Month: August 2009

Abundant Life

Teaching: The Day Christ Comes Back To Get Us

Karen

Every Sunday I provide videos and valuable links to the Truth or Tradition teachings. We’ve been following the Truth or Tradition teachings for many years now and they have truly blessed our family. We have found peace and happiness through our beliefs and we walk confidently for God. My hope, by passing on this information to you, is that what you find here, or on the Truth or Tradition website, will guide you to a better, more blessed and abundant life.

If you would like to read my views on religion and how we got started with the ministry, you can read this.

Let’s get started:

From this article:

I made Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior when I was a sophomore in high school. My uncle, who shared the Word with me, gave me my first Bible, the New Believer’s Bible New Testament (New Living Translation). I loved that Bible! It was so easy to read (partly because it was basically one step up from a paraphrased Bible) and it had helpful commentary.

As a new Christian, I was very excited because I was reading the Bible and understanding it well, and my enthusiasm was through the roof. I remember one occasion where I was invited to a college football game by another uncle and when he picked me up he noticed I had my new Bible. On any other day I would have thoroughly enjoyed watching the game, but instead (much to my uncle’s annoyance) I read my Bible on and off during the entire game. I just couldn’t get enough.

All was well with my new Bible until the day I read the commentary on this section of Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:6-10
(6) Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
(7) We live by faith, not by sight.
(8) We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
(9) So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
(10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The commentary was titled “When Does a Christian Enter Heaven?” It reads:

“Some people teach that when we die we go into a state of suspended animation. Then later we are called into the presence of God. But this passage clearly explains that when a believer dies, he or she will go directly to heaven to ‘be at home with the Lord’…

The moment you take your last breath on earth, you will take your first breath in heaven. So don’t be afraid of death. Instead, enjoy your life in Christ on earth, and spend the rest of your time here introducing others to the one with whom you will spend eternity.” [1]

I loved reading about heaven and the hope of one day living forever with God Himself, and I was very pleased to learn that upon my death, there wouldn’t be a long waiting period; I would immediately be with God in heaven. Praise God!

But then I started thinking. If Christians are “aliens” in this world (1 Pet. 2:11), if the world is under the control of the Devil (1 John 5:19), if Christians are going to be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12), and if we are awaiting God to “call us home” to be with Him at the moment we die, why not run home? [2]

Suicide started to sound like a quick ticket home, as it seemed the sooner I got to be with God, the better. I never considered actually taking my own life, because I knew in my heart of hearts that death was not good. I had been to a few funerals, seen the tears, felt the pain, and knew there was nothing “good” about death. To my horror, I have since learned that more than a few sincere Christians have killed themselves because they thought they would go to heaven to be with God, Jesus, and their departed loved ones. Some have even killed others so they too could go. What that must do to God’s heart is hard to imagine. Amidst my theological enigma, I went to the Bible and studied the topic of death and its aftermath. First, I found it says that death is an “enemy” (1 Cor. 15:26). How could it be an enemy if it took me “home” to be with God? Then I saw that John 3:13 says that “No man has ascended into heaven… (ESV) [3].” And Acts 2:34 tells us that is even true of David, who was a man after God’s own heart.

Among other Scriptures clearly stating that after death one is not conscious, I came across this rather shocking (at the time) verse:

Psalm 30:9
“What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

I saw that, as per Genesis 3:19, man’s body is basically “dust,” and after death each man returns to dust. It is not at death that one goes to be with the Lord, but when the Lord comes back for us. The following verses tell us exactly that:

John 14:2 and 3
(2) In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
(3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

When do we go to be with the Lord? When he comes back. Notice that he did not say “when you die, we will meet in Heaven.” No, the Lord Jesus Christ has promised to come back and take us to be with him where he is (see 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Scripture figuratively refers to death as “sleep.” Where there is no consciousness, there is no awareness of the passing of time. Thus, for each Christian who dies, that glorious day of Christ’s appearing will be his next waking moment. Hallelujah!

You can find the original article here.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about God’s wonderful message, please visit the Truth or Tradition website. You can also keep track of the ministry through their Facebook page, their YouTube Channel, or follow them on Twitter.

You can read more about this subject here:

Is There Death After Life?

Free Online Seminar: Death & Resurrection to Life

Thanks for reading.

(Comments have been turned off. The information is here, it’s up to you to accept, or deny, it).

More from Write From Karen

Life

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out on Socialized Medicine

Karen

“One of the these days, you and I, are going to spend our sunset years telling our children, and our children’s children, what it was once like in America when men were free.” Ronald Reagan – 1961

Below is a ten-minute audio clip that Ronald Reagan made back in 1961 — back in the days when he was still an actor and not our president. It’s shocking. It’s accurate. It’s sobering. And it’s even scary. It’s scary because if we’re not careful, if we become careless and lazy and allow our government to worm it’s way into our lives, our way of life, our American freedoms will cease to exist.

Our government has been trying to push socialized medicine on us for DECADES. And they will continue to try and push a socialized agenda on us for DECADES to come because they want to ultimately control us. We must not allow that to happen.

This may seem overly dramatic to you. And you may think I’m promoting fear. But our situation is serious, and it’s dangerous. This is our country we’re talking about. We are not a third-world country. WE ARE AMERICA. We are fierce and we are proud and we do not need NOR want a bunch of self-serving, lying, immoral, crooked politicians taking over our lives. We have earned our freedoms and I’ll be DAMNED if I sit passively by and watch some control-hungry administration take it away from us.

We are one step away from socialism. For if we REDEFINE our health care system, turn it over to the government, then we will have opened the door to future programs that will take over other aspects of our lives. Our freedoms to choose to become who we want to become, to learn what we wish to learn, to BE unique individuals, will be taken away from us. And once we’ve crossed that threshold, there will be NO going back.

I implore you to listen to President Reagan’s speech below. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, Republican, an Independent or anything in between. If you’re an American citizen, you NEED to hear this. You OWE your children a good and wise decision for their future.

Do we really want to create this sort of nightmare for OUR CHILDREN to grow up in? Really? I adore my sons. I would die for my sons. I am scared for my sons.

Let’s make our voices heard. We do NOT WANT SOCIALIZED MEDICINE. We want reform. We want better programs to help those that need it. We want to keep our private insurance and promote healthy competition. We want better policies. We want to help people, not make them dependent on a flawed and self-serving entity known as our government.

Write your representative (please be patient, I believe the site is getting a lot of traffic because it’s been coming up pretty slow for me – a good sign!)

Learn how to write a letter to congress and make your letter succinct, firm, yet courteous. Don’t let your passion get in the way of making your point.

I’m composing mine now. Are you?

WE DO NOT WANT SOCIALIZED MEDICINE.

Friday Fun

Friday Craft: Back-to-School Tips, Lunches, and Crafts

Karen

BACK-TO-SCHOOL!! It’s time to PAR-TAY!

At least, the parents feel like celebrating — the kids? Not so much. But never fear, Family Fun is here to help get your kids excited about hitting the books once more.

back-to-school-party

The start of a new school year can be stressful for the whole family. Lots of kids are anxious; their fears may center on making friends, coping with a new teacher, or just figuring out how to find the restroom. We grown-ups may dread the morning mayhem, the after-school scramble, the carpooling and the carping about homework. But here are some things you can do to help make your child’s transition back-to-school go smoothly:

Bus-Stop Bagel Bash

If getting up early to catch the bus is part of going back to school at your home, you’ll appreciate the Bus-Stop Bagel Bash. It’s a fun, low-stress way to ease into your new schedule, since it takes place on the day before school starts.

Lucky Charm Family

A child who is feeling tentative about starting school would love to tuck Mom, Dad and maybe even his cat, Fluffy, into his pocket for ready reassurance with a tailor-made, pocket-size photo.

Back-to-School Time Capsule

Need a simple project for those itchy, edgy, last few days of summer vacation? Have your child assemble this Back-to-School Time Capsule. By adding to it each year, she can create a book of memories and milestones. Imagine a fifth grader looking back on what she liked and disliked in the summer before second grade; it would give her a great feeling of personal growth–and no doubt a good laugh!

Clutter-Buster Bookshelf

A bookshelf offers a solution to a problem I dread each year: that pile of backpacks, papers, shoes, coats and sporting equipment that floods the foyer every afternoon when the kids get home. Sure, it takes a little extra effort to put the shelf together, but just think of the time–and stress–it will save you.

Pizza Box Portfolio

A refrigerator can display only so much artwork, so here’s another way to preserve those prized possessions. Store them in a pizza box portfolio.

Book Covering Party

Turn book covering into a party! When textbooks have been handed out but the homework hasn’t yet piled up, it’s prime time for a little book beautification. Set out a bunch of covering materials (see ideas below), some scissors, a pencil, a ruler, maybe some munchies and drinks, and let the kids hit the books.

Math-O

This game provides a painless way to brush up on math skills at the end of the summer–or during the school year. Played by the same rules as bingo, it’s so much fun that you may find that the neighborhood kids want to come over and play along!

Rushed Mornings? Here are some tips to get your mornings off right

Kids bored after school? Try these fun activities.

Packing lunch? Here are some fun, creative and healthy ideas.

5 Ways to Pack a Healthier Lunch Chew on your pencil Sticks and Stones
Bologna Boat Face Sandwich Lunch Ahoy!
PB & J Blossom Sandwiches Sailboat Sandwiches Sandwich on a Stick

And lastly … here are some fun crafts to help get the kids excited about going back-to-school.

Forget-Me-Knob

forget-me-knob

Hang this organizer on your front door and never lose your keys, sunglasses, or other essentials again. Sticky notes help remind family members of more ephemeral matters.

Checklist Place Mat

checklist-placemat

Table your constant stream of morning reminders with this clever place mat, which allows kids to take responsibility for their own must-dos.

Terrific Tote

tote

A plain bag pops with pizzazz when you add decorative details cut from felted wool — made by shrinking old sweaters until the wool is thick and ravel-proof.

Tee Is for Tote

tote2

When your child outgrows her favorite shirt, turn it into a handy bag.

Shoes with Soul

shoes-soul

Footwear takes a giant leap toward creativity with this clever quartet.

Nifty Necklaces

nifty-necklaces

Small pieces of felted wool can have a big impact when they’re turned into beautiful jewelry. Repurpose an old wool sweater or two into stunning accessories by felting the fabric — shrinking the wool until it’s thick and ravel-proof.

(This was not a paid post. I just really dig Family Fun and thought I would pass on these fun tidbits. Enjoy!)

More from Write From Karen

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen: What If #4

Karen

Thirteen Interesting “What If” Situations – How Would YOU Respond?

tt-camera

Please feel free to give your opinion on these situations even if you’re not playing Thursday Thirteen. There are no right or wrong answers here – it’s a question of scruples and what would you do?

polaroid1 You’re 50 years old, recently widowed and interested in dating. A long hard look in the mirror tells you that you look your age — the chin sags, the eyes droop and the brow wrinkles! A friend has recently had a face lift and looks great. Would you do it too?

My answer: First of all, define “recently widowed.” If Kevin passed away before I did, I am quite confident that it would take me a really, really, REALLY long time to EVER get to the place where I MIGHT want to date. I know, for a fact, I would never, nor will ever, remarry. Kevin is THE man for me. I can’t ever imagine wanting, or needing, another man in my life if he were to die.

However, with that said, and to be a good sport about this question, let’s assume that it’s been 30 years since Kevin passed away and I entertained the thought of going out with a guy. I would absolutely NOT have plastic surgery. Ever.

One reason is because I am who I am – flaws, wrinkles and all. I would never entertain the thought of surgically improving myself. I might gussy up and TRY and look nice and/or younger, but I would never go under the knife.

And secondly, I would never EVER have surgery for a man. If that man didn’t like me for me, then see ya.

polaroid2 Would you lie to your psychiatrist?

My answer: If I ever got to the point where I felt the need to go see a psychiatrist (and that’s a pretty big IF, as in colossal IF), then that means I’ve gotten to a pretty bad place in my life and mind. WHY would I go to the trouble of jumping through those mind-game hurdles only to lie when I reached the finish line? That seems counter-productive and not at all helpful. So no, I would not lie to my psychiatrist.

polaroid3 You are a photographer. A man hires you for his son’s wedding. He doesn’t ask your fee. You later discover that your client is very wealthy. Do you charge him more than your standard rate?

My answer: I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d be tempted. But no, I wouldn’t charge him more simply because he can afford it. That would be taking advantage of the man and my conscience simply wouldn’t allow me to do that. (Did I mention I’d be tempted?)

I’d sure be urging him to tell all of his rich friends about me, though. 😀

polaroid4 You discover that you were invited to your cousin’s wedding only because other guests canceled out. Do you still go?

My answer: Depends. I’m assuming this cousin and I aren’t close, otherwise, I’d be on the main invite list to begin with. I don’t know, maybe. I’m thinking I wouldn’t go, but I guess it would depend on what sort of family pressure I was getting for NOT going. Ugh. There’s that family drama again.

polaroid5 Your spouse attends a conference in Las Vegas. Later, you learn that your spouse’s attractive office colleague of the opposite sex also attended the convention. Do you grill your spouse about it?

My answer: Well duh. I’d not only grill him, I’d demand to see his conference notes just to prove that he was indeed IN the conference and not off gallivanting around the strip gambling our life savings away.

Actually, it would be more subtle than that. Wait …. scratch that. This scenario actually happened. It was back when Kevin was working in private accounting and wowsiers, he worked with some hot babes. And they went on conferences and it bothered me. Greatly. But I just had to learn to trust him and get over my insecurities in order to handle the times when it happened.

I still grilled him though. 🙂

polaroid6 You are getting married and you receive a present in the mail from your favorite uncle. He lives abroad and always sends one-of-a-kind gifts. When you open the present, it’s broken. Do you tell your uncle?

My answer: Ack! Tough one. On the one hand, it’s a one-of-a-kind gift so I would most likely treasure it. I’d be so sad that it arrived broken. But on the other hand, it came from abroad, which means it probably cost a butt-load of money to ship. And what if my uncle had to travel a long distance in order to buy this gift? I’d hate for him to feel like he had to make that trip again just because the one he sent me got broken. I’d feel too guilty. I’m going to say no, I probably wouldn’t tell him it arrived broken. (Unless he asked. But then again, maybe not?)

polaroid7 While working for your company, you discover a testing technique that could make you rich if you were self-employed. Would you leave the company with your “big idea” and risk possible legal action about rightful ownership of the technique?

My answer: I’d be tempted (that seems to be my answer of choice this go-around). But no, I wouldn’t do it for the very reason stated above: I don’t want to get sued and lose everything in a messy legal battle. However, I MIGHT take that idea to my boss and see what he/she says. Who knows? It could mean a big promotion for me and ultimately more money in the long run. You never know.

polaroid8 You’re on a first date with someone special at a very elegant restaurant with very intimidating waiters. Your filet mignon arrives overdone. Do you send it back to the kitchen?

My answer: The short answer, no. The long answer, no. I hate to cause waves. And I’ve worked in the food industry — you don’t want to piss your server off. You just don’t. You hear about food people spitting and doing other disgusting things to customers’ meals? Well guess what, it happens. Seriously. Be nice to your servers.

I wouldn’t want to cause waves anyway, let alone on a first date. Even if it was under done, I wouldn’t send it back. I realize this is kind of a wimpy answer, but I don’t know, I just hate causing scenes, I guess.

polaroid9 As a special treat, you want to take your 12-year old to an award-winning movie. It has some nudity in it, but the reviewers say, it’s “fun for all ages.” Do you take your child to the movie?

My answer: First of all, I don’t listen to reviewers. I never agree with them. Ever. So, that’s out. I’m assuming, since a 12-year old can get into it, that the nudity might be a butt or even a boob or two (though even that is hard for me to imagine — they would seriously allow the ratings on something “risque” to include 12-year olds? I would think the backlash would be severe), or in other words, mild.

Yes. I’d probably take my kid. Why? Because the body is beautiful and I think it’s important to treat situations like this like it’s no big deal. And we’d talk about it later, thereby opening a dialogue on a situation that might not have presented itself otherwise. I firmly believe the bigger deal parents make out of stuff, the more the kid wants to know what the fuss is all about.

polaroid10 You are at a black-tie affair. The socialite hostess compliments you on your gown and asks you where you bought it. You bought it second-hand at the local thrift shop. Would you tell her the truth?

My answer: Depends. If the socialite is someone I like, respect and feel comfortable with, yes. If the socialite is someone who intimidates me or who would hold the fact that I shop second-hand against me and/or that knowledge would diminish my overall value to her and I think she can perhaps help me out at some future point, then no, I wouldn’t tell her I bought it second-hand. But I wouldn’t make up a place that I bought it, either. I would simply pretend I couldn’t remember where I bought it and then quickly changed the subject.

Not exactly the most noble answer, but I’m trying to keep it real.

polaroid11 Your accountant can cover a $20,000 windfall you made by falsifying some business expenses on your tax return. Do you agree to the “creative accounting?”

My answer: Isn’t that what got us into this stupid stimulus mess to begin with: creative accounting?? I’d be tempted, because who wants to own up to a $20,000 mistake, but no, I would tell my accountant to leave the creative part out of his accounting practice, please.

polaroid12 Your current lover asks you how many sex partners you’ve had in the past. Do you tell the truth?

My answer: Depends. If I’m going to be honest with him, then I need to be prepared to hear his honest answer as well. Why lie? Be honest, and if your lover can’t handle it, you’re better off in the long run.

(And yes, Kevin and I have had this conversation. It was awkward, but also a little amusing, if you want the God’s honest truth). 🙂

polaroid13 Your next door neighbor is collecting for a charity in which you have no particular interest. Do you contribute?

My answer: Depends. (I say that a lot, don’t I). If I had the money, and I was okay with the charity, then probably. However, if I didn’t agree with the philosophy behind the charity, or I thought the charity was a scam, then no, probably not.

____________________

Your turn. Pick one (or more) of the above scenarios and tell me what you would do. I’m curious. 😀

More from Write From Karen

Life, Relationships

I Don’t Do Family Drama

Karen

And that title suggests so much more than I can allow myself to write about. *sigh* I wish I had the freedom to simply dump what I’m feeling on this blog, but alas, it all boils back down to that stupid self-censor thing so I’ll see if I can’t write what’s going on with me without revealing too many details.

How good are you at reading between the lines?

I’m very blessed to have two great families – my own and my by-marriage families. They are all truly amazing and loving people and we generally don’t have any big blow outs or major Jerry Springer-ish type of issues crop up.

But we’re not perfect. We have moments. And it’s in those moments that I’m allowed to step back and take a good, hard look at myself, as well as my family members.

And the conclusion I usually walk away with? I’m sort of a b*tch. And my family no doubt thinks I’m sort of a b*tch.

I know. Big shocker to most of you, I’m sure.

But guess what. I’m okay with that because in the end, I’m honest. And there should be no doubt as to where I stand on certain issues so even though someone may not agree with me, or gets upset with me and gives me the silent treatment, fine, at least we all know where we stand.

Look. I don’t agree with some of the decisions my family makes, or how they run their lives, but you know what? Big deal. They have the right to live their lives however they choose to and it’s none of my business. And just because I don’t agree with what they’re doing doesn’t give me the right to voice my opinion about it. I don’t have to like their decisions, I don’t even have to like them — but we’re family. It is what it is.

So, I deal. And I keep my big mouth shut, for the most part. But there are moments when I’m inevitably sucked in and I resent the hell out of it. It wasn’t my situation to begin with. I didn’t want anything to do with it and now look at me, I’m knee deep in someone else’s junk and I’ve made the situation worse because I can’t keep my big mouth shut.

Swell. Just peachy.

I’m a fair person, but when it comes to family drama — I’m out. And if I have the misfortune of being sucked into something, I will only tiptoe around the real issue, the issue that no one else will talk about, for so long before I’ve had it.

The kid gloves come off and I will say my piece. Take it or leave it. And the sad part? (Because it’s certainly not the funny part, especially in this case), is that I get to the point where I just don’t care.

I don’t. I honestly, do, not, care.

Be angry with me. Don’t talk to me. Avoid me. Hate my guts. It doesn’t matter. I’ve had it. I’m tired of thinking about it. I’m tired of analyzing every little component of the situation. I’m tired of analyzing every single thing I said, or should have said. I’m tired of walking on eggshells. And I’m unwilling to play nicety-nice and let’s get along at all costs because if someone can’t take the truth, then bite me.

It’s time to face reality.

What can I say. I’m hard nosed and I’m hard hearted. That can make some people sad, that can make some people angry, but you know what? Tough. I can try and sugar coat those aspects of myself but since I’m being honest (in a vague sort of way) I’ll just come right out and say, I am who I am. Take it or leave it.

I don’t DO family drama. I. Just. Don’t.

I don’t want it. I will not participate in it.

I try very hard not to take my anger out against something or someone on the Internet. I try to keep my cool and IF I write anything about the issue, I try to remain impartial and fair. And that’s a BIG challenge for me because I’m opinionated and arrogant. These are not traits I’m exactly proud of, but again, it is what it is.

But I’m human. And I slip up. And I write stupid tweets that I shouldn’t and then I totally regret opening my big mouth later. Because I wrote it in the heat of the moment. I was upset. I was aggravated. I was annoyed as hell. So, I wrote it. And I left it on there until a family member pointed out to me that that wasn’t exactly the nicest thing to do and after thinking about it, agreed. So, I removed them.

But they were out there. And if that someone happened to read those tweets (you know who you are), please accept my apologizes. I wrote them in the heat of the moment. It was stupid and immature and I deeply regret my stupidity.

I regret making something so private so public.

And I’m renewing my pact on not getting involved in family drama. Ya’ll know my opinions. There’s really nothing else to say.

I’m sorry this is so vague. I’m sorry if this seems confusing. But I needed to get this off my chest. I can apologize for my rash actions but I can not apologize for who I am.

More from Write From Karen