We all survived our first chat......

Last night was our first all-class chat session for Virtual Business and I really enjoyed it. Doing all your classes online means that you don't usually have much interaction with the rest of your class mates, so last night was a great chance to learn a little more about those I'm "in class" with.

One of the comments that really got me thinking was one that was made by Stuart (I think.) He mentioned that he had read an article that talked about how the Sears Roebuck Catalog was one of the first "virtual" business ideas. I never would have thought of that, but it is so true.

Now it seems like we are surrounded with virtual businesses and concepts. They are now a normal part of our daily lives. I mean, think about it - there are people all over the world (I was going to say country, but I know Susan will be reading this too!!) who will have immediate access to what I am going to post. Before the Internet, communication had to be by telephone or the postal service, but not anymore. Now we have email, chat rooms, instant messaging, and the list goes on and on. WOW!!!

I have many friends who are missionaries in other countries. Ten years ago we corresponded by letter (phone calls were way too expensive) and even those letters were only a few times a year - and I was fortunate if I got the see them every few years. Now, I can "talk" to them everyday if I would like - either through email or instant messaging - and we can even send pictures of things that took place that same day. And don't forget things like Webcam's!!!! So, what is your favorite tool in this virtual society we currently live in??

Whose Fault Is It?????

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John 9:1-3)

Many times when “bad” things start going on in our lives we examine ourselves to see if there is sin in our hearts or lives that is causing these things to happen. We ask ourselves if there is something we did to bring this terrible calamity upon us.

We need to remember that Jesus says that it is not necessarily our sin or our guilt that brought the terrible things that happened. It may be that God has a higher plan in mind and this is part of what is needed to achieve that higher goal.

When we lost Steven we actually had people ask us what sin was in our life that caused God to take Steven. Don’t think we didn’t search our hearts – we did. But the answer we got from the Lord was that Steven’s life AND HIS DEATH had a perfect purpose.

If you’re going through some tough and trying times and you know that you are right with God and in His will – you need know what you are going through is for a good purpose (even if we can’t see what that purpose is at the time.)

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

A Day of Reflecting......

Yesterday was Elisabeth's 9th birthday. I cannot believe how fast the years have flown by!! Looking at Elisabeth most people see a happy, healthy little girl - very similar to many other little girls her age. As I was looking at her yesterday I began reflecting on everything that led up to her birth - it is truly a miracle.

You see Jeff and I had been told we couldn't have any more children. With each of her older brothers I went into labor earlier and earlier in the pregnancy. We knew having more wasn't good for me or for the baby. But there was a wonderful lady in our church back in Minot who was convinced that we needed a little girl - this lady was Grandma Clare.

From the time Nicholas was three years old Grandma Clare prayed daily that I would get pregnant and have a baby girl. Several times a year she would ask me if I was pregnant yet, to which I would reply, "Grandma, we can't have any more children." She would just give me a hug and smile, then tell me that God had told her I would have a little girl. We would smile back and promise her if we ever had that little girl we would name her after Grandma.

When Nicholas was 8 years old Grandma Clare's prayer was answered ~~ I was pregnant. Jeff and I were completely shocked, but Grandma wasn't. When we went over to her house that morning (something we did quite regularly) she told us before we could ever tell her. By this time Grandma was almost 90 years old and had several health problems, in fact, they only gave her a few more months to live.

I was very sick from the very beginning of the pregnancy and at 14 weeks things had gotten so bad I was told by the doctors that I was going to lose the baby and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it from happening. I was heartbroken. Each day I woke up wondering if that would be the day I would lose this precious baby - and each day Grandma Clare would call and tell me it wasn't going to happen, that she had prayed and God had given her complete peace in the knowledge that I would have "her little girl."

At 16 weeks my midwife said if I could just hold on 4 more weeks my baby would have a chance - and I did just that. At 20 weeks we had an ultrasound and found out Grandma was right, we were having a little girl. We took her the ultrasound pictures, thinking it was the only way she would ever see the baby. You see for each day that I continued to stay pregnant Grandma continued to deteriorate in her own health. At that time my prayers were, "Lord, let me have this little girl and let Grandma live long enough to hold her."


Well, grandma held on and on March 24, 1997 - the day before Grandma's 90th birthday - she called Jeff and told Jeff to make sure I was well rested because I was going to have the baby tomorrow......on Grandma's birthday. We tried to tell Grandma that they wouldn't let me deliver that early (I still had 11 weeks to go and they had already stopped my labor several times.) Why did we ever question Grandma on this?????

At 1 a.m. on March 25th my water broke unexpectedly. There was no way to stop the labor this time. At 7:30 a.m. I called Grandma to wish her a happy birthday and tell her that I was in the hospital - of course, she wasn't surprised.

At 4:15 p.m. Elisabeth Clare Olson was born - she was born on Grandma Clare's birthday. She was 11 weeks premature - but perfectly healthly...yet another miracle. Yes, she was tiny, but other than that there was not one single problem!!!

Grandma Clare got to hold her little angel two days later. To see the two of them together brought tears to everyone's eyes. So many answers to prayers were right there between the two of them. I know Grandma prayed that she would live long enough to see her prayer request answered - and she did. Grandma lived another 4 months and spent many hours with Elisabeth. Even today we have pictures of the two of them hanging in Elisabeth's room.

Elisabeth may not remember Grandma Clare in person, but she will grow up knowing just how special her birth was and the special lady that "prayed her down from Heaven."

Thanks for reading as I reflected on a very special day, a very special lady, and my precious little girl!!

Boy, Oh, Boy - I have got some excited kids

We are going to the Monster Truck show in town this evening. Now, this isn't really my type of thing - but living with a bunch of boys means doing lots of "boy" things. So this evening Elisabeth and I will put in our ear plugs and join Jeff and the boys to watch big, loud trucks do crazy things!!

My boys think this is the greatest thing and not only do they get to see the show, but we also have pit passes, so they get to go into the pits and meet the drivers before the show ever starts. Last year they even got to ride in one of the trucks they had there.

Maybe someone can explain what is so exciting about this, because I sure don't see it. These things are loud and stinky!! (HAHA - sometimes that describes my boys too!!) I'm really not complaining though, I love when we can all go out and do something fun like this. It never fails that something will happen that we will spend the rest of the weekend laughing about.

Hey Jamie.......

Did it work????

I learned something new today....

I learned that I am a "virtual worker"!! A virtual worker is "someone who performs assigned duties at an alternative site (usually home) during some or all of their work hours." THAT'S ME!!

I do accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes for 3 different businesses and several individuals ~~ and I do 90% of it from my home. I do have an office at one of the businesses, but most of what I do is from my home....and I love it that way.

I love my work - but what I love more is being home for, and with, my family. I love being the one to get my family ready for the day, preparing the meals, teaching my children, and caring for my home. Being able to bring in an income while doing what I love the most is a great blessing.

There are so many benefits to this arrangement - for me and for those I work for. I never take sick days, my productivity level is higher than that of the person my company used to have come and work for them in the office 40 hours a week, my kids know I am always there for them, no daycare expenses, my children are healthier and happier because of it, and most importantly for me ~~ my husband and family never take second place to my work.

These are not the only benefits to virtual organizations and virtual workers - but for me they are the important ones. God gave me a great responsibility in caring for my home and family; one I don't take lightly. He also gave me the ability to work well with numbers, finances, and computers ~ and now, through virtual organizations, I can do both to the best of my ability!!

To my fellow students.......

As most of you can tell, I already have several posts in my blog. That is because I started this quite a while back and Lisa said it would be fine to continue using it instead of having to set up a new one.

You will find out plenty about my family and I through the older posts, but I will also give you a quick overview now. I live in Bismarck, where my husband is pastor of Bible Baptist Church. We have 6 children ranging in age from 20 to 6, three of which are still in school ~ and we home school. And as if that doesn't keep me busy enough, I also do accounting for 3 businesses here in town, along with working on my Master's degree.

I am really looking forward to this Virtual Business class. I am amazed more and more with all that can be done because of technology today!!

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Christianity Today did a survey of over 5000 youths from age 13-16 and asked them who was their greatest example of religion. When I read their answer I was very puzzled because I had never heard of this “person.” The person that over 50% of them chose was Ned Flanders.

That name meant nothing to me – I actually had to ask Jeff who that was, (since he was the one reading the article to me last night.) He went on to read that this is a character off the television show “The Simpsons.”

How sad is that???? It wasn’t their parents, or their preacher, not the pope, or some televangelist – but some cartoon character off of a show that we won’t even allow to be watched in our home.

It sure made me think, that’s for sure. So last night during family devotions Jeff asked each of our kids this same question – I was relieved to hear that we were their greatest example, because according to God’s Word that is our responsibility.

Here is my question for each of us today – are we being the example we should be to those around us…even if you don’t have children of your own, you are still being watched ~~ are you an example of the believers, as Paul wrote about in 1 Timothy?

Well, I'm doing better here......

I may not be updating this every day, but I have done better this last week!

This week has been a week of adjustment. I've been out of college for a year now and am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I'm glad I only have one class going right now because it is so time consuming. It is only an 8-week course, so there is a lot to do in only a short amount of time. I just got done submitting the roughdraft for my mid term!!

DJ, my kitten, is continuing to recover from being declawed and nuetered, but his eye isn't looking much better. If we don't see a definite improvement by tomorrow we will be calling the vet again to see what they suggest. Please keep praying for him.

Well, thats about for the Olson household right now. We have church here in a couple of hours and company coming over after that, so I guess I should get into the kitchen and get things ready for that. Have a great Lord's Day!!!!!!

My baby is sick.....

My baby kitty that is. D.J. is our 9 month old Ragdoll kitten. This picture of him was from when he was about 6 months old - he is a lot bigger now.

His eye started watering the other day and then yesterday we took him to the vet to get him nuetered and declawed. We asked them about his eye and they said it should be okay.

When we picked him up this morning to bring him home they gave us antibiotics and eye drops and said it might look worse before it gets better. So now the poor little guy has a yucky eye, sneezes, his paws hurt, and he just got nuetered!!!! I feel so sorry for him!! And then they tell me the stress of everything will make his eye look even worse.

If you read this will you please take a minute and pray for DJ to recover quickly and with no complications.

He is such a sweet and lovable little thing and it just breaks my heart to see him look so miserable.

My husband turned the Big 40 today.....

We have had such a good time today. We treated Jeff to a birthday lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken (his choice I might add) and then a wonderful evening with dinner, cake and ice cream. The kids had a great time teasing their dad about being "over the hill".......and so did I (since I am younger than him!!!!)

Tomorrow will be a busy day. We are having a company come in and clean all the carpets and furniture, then church tomorrow evening. All that and I am already working on my midterm for my first class.

Usually I am such a consistent person - but I admit that when it comes to keeping up with my blog I am HORRIBLE!!!!! But it is the start of a new week and for those that have asked me to update this (especially my family that lives far away) I am going to TRY to post a little something each day......please note that I only said TRY!!!!! :)

Things have been hectic here lately and I'm not going to try to write a book to play catch up for all the things I haven't kept everyone up-to-date on (that would be one LONG blog!!!) I will give a short overview though.......

1. Last Sunday we had a missionary and his family in. They had 4 children. We had a great couple of days with the Hazards and truly enjoyed learning more about what God have called them to do.

2. Last Tuesday a group of people broke into our church - they stole several thousands of dollars worth of equipment and ransacked most of the building. We have spent most of the rest of this last week cleaning things up from that. But God is good and the criminals were arrested on Friday evening.

3. Wedensday the Petricks came to visit us. They are dear, dear friends that we have known for over 10 years. We had such a great time visiting and reminiscing about the years we have served together. (Bro. Petrick performed his first baptism on ME....and that is a story in itself!!!!!)

4. And last, be not least....for those of you that don't already know - I am a Graduate stduent now!!! As of Tuesday I am working on getting my Masters in Information Systems from Minot State University.

It will all be done online and, Lord willing, I will graduate in May 2008. Upon graduating I will have the opportunity of becoming a professor at the university and teaching onlines college courses myself! I am very excited about that!!

The kids are all doing well. We are enjoying a very mild winter, so they are doing lots of playing outdoors (something that is very uncommon in North Dakota in January.)

I have an assignment due by this evening, so I best get to it. We have church this evening, so I want to get it done before we leave. I definitely don't want to put it off too long....especially since "24" starts this evening and I know my hubby will want me to watch that with him.

Have a great Lord's Day my friends ~~~ and I'll TRY to be a little more consistent!! :)

It's been a while.......

I just realized it's been over a week since I have filled anyone in on what we are up to at my house. Life here has been interesting, to say the least, but not as busy as in the past ~~ I think a lot of that has to do with our weather. It has been so COLD (if you figure in our wind chill, we haven't been above zero in weeks) and more snow than we have seen in the last few years. Weather like that makes you want to snuggle up in your warm living room and only go out when absolutely necessary.

My blood sugar levels are back under control ~ for which I thank the Lord!!! Other than that we are all healthy and happy. The kids are all doing great in school and enjoying building snow caves and snowmen (and sipping hot chocolate when they come in to thaw out!!)

Last week Nick got the privilege of performing at the Belle Muhus Theatre (a classic music hall here in Bismarck.) We loved it!! They had an orchestra and a concert band performing some of the most beautiful music I have heard in ages. I think I could have sat there all night!!



Then there was yesterday - a very special day for me. Yesterday Jeff and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe how fast time flies. It seems like we just got married! So much has taken place in those 20 years. Jeff and I reflected over those years while we enjoyed a romantic afternoon together. The Lord has truly blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years holds for us!!!

Saying Goodbye To A Friend.....

What a week this has been for me! I have been dealing with some tough issues since the beginning of this week - and yesterday I finially discovered part of what was causing them. So, in order to get some things back on track in my life I am going to have to say good bye to a friend ~~ a friend that I have grown closer and closer to over the last few months....and now I know we've grown too closer.

Who is this friend, you ask ~ and what has happened to turn the relationship into one that is no longer a healthy one? Well, I will tell you......

My friend is Coffee-mate Flavored Coffee Creamers!! Oh, how I have grown very attached to them over the last few months, so attached that my coffee intake has increased greatly. Now that isn't much of a problem because 75% of the time I am drinking decaf coffee anyway.

I discovered there was a problem on Wednesday though, when I tested my blood sugar levels. I was diagnosed with Diabetes alomst 4 years ago, but I have always been able to control my levels with proper diet and exercise. I've never even had to take medication for it. Over the last 6 months or so I have to admit that I have really slacked off on even monitoring it anymore, because it hasn't been an issue in so long.

Lately though, I haven't been feeling that great and I have been EXTREMELY thirsty. Finally, on Wednesday, I checked it ~~ 244!!!!! Wow, it has never been that high in my life. I immediately cut all carbs and sugars out of my diet, increased my water intake, and made sure Jeff and I were getting our 2 mile walk in each day.

Since then it still hadn't really come down much and I admit that frustrated me. I wanted it fixed immediately ~ but I think God wanted me to do some searching and get some things fixed...that probably wouldn't have happened if my levels went down right away and things went back to normal. Last night I did just that.

While talking with a friend on the phone, her and I began talking about what could have changed to cause my levels to change so much. I started going over a typical day of eating and that was when I realized the coffee creamer problem.

Coffee-mate has come out with some GREAT flavors - especially over the holidays!! I have been drinking (on a average) about 10 tablespoons of creamer a day. When I grabbed the bottle and looked.....that was at least 50 grams of carbs a day ~~ just in creamer!!!!!!! That didn't even count food throughout the day!!!

That meant for months I have probably been averaging anywhere from 70 - 90 grams of carbs a day - that is horrible, since I know I shouldn't have any more than 25 - 30 a day!!

So, today I bid a fond farwell to my friend - GOOD BYE COFFEE CREAMER. YOU WILL BE MISSED, BUT MY HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN YOUR WONDERFUL TASTE!!!

I had to share this......

I received this in my email today. It spoketo my heart somuch that I just had to share it!!

GRATITUDE-DRIVEN LOVE

"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." Luke 7:47-48

Ever feel washed up, like you've made too many mistakes? Perhaps you are in mourning over wasted years? You believe that God only uses perfect people and your past disqualifies you from any future blessing.

We often misjudge God. We project our own humanness onto His face. After all, we only give people so many chances. We have our limits. "If he does that one more time, I'm through!" we declare.

We perceive the heart of God is like ours. If I fail too many times, God is through with me! If I get my act together too late in life, then it's just too late for me. If I commit too grave a sin, God disqualifies me.

Scripture showcases the relentless mercy of God. The Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, was born from the line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The four eldest sons of Jacob fell under great sin. Reuben and Judah committed incest. Simeon and Levi were murderers, yet they were patriarchs. And from Levi descended all the priests.

The bottom line issue with God is repentance. Because He has a heart that longs for intimacy, when we sincerely repent, there is restoration. God can use you in His kingdom, with all the scars, war stories, and places of shame. In fact, the more deeply you have been wounded, the more mercy you will show others. You can make a great imprint of grace in the kingdom.

Bow your head and dare to receive the lavish mercy of our Father, the One who asks you put your past behind you. I have repented of my sin. Give me the courage to look in Your eyes and see the forgiveness that is mine. You hold nothing against me. Amen

Christine Wyrtzen

Founder & Director

Daughters of Promise

For my sister.......

Everyone has someone in their life that holds a very special place in their heart- for me, it is my sister. There is a bond between my sister and I that not everyone is blessed enough to have ever experienced. Yes, she is my sister, but she is also so much more. To say she is my best friend does not fully describe the relationship we have always had because it is so much more than that.

You see, there is 12 years difference between the two of us, yet we have always had a very unique connection. Our heart strings are tied together in a way that no one could ever undo.

Now my sister is all grown up - and that has been very hard for me. I had a hard time letting her go, but time has helped me to see that even though she is all grown up and living thousands of miles away from me, we are still very close ~ because no one can separate that special love that her and I share.

I talked to her the other day and promised to post some current pictures of some kids that she loves very much, but hasn't gotten to see in a couple of years ~~ my children. So these pictures are for her. I love you Margaret - and you will never now how much you mean to me.


Jeffrey is working at Sykes (for those who don't know what that is...it is a computer tech support company.) It's hard to believe he is almost 20 years old!!










Nick wasn't around for a current picture, but other than being a few inches taller than he is here, he still looks the same (I'm think he is 6' 3" now!!) He was marching in a parade when this picture was taken, but his all time favorite thing to do is still basketball ~~ although he loves baseball too.



Elisabeth (or Bob as you call her) and her crooked ponytails (heehee). She's still just as tiny as ever. She continues to get taller but can't seem to get past 48 pounds. I told her we'd throw a party when she finally reached 50!! It's hard to believe this little girl will be 9 in just a few months.

She loves to read and thinks figuring out square roots is FUN. (A girl after her mom's own heart!!)


And last, but not least ~~ My Mooser Man ~~ the baby, Brett Samuel. Doesn't that face just melt your heart?? I could just squeeze his stuffings out!!!

He outweighs his sister now, but isn't as tall (yet.) He loves kindergarten and has the prettiest cursive writing you will ever see!! He reads like a pro and thinks he can do anything his brothers and sister can do. That is actually a scary thought, because he is quite a daredevil. His last stunt was to see if he could ride his bike out of the back of Nick's truck!!

Care to join us for dinner this week??

Every Saturday I make our family menu for dinner each night. I love having our dinner already planned in advance. It just seems to make my days go so much smoother. So, here is what we will be eating this week.....

Day	Meal
SATURDAY	wild rice and turkey soup, wheat rolls, and salad
SUNDAY	Taco salad and apple slices
MONDAY	Homemade pizza and salad
TUESDAY	Hamburger & cheese casserole (crockpot) with fresh veggies
WEDNESDAY	Pork chops, wild rice, brocolli, and rolls
THURSDAY	Grilled cheese, soup, and salad
FRIDAY	Chicken Parmesan, corn, fruit salad, and rolls

I always try to make enough dinner so that we have leftovers for lunch the next day. Having a menu made before I go grocery shopping also helps me plan my shopping better.

I love to look at other people's menus, too. It gives me new and different ideas. So, anyone who wants to share their menus, please feel free!!

It's official.....there is a bug in my house!!!

It started with Brett on Tuesday night and it quickly making its rounds!! I'm thankful that it doesn't seem to be too severe, with the worst of it only lasting about 24 hours.

Right now my dear husband is it's victim, not good considering it just hit him and he preaches all day tomorrow. He has asked one of the men of our church to be prepared to fill in "just in case" he can't make it. I'm praying with lots of rest and TLC from me that he will recover quickly. I have soup cooking in the crock pot and lots of juice on hand, so I think I am prepared.

Elisabeth and Jeffrey haven't seemed to be effected by it yet and it was pretty mild for Nick and I. So - today I will be nursing my hubby back to health and Lysoling (I'm sure that's not a real word) everything in the house - especially the bathrooms.

Now, on a more upbeat note - Nick and I had our annual evening out for the opening game of the semi-pro basketball team that Bismarck has ~ the Dakota Wizards. This is something that Nick and I look forward to each year. We make an evening of it ~ dinner and the game. We have so much fun.

Each year it is a reminder to me of just how blessed I really am. In today's world there aren't too many 16, almost 17 year old boys who want to spend a Friday evening out on the town with their mom ~ but Nick is one of the exceptions. What a great time we had just talking and laughing and watching the game. Since we are both huge basketball fans we really get into the game too!!

Last night was no exception. The Wizards won 119 - 91. After the game Nick was back in the locker room with the team (we know several of them) and I got a great opportunity to talk to the coach's wife. I love those chances to share the Gospel and invite people to church. After we left we stopped at Wendy's for a drink and I got the greatest gift this mom could ever ask for.......a hug and an "I love you, mom" from Nick!! Oh, how I love being a mom!!!

Have a Great Thanksgiving....

This is the devotion I shared with my friends at The Well today. I thought I would post it here for anyone else who happens to drop in.

Have You Been Pardoned

Many of us are spending the morning getting ready for an afternoon feast, aren’t we? We can just smell and taste the cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, rolls, stuffing, pies, and turkey!!

Well, are you ladies familiar with one of the Thanksgiving traditions our country does each year? It is the official pardon of a turkey by the President of the United States. The president of the U.S. is presented with a turkey, which he pardons and the turkey is then sent to live a long life free from the fear of dying for anyone’s Thanksgiving dinner.

This tradition got me thinking about the pardon that we have been given if we have accepted the Lord as our Saviour. In the world today, we live in a time where many think that by living a good life they will make it to Heaven. So many people will try to look and act how they think they should, yet never begin to accept the pardon that Jesus came to bring them. Those of us who have been pardoned need to make sure we don’t lose that sense of urgency for those who are lost. We have so much to be thankful for and we need to be passing that thankfulness around.

The bottom line is that we are those who are to share the Good News of Jesus to those who are either do not know or do not really care that through Jesus we are pardoned and forgiven of our sinful life. We are not called to force people to be Christians or die, but we are called to share our faith, something if we are honest, many of us just do not have an urgent sense of doing as we should or are capable of doing.

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

We must recapture a sense of urgency for furthering the ministry of Jesus Christ to those who do not know him and for those who may have just forgot the need to be instruments of Christ. Far too often we are so caught up in the doing our own thing – especially on days like today when so much needs to be done - that we forget to BE ministers of the Good News of Jesus. We get more upset when things do not go the way we planned rather than the fact that there are people dying without knowing Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

How diligent are you in utilizing your gifts that God has given you? Will you have "unpardoned" guest around your table today that need to be set free?

The greatest thanks we can give to God today is sharing His goodness with all we are around.

The greatest thanks we can give to our guests is the gift of Jesus Christ and all He has done in and through you.

When it comes right down to it, what really matters to you? Is it what matters to God? And if so, are you willing to share it today?

Is it dark around you?????

"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isaiah 58:10-11

I read that verse and thought, WOW - there is a lot there!!! Those people who claim to be born again Christians are God's light on this earth... But so many are of them are not shining like the light they should be. They turned off the light switch a long time ago and now are walking around just as the rest of the world - in darkness.

If you want your light to shine, you have to love the Lord and hunger after Him. You have to give be willing to give of yourself to others, and truly care about the things that God cares about.

When you make this kind of impact... It brings people back to what you're trying to bring them to - the Lord. Some of you think, "Well, I help my friends, family, and other Christians." That's good, it really is... BUT it's not good enough. You need to be a light to those who don't believe too, and to those who aren't right with God. You need to be a light to those who have no light in their lives. What good is a flashlight in broad daylight? It's of no use, it's only of use at night, or in a dark room.

It's good to treat the people you know nicely, but you also need to go out of your way and give those you don't know that light of hope. I have seen too many people just judge others, and condemn others, and they don't help them because they say, "That person's not right with God, I'm not helping them!" I have to say it... THAT IS THE MOST STUPID THING I'VE EVER HEARD ANYONE SAY! If they're not right with God, then it's YOUR job to help them! That is more reason to help them, not less!

Jesus healed the sick, both believers and unbelievers... The unbelievers came to Him after He helped them. It didn't just save their bodies, it saved their souls. He did so many things, for so many different people. So many Christians are in a horrible spot today. The reason we're not getting anything done, the reason they aren't growing in the Lord , or seeing revival in their own heart is because they are too busy judging others, and condemning others... They even judge and condemn each other! If you're one of these people, you need to put your pride aside and let the light God gave you shine. This isn't even about your pride, this is about helping you help yourself, so you can help others. I'm not too prideful to beg this favor of you, so please don't be too prideful to listen.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.