Mental Illness or Demon Possesion?

A few months ago I had a conversation with some friends about demon possession. One friend asked why we don't see it today like other cultures do. I replied that I really think it's all around us but I think we don't recognize it because our society has wrapped it's mind around physchology so much that we have a logical answer for everything. Therefore leaving no room for the spiritual realm of things.

I've had a couple encounters this last year with some people that would probably be labeled "schzophrenic" but I really believed them to be demon possessed. I know this is not the most sociably acceptable topic.... and I'm not saying that mental illness doesn't exist but what I am saying is that demon possession exists just as much as mental illness. My reasoning for thinking that these people i've encountered are demon possesed is because my Spirit is stirred inside of me well before a word comes out of their mouths and usually the words that come out of their mouths are confirmation of what I was already sensing.

I'm sensitive to this first because I have the Holy Spirit but also because I grew up in a house where my grandmother was into demonic activity. I don't talk about this stuff often but I think it's important to recognize that yes this stuff does exist and it is around more than people would like to acknowledge. I write this not to scare anyone but more as a call to open our eyes to truth.

The other side of this truth is that if you have the Holy Spirit then He is our protector. Our confidence should be found in Him and our hearts should hurt for those that do not have the Spirit of God in them. I pray the reality of the spirtual realm of evil that exists around us would cause us to pray more, draw near to God, and be alert as we seek to live our lives for Jesus.

True Pastors

Today I heard an awesome message on how a Pastor is to be a Pastor at home first if he has a family before he ever reaches the pulpit. He should be teaching the word to his family and praying with them. He should be studying scripture and growing in the word. Furthermore he said that if this is not happening in the pastor's home before he reaches the pulpit then he has no business being up in the pulpit.

The pastor went on to say that essentially all husbands that are followers of Jesus Christ should be pastors in their own homes. God may never call them to be up front in a pulpit but those who are lovers of Christ have a great calling to be pastors in their own homes.

I couldn't agree with this sermon more. Ministry starts in the home and that is truly where I think a person's true heart and character is revealed. Anyone can get up front and speak some fancy words but who is it that practices what they preach in their own homes consistently or who is it that may not be preaching in a pulpit but is living out the calling of ministry to their family.. that my friends is a true pastor.

Placenta Previa Part 2

I had my second ultrasound recently and I am so happy to announce that the placenta previa problem is resolved and I no longer have the problem.. Thank God!! Thanks for all of those who joined me in prayer over this.. God is good :)

A Good Experience...

Lately I've been needing to take it easy because I've been getting early contractions... I don't go shopping much but yesterday I decided to go to Target with Victor since we needed a few things and I knew they had those motorized carts so I didn't have to be on my feet very long. The experience I had for that half hour really made an impression on me. First it was funny to see how many people gave me looks like why in the world is she in that thing... but the thing that was most interesting was to experience how hard it was to get down some isles and how I constantly had to wait for people so that I could finally get through an isle. Also, I thought to myself if I was bound to this chair there were so many things that I could not reach and I would be very limited in what I could and could not get. For instance i had to pick out a card for a friend and I decided that I wanted to stay seated and pick from just the selection that was in front of me. It was tough not to see my other options and even if I could get a glimpse I certainly was not able to reach it. Nobody was around to help either. Obviously I could get up if I wanted to but I just thought it would be interesting to see what it was like in someone else's shoes that had no other choice. This experience made me realize that I take a lot of every day things like walking for granted.. It made me realize that people actually treat you differently and very often act like you are bothering them if they need to move to make more room for you. This was just my experience but it did two things for me. First it made me grateful for the things I take for granted and second it made me more aware of the perspective somebody in a wheel chair may have and to remember how I would want to be treated if I was in their shoes. I'm glad I got to experience this and I hope it's something that I won't forget.

MY MAN ROCKS!!!

My husband rocks... he just does.... I'm not talking about just the guitar and music thing... no, no, he actually really rocks. I mean really can a guy that makes a face like that not rock? I think not. You ROCK!!!

Happy Birthday Monkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been so blessed by Victor and love having him as my husband. I have the priveledge of knowing him well and seeing his loving heart. Victor has a genuine love for God, his family, and others as well. I love that Victor is so fun to be with and yet has a sincere and deeper part of him that is so amazing. I love you with all my heart my monkey and we are blessed by you. Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Matthew Boo!!

2 years ago we were blessed with our little Matthew. He has been such a joy to our family. We have enjoyed watching his personality develop over the past couple years. He already has a sense of humor that constantly keeps us laughing and he has a genuine love for music. The thing that touches me often about Matthew is the care and concern he has for others. He's always ready to give his sister a hug when she's sad and already looks out for her. We are so proud of our little Matthew Boo and pray that God would continue developing him into the man He desires him to be.

Happy Birthday Matthew Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!