Now don't drop over with shock because I am on the blog. Actually, I had forgotten how to even get on it. But tonight it seemed simple to change my password etc and start over --so here I am. I was also at Chelsea's blog and saw she has me as a link, at the bottom. So I checked it out and last entry was May of 2009.. Me thinks I should get current.
My words are gone. Values have changed. How? Just staying home, keeping my nose in my own business, leading a quiet life makes my thoughts more focused about what I'm doing here. I'm tired of words, opinions, idle chatter. I don't need it, or want it.
Right now in this office, I am surrounded by books written by people who had tons of ideas and thoughts they believed were so important they had them published. As I am learning how to get rid of these publications, I have scanned them over for their "important" info. Oh, it may be interesting but then it's over. Who cares? What's it all for? They are dead. Their work is meaningless and has no value. To the thrift store pile they go! The ones that demand a price are very wordy and full of arrogance.
Today I checked out a book about Luther Burbank. Famous and respected in the world of botany, science. Ever heard of him? Bet you didn't unless you were alive in the 20's. How admired he was. But he's gone. Just a vapor. But he's somewhere.. and I can tell you where. Why? Because of what he believed about God. In the interview at the end of the book, he's asked about what he believes.
"Do you believe in the divinity and miraculous conception of Christ?"
Answer: I do not; there is no proof of it, either natural or otherwise. "
"Has science taught you that heaven and hell do not exist?"
Answer: The common orthodox heaven and hell do not exist. They could not exist if there were an all-powerful and just ruler. No criminal could be as cruel as the God who would consign human beings to a hell.
Ok, one more.
"What is your opinion of the Bible? Is it the work of God or of man?"
Answer: Without the shadow of a doubt the work of man, being a history of the lives of ancient tribes reaching up toward civilization and constructed mostly unconsciously by men both good and bad.
Well, enough said. Burbank didn't believe the words of the one whose words need to be believed. . Man was his god, therefore he gets what man can give: nothing. But he does get what God has said would happen to those who do not believe in him: Hell. Now Luther Burbank knows. I'm sure if he were here he would tell me to not re-sell his book, but to burn it. It's a bunch of nonsense and his whole life was off track and a waste.
For me, my words are meaningless too unless they proclaim the goodness, divinity, and greatness of the God of the Bible who through His Spirit imparted the words to the 40 men who wrote it. His words alone stand as the only ones worth reading, hearing and applying to one's life. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important, life changing contribution to man kind there will ever ever be. That's the only book I want to promote.
So in light of that, what do I have to say.. except Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Back From the Future
May 11, 2009
Chelsea and I are home from our 8 day trip to Russia for the annual Pastor’s Conference in St. Petersburg.
We had a great time. As we ponder all the things that happened, we both agree it was a bleep in time; as if we never went. Because of the heart changing experiences we had, we can’t forget that although we are back in the present, we indeed took a trip in the future…………. (They are 11 hours ahead of us.
How to describe what happened.
If you remember, this trip was marked with much doubt by not only us but by others in the team. We also found out, those in Russia felt the same thing. My motto has always been; “When in doubt, don’t.” So I am thinking how it applies now, since despite doubt, we went and it was confirmed that it was meant to be.
When we went last year for the first time, it was definitely a “God talking” experience. With both of us signed up for the Outreach Trip, it was clear; no money was coming in. Also, unlike a trip earlier, Chels and I believed we were to go together. With an intense desire to go, I called out to God for confirmation. Thinking I was standing in God’s way with Chels, I gave up my desire to go with her. On a Saturday night, two weeks before departure, I wrestled with God about taking matters into my own hands, especially for Chels’ sake, who was heavy with disappointment. I was convinced I should ask the director--one more time-- if there was any money left; anything—to relieve Chels and also my guilt of selfishness. Instead, I heard a still, small voice that said,
“Don’t ask her. Wait until she (Janet) asks you something. And when she asks, say, yes.”
To our incredible joy, that next morning, I did get a question asked of me, and I said, yes. The reason we didn’t go on the Outreach trip was because He was reserving us for the Pastor’s conference. In a short period of time, the money came in.
This year I was waiting for the same thing. Again, no money and no clear word that we were to go; only a prompting and desire to see our family in Russia. The time approached to commit, meaning that if money didn’t come in, we would be responsible for the amount ourselves. The time came and I said, no, because there was no clear answer and I was unwilling to ask anyone for money, due to lack of faith that we--even Calvary-- was to go during these hard economic times.
Pleadingly, I asked for God’s heart in the matter. I went to bed praying for His word. Then I had a dream. The dream, as you recall, showed me that there was need for encouragement, not just in thought or prayer but in the physical presence of others and He was clearly sending a team from Calvary Chapel, Spokane. When I woke up, and the dream was still vividly in my thoughts-- that I could even write it down-- I knew it was God that said, “Go” and that He was not dictated by the economy. The trip was His perfect plan. So we journeyed forth in faith that we were to go, although our faith was weak, we continued in His strength.
Although I didn’t hear God’s voice as I heard before, the challenge was to accept a new way of listening and walking in His ways. We trained, we prepared, and we accepted going and even not going. The physical and spiritual life looked the same; do what comes next, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, walk in the Spirit. The money came in and off we went.
Ironically, doubt continued to plague me and others. Even while we were in the air. Even when we touched down. Even when we were doing our job,… doubt was in our being. It is still there, somewhat. The battle was; why us? Are we qualified? Are we worthy? Who do we think we are to be in this position?
Putting on the armor of God, Ephesians 6, became our theme.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
We were engaged in every battle we needed armor for: our salvation, our faith, our knowledge of scripture, our standing, our peace. Everyday, we addressed our position and encouraged one another. We discussed the enemy’s schemes. We confessed our fears and sins of losing faith. We repented and thanked God for his power and faithfulness in us and to us. We pressed on and we left the previous days battle and re-suited ourselves each day. We put our shields together. His mercies were new every morning.
How God confirmed His plan.
“We receive many invitations to conferences throughout the year, but none include wife and children as does Calvary Chapel. We look forward to the event to take place. We have no words to express our sincere appreciation.”—Pastor
“We need spiritual parents to encourage us. We don’t want a letter or a book; we need real live persons to come to us. What we so desperately want and doubt we will get, we receive here at the conference every time. We are blessed to come and for you to come.”—Pastor
“Thank you so much for taking care of our children.” ---Mother
Thank you for the sacrifice you make to attend to us. We need this so much.”--Mother
“Please come back next year?” --Parents, children
We were blessed by pouring ourselves out to the point of exhaustion while working with the almost 50 beautiful children entrusted in our care in a room 15x25.
We were blessed by hearing the appreciation of the parents and non-parents of the gift of encouragement we provided.
We were blessed to hear the struggles of the pastors and their wives of the exact same schemes of Satan we were experiencing.
We were blessed to hear of the Holy Spirit’s work in the hearts of those in Russia to deny themselves, pick out their cross and follow Him.
We were blessed to be in unity with those who are awaiting the imminent return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to not be conformed to this world.
As a team, We were blessed with the gift of each other as the body of Christ and the jewels He is crafting each one of us into being.
We were blessed with insight, correction, and revelation and the gift of receiving it.
The provisions for food and shelter were a blessing.
The comments were worth it.
Concluding remarks
At the end of a trip like this:
□ I want to start saving for next year's trip.
□ I want to keep in constant communion with those I have become a team with.
□ I want to remember the fun times we had as we embarked on a journey that is documented like a movie in our minds.
□ I want to write a book about it to share with others.
□ I want to make changes in my life that keep my focus on the work of God and not my own desires.
□ I want the world to know the ever-present, ever-faithful and incredible person of Jesus Christ.
□ I am grateful to be part of God’s encouraging work in our family members in Russia.
□ I want to keep those in Russia ever in my prayers,
□ I want to stay in constant communication with them.
□ I want my entire family to experience what Chels and I did.
□ I want to thank you for praying, supporting and being very much a part of this whole thing.
Thank you.
Chelsea and I are home from our 8 day trip to Russia for the annual Pastor’s Conference in St. Petersburg.
We had a great time. As we ponder all the things that happened, we both agree it was a bleep in time; as if we never went. Because of the heart changing experiences we had, we can’t forget that although we are back in the present, we indeed took a trip in the future…………. (They are 11 hours ahead of us.
How to describe what happened.
If you remember, this trip was marked with much doubt by not only us but by others in the team. We also found out, those in Russia felt the same thing. My motto has always been; “When in doubt, don’t.” So I am thinking how it applies now, since despite doubt, we went and it was confirmed that it was meant to be.
When we went last year for the first time, it was definitely a “God talking” experience. With both of us signed up for the Outreach Trip, it was clear; no money was coming in. Also, unlike a trip earlier, Chels and I believed we were to go together. With an intense desire to go, I called out to God for confirmation. Thinking I was standing in God’s way with Chels, I gave up my desire to go with her. On a Saturday night, two weeks before departure, I wrestled with God about taking matters into my own hands, especially for Chels’ sake, who was heavy with disappointment. I was convinced I should ask the director--one more time-- if there was any money left; anything—to relieve Chels and also my guilt of selfishness. Instead, I heard a still, small voice that said,
“Don’t ask her. Wait until she (Janet) asks you something. And when she asks, say, yes.”
To our incredible joy, that next morning, I did get a question asked of me, and I said, yes. The reason we didn’t go on the Outreach trip was because He was reserving us for the Pastor’s conference. In a short period of time, the money came in.
This year I was waiting for the same thing. Again, no money and no clear word that we were to go; only a prompting and desire to see our family in Russia. The time approached to commit, meaning that if money didn’t come in, we would be responsible for the amount ourselves. The time came and I said, no, because there was no clear answer and I was unwilling to ask anyone for money, due to lack of faith that we--even Calvary-- was to go during these hard economic times.
Pleadingly, I asked for God’s heart in the matter. I went to bed praying for His word. Then I had a dream. The dream, as you recall, showed me that there was need for encouragement, not just in thought or prayer but in the physical presence of others and He was clearly sending a team from Calvary Chapel, Spokane. When I woke up, and the dream was still vividly in my thoughts-- that I could even write it down-- I knew it was God that said, “Go” and that He was not dictated by the economy. The trip was His perfect plan. So we journeyed forth in faith that we were to go, although our faith was weak, we continued in His strength.
Although I didn’t hear God’s voice as I heard before, the challenge was to accept a new way of listening and walking in His ways. We trained, we prepared, and we accepted going and even not going. The physical and spiritual life looked the same; do what comes next, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, walk in the Spirit. The money came in and off we went.
Ironically, doubt continued to plague me and others. Even while we were in the air. Even when we touched down. Even when we were doing our job,… doubt was in our being. It is still there, somewhat. The battle was; why us? Are we qualified? Are we worthy? Who do we think we are to be in this position?
Putting on the armor of God, Ephesians 6, became our theme.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
We were engaged in every battle we needed armor for: our salvation, our faith, our knowledge of scripture, our standing, our peace. Everyday, we addressed our position and encouraged one another. We discussed the enemy’s schemes. We confessed our fears and sins of losing faith. We repented and thanked God for his power and faithfulness in us and to us. We pressed on and we left the previous days battle and re-suited ourselves each day. We put our shields together. His mercies were new every morning.
How God confirmed His plan.
“We receive many invitations to conferences throughout the year, but none include wife and children as does Calvary Chapel. We look forward to the event to take place. We have no words to express our sincere appreciation.”—Pastor
“We need spiritual parents to encourage us. We don’t want a letter or a book; we need real live persons to come to us. What we so desperately want and doubt we will get, we receive here at the conference every time. We are blessed to come and for you to come.”—Pastor
“Thank you so much for taking care of our children.” ---Mother
Thank you for the sacrifice you make to attend to us. We need this so much.”--Mother
“Please come back next year?” --Parents, children
We were blessed by pouring ourselves out to the point of exhaustion while working with the almost 50 beautiful children entrusted in our care in a room 15x25.
We were blessed by hearing the appreciation of the parents and non-parents of the gift of encouragement we provided.
We were blessed to hear the struggles of the pastors and their wives of the exact same schemes of Satan we were experiencing.
We were blessed to hear of the Holy Spirit’s work in the hearts of those in Russia to deny themselves, pick out their cross and follow Him.
We were blessed to be in unity with those who are awaiting the imminent return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to not be conformed to this world.
As a team, We were blessed with the gift of each other as the body of Christ and the jewels He is crafting each one of us into being.
We were blessed with insight, correction, and revelation and the gift of receiving it.
The provisions for food and shelter were a blessing.
The comments were worth it.
Concluding remarks
At the end of a trip like this:
□ I want to start saving for next year's trip.
□ I want to keep in constant communion with those I have become a team with.
□ I want to remember the fun times we had as we embarked on a journey that is documented like a movie in our minds.
□ I want to write a book about it to share with others.
□ I want to make changes in my life that keep my focus on the work of God and not my own desires.
□ I want the world to know the ever-present, ever-faithful and incredible person of Jesus Christ.
□ I am grateful to be part of God’s encouraging work in our family members in Russia.
□ I want to keep those in Russia ever in my prayers,
□ I want to stay in constant communication with them.
□ I want my entire family to experience what Chels and I did.
□ I want to thank you for praying, supporting and being very much a part of this whole thing.
Thank you.
This is what happened. If you want more details, I am happy to answer. Thank you for reading this. I hope to hear from you.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:20
Tina Nenno
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Testing of My Faith
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Yesterday, while talking with my Lord, I wondered if I had the faith needed to survive various trials like I see happening with others. I knew better not to ask for a trial but I did recognize the need for such a thing. Afterall, how else can one know if something works unless it is exercised. It makes sense to me in the material world, why not in the spiritual. I concluded my time with God that morning by giving him permission to test me, if that is what he wanted.
The test came.
Now looking back, it came about 15 hours after our conversation. At least I think it was a test. It was done in my home with my husband and the words he said so stung my heart-or was it my ego- that my eyes filled with tears as my heart burst in shock and pain. It's been awhile since that has happened but it flowed with the many recent experiences I have been in. The words appeared to attack the kind of person I am. It was accusatory of a defect, a terrible defect in my personality that connotes that I am of the baser sort. AHHH. Of course I am, but not really, am I? There's the struggle.
I didn't retreat into self-pity for long; I was in and out of soul, flesh, and spirit intermittently all night long. Ironically, the message I heard that evening was about forgiveness. The story was emphasized about the ruler who forgave the servant of a huge debt--similar to that of the US debt in present terms---that can never be repaid. And yet, the forgiven servant was caught choking his debtor who owed him less than $100. Not only that, at the service I even prayed for my husband and forgave him, and asked God for forgiveness for purposely saying unkind words to him before we even left for church!!
I have watched myself as if I was the judge to see if I would pass the "test". I have fought going into revenge by giving the silent treatment. I have sought understanding of my accuser and realized he was only a tool for my benefit and has no clue he was the ordained method prescribed to teach me. I have caught a glimpse of how it feels to be slandered in reputation true or not. We have an identity we lay claim to that is easily in the way of the plans of what the Master holds for us.
Oh, I am so glad I am on a short leash. I am dangerous and harmful to others and myself. He is so gracious to correct me but not with stinging words, but if the sting comes from others, I have to acknowledge that they ultimately come from Him. All things are His servants and I choose to embrace them in order to see what kind of faith I have and in whom.
Yesterday, while talking with my Lord, I wondered if I had the faith needed to survive various trials like I see happening with others. I knew better not to ask for a trial but I did recognize the need for such a thing. Afterall, how else can one know if something works unless it is exercised. It makes sense to me in the material world, why not in the spiritual. I concluded my time with God that morning by giving him permission to test me, if that is what he wanted.
The test came.
Now looking back, it came about 15 hours after our conversation. At least I think it was a test. It was done in my home with my husband and the words he said so stung my heart-or was it my ego- that my eyes filled with tears as my heart burst in shock and pain. It's been awhile since that has happened but it flowed with the many recent experiences I have been in. The words appeared to attack the kind of person I am. It was accusatory of a defect, a terrible defect in my personality that connotes that I am of the baser sort. AHHH. Of course I am, but not really, am I? There's the struggle.
I didn't retreat into self-pity for long; I was in and out of soul, flesh, and spirit intermittently all night long. Ironically, the message I heard that evening was about forgiveness. The story was emphasized about the ruler who forgave the servant of a huge debt--similar to that of the US debt in present terms---that can never be repaid. And yet, the forgiven servant was caught choking his debtor who owed him less than $100. Not only that, at the service I even prayed for my husband and forgave him, and asked God for forgiveness for purposely saying unkind words to him before we even left for church!!
I have watched myself as if I was the judge to see if I would pass the "test". I have fought going into revenge by giving the silent treatment. I have sought understanding of my accuser and realized he was only a tool for my benefit and has no clue he was the ordained method prescribed to teach me. I have caught a glimpse of how it feels to be slandered in reputation true or not. We have an identity we lay claim to that is easily in the way of the plans of what the Master holds for us.
Oh, I am so glad I am on a short leash. I am dangerous and harmful to others and myself. He is so gracious to correct me but not with stinging words, but if the sting comes from others, I have to acknowledge that they ultimately come from Him. All things are His servants and I choose to embrace them in order to see what kind of faith I have and in whom.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
SO... this is Christmas
I just lost everything I had just written. Wow. Well, keep going on. There is lots of snow outside. I'm busily sending out letters to those who I think would like to hear from me and haven't heard from for awhile. Steve will be home tomorrow and I hope to work on my Christmas gift to the kids. Most likely skiing will be what everyone wants to do.
What is Christmas?
My views of it are changing. Who are we kidding that it's about Jesus. It' not like that at my house, it's all about us getting and giving gifts which is fun but who is it supposed to be about? I saw a great saying on a church marqee. This Christmas, all I want is your presence. That was good. That is true. That is the greatest gift of all and that is all I want and I already have it. I want to have my eyes opened to it so I can see it, use it, touch it, smell it and be comforted by it. That's what I want this Christmas.
What is Christmas?
My views of it are changing. Who are we kidding that it's about Jesus. It' not like that at my house, it's all about us getting and giving gifts which is fun but who is it supposed to be about? I saw a great saying on a church marqee. This Christmas, all I want is your presence. That was good. That is true. That is the greatest gift of all and that is all I want and I already have it. I want to have my eyes opened to it so I can see it, use it, touch it, smell it and be comforted by it. That's what I want this Christmas.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Once a week, huh?
I'm a bit out of sorts. I notice there is a change in me and others are noticing as well. I thought Bryan was noticing only because he is at that age where he is not liking me. But now Steve and Cheryl have made comments. What is happening? I have some facts of what has taken place in my life on the outside but I don't know if that is the reason for the inside.
Words are gone
Don't be blue
I'm still here
I love you.
I think the word is consecrate.
Words are gone
Don't be blue
I'm still here
I love you.
I think the word is consecrate.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A New Book, new life
I love this new book I am reading. I can't wait to get things done to steal away and curl up and escape into another world. It's not the world I want or envy, it's the message that is being proclaimed. It's another Harold Bell Wright book, The Re-Creating of Brian Kent. Right now the main character appeared to come from death to life, and discovered it wasn't life at all but just more death and he has come to grips that he really is depraved. He got it after experiencing true love, the love of someone who loved him not for what he had done but who he is; a creation of God, in God's image. He has not realized who he is yet, or least the person that this other loves of him. I am looking forward to discover his identity, and mine....excellent book.
Also, the 9 year old boy with cancer, named Tristan Howell, has gone to Heaven on Friday night. A memorial for him is on Saturday at 1 at Calvary. This family went through something they didn't volunteer for or have previous experience. They walked through the valley of the shadow of death and it has been hard. They could never had done it without the Lord.
Also, the 9 year old boy with cancer, named Tristan Howell, has gone to Heaven on Friday night. A memorial for him is on Saturday at 1 at Calvary. This family went through something they didn't volunteer for or have previous experience. They walked through the valley of the shadow of death and it has been hard. They could never had done it without the Lord.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Music Is Back Plus More
Chels is home right now. I shouldn’t be sitting here typing you about it, but I want you to know how we love it so when things are as they were. Who can do that? Who can leave home and come back and get back into it. Actually, Chels is on the piano and the two kids are on guitars…..There is so much more music than before. You should really hear this........ “I called you answered,…. And you came to my rescue and I wanna be where you are…. Beautiful!!!! Love to you all.
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