurer.  ---BRYAN K. OLIVER

Subject: Dr. Jack Wheeler Regarding Obama 

The O-man, Barack Hussein Obama, is an eloquently tailored empty suit. 
No resume, no accomplishments, no experience, no original ideas, no
understanding of how the economy works, no understanding of how the  world
works, no balls, nothing but abstract empty rhetoric devoid of real
substance.

He has no real identity.  He is half-white, which he rejects.  The rest of
him  is mostly Arab, which he hides but is disclosed by his non-African
Arabic  surname and his Arabic first and middle names as a way to triply
proclaim his Arabic parentage to people in Kenya.  Only a small part of
him is African  Black from his Luo grandmother, which he pretends he is
exclusively.

What he isn't, not a genetic drop of, is 'African-American,' the
descendant  of enslaved Africans brought to America chained in slave
ships.  He hasn't  a single ancestor who was a slave. Instead, his Arab
ancestors were slave  owners.  Slave-trading was the main Arab business in
East Africa for centuries  until the British ended it.

Let that sink in: Obama is not the descendant of slaves, he is the
descendant  of slave owners.  Thus he makes the perfect Liberal Messiah.

It's something Hillary doesn't understand - how some complete neophyte
came out of the blue and stole the Dem nomination from her.  Obamamania
is beyond politics and reason.  It is a true religious cult, whose
adherents reject Christianity yet still believe in Original Sin,
transferring it from the evil  of being human to the evil of being white.
 
Thus Obama has become the white liberals' Christ, offering absolution from
the  Sin of Being White.  There is no reason or logic behind it, no faults
or flaws of  his can diminish it, no arguments Hillary could make of any
kind can be effective  against it.  The absurdity of Hypocrisy Clothed In
Human Flesh being their Savior  is all the more cause for liberals to
worship him: Credo quia absurdum, I believe it  because it is absurd.

Thank heavens that the voting majority of Americans remain Christian and
are in  no desperate need of a phony savior.

His candidacy is ridiculous and should not be taken seriously by any
thinking American.

Proud to be an American

2008-10-03T19:39:00.005-04:00

A friend sent this to me via email, and I wanted to get the word out. God bless our troops and our nation!

Largest Re-enlistment Ceremony - Ever

I'm sure you already know about this.

It was shown over and over on TV, right!?

OK, so maybe it wasn't shown over and over,

but surely it was shown on TV at least one time...

wasn't it ?

This was the largest re-enlistment ceremony ever held in military history. The ceremony was held on the 4th of July, 2008 at Al Faw Palace, Baghdad , Iraq . General David Petraeus officiated. This amazing story was ignored by the 'mainstream' media.

For those who have been in the Al Faw Palace, you'll have a better appreciation of the number of people crammed around the rotunda supporting the re-enlisting soldiers.

American men and women volunteering to stay longer in Iraq, so that when we leave, the new democracy will have a chance of surviving, is the exact opposite of what the media wants you to think about Iraq. If only a bomb had killed 5 civilians in a marketplace - now that's the kind of news the media is eager to tell you about.

A pizzeria in Chicago donated 2000 pizzas that were made and shipped to Baghdad , and were delivered on the 4th.

The media did report that 2000 pizzas were sent to Iraq on July 4th... The only part they left out of the report was the event for which the pizzas were sent.

I can't help but wonder...

What would the opinion of Americans be if they weren't getting such obviously biased 'news?'

Pass this on and we will do the work for the Media.

The coolest place to be

2008-09-27T09:28:00.003-04:00

Do you like concerts... the lights, the music, the atmosphere, the excitement? How would you like to go to a live concert every week? How cool would that be? Now add to the concert an unquenchable thirst to reach out to people that no one else accepts or wants, how awesome would that be? Now add the desire to please no one but our almighty God, and you have my favorite place to go, NewSpring Church! For years, David and I prayed for God to lead us to a place where Jesus is truly the only King and where absolutely any- and everyone is welcome. When He brought NewSpring into our life, He answered our prayer in an amazing way! NewSpring is like no church I have ever experienced! Let me just say that again... NewSpring Church is like NO OTHER church I have ever experienced! Remember, I grew up in church, in the so-called "Bible Belt" of the United States. I have been in plenty of churches, but never have I been in one that I truly felt was what the New Testament describes until now. Our pastor, Perry Noble, is a young man but by no means a novice of the Word of God! He loves the Lord and has a passion for reaching people who have been hurt, abandoned, and even thrown away by traditional churches. He preaches Truth, ALL OF IT, but without the judgments and conditions found WAY too often in other churches. This is (in SO MANY ways) what David and I had prayed for!

And before you ask, yes, NewSpring has a wonderful youth ministry... actually two youth ministries! For the children ages 6 weeks to 5th grade (11 years old), they are divided by age and/or grade level. I'll give you some details from the Greenville, South Carolina campus. Each room is awesome in its own rite, and the children's ministry leader, Pudge Huckaby, is also a young man who strives only to be what God has called him to be-- a remarkable leader and role model for our children while guiding them to an understanding and love of Jesus Christ! The older youth (middle and high schoolers) are led by Davey Blackburn. He is another young man, with a heart for God and a passion for young people. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and at NewSpring, they are truly a top priority!

Check out the websites, join us Sunday. We'd love to have you with us! The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and you are truly welcome at NewSpring! Come just as you are, and let God rock your world!

Free-IQTest.net

2008-09-24T21:56:00.002-04:00

Free-IQTest.net - Free IQ Test

I took this just to see what it was, and I actually left 3 questions blank because I was just too tired to think them through and had no scratch paper. Take your time, and use some scratch paper. Then let me know how you did! Have fun!

In Awe of God

2008-09-17T13:15:00.002-04:00

I just read my pastor's latest blog. Ten years ago, our church did not even exist. What started ten years ago as 8 college kids in a living room is now 2 (soon to be 3) campuses, sold out to reaching the world for Jesus Christ! This past Sunday, we had over 10,000 people in attendance between the 2 campuses. People are hungry for the Word!

My question is this... do we limit God by our disbelief? Too often, we fall into the "That can't happen" mindset when God said He will blow our minds with what He will do if we just get out of the way. Sometimes we need to stop thinking what "can't be done" and just start doing what God leads us to do.

I challenge you to just sit and meditate on the awesomeness of our almighty God. Just look out your window, in a mirror, at your children, at the night sky, at the ants... Just take some time today to reflect on all God's power and majesty. Then thank Him for loving sinful men. Praise God for His unfailing love, grace, and mercy!

May God forgive our unbelief and help us trust His strength and majesty in all we strive to accomplish for His sake!

A must see for every American

2008-09-12T19:16:00.004-04:00

A friend just sent me this video, and I truly believe every American needs to watch it. If you call yourself "Christian," then you REALLY need to watch it. It is graphic, but it is needed.

Now, say a prayer before you comment and before you consider any political position or candidate. I have to ask, how can anyone support murdering children, especially if that person claims the name of "Christian"? I just do not understand.

Choices...

2008-09-12T14:20:00.005-04:00

I just read my pastor's latest blog, and I must share a quote with you.

"We must remember that it should not be our goal to win arguments and distance people…but to work through the tension and allow God to use us to break down walls that people have built up."

How many times do we avoid inviting someone to church or sharing something with them out of fear of rejection or of a tense moment in conversation? People are important to God, and we must reach out to them for His sake! If Jesus loves people enough that he suffered and died for them, can we not endure a tense conversation or two if it plants a seed in a lost soul? God promised that His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). God loves people and wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us, but He did not create a world full of robots. We all have choices to make; the most important choice we will ever make is what to do with Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-13). We, who have already accepted Jesus, must be willing to reach people no matter what. So what if that means a tense moment of time? When eternity calls, will we have anyone in Heaven because we shared Jesus with them, or will Hell have to expand its boundaries because it is overpopulated with people we refused to share God's love with?

To quote Perry again, "We must be willing to get UNcomfortable for the cause of Christ." People are important to God (Luke 19:10), regardless of who they are or how they look. Are they important to us, ALL of them?! Remember that none of us are good enough to get into Heaven, short of God's unmerited grace to us. Who are we to pick and choose who is good enough to have the gospel? Far too long, "Christians" have judged people on outward appearances. If you find someone who you think is unfit for your church or for God's love, please send them to me. My husband and I have a burden for people who have been tossed away, hurt, abandoned, and ignored by the church or self-proclaimed "Christians." If you don't want them, please send them here. I know my God wants them, and my church will love them and welcome them too.

One last quote, this one I've heard my entire life: "The ground is level at the foot of the cross." In case you've never heard it, this means that Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23 and John 3:16 apply to us all. Neither I nor you can earn a place in Heaven, so why should we expect others to change before coming to Christ?

Just ponder what has held you back from sharing Jesus. Is it pride, tension, or judgment? Whatever it is, is it worth a human being's soul going to Hell to keep you comfortable?

Prayer Request and Praise

2008-09-10T22:26:00.003-04:00

Please put JoAnn W**** and her family on your prayer list. She went into the hospital on June 2, 2008 to have an aortic aneurysm repaired. The surgeon accidentally nicked her esophagus, but that wasn't found until a couple of days later when her chest cavity was filling with food. They had to go back in and completely remove her esophagus and the upper portion of her stomach. Now she is being fed via a feeding tube in her small intestine, and she has a bag attached to her throat to catch saliva. She will remain hospitalized for another 4-6 weeks. Then she will be sent home for 3 months. After that, she will have to have another surgery to stretch her stomach up to take the place of her esophagus. Her husband is by her side 24/7 and has left his business (He was a small business owner.) to stay with her. Please pray for her and the family.

Now for the praise... My niece, who has chronic Crohn's and is having double cataract surgery at just 16 years old, found out today that she has been accepted into a medical scholarship program that will pay for her to have the highest quality lenses implanted that she otherwise could not get due to the financial situation. The doctor told her she may not even need glasses at all after he inserts these lenses. She is excited!

Weight Loss Timeline Pictures

2008-09-08T23:01:00.007-04:00

After fighting with this blog, I think I finally have the pictures up... I will update the pix from-time-to-time, and you can follow me on my journey from May 2008 to May 2009, 213 pounds to (Lord willing) 113 pounds. Here goes...

May 18, 2008 YUCK!!!

July 7, 2008 (not started weight loss yet)

August 7, 2008 (16 pounds down)

August 22, 2008 (18 pounds down, 92 more to go) two days before my birthday

On my birthday, I wore a dress I had not worn in SEVEN years! Can you believe I forgot the camera?! UUGGGHHHH!!!! Oh well, I praise God for helping me this far and will update the pix as time goes on. I cannot wait to finally feel like me in my own skin again!

My inspiration:

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

A Living Sacrifice

2008-09-08T11:36:00.005-04:00

Back in July, I had a life-changing epiphany. I am posting here an email I sent my new pastor. It explains the title of this post and much about me and this page. I will also post follow-up pix if I can figure out how to get that feature to work.

First, the email:

On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 11:05 PM, Linz wrote:

Perry,

No, we have never met, but I just want to let you know that God has used you to get my act back on track! My husband, David, and I are the couple that saw the Greenville campus sign months ago after moving to Greenville last October. We had prayed for God to lead us to a place that would preach Truth without all the legalism of man-made doctrines. NewSpring was His answer! We followed online since February, awaiting the opening of the Greenville campus. We had emailed about volunteering and stayed in contact with Catherine Powell via email. When we found out that we could not be of much help without becoming members, we signed up for the first membership class in Greenville. I got more from that class than I would have ever expected!

I have struggled with my weight for many years and have even been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder. I have long since used the diagnosis and our lack of financial ability to purchase my meds as excuses to be overweight (not to mention having 3 children). Deep down, I have been miserable! My weight became a wedge between God and me, David and me, and even at times my children and me. David repeatedly told me that my being unhappy was no excuse to bring everyone else down too. The truth was that I hated myself! I want to be an example to my children and to others. I want to be the wife that my husband can be proud of. I want to be able to brush my teeth with my eyes open instead of squeezed shut to keep from seeing my fat jiggle as I brush! The problem with all these desires was that I did little or nothing to make any real changes while being ever so grateful that my husband was loving and faithful in spite of my globular appearance. Then, at the membership class, Howard read Romans 12:1 about offering your body as "a living sacrifice-- holy and acceptable to God" as an act of worship. In all my years of being in church, I had never had that verse jump out at my like it did that night. I marked it in my class notebook, and I came home and read the whole chapter. I prayed and asked the Lord to help me. I cut out the candy I had been eating, and we started taking the kids for walks in the evenings. Okay, so pat myself on the back, right? Nope!

Then came opening Sunday at NewSpring Greenville. I went through my closet, feeling fat and globular. I finally found something to wear that would have to do, knowing that no one even cared how I looked but me. Still, I was obsessed with my fat. The music was great, and Tom did an AWESOME job with one of my favorite songs, Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace." While I was singing along, I felt God tell me to trust Him, and He would free me from my chains. When you started speaking, I did not understand how that sermon was going to free me from my chains, since my problem wasn't sexual. Still, I listened, waiting for my freedom. Then you told the story of being in 10th grade and committing to a diet. When you said you stuck to your decision to drink a Diet Coke when everyone else went for a DQ Cyclone, I felt my chains fall off! That was what I needed, as strange as that sounds. I needed something to compare my temptations to, something to give me the oomph to stick to my decisions. I came home and told my husband that he is my DQ Cyclone. ;-) He eats M&M's like they are an essential food group, and fried foods quite often. I told him that I was going to make some drastic changes, and I needed him to be my support and encouragement. Then I pasted Romans 12:1-2 as my desktop background on my laptop. I am printing the verse and taping it to my refrigerator door, my cabinet door, and both bathroom mirrors. I have limited myself to 1000 calories per day, and I bought a beginner's workout video that is broken into 10 segments of 5 minutes each. I managed 20 minutes two days ago and 40 minutes today. I have cut out eating after 6pm, which used to be one of my worst habits. Now, if I get hungry or feel the munchies coming on, I grab a bottle of water, read those verses, and say a prayer.

I love WLFJ, and I received an email yesterday about the HisRadio Music Boat Cruise next May. I forwarded it to David, and now we have a deal. If I stick with this commitment from now till the end of September, we will pay for the cruise. If I lose my 100 pound goal by May, then we go on the cruise. If I give up, then I have to give the tickets away. This is a HUGE incentive for me since our money is beyond tight, and we have not had a vacation since our first anniversary, 14 years ago, not one single day! We now have 3 children; I am a full-time nursing student; and David works 3rd shift weekends at Wal-Mart Distribution Center. We have very little free time or money, but thank God we still have each other!

I just wanted to let you know that God can and does use your most off-the-wall comments to reach people. I cannot be "holy and acceptable to God" in my current physical condition, so I MUST stick with this commitment! Please keep me in your prayers.

In Christ,
Lindsey Horn

Okay, so now you know my back story. I have "put feet on my prayers" and have lost 20 pounds and I don't know how many inches. However, since David no longer has a job, I doubt we'll be going on the cruise. No matter, God's will and my commitment have not changed. By May, I should be down to 112 pounds and God, David, and I should all be happy! ;-)