"Am I overlooking something?"

Just a super quick note to thank you for your patience while my host server issues for my wordpress blog were fixed. I know it’s been down a while and I am WAY over due for a LOT of posts. However, I am on my way to a big meeting. So will come back and write more later.

In the meantime, this is to let you know “WE FOUND IT”….the problem’s been addressed and we are ready to FLY.

Should you be computer challenged I know of a superb Geek to recommend… @Codatory.  Thanks Alex!

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Looking at the Cross

As I look up at the cross I see,
The Guiltless Lamb who died for me.
I see the thorns that adds to the pain,
In the form of a crown, His born for my gain.

It’s hard to look upon those stripes
so bloody & wide, deep & thin,
Not that they were undeserved,
but just payment for MY sin.

So how is it that Jesus is up there,
while I remain unscathed?
Because of what He Himself has said…
“There is NO OTHER WAY”!

The sky grew dark, the thunder rolled,
the very earth shook;  rock and stone,
The penalty paid;  “It is Finished” crossed His lips,
and the furious wrath of God was shown.

Indeed the innermost veil of the temple
was torn by God above,
Not only was God’s wrath poured out
but Grace,  such undeserving Love.

For by the supplying His very own Son
Jesus came as both sacrifice and priest,
that we might be reconciled to God,
and partake in the Passover Feast.

Don’t you see what’s been done here?
What a great price has been paid!
When the sins of the world,
were upon Jesus Christ laid.

And He willingly bore them,
ought of His perfecting love,
that we might be with Him
forever, in eternity above.

====================

Please join me Dear Friend in honoring what took place on this Good Friday!
He who was without sin became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Blessing and Honor and Glory to the Lamb who was slain, forever and ever- Amen.

©2011E5e attribution rights reserved

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You see, I have been praying since January 11th, when I learned from a mutual friend that Joanne Heim (great Simple Life blogger, Christian author, wife and mother) suffered a sudden and severe stroke. Her young daughter found her in the basement shaking and an ambulance came to rush her away to the hospital where the family’s journey was about to take a drastic turn into a dark tunnel of unknowns.

There have been many ups and downs throughout the last month, seizures, brain swelling, surgery, coma, tracheotomy, monitoring of the brain activity. I have prayed for the two little girls Audrey (12) and Emma (not sure of her age) and of course, her husband, Toben who has curtailed his normal work in order to be by his beloved’s side.

It was interesting to hear Joanne’s situation mentioned on the local Moody Bible radio station that I listen to on a national program called Midday Connection. Then, apparently her blogsite registered 4,000 hits as people came to read about her and lift up prayers and comments of encouragement.  Friends have helped with updates being posted to her blog and even set up a way in which people could help the Heims out financially since this is taking Toben away from his normal job and also anticipated to be a lengthy and costly recovery.

I totally love how the Brotherhood of Christians come together and show the Father’s love at such times!! People who are thousands of miles away, still our brothers and sisters, can be reached through this wonderful tool of the internet. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and even Skype are all powerful tools to connect with people in a way that some have viewed as too technological and therefore “cold and insensitive”. However, I disagree. This ability to communicate electronically has offered us great opportunities. That’s why I so love using it to practice my 5E’s of exalting; equipping, edifying, examining and evangelizing!!

Because of my own experiences with very rare Foreign Accent Syndrome since May 12, 2009, I am even MORE enthused about the process of communication and it’s many modes. Although I sound like a foreigner these last almost 2 years, I still count myself incredibly blessed to be able to sing and write normally.  This condition is so rare that many doctors don’t even know what it is, let alone how to help us. Consequently, I am so driven to have Linguistic Programs and Speech Pathology and Neurology labs to examine my and others’ brain via functional MRI or other means to learn more about the truly untapped wilderness of the human brain. I KNOW that a different area of my brain is functioning when I sing than when I speak. There is much to learn and I want to help.

Now; to the fantastic news that spurred this writing. My dear sister-in-the-Lord Joanne in a Colorado hospital, has blessed her caretakers and family with one simple act (simple, to someone who has NOT had a stroke nor been a coma).  Joanne cannot speak because of Tracheotomy and she’s had a hard time trying to use a pen and paper to write, but Toben had an idea to put an i-Pad in front of her. As she was in bed with the iPad, she utilized a doodle program and drew with her finger :

“Do we have Otter pops in the freezer at home?” A breakthrough!!! Then when therapist asked her what her favorite flavor was, she used her finger to spell out “orange”.  A great Hallelujah moment! I became emotional as I read the news and can only imagine the unspeakable joy that her husband Toben and the witnessing Speech Therapist were experiencing. I also am most rejoicing for dear Joanne… she can communicate!! How wonderful!!

It is a sign of progress that she is allowed to eat popsicles instead of only ice chips that they had been giving her. But this added ability to communicate by the use of an iPad is outstanding!!  She continued to write about being uncomfortably hot, and having a bit of trouble with her tracheotomy that medical staff were then able to address.

As exciting as all this news is; experience has taught me that this activity is especially draining on the brain.  She, no doubt, will get very tired, very quickly as she takes the extra effort to communicate. So that is a continuing prayer concern; her strength, endurance and ability to STOP and rest. (If you but read her blogsite postings, you’ll see that it is not generally her nature to just stop). I do pray for her, as I do myself, to make the time to stop; be still and know that He is Lord. She has seemed to me to be a driven person to “do” things. Now, the Lord has caused her to “rest in Him” an “be” rather than “do”. Oooh, that is a lesson I have frequented a LOT myself : P

At last nights prayer meeting Bible lesson, Kurt taught us out of  1st John 5: 1-5 where the apostle Paul talks of being “overcomers”.  It is through the Power of Jesus Christ that we are able to endure what appears unendurable; to more than survive a trial, but actually thrive in new ways as we come out of the other side of a dark tunnel of this world’s trials and into the Light of hope that is ours by being a Child of God and KNOWING that God promises never to leave or forsake us — He is our LIGHT through the darkness. His Word tells us these trials are “light and momentary” — not to belittle our experiences of suffering, but as a reminder that this world, in this decaying body… when viewed in light of eternity . . . is fleeting.

As I close, I invite you, my friends,  to join prayers for Joanne’s continued healing, that the testimony of the Goodness of God be evident to all who witness their responses of God-given peace and joy in the MIDST of the trial,  as well as praising God for his incredible mercies to her and her family.

Toben: I pray that you will share this with Joanne and the girls, so that they can know that God is at work through your situation, among His people, throughout the world.  They will know we are Christians by our LOVE.

To read Joanne’s Blog here is the link: http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/the_simple_wife/

For updates from Toben via Twitter: @tobenheim

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Emergency kit

There’s a huge winter storm coming! It’s shaking people up to see just about all of the United States east of Cheyenne Wyoming with some kind of winter storm watch or warning. Weathermen are predicting freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice and then powerful winds. This storm is expected to hit central Indiana over the next two days. In fact portions of our area are receiving freezing rain RIGHT NOW.

This has prompted many people to get prepared. . . are YOU prepared?

It only takes 1/2 inch of ice buildup on the lines to bring them down, especially if there is high winds causing them to sway and tree branches to fall. Ice storms are known for causing wide-spread power outages, so it is wise to prepare. If you hear “popping” or see sparking and wires down — stay away and keep others away and call your electric company or 911 immediately. (some phone numbers at the end of this post).  If you are in your car and the line falls on it. Do NOT leave the car unless told to do so by emergency personnel.

Are you and your family ready if your power should go out during this winter storm? Have you talked with your kids and have an emergency plan in place ? If you were told that you must be out of the house “NOW” (gas leak, fire, evacuation) would you be ready?

The American Red Cross says you can prepare by putting together a disaster supply kit, to be used in your home in the event of an emergency, and a “go kit,” which is something you would take with you if you need to evacuate to a shelter.

Your disaster supply kit at home could include such things as:

• at least 3-day supply of food (ideally eaten w/o heating, granola bars, cheese and crackers, cereals, etc. — don’t forget the can opener if you have canned goods)
• possible food-heat source, (ie. gel fuel, propane for outdoor cooking only)
• water at least a gallon a day
• first aid kit,
• flashlights and batteries.
• heating sources- candles, tea lights, lanterns, (+ matches in water proof cont.)
• Warm Blankets and clothing.

I.D. and Documentation. Always being sure that everyone is carrying some kind of Identification. You can have fun and create one for your kids with an index card and their photo, name, your name and cell phone number.  Also, it is good to create a secret word to know if someone is claiming to be taking them to you.

Remember that with power out… you will not be able to CHARGE you cell phone or mobile devices. Many people have all there important phone numbers stored electronically, so it is wise to transfer important contact information, accounts etc. into a small address book or notebook that you keep in your purse or on your person.

A digital camera (with extra batteries) may be of great use if you suffer some damage from the storm. I ALWAYS carry one with a set of extra batteries for it. This is especially important for capturing and documenting news as it happens. I keep my cell phone for only communication not photos.

Our First Aid Tackle Box

A “Go-Kit” (can be grabbed if you must evacuate in a hurry or go to shelter) . Place the following type items in a rolling suitcase or backpack:

• bedding,
• clothing for all family members, Warm & weatherproof
• medications,
• personal care items,
• toys or books for the kids and snacks.
• a notebook/folder with important addresses, phone numbers, & accts. info & key family photos.

Dog Bucket to Go

Don’t forget your PET Emergency family needs: (We keep ours in a five gallon bucket always ready in case of emergency evacuation.

• food Lg. ziplocs work well
• and water for your animal (reused gal. juice container)
• leashes and collars (be sure I.D. tag is on animal)
• toys, blanket, brush or comb, ziplocs for cleanup
• extra rope is always good to have for tie up or makeshift muzzle.

If you plan on using a grill, make sure it stays outside. Don’t operate it in a garage or a basement due to carbon monoxide and fire concerns.

Get Ready:

• Fill your gas tank
• Charge cell phones
• Have extra cash
• Stock non-perishable food
• Consider back-up methods for food/water, heat and lighting
• Have ice melt and non-clumping kitty litter on hand for melting and traction.

Electrical Power Providers:

IPL power outages.  To report an outage or a downed power line, please call 317.261.8111 or 317.261.8222 or toll-free at 1.888.261.8222. or 911 if an emergency.

Duke Energy outages. If you see a fallen power line, call Duke Energy at 1-800-343-3525 and select Option 2 or contact your local emergency services immediately.

Vectren outages. Call (800) 227-1376 to report an outage or downed line.

These are just suggestions based on my understanding of what the American Red Cross and local news reporters are suggesting, along with personal experience. Using your own common sense trumps it all. The purpose of this post is simply to prompt you to ready yourselves and consider items you may not have thought of.

I very much welcome other personal suggestions that you would make. What kind of experiences have you had with emergencies that caused you to better prepare for the future? Please feel free to send a comment and I will post it if it is helpful.

Now, people … get ready!

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Here is today’s note from the Silverbergs:

Dear Praying Friends,
 
PTL, it seems that Jonah is making small progress. Three drainage tubes were taken out of his chest yesterday, with some minor damage to his insides. He remains somewhat stable, still on the ventilator and feeding tube. He is mostly unconscious. No other major heart or blood pressure problems. We hope and trust the little guy is healing. He’s been thru quite an ordeal. Jonah is now 22 days old.
Please continue to pray with us and for us.

In Christ’s Love,
Marty for Val

I am going to pray that Jonah’s body will continue to normalize in relation to his heart and that the entire family can REST for a bit in the surpassing peace that only God can give! Surely, little Jonah’s battle has been and is being a powerful testimony to not only to the unsaved, but slso as an encouragement to those of us who so often fail to see the many blessings that God favors us with every moment!

May we make each and every moment be filled with thanksgiving for all that God is!!

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I feel sorry for those who simply can’t accept it. I think that the people who respond with cruel remarks such as “she’s just doing it for attention”, “she sounds like a retard”, or “he’s obviously faking it” are really scared to admit that it could happen… So suddenly and unexpectedly…and no one knows why… and it could happen to anyone! This isn’t a regional, racial, sexual, or economic malady. It’s an equal opportunity shocker that affects not only the person afflicted, but everyone in their family and social circle!!
In order to help get the word out and misperceptions addressed a few of us FAS endurers are working together to gather facts about our individual cases, encourage scientific and medical study and research and then document and disseminate truthful, 1st-hand information. With that in mind, I wrote the following comment in response to the article I mentioned earlier:

I know that Foreign Accent Syndrome is real because I am living proof! This is really a pretty good introduction of what it is. However, I would disagree with the number of cases medically documented. You state 20 ever in the world and I know of 13 right now and I believe there are more. However it is commonly accepted that it is extremely rare and more like 60-100 cases ever since the original case was documented.
As a former pre-med student I am constantly amazed at the lack of understanding that we have of the human brain! Truly, we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
My own case started May 12,2009 after an exceptionally severe migraine and spreading facial numbness on one side. CT and MRI did not show a stroke yet something profound DID happen for although the facial numbness and headache were gone in days, I now speak like an eastern European, Swedish/French person speaking English depending on what words I am saying and interpretation of the listener.

Look around on my site (search fas) for lots of postings about living with this when not even many medical specialists have even
heard of it before.

MerryChristmas everyone! Http://ellen5e.com

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What I appreciated most about this chapter was the emphasis on the need for correct understanding of theses words: justice, mercy, sin, grace, righteousness and injustice.

I have noticed many times how indignant people become when they feel that there have been injustices done that are going unpunished or in which the punishment seems unfit to the infraction. “That’s not fair!”, is an exclamation that many of us have made from toddlerhood playrooms, sports stadium sidelines and upon hearing of judicial decisions. How often that exclamation is followed with the statement “well, if I were in charge … ”  and then some venting of our own judgment which would obviously be better. Ha!

I believe that the author also does a great job of pointing out that a major problem is our sense of entitlement that we have developed as a result of expecting God’s mercy rather than judgment for our own sins. Sproul points out that people view God in the Old Testament as one of condemnation and wrath. A “because I said so!” kind of Lord. These same people then apparently have a hard time reconciling the Old Testament Yahweh with the New Testament God of love who gave Jesus, His only begotten son, as sacrifice of sins and Savior of our souls.

Sproul starts the chapter by recounting the Old Testament stories of sudden death as God’s judgment for sin. First  told, was swift death that came to Nadab and Abihu  sons of Aaron. As priests they new every detail of what Holy God required, yet they violated his instructions by burning strange fire before the altar and were immediately killed. This seemed like a shockingly severe punishment to Priest Aaron who took his disagreement to Abraham. Abraham helped Aaron understand that these men were fully aware of their duties and desecrated the place of Holy God which demands justice. Abraham helped reestablish the severity of sin and Aaron stood silent.

Sproul then recounted the story of Uzziah who likewise was killed when he suddenly reached out and touched the Ark of the Covenant as King David was having it restored to it’s place among Gods people. What appears to the observer as a severe punishment for a selfless act of a priest trying to keep the Ark from falling off of an oxen cart, was really an act of sin judged by God instantly demanding Uzziahs life.
The author does a good job of explaining how very many violations had really transpired in the parading of the Ark in this fashion (you can read it for yourself).

What these stories have in common, is how swift and severe was the punishment, and that witnesses had judged that God’s judgment was not “just”.

Later in the chapter, we are reminded of the story of Lot. The total annihilation of Sodom & Gemorrah, and later God’s requirement that Isrealites totally destroy every living thing when going into a land.

The author points out how time and again we people, question the justice of the all-knowing Holy God whose very nature is righteousness. I think Sproul does an excellent job of pointing out that these very facts about God prove that we cry for “justice” when we really expect “mercy”. He reminds us that from way back in Genesis we are all guilty of sin, and God had previously stated that the punishment for sin is death. Since the rules of righteousness (doing the right thing) were clearly explained and understood, and we violate those rules (commit sin); then justice (the unbiased carrying out of punishment for infraction) requires death, right?! Um… Yes and no. The way I understand it, I as a mere created being have NO right to require anything of God. However, God’s holy nature requires a penalty for sin to be paid.

Enter–Amazing Grace!! Amazingly enough God showed so much mercy on Adam and Eve and all the generations that follow, that He provided another way, a more excellent way, to mete out his punishment for our sins. He sent Jesus Christ as not only an example of how we can live our God-given mission to live as an image of God among the world, but to first cleanse our sins so that we would be able to fulfill that purpose by bringing glory to God in our daily lives & through service to others.

This Grace and Mercy (giving undeserved favor) is a Gift, but more importantly in this case, it is a life-saving gift. Without God’s grace we would ALL be dead!! The Perfect justice of our Holy God demands death for sin. “But God” …. Oh, those are two of my very favorite words!!

It is important for us to realize that just because we do not see punishment served as we would deem fair; God is never unjust! Rather He may be bestowing grace by allowing time to pass before the payment is made. Either through saving grace or just read Revelation in the Bible; ALL will stand before the Holy God and be judged. Actually it is more accurate to say we will probably fall on our faces as dead men before the Sovereign.

Though not mentioned in this chapter, I thought of the New Testament story of the woman with the issue of blood. Like Uzziah, she had reached out to touch a Holy vessel of God’s Spirit, this One being in the person of Jesus Christ. Yet, she was not zapped dead for doing so. On the contrary, she was healed from a terrible physical malady. How can it be? Wasn’t it Jesus who said in Matthew, “Come to Me…”?

Sproul reminds us that God Himself states ” I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.” In other words, God is the One who chooses to bestow mercy, and it’s best I don’t question the Sovereign. After all mercy and grace are “gifts”. How silly would I look if I asked you why you did or did not give someone a gift? It’s none of my business.

As I read this chapter, I had been sick in bed for two entire days. This isn’t the only time that chronic illness has forced a change in my plans. but this time I was more upset because I have deadlines & people are counting on me. However, as I read this chapter, I believe God helped me to reexamine my attitude. Why is it that I feel that I am entitled to be well? Why is it that I get so upset when these things happen when I have deadlines? Could it be that the sin of self-righteousness, and entitlement are starting a rebellion under the banner of “this is not how it’s supposed to be”? God forgive me, I am wrong.

As we are drawing toward the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States I would invite you to take part in a different spiritual parade. One in which we march under a banner which says “All Thanks to our Holy God” as we realize that everything is by Him, for Him and accountable to Him. Only with a more accurate view of our sins affront to Holy God, can we really be thankful for everything! Good and bad (as we see it) alike are all used to fulfill God’s purposes. Faith in God’s true Word bears it out.

A favorite quote from the book this week is this one found on page 170:

“God does not always act with justice. Sometimes he acts with mercy. Mercy is not justice, but it also is not injustice. Injustice violates righteousness. Mercy manifests kindness and grace and does no violence to righteousness. Mercy manifests kindness and grace and does no violence righteousness. We may see non-justice in God, which is mercy, but we never see injustice in God”

This chapter is a great reminder that I must be aware of when I am not practicing my belief “God IS God … I am not!”

Next week: Chapter 7: War and Peace with a Holy God.

More insights on this reading can be found at Challies website by clicking here.

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Kay Russell and Sarah Colwill

had a story about Foreign Accent Syndrome on it. This reminded this acquaintance of me and he told me about the broadcast as well as sent a “God Bless You”. I love that! He remembers that I have had it since May 12, 2009 after a major migraine makes my midwest farmer’s daughter accent turn into Dutch/Swedish/German “Eastern European” sounding speech. I just praise God I can still sing regularly.

I regularly monitor the topic Foreign Accent Syndrome on the internet and web trying to get latest scientific news. That’s how I found out about Sarah Colwill last Spring. I reached out to her on FaceBook and am happy to have another FAS friend.

So I went to NBC Today online and there I found this video article about my British friend Sarah Colwill and Kay Russell who both have Foreign Accent Syndrome. We have been Facebook talking since Sarah came down with it also as a result of migraine back in the spring of this year.

It turns out that Kay Russell lives only about an hour away from Sarah so they got to meet each other with all the excitement that I had in meeting Fisher Fran last year. To find someone else who suffers from the same rare malady helps a person feel less alone. Even if there isn’t a cure. There is just something blessed about being able to share in the depth of understanding that comes from such a thing.

I am grateful to the NBC Today show for doing the story to help bring more awareness to the fact that Foreign Accent Syndrome does exist and that it does so greatly impact peoples lives. Yet, even when science doesn’t have the answers to the “why” or “what do we do about it” questions, people can carry on with hope. That’s a message that everyone needs to hear!

Well, here is the embedded link to watch the story, enjoy. FAS Women Bond on Today Show

And if you would be kind enough to comment to NBC for doing the story or here, it would be an encouragement.

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In this weeks chapter of RC Sproul’s book “The Holiness of God” I understand why Luther had a hard time with reconciling his sin with God’s holiness. Only by accepting God’s justification and ongoing sanctification through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can we ever hope to please God. It’s through faith in Christ NOT our fallible attempts at purity. 

No wonder Luther was viewed as insane by some as he struggled to reach this idea. Luther was driven by fear of a judgemental God of wrath and his own ever present guilt regarding hos own sins. I believe that those reported digestive problems of Luthers were the signs of ulcers that he no doubt earned through the inner turmoil that he endured in trying to unite his law/justice sense in that God has every right to demand our holiness and to severely punish us.  However, realizing our inability to overcome our own sinful nature by means of even our best efforts, God provided the Way.

He utilized mercy and grace, showing us divine forgiveness and self-sacrificing love through the provision of Jesus as the bearer of our deserved punishment. He paid the debt that was ours to pay. It was such a great cost that He could bear for the sake of our souls eternal reconciliation with God. 

This chapter was a good example how perfect love casts out fear.
A righteousness that we could never earn has been given unto us! Glory to God!

A sense of peace can come to Luther as he reuses the truth of the Gospel. That Almighty God utilized mercy and grace, showing us divine forgiveness and self-sacrificing love through the provision of Jesus as the bearer of our deserved punishment. He paid the debt that was ours to pay. It was such a great cost that He could bear for the sake of our souls eternal reconciliation with God. 

A righteousness that we could never earn has been given unto us! Glory to God!

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