To Love the Unsaved

Wow, I stumbled upon this verse today and it just spoke to me:

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which God has called you. Ephesians 1:18, 19

I was saved at the age of 14. Now, I've had my ups and downs, like most of us; but through it all I always knew my Heavenly Father was with me. I may have been defiant at times, but deep down I wanted to and still do want to please him. So that's why, since 14, I've always struggled with the fact that some of my family members are not saved. Sometimes I feel like I've failed in part of my purpose because I haven't just come right out and had "the talk" with these people concerning their salvation. Part of it is fear and part of it is frustration with them. But I have to say, it's given me a heart for the lost to see my family member's struggles. Now don't get me wrong, these people are wonderful and sweet. They pray and believe there is a God, but they haven't surrendered themself to him through his Son (anyone else know what I'm talking about?). But they have given me insight into the lost of this world. Everyone wants to be acknowledged or loved or admired or made to feel special. So they spend their entire lives climbing a corporate ladder, or climbing the social ladder, or buying the big house so they feel a sense of accomplishment (even though they really can't afford the house, the cars, the boat, the 4 wheeler, the spa, the clothes, etc). The sad part is that they feel great when they have these things but when they go away - all of a sudden, "why would a loving God do this to me?" They can never see their role in it all, pursuing a life they were never meant to have and that is so much less than the life God had in store for them.

The other part, is the difficulty in talking to family members from another generation. I mean, they are the one's to teach you, so it's a big slap in the face to some if you try to tell them about Jesus. They take it as if you are telling them they are a bad person. Let me just say this right now, I never have and never will believe that the unsaved are "bad people." They are lost, not bad. Now they may do bad things, but so do Christians. The difference is that Christians have a heavenly Father to run to when they realize the mess they have made of things. Believers still have to face the consequences of their actions, but they have the joy of knowing that they are forgiven - maybe not by anyone on earth, but they are by the One who matters-God. Unbelievers have no hope.

So anyway, it's tough to talk to unsaved family members about their salvation. That's why this verse just touched me today. It says everything I want those people to know: I love you and I pray and yearn for you to have the hope that God wants to give you. Embrace the full life of purpose and joy he has for you. Give your disappointments, hurts, fears, and disillusionments to him - that 's what he wants.

Anyone else struggling with this issue? Let's support each other. Have you faced this trial and overcome? What was the result?

The Great Worship Debate

This weekend my husband and some guests at our home had a very interesting discussion about worship in the modern church. It was basically Hymns vs Praise and Worship. I was completely shocked at how strong a grip some believers have on their hymns. They are absolutely unwilling to let go. Which is perfectly fine, but why bash praise and worship music? I don't have a favorite style of worship music or an opinion that only one style is holy, but this conversation got me to thinking. I was not raised in the church, but saved at the age of 14.
Even then, my parents were not and still are not saved, so I have a completely different perspective on the issue. I've been in churches that only sing hymns, those that only sing praise and worship, those that sing a mix. To expound on that, I've also been to churches which play music in all different styles: southern gospel, rock, gospel (I love me some Yolanda and CeCe!), contemporary, classical. At each place God spoke to me - no matter what the style or form of the music, it didn't matter. It's as if we are saying that the Bible written in Hebrew is more holy than the Bible written in English. God still speaks to other people groups through the Bible written in their language, so what does it matter that it's not the original Hebrew? My opinion is that as long as God is in the inspiration and writing of a song and in the selection and playing of a song, what does it matter the style? God still speaks. I mean, are we saying that God can only speak and work through hymns? My God is big enough to speak through rocks, why not a heavy metal, grunge style praise and worship song?

So this begs the question, if you feel God can only speak through hymns, is that your opinion or God's truth? Are you alienating people from your church because you are saying their worship style is wrong and against God's word? Or are you, in our ever-so-lovely Baptist way, patting them on the shoulder and with a pitiful look in your eyes saying, "Oh darling, you'll understand and feel the same way when you reach my level of spirituality?" If you say you don't mean it that way, sorry, that is how unbelievers and young believers interpret it.

I also wonder, for those clinging to their hymns and absolutely unwilling to believe that God can be worshiped through other styles of music, how are you different from the Pharisees? They clung to tradition and ritual which led them to not hear God...they bucked the new style, Jesus. They bucked Him because He didn't look or sound like what they thought was reverent and holy. Are we doing the same today? Is the style of music used to worship really worth splitting a church over? Why are we letting the Enemy pit us against each other and tear us apart? We should be focused on our LORD and spreading his word to our world. Instead we are focused on styles of worship music? I mean, can anyone else see the silliness of the situation? (As a side note, singing in church on Sunday morning is only one form of worship, are we serving and worshiping Him in otehr ways as well or just so focused on singing that we let those things go to the wayside?)

This is just my opinion, I plan on doing a scripture study on this subject, but I'm just curious about your opinion. Have you been apart of a church that was destroyed from such matters? Do you think I'm completely off base and want to prove me wrong? Let me know. Because I really need someone to tell me how this debate is more important that the Great Commission.



(Note: Listen to Track 10 of Travis Cottrell's Jesus Saves for another's Biblical perspective)

The Love of Dogs

I love my dogs. They have brought Don and I great companionship and laughter. They calm you when everything seems to be falling apart and they always know when to cuddle up with you because your sick. But I never understood shedding until I had a lab. A whole lotta shedding. I think my sofa, which used to be brown, is now a very stylish shag blond. Not to mention that I have to empty the vacuum cleaner three times before I finish the living room (ONE ROOM!). Oh and then it's so fun when they get sick. Like this week when Bruiser, the Maltese, comes and wipes his lovely stinking ear infection all over me. Yeah, that's how I found out he had one. I guess he got tired of dragging his ear on the floor so he figured I would notice the infection if he put it all over me. Aww, the joy of "motherhood."



If I have one more person tell me how owning a dog will have me prepared for real parenthood, I think I may scream. Because how many children will pull my gutters off my home just to have fun. Daisy the Lab, thinks it's the funniest thing in the world and she's so proud when she lays the gutter at your feet on the porch. Shock and Awe are not adequate to describe my feelings at that moment.


So, I love my animals, (really, I do) but I don't think I want anymore after these go to be with their Creator (well, maybe if their cute, I might consider it). And Creator, thanks for the many memories.

Water World

Ok, so there are days when I love being a grown up and owning a home and then there are days like yesterday. My hubby and I live in a established and OLD neighborhood. We love our home and our neighborhood, but we hate our old pipes. Yeah, that's right, old pipes. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would care if my home had old pipes I would have laughed in your face. But oh yeah, I care a whole lot. Since, because we have old pipes, every open drain and toilet in my home overflowed yesterday, several times. And it got on my carpet. I don't even know if the emergency fund can handle this one all on its own. So I'm waiting for D to talk with the plumber and see what he says. Plus, I have to find someone to come and vaccum the water out of my carpet before it turns to mildew. I guess I could look on the bright side...maybe I'll get my hardwood floors. God I love how you answer prayer!

Sorry for the Furlough

Ok. so I am sorry, to the 5 of you who read my musings. I am so sorry for being away for so long. But it's been a time of trial, change, and faith in the Echols' house. Here's the scoop:

2 weeks before Christmas my wonderful boss pulled me in his office to tell me that my program was being closed. And ya'll, my boss is so great, he felt so bad. Of course, I was calm and cool in front of him, but inside I was screaming bloody murder. "OMG, how are D and I going to survive?!" So can ya tell I'm a worrying, melodramatic Melancholy? Oh and the icing on the cake was that I was ordered to not tell any of my staff. "What?" And remember, this is two weeks before Christmas.

So, I went home to D and cried and cried and cried and cried (I think you get the point). I thought we were going to have to move to Houston or something. Because, those of you who know me, know the nightmare that was my former employer and the only other hospital system in town. So, my wonderful husband was my rock of calm and faith. He just kept reminding me that God has brought us through very tough times before and we have always ended up in a better place. So I clung to that and my memory verse notebook.

We made it through Christmas and the New Year. Finally, on January 19th, my boss told my staff. But this is where it get's good...I found out I had a job the next day! Now I can't say what it is, but it is exactly what I want to do and will be awesome experience. Plus, it's only 5 minutes from the house. So God is sooooooooooooooooo good.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; (2 Samuel 22:2)

So, to conclude, this is where I've been for the past 2 months. I will now resume my random ramblings for your reading enjoyment.

Giving Back

A few weeks ago my Newly Married Sunday School class served at the Pool of Siloam medical ministry. It is a wonderful mission who provides free medical care, pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, dental care and much more. There is a clothes closet, meals program, etc. Here are a few pics from our time there. We didn’t serve in the clinic, we just helped the staff put together mailers to get the word out. Check out their website and see if you’d be interested in helping, you don’t have to be medically inclined to make a difference.

The Horror of Christmas Shopping

OK, the holiday shopping frustration has set in and I only have 3 gifts bought. I know, I sound ridiculous, but my recent experience has just put me in this mood. Let me elaborate…I decided to bring up the spirits in my office (they are so down ya’ll, it’s not even funny, pray for me) and decorate for Christmas. But company policy says we can only use battery operated Christmas tree lights. OK, no biggie, WRONG. I went to a few stores, hoping for a deal and they did not carry them. I thought that was fine, just looking for a deal, so I headed to Wally World. I mean Wally has everything, right? WRONG AGAIN. They have the miniature trees with all the trimmings and wreaths, but none of the battery operated lights that go with them. So I had to head up the street to the pricey Hobby store and get them.

I know, it sounds silly, but when you are shopping on your lunch hour in 3 inch heels, it’s quite frustrating.

OK, it’s off my chest and I feel better now, thanks for listening (reading). Let me know of your holiday shopping frustrations. Whine to me instead of everyone else, I’m sure they will all appreciate it. Happy shopping.