...and I'm a sinner.

If you haven't already noticed, the Mormon Church changed their ads. Their old ads were aimed towards family values and would end like this, "family...isn't about time? This is a message from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." The message wasn't anything controversial.  Anyone with a heart could "awww" over the cutesy ad. 

Now, they are choosing attractive, cool, normal, surfers, workers to share how awesome they are and end with, "...and I'm a Mormon." Why are they advertising? It's quite funny really, because it confirms that you don't have to know much in order to join. It's treated almost like a club. You like families, outings, skateboarding, art, etc? So join the church already! Duh!  So, in closing I like to end with this:

Hi, I'm Ingrid and I'm a wife, Mother, piano player, disciplinary, chef, house cleaner, and Community Manager...and I'm a sinner.

We Have Seen His Glory!

I was thankful to receive "In Christ Alone" by Sinclair B. Ferguson as a gift from my sister-in-law, Teresa. Just the title, “In Christ Alone” should grasp the attention of any fellow Christian wanting to understand our Lord better or for someone, like myself, who desires to live the Gospel-centered life. I have always been a fan of reading Ferguson's books. After all, my first Reformed Pastor provided me with "By Grace Alone" through the mail before visiting his congregation for the very first time. Ferguson amazes me with how simple and basic of a read he is, yet turns a clear understanding of who Jesus is into something delightful and confounding.

I usually wait until AFTER I read a book to provide my thoughts, but silly thing is, I am only through the first section! I am very excited about it, that I find it only necessary to share my first thoughts about the opening of his book. I wish I could write this entire blog post in my own words, but I have quoted Ferguson instead a majority of the time.  His remarks alone are fascinating.

Part 1 of the book starts off with the Prologue to Christ. “The Word Became Flesh” was the best way to put it. Ferguson reminds the Christian reader how fascinating that each of the Gospels has a different starting point. For instance, Matthew begins with Abraham, Mark with John the Baptist, and Luke with Zechariah and Elizabeth. Later, he adds a staggering point about John’s Gospel. This Gospel begins in eternity! John’s motifs are the identity of Jesus, revelation in Jesus, fulfillment in Jesus, and the work of Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I always linger when reading the opening versus of John’s Gospel; just to sink in the knowledge that He is the Word made flesh (1:14)-- hits me every time! Ferguson points out the thrill and suspense while reading this, and asks the reader to read the Prologue slowly and read out loud to feel it. He is Jesus! Ferguson says, “Jesus comes to us from the deep recesses of eternity.” Ferguson also explains:

Our Savior is the God-man, and we should think of Him as both! Just in the first verse, He is described as the companion of God (He “was with God”), who simultaneously, is Himself God (“the Word was God”).

The basic key to John’s Gospel is quite simple…our Lord has two natures united in one person. God the Son made flesh. As John’s Gospel records Jesus’ self-revelation, it breaks into two sections—His own identity and His fellowship with the Father and the Spirit.

The law was given through Moss, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (1:17). Through Moses in the Old Testament, God is revealed in pictures and ceremonies.  Jesus is the reality. Ferguson goes onto explain the fulfillment in Jesus:

Like John the Baptist (1:15), the Law and the Prophets were only witnesses to the Light; Jesus is the Light itself.  That is why, for John, the events, imagery, and language of the Old Testament are like a shadow cast backward into history by Christ, the Light of the World.  The dwelling of God in the wilderness tabernacle foreshadowed the presence of the Word incarnate as the final temple.  It is in Him, alone that finally see God's glory (1:14).

The ending to this first section of the book takes me on a spin as Ferguson goes onto explain the work of Jesus. I have to admit, at times I must re-read a section 2-3 times in order for it to sink in. While reading the closing section I again paused at hearing that John’s Christology is a Christology from above and from below. Christ comes from the Father, BUT He is also born of the Virgin Mary. I am a huge fan of John Calvin, and he writes:

How great is the difference between the spiritual glory of the Word of God and the stinking filth of our flesh! Yet the Son of God stooped so low as to take to himself that flesh addicted to so many wretchedness’s.

The Word became flesh. The Word made His dwelling among us. The Word revealed His glory. Ferguson reminded me that re-reading John's Gospel is bigger on the inside than it appears to be from the outside. The Gospel of John is the first true gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The World Is Watching You

I have been a member of facebook for about 4 years now. I joined in order to get rid of my myspace account due to the immature posts, lame designs, bad search engine, and the annoying music on friends pages. Facebook had a better search engine, professional, and better secured...so we thought. It is not new to hear the dangers of having a facebook account. Some are pretty simple...don't reveal your address, phone number, social security number, password, etc.


I am happy that a recent article revealed the risks of sharing your job complaints and personal lifestyle. Insurers and employers are now turning to social networking sites to track down their employees and clients. It’s quite genius really. In fact, I turned to social networking sites when hiring employers. I would easily place a huge red X on your resume if I found posts that revealed heavy partying or any unprofessionalism. Believe it or not, the easiest way to disqualify an employer are their status posts. If you can’t spell, than most likely you will not qualify for a receptionist position. I couldn’t imagine receiving emails from someone at work who types,

Gonna go 2 lunch. Do ya need anything? I be @ da restaurant across da street.

I know…I lack in trying to emulate someone’s “ghetto” internet skills. I suck at trying to make this believable, however, I hope you get the point.


One of my facebook discoveries is being revealed to one of your associates and finding out that they aren’t who you thought they were. Whether this is good or bad, I discovered that some have poor work ethic. They get a job, and later complain about co-workers or annoying clients. Life isn’t easy. Get over it.


The worst job complaints are from teachers. After reading posts from young new teachers (none of my friends to make it clear) my jaw dropped as I was revealed about their bratty students and co-workers. As a Mother of a young child who will soon have to face the school system, it definitely worries me. Not to mention, I am a daughter of two teachers (both public and private entities). I never heard my parents share stories about how stupid their students are or laughing at their papers as they are grading them.  I am proud of my parents trying to make a difference in a student’s life. You want them to succeed, not the opposite. When I shared this information to my parents, they simply said teaching isn’t for them. You don’t get involved into certain careers for the money.


Next time you wish to vent on facebook or share how hot or awesome you are, please pause and think about who is reading it.

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Glad I Am Not Like You

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18: 10-14

 

Pharisees…we all have it in us at times. The Pharisees were the ultimate religious people among the Jews during Christ’s life on earth. They were determined not to break any of God’s laws. The essential problem lay in their different understanding of the nature of God. For the Pharisees, God is primarily one who makes demands. For them, the Scriptures of the Old Testament were a set of rules that must be kept at all costs. For Jesus, as well as the Old Testament believers, God is primarily “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Ps. 145:8).

This lesson from Scripture reminds me of my need for a Savior. Many times, I forget the cross and worry how holy and better I am than others. In my Mormon days, I use to marvel at my good deeds and would easily question those who were outside the Mormon faith. We need to be careful that we do not add our own man-made rules to the Scriptures. Some convictions that we hold dearly may be derived more from our particular Christian culture than derived from Scripture, and we need to learn to discern the differences. It is okay to have cultural convictions, but we should be careful that we do not elevate them to the same authority as Scripture. The reason for so much judgmentalism among Christians today occurs because we do this. But that is basically what the Pharisees were doing. It is easy to become confined to this, but we must be careful not to become modern-day Pharisees.

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. Romans 11:36

New Routine

Today marks day one of John’s crazy schedule. John works 6:30-3ish Monday-Friday and takes evening classes on Monday in Reston, VA and on Thursday in Lanham, Maryland. In addition to this, he is taking one course online to speed up the process of graduating in January. With the times he isn’t in class, he is studying or working out. We had a lame tradition that we eat dinner at Wegman’s (grocery store for all you who don’t live on the east coast) and later goes grocery shopping as a family. This will be my first Monday evening grocery shopping alone with a toddler. I made a pros and cons list to this whole experience of grocery shopping.



CONS:


1) Have to lift the heavy items alone.


2) Remember everything that I seem to forget on my own list.


3) Handle a toddler who only screams when I am at a stop with the cart.


4) Can’t rush through the aisles while John is off to the side waiting patiently with Isaiah.




PROS:


1) Won’t hear “we don’t need that.”
2) Reminding me how bad and fattening some things are.


3) Reminding me I need to be supportive of his diet.


4) Hear a loud extended sigh that only embarrasses me publicly when I am being a scatterbrain in the warzone at Wegman’s.

Cyber Gangsters

Maybe you have gone through the same experience as I have. Have you ever run into a relationship where the person has split personalities between reality and cyber world? For instance, the person can be rather harsh, insensitive, and controversial online but when you hang-out in reality; they are kept to themselves, were respectful, and sort of wimpy. It is always easy for a human to recreate themselves online. I believe they fulfill that emptiness in the world via cyberspace. Why? Well, none other to prove they are funny, intelligent, hardcore, sexy, etc.  I wish to leave this thought on your minds when you encounter one in the near future. Remember, folks to be kind and treat your cyber gangsters with love and attention, because we all know they need fuel.

A question of religious freedom? You decide.

I have posted this video on my facebook. It was quite interesting hearing both sides. As always, those who support Obama 100% of the way approve of him defending it. No surprise. I get it. This story is not for the Muslims to build a mosque. Honestly, they can build anywhere as long as it is done legally. I am puzzled as this story unravels in media. I have a few questions:



1) Since they were renting the building for many years before the 9/11 attacks and now own the lot, where are they getting the suppose $100 million to reconstruct this building? To me, a question of financial assistance is always important. It could get ugly.

2) What is their motive with turning this into an Islamic Center? They state they wish to bring honor to the 9/11 victims from modern Muslims with a “community” center, but if they wish to practice religious harmony, why not an interfaith center or better yet construct elsewhere to avoid the controversy?


3) Is this mosque being used as an architectural statement or a place for prayer? If they state no, then why open on a September 11th date within walking distance from thousands were murdered.


4) Has anyone researched the Imam? The media fails to reveal his radical beliefs. From an article online, he was in support of the Shariah Law being adapted in the U.S. In fact, he was stating it is no different than the Declaration of Independence. What he failed to mention was that secular laws can be changed since their made by man, but they believe the Shariah Law is given by God and cannot change.


Let’s face it; Muslims killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11. The victims’ families couldn’t even bury their loved ones. To them, ground zero is their burial ground. They will visit there and only be reminded of hatred as they pass a large mosque that the Muslims hope to open at a later September 11th date. Would placing a swastika on a Jewish memorial be practicing religious freedom as well? No, that is disrespectful and I wouldn’t be surprised if you were charged with hate crime. This doesn’t bring respect or honor to those still mourning the loss of loved ones murdered on 9/11. Do they need to be refreshed with tapes of the towers falling that September day? It is not a question of law or religious freedom. It is a question of respect and honor for our country.

Far Behind

Narcissism is ugly. I love punk songs. 

Joke Ninja

After my numerous attacks just this week, which is very rare, I decided to share this notable finding that is recent in discovery. My husband and I have this thing called a sense-of-humor that we hold so dear to us. Basically, this was icing on cake along with the two essentials to a happy marriage: looks and theology. Many people find our jokes either lame, which I will agree with them, but then when the great ones come out, we sit back and gaze at our accomplishment. Wow! Did I really tell an awesome joke? It was not until most recent after advancing in our joking skills that we were attacked. After saying something remotely funny, we just leave the joke there and end it fast without laughing at our own joke (so lame). That’s how anyone with brains would encounter a joke. That’s not the case for this group. If someone adds on to the joke or tries to recreate the joke in their less funny way while laughing at themselves, then they succeeded at butchering the joke to death. After much grief with these attacks, my husband and I decided to research these unskilled people. As we continued this journey to find the correct term, we came across the history of violent ninjas. Right then, we knew this was the progressive movement from physical violence in what is called “Joke Ninja.” It was more difficult to trace their history as it seems to be prevailing today as today’s culture becomes more hypersensitive wet sacks. To grasp more of this interesting finding, I only find it essential to share this astonishing history.



Ninja History


In 522 A.D., Nonuse ("the art of stealth") was first introduced to Japan as a religion practiced by priests. These priests were not violent people, they were "mystics" who gathered and shared information for the ruling classes.


It wasn't until 645 A.D. that the priests perfected their fighting skills and made use of their knowledge of nonuse. This was because they found themselves being harassed by the central government and found it necessary to protect themselves.


In 794-1192 A.D. the new civilization flourished and with it, a new class of wealthy, privileged families. These families fought with one another in attempts to make or destroy emperors. The need for spies, informants and now assassins grew as these families dueled for power. They were suspicious and jealous of one another and would resort to any means necessary to eliminate any possible threats. Therefore, the practitioners of nonuse were in great demand. With this, the ninja was born.


These ninjas flourished the world for thousands of years until most recently in the 20th century, the practitioners of nonuse divided. Some grew more violent, while the others decided killing humans was lame and wanted to move onto something new and less bloody. This group noticed this new trait in humans called a sense-of-humor. As they stood back practicing information they gathered from humorous people, they decided to gage in violence once again around the beginning of the 21st century. This time, they will hold back their ninja weapons to only attack the joke itself. With this, the joke ninja was born.

You never know who will butcher a joke. It could be your sibling, spouse, close friend, parents, or even your grandparents. Once the joke ninja appears, then BAM! Out of nowhere, a joke falls to its death and leaves the crowd in complete frustration and awkwardness. There is no way in stopping this group as they are progressive and are here to stay. You have been warned.

"Joke Ninja, out to kill your jokes."--JD Ketterman

God Exists to Make Me Happy

Those who follow my facebook are aware of my recent post on Anne Rice leaving Christianity or the Catholic Church that is…who knows. Anne Rice is a best-selling American author of gothic, erotic, and Christian-themed books.

The news article concerning Rice leaving Christianity may be somewhat misleading as Rice tries to explain that she isn’t giving up on Christ, but just the followers. It doesn’t come to much surprise from a Catholic with an “in and out” past. I must admit, I never followed her books and only listened a few times on radio stations or thru the news. The most troubling thing about her last post on facebook was just reading the comments from her fans. You had some not agree with her decision to ditch the followers of Christ, while others are praising her for her decision and go on to explain you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian…just do good things! My favorite comment of all is “Do what’s best for you, if it makes you feel good.” What they are commending is for someone to look deeper and deeper within themselves to gain inner experience of what is true and false. I would be interested in the outcome if that statement was given to Charles Manson or any other murderer outside of prison.



For those who do take the advice to “do what’s best for you, if it makes you feel good” is encouraging that person to further themselves from Christ. Christ tells us to stop looking to ourselves for answers! When we look to ourselves for truth, we are held captive to our own bondage. Christianity is quite simple…just sit, and receive His judgment and His grace. I love Mike Horton’s book, “Christless Christianity.” My Church had a study on this book and used his famous logo, “Don’t just do something…sit there!” This is a perfect way to explain how simple Christianity is. You don’t have to pile a list of “To Do” items, such as, not drinking or smoking, homeschooling kids, voting Republican, etc. Some of these items are from my own experience from my Mormon days as well as past experiences in churches I have witnessed or attended.


Why does there always have to be a “To Do List” to Christianity? It is rather simple to fall into this as the “Christian Way.” My first experience stepping inside a Christian Church was rather refreshing coming from a Mormon background. I just sat and listened to God’s Word being preached. For the very first time in my life, I was being feed His Word and didn’t have to do a thing but receive His grace. I am thankful that the very first Church was Christ-centered in their worship. Many churches use morals or politics to feed their congregants as this is new and relevant to our generation. As Christians, we need to look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).


I couldn’t end this blog without recommending Mike Horton’s book, “Christless Christianity.” You can visit the website at www.christlesschristianity.org.


“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isa. 6:5).

Birth Control--Just one click away from your TV remote

I haven't updated my blog in a while. I blame this on my fully occupied life. I have been consumed with tons of work and my son's extreme developmental growth that I haven't had the energy to post anything worthwhile. I try to post articles that stand out rather than typical boring articles that may leave viewers assuming my life is lame. Well, I guess I could possibly fall into that category...moving along; I noticed a change in reality series. Yes, I am a huge reality show junkie. My husband is planning on buying me my own TV for the upstairs so he can watch his own shows in the basement in peace. What a sweet man I married to allow the woman to control the remote…sometimes that is.



There are many family oriented shows out there to express how rough it is to raise a family or how unique a large family is. I have been jumping back-and-forth from Teen Mom, Kate Plus 8, 19 Kids and Counting, and Raising Sextuplets. I heard some time ago that the abortion rate dropped and there has been an increase in child birth. It is a true blessing to hear, but such shows as Teen Mom call teen childbearing an “epidemic”. I really detest the word epidemic when relating to a child. I don’t agree with these women getting pregnant outside of marriage.  It then leads the teen to feel obligated to marry the person who they most likely don’t love and then it will reflect the way they raise a child. To give the teens positive feedback, I do find it encouraging that they chose the selfless gift of having their children and expressing to other teens how it’s not always easy as they may think.  My solution to preventing pregnancy for those outside of marriage…don’t have sex. Now, in my case as a married woman with a child, I choose to space my children out. Watching these shows is my "free" birth control without the pill or doctors note.  All you need is cable TV!


Many may think it is a joke, but with all honesty it isn't. Let me be clear that I absolutely LOVE children and believe they are a blessing from God. I am Pro-Life and do believe God provides all things necessary to raise children. I am not so quick to having another one right away while I am watching 6 little Isaiah's running around destroying a home and getting sick all at once on TV. These parents are phenomenal!


My favorite family reality show is “Raising Sextuplets” on the WE channel. If anyone has watched the show, it is nowhere comparable to "Jon & Kate Plus 8" or what my husband now calls "Jon & Kate Separate". I just hope those 6 little babies don't turn into lil brats like the Gosselin family...ooops did I say that? One thing I appreciate about the show is their martial commitment.   They realize their marriage isn't perfect, but they meet with the Pastor and a Dr. to counsel their marriage difficulties. I don't find anything wrong with that. In fact, I nearly puke when I hear of couples who claim they never fight. What comedians those couples are! At times I know my husband and I need to take a break from our own personal readings and read martial counseling books. We only have a 4 year dent in our marriage, so we do plan on longer happy years together. Not to mention, the parent’s relationship has a tremendous impact on their child's life. I am blessed to say that my parents are still together (hard to find in this generation) and happily married. They raised all 9 of us and now that we are all grown and out of the house, they travel and do many date nights. If my parents didn't share this love to our family, I can only imagine how this would affect our own families today.

I truly believe that God is in control of blessing us with children and no child is a "mistake." I may scare many Moms or even my own family with admitting that I just go with the flow to parenting. I find many parenting books lame and believe that God helps to sustain me as a parent...why else would He bless me with one? I look forward to the time God blesses me with another child, but today I enjoy my little dude, Isaiah. He is an awesome kid that fills our house with laughter and fun. It’s amazing how a child can positively affect a family. I just hope the same applies to his teens. I know, I know…I am dreaming. :)

Fear Not!

A very tragic event in my family occurred on Friday, May 28th. My Uncle took his own life at age 50. At the moment I received the call from my sister informing me of this, I had a hard time reacting to the sad news. I treated it like any bad news I hear in the media about a death. Not because I am insensitive, but I never knew my Uncle. This wasn't by choice, but my Uncle committed a crime that locked him up for years since I was very young and didn't understand why. It was very sad to hear of his death, but even sadder to hear he did this to himself. His death brought much confusion and grief to my family since he would have been let out in November 2011. I am not certain if my Uncle was a Christian, but I do remember hearing wonderful stories from my Dad as he gave the eulogy at his funeral and read many Bible passages as well as poems. It was very sad that the only way I got to know my Uncle was at his funeral. I was very thankful to attend his funeral to hear of his childhood stories and spend that grieving moment with my family. I believe my Grandmother took it the hardest to bury her own baby boy.

As I exited the funeral, I still felt very sad. This was not because of my Uncle's sad past, but because the funeral dwelled on his good works. I remember becoming Christian and asked my husband if anything ever happened to me I DO NOT want anyone to deliver any eulogies. It is not comforting to dwell at a funeral on the dead person’s good works. When we die, we dare not stand before God claiming how good we are. So that must not be the emphasis at a funeral. Besides, I believe many people to be dishonest about me. I am not a good person, straight A student, Mommy of the year, etc.

The dead person’s only hope is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead of searching for good words to say about the person who died, we should deflect attention to a Person who died and rose again. We should preach Jesus — the cross, the atonement, the imputation of His righteousness, the resurrection — as the victor over death, hell, and the grave.

This beautiful message is comforting and our only hope, but that's not to say it still leaves us hurt at a funeral.



R.I.P.
Richard Ashley Wilkinson
August 14, 1959- May 28, 2010

Through Christian Eyes

My family and I had the opportunity to spend a nice long weekend in upstate NY. We were visiting our good friends who we met through church in Virginia. We truly missed them and decided we should pay a visit before Baby Bayer is brought into the world this July. Before traveling up there, we made a list of places we wanted to see while in the Rochester area. We chose Palmyra since I wanted to share my past belief to my friends.

I decided to share my thoughts after visiting Palmyra this past weekend. I hope this doesn't offend my LDS friends, but rather shares my side of the story as an "apostate" as I have been called from their Bishops before.

The first stop on our visit to Palmyra, NY was Hill Cumorah. I thought it was a great stop since this Hill has encountered so much LDS history. We stopped inside the Visitor Center where we were greeted from one of the lady Elders (missionaries). She brought us inside the room where a large statue of Jesus Christ is and shared her testimony in a soft spoken voice and then played a recording of Jesus Christ's voice. Sitting there was pretty uncomfortable for me since I didn’t want to tell them I am an ex-Mormon. It brought so many memories back to me as a Mormon and how my family would visit the temple often and sit through the same repeated "events."

The Elder then took us to the room where they would play a 20 minute video of Joseph Smith's history. It was the same video I once saw back in 2003-2004 and at that time it would make me ball. This time around, I did find myself crying but for a different reason. There wasn't an ounce of Christ in those videos but about a sinful man who many idol over. Joseph Smith was portrayed in the movie as a perfect guy who wanted nothing more than to find the "true church". It was pretty upsetting to see how the LDS faith views the Christian faith as a whole. In the film, you see Joseph walking around town with his family where those crazy Christian preachers were yelling at each corner "you must be saved" or "you’re going to burn in hell" etc. It's not a shocker they would illustrate the Christian faith this way. After all they are sectarian and view themselves as the only "true church". I actually ended up walking out of the film. Not because it was too much, but Isaiah was screaming and I wanted my friends to watch it in peace.

I waited in the Visitor/museum section of the place while Isaiah was running around screaming trying to grab everything in sight. As I was looking at everything, I found it shocking there are no artifacts from a suppose war on this Hill that resulted in tens of thousands of men from around 421 A.D. Not to mention, it was nothing but Joseph Smith history. You think they would explain their history from the battle from the Book of Mormon between the Lamanites and Nephites and share some type of visual proof. After my husband and friends exited the film, they were a little weirded out that the woman ended with saying "I can feel your soft spirits in this room" and later closed with her testimony. To me, it was normal of the LDS members to do this. I think it was just strange this time around that I was actually viewed as a "lost soul." Pretty funny really.

Before leaving the visitor center to make our hike up the Hill, I chuckled as I saw tissue boxes at each corner. I remember how sappy and sentimental my faith was. How I actually thought I could perfect myself and just have "faith" without the historical facts to back me up. It truly shows how the church operates through the deceitful heart of sinners. I remember this being my greatest weapon to further my distance from my relationship with God. I had a gushy spiritual feeling that was nothing but a load of crap. My faith was nothing different from Satan himself who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden to eat the fruit.

As we walked up the very top of Hill Cumorah, I remember questioning how a dude could walk alone down this tall hill with 50lbs of the suppose golden plates and make it home without someone seeing him for 3-4 miles? To me this makes no sense! Apart from no artifacts found on the Hill from the time of 421 A.D., this to me left many holes in their story, but I suppose the whole "faith" tactic could be used.

My friends were obviously clueless while on top of Hill when reading the statue of Angel Moroni, who was the Angel that placed the plates for Joseph Smith to later retrieve. The first 3 witnesses of the faith are no longer LDS…why was this? Was there something about their “true church” that didn’t necessarily appear true? And why is this never mentioned as much while at the Hill Cumorah? As we looked puzzled, there were young Elders at the top of the Hill who didn’t even approach us. Yet, they were flirting with the 3 young ladies up there and impressed them with running down the Hill. These are called missionaries? Anywho…we were thankful for the older Elders to hand out some flyers with dates, but it still left us scratching our heads.

Our next venture was to Joseph Smith’s log home, frame home, and the famous sacred grove. As we settled at the home, an older Elder saw us from the window and ran to the exit door in order to catch our attention by saying “would you like a tour?” We couldn’t resist, since he seemed willing and sweet. Again, Isaiah was cranky from no nap and ran around for the older ladies to feed him pretzels. They were very kind to him, which made him want to ditch us and hang out with them. Our tour guide (Elder Shumway…will never forget his name) first asked our small group of 5 adults “Are you guys part of the LDS church?” I was amazed they asked this, but obviously we did stick out a little. I didn’t bother saying I use to be, since I was afraid they would treat me differently. We all answered "no" and he then went into the history of the sacred grove, Hill Cumorah and Joseph Smith. He was such a patient sweet old man, but this made me sad for him. As he came close to the end of the tour, I asked how heavy the plates were and my husband asked where the plates were today. They were very simple, yet important questions. Elder Shumway seemed nervous, but did answer it the way any typical LDS would really. We already knew this, but just thought we ask to confirm. We didn’t bother debating nor fighting back with tough questions. Instead, we remained respectful since we were on their grounds, and let’s face it, 5 adults against one elderly guy? Wouldn’t seem fair!

After he ended the tour, he bore his testimony the way any typical LDS would, “I believe this is the true church of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, etc.” He then offered us a copy of the Book of Mormon along with other pamphlets. He noticed I had a son and my friend was pregnant and even made a point how the church is all about family. I knew they would, since it is an easy way to attract people. The pamphlets they handed out on family were nothing that would offend someone outside their faith. As a Christian, I think it’s great they try to practice strong healthy families, but this isn't religion really. It is similar how Christless groups and the LDS use the benefits as a way to lure people into their religion. It's quite sad really, because the gospel itself is what gives growth alone.

The adventure was a bit strange to me since I haven't stepped foot inside an LDS sacrament meeting for over 6 years. I did take myself off their roles prior to my baptism in May 2005 and received a letter from them discontinuing "blessings and prayers" for me. Is it even stranger that I have a file at home labeled "Mormon"?

Over all, the trip to Palmyra was a huge flashback on sad memory lane. Let me make it known that I love Mormons! It makes it even harder that my family that I love and respect dearly is caught up in this. They use the same theological vocabulary a Christian would, yet redefines the meaning.
The Bible ALONE is the written revelation of God, complete and sufficient in all respects. The Scriptures are "God-breathed" and therefore fully authoritative in and of themselves; they rely for their authority upon no church, council, or creed, but are authoritative simply because they are the Word of God. There is NO need of a "second Bible" that the LDS claim.
If you are an LDS friend reading this, I hope you actually study the Bible apart from the BoM. If you have questions and/or concerns with me, then please send me an email or even drop by my house. I would actually love to invite a Mormon family willing to discuss the scriptures into my home. Not to simply debate like dogs, but share both sides of the fence. I have heard the warm fuzzy testimony's they have given. I want some meat in your spiritual conviction, meaning deep theology and/or historical facts. Not a simple testimony recording you give the first Sunday of each month, but something with actual substance.

In closing, before Christ’s crucifixion, Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). However, an LDS would argue that the gates of hell did prevail against Christ’s church since their Prophet Joseph Smith states all churches are wrong. Who should we believe?

Eternity is a long time to be wrong.

Did I marry Rudy?

Did I marry Rudy? If you have never seen this film, then you will be completely lost. Rudy was a true story about a young guy who lived in a blue collar town that dreamed about being part of the Notre Dame Football team. After the tragic death of his friend, he felt more motivated to go out to Notre Dame. He later reaches out to a Priest who signs him up for a community College and makes a promise if he gets good grades to enroll him at Notre Dame. You then see a hardworking man who does anything to reach his goal. Well, obviously his dream does come true, but it wasn’t easy. Now, how do I parallel this to my husband? Well, hopefully you can see the connection in this post.

Many people who know my husband know he doesn't like to reveal too much except for the following subjects: politics, theology, books, seminary, history, music, martial arts, cigars, beer & liquor, video games, metal shows, guns, and how awesome his wife and son are. If you fail to engage in any of these subject discussions, then you will only get a quiet boring man. I remember meeting my husband for the very first time and instantly thought he was a hottie. He wore nasty old Chuck Taylor’s, rugged independent hat that hid his much needed hair cut, blue button up shirt that wasn't ironed, and nasty ripped jeans. I didn’t know at our first “meet” (still don’t consider that our first date) that I would marry such a passionate man.

As many of my close friends know, John was my witness. Our dates involved the Bible and catechism. We know how to have a good time…sorry you envy us for such awesome dates! [insert sarcasm] He didn’t know right away that he wanted to get into the ministry, but once he did after we married in 2006 he started to look for schools that were affordable and somewhat decent to finish up his B.A. He has been attending Washington Bible College and has less than 9 months away from graduating in Biblical Studies. The next step in this process is finding the right seminary to attend that will teach sound reformed doctrine and hopefully at the right price. We are drawn to Westminster Theological Seminary in CA, but the cost of living in the San Diego area is crazy expensive. My husband reminds me that he has choices, but he constantly falls back to Westminster CA. Either way, we are looking into ditching the DC area and possibly the East Coast entirely. We have never moved far from our family and friends, so the pressure is on! Many of our family and friends do not understand why we have to move, but then again they view any school is good. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case when it comes to the ministry. You don’t want to attend a school where you feel like the minority with your theological views. It’s best to attend a school where you love the staff and professors and their teaching. The goal is to move the entire family out there in hopes we don’t survive off of ramon noodles alone. We do hope to have tons of support from churches and family. Something we have been praying about.

 I can’t help but feel more gratitude each and everyday, as God works in my husband’s life and the rest of our family. I can only praise God for His divine grace and mercy in saving me, a wretched sinner. God works in amazing ways in His children and throughout their lives. I see the gratitude that Paul had now more than ever going from Church persecutor to Gospel preacher to the Gentiles. As many are aware, my husband wasn’t always Christian. He was once a Church persecutor, and now maybe through the grace of God my husband will be half the preacher Paul was. Seminary is the next stepping stone, but that doesn’t end his goal in the ministry. I hope my husband can feel ½ the excitement Rudy did when dressed in his first game at Notre Dame, although not in a papist setting and rather through a Reformed Christian point-of-view. ;)

Fireproof--cheesy or realistic?

My husband and I rented "Fireproof" from Netflix a couple of week's ago. We were probably the last Christian couple to watch it. I was very hesitant to watch this movie. I thought it would be your typical cheesy Christian movie with experimental theology. I didn't want my conscience to be violated!




After hearing from many friends, I decided to bite the bullet and actually watch the movie. I remember on Friday night, my husband was thrilled to open the Netflix envelope to only discover “Fireproof.” I remember hearing him say, “What!? I don’t want to watch this crap.” I was laughing hard, but said, “Seriously, I want to watch this.” I even remember jokingly say, “Maybe we can save our marriage!” [insert southern accent] Trust me, we are fine, but like any couple you need to refresh your marriage responsibilities once in a while. Now, are you ready to hear my earthy thoughts on the movie?


I thought it started off very cheesy and I was very worried that my husband would never let me choose a movie on Friday nights ever again…thanks Kirk Cameron! It started off with the disrespectful angry couple. I felt bad for the wife, Catherin, yet blamed her on being a sucky wife that was bad at acting. Then again, her husband Caleb (Kirk Cameron) was a jerk who expected the woman to bow down to her and play as his puppet. They both sucked on the whole “teamwork” thing that a marriage requires and showed very little respect towards each other. The fighting scenes were hilarious. I didn’t feel that well connected to the couple, but I did notice right off the bat they hated each other. I think I was the only one who thought their fighting scenes weren’t realistic at all. I am not saying curse words are always necessary, but their situation almost was screaming for a few curse words here and there. When someone pushes my buttons and I loose my temper, you bet I will speak out of anger and a few curse words would fly out of my mouth. It’s only human.


As the movie reached to Caleb wanting some manly advice from his Dad, I then started to see a man who wanted his marriage to work, but not really. When his father gave him a 40 day “trial” I started to mock it this "trial". I remember saying, “Why is there always a stupid 20, 30, or 40 day trial for a Christian film…this is stupid.” I was quick to judge, but it slowly vanished as the content of the 40 day “trial” was revealed. I found the process slow and easy. I enjoyed how the “trial” was revealing Christ through-out the entire process. Of course, Caleb didn’t notice it and treated it like a chore. “Cool, I got 1 day out of the way….let me go grab a beer now!” While he still didn’t receive respect from his wife, he felt very useless and just wanted to give up. His Dad came to the rescue to listen to his son’s frustrations to hopefully relate to him through example. As Caleb was explaining how his wife still continues to disrespect him, mock him, and spit in his face, he then questions, “How am I supposed to show love to somebody over and over and over who constantly rejects me?” You then see where his Dad ties the "trial" to Jesus Christ. His Dad then says, “that’s a good question.”

Son, you just asked me: how can someone show love over and over again when they're constantly rejected? Caleb, the answer is: you can't love her, because you can't give her what you don't have. I couldn't truly love your mother until I understood what love truly was. It's not because I get some reward out of it. I've now made a decision to love your mother whether she deserves it or not. Son, God loves you, even though you don't deserve it. Even though you've rejected Him. Spat in His face. God sent Jesus to die on t he cross for your sin, because He loves you. The cross was offensive to me, until I came to it. But when I did, Jesus Christ changed my life. That's when I truly began to love your mom. Son, I can't settle this for you. This is between you and the Lord. But I love you too much not to tell you the truth. Can't you see that you need Him? Can't you see that you need His forgiveness.

After this scene, I was full of tears. Yes, I hear this message over and over again each Sunday, but it sunk in as I was witnessing a couple on the edge of divorce who didn't have Christ in their lives. Their marriage almost did seem pointless. I noticed Caleb’s character go from arrogant to humble. I loved Caleb's speech to his wife who was laying in bed sick:

I am sorry. I have been so selfish. For the past seven years, I have trampled on you with my words and with my actions. I have loved other things, when I should have loved you. In the last few weeks, God has given me a love for you that I have never had before. And I have asked Him to forgive me. And I am hoping, I am praying, that somehow you would be able to forgive me too. Catherine, I do not want to live the rest of my life without you.

Obviously the wife later forgives him as he showed more commitment to the marriage then before and she wanted to commit as well. I am not big on couples who renew their vows, but due to this couple treating their marriage like a contract as un-believing Christians, I think renewing their vows as a covenant was very necessary and a sweet ending.


I do own it on DVD now, and plan on watching it from time to time. I will even suggest to couples who are seeking marriage or couples who are struggling in their marriage. My husband was even impressed with the theology...that's a HUGE compliment! It only proves you can never judge a book by its cover.

Out with the bloody and in with the bloodless

Isaiah David Ketterman

Baptized, March 8, 2009

It has been a year since my son, Isaiah David was baptized and I thought it was a perfect time to explain my position on infant baptism and why I find it Biblical. Please keep in mind, this is only a summary. I tried my hardest to touch on every point and shorten it, but when it comes to something like this, you know how long it can end up.

Past understanding as a LDS (Mormon)


When becoming Christian, I cannot count the many debates between my husband (good friend at the time) and me on infant baptism. Coming from an LDS (aka Mormon) background, we obviously didn't believe in baptizing infants until they reached the age of accountability, which was 8 years old. Instead of baptizing infants, they would give the child a blessing in front of the church during sacrament meeting on Sunday while the cute infant was clothed in white. Then the proud parents would show-off their bundle of joy as the church went "awwww". I never questioned why we never baptized infants when I was LDS. Instead, I held the view that maybe their sinless until 8 years old. Now thinking back on that, I was one clueless child! How is it a child is perfect up to 8? I remember being a little devil prior to 8 years old while hitting my siblings, back talking my parents, being bored in church and would try to play sick in hope my family would skip that Sunday.


Scripture to Scripture


As I began to study infant baptism, I obviously didn't find an "age of accountability" in scripture, especially with the determined age of 8. That obviously was not Biblical, so I threw out that theology I once believed. Instead of comparing Scripture to the LDS Prophets or any other secondary book, I would compare Scripture to Scripture. After doing this, I realized how simple it is to study Scripture without the words of a Prophet, Pope, Bishop, nice little nun, etc. The Bible is very clear for the simple-minded person, but that doesn't necessarily mean all Protestant Christians are identical on teaching. With that said, I do believe infant baptism is Protestant going back to the Reformers such as, Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin. Yes, these great guys didn't always see eye-to-eye, but they all agreed on the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Infant baptism has historically been practiced dating back to the Apostolic period.


Covenant of Grace


In the gospels, Jesus left us 2 signs to be observed until He returns; Lord's Supper and Baptism. These signs can easily correspond to circumcision and the Passover and are called covenant signs, because 1) God calls them this and 2) they are signs of His covenant relationship to those He loves. The covenant of grace is God relating to His people. Covenant is a binding oath between the Lord and His people, in which He promises to His people to be their God and His people. To explain the title of this blog "bloody" I was referring that to the covenant of grace, which was signed and sealed in blood.


I discovered covenant theology when becoming Reformed. It is very hard to ignore the word "covenant" in the Bible and I believe it is impossible to understand the Bible without understanding God's covenant to His people.


Back to the "bloody" part of my blog title, the Lord gave a bloody mark as a sign to Abraham that he and his children belonged to the Lord (Exodus 12:1-13, 21-29, 43-51).


God instituted the annual celebration of the Passover. This is to remind God's people that He has mercifully and graciously redeemed them from bondage in Egypt. The Passover has many similarities to circumcision, which is 1) both are bloody and 2) associated with God's promises. Circumcision was applied to both infants and adults (no age restrictions). This was a mark of entrance into God's covenant people.

In with the New and out with the Old

Do you remember the Covenant God made with Abraham? Similar to this covenant, God made a covenant to come later. This new covenant was made with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is a servant of the New covenant. The Old covenant was becoming more and more obsolete as the glory of the New covenant was becoming permanent. Is there a connection between baptism and circumcision? I believe so. It is pretty clear in Colossians 2. The point of contact between them is Christ and baptism is the sign and seal of that circumcision. Colossians 2:11, Paul says "in him you were also circumcised with the circumcision done by Christ" and in verses 12, he says exactly how it is that we were circumcised in and by Christ, "having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith...." In baptism, we are identified with Christ's baptism/circumcision, as it were, on the cross. Baptism and circumcision does not effect this union. Rather, God the Spirit unites us to Christ, makes us alive and gives us faith.


Scott Clark, Professor at Westminster Theological Seminary CA explains what baptism does:

Baptism and the Lord's supper proclaim the same message as the written Word of God: salvation is God's free gift. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Just as God the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, so also God ordained, in his Word, baptism and the Lord's supper. Because sacraments are signs and seals, they do not, in themselves, save. They testify to God's grace, they point us to Christ, and seal to us his salvation. Just as circumcision did not save, neither does baptism.

Why infant baptism though?

So why should we baptize infants when they clearly don't understand what is happening and they cannot repent? We must remember that God is God not only to adult believers, but children as well. Our children shouldn't be treated outside the visible of God's people! Jesus made the same argument in Mark 10:14. He says that the Kingdom of God belongs to children of believers. In Acts 2:39, Peter specifically includes children in the fulfillment of the promise. In Ephesians 6:1 Paul addresses children as if they were in the covenant people of God. Many who oppose infant baptism try to point out that it is not directly commanded to "baptize infants". That might be the case, but is there really a need of command for this? I could easily argue the same for the Trinity.


Ending

Since the New covenant Scriptures never tell us not to apply the covenant sign to our children, we have every reason to believe that the children of believers must receive the sign of entrance into the covenant people. God was gracious to Abraham, God is gracious to us. He has given us visible reminders and marks of that grace and one of those is baptism. What wonderful news!

The end to the shaggy haired baby

After dinner last night, I kept saying, "this kid needs a haircut!" Twice in the past 3 months, I trimmed Isaiah's hair myself. It was simple, but it wasn't great. The first time I trimmed his bangs too short it revealed his big forehead...gee where does it come from? *sigh*

John and I took Isaiah to Hair Cuttery since it was close by and we know some of the stylist. I was a bit nervous. Not for the stylist, but for my wiggly baby boy. It was close to 7 p.m. when he is getting ready for bed and turns into a nightmare.

I sat with Isaiah in the chair and had his favorite teddy bear ready to pull-out anytime the waterworks decided to show up. The guy was super fast, that Isaiah didn’t have a second to think about what was happening! He actually enjoyed it. He loved seeing his hair flying around and would constantly stare himself in the mirror laughing. He would even tilt his head for the stylist when needed. When the stylist pulled out the buzzer, I then started to sweat. I then heard giggles from Isaiah and started to think my son was crazy. I wouldn't want a buzzer near my ears! Where the heck does he get this from?

 

After finishing, the stylist rewarded Isaiah with a certificate for his 1st official haircut and even saved a few pieces of hair in an envelope for us to place in his scrapbook. I was pleased with the service and especially for Isaiah's behavior. Who would have thought a 12 month old baby enjoys haircuts? Let's hope this continues!

Party like a Rock-Star!

I can't believe the day I have been planning for 12 months has passed! That's right; I was planning Isaiah's 1st Birthday Party since the day he was born. It gave me something to look forward to while being smothered in baby spit-up, soothing a selfish soothing baby and having to constantly feed the lil dude until I felt the need to declare my "kitchen" bankrupt.

I wanted to make my son's Birthday a big deal not only for him, but for us parents. It is a day to celebrate his 1st year of life, while it's also a time for parents to celebrate surviving and not killing each other (no not the baby you sickos). I do hope that doesn't come across harsh, but let's face it, the 1st few months with an infant start to make you a bit crazy. If you seem to disagree, then I admire your patience. My patience comes from a couple shots of Captain, but that seems to rob my wallet.

I decided not to cook myself since I wanted to give my guests my full attention. Besides, cooking for 20+ people would have killed me. Pay someone else to do it! We catered the party with Willard's BBQ. My brother and I seemed to disagree with what BBQ joint to go with, but I was the one paying so he can swallow his pride and remain silent. Christian, Dixie Bones is cool, but geographically, why would I travel 20 miles to a BBQ joint when there is one next-door and even cooler? Think about it smart guy!

We ended up with 23 guests in our house, which seemed like a full house! I was very happy to catch-up with family and old friends. Not to mention, having tons of cutie babies in my house to occupy Isaiah. It felt good walking away from him and entertaining people while he was cool stealing the other kids toys and balloons. I was thankful the kids weren’t brats and at least shared their toys. Thanks lil Annabelle for sharing your maraca!

I could go on and on about the party since it was a huge success, but I wanted to close with one memorable thought. Our good friend, Eric Williams put together a video for Isaiah's party. He used the clips John and I recorded through-out the year along with photos. I do hope to put it up on the web for others to watch soon. I can't stop looking at it and tend to get teary eye each time. I must be annoying John while constantly playing it over and over.

I remember relaxing that night with John and mentioning how we put a lot of effort into our first child that he already seems like our last sometimes. I don't want him to be my final child, but that's for God to decide. I want to treasure my future blessings with the same amount of attention and effort, which is why I wish to hold off. If it were up to me, I would wait a few more years. I love just us 3 musketeers at the moment! I don't want to change that anytime soon. We'll see what the future holds for us.


Thanks to everyone who made Isaiah's party a success! He enjoyed your company and fun gifts.

Winter Hater

It has been a crazy winter so far. I am beginning to believe that whole global warming shenanigans is make-believe. (I seriously hope you follow my sarcasm) I was telling my husband that I wish global warming was real during these crazy winter storms. So far, we have experienced 1 big snow storm and 2-4 minor ones that are enough to close schools. This Friday-Saturday, we are expecting another big one enough to trap my family inside and miss church on Sunday. Has anyone in the DC area noticed these storms occur only on the weekends?


The biggest issue I have with winter is being trapped inside where I feel the need to start a new project or clean, sit in front of a TV all day getting addicted to another show similar to Heroes or Lost, creating a new mess in the kitchen, shoveling out my cars, and last but not least the cold! Yes, it's beautiful when the snow first falls, but I can't help but think of the aftermath instantly and begin to shake my head in sadness. My complaining won't change a thing, but I am ready for a place warmer and NO, this doesn't mean FL. Sorry to my FL buddies, but I only view your state as a vacation getaway. You guys are a little too slow pace in my taste. I love the DC culture, but I wish to take it somewhere warmer.

 As many of you know, my husband and I might move in the next year or so due to school. My husband graduates next January from Capital Bible College. He is very excited to start looking into seminaries this summer and fall. I just told him to stop looking and stick with Westminster Theological Seminary CA. Don't get me wrong, my husband adores the school and staff, but the price to live in Southern California is crazy! Especially for someone who plans on attending school full-time with his awesome wife at home cooking and cleaning and making sure the kid isn’t raised like a mischievous sprite. We are in the process of fixing up our townhome, getting out of debt, and saving money towards school. So far we are on the right track, but prayers are needed. The school will fulfill my husband’s dreams and his wives dreams of warm weather. *tear*