My Voice, My Heart, My Life

I'm a big Star Trek fan. I've enjoyed almost ever incarnation of this Sci-Fi giant. Recently my husband and I have been watching Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. One of the enemies for this particular series are the Jem'Hadar. These creatures are genetically engineered for battle and controlled through a drug called ketracel-white; which they require to function properly. Their mantra is "Obedience brings Victory. And Victory is Life." Every time they say this, I cringe. They are following orders from people who don't care for them and whose only goal is their own survival. I always felt it was such a terrible mantra. But today I had a revelation.  During today's sermon, my pastor was going over John 10, The Good Shepherd. One of his points was how do we ensure that we can hear our Good Shepherd's (Jesus) voice. We need to read His word, meditate in His word, memorize His word and obey  His word. Through obeying His word & voice we find life....

Today during devotions I read Judges 3:31. One verse dedicated to a man named Shamgar. "After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel."(Judges 3:31) Twenty-two words telling it straight of how God used Shamgar. This is the first time I read or focused on this verse. I began to wonder who is Shamgar. What can I learn from this individual and what is a an oxgoad? So I did a little digging. First let's take a quick look at the book of Judges. Basically the book of Judges accounts the various activities of Judges who delivered and had authority in Israel after the death of Joshua. Now Joshua had defeated the main forces of the opposition and led Israel into Canaan and divided the lands to the various tribes. Before his death he warned Israel to not mix or intermarry with the local people. Stay away from their foreign gods and keep your eye on the true God. But Israel disobeyed. Which began a p...

Every Thursday we have chapel at our school. It's a time of church with our students. The elementary and middle have their respective chapels. Today was a very special middle school chapel. One 7th grader and seven 8th graders made the decision to proclaim their faith publicly through Baptism. Baptisms are very emotional for me. They are such a personal decision. They are saying to the world, I Love Jesus. It's a big deal. My baptism is etched in my mind. It was a wonderful experience! It's a treasured Jesus and me moment. Four of the students being baptized where my kindergarteners once a upon a time. I have been able to see them grow and witness their faith. Seeing them take this step melts my heart. As I write my eyes are watering. The Holy Spirit has touched their hearts and they are being obedient. I feel so blessed to have been witness to this important moment in their Christian journey. Praise God! " Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into...

After a week of Scrooge rehesrals and late nights, I am really looking forward to this Thursday break. A day of rest before the mad rush of the weekend production. It has been fun but I need to sleep at a decent hour at least one night this week. Well, I'm choosing to spend this break to with some dear friends. Gino and Laura Quinn have been our close friends for over 10 years. We met at church when we were all dating and we where just starting our adult lives. Our acquaintance grow into a beautiful friendship. We stood in each others weddings and have been part of the most important moments, especially celebrating their 3 precious children.  Theirs is a friendship that Scott & I deeply cherish.  In the past year or two they have been preparing to move to Georgia. The Lord has called them to the mission field. Now I know what you're thinking, Georgia doesn't need missionaries, its part of the bible belt! Yes, this is true. The organization, Operation Mobilisation...