What Do You Call "God"?

Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it. “I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations; to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison. I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.

-Isaiah 42:5-8

I am constantly learning and growing as I explore my faith.  As people often do, I fell into a pattern of posting based on my current beliefs rather than asking questions and seeking answers.  I lost my focus.

Tumultuous experiences in my life since last June lead me back to questioning life and faith.  I lost several loved ones and continue to face my own health and financial issues.  I realize I have many more questions than answers.

My first question was simple and yet complex.  I wanted to know what do you call God?

My husband and I were both raised Roman Catholic and are raising our children that way.   But is it based on tradition or truth?

We both admitted it was based on tradition.  Not exactly the best way to go upon reflection.  My husband had turned to the Jehovah's Witnesses after his divorce.  I went to the Lutheran church.  Our children have been exposed to both as well as Catholicism.

We are all seeking the truth now as my son faces confirmation.  Despite his strong beliefs, he is not sure he wants to confirm as a Catholic.  I remember feeling the same way at his age and being told it was a requirement (with shocked expressions from clergy and family).

I don't want my son to feel that way.  His faith is his own personal journey and we let him know we feel that way.  In exploring faith through a child's eyes, I am seeking the truth over tradition myself.

My first prayerful question to Him was, "What do you want me to call you?"

Over the years, I have realized we can directly communicate with Him if we listen.  He sends us what we need if we keep our eyes and hearts open.

My husband assured me His name was Jehovah but now I know that is actually the Anglican version of His real name...Yahweh.

I received my answer loud and clear within a day.  The family was taking a ride for groceries.  A red racing car sped up next to us and hovered.  We all turned to admire it and realized the car was named "Yahweh."
All over the car was the word "Yahweh."  How could I miss that very obvious message?

We now call Him by His proper name in prayer, Yahweh, from the original Hebrew texts.

Now that I know His name, should I refer to the Trinity?  How should I observe my faith?  Should I be praying to saints and statues?  What holidays should I really be celebrating?  I will be exploring these topics in my future posts and welcome insight from all faiths.  I am a student, not a teacher, seeking for us to all learn truth over tradition together.  If not now, then when?

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Cross Christmas Tree Ornaments

Cross Christmas tree decorations remind us of the reason for the season for Christians. Cross Christmas tree ornaments turn a pine tree into a reminder of Jesus' love and sacrifice for all of us.

Years ago, I decorated my Christmas tree with popcorn, garland and red velvet bows. I liked an old-fashioned Christmas tree and there were no cross Christmas tree decorations. Even my small Christmas tree in my "single pad" was decorated this way.

After becoming a mom, I liked Hallmark Christmas tree ornament such as Disney characters. I even purchased a small Disney Christmas tree for upstairs. There were no cross Christmas tree decorations on this tree either.

One year we attended a holiday fair in the community where I grew up. It was great fun and I got to see a lot of my old friends. The generousity was astounding and everyone received a gift bag, including adults. My gift bag contained a beautifully crocheted cross Christmas tree ornament.

After hanging my first cross Christmas tree ornament, I was hooked (pun intended). I decided to find more cross Christmas tree ornaments including ones made from wood and shiny beads. This year the children and I will make cross Christmas tree ornaments from foam, construction paper and glitter...with a touch of personal creativity!

Do you hang cross Christmas tree ornaments? With endless images of Santa Claus, reindeer and elves, it is a pleasure to see a representation of Jesus on the Christmas tree. Why not make a few cross Christmas tree ornaments yourself? Next year, I would like to make a few cross Christmas tree ornaments from the palm given on Palm Sunday.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Matthew 28:5

With Jesus in mind, here is a YouTube video of Mariah Carey singing "Silent Night":

The Real Life Saint In All Of Us

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:6

Although we celebrate Halloween, I always feel the need to go to church the next day. We started early on Sunday morning to make the 8 AM mass for the Feast Of All Saints.

I was touched by the priest's sermon this week, just as I was last week. These guys are on a roll lately! He discussed how we all know real life saints in your everyday lives. They might not get the international kudos of official saints, but they are doing His work just the same.

What makes a person a real-life saint? They see a need and instead of walking away, they help. A real-life saint is motivated by His grace and the desire to do good rather than a feeling of obligation.

Often we do something helpful or nice because we feel we "have to". If we turn that around and see it as an opportunity to experience and share His grace, we can become real-life saints, too! It made me examine my motives. From now on, I will see opportunities rather than obligations.

Do you know any real-life saints? Are you working on being a real-life saint yourself? How does it make you feel when someone offers help with love rather than a sense of obligation? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts at Gathering4Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Can You Really Regain Your Virginity?

But if the wicked will turn from all sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekial 18:21

On Sunday, I went to a different church and mass. It was a youth mass and the young preacher was very effective. At one point during his sermon, he let the young people know they could get their virginity back.

After the initial shock, I realized he did not mean technically or scientifically. The preacher meant a person could spiritually regain their virginity by confessing, asking for forgiveness and doing what is right from that point forward.

We all have the same opportunity for rebirth. Yesterday I asked everyone what we could learn from George Michael's song "Faith". We know Michael struggled with sexuality issues and addiction. He still realized in his song he needed to wait for something more.

None of us should settle but we need to get actively involved in our redemption. Jesus died on the cross so sinners could be forgiven. All we need to do is ask for that forgiveness and go forward following His laws.

Each day is a new opportunity to do better. He gave us all the gift of redemption if we really want it and reach for it. No matter what your sins of the past, your present and future can be bright. It's up to you.

Have you ever felt your sins were so bad you could not be forgiven? Did you ever feel the burden lifted when you asked for forgiveness? Have you turned away from a sinful life and how does your new lifestyle make you feel? Please feel free to comment or share your own posts at Gathering4Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

What Can George Michael Teach Us About Faith?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Last night my son shared this with us after the evening prayer. When I woke up this morning, I read a couple of blog posts about faith. What a wonderful thought to end and start a day!

Faith is what we hope for and want. We believe it will happen although we cannot see it and have no proof. It comes from the strength of the spirit within rather than external forces. Faith is our invisible get spiritually tangible connection with Him.

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

Hebrews 11:3

This disproves the old saying, "You have to see it to believe it." Faith is all about believing what you feel rather than what you see, smell, taste, touch or hear.

What can George Michael teach us about faith? When the word kept popping up, I could not help remember the catchy lyrics of "Faith", a popular 80s song. He wants to touch the body of the one he loves but resists the temptation. He also says, "I need someone to hold me but I'll wait for something more."
Faith is about waiting for something more and knowing it will arrive. Because you believe, there are no worries or fears. You know it will all work out well because He is with you every step of the way.

Do you believe it if you can't see it? Does the concept of faith make sense to you? Has your faith lead you to "something more"? Please feel free to comment or share your own posts at Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Here is Faith by George Michael:

What's In Your Heart?

"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."

Acts 15:8-9

This Sunday I visited a different church. The priest was inspirational, encouraging us to start on a good note everyday. We can change, be pure and start all over again in faith. We each have the Holy Ghost and He is with us.

When we give ourselves to Him, we become pure again. Our sins are washed away because of Jesus' death on the cross for us. All we need to do is seek Him and He is there.

People make mistakes. Feeling guilty and unclean harnesses you to the error, now allowing you to move on. Confessing to Him cleanses us, relieves us of sin. He is there to hear you anytime and help you get back on the right track.

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Acts 15:11

All we need to do is believe and live by His word. His love is wonderful!

What is in your heart? Do you feel you are a sinner, unworthy of redemption? Have you ever confessed your sins to Him and felt cleansed, renewed? Please feel free to comment or post your own thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Do You Know Your Christian Music Personality?

I just stumbled upon a fun Christian music personality quiz in my email inbox. It is only 15 questions and determines your Christian music personality. I thought my results were pinpoint and was amazed by the accuracy of this little quiz.
What is my Christian music personality? Here goes - and no surprise to me:

Old School Rocker:

You were there at the dawn of Christian rock music and understand how artists like Larry Norman, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry McGuire, the Talbot brothers and Keith Green shared the gospel using culturally relevant music. You love all styles of music, but rock is really your thing, and at heart you're a bit of a hippie for Jesus.

Alright, how did they know I was a young hippie? Rock is my thing and I do think of myself as a bit of a hippie for Jesus. I also relate to culturally relevant music and its evolution. I even sang in a Christian rock band for awhile when I was a teen!

Here are other possible Christian music personalities:

Secularly Saved:

You don't really identify with the whole Christian music scene. Sure, you like Christian artists that are known in the mainstream, like Switchfoot, Relient K, and Flyleaf, and you can see why Christians are into U2, but your music library consists of a variety of artists on both sides of the musical divide. Spiritual content isn't a priority; music is for entertainment.

Justice Jammer:

You're looking for more artistic value in your music, and want your music to challenge you spiritually as well as awaken your creative senses. You don't pay attention to the "Christian/Secular" labels and you put your faith into action by reaching out to the needy. Sara Groves, Derek Webb, Cademon's Call and The Wrecking are just some of the artists who've inspired you, and you're probably on the mailing lists for International Justice Mission, Love146, World Vision, Food for the Hungry and/or Compassion International.

Christian Music Fan:

You love Christian pop music, from Amy Grant to newsboys, because it offers you a clean alternative to mainstream Top 40. You also like Southern Gospel, and have maybe even been to a Gaither Homecoming event. Your kids probably sing along to VeggieTales in the minivan, and your teenagers preordered Skillet's newest CD (an album you probably also couldn't wait to get your hands on). You're an avid supporter of your local Christian radio station and don't listen to any secular music.

Gospel Glorifier:

You want your music to pick you up and make you move, and you don't care who's watching. You're happiest worshipping God with clapping hands and dancing feet and the power of the Holy Spirit moving through you. Artists like Andrae Crouch, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, and even Aretha Franklin really help you get your gospel groove on.

Worship Warrior:

You want your music to help you enter a place of worship, regardless of the style. Whether you're listening to Chris Tomlin in the car, raising your hands in praise at a Hillsong event, or grooving to Israel and New Breed, the music you love is more for the church than for the mainstream and is part of your devotional time with God.

Why not see which one you are? Check out the quiz at What's Your Christian Music Personality? Jesus is joy - have a beautiful, blessed afternoon!