When Mommy Sweet Mom shared about the new meme she was going to start, I knew immediately what I wanted to share about my bird first. It's one of my most favorite things. 

The bird originally belonged to my great aunts, Aunt Ceil and Aunt Wilma. It was passed down to my mom. Shortly before she died, I told my mom that I always loved the little bird. She took it off the shelf and told me to take it home. I didn't argue. :o)

This bird is not a knick knack. It has a specific purpose. Does anyone know what that would be?

When Mommy Sweet Mom shared about the new meme she was going to start, I knew immediately what I wanted to share about my bird first. It's one of my most favorite things. 

The bird originally belonged to my great aunts, Aunt Ceil and Aunt Wilma. It was passed down to my mom. Shortly before she died, I told my mom that I always loved the little bird. She took it off the shelf and told me to take it home. I didn't argue. :o)

This bird is not a knick knack. It has a specific purpose. Does anyone know what that would be?

Penelopy looks very guilty for chewing up her mama's shoe, doesn't she?? 

Penelopy looks very guilty for chewing up her mama's shoe, doesn't she?? 

I have missed two Monday's posts about my mom. The words haven't been coming. When my thoughts and words begin to flow, I'll start up again. 

We have termite exterminators coming to our home this week to give us estimates on how much it will cost to get rid of the destructive little critters. It appears, in our layman's eyes, that we caught them early, which is a huge praise!! I'm also thankful for them because now I am finally getting new windows for my house that I have wanted to get for a long, long time. We will have to buy all new trim for the windows, which means I will be doing a lot of sanding, staining and varnishing a lot over the next few months. Since the den is already torn up, we are also going to refinish the wood floors in there to see how hard it will be to do the rest of the house. I'd love to get rid of the carpet in the living room and just have area rugs. The upstairs bedrooms and hallway rooms are all exposed wood, but the woods is in pretty bad shape and in need of refinishing. That's all dreaming and in the future plans. We need new windows first! 

Mommy Sweet Mom is starting a "Things in My House" meme that I am going to join. So you can watch for those starting this Thursday. :o) Please consider joining us. I think it will be fun!

Last Sunday, one of my friends at church had her first baby. One of the many that will be filling the nursery over the next few months. A precious baby boy that they named Tobin. I have to shower this little guy with lots of gifts to make up for calling him a "she" during the whole pregnancy.  :-D I can't wait to hold him!! 

God is good...ALL the time and deserving of all GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE. I am in awe to be one of His sheep that He has called to be His own....

I have missed two Monday's posts about my mom. The words haven't been coming. When my thoughts and words begin to flow, I'll start up again. 

We have termite exterminators coming to our home this week to give us estimates on how much it will cost to get rid of the destructive little critters. It appears, in our layman's eyes, that we caught them early, which is a huge praise!! I'm also thankful for them because now I am finally getting new windows for my house that I have wanted to get for a long, long time. We will have to buy all new trim for the windows, which means I will be doing a lot of sanding, staining and varnishing a lot over the next few months. Since the den is already torn up, we are also going to refinish the wood floors in there to see how hard it will be to do the rest of the house. I'd love to get rid of the carpet in the living room and just have area rugs. The upstairs bedrooms and hallway rooms are all exposed wood, but the woods is in pretty bad shape and in need of refinishing. That's all dreaming and in the future plans. We need new windows first! 

Mommy Sweet Mom is starting a "Things in My House" meme that I am going to join. So you can watch for those starting this Thursday. :o) Please consider joining us. I think it will be fun!

Last Sunday, one of my friends at church had her first baby. One of the many that will be filling the nursery over the next few months. A precious baby boy that they named Tobin. I have to shower this little guy with lots of gifts to make up for calling him a "she" during the whole pregnancy.  :-D I can't wait to hold him!! 

God is good...ALL the time and deserving of all GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE. I am in awe to be one of His sheep that He has called to be His own....

We have been talking about replacing our windows for the last 5 years. This year, we decided to start replacing them a few at a time by ourselves. The above pictures are from the den. You never know what you will find when you begin a home improvement project. We certainly weren't expecting termites. :o( 

Sunday update: We stayed home form church, which really hurts. I love going to church, but we need to get something done. We've decided to remove all of the paneling in the den, insulate it and put up new drywall. The sad news...It looks like we will be canceling yet another vacation this summer. Right after the flood, we were to go camping for a week and I just couldn't go. It felt wrong. Now the expense of going to the Boundary Waters (gas, cabin, dog care, incidentals) seems pretty foolish when we have a major expense in our home to take care of. 

In all of  this, I give praise to God. Praise we found the problem when we did. Praise we can fix it. Praise that we have a home, when so many in our area do not. Praise that our real home is in Heaven, where rust and moth can not destroy and one day, we will be there to worship God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen!!

We have been talking about replacing our windows for the last 5 years. This year, we decided to start replacing them a few at a time by ourselves. The above pictures are from the den. You never know what you will find when you begin a home improvement project. We certainly weren't expecting termites. :o( 

Sunday update: We stayed home form church, which really hurts. I love going to church, but we need to get something done. We've decided to remove all of the paneling in the den, insulate it and put up new drywall. The sad news...It looks like we will be canceling yet another vacation this summer. Right after the flood, we were to go camping for a week and I just couldn't go. It felt wrong. Now the expense of going to the Boundary Waters (gas, cabin, dog care, incidentals) seems pretty foolish when we have a major expense in our home to take care of. 

In all of  this, I give praise to God. Praise we found the problem when we did. Praise we can fix it. Praise that we have a home, when so many in our area do not. Praise that our real home is in Heaven, where rust and moth can not destroy and one day, we will be there to worship God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen!!

I had the 45 and wore it out. Ahhh, memories....

Another good one...



Oh, look at what I found! You can watch the whole first season on line!!

I had the 45 and wore it out. Ahhh, memories....

Another good one...



Oh, look at what I found! You can watch the whole first season on line!!

Lotsa babies

The woman in my church are so kind. They are fulfilling my baby fix needs by having lotsa babies. If I have the count correct, we will have 6 new babies in a years time, God willing. :o) Four girls, one boy and one surprise, who is due any day now. 

I wonder when the desire to have more children will ever go away? I am unable to have more children, but if I could, I would. Of course, Russ would have something to say about that idea. *wink* 

The woman in my church are so kind. They are fulfilling my baby fix needs by having lotsa babies. If I have the count correct, we will have 6 new babies in a years time, God willing. :o) Four girls, one boy and one surprise, who is due any day now. 

I wonder when the desire to have more children will ever go away? I am unable to have more children, but if I could, I would. Of course, Russ would have something to say about that idea. *wink* 

Flashback: Winter '07-'08

Flashback: Winter '07-'08

It was time. Everyone was ready. Nervous, but ready. Reagan met his birth parents last night. We've known his birth parents for a long time and Reagan knew that we did. In fact, he knew their names and where they lived. It says a lot about his character that he waited for all of us to give the green light. 

I won't share Allie and Michael's story, it's theirs to tell, but I will say they are happily married and it was a fun evening last night watching our child get to know his 1st parents. 

It was time. Everyone was ready. Nervous, but ready. Reagan met his birth parents last night. We've known his birth parents for a long time and Reagan knew that we did. In fact, he knew their names and where they lived. It says a lot about his character that he waited for all of us to give the green light. 

I won't share Allie and Michael's story, it's theirs to tell, but I will say they are happily married and it was a fun evening last night watching our child get to know his 1st parents. 

From the CDs Songs for the Cross Centered Life and The King of Grace.

List of CDs by Sovereign Grace ministries: Sovereign Grace Music

From the CDs Songs for the Cross Centered Life and The King of Grace.

List of CDs by Sovereign Grace ministries: Sovereign Grace Music

I took two naps today. TWO!! And I have had a headache most of the day. Not a bad one and not a migraine, just enough of one that it was annoying. Tonight, I figured out why ...I didn't have coffee this morning! You would think I would have thought of that sooner in light of the post I wrote about my mom last Monday. I am a bit dense. 

I bought coffee tonight and the coffee pot is all queued up for tomorrow morning. I wish I could have some now, but I think it would be wise to skip that temptation. 

I took two naps today. TWO!! And I have had a headache most of the day. Not a bad one and not a migraine, just enough of one that it was annoying. Tonight, I figured out why ...I didn't have coffee this morning! You would think I would have thought of that sooner in light of the post I wrote about my mom last Monday. I am a bit dense. 

I bought coffee tonight and the coffee pot is all queued up for tomorrow morning. I wish I could have some now, but I think it would be wise to skip that temptation. 

...and nothing to show. I spent hours on my blog today. I have no proof. Guess you'll just have to trust me. :o)

...and nothing to show. I spent hours on my blog today. I have no proof. Guess you'll just have to trust me. :o)

Happy 1st birthday, Precious....

Happy 1st birthday, Precious....

Enjoy!!! Be sure to notice the cover of the book that she is chewing on. :o)

Enjoy!!! Be sure to notice the cover of the book that she is chewing on. :o)

Brooklyn's 1st Birthday

Sunday was Brooklyn's 1st birthday party and it was quite the birthday bash!! We had decided a long time ago, to make her birthday party weekend a family camping trip since it's such a long drive and it solves the ever present question when things like this comes up..."What are we going to do with the pups?" 

Saturday was Jen's day to get the cooking done for the party. I offered to help and was so relieved to hear her say, "I'm glad you offered because I was counting on you helping me by baby sitting Brooklyn." Now that was an offer I couldn't refuse!!! I got a good couple of hours of playing time in with her and I admit it....I loved every second that I had her all to myself. :o) When Brooklyn was napping, Jen and I had a good couple of hours getting to know each other better, too. She is a wonderful mother and I enjoy watching her with her daughter.

 

Later that evening, they came out to our campsite and had dinner with us. The boys are totally enamored with her, especially Mitchell. He never left her side. Me thinks he is smitten. *wink*

 

Sunday was party day!! Jen's mom wasn't able to come early, so Jen asked if I would help her set up. I was so flattered to be asked. Jen and I went to the coffee house to decorate two hours before show time to set up. We nearly ran out of time getting everything ready. We only lost 4 balloons to the rafters. At one time, Jen only had two balloons in her hand and I heard her say, "Uh oh!" I looked over in time to watch her watch a balloon as it floated out of her reach. It was pretty funny! 

I hope my boys don't feel cheated because they have never had a party like this one!! It had a theme. It was a brown and pink party. Brown and pink balloons, brown and pink centerpieces, brown and pink cupcakes, brown and pink dress for Princess Brooklyn. It was very pretty and well done. Not over the top, just enough to look special.

 

Brooklyn was the star of the show. It was gratifying to see that she got some toys. Poor thing didn't hardly have anything to play with! Oh, and clothes. Her closet was almost bare! Seriously, she is very well loved, but not spoiled. :o)

Here is what I decided she must have:

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name ~ This is no ordinary children's Bible. This one does a great job of showing how gospel is woven into all of the stories in the Bible and shows how Jesus is the scarlet thread woven throughout the whole Bible. I want Brooklyn to know Jesus.

Big Truths for Little Kids ~ This is an excellent book that helps you teach your child systematically the basic truths of the Christian faith. It's geared for older children, but I am hoping that Jen and Steve start to read it to her now. It's a book I need to get for our home. I want Brooklyn to know that she was created for God's glory. 

 

Two Carter's sunsuits. One was lime green (my fav color)  and the other had flowers with the words "Hand picked," in the front. Perfect for the family that was hand picked to be her parents.

Last, but not least...

 

 

This was longer than I planned, so I will post the picture slide show in a new post. :o)

Sunday was Brooklyn's 1st birthday party and it was quite the birthday bash!! We had decided a long time ago, to make her birthday party weekend a family camping trip since it's such a long drive and it solves the ever present question when things like this comes up..."What are we going to do with the pups?" 

Saturday was Jen's day to get the cooking done for the party. I offered to help and was so relieved to hear her say, "I'm glad you offered because I was counting on you helping me by baby sitting Brooklyn." Now that was an offer I couldn't refuse!!! I got a good couple of hours of playing time in with her and I admit it....I loved every second that I had her all to myself. :o) When Brooklyn was napping, Jen and I had a good couple of hours getting to know each other better, too. She is a wonderful mother and I enjoy watching her with her daughter.

 

Later that evening, they came out to our campsite and had dinner with us. The boys are totally enamored with her, especially Mitchell. He never left her side. Me thinks he is smitten. *wink*

 

Sunday was party day!! Jen's mom wasn't able to come early, so Jen asked if I would help her set up. I was so flattered to be asked. Jen and I went to the coffee house to decorate two hours before show time to set up. We nearly ran out of time getting everything ready. We only lost 4 balloons to the rafters. At one time, Jen only had two balloons in her hand and I heard her say, "Uh oh!" I looked over in time to watch her watch a balloon as it floated out of her reach. It was pretty funny! 

I hope my boys don't feel cheated because they have never had a party like this one!! It had a theme. It was a brown and pink party. Brown and pink balloons, brown and pink centerpieces, brown and pink cupcakes, brown and pink dress for Princess Brooklyn. It was very pretty and well done. Not over the top, just enough to look special.

 

Brooklyn was the star of the show. It was gratifying to see that she got some toys. Poor thing didn't hardly have anything to play with! Oh, and clothes. Her closet was almost bare! Seriously, she is very well loved, but not spoiled. :o)

Here is what I decided she must have:

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name ~ This is no ordinary children's Bible. This one does a great job of showing how gospel is woven into all of the stories in the Bible and shows how Jesus is the scarlet thread woven throughout the whole Bible. I want Brooklyn to know Jesus.

Big Truths for Little Kids ~ This is an excellent book that helps you teach your child systematically the basic truths of the Christian faith. It's geared for older children, but I am hoping that Jen and Steve start to read it to her now. It's a book I need to get for our home. I want Brooklyn to know that she was created for God's glory. 

 

Two Carter's sunsuits. One was lime green (my fav color)  and the other had flowers with the words "Hand picked," in the front. Perfect for the family that was hand picked to be her parents.

Last, but not least...

 

 

This was longer than I planned, so I will post the picture slide show in a new post. :o)

Tony Snow's Testimony

Take the time to read Tony Snow's testimony. You will be blessed. 

Take the time to read Tony Snow's testimony. You will be blessed. 

Coffee should have been my Mom's middle name. She was a major coffee drinker. Having a microwave oven helped this little addiction of hers. She could warm up a cool cop of java in no time.

 Her coffee cup of choice was a tall Tupperware cup.  One that looked a lot like these. :o) That's all they were used for because they inherited a permeant coffee taste in them. 

She drank coffee all day long. No matter the season, though in summer she would occasionally have an ice coffee. There was always a cup of coffee with creamer within her reach. If she went without coffee for too long, she would get a "coffee headache."

Her favorite coffee when I was growing up, was either Folgers mountain grown coffee crystals or Taster's Choice. The deciding factor would be which one was cheaper. With her being so frugal, it's shocking that she would only drink a name brand coffee. In her defense, she tried the off brands, but they weren't as good. I think she deserved the best, though. *smile* 

Check out this commercial!! Now that's a blast from the past. :o)

 

Remember the Taster's Choice couple? 

I have learned to love coffee in the last few years. I choose to use a coffee pot and the most inexpensive coffee I can find, instead of instant coffee, but I drink it with creamer, just like mom. :o)

Coffee should have been my Mom's middle name. She was a major coffee drinker. Having a microwave oven helped this little addiction of hers. She could warm up a cool cop of java in no time.

 Her coffee cup of choice was a tall Tupperware cup.  One that looked a lot like these. :o) That's all they were used for because they inherited a permeant coffee taste in them. 

She drank coffee all day long. No matter the season, though in summer she would occasionally have an ice coffee. There was always a cup of coffee with creamer within her reach. If she went without coffee for too long, she would get a "coffee headache."

Her favorite coffee when I was growing up, was either Folgers mountain grown coffee crystals or Taster's Choice. The deciding factor would be which one was cheaper. With her being so frugal, it's shocking that she would only drink a name brand coffee. In her defense, she tried the off brands, but they weren't as good. I think she deserved the best, though. *smile* 

Check out this commercial!! Now that's a blast from the past. :o)

 

Remember the Taster's Choice couple? 

I have learned to love coffee in the last few years. I choose to use a coffee pot and the most inexpensive coffee I can find, instead of instant coffee, but I drink it with creamer, just like mom. :o)

It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by and my grand-daughter is 1 today!! 

I'm spending a long weekend with her and her family. Be prepared for pictures when I get back. 

It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by and my grand-daughter is 1 today!! 

I'm spending a long weekend with her and her family. Be prepared for pictures when I get back. 

They aren't little boys any longer. 

They used to like these dragons....

Now their choice of Dragon is this one:

This used to be a favorite Wild West ride....

It was replaced with this one:

I guess it was bound to happen. 

Russ was chosen to participate in the magic show. Mostly because we all whooped and hollered for the magician to choose him. How could he refuse? :-P The magician caught the paintball that Russ wrote his name on in his mouth...Pretty amazing! 

*at the end of the video, turn down the volume. I whooped a little too loudly for my man. :-P *

My favorite part of the day was the circus show. We got to watch an aussie and a boarder collie show off with their frisbee tricks, a 16 year old young man fly out of a canon, a trapeze artist *Reagan said she needed more clothes on. ;o)* , a juggling act and a couple who did the quick changing of clothing trick, which most of us have seen on YouTube. 

It was a fun and exhausting day. :o) 

They aren't little boys any longer. 

They used to like these dragons....

Now their choice of Dragon is this one:

This used to be a favorite Wild West ride....

It was replaced with this one:

I guess it was bound to happen. 

Russ was chosen to participate in the magic show. Mostly because we all whooped and hollered for the magician to choose him. How could he refuse? :-P The magician caught the paintball that Russ wrote his name on in his mouth...Pretty amazing! 

*at the end of the video, turn down the volume. I whooped a little too loudly for my man. :-P *

My favorite part of the day was the circus show. We got to watch an aussie and a boarder collie show off with their frisbee tricks, a 16 year old young man fly out of a canon, a trapeze artist *Reagan said she needed more clothes on. ;o)* , a juggling act and a couple who did the quick changing of clothing trick, which most of us have seen on YouTube. 

It was a fun and exhausting day. :o) 

Every year we have a big family bash at Adventureland. Most of Russ' sibs and their kiddos come and we make a day of it. It's lots of fun. This year, Mitchell wants to get enough courage mustered up to ride the Dragon.

What?? Am I going to ride the Dragon?? I rode it when I was younger. Does that count?? How about this...A couple of years ago I rode it. I decided that it was my last time. I'll ride the other roller coasters, but that one I am leaving to the younger set. :o)

Every year we have a big family bash at Adventureland. Most of Russ' sibs and their kiddos come and we make a day of it. It's lots of fun. This year, Mitchell wants to get enough courage mustered up to ride the Dragon.

What?? Am I going to ride the Dragon?? I rode it when I was younger. Does that count?? How about this...A couple of years ago I rode it. I decided that it was my last time. I'll ride the other roller coasters, but that one I am leaving to the younger set. :o)

Safe in the Almighty Shepherd's hands!

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd
 lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

Jesus is the Shepherd of His flock--
  to conduct, guard and defend them,
  to feed them in the green pastures of His grace,
  to cure and heal their spiritual diseases,
  to restore them when they wander,
  to gather the lambs with His arms,
  to carry them in His bosom, and gently lead them.

His power, care and compassion are infinite! 
His followers are as sheep in the midst of wolves. We 
hear one of them saying, "My soul is among lions!" 
These lions may gape and roar, they may seek to 
devour--but the sheep are safe in the Almighty 
Shepherd's hands! For He has said, "My sheep 
hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. 
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish
—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

Such a Shepherd must be precious!

(John Fawcett, "Christ Precious")

*I ask you today to meditate on and answer this question....Is Jesus precious to you? 

I'd love to hear how in your daily life, you show the world that Jesus is precious to you. ~ Amy

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd
 lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

Jesus is the Shepherd of His flock--
  to conduct, guard and defend them,
  to feed them in the green pastures of His grace,
  to cure and heal their spiritual diseases,
  to restore them when they wander,
  to gather the lambs with His arms,
  to carry them in His bosom, and gently lead them.

His power, care and compassion are infinite! 
His followers are as sheep in the midst of wolves. We 
hear one of them saying, "My soul is among lions!" 
These lions may gape and roar, they may seek to 
devour--but the sheep are safe in the Almighty 
Shepherd's hands! For He has said, "My sheep 
hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. 
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish
—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

Such a Shepherd must be precious!

(John Fawcett, "Christ Precious")

*I ask you today to meditate on and answer this question....Is Jesus precious to you? 

I'd love to hear how in your daily life, you show the world that Jesus is precious to you. ~ Amy

When I go on vacations and visit shops, I keep my eye out for anything with turtles. Laurie collects them and it's fun to find something for her when we are on vacation. 

I found glass ornament for her today in Mineral Point, WI. 

The bonus is Russ found one with a sheep for me. :o)

When I go on vacations and visit shops, I keep my eye out for anything with turtles. Laurie collects them and it's fun to find something for her when we are on vacation. 

I found glass ornament for her today in Mineral Point, WI. 

The bonus is Russ found one with a sheep for me. :o)

R&R

Hubz and I are enjoying a night away. Just the two of us. *sigh* We are touring The House on the Rock. 

Hubz and I are enjoying a night away. Just the two of us. *sigh* We are touring The House on the Rock. 

A Swappie friend of mine lost her mom last week. My heart goes out to her, for I know how hard it was for me to come to grips that I had suddenly become a motherless daughter almost two years ago. The only encouragement that I could offer her was that the edge of the sword of pain gets less sharp over time. I wish I could say it goes away completely, but I don't think it does. 

I miss my mom everyday. 

I miss her when I see the blooming flowers in my garden that came from her garden. 

I miss her when it's my birthday. I loved hearing my birth story from her. 

I miss her when I am hurting. Sometimes a girl just needs her momma. *smile*

I miss her when there is a joyous occasion, when sorrows come my way, when I am successful, when I fail, when life is good, when life is hard. 

I miss her all the time....

A Swappie friend of mine lost her mom last week. My heart goes out to her, for I know how hard it was for me to come to grips that I had suddenly become a motherless daughter almost two years ago. The only encouragement that I could offer her was that the edge of the sword of pain gets less sharp over time. I wish I could say it goes away completely, but I don't think it does. 

I miss my mom everyday. 

I miss her when I see the blooming flowers in my garden that came from her garden. 

I miss her when it's my birthday. I loved hearing my birth story from her. 

I miss her when I am hurting. Sometimes a girl just needs her momma. *smile*

I miss her when there is a joyous occasion, when sorrows come my way, when I am successful, when I fail, when life is good, when life is hard. 

I miss her all the time....

Happy Birthday, Mitchell!!

Happy Birthday, Mitchell!!

The 500-year Flood and the Sovereignty of God

"The God we find in the Bible is not a self-neutered God. He is a sovereign, strong, providentially ruling God, who reigns over everything with all power. And, He is good. He is altogether righteous and just and none can question what He ordains or accuse Him of evil. To say that God cannot be who God says He is is incredibly demeaning to God. To say that He can only be spoken of in ways that are easily comprehendible by our finite logic is incredibly arrogant."

Paster Eric Schumacher, July 6, 2008

Read the rest of his sermon on his blog An Infant in a Cradle. 

When it's available, you can listen to it here. 

"The God we find in the Bible is not a self-neutered God. He is a sovereign, strong, providentially ruling God, who reigns over everything with all power. And, He is good. He is altogether righteous and just and none can question what He ordains or accuse Him of evil. To say that God cannot be who God says He is is incredibly demeaning to God. To say that He can only be spoken of in ways that are easily comprehendible by our finite logic is incredibly arrogant."

Paster Eric Schumacher, July 6, 2008

Read the rest of his sermon on his blog An Infant in a Cradle. 

When it's available, you can listen to it here. 

By: Todd Friel

The music weeps, the preacher pleads, “Give your heart to Jesus. You have a God shaped hole in your heart and only Jesus can fill it.” Dozens, hundreds or thousands of people who want to get their spiritual life on track make their way to the altar. They ask Jesus into their heart.

Cut to three months later. Nobody has seen our new convert in church. The follow up committee calls him and encourages him to attend a Bible study, but to no avail. We label him a backslider and get ready for the next outreach event.

Our beloved child lies in her snuggly warm bed and says, “Yes, Daddy. I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” You lead her in “the prayer” and hope that it sticks. You spend the next ten years questioning if she really, really meant it. Puberty hits and the answer reveals itself. She backslides. We spend the next ten years praying that she will come to her senses.

Telling someone to ask Jesus into their hearts has a very typical result, backsliding. the Bible says that a person who is soundly saved puts his hand to the plow and does not look back because he is fit for service. In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (II Cor.5) No backsliding there.

Brace yourself for this one: with very few if any exceptions, anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved…is not. If you asked Jesus into your heart because you were told that is what you have to do to become a Christian, you were mis-informed.

If you have ever told someone to ask Jesus into their heart (like I have), you produced a false convert. Here is why.

1. It is not in the Bible. There is not a single verse that even hints we should say a prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts. Some use Rev. 3:20. To tell us that Jesus is standing at the door of our hearts begging to come in.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” There are two reasons that interpretation is wrong.

The context tells us that the door Jesus is knocking on is the door of the church, not the human heart. Jesus is not knocking to enter someone’s heart but to have fellowship with His church.

Even if the context didn’t tell us this, we would be forcing a meaning into the text (eisegesis). How do we know it is our heart he is knocking at? Why not our car door? How do we know he isn’t knocking on our foot? To suggest that he is knocking on the door of our heart is superimposing a meaning on the text that simply does not exist.

The Bible does not instruct us to ask Jesus into our heart. This alone should resolve the issue, nevertheless, here are nine more reasons.

2. Asking Jesus into your heart is a saying that makes no sense. What does it mean to ask Jesus into your heart? If I say the right incantation will He somehow enter my heart? Is it literal? Does He reside in the upper or lower ventricle? Is this a metaphysical experience? Is it figurative? If it is, what exactly does it mean? While I am certain that most adults cannot articulate its meaning, I am certain that no child can explain it. Pastor Dennis Rokser reminds
us that little children think literally and can easily be confused (or frightened) at the prospect of asking Jesus into their heart.

3. In order to be saved, a man must repent (Acts 2:38). Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of repentance.

4. In order to be saved, a man must trust in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of faith.

5. The person who wrongly believes they are saved will have a false sense of security. Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved but struggle to feel secure. They live in doubt and fear because they do not have the Holy Spirit giving them assurance of salvation.

6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden. Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.

7. It presents God as a beggar just hoping you will let Him into your busy life. This presentation of God robs Him of His sovereignty.

8. The cause of Christ is ridiculed. Visit an atheist web-site and read the pagans who scoff, “How dare those Christians tell us how to live when they get divorced more than we do? Who are they to say homosexuals shouldn’t adopt kids when tens of thousands of orphans don’t get adopted by Christians?” Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced.

People who ask Jesus into their hearts do. Jesus gets mocked when false converts give Him a bad name.

9. The cause of evangelism is hindered. While it is certainly easier to get church members by telling them to ask Jesus into their hearts, try pleading with someone to make today the day of their salvation. Get ready for a painful response. “Why should I become a Christian when I have seen so called Christians act worse than a pagan?” People who ask Jesus into their hearts give pagans an excuse for not repenting.

10. Here is the scary one. People who ask Jesus into their hearts are not saved and they will perish on the Day of Judgment. How tragic that millions of people think they are right with God when they are not. How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who asked Jesus into their hearts?

So, what must one do to be saved? Repent and trust. (Heb.6:1) The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ. Every man does have a “God shaped hole in their hearts,” but that hole is not contentment, fulfillment and peace. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, we must preach that God judges and Jesus satisfies God’s judgment…if a man will repent and place his trust in Him.

If you are reading this and you asked Jesus into your heart, chances are good you had a spiritual buzz for a while, but now you struggle to read your Bible, tithe, attend church and pray. Perhaps you were told you would have contentment, purpose and a better life if you just ask Jesus into your heart. I am sorry, that was a lie.

If you have been preaching that people should ask Jesus into their hearts, I beg you to stop immediately. You will give an account for all the souls you have led astray. Read this article. It will help you present the Gospel correctly: Hell’s Best Kept Secret. 

By: Todd Friel

The music weeps, the preacher pleads, “Give your heart to Jesus. You have a God shaped hole in your heart and only Jesus can fill it.” Dozens, hundreds or thousands of people who want to get their spiritual life on track make their way to the altar. They ask Jesus into their heart.

Cut to three months later. Nobody has seen our new convert in church. The follow up committee calls him and encourages him to attend a Bible study, but to no avail. We label him a backslider and get ready for the next outreach event.

Our beloved child lies in her snuggly warm bed and says, “Yes, Daddy. I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” You lead her in “the prayer” and hope that it sticks. You spend the next ten years questioning if she really, really meant it. Puberty hits and the answer reveals itself. She backslides. We spend the next ten years praying that she will come to her senses.

Telling someone to ask Jesus into their hearts has a very typical result, backsliding. the Bible says that a person who is soundly saved puts his hand to the plow and does not look back because he is fit for service. In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (II Cor.5) No backsliding there.

Brace yourself for this one: with very few if any exceptions, anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved…is not. If you asked Jesus into your heart because you were told that is what you have to do to become a Christian, you were mis-informed.

If you have ever told someone to ask Jesus into their heart (like I have), you produced a false convert. Here is why.

1. It is not in the Bible. There is not a single verse that even hints we should say a prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts. Some use Rev. 3:20. To tell us that Jesus is standing at the door of our hearts begging to come in.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” There are two reasons that interpretation is wrong.

The context tells us that the door Jesus is knocking on is the door of the church, not the human heart. Jesus is not knocking to enter someone’s heart but to have fellowship with His church.

Even if the context didn’t tell us this, we would be forcing a meaning into the text (eisegesis). How do we know it is our heart he is knocking at? Why not our car door? How do we know he isn’t knocking on our foot? To suggest that he is knocking on the door of our heart is superimposing a meaning on the text that simply does not exist.

The Bible does not instruct us to ask Jesus into our heart. This alone should resolve the issue, nevertheless, here are nine more reasons.

2. Asking Jesus into your heart is a saying that makes no sense. What does it mean to ask Jesus into your heart? If I say the right incantation will He somehow enter my heart? Is it literal? Does He reside in the upper or lower ventricle? Is this a metaphysical experience? Is it figurative? If it is, what exactly does it mean? While I am certain that most adults cannot articulate its meaning, I am certain that no child can explain it. Pastor Dennis Rokser reminds
us that little children think literally and can easily be confused (or frightened) at the prospect of asking Jesus into their heart.

3. In order to be saved, a man must repent (Acts 2:38). Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of repentance.

4. In order to be saved, a man must trust in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of faith.

5. The person who wrongly believes they are saved will have a false sense of security. Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved but struggle to feel secure. They live in doubt and fear because they do not have the Holy Spirit giving them assurance of salvation.

6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden. Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.

7. It presents God as a beggar just hoping you will let Him into your busy life. This presentation of God robs Him of His sovereignty.

8. The cause of Christ is ridiculed. Visit an atheist web-site and read the pagans who scoff, “How dare those Christians tell us how to live when they get divorced more than we do? Who are they to say homosexuals shouldn’t adopt kids when tens of thousands of orphans don’t get adopted by Christians?” Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced.

People who ask Jesus into their hearts do. Jesus gets mocked when false converts give Him a bad name.

9. The cause of evangelism is hindered. While it is certainly easier to get church members by telling them to ask Jesus into their hearts, try pleading with someone to make today the day of their salvation. Get ready for a painful response. “Why should I become a Christian when I have seen so called Christians act worse than a pagan?” People who ask Jesus into their hearts give pagans an excuse for not repenting.

10. Here is the scary one. People who ask Jesus into their hearts are not saved and they will perish on the Day of Judgment. How tragic that millions of people think they are right with God when they are not. How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who asked Jesus into their hearts?

So, what must one do to be saved? Repent and trust. (Heb.6:1) The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ. Every man does have a “God shaped hole in their hearts,” but that hole is not contentment, fulfillment and peace. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, we must preach that God judges and Jesus satisfies God’s judgment…if a man will repent and place his trust in Him.

If you are reading this and you asked Jesus into your heart, chances are good you had a spiritual buzz for a while, but now you struggle to read your Bible, tithe, attend church and pray. Perhaps you were told you would have contentment, purpose and a better life if you just ask Jesus into your heart. I am sorry, that was a lie.

If you have been preaching that people should ask Jesus into their hearts, I beg you to stop immediately. You will give an account for all the souls you have led astray. Read this article. It will help you present the Gospel correctly: Hell’s Best Kept Secret. 

Day Lilies are my favorite flower and they are beginning to bloom. :-)

Here are a few that bloomed today. 

Day Lilies are my favorite flower and they are beginning to bloom. :-)

Here are a few that bloomed today.