Closing blog soon

So, I've tried to use this blog (along with the masses) to write purposeful blog posts about life and the pursuit of Jesus. But, it's proven to be quite difficult for me. I'm switching back to Live Spaces. I gave Blogger a good try however, I'm heading back to live space for it's multi-use capacity. Besides, I use all other MSFT products and it only seems natural that I support the company that my husband works for.

Adios amigos.

Please check out my live space, destineynoor.spaces.live.com for further writings on my travels, marriage and the desire to become a godly wife, infertility support, encouragement for those who have experienced pregnancy loss, and support for those who want to support those dealing with barrenness. I'll also be writing about random pursuits of living more naturally and healthy, although I'm no expert nor does it take up much of my time.

So...subscribe to my live space blog and I'll be seeing you online soon!

Easter

Given my personality and the gifts that God has given me, sometimes I get angry at how a sacred and holy holiday as Easter ends up being overtaken by fluffy dresses, pastel colored eggs, gross candy and bunny rabbits. Instead of having compassion for the lost I get angry at Christians for confusing them while they worship the god of fertility (bunnies) and try to worship the resurrected Jesus, the only true God, at the same time.

However, this year I'm praying for and practicing grace with my fellow believers. I was encouraged to do so by reading a recent blog post on the resurgence.com. It helped me to realize that my heart is right in wanting Christians to worship their almighty and powerful God who sent his only Son, Jesus, the god-man, to take the wrath and judgment for our sins so that we might not be separated from Him. But, my prideful attitude is not. Instead of judging this weekend, I want to meditate on, and try to understand the depth of what Jesus' sacrifice, resurrection and ascension really mean.

I can't imagine, even with all of the historical data, the modern film depictions and such, what it must have been like for Jesus to endure the cross. It's not just the physical beatings and gory brutality that he suffered. For, when He was praying in the garden he actually sweat drops of blood in agony considering the separation from the Father and the Father's wrath he must endure. Out of desperate love, that which we may never fully comprehend, he CHOSE to take on all that wrath. To be brutally beaten to an unrecognizable state, and to be separated from God temporarily so that we could be with Him. Just be with Him and worship Him. Love like this I will never be able to fully comprehend.

So, this Easter as I see the pastel colored candy, bunnies, eggs and dresses on my sweet Christian friends, I'm not going to judge or condemn them in my heart, for that is only the job of the Father. I don't know what's going on in their heart. I'm not better than them by any means... I'm in need of saving too. Instead I'm going to attempt to understand the amazing and awesome LOVE that Christ, my personal Savior, has for His creation and attempt to (with the power of the Holy Spirit) love them with that same deep love. So, the Adversary can bring on all the distractions of fluffy bunnies he wants since there's no greater power than that which raised Jesus from the grave! My God; the trinitarian God, is already victorious!

I'm not afraid of the water

Cissi playing in the broken hydrant run-off. What a day!

Gender Change

Did you know that you can change your gender designation on your driver's license in the state of WA? I was attempting to submit a change of address since we're moving and noticed this on the DOL website. Interesting. I never thought I would see this on a government website when I was growing up. What do you all think?

How do I get wisdom?

In my morning's reading today I decided to switch to an online tool for my devotions. I usually use my bible and a journal, but often get distracted. However, the online esv bible has a tool where this wonderful voice reads the text to you and you can follow along. It helps my concentration and focus and helps the text to sink in even more. I will use it for awhile and go back and forth to my old journal and bible, I'm sure.

It seems that the Holy Spirit always brings me to the exact place in scripture that will challenge me, convict me, cause me to grow, or just expand my knowledge of His character. He is faithful to give me the "food" I need for each day. I love that about God. He's always ready to show himself to me when I seek Him in His Word.

In Job 28 the passage talks about the priceless nature of wisdom. Then concludes with this verse (28:28):

"And he (God) said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’"


I'm in desperate need of God's wisdom in several areas of my life right now. Actually in all of my life, if I really think of it. I know that in James 1:5-6 it says,

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Fear God and ask in faith. That's it? Yet, it's so hard to do in my flesh. If it seems so simple then why don't I do it? I think it's because I quickly depend on my own wisdom and I lack faith to really ask...

But, the part that really struck me was in Job 28:28 at the end it says "to turn away from evil is understanding." I feel like this is a really important and often missed point. Could we substitute repentance for "turn away from evil?" I think so. True repentance is necessary for understanding. WHOA! That is definitely lacking in the church today: people practicing confession and repentance.

God please help me to practice true repentance. I deeply need your wisdom. Please give me the faith that I lack and the power to turn away from my self-reliance.

National Carrot Day

Yes, it's true. Today is National Carrot Day. How did you celebrate? I had carrot curry soup inspired by this web site's recipe and my friend Annie. (Of course I always change recipes, so if you want mine, ask.) The carrot soup was actually leftovers. It wasn't a planned celebration. Neither was my Yes to Carrots eye cream and lotion I wore today. I love Yes to Carrots products. They're paraben free, mostly natural, contain Dead Sea Minerals, and are formulated in Israel. They're affordable AND you can buy them at Bartells! Whoa!

I'm hoping that the beta-carotene and Vit K I ate in the soup will help my skin look less transparent this winter. You know the little orange noses that babies get when they begin eating mashed sweet potatoes and carrots, well I'd like a little of that in my skin. Guess we'll be having sweet potatoes with our pork tenderloin later this week. Mmmmm.

Profile picture

No, of course I'm not a crazy cat lady. That's just a picture of our beloved pet, Sadie, who after 19 long and adventurous years died in December. I'm not sure about the whole pets in heaven thing, but one thing is certain, David and I loved her deeply. She was no ordinary cat. If you ever met her she would either scare you by her striking eyes, or you'd love her because of her independent, laid back and loving personality. We both miss her terribly, but are grateful for the years that we had with her. I will never forget her. I cherish each and every memory and thank God that we had in her our lives.

Should I give in?

Blogging, is it for me? I'm still not sure. I love reading my friends' blogs. I stay up on what is going on in their life, I even have opportunities to pray for them. I learn from them and I'm even sometimes challenged by them. My husband and I both wonder if it's really a good use of time for us to write about random things that are important to us, or may seem important to someone else out there. I don't really find a lot of use for "processing" as in a journal on blogs, nor do I care to reveal that much of my inner heart with strangers. If they wanted to know, they'd become my friend and ask...

OK, so there are things that I could share with my friends and others on the big world wide web that might be helpful, encouraging or plain entertaining. Or, maybe I could point someone to Jesus when they have never really understood who he really is.

So, I guess after a 7 month hiatus from both blogger and live space, I'm going to try to come back. If it proves to be successful and beneficial, then I'll stay. If not, then I'll cancel.

Lets see what happens. Anyone game?