Disqus - Latest Comments for Shalene

Re: Once Upon A Time I Was a Guinea Pig

Shalene — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:15:51 -0000

Very interesting! A guinea pig, huh? So did you happen to be able to read your bible while you were standing around? Blessings to you, and thanks for sharing!

Re: coming back new

Shalene — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:14:19 -0000

Hey Dan, great post! You put it so succinctly. We don't want to do it, because then we've made it all so final. We've really died to self. Blessings to you!

Re: I am thankful to be a Christian because…

Shalene — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:11:28 -0000

Hi Dan, thanks for your post, and you contribution to our writing project. Praying God's blessing over you and yours this holiday and everyday!! Your friend and sister in Christ, Shalene

Re: What I Don’t Do Enough

Shalene — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:38:48 -0000

Hi Sicarii,
I shall be praying for you as well. I hope you find that prayers to the Lord continuously is not something that is overly difficult to do, once you just start doing it. Think in terms of talking to yourself, only instead of talking to yourself, talk to God. Tell Him your worries. Tell Him your thanks. Tell Him your anxieties. Ask Him to show you the proper Christian response to a wrong (you know those conversations we tend to have with ourselves about what we could or should have said to someone- have them with God instead.) Blessings to you my brother.

Re: What I Don’t Do Enough

Shalene — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:31:58 -0000

Hi Sicarii,
You inspired yet another post. I'll have to start calling you my muse. :) Check it out here: http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/08/simply... Blessings to you, my brother.

Re: Coming Out of a Pentecostal Church

Shalene — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:01:55 -0000

Hi Sicarii,
I see you enjoy ReverendFun.com as well. I really like their cartoons. Of course you probably know that since you visit on occasion. :) Anyway, great post. And I agree completely, that Hannah's post about speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit is a great one. I remember as a child, the church I went to was non-denominational, but because of that, we often had people from many denominations visit our church while they were looking for a home church. I remember distincly as a child, that there was one particular woman that "spoke in tongues" but it did seem like complete gibberish. I remember wishing though, that I could do it, because I was certain that it was something only really spiritual people could do. Isn't that sad? Now I know that I have had other gifts bestowed upon me, and am perfectly ok with not having the gift of tongues, if that is God's will. (Though I will say that when I truly attempt a new language- through learning- I do tend to learn it rather quickly. The only problem is, I don't have enough opportunities to use it, and therefore forget most of what I've learned.) :) Oh well, so be it. I'll just continue to cultivate my other gifts. Blessings to you my brother in Christ.
In Him,
Shalene

Re: Coming Out of a Pentecostal Church

Shalene — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:03:44 -0000

Oh, well your welcome for the "tip" to ReverendFun. I didn't realize you got it from me. :) And I agree wholeheartedly that I am happy with the gifts that I know the Lord has bestowed upon me. I know longer wish to "speak in tongues" as the Pentecostal church teaches. I wish to cultivate the gifts I've been given- singing, acting, writing, motherhood, and being a good wife, so that I can continue to glorify the Lord through them. (Not in that order.) I by no means think that I have become perfect in any of them, please don't misunderstand, but I do recognize them as gifts. Blessings to you.

Re: Coming Out of a Pentecostal Church

Shalene — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:12:38 -0000

That's funny! As you know we team up on one of our blogs: Freedom in the Spirit, aside from our own personal blogs we each write, and we are good friends as well. How funny that you should get interesting tidbits from one or both of us. How did you find us, by the way? I'm just curious, because I can't recall how I found you. I think it was a comment you left. :)

Re: Coming Out of a Pentecostal Church

Shalene — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:47:01 -0000

Yes, I saw that, thank you. :) And for the record, so that you know which is which, I author A Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe, she authors In Spirit and In Truth and WE author Freedom in the Spirit. Now you'll know what's what. :) Though you could just read all of them, and then it wouldn't matter. We do try not to duplicate on Freedom, what we've written on our own blogs. When we do, it's usually quite a while after it was originally written.

Re: Why Do People Choose to Be Called Sons and Daughters of Primates?

Shalene — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:18:52 -0000

What amazes me is that science is supposed to rely on empirical evidence in order to call a hypothesis proven, and yet we are teaching our children (in the public schools) that this "theory" has been proven. That the one missing link isn't important. Now, how scientific is that, I ask??? I've always had issues with this, even when I wasn't a believer. (How ironic is that?) I even asked a biology teacher in college about that- he wasn't overly fond of my doing so- probably because I asked it in the middle of lecture, but he asked if anyone had questions...! :) Blessings brother. Shalom.

Re: The US$5 I Am Unwilling to Earn

Shalene — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:29:55 -0000

Hi Sicarii, I recently did a post for blogsvertize that was for baptismal invitations, but thank the Lord, it was not specifically for baptism of infants. (And in fact, I did not see anything on the advertiser's website about that.) I did not write about the other options, which was confirmation invitations, as I am not Catholic, and so do not believe as they do in this practice. I did write about the baptism invitations, because to me, inviting family and friends to your own, or a family members baptism (once they are of the age of common knowledge) is acceptable and desirable. By the way, I do agree with you. Infants can not be baptized in the biblical sense. (I also belong to a Baptist denomination.) :)

Re: Life As a Chinese Jew

Shalene — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 19:01:45 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I wonder if you noticed that i shared the pronunciation of my name when you wrote your post about our real names? That is because I too, have people that mispronounce my name. Even when they see it written for them, they somehow add an "R" and I become Sharlene. I really don't like that name. :) I also took a management training class once, where we were learning how to remember people's names. We were told to give ourselves a mental picture of something that reminded us of the person's name, and then associate it with them. So this is what I tell people: Picture the leaning tower of Pisa. Now rename it Shea stadium. Then you have Shea- Lean I like changing the spealling of Shea to Shay because that works better in print. :) (This example works well here, but I'm not sure it would work so well in another country.) :)

Re: Life As a Chinese Jew

Shalene — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 19:05:29 -0000

I like this theme too, Isaiah. It was a little bit of a shock when I first saw it. I was expecting the old one, but no matter. It is nice. Blessings and Shalom to you. (I just have to do one more comment and I'm in the lead again.) :) I bet you have that on your blog just for that pupose, huh? To get competitive people like me to try to make sure they stay in the top? I know I'm silly. That's just part of who I am. :)

Re: Life As a Chinese Jew

Shalene — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 19:07:55 -0000

I don't REALLY have to call you Ike, do I? I too, know how to pronounce your real name. It is so much nicer than Ike. But if I must, I will. :) (No this didn't count as my one more comment, but I'll take it.) :)

Re: Life As a Chinese Jew

Shalene — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:37:53 -0000

Actually, no. You probably would be correct in most people's names when your pronounce it that way. My mom was so drugged up when they asked her for the spelling of my name that she couldn't remember that she wanted to spell it Shayleene. So the "y" got lost, as did one of the "e"s. I have met a few people with the same spelling of my name and they pronounce it Shuh- lean. I may be partial, but I like mine better. :) My name if very rare, so it's not often I come upon it, but every now and again it happens. It wasn't until I met my husband that I even used my full first name. I used to tell everyone my name was Shay. :) Bobby didn't like it though, he said I had a beautiful name, and I should use it. So now I do. Now only my ex calls me Shay. :) So I don't give it to friends. (In other words, no- don't call me that.) :)

Re: Life As a Chinese Jew

Shalene — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:44:15 -0000

These are my children's names, and you'll see how much I like original names (even though every last one of them was named after someone else- see if you can guess who for the last two.) Mercedes, Michael (ok, not so original, but that one doesn't count.) Aniston, and Syanne Jolie.

Re: Learning to Surrender

Shalene — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:00:07 -0000

Amen, Amen and Amen again. Great post Isaiah! It sounds like you may have taken some of my advice as well. (But then again, I could just have a big head.) :) Blessings to you brother and Shalom!

Re: Why Do People Choose to Be Called Sons and Daughters of Primates?

Shalene — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:15:43 -0000

I read most of BobC's comments and then began skimming. I did read one that caught my eye though, and I feel the need to address it.

They contribute absolutely nothing to human progress. All they do is pray to their invisible magic man.

I would have to say you're wrong there, Mr Bob. Because we believe in God, or as you put it "magic man," we also believe in living as Christ did, which means putting humanity first after Him that created us. That means that a large portion of philanthropic and charity organizations are run by those of us that believe in God. Are you saying still that we do no good??!! How very biased of you. Sounds like someone isn't as well versed as they would like to think they are. And I'm not talking about myself or the other Creation believers. May the Peace of the Lord be Upon you. I shall be praying for your everlasting soul, Mr Bob.

Re: Why Do People Choose to Be Called Sons and Daughters of Primates?

Shalene — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:17:33 -0000

I was addressing the comment that Creationist's do no good. I'm not well versed in HTML code, so got it wrong, but I'm ok with admitting when I am wrong. :)

Re: Why Do People Choose to Be Called Sons and Daughters of Primates?

Shalene — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:10:53 -0000

Thanks so much for fixing my blunder. You may be newer at blogging, but I think maybe you know a bit more about how to do the technical stuff. I think I'll just stick to the easy stuff- writing. Ha Ha! :)

Re: Why Do People Choose to Be Called Sons and Daughters of Primates?

Shalene — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:17:59 -0000

BTW Isaiah, there is a cartoon character for some commercial, I don't remember what it's was for, but the character's name is Mr Bob. I just realized that. Kinda funny. :)

Re: Why Do We Fast?

Shalene — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:18:15 -0000

Hi Isaiah, though I am not Catholic, my stepfather was, and so for a time, I observed Lent, which is also a time when Catholics will fast. They do so by giving something up. Somehow, I don't think it brings them any closer to God (it didn't for me- I just felt somehow better because I gave something up for God. PUHLEASE!) :) But anyway, I guess now that I've thought about it more, I should actually do a real fast. Though I will say that when I gave up my laptop for the four days I was at Spirit West Coast, that was a fast for me as well. I did it strictly for a strengthened walk with my Lord, and to fellowship and minister to my children. I think you can stop doing anything, and focus on God, and it can be considered a fast. Blessings to you, brother! Shalom!

Re: Look What the Ecumenical Movement Dragged In

Shalene — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:22:18 -0000

It's not crashing on me anymore either. Thanks Isaiah! I missed being able to read your posts in their entirety as well. (It used to do it when I tried to "read more" as well.) I'm not having any problems at all now, and it's not even slow like it was. Yes I use IE. Maybe the other one just works better with Firefox or Mozilla.

Re: Loving Those Who Hate You

Shalene — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:02:14 -0000

Very well said Isaiah. Amen and amen. Shalom and God bless you.

Re: Yes, I Am a Substance Abuser

Shalene — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:32:29 -0000

My husband makes me sound so strong and noble, Isaiah, but truly without the nausea that God sees fit to introduce into my life when I am pregnant, that makes a cigarette just not worth the discomfort, I'm not sure I could have quit either. I actually prayed to God that He would make me sick, so that I wouldn't want them. (Unfortunately, though it did make me sick, it didn't make me sick enough and I had to really actually try this time.) I still want Bobby to smoke nearby, so that I can smell his cigarettes. It is a struggle that I will fight for the rest of my life, I'm sure. (I began smoking 20 years ago. I quit with each pregnancy but started right back up again when I was done nursing.) I shall be praying for you, and keep me in your prayers too, that I will be strong after the baby comes. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: How Often Do You Cast the First Stone?

Shalene — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:25:04 -0000

Hi Isaiah, Sorry it's been a couple days. Nice post. You know I agree with you wholeheartedly on this. Blessings to you, and Shalom. I would advise too, that anyone that feels offended by another Christian brother or sister, to take it to the other person in the same spirit of love. To see that the wrong is made right. We are all guilty of thinking that someone meant offense, when they did not, at least on occasion. But you are right, online correspondence can lend itself to many misunderstandings.

Re: How Many Versions Are There Anyway?

Shalene — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:23:17 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I like the New King James Version. I have a NKJV Study Bible, which is really great. It's close enough to the NIV to make it easy to understand, but it's essentially the same as the KJV except without the 17th century English, which puts many people off. I do not rely on one bible version only. I also have an NLT, a Message, a The Way (Which is a Living Tranlation), and a Women's Study Bible which is NIV. I use predominately the NKJV, but use the others to help me understand a concept, if I don't seem to understand. Then of course, I also use my online bible sources to help me understand in the form of commentaries, etc. I would suggest a NKJV Study Bible for your wife, so that she is able to read it easily, she can read the commentaries for herself, to ease her understanding, and it's easier to find info in the concordances as well. If nothing else you can spend about $200 US and get her one that has 4 versions in one. :) That wasn't an option for us. With the exception of two of my bibles, I've had them all for 2 years or more (The Way, I've had since I was a teen- even though I didn't read it.) :)

Re: How Many Versions Are There Anyway?

Shalene — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:25:36 -0000

Oh, and by the way, if you can write a blog post on something you've learned, you can lead your wife in a bible study. I mean, come on, it's your wife we're talking about here. I assume she's not going to expect you to know all the answers. If she likes being on the computer, and you feel comfortable sharing it with her, you may share my blog site with her. (It is really geared towards women.) :)

Re: Giving Thanks for Everything

Shalene — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:14:59 -0000

Hi Isaiah,
I think we need to remember too, God knows when we don't like a situation we're in, and He doesn't expect us to. We can give thanks that everything will work together for our own good, while at the same time telling Him we don't like it, or we don't understand why. It's ok to rail at God, so long as we are still earnest in our prayers to Him. We don't necessarily have to thank Him for the "bad things" but thank Him instead that He has a plan for us, in it. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: How Many Versions Are There Anyway?

Shalene — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:38:09 -0000

Could that disturbing information you learned be that the person that holds the copyright to the NIV, also holds the copyright to Hustler magazine (pornography)? My husband just shared that with me today, and I was appalled, to say the least!!! I will still use it for study, when needed, but I will not buy another.

Re: Learning to Fear God

Shalene — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:05:38 -0000

Yes, fear of the Lord is necessary. Just as a child fears their parents. We should be afraid of Him when we are disobedient, but I think that our predominate feeling towards Him should be reverence and respect, because prayerfully, we are not being disobedient as often as we would choose to be without it. I don't know if that makes sense, but I do agree with you. I also agree with your post about homosexuality btw. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: Tag, You’re It!

Shalene — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:28:40 -0000

Ok you guys are old!!! Just teasing. I think we're all probably around the same age. My oldest daughter is wearing all the same things I used to wear in High School. Now that's when age starts to hit your right between the eyes! When your children are wearing the same clothes because they're now back in style. Remember Stussy? I have a T-Shirt that my daughter has claimed and wears all the time, because it's so stylish now. She gets "cool" compliments on it everytime she wears it. :) Ok, now you guys made me feel old, and I'm really not that old. I still feel 15. :) Blessings and Shalom. (I listened to and loved all those same groups, too.) :)

Re: Tag, You’re It!

Shalene — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:57:06 -0000

I hear that!! I did a carwheel about a month ago at the park with my girls, and while I managed to pull it off, I was soooooo sore the next day. From a cartwheel!!!! I try not to do stuff that causes my body to tell me I'm older than I feel. :) Blessings and Shalom.

Re: An Abundant Life

Shalene — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:42:40 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I agree with you 100% on this post. Except in the place where you said Jesus doesn't say to pray this way or that way. There is one place in the bible where He does tell us how to pray and it's where "The Lord's Prayer" is located. Matthew 6:9-13. He also gives us instructions on how not to pray. But anyhow, in the manner that you stated it, you were correct. Blessings to you, and Shalom. How did you like those songs by the way. I am going to be basing my posts this week on that one verse I mentioned. Being a "beautiful mess". Please do stop by and let me know what you think of them, once I have them up.

Re: An Abundant Life

Shalene — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:58:37 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I have two posts up on that topic, now. Here are the links: http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/10/prayer... and http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/10/old-wo... Yes, shameless promotion of my blog. :) Or better yet, God's blog. He inspires my writing and my thoughts after all. :) Blessings and Shalom.

Re: An Abundant Life

Shalene — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:59:42 -0000

Oh wow, since when did you put on comment moderation? I think that's the first time I've ever seen that! No big. I know you'll get my comment. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: Who Am I?

Shalene — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 15:52:43 -0000

And now Isaiah, you know why I have shared songs by Casting Crowns on so many occasions. :) This was the first CD a friend gave to me after I came to Christ, you can see now, why Christian music is such an integral part of my faith walk. Blessings to you and Shalom.

Re: Summer Is Nigh: Are the Watchmen Awake?

Shalene — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:27:51 -0000

Ok, Isaiah, you have convicted me. I had actually begun watching the news again a few days ago (we got rid of cable, and theirs not much else on regular tv.) But now, I see that I must watch more carefully and with all concentration. Reading the Word, and prayer are not enough. I have also been convicted recently of my need to minister not just to other believers (which is predominately what I do) but also to unbelievers. I've got to become salt outside of the shaker, not just within it. I am called to be a fisher of men, not just stay in the net, myself. Thank you for the words of wisdom. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: Goodbye U2, John Mayer and Others…

Shalene — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:29:22 -0000

Well, Isaiah, I must say I am proud of you!!! I can only pray my husband will take a stance such as you have. As you know, I only listen to Christian music, and have for quite awhile now. I will have to be more on top of my music selections for you, won't I? I will have to find all the music I really enjoy, and share it with you. :) Don't forget to buy Matthew West's when it comes out. There's also Matt Redman, BarlowGirl, Ginny Owens, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder Band, oh, and soooo many others. Check out my music player on my site (it will start automatically when you go to my site, but I placed it there, specifically for those like you, that want to hear some uplifting Christian music.) You can scroll to the bottom of my posts, and see what artists are being played. I will be adding more, as I can. (I've found I kinda like being your "world famous DJ) :) Blessings and Shalom! As an aside, you know, many people think that Bono of U2 is actually a Christian. The only problem I have with him, is that if he is, he seems to be ashamed of this fact, because he has not come out and said so. Many of his lyrics do have a Christain feel to them. But anyway. Congrats on deciding to "guard your heart."

Re: My Wife, the Biblical One

Shalene — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:32:27 -0000

Hallelujah, Praise God for His faithfulness. I am so happy for you both. Can't wait to meet you both in the hereafter. I highly doubt I will ever be in Singapore to meet you two in person, but certainly we will all praise God together in Heaven. That is sooooo awesome!!

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:35:35 -0000

Isaiah, I shared this with my husband too, and he asked me, are you sure they mean that? So I am doing much the same as Casey is doing. I am attempting to research what the names mean as well. So far, they are all right on. Some say directly in the bible what they mean, but others aren't so easy to find. :) Blessings and Shalom!

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:27:20 -0000

Hi Casey (and Isaiah),
I have gotten one part of the answer. Lamech: though this "word" does not exist in Hebrew (lmk) Jones and NOBSE suggest relations to an untreated root meaning "strong and robust young man" Jones reads "Powerful" and NOBSE reads "Wild Man". Also suggested as possible from particle (le 1063) meaning to or towards and verb (muk 1159) be low, deressed; or even adjacent verb (makuk 1193) be low humiliated. Thus the whole name would mean "For Lowering, For Humiliation" So to me, "despairing" seems to fit. I got this information from the following website. http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Name... I am not a linguist, so have to rely on other sources. The NOBSE is the New Open Bible Study Edition and Jones is the reference for The proper names of the Old Testament Scriptures. By Rev Alfred Jones. Samuel Bagster and sons, 15 paternoster row, London. 1856. Blessings and Shalom. I'm sure I (or you) could find the other information in this same way. I'm going to keep looking into it.

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:46:53 -0000

Here is another site, with the etymological translation and almost all fit what that pastor said, except for Cainan (or Kenan, or Qenan). http://www.ki.sekunda.home.pl/link-Methusael Cainan is proving to be difficult. I am not saying these are all authoritative sites, but who knows, perhaps they will help.

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:57:57 -0000

Hi Isaiah, because I couldn't find it on my own, I actually sent off an email to the pastor of that church (the one in the video) to ask him what his sources were. I'll let you know if I get a reply. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:15:06 -0000

Well that was neat that the webmaster sent the pastor here, to see your site, Isaiah, but I'm kinda bummed he didn't answer our question, or tell us where we could look. He does have a point about the fact that with so many names meaning what he said they did, it seems a Divine miracle in itself, but I sure would have liked to have seen the information with my own two eyes. Perhaps he'll still reply to my email. :) Blessings and Shalom.

Re: This Made Me Sit Up

Shalene — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:00:34 -0000

Yes, thank you very much for your assistance in this, Steve. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: What Would Jesus Say… to Me?

Shalene — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:07:11 -0000

Oh yippee, another meme!! Seriously, yippee! And this one is a meme that may actually get my Christian lifestyle juices going again. I've been a little bit of a funk lately. Maybe God just wants me to take stock of some things, you think? I'll let you know as soon as I have my meme post up. Blessings and Shalom, brother!

Re: In Pursuit of a Christian Life

Shalene — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:54:05 -0000

Hmmm. Well, you do raise some good points, Isaiah, and I can't say I've read the book, by Rick Warren. However, I do know that my pastor has great respect for him, and even calls him "friend." You know that I am not a gullible Christian, and my church does not teach what others would call the Wealth and Prosperity gospel. However, I must wonder, if my pastor would call Rick Warren friend and have great respect for him, if he must be really that bad. As I said, I have not read The Purpose Driven Life, but I have read a few other books and done a few studies that were related or endorsed by Rick Warren. (I did not do them because they were endorsed by him, I did them and only after found out they were endorsed by or related to him in some way.) One of them was The 40 Days of Purpose. In this, we all, as a church, became involved with ministering and witnessing to a neighborhood in our area that was in need in various ways. Some was financial, some was ministering, some was companionship, etc. I find it hard to believe that a man that would endorse such things, did it just for the wealth and prosperity that it would supposedly bring to those that participated. I, for one, recieved nothing in return for participating, except the joy in knowing that I brought a little bit of God into someone's life. I've also read other very biblically based books that were endorsed by Rick Warren. One of them being "I Promise" by Dr Gary Smalley. This book has done wonders for my marriage, strictly by being based so strongly on biblical principles. I have to ask you, have you actually read the book, and gone to his website, to know what exactly Rick Warren stands for, and where he stands on biblical principles? I'm not saying that I agree completely with everything he says (I don't know, I am not that familiar with him, like I said.) However, I would caution you against using generalities, against a specific person, unless you have done the research to support your claim. I will do some more research myself, and if I am wrong, I will be the first to admit it. I hope my comment is not offensive to you, as I do not mean it to be. I only mean it as a caution. I respect all of what I have read of Carol's, but that does not mean that I necessarily agree with all of her opionions about certain people, or ministers. Blessings and Shalom, my friend.

Re: In Pursuit of a Christian Life

Shalene — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:06:02 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I'm back to give you the link to Rick Warren's website. http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/ Please do check him out. He's not all about building a temple for the Lord, as in a "building." He is also about building the "temple" in yourself. Anyway, I still haven't found anything that tells me I should beware of him. Or that I am gullible in any way for finding his teachings as anything that is ungodly.

Re: In Pursuit of a Christian Life

Shalene — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:07:14 -0000

Carol, please tell me what he (Rick Warren) has said or done that is outright heresy, because I honestly don't know. If I must read the book to find out, I will do so, but I could find nothing on his site that pointed to heresy. By the way, I am in agreement about Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Those two scare me!!! I was going to tell you what my husband calls Kenneth Copeland, but it isn't all that nice, so probably not something I should encourage. :) Anyway, please do let me know, I do want to know. And for the record, I am not necessarily a Rick Warren follower, I have just never heard him say or do anything that is bibilically erroneous. Thanks in advance for the info. I'm going to go see your site again, to see if the info is there.

Re: In Pursuit of a Christian Life

Shalene — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:51:42 -0000

Carol and Isaiah, I retract my earlier statements. I was just able to find what was said that is clearly NOT biblical. I'm a little shaken that he would actually say that those that question the message are troublemakers and that anyone acting as a Berean is a troublemaker. WOW!! I'm going to be digging a little deeper into this. And doing a lot of prayer. How frightening this is!!

Re: What Would Jesus Say… to Me?

Shalene — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:35:05 -0000

I've posted my meme! Blessings to you!

Re: Be Warned, Beware!

Shalene — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:51:47 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I watched the first of these as well. Scary stuff! I never really knew why, but ever since I first heard of the "Emerging Church" (when I first started to blog) there's been something about it that bothered me. Now I know what it is. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: So Why Is It That I Don’t Feel It?

Shalene — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:45:54 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I agree with ChannelofHealing on this one. We've all been there. We all battle with our flesh daily. I've learned one thing though. The longer we fight with God over what He wants of us, the harder our lives get until we submit. That's been my experience anyway. The Lord tells us we must be willing to give up everything and follow Him. He didn't even give His disciples the opportunity to tell there families that they were going to follow them, remember? Sooner or later, you will realize you have no choice but to do what God has called you to do, I think sooner would be easier. It's kind of like a parent telling a child to do something, and the child continuing to disobey. The longer they disobey, the harsher the discipline. I certainly wouldn't want that for you, or for your wife. Don't get me wrong, I say all this, but know for a fact that there are areas that I continue to disobey as well, and all the words in the world won't convince you that you need to do what God has called you to do. Perhaps you should pray to God about your disobedience. Ask Him to give you a willing heart. When we are tempted, God ALWAYS gives us a way out. I think you just need to look for it. God doesn't guarantee that we will always have the lifestyle that we desire, but He does promise to provide for our every NEED! I will continue to pray for you, my friend. (BTW I say this with all the love of a sister in Christ, and not as a judgement at all.) Blessings and Shalom, my friend.

Re: The Best Christmas Gift

Shalene — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:30:01 -0000

Hi Isaiah, though I do celebrate Christmas, as a means of remembering and celebrating Jesus' birth, I think we all need to remember His Glorious coming each and every day of the year. I wrote a post about this, that I think you may find interesting. Visit if you like. http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/12/reason... And for the record, though we do give gifts (small ones) we've quit going out of our way to make the holiday a day of giving gifts. I mean, let's face it, the tradition probably started with the Magi giving gifts to Jesus, but they didn't do it when He was born. They came when He was a toddler! We are trying to reinforce a tradition of giving to others that are need this season. Blessings to you, my friend.

Re: The Best Christmas Gift

Shalene — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:18:27 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I also wanted to come back here and give you a link to something I found interesting. I'm thinking of doing a post about it, but I'm still composing it in my mind. The link is about Hanukkah, and how it IS a perfectly acceptable tradition for Christians to embrace as well. It's found here: http://www.blueletterbible.org/ look under "New Items" a little way down on the page. It is an audio file that you can either listen to there, or download it to your computer. Anyway, just wanted to share that. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: The Best Christmas Gift

Shalene — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:47:37 -0000

Isaiah, after listening to this, I thought so too. BTW the IMO mean "In My Opinion"? I'm thinking it does, but don't want to assume. You know what they say about those that assume. :)

Re: Faith and Pornography

Shalene — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:09:56 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I applaud your honesty too. And I'm going to say something here, that I hope does not offend you, because it's not meant to. Though fear of the sinning against the Lord should be enough, for some it is not. In those situations, perhaps you could look at it this way: When you look at another woman lustfully, you are committing adultery against your wife. There is nothing wrong with seeing a woman and acknowledging her good looks, however once you continue to look, it moves into the realm of adultery. I'm sure that is not your intent, and I don't mean to beat you when you are down, just the advice of a friend. I grew up in an atmosphere pervasive with sex, and have learned how damaging that can be, from first hand accounts. One of the reasons I don't watch TV. Nor do I go to the movies often, and when I do, rarely to I watch anything that I wouldn't allow my children to watch. Just some friendly advice. I shall be praying for you! Blessings and Shalom!

Re: Faith and Pornography

Shalene — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:54:54 -0000

Isaiah, you could have your wife put a block on your computer, with a password only she knows. That way you cannot look, even under temptation. Just a thought. I am assuming of course, that she knows of your temptations. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: Today’s Our 10th Wedding Anniversary (It’s Been a Decade?!)

Shalene — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:01:06 -0000

Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on 10 years! What an accomplishment, in this day and age. Here's to another 90! :)(Lord willing, of course.) Blessings and Shalom to you both!

Re: Christian, You Need to Listen to This!

Shalene — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:23:57 -0000

I watched about 1/2 of it, and really agree with what he is saying so far. I will have to come back when I have more time to read the rest. Thanks for sharing it. It has certainly given me some food for thought. Narrow is the gate and the path, for sure! Blessings and Shalom, my friend and brother in Christ!

Re: When Was the Birth of Jesus Christ, Really?

Shalene — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:58:03 -0000

Merry Christmas Isaiah! Check this out! It's a site that explains where the date Dec 25th may have come from, besides being a pagan observance, and actually makes some sense. bethlehemstar.net Just a thought: Here's a copied bit from the site:
Perhaps you have already anticipated the key to this final mystery: retrograde motion. An astronomer tracking the movement of planets through the star field watches not so much on the scale of minutes, but on the longer scale of days, weeks and months. On this scale of time, Jupiter did stop. On December 25 of 2 BC as it entered retrograde, Jupiter reached full stop in its travel through the fixed stars. Magi viewing from Jerusalem would have seen it stopped in the sky above the little town of Bethlehem.

Re: The Prodigal Son

Shalene — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:19:20 -0000

Hi Isaiah, Very interesting. Of course, I have heard this parable, but I too had never given a second thought to the shoes, ring or robe. Thanks for the lesson. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: Thoughts From a Toothache

Shalene — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:50:08 -0000

Hi Isaiah, Glad you're feeling better. Though this was a great post, created out of your pain, I'm wishing now that I had shared my wisdom tooth story with you. I had to have both my wisdom teeth removed at the same time- on the upper jaw, because they were impacted (meaning they were trying to come in sideways.) I too had very little pain afterward. And the procedure wasn't too bad either. I actually went out with a friend of mine to help her look for an apartment, with the post- surgical gauze still in my mouth! So all that to say, wisdom tooth surgery is not so bad. Now, don't get me started on root canals, though! Those things are seriously painful, not to mention the hours of surgery that one has to endure for that. Let's pray you never have to go through one of those! Blessings and Shalom!

Re: Which Theologian Are You?

Shalene — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:12:47 -0000

I scored as Anselm. I don't have a clue about him, so I guess I'll have to read up on it. The questions were worded strangely, though, I do agree. They almost didn't make sense, some of them. So anyway, just thought I'd share. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: B-lood-What?!

Shalene — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:01:47 -0000

Hi Isaiah,
Ok, here's my take on the T-Shirts. While I don't think that the Blood T-shirt is appropriate, I have seen some that while not necessarily tasteful, I think sometimes, they proclaim to the world that while we are Christ followers, we are still human. We still have desires and wants just like everyone else, and being a Christ follower doesn't really make us holier- than- thou. Just forgiven. Does that make any sense? I wouldn't wear these shirts, either, don't get me wrong, but I don't see that they are horrible (at least not some of them.) I think God gave us a sense of humor to be used. Though I don't think it should be used to mock Him. I also don't think that piercings and colored hair have anything to do with how much of a Christ follower a person is. I think someone with those can be as much of a Christ follower as I am. It's only when we use those as a means of worshipping something other than God that it becomes a bad thing. I just think we need to remember that none of us is perfect, and we don't all make great choices all the time. I think we need to have a spirit of humility when we see people with these T-shirts and body alterations. And we can say to ourselved, but for the grace of God, go I. But we should not be passing judgement, only by what a person wears. I do know of some that have seen those same T-shirts that we see as blasphemous, bring others to at least want to know God, whereas, they may not have before. Again, let me say that I do NOT approve of these shirts, but who am I to judge??? Perhaps the next time we see one of these, we should be asking ourselves if the person is a Christian already and if they are, privately and gently, informing them of the possibility of defaming God, by their appearance. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: B-lood-What?!

Shalene — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:13:10 -0000

Actually, they do print those kind of shirts. As a matter of fact, I have a few of them. But I think that some people's attention needs to be gotten in ways that sometimes don't make sense. As in the "blood" t-shirt, though I agree it was in totally bad taste, a drinker might take a second look at that t-shirt. Just a thought. Anyway, like I said, I think we need to look at the motives behind the t-shirts, and not just the t-shirts themselves. Blessings and Shalom.

Re: Theology 101

Shalene — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Hi Isaiah,
Here are a couple other sites that you might find interesting, that also offer courses you can take online for free. The first is http://www.blbi.org/ and the other is http://cc.christiancourses.com/ Now I haven't read up on all they offer, or everything about them, but so far, everything I've studied is strictly biblical on the blue letter bible site (the first link.) Blessings to you both, and I pray you will find courses that strengthen your faith walk.

Re: Why Do You Call Yourself Good?

Shalene — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:12:28 -0000

Hi Isaiah, you know it's kind of funny. I was just getting into posting about a series of things we should do in secret, and not expect accolades for it at all. That if we do get accolades, that is all the reward we will get for them- in other words, we will not be blessed by God for them. God is pleased when we give in secret, He is pleased when we fast in secret, and we are told to pray in secret. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you. (In case you didn't notice, I do agree with everything you've said here.) Like the template change too. :)

Re: Why Do You Call Yourself Good?

Shalene — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:38:51 -0000

I just wrote a post along these lines today. Check it out if you have time. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: Death Row

Shalene — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:38:59 -0000

While I do think that Christian Rock CDs, jewelry and T-shirts have their place in witnessing, I agree that the Gospel needs to come first. Wearing a shirt or jewelry just isn't going to cut it, without the very Word of God. Thanks for sharing. I agree wholeheartedly. Blessings and Shalom!

Re: My Wife’s Testimony — An Ex-Roman Catholic’s Journey From Darkness to the Light

Shalene — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:52:44 -0000

Karen, thank you so much for sharing your testimony. Though I never was officially Catholic, I grew up in a household that was "Catholic". My stepfather prayed to all the saints, etc. Though he was a good role model, in that he spent time every morning in the Word, and praying (I didn't realize at the time that he was not praying to the right "person") I've learned since then, that praying to the saints and the Virgin Mary are not prayers that we should be making. Anyway, loved your testimony, and I thank the Lord, that you listened, when He spoke to you. Blessings to you, my sister in Christ!

Re: Not a Servant, but a Bondservant

Shalene — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:30:05 -0000

Hi Isaiah, I like the new site. I don't know what your vision, inspiration, or reason is for changing, but nevertheless, I like the site. Anyway, with regard to your post, I have been reading a book by John Piper, entitled "Don't Waste Your Life". (Have you heard of it, or read it?) In this book, which is very good, he talks about what truly living a life as a slave/ servant of God really looks like- or should look like. He really does a good job of illustrating just why so few see Christians today, in this Western culture (that I live in) no longer have need to be able to answer the question "What is the reason for your hope?" The answer is that to all outward appearances, unfortunately most Christians look like they hope for the same things that unbelievers hope for. That we don't adequately show an image of God as our hope. We are so much more "of" the world than we ought to be. No wonder so many call themselves Christians, and yet have no actual faith in Jesus as their Savior, and only actually live "good lives." As you well know, living a "good life" and being a "good person" won't get anyone into Heaven. I hate to think of standing in front of the Lord on Judgement Day and having Him tell me that He never knew me, simply because I never truly went about HIS business, with an obedient, loving heart, in this life. It's been an eye opener. If you haven't read the book, you should really see about getting it. Blessings to you, and I'll try to come back again soon. (BTW I added this link to the blogroll.) Talk to you later.
--Your Sister in Christ

Re: Sex In Christ: A Proposal for Christian Pornography

Shalene — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:54:05 -0000

Hi Isaiah, Bobby and I were perusing some blogs, and he suggested I come see this post. I cannot believe that there are actually professing Christians that think this is ok!!! :-# As one of the other comments stated, the Bible clearly states that we are to keep the marriage bed pure! The marriage bed is not pure, when we allow anyone else into it, whether by video, or in person. And even if there were an acceptable thing as "Christian Pornography" where in the world do these people get the idea that a 3rd person should EVER be allowed into the bed with them- with or without the other woman's husband's permission! The thought of this just absolutely disgusts me. Having said that then, there are books that are not pornographic at all, that help couples that are having difficulties in the area of their sex life, or are just starting out in their marriages, and have not yet reached a place where they feel free enough to tell each other what they need. They are written by Christian Psychologists and Doctors. One such book is entitled "Created for Intimacy" and it addresses medical issues that effect the bedroom as well. I have no problem with Christian couples getting help for sexual issues from qualified Christian professionals, but I cannot for one moment condone anything remotely resembling "Christian Porn." I'd like to know too...just how is a Christian couple supposed to show coming home from church functions and then jumping into bed??!! Yes God created us all for intimacy and it's a gift from Him, but to go straight from prayer to sex...there just doesn't seem to be any reverence in that thought. Ok enough for now. Blessings to you!

Re: A Christian Who Is Strongly Deluded By the Prosperity “Gospel”

Shalene — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:11:12 -0000

To Chee,
Everyone else has said everything else by way of comments, but I just want to share Scripture verses. They are as follows:
Besides 1 Timothy 6:5-7, I'd also like to add 2 Timothy 3:2-5 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! , Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such thing as you have, James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world, James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren; has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?, James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there, James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures, and finally in regards to those that teach the "Prosperity Gospel": Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain and lastly, Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Now, Chee, I've given you 9 different Scripture references that clearly teach that faith in God, specifically for gain is not the Truth, nor is it ithe Way. I shall be praying for you.

Re: Sermon Jam: The Holiness of God

Shalene — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:35:49 -0000

@carol - Getting all mushy on my hubby, are you Carol? I'm just teasing, I know you didn't mean it in that way...He makes me smile too... But for this reason and so many more... (Just in case you don't know, I truly AM teasing and I truly AM NOT upset or jealous or anything else. I just wanted to give you a hard time..) Love you sister...

Isaiah, I too am really getting into Paul Washer... that sermon "Examine Yourself" made me cry....talk about conviction!!! You know we all go around justifying our sins, to some extent, and we think we're all just hunky-dorie, but that just isn't so... That's not to say that we aren't (many of us, anyway) "good people" but simply being a "good person" isn't good enough.... I've missed you guys... I'll have to try to visit again soon.

Blessings to both of you, and all our other Siblings in Christ, reading this as well.

Re: His Father’s Hand

Shalene — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:33:23 -0000

Happy New Year, Isaiah, and thanks for the add to your "favorites" post. (saw it in my Google Alerts.) Love and hugs to you and your wife. Be blessed!

Re: Christian Carnival CLXXVIII

Shalene — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:27:24 -0000

Hi, I was just curious, how does one join your carnival? I have two Christian blogs, and would love to be a part of something like this.