tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63725179527259832922024-03-12T17:35:41.045-07:00Once Alienated Now ReconciledEmmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-46438851434578648462012-06-11T04:42:00.001-07:002012-06-11T04:42:16.004-07:00C.H. Spurgeon - The People's Preacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pvgcqDTc6vg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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C.H. Spurgeon - The People's Preacher <br />
To find more information on Charles Haddon Spurgeon: <a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/mainpage.htm">http://www.spurgeon.org/mainpage.htm</a>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-29014371776166978852012-04-24T06:02:00.000-07:002012-04-24T06:02:17.661-07:00~Good Friends~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ_6LOwwlYA/T5aj29alL2I/AAAAAAAAAME/ZroOOMZJniY/s1600/Cup+of+JOe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ_6LOwwlYA/T5aj29alL2I/AAAAAAAAAME/ZroOOMZJniY/s1600/Cup+of+JOe.jpg" /></a>I have a friend who is dark complected as I, and stirs my affections for Jesus Christ the righteous. We met a few years ago and immediately hit it off. We spend a few mornings together each week and we have a pretty strong and hopefully, forever lasting relationship... Let me introduce you........Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-66142239664120857832011-10-22T06:20:00.000-07:002011-10-22T06:21:04.593-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE0OdjFXil8/TqLDNupXcuI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6B5ugwXCUt0/s1600/DSC_1014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE0OdjFXil8/TqLDNupXcuI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6B5ugwXCUt0/s320/DSC_1014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666305921812755170" border="0" /></a>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-52411531217575463382011-10-22T06:05:00.001-07:002011-10-22T06:21:40.463-07:00He gives and takes away.... 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The month of October has naturally been a somber time for us since 2009. On October 10, 2009 Ryan and I had our first miscarriage. I remember almost every detail: where I was, the thoughts running through my mind, and the tears that followed. The feelings of loss, despair, and anger lasted for weeks and then months; Until our next miscarriage two months later when those feelings magnified, and our last in May 2010. I remember getting up early each morning asking God why He would take our children away from us. What was the purpose? One morning I began to pray, questioning God not out of my sincere curiosity, but my prideful, arrogant heart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To my surprise, my answer was in the form of a question: “Emma is the cross enough for you or do you need children too?” Though, it was not an audible voice,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God spoke to my heart and I finally got my answer. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve come to understand “deserve” is a stupid word. Because of our sin, there is a separation between us and God; a chasm that can only be crossed by not only good works, but perfect obedience. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we’re honest, we realize quickly that we fail….Miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From before the foundation of the world, God set out His plan to redeem a people for Himself. He chose to execute His plan by coming down to earth in the form of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was mocked, spit on, flogged and at the end of His life, He was nailed to a cross to drink the cup of God’s wrath that was intended for you and I, three days later He rose from the grave, conquering sin and death- so that all who trust in Him will be 1. Forgiven of the debt that stood against us and 2. Washed clean so that when God looks at us He does not see our filth, but instead sees the righteousness of Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I deserve the wrath of God; I deserve hell. But because of God’s goodness, He chose to pick me up, wash me, and forgive me by paying the penalty for my sin Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was not sinful for me to grieve the loss of my child. To be honest, I’m still grieving the loss of all of our children. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But to question God’s goodness in my life is utter blasphemy. He has shown His incomprehensible love and grace toward me on the cross. How dare I say that is not enough? How dare I demand the cross plus children? How dare I demand the cross plus anything.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He alone is enough for me; He is sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I told Him that that day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And for no reason other than His goodness and mercy,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He chose to end our painful pattern of death, by bringing<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>new life on April 2, 2011. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><br /></span></p>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-79213371714371457492011-08-27T10:47:00.000-07:002011-08-27T10:53:59.356-07:007 Truths for the saints from Ephesians 11. God the Father has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
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<br />2. God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him.
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<br />3. In love, God adopted us as sons and daughters.
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<br />4. In Christ, we have redemption through His blood.
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<br />5. We are forgiven from our trespasses according to His grace.
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<br />6. In Christ, we have an inheritance.
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<br />7. When we heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and believed in Him, we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
<br />Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-5908504436691359892011-08-08T05:10:00.001-07:002011-08-08T05:22:06.517-07:00Updates!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79FhOh2JLmg/Tj_SmA0AHnI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-mq9oBmfihI/s1600/DSC_0924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79FhOh2JLmg/Tj_SmA0AHnI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-mq9oBmfihI/s320/DSC_0924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638456808986123890" border="0" /></a>~ Isabelle( or shall I say baby Ryan) is now sitting in her big girl bath seat (thank you Amy! ). She is now a "supported sitter", and can also sit by herself for just a few seconds :) My bellabug is growing up!
<br />Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-245002228760310632011-08-08T04:55:00.000-07:002011-08-08T05:21:11.460-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gfDy_U_grw/Tj_P54ScEmI/AAAAAAAAAKc/kquq4Lvui1w/s1600/The%2Bbeginning%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bbeard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 169px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gfDy_U_grw/Tj_P54ScEmI/AAAAAAAAAKc/kquq4Lvui1w/s320/The%2Bbeginning%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bbeard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638453851760366178" border="0" /></a>
<br />Lastly, my Mr. Handsome with his new glasses and the beginning of a beard (two things I never thought would happen). =)
<br />
<br />Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-4812238857216477542011-07-30T05:54:00.000-07:002011-07-30T06:01:08.082-07:00~Our Sweet Potato girl~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiHzDjOtT6w/TjP_G_BstxI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3ZoHEZNH0tc/s1600/DSC_0841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiHzDjOtT6w/TjP_G_BstxI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3ZoHEZNH0tc/s320/DSC_0841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635128054233478930" border="0" /></a>After Isabelle's 4 month appointment, Dr. Guse gave the ok to introduce her to solid foods! As you can see, she loved them!! Mommy & Daddy thought they were pretty disgusting. To our surprise they didn't actually taste like sweet potatoes- more like chalk and dog food :/. I went in to this whole "Food thing" thinking as a mom, I should try them first....Never againEmmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-35726785076611975922011-07-06T09:33:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:15:05.125-07:00A cry of thankfulnessRyan, Isabelle, and I were in a car accident over the weekend. Many thoughts have pervaded my mind over the last few days, but one in particular has been reoccurring - God is so good.<br /><br />God has been so good to me & so faithful throughout my life from before I was conceived, through my: adoption, dark teenage years,marriage, miscarriages, miraculous baby blessing, collision with a semi, to now as I sit still in awe of His sovereignty and goodness. God has been good to me in so many ways, but nothing can compare to the ultimate gift He has given me through Jesus. For reasons none other than His glory and goodness, the Lord chose to forgive me for my wickedness; my deviation from His glorious will. He has saved me from my sin, which if not forgiven, would have sent me to eternal torment and separation from Him.<br /><br />I am thankful everyone survived. But the truth is, there will be a day when my life will be over. And on that day, I will be judged by Christ and found innocent because He washed me and clothed me with His righteousness.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-26105321775483677592011-06-15T10:17:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:57:10.758-07:00Common Accessory? or Only Hope?The pains of this world are so deep and constant. At times it seems joy is at the end of a bottomless pit. We'll never find it- or maybe it doesn't really exist. The lost will find momentary pleasure in this world, followed by an eternity of pain. The found, will surely suffer in this life, but in the end will have eternal joy. Are we lost or found? Are we deceiving ourselves in thinking we're a daughter or a son? How do we know? Do we love Jesus?- I mean love Him, not the things he provides. Or is Jesus an accessory? something that is admirable to profess, but nonessential. Do we go to church or are we the church? Is there a difference and if there is, do we know it? The conversations I've been a part of recently should leave us all awake at night pleading with God to save. There will be people who genuinely believe themselves to be saved by their faith, but empty faith is not saving faith. The only true faith is faith in Jesus the Christ; fully God and fully man. It is not of most importance that we know Him, but that He knows us. We must trust Him, not only because He calls us to, but because there is no other hope, but hope in Christ.<br /> <br />" Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross thereby killing the hostility."<br /> Ephesians 2:12-16Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-72291688164554601232011-05-26T10:17:00.001-07:002011-05-26T10:18:07.992-07:00Mother's Day continued......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEL4NvgIx7Q/Td6LQT8ZseI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Em7DwCEorVk/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEL4NvgIx7Q/Td6LQT8ZseI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Em7DwCEorVk/s320/DSC_0160.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611075298098000354" border="0" /></a>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-7294456617464266382011-05-26T10:13:00.000-07:002011-05-26T10:16:42.783-07:00Mother's Day continued.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwGkUeJ2WGA/Td6KkJi_DsI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/IFRTX9oeXM4/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwGkUeJ2WGA/Td6KkJi_DsI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/IFRTX9oeXM4/s320/DSC_0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611074539392798402" border="0" /></a>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-65809733215591359602011-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:002011-05-26T10:13:19.237-07:00Mother's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kizRO27e6P4/Td6J4qQQnrI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/1lY4StrJAN4/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kizRO27e6P4/Td6J4qQQnrI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/1lY4StrJAN4/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611073792258383538" border="0" /></a><br />I know this entry is late, but I thought I would post a few pictures =) Kudos to my wonderful hubby and sweet little girl for their fantastic artwork!Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-1988023208780070252011-05-19T09:21:00.000-07:002011-05-19T09:32:28.837-07:00Morning InterruptedPsalm 46:10 came to mind this morning as I was cleaning- "Be still and know that I am God." Do we really do that?? Do we ever just stop what we're currently doing be it cleaning, driving, working, blogging etc and think about God? I know I don't do that enough. My life seems so chaotic at times, I rarely just stop and think about Him; His character. I rarely think about His love for me, His sacrifice, His holiness. I need to do that....NowEmmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-610146895742323402011-05-10T05:22:00.000-07:002011-07-28T17:32:56.084-07:00~Wonderful Whirlwind~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQB7BEl-T0w/TckyvCXuS3I/AAAAAAAAAJs/qgwNuxEH-Ik/s1600/DSC_1252.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQB7BEl-T0w/TckyvCXuS3I/AAAAAAAAAJs/qgwNuxEH-Ik/s320/DSC_1252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605066994910907250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">The last month has went by so fast. Isabelle is growing by leaps and bounds. It seems like we just brought her home from the hospital. She will be 6 weeks on Saturday and time is going by so fast. I'm learning to savor every smile and laugh (yes! she is laughing already). Isabelle has been sleeping through the night. Prayerfully this will continue so I can get back to blogging regularly..... Mother's Day pics are still to come...Stay tuned!<br /></span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-29491255139684957582011-04-02T23:28:00.000-07:002011-04-02T23:48:07.869-07:00Hope in the Redeemer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFszAQzEhBs/TZgVngl3yUI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-3om7NpGlXI/s1600/Bella%2BGrace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFszAQzEhBs/TZgVngl3yUI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-3om7NpGlXI/s320/Bella%2BGrace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591242705888332098" border="0" /></a><br />It seems as if I have been pregnant for a year and a half. Three miscarriages back to back takes a toll not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well; but by the grace of God, and only by His grace am I able to introduce to you, Isabelle Grace Cole -born April 2, 2011 @ 3:23pm. God is faithful & He alone gets all the praise. Thank you Jesus for a healthy, beautiful baby girl who has her daddy's pastiness =)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19139013-1"> </span>"For you formed my inward parts;<br /><span class="indent"></span>you knitted me together in my mother's womb.<br /> <br /><br /><span class="verse-num" id="v19139014-1"></span>I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.<span class="footnote"> </span><br />Wonderful are your works;<br /><span class="indent"></span>my soul knows it very well.<br /><br /><br /> <span class="verse-num" id="v19139015-1"></span>My frame was not hidden from you,<br />when I was being made in secret,<br /><span class="indent"></span>intricately woven in the depths of the earth.<br /><br /> <span class="verse-num" id="v19139016-1"></span>Your eyes saw my unformed substance;<br />in your book were written, every one of them,<br /><span class="indent"></span>the days that were formed for me,<br /><span class="indent"></span>when as yet there was none of them.<span class="verse-num" id="v19139017-1"> </span><br /><span class="verse-num" id="v19139017-1"></span>How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;" class="line-group" id="p19139017.01-1"> <span class="indent"></span> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="line-group" id="p19139017.01-1">How vast is the sum of them!<br /> <span class="verse-num" id="v19139018-1"></span>If I would count them, they are more than the sand.<br /><span class="indent"></span>I awake, and I am still with you."</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="line-group" id="p19139017.01-1">~Psalm 139:13-18<br /></p>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-30135112538265206702011-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:002011-02-03T10:44:01.559-08:00Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TUrzEvdw40I/AAAAAAAAAJc/e8BeqfwZD90/s1600/Radical-Book.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TUrzEvdw40I/AAAAAAAAAJc/e8BeqfwZD90/s320/Radical-Book.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569531151983371074" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>God has used this book to radically change the way we view the Lord's calling on our lives. It is evident in the Scriptures that faith in Christ produces a radical love and devotion for him and others. Our hope is that this book may be used of God to bring a deeper understanding of this life of radical abandonment to Jesus Christ to your lives as well.</div><div> Grace & Peace, Ryan and Emma </div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a video from the author, David Platt:</div><div> <a href="http://vimeo.com/10281195"> http://vimeo.com/10281195</a></div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-76670043222912558482011-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:002011-01-14T23:34:17.347-08:00Fighting the feminist's lie with the truth of the gospel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TTFBsmD_wsI/AAAAAAAAAJI/E4BjmBWg860/s1600/8%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TTFBsmD_wsI/AAAAAAAAAJI/E4BjmBWg860/s320/8%2Bpic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562299249166631618" /></a>I love this picture- Not just because it was one of the most joyful moments of my life( it was certainly that), but because of what happened in this moment. On June 20, 2009 I became Ryan Cole's wife. My role changed in a magnificent way. I was now a helper to my husband; designed to complement, graciously submit, and affirm his leadership- A model of Christ's Church. <div><br /></div><div>Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of not only the responsibility we have to model the Church, but the responsibility we have as women to uphold what it means to be a women. We buy into the lie that being a man is somehow of greater value than being a woman, so we emasculate our husbands by taking over his God-given role, exercise authority in the church, pick up the feminist torch, and hold our heads high - all the while missing the beauty in being a woman. </div><div><br /></div><div>My intention is not to start a blog war over egalitarian and complementarian views, nor is it to indict women pastors/women elders (that may come later). My intention is to plead with the women who claim Christ to repent from narcissistic ambition and turn to a loving God who created you to be daughters not sons, submissive to your husbands not disrespectful & rude, feminine not masculine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Titus 2 paints a picture of the older women teaching the younger women to love their husbands and children; to be homeward focused and graciously submissive. This is how disciple-making looks among women who claim Christ. This is one of the means by which the Lord chooses to teach women about womanhood. I need women like this in my life. I want to speak with as much candor as I possibly can. I need godly women willing to come along side me and teach me how to love my husband and children. We all need women like that in our lives. We're all called to make disciples- this is just one way we, as women can do this effectively. Let's fight the feminist's lie with the truth of the gospel.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-52255345472092236642011-01-02T11:07:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:47:39.504-08:00Titus Tips<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Over the last six months God has given me a deeper love for my husband than ever before. Through the Scriptures, He has shown me love is more than a word and my role as a wife is not to be taken lightly. Daily i'm faced with the reality that marriage was designed to depict the relationship between Christ and His church, and daily i'm faced with the reality that I do such a poor job modeling this in my own marriage, but by God's grace He continues to be patient with me; correcting me and leading me to repentance. What a loving God we serve.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>To understand how to be the wives we are called to be, we must first understand that we cannot do this on our own. No Barnes & Noble self help book will be able to remove the sin that stands between us and God. We must look to the cross; to Jesus. Ephesians 2: 12 states, " Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We were once alienated but now reconciled. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We must understand that we have nothing to bring to the table; there is no good in us. No matter what we do we cannot please an infinitely holy God. But Jesus did. Jesus lived the perfect life we were suppose live, but didn't. By dying on the cross, he took the punishment for our sin, at the same time crediting his perfect life to our account; by putting our faith in Jesus, we will have eternal life and will no longer be enslaved to sin.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The gospel must be our foundation; not only in being a Christ- honoring wife, but in every aspect of our life. Over the next several weeks (and hopefully months) I will be posting what I call, "Titus Tips" to encourage women toward godliness in their daily lives. I have by no means perfected this nor will I in this lifetime. My hope is that this will be edifying for all of us and above all, glorify our Father.</div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-77928471355824291672010-12-30T16:19:00.000-08:002010-12-30T16:50:08.445-08:00Washing her with the water of the word<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TR0iWiB0L9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/CFty5MP9jDs/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TR0iWiB0L9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/CFty5MP9jDs/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556635285731946450" /></a>I just wanted to give a huge "Thank You" to my wonderful husband. I have had a cold since Monday & Ryan has been by my side, reading Scripture and praying for me. I am so thankful to have a husband who is so compassionate and faithful. He is truly a gift from the Lord. I love you Ryan RusselEmmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-70629100866415821532010-11-30T04:33:00.000-08:002010-11-30T05:42:54.884-08:00Jesus Wants The Losers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >The moments i'm shown just how depraved I am are filled with anguish; but the thought of how good God's grace is toward me fills me with great hope. I remember the night of my conversion; the feeling of my total depravity weighed my soul down to the depths.</span></span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I spent most of my life believing I was a good person. After all, I never killed anyone or went to jail for a crime. But I had used the Lord's name in vain. I have loved myself more than anyone in this world, I have engaged in promiscuous heterosexual and homosexual acts, and I have ruined several friendships with my prideful attitude and anger that pervaded my heart. Some, if not all of these things may not look too bad. All of them in fact seem to be condoned in society today. I thought I was a pretty ok person when comparing my actions to the rest of the world's. My problem was that I was holding my actions in front of the wrong background. </span></span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When defining our own morality, anything goes so-to-speak. If we are our own authority, there are no true moral decisions; truth goes out the window and what we're left with is personal anarchy. I fell for the lie that I was the only one who mattered. I bought into the notion that my life was mine to live and that the goal in life was to be happy and whatever I had to do to accomplish that goal I was going to do it with no shame. I was wrong.</span></span></span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >My life is not my own. It belongs to Christ Jesus. I was bought with a pretty steep price. I deserve hell for disobeying God; for deviating from the path he so clearly lined out for me. Instead of giving me what I deserved and what I wanted, which was hell, he gave me grace. That's the beauty and purity of the gospel. </span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I am so thankful God continues to remind me of my depravity; because repentance is not something that just happens the moment one becomes a Christian. Repentance is daily. The good news is just as Christ is sovereign in salvation, he is sovereign in sanctification as well. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such<b> were</b> some of you. But <b>you were washed</b>, <b>you were sanctified</b>, <b>you were justified</b> in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God." 1Corinthians 6:9-11</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >This has to be one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I love it so much because this truth trumps behavior modification. We did not wash ourselves so God would save us. He washed us. He chose us, washed us, and justified us. There is only hope in the Savior.</span></span></span></span></div></span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-15687399312502110852010-08-01T12:36:00.000-07:002010-08-01T13:13:46.046-07:00"Death is not Dying"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TFXUg4YIlsI/AAAAAAAAAHo/kPHyiE6rAo4/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/TFXUg4YIlsI/AAAAAAAAAHo/kPHyiE6rAo4/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500536181257443010" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I recently listened to a speech by a 37 year old woman dying of cancer. My Dad had sent me a link to the speech and knowing my father, I knew this had to be a good one; to my surprise this was not just good, it was great! The video was entitled, "Death is not Dying." </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As I listened to her speak, tears filled my eyes. She announced she had only a few months to live, and instead of talking about her disease, she chose to talk about her relationship with Jesus Christ. She spoke of her purpose; and that it was not primarily to be a wife, mother, or friend, but to be a servant of Jesus. She went on to explain how she may be a "good" person in the eyes of people, but when measured against God's holy standards, she was filthy...A sinner.. Just like all of us.. She was a sinner by nature and by choice. The best part about her speech in front of 600 women, was that she spoke of hope in Jesus. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She talked about God's redeeming work through his son, Jesus;and how he lived the perfect life that we were suppose to live, but didn't. She explained true Christianity & that on the cross he took her punishment and our punishment for sin; and that salvation comes only through trusting in Jesus Christ. It took full days of rest and numerous medications for her just to be able to stand for an hour; but it was worth it to her to be able to share Gospel with the lost.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I was deeply encouraged by Rachel Barkey's testimony. I am so thankful my father sent this link to me. I'm thankful God had used this godly women to challenge me in my walk with Jesus, and I hope he does the same with you. </span><a href="http://deathisnotdying.com/">http://deathisnotdying.com/</a> Rachel Barkey went home to her Lord July 2, 2009</div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-56976173324232953482010-06-09T20:09:00.000-07:002010-06-09T20:21:17.474-07:00~The Move<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~ I'm not sure I would call this a blog -maybe a "mini-blog" or just simply, a prayer request.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Over the last several months Ryan and I have been praying about moving to North Vernon in order to be closer to our church family. We have shared the same conviction of wanting to serve more at Bethel & our desire continues to increase. We are currently in the process of selling our home and ask that you would be in prayer for us as we take a step of faith. Please pray we would be obedient servants of the Lord and that above all, Christ would be glorified. </span></span></div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-35272111579455432092010-05-26T22:56:00.000-07:002010-05-27T02:58:48.859-07:00<div><div><br /></div></div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372517952725983292.post-65289248686935632872010-05-13T15:44:00.001-07:002010-05-13T15:46:42.581-07:00~And then there is Sophie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/S-yBQ9S4xdI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GgSCb6UwR3g/s1600/100_0875.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/S-yBQ9S4xdI/AAAAAAAAAGI/GgSCb6UwR3g/s320/100_0875.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470889775679981010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/S-yBDAk1hGI/AAAAAAAAAGA/ICDZacnoIc4/s1600/100_0877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eZ5ga7TVDKo/S-yBDAk1hGI/AAAAAAAAAGA/ICDZacnoIc4/s320/100_0877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470889536042402914" /></a>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15637648096267295613noreply@blogger.com0