And there is not a God........

Lance Armstrong is a self proclaimed atheist. I am wondering if he wishes there was a God now.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/othersports/lance-armstrong-faces-fresh-doping-charges-from-usada/2012/06/13/gJQAefnPaV_story.html

Lance Armstrong faces fresh doping charges from USADA

View Photo Gallery — Lance Armstrong faces fresh doping charges: The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against Lance Armstrong in an action that could cost him his seven Tour de France titles, according to a letter sent to Armstrong on Tuesday.

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By Amy Shipley, Published: June 13

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against former cyclist Lance Armstrong in an action that could cost him his seven Tour de France titles, according to a letter sent to Armstrong and several others.

As a result of the charges, Armstrong has been immediately barred from competition in Ironman triathlons, a discipline he took up after his retirement from cycling in 2011.

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The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, threatening to strip his victories in those storied cycling races.

USADA charging letter to Lance Armstrong and others

On June 12, 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency notified Lance Armstrong and five others of alleged anti-doping rules violations.

In the 15-page charging letter obtained by The Washington Post, USADA outlined new allegations against Armstrong, saying it collected blood samples from him in 2009 and 2010 that were “fully consistent with blood ma nipu la tion including EPO use and/or blood transfusions.”

The charges represent the latest chapter in a long-running saga over whether Armstrong used banned substances during a cycling career that, along with his successful battle against testicular cancer, made him a national hero. Though for years Armstrong has successfully fended off challenges to his legacy, the action by USADA this week represents perhaps the most serious threat because of the anti-doping agency’s unique position of authority in the athletic drug-testing world.

The 12-year-old agency, which is funded jointly by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the federal government, almost never loses cases, though few athletes have the financial means or iconic status of Armstrong.

Armstrong has never tested positive for drugs, and on Wednesday he vehemently denied the USADA charges.

“I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one,” Armstrong said in a statement released by his publicist. “That USADA ignores this fundamental distinction and charges me instead of the admitted dopers says far more about USADA, its lack of fairness and this vendetta than it does about my guilt or innocence. Any fair consideration of these allegations has and will continue to vindicate me.”

Readings

This summer I had the girls write down the goals for the summer. Sami my 12 year old put down to read 1 spiritual book a week. This week she is reading "Dressing for the Lord" by David Cloud. Today, a bus kid came by our house wanting to play and visit with Samantha.
I allow this because I  believe we should be a light of the world, however, it is always in a control setting. Michelle asked Sami "Why she always wore dresses" Wow! what conversation for pre teens. Sami beamed up explained what she knew and had been taught about dressing for the Lord, and modesty. This book is a great tool for modest Christian women trying to explain why we dress a certain way.

This has so encouraged her to finish reading this book.

Growing up

Wow it just seemed like yesterday they were babies. But they are not. Rachel will be a senior this year. I am so proud of her, she has really learned responsibility in the last few years. She works on a bus route, she helps in 3-4 year old junior church. She will be working in 3,4,5 year olds in camp this summer if she doesn't get a real job. she various other tidbits in the ministry she will be doing, It's great! As I explain to Rachel that volunteering and having a servants heart can and will lead to many blessing. God can use a tender heart, He won't use a selfish one.
Rachel was upset with her ISAT test, the one the school does to see their rankings with like schools and national average. She was upset because she pretty much scored average in every subject and area, all but one. Organization that was above average. To me as a parent that is priority. I know often brainiacts  struggle because they can't organize their time,life, simple tasks. This is an area she has agrip on for many years and you can tell it is vastly improving.
 I have no idea what god want for her life, she doesn't either. Her goals is to marry a good Christian man and to prepare herself to help him in His service for Christ, rather it be in a lay position or ministry.

Samantha well she has joined the dreadful Fairhaven youth group. I say that in tongue in cheek. She is following in her sisters footsteps. We talk with Sami and encourage her to have an open heart, to listen to guidance and instruction. To do right!! Not to hang around weak members, but to encourage them. I am looking forward to this because I know what is preached and taught to the kids, I know the godly nuturing, the hours of prayer and sweat poured into their growth. I am sad this will Be Pastor Damron's last year with the teens. He has a good understanding of them and what makes them tick and how to guide them. The biggest is parents must lesson and follow the direction if they want to see a good outcome.
Sometimes we don't understand. I know I was like that with Rachel at first. It wasn't blind faith I trusted in. Just faith alone. If you don't trust your leaders, you're not going to succeed.

I am blessed

On the eve of my 18th anniversary, I am so thankful for a loving, Christian husband. How wonderful it is to know your spouse, will join in heaven. It is also an ease to have a mate that connects with you spiritually on Earth.
Our marriage my not be the greatest. It is strong. We thank our Father, our Bible, our Church (Fairhaven Independent Baptist Church), our Pastor (Dr. Roger Voegtlin and staff).
Marriage isnt about compromise. It's about doing what is right. It's about giving yourself, without no thought of self. It's work plain and simple. Your gonna get what you put into it. It's about putting God first and His Word above any other priority.
I am so thankful God showed this to me anf through me before it became to late in ourlives.
I am blessed I have Brad to lead the way, after 18 years.
Marriage is a life sentence, it can be a happy life or miserable one, its what you make it to be.


Yours truly, Cathy

John Newton

John, Newton, I have been fascinated by his testimony since I watched the movie "Amazing Grace" over Christmas. It's a good movie, I recommend all to see it. It is about William Wilberforce fight to end slave trade in England.

In the movie John Newton quoted “Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior".

I have been dwelling on this quote for a couple of weeks. I still can't get over what a wicked sinner I am, but yet, what an Great Savior we have. Have you thought of that lately, what a great Savior we have.

I am reading "Out of the Depths" a biography of John Newton.
This quote has also struck a chord in my heart
"I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am”  

 I know I have so many shortcomings and failures. Dwelling on them is a huge stumblingblock in my life. But in reality by the grace of God, I have overcome so much. I have climbed huge mountains to get to the valley I dwell. Instead of living in the defeats, I should be rejoicing in the victories.
Psalm 37:

23	The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24	Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

 Let me leave you with the best quote of all from this former slave trader. No matter what wicked deeds you have done, God can save you just like He did John Newton.

Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Pastor D

In Febuary my church is voting on a new pastor. Our current one is getting older and wanting to step down, not retire from God's work, but knows the older he gets the more he will slow down. Thus he is handing over the throne to someone else. But who....

Well the deacons of our church have suggested the youth pastor, Pastor Damron. There is a problem.

You see I have known Pastor Damron since 1989. Infact, I used to work with him. And what a Goob was he. But you know what?  God can use Goob's too.
There were really only a few guys from my college days that I would really consider real.When I found out he was youth pastor, I was relieved, I knew I could trust him, I knew he was real. That is important to someone like me, that went to a church where Christ wasn't real.
 Now don't get me wrong, we fought teased and harassed I am sure of. Mainly because I did that with most guys I went to Bible College with. Primarily it was over the whole Jack Hyles thing, basically in a nut shell I was ordered to be loyal, and ignore, disbelieve anything I heard about him. It turned out ugly for me, lesson learned.
I do recall one thing, he was a decent guy and a hard worker. Now 22 years later, do I want him a pastor. No!!! Now that sounds harsh I am aware. But hear me out.

The above picture is Pastor D and my daughter Rachel on a youth trip last summer. I know the date states 2004, the date on the camera would stick and it wouldn't let us change it. I truly believe Pastor and Mrs. D have done more my daughter in the last 5 years that she has been in the youth group then anyone, including me. Their love and compassion, prayers, and even teasing, (which Rachel loves) has helped her to grow to be the young lady she is.

 I never would have thought having a 16 year old daughter would be so easy. I don't worry about her getting in trouble. Drinking, drugs and dating is no concern. She is responsible, and sweet. She is a hard worker, she has a small little lawn business. She manages her money, tithes, and supplies most of her own needs, especially throughout the summer.

The reason I don't want Pastor D to become head pastor is because of this little girl. What will I do without him and his wife leading and guiding my Sami? You see Samantha will be joining the youth group next year. And she is stubborned. She needs a strong youth pastor. One who will lead and guide he in a direction just like Rachel.

 We don't have a strong christian family, we don't. My girls need at least one strong godly leader in their life. One that will help them grow. Grow to become what they ought to be.
Please don't think I am copping out here. We try to guide our daughters the best we can, but the truth is, we are weak,  I and my husband. But we are committed to grow and to learn to grow more. We want the best for our girls, so we will not sit in denial of our shortcomings.
Do I think Pastor D will be a good head pastor? No, great, yes. However, I am selfish. I want him to be Sami's youth pastor. Don't get me wrong, I am sure who ever the choose to be the next youth pastor will be fine, maybe even better. The teens are the heart and soul of our church. Whoever it is, will still not be Pastor D. That is what  is sad.
I won't be voting the night the vote for Pastor D to be head pastor. I am scheduled to work. I am glad I don't vote because honestly it would be hard to vote yes, even though he should get it.

Worship

I Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.


What does worship mean to you? Dictionary.com defines it as

wor·ship

   /ˈwɜrʃɪp/ Show Spelled [wur-ship] Show IPA noun, verb, -shiped, -ship·ing or ( especially British ) -shipped, -ship·ping.

noun

1.

reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.

2.

formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: They attended worship this morning.

3.

adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.

4.

the object of adoring reverence or regard.

5.

( initial capital letter ) British . a title of honor used in addressing or mentioning certain magistrates and others of high rank or station (usually preceded by Your, His, or Her ).

verb (used with object)

6.

to render religious reverence and homage to.

7.

to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing).

 

I just have been thinking alot of this, not sure why, maybe do to being a week before Christmas. The celebration of the Messiah's birth, the homage paid by the 3 wise men, the angels, and others. The star from the sky, shining extra bright, ie even creation reverence the King.

 

But my thought is mainly on worshipping in church. Maybe I am going through a null phase, I am not sure. Maybe it is just my heart isn't prepared. I can't sing, seriously, I sound like a wounded cow. But when I sing the words it just isn't all there, whom am I  singing to? Others I doubt, myself, maybe, or am I just singing for because everyone is. No real since of worshipping, giving God reverence do. Am I listening to the preaching out of ritual, expectation, or honor?

 

How does singing to God and listening to preaching exude worship? I don't know, maybe I am confused, or just in a rut. It's not like I want to be ignorant in this act, I just doubt the sincerity of the practice, of others yes, but mine even more. It should be about going to church and growing always, but shouldn't it be about giving honor,reverence, admiration to whom it is due? God our heavenly Father, Christ the King of glory.

 

Just thinking........