If your anything like me, then it is not good. I know there have been so many times I thought that God may be wanting me to stop what I was doing, and go to an empty room, and pray. And almost all of those times I ignored it, and continued to do what I wanted to do. Prayer is not easy for me. I think that satan has fought against my prayer life, and done a lot of damage. Often I feel guilty, and the last thing I want to do is to approach our Holy God. So all of you out there, know that you are not a lone. Countless Christians struggle with this. I think that the more I know Christ and love Him; the easier it is to pray to Him. A persons sinful nature fights against prayer. It is God who draws us to pray. Now I am beginning to realize the importance of prayer. Not to pray only for Gods blessing, but to pray for Christ Himself. To pray because we want to know Christ more, and to be transformed into His image. Truly we are nothing without Christ. Often I try to serve God when my prayer life is nothing. And my work is worthless! I do nothing good, because God is not in control of me.
Please read below. It is part of a speech that David Wilkerson spoke in 1982. Click here for the full speech. I know he is truly a man of God, and he practices what he preaches.
¨Our Savior, who has the care and concern for multiplied universes, has the time to pray just for you! He takes the time to intercede for you before the throne of God (Heb. 7:25), and you say you do not have time to pray to Him!
We work feverishly for a Christ we ignore. We will go anywhere, do anything, in His name. But we will not pray. We will sing in a choir. We will visit the sick and the prisoners. But we will not pray. We will counsel the hurt and needy; we will stay up all night to comfort a friend, but we will not pray. We will fight corruption! We will crusade for morality! We will stand up against nuclear weapons! But we will not pray!
Most of all, we don't pray because we really don't believe it works. Prayer is a bloody battleground! It is where victories are won! A place to die to self! A place where a holy God exposes secret sin! No wonder Satan tries to hinder prayer! A praying man sends a shudder through hell. That man or woman is marked because Satan knows prayer is the power that crushes his kingdom. Satan is not afraid of power-hungry saints, but he trembles at the sound of a praying saint!¨
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
ultrasound results
Yesterday, Tim and I went to the doctor to have an ultrasound to see how the baby is doing. We were waiting for our turn for nearly 2 hours, and that was difficult because we were both tired, but the desire to know how our baby is doing gave us encouragement to wait. Finally the time came for the examination and it was exciting when the doctor said ¨there is the baby¨.
We looked at the baby, and the doctor was describing everything, and showed us where was the baby´s head, then hands and feet, and heart (it was very special to see the little heart pumping).
She said the baby is 10 weeks, and 39mm, and then she said that the baby is moving, and we were amazed to see that the baby was very active. The baby moved his/her hands and feet, and was turning itself. It was so good to see that.
Although the photos of the ultrasound did not come out very well, it was still good to see how the baby has grown and developed. Although you can not visualize it very well, we have the memories etched in our memory, and I can picture the baby moving. It was really very wonderful, and made me think that God is so powerful, because he can do such a great work. I had so much joy in my heart that I praised God for how big he is.
Well, the insurance company will start covering payment at the next appointment. I think those pictures will be better, and I want to show those pictures on the blog.
The doctor told me I have to be more careful, and not be too active. He said its good to rest, because she saw some bruises outside of the uterus, which are occurring because of the various activities I have been doing, but now I will be more careful.
The other day my sister Ruth told me that it´s good to talk and say good morning to the baby, and to say good night to the baby when it´s time to go to sleep. I told this to Tim, but last night he told the baby ¨buenos dias´, which is good morning. And then the other morning he told the baby ¨buenas noches¨, which is good night. I told my husband that the baby would be confused.
Later we have another appointment with a doctor, and she will be looking at the results from yesterday, and might tell me to go ahead and start taking the prenatal vitamins (up until now I´ve just been taking folic acid)
I hope that you have a good and calm today.
We looked at the baby, and the doctor was describing everything, and showed us where was the baby´s head, then hands and feet, and heart (it was very special to see the little heart pumping).
She said the baby is 10 weeks, and 39mm, and then she said that the baby is moving, and we were amazed to see that the baby was very active. The baby moved his/her hands and feet, and was turning itself. It was so good to see that.
Although the photos of the ultrasound did not come out very well, it was still good to see how the baby has grown and developed. Although you can not visualize it very well, we have the memories etched in our memory, and I can picture the baby moving. It was really very wonderful, and made me think that God is so powerful, because he can do such a great work. I had so much joy in my heart that I praised God for how big he is.
Well, the insurance company will start covering payment at the next appointment. I think those pictures will be better, and I want to show those pictures on the blog.
The doctor told me I have to be more careful, and not be too active. He said its good to rest, because she saw some bruises outside of the uterus, which are occurring because of the various activities I have been doing, but now I will be more careful.
The other day my sister Ruth told me that it´s good to talk and say good morning to the baby, and to say good night to the baby when it´s time to go to sleep. I told this to Tim, but last night he told the baby ¨buenos dias´, which is good morning. And then the other morning he told the baby ¨buenas noches¨, which is good night. I told my husband that the baby would be confused.
Later we have another appointment with a doctor, and she will be looking at the results from yesterday, and might tell me to go ahead and start taking the prenatal vitamins (up until now I´ve just been taking folic acid)
I hope that you have a good and calm today.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Update 2
I am glad to write again in our blog. I think that is something that I am wanting to do more often. Is that another effect of the pregnancy?... I really do not know, but I am also happy to read books and magazines, and especially the Bible.
For several days I was reading the book of 1 Samuel. Yesterday I read how David fought against Goliath, and won. I also read about Davids marriage to the daughter of King Saul and then about the difficulties they started having because of Saul´s jealously of David.
After I finished reading, I fell a sleep, and then I remember that I had a dream about one of the stories of David and Saul. The dream really was very exciting because it was a familiar story from the Bible, and so I did not want to wake up.
Well, thanks to God because today we had a good and special day in the church. My husband and family went to church early because there was a special celebration in the church for my father. There were many people in the church, including my family: five of my sisters, one brother, their spouses, and children. The only ones not there was my sister and her family who do not live nearby.
Some brothers and sisters of the church had prepared a special lunch, and the entire congregation ate in the church together. Many in the church know that Tim and I are expecting a baby. My husband and I were eating, and a sister from the church came, and gave me another plate of food, and so I was surprised, because I already had a plate of food. She gave me another plate because she knows I am now eating for two. It was surprising, but also special to know that they care about me, and the baby.
In the church there is a sister named Vilma, and she is 43 years old. She is a very nice woman. Today I was talking to her about the pregnancy. She has two daughters who are 15 and 17 years old, and she told me that she may be pregnant again. She will soon go to the doctor to see if she is pregnant, and she is very glad to think that she will have another baby. Her daughters told her that if she has another baby, that they will do everything (cooking, cleaning, etc), and then she can just focus on taking care of the baby. So she really likes that idea.
I am much better with the problems I was having with food and smell, and I am better from my cold.
I remember the days that I was having problems with odor; I asked my husband to please not use his cologne because I was very sensitive to odors. But I think I am about through that stage of my pregnancy, because today I ate without having any problems, and also a few days ago I asked my husband to use his cologne again, and I started wearing perfume again.
Monday morning I have an appointment with the doctor and I will have my second ultrasound. I very much want to see how the baby is doing, and wish to request that you pray that the baby is well.
Dear Janet and Rhonda, thank you for your comments on my last post. I really enjoyed reading your messages.
For several days I was reading the book of 1 Samuel. Yesterday I read how David fought against Goliath, and won. I also read about Davids marriage to the daughter of King Saul and then about the difficulties they started having because of Saul´s jealously of David.
After I finished reading, I fell a sleep, and then I remember that I had a dream about one of the stories of David and Saul. The dream really was very exciting because it was a familiar story from the Bible, and so I did not want to wake up.
Well, thanks to God because today we had a good and special day in the church. My husband and family went to church early because there was a special celebration in the church for my father. There were many people in the church, including my family: five of my sisters, one brother, their spouses, and children. The only ones not there was my sister and her family who do not live nearby.
Some brothers and sisters of the church had prepared a special lunch, and the entire congregation ate in the church together. Many in the church know that Tim and I are expecting a baby. My husband and I were eating, and a sister from the church came, and gave me another plate of food, and so I was surprised, because I already had a plate of food. She gave me another plate because she knows I am now eating for two. It was surprising, but also special to know that they care about me, and the baby.
In the church there is a sister named Vilma, and she is 43 years old. She is a very nice woman. Today I was talking to her about the pregnancy. She has two daughters who are 15 and 17 years old, and she told me that she may be pregnant again. She will soon go to the doctor to see if she is pregnant, and she is very glad to think that she will have another baby. Her daughters told her that if she has another baby, that they will do everything (cooking, cleaning, etc), and then she can just focus on taking care of the baby. So she really likes that idea.
I am much better with the problems I was having with food and smell, and I am better from my cold.
I remember the days that I was having problems with odor; I asked my husband to please not use his cologne because I was very sensitive to odors. But I think I am about through that stage of my pregnancy, because today I ate without having any problems, and also a few days ago I asked my husband to use his cologne again, and I started wearing perfume again.
Monday morning I have an appointment with the doctor and I will have my second ultrasound. I very much want to see how the baby is doing, and wish to request that you pray that the baby is well.
Dear Janet and Rhonda, thank you for your comments on my last post. I really enjoyed reading your messages.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Update
I imagine you have noticed the new change in our blog, and that is thanks to Rhonda. We really like the new template.
Today, Saturday May 3, is the birthday of my father, Santiago. He is 69 years old. Yesterday Tim wondered how old was my father, but I could not remember. I asked my father, and he said 69, and next year 70. I thank God for taking care of my father, and giving him strength.
I also wish to comment on my pregnancy. I often do not feel well, but I hear that is normal, especially in the first months of pregnancy. But I think I have not had the trouble that my sister Matilde had, who did not begin to feel better until the 7th month. I am only 9 weeks, and I do not know what I will go through. I wish very much for the 7th or 8th month.
My sisters tell me that the months pass by quickly, and to just be patient with it.
Now I am having some problems with some clothes that are not fitting me and soon I will have to get larger clothes. My husband and family want to see me with a big stomach, because that means the baby is almost here, and they can talk to and hold the baby.
I like to hear the stories that my mother and sisters have about when they were pregnant. It's good to hear those words because they help me.
The days when I had difficulties with food and smell were terrible, and now when I see women who are pregnant with a baby, I think: ¨they are brave¨. Because now I understand the process that a woman has to go through with the formation of the baby.
Here is the story of this week. I had a cold and was having problems with food and smell, which was really terrible because I could not work well and do other things that I wanted. One night my husband asked me to rub a cream on his back and it is a special cream for muscles. He told me that I should put a bit under my nose, and that would help me with my stuffed up nose. BUT I thought that he said that I should put a little cream in my nose. So after that I put cream on his back, and when I finished I had a little cream on my hands. I put a little in my nose and it was really terrible and my husband was surprised that I did that because he knew that it was painful, and so he helped me to be better. I think that day was the most difficult of all because various things happened to me, but the next day I felt better and today I am much better.
Yesterday I was reading a book about the creativity of parents in child development from the moment it is conceived to 10 years. I think that it is an interesting book and I now know some things that I did not know before and I want to put them into practice.
Today, Saturday May 3, is the birthday of my father, Santiago. He is 69 years old. Yesterday Tim wondered how old was my father, but I could not remember. I asked my father, and he said 69, and next year 70. I thank God for taking care of my father, and giving him strength.
I also wish to comment on my pregnancy. I often do not feel well, but I hear that is normal, especially in the first months of pregnancy. But I think I have not had the trouble that my sister Matilde had, who did not begin to feel better until the 7th month. I am only 9 weeks, and I do not know what I will go through. I wish very much for the 7th or 8th month.
My sisters tell me that the months pass by quickly, and to just be patient with it.
Now I am having some problems with some clothes that are not fitting me and soon I will have to get larger clothes. My husband and family want to see me with a big stomach, because that means the baby is almost here, and they can talk to and hold the baby.
I like to hear the stories that my mother and sisters have about when they were pregnant. It's good to hear those words because they help me.
The days when I had difficulties with food and smell were terrible, and now when I see women who are pregnant with a baby, I think: ¨they are brave¨. Because now I understand the process that a woman has to go through with the formation of the baby.
Here is the story of this week. I had a cold and was having problems with food and smell, which was really terrible because I could not work well and do other things that I wanted. One night my husband asked me to rub a cream on his back and it is a special cream for muscles. He told me that I should put a bit under my nose, and that would help me with my stuffed up nose. BUT I thought that he said that I should put a little cream in my nose. So after that I put cream on his back, and when I finished I had a little cream on my hands. I put a little in my nose and it was really terrible and my husband was surprised that I did that because he knew that it was painful, and so he helped me to be better. I think that day was the most difficult of all because various things happened to me, but the next day I felt better and today I am much better.
Yesterday I was reading a book about the creativity of parents in child development from the moment it is conceived to 10 years. I think that it is an interesting book and I now know some things that I did not know before and I want to put them into practice.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Jesus knew who these people were. He had just been with them the day before on the other side of the lake. Actually the day before they were a part of a crowd of more than five thousand who had come to see him. They had left their homes, and many walked a long distance to see him. And there Jesus performed a miracle. He fed them all. Jesus turned 5 loaves of barley bread, and 2 small fish into enough bread and fish to feed them all until they were full. Many in the crowd believed in Jesus because of this miracle.
And so the day after, some of these people thought that Jesus may have crossed the lake. And so they went across the lake in boats, and found Jesus there.
Jesus said to them ¨I tell you the truth, you aren´t looking for me because you saw me do miracles. You are looking for me because you ate the bread and were satisified¨. (John 6:26)
The reason these people were looking for Jesus is because they wanted more food. Jesus did not want people to seek him for merely bread and fish.
Jesus then says: ¨Don´t work for the food that spoils. Work for the food that stays good always and gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because on him God the Father has put his power.¨ (John 6:27)
Jesus said to work for food that stays good, and gives eternal life. You may be wondering what is that work. I was wondering when I read these words from Jesus. I thought ¨well what work is required of us?¨.
And that is the same question these people asked Jesus. They asked ¨what are the things God wants us to do?¨ (John 6:28) Its a good question.
And Jesus gives the answer. Jesus said, ¨The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One he sent¨. (John 6:29)
Well who is the one that God sent? Jesus is speaking about himself. Because the One that God sent was Jesus, God the Son.
And so the people said ¨What miracle will you do? If we see a miracle, we will believe you. What will you do? (John 6:30)
The funny thing is these people had witnessed the miracle the day before. They had seen how Jesus fed them, and more than 5,000 others. But here they ask for another miracle. Is it possible they are just wanting more bread and fish?
The people continued and said ¨our fathers ate the manna in the desert. This is written in the scriptures: ´He gave them bread from heaven to eat´¨ (John 6:31)
Then Jesus said, ¨I tell you the truth, it was not Moses who gave you bread from heaven; it is my Father who is giving you the true bread from heaven. God´s bread is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world¨. (John 6:32-33)
The people said, ¨Sir, give us this bread always. ¨(John 6:34)
It seems that when the people hear the word ¨bread¨, that gets their attention, because that is what they are wanting. But they do not understand what Jesus is saying.
Then Jesus said, ¨I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you before, you have seen me and still don´t believe. The Father gives me my people. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them. I came down from heaven to do what God wants me to do, not what I want to do. Here is what the One who sent me wants me to do: I must not lose even one who God gave me, but I must raise them all on the last day. Those who see the Son and believe in him have eternal life, and I will raise them on the last day. This is what my Father wants.¨ (John 6:35-40)
Some people began to complain about Jesus because he said, ¨I am the bread that comes down from heaven.¨ They said, ¨This is Jesus, the son of Joseph. We know his father and mother. How can he say, ´I came down from heaven´?¨ (John 6:41-42)
These people still did not believe in Jesus. They had seen a miracle, and heard him speak, but did not believe.
And this raises another question. What does it mean ¨to believe¨ in Jesus?
I think a good answer to this question is from another part of the book of John. It is when Jesus is speaking to a woman named Martha.
Jesus said to her, ¨I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Martha, do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)
Martha answered, ¨Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming to the world.¨ (John 11:27)
Or here is another example. Many of Jesus´followers had just left him, and stopped following him. And then Jesus asks his disciples a question.
Jesus asked the twelve followers, ¨Do you want to leave, too?¨ (John 6:67)
Simon Peter answered him, ¨Lord, where would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One from God.¨ (John 6:68-69)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
tomorrow
One thing I have been thinking a lot about is how uncertain tomorrow is, or any coming day. We just don´t know what tomorrow brings. We hope it is good, but often it is not. Many things come unexpectedly. Could be something that effects the entire world, or our country, or our family. Many people (Christians included) have lived, and experienced things that we do not want to experience. To see a spouse or child suffer from a disease, and sometimes then die. That is one of my greatest fears is that something would happen to Eliana. I would much rather suffer myself, than to see her suffer. But we just don´t know what will happen in the future. We don´t know when our own lives will end. One thing I have been wondering about is what kind of persecution me and my family will face. Eliana and I are Christians. Our Savior, Lord Christ, was persecuted. He said the same would happen to those that follow Him.
What kind of natural disasters are ahead of us. Or wars, or depressions where there is not much food? My purpose in writing this is not to make anybody depressed.
But here is my questions: Are we ready? Are we ready for tomorrow, and for whatever comes our way? God does not want his people to be afraid. He wants us to know that He is in control. Yes, many things happen that God hates, but this is a world that has fallen because of sin. This is not the world that God originally made. Its a world turned against God. Our hearts have gone bad. But God has not left this world. He is still seeking people. He continues to bring people to Him that He has chosen to be saved. And we are saved by believing in Jesus Christ. The only reason that a person can be saved is because Jesus Christ died for their sins. A person can do no work, and do no good deed that will get them into Heaven. Salvation is Gods business, not ours. Our salvation was paid for with the blood of Jesus Christ. That may sound weird, but its true.
I want to get back to the original question. Are we ready? Not physically ready, like having money saved up, or something. But are we ready spiritually. Are we trusting God? Whatever difficulties we will face, God will be there. God knows our thoughts and everything we do. He sees each step we take, and knows the number of hairs on our head. He cares about us.
I think if we can walk through our trials and sufferings with faith, that would make all the difference. To know that God is in control. The apostle Paul said that he learned how to be content in any situation. I think he learned how to have joy even in the worst of sufferings, and Paul certainly knew about suffering. But Paul also had a deep peace and joy from knowing that his soul was safe. I think that is what we all need. A saved soul, which produces a thankful heart. I hope we all have hearts that are filled with peace, and joy, and love. And that we are not afraid of anything that can happen in the future.
What kind of natural disasters are ahead of us. Or wars, or depressions where there is not much food? My purpose in writing this is not to make anybody depressed.
But here is my questions: Are we ready? Are we ready for tomorrow, and for whatever comes our way? God does not want his people to be afraid. He wants us to know that He is in control. Yes, many things happen that God hates, but this is a world that has fallen because of sin. This is not the world that God originally made. Its a world turned against God. Our hearts have gone bad. But God has not left this world. He is still seeking people. He continues to bring people to Him that He has chosen to be saved. And we are saved by believing in Jesus Christ. The only reason that a person can be saved is because Jesus Christ died for their sins. A person can do no work, and do no good deed that will get them into Heaven. Salvation is Gods business, not ours. Our salvation was paid for with the blood of Jesus Christ. That may sound weird, but its true.
I want to get back to the original question. Are we ready? Not physically ready, like having money saved up, or something. But are we ready spiritually. Are we trusting God? Whatever difficulties we will face, God will be there. God knows our thoughts and everything we do. He sees each step we take, and knows the number of hairs on our head. He cares about us.
I think if we can walk through our trials and sufferings with faith, that would make all the difference. To know that God is in control. The apostle Paul said that he learned how to be content in any situation. I think he learned how to have joy even in the worst of sufferings, and Paul certainly knew about suffering. But Paul also had a deep peace and joy from knowing that his soul was safe. I think that is what we all need. A saved soul, which produces a thankful heart. I hope we all have hearts that are filled with peace, and joy, and love. And that we are not afraid of anything that can happen in the future.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Pro Choice
The U.S. Presidential elections are coming up. You might hear the phrase ¨pro-choice¨ when a presidential candidate is speaking about their stand on abortion. Basicly it means this: They don´t necessarily agree with abortion, but they trust mothers and families to make the right decisions. They don´t think it is necessary for the government to get involved. They think that the ¨liberty¨ to have an abortion needs to be protected.
Pro-choice does have a nice ring to it, but I have some statistics to show you.
Statistics just for the United States:
Why women have abortions: 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
Likelihood of abortion:An estimated 43% of all women will have at least 1 abortion by the time they are 45 years old. 47% of all abortions are performed on women who have had at least one previous abortion.
One baby is aborted every 26 seconds
137 babies are aborted every hour
3,304 babies are aborted every day
23,196 babies are aborted every week
100,516 babies are aborted every month
Almost 50,000,000 babies have been aborted between 1973 and 2007.
64% of women who experienced one or more abortions “felt pressured by others” to have the abortion.
Statistics from http://www.mccl.org/abortion_statistics.htm and http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
So a presidential candidate that has a ¨pro-choice¨ stand on abortion thinks the mothers will do the right thing, and the government does not need to get involved. Babies are not being aborted because the mothers life is in serious danger, or also because of rape/incest. The vast majority of babies are being aborted for the simple fact that they are not wanted. The mother, parents, or family do not want their lives to significally change because of a baby. They are selfish. If someone is not able to take care of a baby, then why can´t they put the baby up for adoption?
My wife is pregnant, and I will soon be a father. I have felt the fears that most people feel. When the baby comes, Elianas and my life will significantly change. But never would we have someone kill our baby so that our ¨plans¨ are not interrupted.
Really it is not my opinion that is important, but it is Gods opinion. What does God think when a baby is killed? Does He only care about the babies that have been born, and not about those that haven´t been born yet? I will tell you that God does care. God cares about the babies that are in a mothers womb. The approximately 50,000,000 babies that have been aborted in the United States between 1973 - 2007; God cares about them. The parents may not have cared about the baby, but I know that baby is loved by God. And because God cares, will He not deliver justice for the murder of those babies?
God does not just judge people individually, but He will punish an entire nation. How many times did Israel turn away from God, and God punished that nation? God would allow other nations to invade Israel. Terrible things would happen because Israel decided to turn against God, and do all these evil things. And do we think that God will not do the same to the United States? Has God forgotten about these babies? Of course not! I believe that Gods judgement to our country is just around the corner. I don´t know how He plans to do it, but I know that God will not forever allow the United States to do the things that they are doing without being severely punished. Can Gods judgement be avoided? I know that in the Bible a nation would find out about Gods coming judgement, and they would stop the evil they were doing, and so God would not judge the nation at that time. But when the nation again turned to its evil ways, Gods judgement came. I think that only if our nation turns from its sin, will that deter God from punishing our nation.
Many people think that nothing can bring the United States down. People think ¨we are the strongest country in the world, who can hurt us?¨ But God is who first blessed this nation, and He has the power to take away everything from us. Why has there never been an enemy nation invade the United States? Because God has not allowed it. But if God allows a nation (or group) to cause damage to the United States, it will happen. And the United States will not be able to stop them, because God is using that nation (or group) to punish our nation.
But God does not forget about the people that have turned away from sin, unlike the others in the country. So those people should not be afraid.
It is so important to have a good leader in our country. A president that wishes to please God, and make the right decisions. The United States has certainly been a country that has stood for many good things. When Hitler and the Natzi´s were trying to exterminate all the Jews, millions of young American men were headed overseas to fight, and they did fight, many losing their own lives. But God was with them, and they won the war. God hated what the Natzi´s were doing, and God punished them because of the bad things they were doing. One of the nations that God used was the United States. But now we must turn from our sin, or our nation will also be judged.
Pro-choice does have a nice ring to it, but I have some statistics to show you.
Statistics just for the United States:
Why women have abortions: 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
Likelihood of abortion:An estimated 43% of all women will have at least 1 abortion by the time they are 45 years old. 47% of all abortions are performed on women who have had at least one previous abortion.
One baby is aborted every 26 seconds
137 babies are aborted every hour
3,304 babies are aborted every day
23,196 babies are aborted every week
100,516 babies are aborted every month
Almost 50,000,000 babies have been aborted between 1973 and 2007.
64% of women who experienced one or more abortions “felt pressured by others” to have the abortion.
Statistics from http://www.mccl.org/abortion_statistics.htm and http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
So a presidential candidate that has a ¨pro-choice¨ stand on abortion thinks the mothers will do the right thing, and the government does not need to get involved. Babies are not being aborted because the mothers life is in serious danger, or also because of rape/incest. The vast majority of babies are being aborted for the simple fact that they are not wanted. The mother, parents, or family do not want their lives to significally change because of a baby. They are selfish. If someone is not able to take care of a baby, then why can´t they put the baby up for adoption?
My wife is pregnant, and I will soon be a father. I have felt the fears that most people feel. When the baby comes, Elianas and my life will significantly change. But never would we have someone kill our baby so that our ¨plans¨ are not interrupted.
Really it is not my opinion that is important, but it is Gods opinion. What does God think when a baby is killed? Does He only care about the babies that have been born, and not about those that haven´t been born yet? I will tell you that God does care. God cares about the babies that are in a mothers womb. The approximately 50,000,000 babies that have been aborted in the United States between 1973 - 2007; God cares about them. The parents may not have cared about the baby, but I know that baby is loved by God. And because God cares, will He not deliver justice for the murder of those babies?
God does not just judge people individually, but He will punish an entire nation. How many times did Israel turn away from God, and God punished that nation? God would allow other nations to invade Israel. Terrible things would happen because Israel decided to turn against God, and do all these evil things. And do we think that God will not do the same to the United States? Has God forgotten about these babies? Of course not! I believe that Gods judgement to our country is just around the corner. I don´t know how He plans to do it, but I know that God will not forever allow the United States to do the things that they are doing without being severely punished. Can Gods judgement be avoided? I know that in the Bible a nation would find out about Gods coming judgement, and they would stop the evil they were doing, and so God would not judge the nation at that time. But when the nation again turned to its evil ways, Gods judgement came. I think that only if our nation turns from its sin, will that deter God from punishing our nation.
Many people think that nothing can bring the United States down. People think ¨we are the strongest country in the world, who can hurt us?¨ But God is who first blessed this nation, and He has the power to take away everything from us. Why has there never been an enemy nation invade the United States? Because God has not allowed it. But if God allows a nation (or group) to cause damage to the United States, it will happen. And the United States will not be able to stop them, because God is using that nation (or group) to punish our nation.
But God does not forget about the people that have turned away from sin, unlike the others in the country. So those people should not be afraid.
It is so important to have a good leader in our country. A president that wishes to please God, and make the right decisions. The United States has certainly been a country that has stood for many good things. When Hitler and the Natzi´s were trying to exterminate all the Jews, millions of young American men were headed overseas to fight, and they did fight, many losing their own lives. But God was with them, and they won the war. God hated what the Natzi´s were doing, and God punished them because of the bad things they were doing. One of the nations that God used was the United States. But now we must turn from our sin, or our nation will also be judged.
Ethiopia: Attack on Church Leaves 4 Dead, 70 Injured
By Michael IrelandChief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service ETHIOPIA (ANS)
-- Last week, Christians gathering at local churches in a southern region in Ethiopia were enjoying singing and worship when, without warning, hundreds of men armed with machetes and clubs leapt through the open windows and indiscriminately began attacking everyone present. The attackers barricaded the doors to try to prevent people from escaping.
Envoy Ministries (www.envoyministries.org ) says that when the carnage was complete, there were three Ethiopian church planters (missionaries) dead, one more person died March 9, and more than 70 were injured, with 40 people sustaining serious injuries. The death toll is expected to rise. Hundreds fled the area and are being cared for by Christians in other towns.
David Hunt, President of Envoy Ministries, says the attack occurred on March 3, when initially three people were killed. One person later died of wounds sustained in the attack, and seven people remain in hospital.
Hunt told ASSIST News: "Three days ago evangelists began flowing into a nearby town and in one day more than 30 evangelists begged to be sent back into exact area. Yesterday we committed to support the first ten with $60 monthly -- today the 10 headed back to the area saying 'We are ready to lay down our lives.'"
The Envoy Ministries website says that why such brutal attacks would take place is hard to understand, except that as the Gospel has flourished in Ethiopia and as people put their faith in Christ, others, violently opposed to the Gospel, do anything they can to stop the proclamation of the Gospel.
The site goes on to state: "However, Jesus said, 'I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' Truly we are seeing that being borne out in the Church in Ethiopia and in the lives of our brave brothers and sisters in Christ."
Envoy Ministries says: "We have been in communication with the church there, nearly every day with news of the latest developments. As we learned of the devastation and impact on the Christians, we immediately sent $10,000 to help care for all affected. We have committed to cover the medical costs of those injured and to assist the 190 people who fled. Although this is not enough to cover all the costs, we believe we must do what we can and we invite the Christian public to join with us to care for them as long as they need help."
In speaking with the Ethiopian Christian leadership, Envoy Ministries says of the church planters that: "They consider that they have already died and have counted the cost to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. They said they are encouraged by the response to the Gospel in this region and for every one who died; there are 20 more ready to go in their place. They asked us to help provide for at least 50 church planters to return to preach the Gospel. They said, simply, 'We are inspired to go and work more.'"
The church leaders also asked if the ministry could help re-build the churches that were attacked.
Envoy Ministries says: "Our response was, 'You pray and we will share with our friends.' It now costs around $1,000 per church as they supply the land, the labor and the lumber. Our goal now has been elevated, as more churches have been destroyed and now we have 17 churches to rebuild."
The ministry asks believers in the United States "to first pray for the church in Ethiopia, for all those who are suffering and lost loved ones, and to join us in provision as we endeavor to care for all those affected. Thank you and God bless you."
Envoy Ministries says it is Christ’s messengers of hope to the lost and His emissaries of encouragement to the persecuted.
"We are called to serve in His name... and we are commanded to share His Gospel. "
¨Our ministry impacts lives, communities and nations through Bible distribution, church planting and providing practical helps to suffering and persecuted believers."
Envoy Ministries International is "called to be God’s trustworthy envoys of hope to those who are lost and hurting."
-- Last week, Christians gathering at local churches in a southern region in Ethiopia were enjoying singing and worship when, without warning, hundreds of men armed with machetes and clubs leapt through the open windows and indiscriminately began attacking everyone present. The attackers barricaded the doors to try to prevent people from escaping.
Envoy Ministries (www.envoyministries.org ) says that when the carnage was complete, there were three Ethiopian church planters (missionaries) dead, one more person died March 9, and more than 70 were injured, with 40 people sustaining serious injuries. The death toll is expected to rise. Hundreds fled the area and are being cared for by Christians in other towns.
David Hunt, President of Envoy Ministries, says the attack occurred on March 3, when initially three people were killed. One person later died of wounds sustained in the attack, and seven people remain in hospital.
Hunt told ASSIST News: "Three days ago evangelists began flowing into a nearby town and in one day more than 30 evangelists begged to be sent back into exact area. Yesterday we committed to support the first ten with $60 monthly -- today the 10 headed back to the area saying 'We are ready to lay down our lives.'"
The Envoy Ministries website says that why such brutal attacks would take place is hard to understand, except that as the Gospel has flourished in Ethiopia and as people put their faith in Christ, others, violently opposed to the Gospel, do anything they can to stop the proclamation of the Gospel.
The site goes on to state: "However, Jesus said, 'I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' Truly we are seeing that being borne out in the Church in Ethiopia and in the lives of our brave brothers and sisters in Christ."
Envoy Ministries says: "We have been in communication with the church there, nearly every day with news of the latest developments. As we learned of the devastation and impact on the Christians, we immediately sent $10,000 to help care for all affected. We have committed to cover the medical costs of those injured and to assist the 190 people who fled. Although this is not enough to cover all the costs, we believe we must do what we can and we invite the Christian public to join with us to care for them as long as they need help."
In speaking with the Ethiopian Christian leadership, Envoy Ministries says of the church planters that: "They consider that they have already died and have counted the cost to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. They said they are encouraged by the response to the Gospel in this region and for every one who died; there are 20 more ready to go in their place. They asked us to help provide for at least 50 church planters to return to preach the Gospel. They said, simply, 'We are inspired to go and work more.'"
The church leaders also asked if the ministry could help re-build the churches that were attacked.
Envoy Ministries says: "Our response was, 'You pray and we will share with our friends.' It now costs around $1,000 per church as they supply the land, the labor and the lumber. Our goal now has been elevated, as more churches have been destroyed and now we have 17 churches to rebuild."
The ministry asks believers in the United States "to first pray for the church in Ethiopia, for all those who are suffering and lost loved ones, and to join us in provision as we endeavor to care for all those affected. Thank you and God bless you."
Envoy Ministries says it is Christ’s messengers of hope to the lost and His emissaries of encouragement to the persecuted.
"We are called to serve in His name... and we are commanded to share His Gospel. "
¨Our ministry impacts lives, communities and nations through Bible distribution, church planting and providing practical helps to suffering and persecuted believers."
Envoy Ministries International is "called to be God’s trustworthy envoys of hope to those who are lost and hurting."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Elianas parents are away on another mission trip, and I will be taking care of the animals, which are in the backyard. That includes about 80 guinea pigs, 13 rabbits (includes 7 babies), and 3 chickens (including a rooster, which doesn´t just crow when the sun comes up). The food is alfalfa, a special pellet feed, and corn. The rabbit babies are just about a month old, and are already eating solid food. Elianas mother sells the guinea pigs, and I imagine will sell the rabbits. She enjoys having them, and does a good job taking care of them. That is all the news I have for now. Any news from the United States?
Lima
Here is a picture taken yesterday
from a house that overlooks some of Lima. A lot of people live on the mountains. Although there are roads that go up into the mountains, most people do not have cars. So there are lots of stairs, and so people climb those stairs everyday. For some people, they probably climb 150 stairs or more to get to their home. Our church is just a 6-7 minute walk from here.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Today
Today Eliana and I went and visited a family we know to see how they were doing. One of the daughters recently had surgery, and so she is recovering from it now. I am not sure what kind of surgery she had (my spanish is not that good, so I miss a lot of things), although we watched the video. The doctor used one of those video scope things, and so got to see the surgery from the inside, which actually was interesting. I think that takes a confident doctor to tape the surgery, and give it to the patient, because then they could see any mistakes that were made. We don´t really know all that family, just the mother and one of the daughters. They really are very nice people.
Other than that, we spent a little time in the church. They had a supper in the church, and so we ate potatoes with a special cream, which is delicious. Eliana did a lot of things today, and so she is tired. So I am glad that she is going to rest this evening. Have a good night.
p.s., That family has 2 little dogs, and here is a photo of me with one of them.
Other than that, we spent a little time in the church. They had a supper in the church, and so we ate potatoes with a special cream, which is delicious. Eliana did a lot of things today, and so she is tired. So I am glad that she is going to rest this evening. Have a good night.
p.s., That family has 2 little dogs, and here is a photo of me with one of them.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Tonight
Tonight Eliana and I went to another church. The pastor is the father of one of Elianas friends. Actually it is the friend that made Elianas wedding dress. She does that for a living. Anyways, the pastor actually came and picked us up in his car, so we did not have to take a bus. So that was nice. Before we left, Eliana spoke to the youth. She passed out pieces of paper, and had them write questions on them that they would like answers to. And then the papers were collected, and Eliana went through them one by one, and answered all the questions. I thought that was a good idea. They had some good questions, and hopefully Elianas answers helped them out. Well it is almost midnight, so I am headed to bed. Good night.
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