Archive for the ‘Marriage’ Category
She Wouldn’t Stop Talking About Her Old Love.
She Wouldn’t Stop Talking About Her Old Love.
All she could talk about was her former love. She dreamed of him in heart every day and spoke aloud of her deep passion for him to the amazement of her startled listeners. After all she was a married woman. If she was so in love with a memory, then why get married to another?
Like an air-headed bride who was clueless that her remarks about her past love life would ever ruin her present relationship, she couldn’t stop talking, she just wouldn’t quit. Her husband’s heart hurt knowing that although she was married to him, she was still in love with her old love.
Some around her remembered her former lover and agreed, that he was all that she remembered. Yet others felt deeply saddened that the one she now lived with, and who loved her very much, had heard her thoughtless comments. They knew he would spend the rest of his life competing with her old flame.
Why would a bride openly talk of a past love? Was she trying to sabotage her marriage? Didn’t she know anything about how to behave in a relationship? Couldn’t she brag on her current her husband? Why did she only say sweet things about her former love, and nothing about her current husband? Something was horribly wrong with this picture. Everyone could see where things were headed.
Strangers shook their heads and wondered that she could be so bold as to publicly proclaim that she still carried a torch for her man of yesterday and brag on him in her new husband’s face.
Hers may not be a married relationship much longer if the groom grows weary of hearing her old lover’s name.
Many that heard her remarks, formed the opinion that she truly wasn’t in love with the one she was married to, or that she was so disappointed in her new marriage that she didn’t care what happened.
How could a bride be so stupid? Why would she tear down her own marriage? Why couldn’t she keep some of her pleasant memories buried in her heart and savor them privately, if she must. Why wasn’t she discreet? Why wasn’t she in love with the one who now loved her?
She was a married woman! If she couldn’t give all of her love to her husband, why did she bother to even get married?
Shamed husbands aren’t alone in their embarrassment and hurt. The Lord God also knows the pain of playing second fiddle to an air-headed love.
The Story Of Hosea- Gomer.
The Lord told the prophet Hosea to marry a woman who was a common prostitute. He wanted Him to marry a woman who would be unfaithful. He wanted Hosea to understand His heartache and pain in loving Israel, while they were still in love with Egypt.
Israel – Egypt
God loved Israel, yet Israel had other lovers. Not only did she remember her past loves, she too, like an air-headed bride wouldn’t quit talking about them, and God heard her.
He knew that no matter what He did for her, she would always be in love with another.
It was stupid of her to forget who was feeding her, fighting her battles and blessing her every day. She wasn’t interested in a relationship with Jehovah. She just wanted to be kept, while she remembered what she considered to be the good things about her past.
Israel had complained about Egypt while she lived there, but although Egypt was now ancient history, Israel seemed to forever talk about her memories.
Those memories caused her taste buds to drool over the most mundane of things. Israel actually cried real tears.
Numbers 11:4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
It was like Israel regularly kept visiting the grave of her dead husband, decorating the site with fresh flowers and spending hours everyday weeping over what no longer was.
Israel Lusted After The Things Of Egypt.
She Quickly Forgot What Jehovah Was Doing for Her.
Psalm 106:13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
Psalm 106:14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
Israel tempted the Lord ten times in the wilderness by lusting after the things in her past, and complaining about what she now had and didn’t have, until God sent fiery serpents among them.
They Were Too Clueless To Realize They Were Tempting God!
Today’s Generation Loves Pleasure More Than God
This is a pleasure driven society. The good news is that all pleasure is not bad. The bad news is, that one of the warning signs of the last days would be that men would love pleasure more than they loved God. We’re here!
2 Timothy 3:4 …lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What do we speak of the most? Is it sports, recreation, entertainment, fine dining, video games, travel, or the Lord?
As the Bride of Christ, shouldn’t we understand about relationships? Shouldn’t we wake up to the realization that if we really want a relationship with the Jesus Christ…
- Maybe, just maybe He should be on our minds, and not the lusts of our flesh.
- Maybe, just maybe we should talk about Him more often, and not the world.
- Maybe, just maybe, we should be in love with Him, not the world.
- Maybe, just maybe we should talk about our love for Him and not about our love for the things of this world.
Do You Feel That You And Jesus Have A Good Relationship?
Then Why Mess Up?
There Is Nothing Worth Losing Your Soul Over!
If others hear you talk about the things of the world more than the things of God, your relationship with the Lord is certainly in trouble.
Take another look at what you have now. Don’t lose it. No one can go back to a memory, not ever.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Your Husband Might Be Somewhat Understanding, But God Will Not Be.
He’s A Jealous God.
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
God chose to create a helpmate that would be most desirable in the eyes of Adam. He succeeded and did a perfect job in the creation of Eve.
The plan was for man and woman to live together in a bond that was secure from sensual influences outside of the sanctity of their marriage. They each were given power over the others emotions and senses.
1Cor 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
When we step out of the safety of our house to go to work, for example, we no doubt will soon see someone of the opposite gender. For most men, it is a non-event that is completely ignored. No untoward stimuli is involved in their public observations.
For others, the looking is what triggers a chain of events that makes them vulnerable for a horrible downfall. They ogle and allow their mind and their thoughts to join in creating an ungodly fantasy.
When Jesus told His hearers, that when a man looked longingly upon a woman other than his wife, he was guilty of adultery in his heart.
Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Unlike our generation, no one listening to the sermon Jesus preached that day ever heard of the word porn or pornography. They 
understood clearly though that improperly looking upon a woman was not pleasing to God.
Hotel staff members tell me their highest room porn rentals of the year (on the room’s TV) is during men’s conferences and youth conferences. God help!
Today, with all the promotion of books, magazines and the Internet, experiencing adultery in the heart, is at an all time high… even in the privacy of your own home.
If what Jesus said is applied to the current porn industry, then it is possible to never see the ‘actress’ live and in real life, and yet watch her online and be guilty of adultery in your heart.
Why is it that those who are known to view pornography are not called adulterers? Isn’t that what they are?
If porn viewers are guilty of adultery, then they need to repent for that. Sir, please carefully guard yourself, your home, your relationship with your wife, and your eternal future. It quickly becomes an addiction that may possibly lead to, or accompany your moral failure.
Repentance (confessing) is the first step. Is the spirit of adultery in your heart? It doesn’t have to stay there. Forsaking is the next step you must take. Then, thirdly, I recommend a good old-fashioned praying through! Accountability will help keep you and your wife safe.
- The Repentance,
- Forsaking and a
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost is imperative!
- Make yourself accountable.
The Psalmist prayed, ‘Create in me a clean heart.’ That should be the prayer of every man who desires to make heaven his home, and his home a heaven.
Now, get up from your computer and go spend some time showing attention to that beautiful bride you pledged your ‘I Do’ to!!
You Won’t Be Sorry!
The Day I Obtained The Favor Of God
The Day I Obtained The Favor Of God
I have precious family members and the dearest of friends whose lives have been greatly pained by a marriage that went bad. I hurt for them and have cried for them and with them. None of us knows when we select a mate, what the future holds. Anyone can choose to go wrong.
Those of us who have loving and faithful spouses sometimes fail to appreciate how good we really have it!
So, I do not write today in an arrogant or boastful manner, nor do I mean to be hurtful to anyone, let alone disrespectful.
I simply write as one who is abundantly thankful to have found a girl who loves God with all of her heart, and who loves me more than words can tell!
So, Let Me Tell You How I Feel About My Marriage!
I feel the day I obtained the ‘favor’ of God was on a Saturday. The weather was perfect, and it was 2 o’clock in the afternoon August 14, 1965. This truly was, and has remained, the most wonderful day in my life! (Besides receiving the Holy Ghost.)
That Was The Day God Gave Me The Best Helpmate In The World!
She Just Happened To Be The Most Beautiful Girl In The World Too!
KJV Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Vine’s Words: ‘Favour’
Ratson, raw-tsone’; from (ratsah); delight (especially as shown) :- (be) acceptable (-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure.
Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
MSG Proverbs 18:22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
NLT Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
TLB Proverbs 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord.
Not only Did I Obtain The Favor Of God (KJV) On August 14, 1965…
- I also found a treasure! (The MSG)
- I also found a good spouse! (NLT)
- I also found a good life! (NLT)
- I also received a blessing from the Lord! (TLB)
Matthew Henry Commentary and others are careful to point out the ‘good wife’ part of the passage. In a day when about half of marriages become dissolved, I am blessed to still enjoy the love of my life. Mine, is a ‘good wife.’
Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 18:22
1. A good wife is a great blessing to a man. He that finds a wife…that is, a good wife indeed, a jewel of great value, a rare jewel; he has found that which will not only contribute more than any thing to his comfort in this life, but will forward him in the way to heaven.
2. God is to be acknowledged in it with thankfulness; it is a token of his favour, and a happy pledge of further favours; it is a sign that God delights in a man to do him good and has mercy in store for him; for this, therefore, God must be sought unto.
Barnes’ Notes on Proverbs 18:22
The sense seems to require, “Whoso findeth a good wife,” as in some Chaldee manuscripts; but the proverb writer may be looking at marriage in its ideal aspect, and sees in every such union the hands of God joining together man and woman for their mutual good.
This Groom Is Singing The Weddings First Song, To God. “I Want To Thank You.”
Like Me, This Groom Is Indeed Thankful For His Wife.
Happy Valentines Day To Marcia Starr Ballestero, My Life Long Love!
Your consecrated walk with God has brought to our home and to me the blessings and the favor of the Lord.
I will never be able to thank you enough for the great gift you are to me and our children, and our children’s children! You my Dear are the BEST!
I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU!
If I Were The Devil
“If I Were the Devil…”
by
Paul Harvey, 1965
I would want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I would have one-third of the real estate and four-fifths of the population , but I wouldn’t be happy until I had the ripest apple on the tree. So I’d set about, however necessary, to take over the United States.
I’d subvert the churches first; I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.”
To the youth I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” [our note: I heard this from a humanities instructor when I was in college--a breeding ground for the sowing of wickedness into the minds of those that have to memorize blasphemy in order to pass the course and get out and go past conscience to continue doing what they are told.]
I would convince them that man-made God [our note: in college in a philosophy "class" I was told the lie, "There is no God." That was a lesson in lies.] instead of the other way around.
I would confide that what’s bad is good and what’s good is “square.”
In the ears of the young married I would whisper that work is debasing [our note: Americans are pleasure-loving people. Some are obese from lack of work meanwhile others pay somebody to mow the grass while they go to the "Fitness Center." The children sit in school all day and then in front of the tv for hours on end in the midst of broken-down toys and eating processed foods full of refined sugar. The children do not work. They have no skills. The body and mind need to be involved in work. We were not made to be idle. A day of productivity is satisfying to both young and old.], that cocktail parties are good for you.
And to the old I would teach to pray after me: “Our Father, who art in Washington…” [our note: America seems to become more communist by the second.]
And then I’d get organized; I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that everything else would appear dull and uninteresting.
I’d threaten television with dirtier movies and vice versa.
I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could; I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction; I’d tranquillize the rest with pills.
If I were the Devil I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.
If I were the Devil I’d encourage schools to refine young intellects [our note: the schools disrupt and destroy young intellects and parents look on in horror as their children disintegrate before their very eyes. Parents need to REPENT of the sins and BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and OBEY his word and then they can be saved and rear their children correctly.] but neglect to discipline emotions: let those run wild. Before you know it, you’d have to have drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every school-house door. Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing.
With flattery and promises of power I would get the courts to do what I construe as against God and in favor of pornography.
I’d designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts and I’d get the preachers to say, “She’s right.” Thus, I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the Houses of Congress.
And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys, girls, and church money.
If I were the Devil I would make the symbol of Easter [our note: Easter is a pagan festival] an egg and the symbol of Christmas [our note: "Christmas" is a blasphemy] a bottle.
If I were the Devil I’d take from those who have and give it to those who want it, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.
What’ll you bet that I couldn’t get whole States to promote gambling as the way to get rich?
I would caution against extremes: in hard work, in patriotism, and in moral conduct.
I would convince the youth that marriage is old-fashioned, but swinging is more fun; that what you see on television is the way to be; and thus I could undress you in public and I could lure you into bed where there are diseases for which there is no cure.
Then I would separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines and objectors in slave-labor camps.
In other words, if I were the Devil, I’d just keep doing what he’s doing.
Do You Know Where You’re Going, When You Go Green?
Do You Know Where You’re Going, When You Go Green?
The signs and slogans are everywhere. Go Green.
That, my friend just might be one of the most dangerous signs you ever obey!
Going Green is promoted to save the environment. Yet, for some it takes on a different meaning. It is much more to them than recycling plastic, glass and paper. They keep looking for greener grass on the other side of every fence.
They think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and why not? Everyone loves green grass. Green grass is very attractive. Somehow, green has become a symbol of health, wealth, beauty, and comfort. It’s also the illusion of a enjoying a better life.
Americans Spend A Lot Of Money Just To Have Green Grass
Ehow.com says that the average home owner spends between $100 and $400 a month on his yard, depending on the size of the lawn and the company he chooses.
Read more: The Average Cost of Lawn Care | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5984601_average-cost-lawn care.html#ixzz1zZJwhW2U
We feel that our neighbor’s will judge us by the greenness of our grass. Maybe they do. If so, the solution is simple.
- Water your yard.
- Fertilize it.
- Trim it.
- Pull the weeds out.
- Remove the dandelions.
- Trap the gophers.
- It’s your yard. You could make it pretty if you chose to make it pretty.
It may cost you to have green grass. However, it may cost you more if you go looking elsewhere for greener grass. King David found out about that when he looked over the wall and saw Bathsheba.
Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Just quit looking and the coveting will stop!
There’s That…
Pastor Tommy Craft’s Office Picture
In the late1980’s, I sat down in Pastor Tommy Craft’s office in Jackson, Mississippi to visit a few minutes before a church service. My eyes were immediately drawn to a large picture of the wall. It was a picture of a beautiful pasture with a fence running through the middle. On each side of the fence was a horse with its neck stretched out trying to eat the grass on the other side. Nothing was actually gained by the horses. The grass was actually the same. They both risked their necks on the barbed wire. The picture was silent reminder to never ignore the green grass under your own feet.
Discontentment
The lack of contentment makes the human eye look elsewhere. Having it, is truly a gift of God. Some possess 
much of this life’s finer things. They have plenty of money in the bank and live a life some would even envy. Yet, they are not content.
They have found out for themselves that King Solomon was right. The eyes of a man are never full. They always want more, so they never stop looking.
That mindset will have much bearing on how long you keep your vehicle, your house, your job and your spouse. It will also determine how long you attend your local church.
Contentment Can, And Must Be Learned
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation (Manner of Living) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
What You Don’t Appreciate, Maybe Some One Else Will.
A young woman named Jan complained tearfully to her friend Paula. She told Paula that she was going to dump her boyfriend. Paula agreed that she should dump him. She also said, “Let me know when you drop him, because when you do, I’m going to be there to pick him up.” Jan decided to rethink the situation.
The Desert Of Life Also Has The Mirage Of A Green Oasis.
When you finally struggle to get where the shimmering Oasis is, there will be no green, and there will be no water. You will only be fooled. You saw what you wanted to see. In your desperate struggle for a better life, you have not find satisfaction there. Actually, it is possible that you may wind up more desperate and disillusioned than before. Maybe the green you are looking for, is real… but, only in your mind.
For You, Does Going Green Mean Going For More Money?
I worry about those who only focus on the dollar and not their soul. They might make more money and also 
miss more church. It’s the worst trade off ever. There is no job worth losing your soul over.
We all have heard our share of get rich quick schemes. And we also know of some who have fallen into that trap. Beware!
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Beneath Some Patches Of Green Grass, Are Septic Tanks
Erma Bombeck entitled one of her books: The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank.
Did anyone ever ask, “Why is the grass greener over there? What makes it so green right there?”
It seems that in polite company, every one tries to ignore the source of the greener grass. But, no matter how much we suppress the truth from our thinking, filth made it greener. That is a fact.
Has sin made the grass greener where you have been looking? It’s possible. Maybe you should ask the “Why” questions about the Green Grass you’ve been looking at.
Lot Chose The Well Watered Plains Of Sodom And Gomorrah
No doubt about it. The grass was greener. It was so green, that it’s magnetism held Lot and his family captive. They actually loved the placed.
It was God who had the problem. Lot felt good about it. He listened to his own carnality. It was God who hated the filth of Sodom. Lot was willing to die there. God had to drag him and his family out.
The attraction was so strong that Lot’s wife died from its attraction. The fruits of his daughters perversion became one of the things God hated most. Their names were Ammon and Moab, the life long enemies of the people of God.
It all started with Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom. It started with Lot looking at the greener grass every day. What are you looking at? In what direction is your tent pitched?
HINT: The Grass Would Be Greener Where You Are Living Right Now, If You Would Just Water It More Often.
One Of The Most Wonderful Gifts A Man Can Give His Children!
One Of The Most Wonderful Gifts A Man Can Give His Children!
It’s not money.
It’s not expensive gifts either.
It’s not giving them all the latest toys and gadgets.
It’s not even giving them a large allowance.
I am not talking about giving your children something that only rich dads can afford. I’m talking about giving your children a gift that every father can give to his children, if only he would.
- The most wonderful gift a man can give his children?
- The answer is simple!
- It’s hanging right there in front of you like the nose on your face!
- You want to know?
- You really want to know?
Love Their Mother!
That’s It! Love Their Mother!
Let your children hear you say something like, “I love you Baby,” to their mom. Then watch them smile approvingly. Let them see you kiss her and hug her. Let them see you brag on her. Kids aren’t dumb. They can tell if you really love their mom.
Let your sons see you be tender with their Mama, and they’ll grow up being tender to their wives too. Let your daughters see how a woman is to be cherished and loved. There not much more you can do to bring peace and comfort to your children, than for them to know they grew up in a love-filled home.
Your house may have cost 100’s of thousands of dollars. But if love was not shown or felt, then all you really have is an expensive daycare center for your children.
Both of my parents have now gone on to be with the Lord. But my father left me many wonderful memories and examples of him openly expressing his love to my mom.
In my mind I can still hear him singing love songs to her that seemed to blurt out of nowhere. Songs like:
- Let Me Call You Sweetheart.
- Sugar In The Morning, Sugar In The Evening, Sugar At Supper Time.
You get the idea. Mom would always smile and walk into his open arms. All of us children would smile and nervously laugh our approval. Sometimes we turned our heads. Sometimes we watched.
Many times I’ve walked into the living room, kitchen or dining room and seen them in a tender embrace. Sure I walked back out, but I saw it! I saw that my dad truly loved my mom. For a little kid or even a big kid, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Do you forget things like that? Absolutely not! You remember it so well, that you do the same things when you get married. Then, you let your children see you be loving and tender to their mother.
If you will do that, you have just increased the odds that your children will grow up knowing the secret of a happy home life. And your grandchildren will grow up in a loving home as well. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
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(Now sir, go tell you wife right now how much you love her, and let your children hear you say it! Wrap your arms around her and give her a big smooch! That’s your homework for tonight. Class dismissed.)
Just Imagine…
Just Imagine…
Just imagine a thoughtless and demanding husband that is married to a wife who caters to his every need. Imagine him sitting relaxed in his little command center, his Lazy-Boy, while he bellows out orders.
- “Hey Pearl, bring me a Diet Coke.”
- “Get me the newspaper.”
- “Did you call Bob like I asked you?”
- “Get the phone will you, I’m busy.”
- “How much longer do I have to wait for supper?”
- “Since you’re up, get my slippers.”
Just imagine a man that constantly makes demands like that on his wife. If she complied willingly and without comment, he’s a most fortunate man.
- Just imagine what she might feel like if he never thanked her for serving him.
- Imagine too what she would think of him if all he ever did was make more demands and never took time to talk to her or say sweet words of affection to her.
- Imagine what future the relationship would have if the man said, I don’t really have time to talk to you, I just need you to do what I asked you to do.
Some wives might be content to be in a relationship like that, but I have never met them yet. A loving relationship is not a one-way street.
Then There Is The Flip Side Of That Problem.
Imagine a demanding wife that is married to husband who she expects to cater to her every need.
- Her Honey-Do-List never ends.
- Her requests are only for her benefit.
- She nags him if she doesn’t get what she wants, when she wants it.
- She feels like he doesn’t love her unless he is always giving to her and doing things for her.
- His needs are not even on her radar screen.
- She has no time to just talk to him.
- He can’t remember when she last said, “I love you.”
- Her world is only focused on her own happiness.
What A Mess! I Can’t Imagine Living Like That!
I don’t know who would ever want to enter into any kind of relationship such as this. How could their life’s story have a happy ending? What future do they have? It’s a world without love!
Yet That Is Exactly The Spiritual Relationship Many Of Us Have With The Lord.
- The only time we talk to Him is to make more demands.
- Our prayers are only to ask for more.
- We ask for healing.
- We ask for finances.
- We ask for housing, transportation and employment.
- We ask for blessings for ourselves.
- And yes… We are invited to ask. But…
- We never just take the time to say, “Thank You Jesus.”
- We are too busy to just stop and ‘chit-chat’ with Him.
- We find ourselves so busy asking for more favors that we almost never stop to say, “Have I told You today Jesus, that I love You?”
What’s The Chances Of Our ‘Relationship’ With God Lasting Very Long?
- Actually, I am afraid it sounds one-sided.
- It doesn’t sound like much of a relationship.
- If it were a marriage, it might soon go on the rocks.
So, Where Is Our Walk With God Headed?
Just Imagine…
Just Imagine a husband been separated from his wife and writing over five dozen letters to her. Imagine the wife taking the unopened letters from the mailman and stacking them on the coffee table for all to see. Just imagine her never reading the letters from her husband. Imagine her thinking, “How precious of him to write, but reading his letters is boring to me.”
Imagine the two of them talking on the phone from time to time and him realizing by the things she says and doesn’t say, that she has not been reading any of his letters. Now what?
Absurd as it may sound, it happens everywhere, everyday. We have letters and epistles written to us. Although cherished by us all, The Holy Bible remains unread, and untouched. It is placed on the coffee table for others to see. But many of us will die, never reading what He wrote just to us. Now what?
Just imagine what our life would be like if we told the Lord several times a day that we loved Him, and not just asked for something every time we prayed.
Just imagine what our life would be like if we read the letters He wrote to us and got to know Him better.
Just imagine knowing Him in His fullness.
Just Imagine!
The Unwanted Girls
The Unwanted Girls
The news story told of 285 young Indian girls that had chosen new names.
“Nakusa” or “Nakushi” (two variations of the Hindu word meaning “unwanted”) were among the names abandoned in an effort to promote their self-worth.
“Now in school, my classmates and friends will be calling me this new name, and that makes me very happy,” a 15-year-old girl told the AP after the ceremony. The teenager was formerly named Nakusa by her disappointed grandfather, but chose to be called “Ashmita,” which translates to “very tough” in Hindi.”
Girls hold certificates stating their new official names during a renaming ceremony in Satara, India, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. Almost 300 Indian girls known officially as "Unwanted" have traded their birth names for a fresh start in life
http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/10/24/unwanted-indian-girls-get-new-start-in-naming-ceremony/
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Reading this story made me very sad. Their culture devalues women. An unborn baby girl might well be aborted if the parents knew its gender. It’s heart breaking to me. The very thought, is unthinkable in my family.
I have been blessed more than most men to have been surrounded all my life by loving and amazing women. Their lives are blessed of God. My life has been blessed to the highest level because of them.
In my family, the women and girls are cherished, and loved. They are also respected, listened to, and honored. I always want them to know that!
Each of the married women love and honor their husbands and treat them like kings. No wonder each husband finds it easy to treat his wife like a queen and cherish her.
The daughters love and honor their fathers. They treat him with great respect. They in turn are loved and doted on. They have never felt unwanted, but rather are treated as if they were a princess.
The same is true for all the grand daughters.
It would be a near impossibility to find a family that loves it’s women more than the Ballestero family loves theirs.
With all of the above in mind, today I wish to stop and honor the women in my world.
I want to tell all of you that I love you, I honor you, and I cherish you, and I am proud of you. You all have me forever wrapped around your little fingers. I have you wrapped around my heart.
You are so gifted and talented. You are:
- Singers
- Song Writers
- Musicians
- Music Teachers
- Choir Leader
- Speakers
- Writers
- Authors
- School Teachers
- Recording Artists
- Artistic
- Designers
- Business Owners
- Leaders
- Beautiful
- Loving
- Nurturing
- Tender
- intelligent
- The Best Cooks In The World.
- The Best Mothers In The World.
- The Best Wives In The World.
- And… You really love the Lord.
- (This list could go on awhile…)
You might often be embarrassed by me, but you will never be unwanted! I love you and pray God richest blessings on you in all you do! There will never be such a thing as an unwanted girl in my family!
Let me show my readers a picture or two of why I am such a blessed man!
My Mom, Mother-in-law, Wife, Daughter, Daughters-in-law, Grand Daughters, Sisters, Sisters-in-law and Nieces are shown below. Besides all these, there are my wonderful cousins, close friends and “adopted” family members.
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- My Mother – Content Faith Ballestero
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- My Mother
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- My “Other” Mother – Marian June Davis
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- Mom Davis
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- My Wife – Marcia Starr Ballestero
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- Marcia & Marty Ballestero
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- My Daughter – Marisa Ballestero Hartzell
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- Pastor Brandon & Marisa Hartzell
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- My DIL – Kim Elrod Ballestero
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- Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero
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- My DIL – Christy Huntley Ballestero
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- Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero
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- My DIL – Courtney Phebus Ballestero
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- Pastor Martyn II & Courtney Ballestero
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- My DIL – Jasmine Robinson Ballestero
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- Andy & Jasmine Ballestero
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- Grand Daughter – Kalyx Ballestero
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- Grand Daughter – Christyana Ballestero
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- Grand Daughter – Chloe Ballestero
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- Grand Daughter – Ainsley Hartzell
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- Sister – Beverly Anne Ballestero
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- Sister – Carlene Branham
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- Sister – Ramona Yandris
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- Pastor Nathan & Ramona Yandris
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- Sister – Nila Marxer
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- Rev. Eric & Nila Marxer
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- My SIL – Alexa Starr Olson
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- Pastor Rick & Alexa Olson
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- My SIL – Rebecca Starr Trammell
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- Pastor David & Rebecca Trammell
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- My SIL – Priscilla Starr Spears
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- Pastor Curtis & Priscilla Spears
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- My SIL – Sara Starr Copple
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- Pastor Tom & Sara Copple
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- Pastor Royce & Step-SIL Glenna Davis Walker
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- Carlene, Nila, Ramona, seated – Martyn
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- Priscilla, Mom Davis, Marcia, Alexa, Rebecca, Sara
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- Niece – Stacy Branham
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- Niece – Elisha Yandris
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- Niece – Erica Marxer
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- Niece – Shauna Olson
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- Niece – Elizabeth Olson
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- Niece – Lindsay & Aaron Olson
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- Niece – Farrah Trammell Erwin
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- Niece – Heidi Trammell
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- Niece – Britt Spears
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- Niece – Charity Spears
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- Niece – Natalie Spears Colegrove
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- Niece – Michelle Hutchison
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- Niece – Sharayah Copple
Every One Of These Ladies Are Wanted!!
It don’t get any better than this. I, my friend, am a blessed man!
Playing Out Of Bounds
Playing Out Of Bounds
There have always been boundaries. Some of them God established and some of them common sense put in place. There are reasons for boundaries.
Boundaries in life are like guard rails. Every highway needs them at some point. Everyone’s flesh is weak. Quit arguing that yours isn’t. That in itself is a good reason for boundaries.
Boundaries are put in place to protect you and your good name. Your reputation is all that you have. Never let your good be evil spoken of.
A man does not have integrity because he made boundaries. He set those boundaries for himself because he has integrity.
Personal boundaries are what define your identity. Your family and friends know you well enough to know how you would respond to each situation. They count on you because they know you have set boundaries for yourself.
They’re like the property lines around a home. Yet, no one has had their property re-surveyed just because they have a 16-year-old in the house. Boundaries don’t change with the weather. They are like moral landmarks. They should never be changed or altered.
Every Nation Has Boundaries
- Every nation defends its borders vigorously.
- Ignoring the boundaries of any nation will lead to arrest and deportation.
Every Sport Has A Boundary
In sports, the referee blows a whistle and declares to everyone when you have gotten out-of-bounds.- Baseball calls it a foul ball.
- Football and Basketball says a player was out-of-bounds.
- If you want to stay in the game and not be penalized, stay within the boundaries.
God Set Natural Boundaries
The Sea
- God set boundaries to the sea, saying thus far shall ye come and no more.
- Prov 8:29 (NIV) When he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
God Set Spiritual Boundaries
The Tree In The Garden
God set boundaries in the very beginning. He told Adam and Eve they could enjoy everything they could see and touch, except one thing; the tree of life. That tree was God’s. It was out-of-bounds to them.
The first thing Satan did was to question the boundaries. He asked, “Hath God said…?” That’s how Satan started out with man, and he’s never stopped.
He makes man ask himself, “How could it be wrong when it looks so good and feels so right?” The devil can’t wait for us to step out-of-bounds.
Boundaries In Relationships
Married – Married Boundaries
I asked that the men in the church I pastored to be careful. When they called the house of a brother and his wife answered. I asked them to say, “Praise the Lord” to her. That helps keep the conversation on a spiritual level.
Solomon instructed men to focus on their wife and not someone else’s. He said, “You’ve got your own cistern to refresh and nourish you. Don’t go to the neighbor’s house for a drink.”
Prov. 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Job wouldn’t look at another woman. He set an important boundary for himself.
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Dating
When I showed romantic interest in my wife Marcia, her father, Pastor William R. Starr took me aside for a man-to-man talk. He said, “When a couple dates, it’s the man who should know when to draw the line. It’s the man who should know what boundaries not to cross.”
No one wants their daughter to be courted by a young man who has no boundaries or understands some areas are off-limits.
Neither does a parent wish for their son to be alone with a girl who has no lines she is afraid to cross.
Babies are being born out-of-wedlock because either no one set a boundary or no one paid attention to it. Disregarding boundaries always lead to pain and regret.
Those Without Boundaries Do Not Fear God!
Singles – Marrieds
Facebook has become a worldwide communications phenomenon. Pentecostals have taken full advantage of its availability. In most part, it’s for the good.
All its interaction is enjoyable and fun until someone crosses the line. The bad news is that everyone on Facebook then sees him or her as they show the world how void their life is of boundaries.
- Why would a single girl keep commenting on a married man’s page?
- Why would a single guy make constant comments on a married woman’s page?
- They refuse to recognize boundaries in their life. They also refuse to set them.
- It’s dangerous.
- It is hazardous to a marriage.
- It’s explosive.
- It’s wrong.
Things can get out of line quickly. I recommend against playing even innocent games like Words With Friends between members of the opposite sex. It causes way too much familiarity. Be very afraid.
- I also can find no occasion for chitchat texting between members of the opposite sex.
- Why would a child of God have email addresses on their computer that they know are out of line and serve no spiritually productive purpose?
- Surely there are no cell phone numbers of a single or married member of the opposite sex on your phone. Or of a single or married member of the opposite sex, if you are married.
- Nothing good will come of it if you are guilty. You are playing with fire.
Dress
This is a day of no boundaries or limits in dress. Carnal people do not want standards.
Sadly, many beautiful young ‘Pentecostal’ ladies have been seen parading around camp meetings and conferences lately with their dresses several inches above their knees.
What happened at home? Where’s Mom? Where’s Dad? Where are the boundaries of dress? Why haven’t they let modesty set a boundary of dress for them?
With all of the above being said, I thank God for every person, young and old that has boundaries in their life. That let God’s Word order their steps. That realize Boundaries are not made to hurt anyone. They are put in place to keep everyone safe.
Boundaries… Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
Boundaries…Don’t Get On The Internet Without Them!
Thank You For Keeping A Smile On My Face For 46 Years!
I’ve been in love with Marcia June Starr Ballestero since November 29,1964. Although it was 17,060 days ago, I remember that day very well. It was the Sunday night after Thanksgiving. That was the day my heart decided there was no one else in the world for me, but her. My heart was right.
I absolutely fell head over heels in love with the girl. I love her ageless beauty. I am forever enamored with the sound of her voice. I could listen to her chatter for hours. She is my favorite singer in the whole world. Her practical wisdom has benefited our marriage too many times to count. Her children call her blessed, her grandchildren adore her, and I can’t imagine my life without her being the center of it. She still makes me beam from ear to ear when she calls me Honey.
I am so very proud to show her off in public. I delight in her company. There’s still not enough hours in the day when we are together. Her loving and tender words continue to melt my heart and turn it into mush. I’m more in love with her today, even after 46 years. Her beauty and charm still turns my head!
Some have heard me call her Sister Honey, and others have heard me call her Sugar Booger. For Forty Six years, I’ve had the great honor of calling her my wife. I still call her Baby.
We said ‘I Do’ on August the 14th 1965. Besides the day I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, marrying her was by far, the greatest day of my life.
That’s 16,802 days of married bliss, or:
- 1,451,692,800 seconds
- 24,194,880 minutes
- 403,248 hours
- 2400 weeks (rounded down)
She has voluntarily made me the King of her world and treated me accordingly. I have made her the Queen of my life. No one is like her. No one comes close. She is altogether lovely. She’s the Best!
She has held my hand, and walked faithfully through life beside me. She has been my constant support and life’s greatest pleasure. She has never complained about the hardships of our life, and ‘made do’ when there wasn’t much money to ‘do’ with. I will always be in her debt.
She sacrificed her health and placed her life on the line to give us five wonderful children that have made us both grateful to God and proud.
Marcia! Thank you for all you have done for me and for our family over the years. Thank you for every sacrifice you made in raising our family and keeping our home. Thank you for never nagging or being critical. Thank you for being so loving! You are amazing indeed!
Martyn & Marcia Ballestero
Thank you too my Darling, for keeping a smile on my face for 46 years! I Love You With All My Heart!
Happy 46th Anniversary!
Marty
Classy-Sisters
The MJB Collection
Etsy Store
http://www.makescentsco.com/
http://zech410.wordpress.com/
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
Courtney Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
Kalyx Ballestero (My Beautiful Grand Daughter)
Kim Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
Kim Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
"How How My Mountain" – Audio Book
Carl Ballestero (My Dad)
Dress Like An Angel
http://marciaballestero.com/
The Hartzell Haven
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
Holy Ghost Radio
Bow's-Notes
