So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It....

As an artistic type, it's very difficult, sometimes, to walk the fine line between giving God the glory for the talents I'm blessed with, and taking credit for using them to His glory. In spite of this, I am confident that I can share with you (and not cross that line) the trailer for the video that I was priveleged to be a part of... (Remember I told you about it about a month or so ago.) I hope you don't mind my sharing with all of you. It was just such a thrill to know that I would get to use the talents He blessed me with, when Daniel contacted me to play one of the lead characters. So, please humor me, while I show you the trailer.

The video project (from which the trailer is taken) is for the California Mission Offering, which is a means to help support Missions in California. Now before you ask if there is such a large need for this, please do watch the video. Daniel Rhoten wrote the screenplay, and directed, edited and even did much of the footage. The original music is by Paul Haugen (of Clovis Hills...the church I attend and love) and I play an overly ambitious wife, on the verge of divorce. My character's husband (also played by Alvin- a Clovis Hills member) is an alcoholic; and I need to learn to put God first and my marriage second... above my career. Please watch, and then go give these other people some mad props, for all their hard work, would you? (And just in case you were wondering: NO, Clovis Hills was not involved in the production of this video, except as I stated above. Clovis Hills as a whole has just been blessed with some really good talent... I count it pure blessing to be counted among the members...) :) So without further ado, here is the trailer...


Bright Hope for Dark Days CMO Trailer from Daniel Rhoten on Vimeo

The full version of the video should be finished and ready for release next week some time... You can also find some photo shots for the promo materials at this link, if you so desire... I won't be hurt if you don't go see... but Daniel might like to know how good a job he did... :)

coram Deo

Yes, that title is in Latin. No, I haven't gone and learned Latin on you. However, I did learn what this means recently. Would you like to know? It means essentially living in the face of God. Ok, what does that mean, you ask? It means living out our lives, each day, as though we are right in front of God's face.

A Christ follower should already be doing this, but how often have you actually stopped to think about this? Are you living your life as though God is watching your every move, your every step, and your every action? He is, you know. What does He see?

Because I am a sinner, I know that there are some things God sees in my life, that I'm sure He does NOT want to see. Though I do live my life each day, trying not to do these things. What kinds of things does God see in your life, that you think He wouldn't want to see?

For me, these are just a few of the things that I am aware of, that I know He doesn't want to see. Sometimes, I am selfish. I think I deserve more than I'm getting, and I even if I don't let the feeling be known to the people around me, He knows. Sometimes, I'm not honest. I can justify it all I want, and call it a little white lie, but a lie is a lie, period. Even lying by omission, is still lying. Sometimes I exaggerate. Guess what...That's lying too. Sometimes I'm lazy. Ever heard of the "deadly sins"? This is one of them. Sometimes I'm proud, and unsubmissive. Sometimes, I'm judgemental. Sometimes, I'm angry and say hurtful things. Sometimes, I'm covetous. I want things I don't have, sometimes. Come to think of it, I am constantly sinning in some way. I don't mean to, and I don't want to, but I do it nonetheless. How about you? Got any sins you need to acknowledge?

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but [how] to perform what is good I do not find. Romans 7:18 NKJV

Now being a sinner, does not necessarily make you what we humans think of as a "bad person". However, remember what Scripture says:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NKJV

Guess what, that means that as far as God is concerned, you are a "bad person." So, does this then mean that we can continue on the way that we do, just because it's not humanly possible to be perfect (for those of us that are not Jesus)? Um, NO!!! We must endeavor each day to be sinless. Though we are justified by faith, because of our faith, we do works. Through these works, we prove that our faith is genuine. So, today, I'd like to challenge you to really live coram Deo. I'm going to be praying that God gives me a spirit of humility, and submission to His will for my life, so that each day I get closer and closer to righteousness. I'll never get there of my own will, that's for sure. One last Scripture for you to meditate on:

I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Jeremiah 33:8 NKJV

Just remember, this is God speaking. He will cleanse us, He will pardon our iniquities. But we must acknowledge them first, and we must be willing to let Him do His work within us. Blessings to you!

There is no "MORE" to this post.

photo courtesy of 0 W8ing

The Theory of Relativity--I Mean Relativism By Shalene

No, today's article is not about Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Please visit the provided link, if that is what you were looking for. For those of you that know what my writings are really about, or those just visiting and wanting to learn more about what it means to live as Christ follower, I invite you to read on.

Today's article is about moral relativism. "What is that??!!", you ask? Moral Relativism is defined by Wikipedia as

In philosophy, moral relativism is the position that moral or ethical propositions do not reflect objective and/or universal moral truths, but instead make claims relative to social, cultural, historical or personal circumstances. Moral relativists hold that no universal standard exists by which to assess an ethical proposition's truth; it is the opposite of moral absolutism. Relativistic positions often see moral values as applicable only within certain cultural boundaries or in the context of individual preferences. An extreme relativist position might suggest that judging the moral or ethical judgments or acts of another person or group has no meaning, though most relativists propound a more limited version of the theory.

Still confused?? That's ok. By reading that definition, I might be too. :)

So What Is Moral Relativism??

Here is another easier definition from Truthnet.org to wade through:

What is Moral Relativity: is the view that when it comes to questions of morality, there are no absolutes and no objective right or wrong; moral rules are merely personal preferences and/or the result of one’s cultural, sexual or ethnic orientation.

Basically, it means that whatever is right for one person, is right, because of that person's position, or sometimes because of a person's society that they live in. For example, in moral relativism, if you steal a loaf of bread to feed your children, it is ok, and not really stealing, because you needed it. The end justified the means. It's also the school of thought that says "So long as it doesn't hurt anybody, it's ok." This is where the term "It's all relative" is used so often. In moral relativism, there is no absolute right and wrong, it's all just gray areas. It all depends upon the circumstances surrounding the action.

Does anyone else out there have a problem with this?! How can there be no absolute right and wrong if God has so clearly indicated that there is? And even in situations where a person will say "it's all relative", like in the situation above, if they are caught they will be punished. Because it IS wrong. Stealing is stealing, lying is lying, murder is murder (the killing of innocent people), and adultery is adultery. None of these is ok, no matter what justification is used. They are all morally wrong, and according to God, sins.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NKJV

So why is it then, that even Christ followers (myself sometimes included) will find ourselves using moral relativity to excuse our behaviors, especially idolatry? Why do we think that it is ok to have a love of money, when we KNOW without a doubt that that is a love of Mammon, and a form of idolatry? Why is it that we put our wants ahead of God's commands? Why is it that we will allow moral relativity? I pray, meditate on this today:

Righteous are You, O LORD,
And upright are Your judgments.
Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
My zeal has consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live. Psalm 119:137-144 NKJV(emphasis mine)

We Know For Sure Now

First, I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes, and ask that you continue to pray for us. This pregnancy is not viable; and in fact, there is no baby in my womb. Only the gestational sac. I will be taking medication tonight to help my body to flush it out itself, so that prayerfully, I won't have to have another D&C. I also ask for your prayers for next time. We will be trying again in a few months. Until then, thank you again for your prayers for this pregnancy, and know that my faith has not been shaken at all. Though I'm not happy, I know that God's will is always what is best for me. I may not always know the reasons, but I don't have to. I don't know whether I'll feel up to posting tomorrow or not. I'll either be in pain or drugged up from the pain killers. So we will see. Blessings to all of you. Jesus loves you and so do I.

Joyful Authenticity by Shalene

When I began writing and attempting to minister to others through my website and blogs, it was because of the leading of the Holy Spirit. I was led to share my life and my life experiences in a way that would glorify the Lord, and Him alone. I do this by being authentic and transparent in my writings. I share anything about myself, without fear of condemnation. It does not take courage on my part, because I have faith that the Lord has forgiven all my sins, and is shaping me into the person I am to become. He has also used my past to shape me into who I am today. I belong to the most wonderful church- Clovis Hills. Part of their philosophy is to live in Joyful Authenticity.

"Healthy things grow. They are fed, pruned, bear fruit and experience a harvest. If they don’t, they wither, shrink and eventually die. Our spiritual lives are no different. They don’t just grow on their own, they have to be nurtured, cared for and invested in.

God desires to transform our lives into reflections of his character. This happens by spending time with him, studying his word, talking to him and seeking his direction in our lives. And when we do this, we have the freedom to live with Joyful Authenticity- true to not just who we are today, but to who he is calling us to be." From the Clovis Hills Community Church website

It has been said of me on more than one occasion that it must take courage for me to share with my readers. Again I say, emphatically, that no, that is not the case. I have no fear, for that is not of God. Those that would condemn me are not listening to the Holy Spirit in their own lives.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed Romans 3:23-25 NKJV

That is not to say that I judge them either. Just that Jesus told us in this world we would have trials, tribulations and that we would be persecuted for our faith. I welcome that if that be His will for me. It would not bother me at all to stand at Heaven's Gate, a martyr to the Word of God. I am human though, and perhaps it may bother me from time to time, if a person does condemn me, but not much. I know that my faith will see me through.

I encourage everyone to live their lives with true transparency and authenticity. There is nothing to be afraid of. Life is but a blink of an eye, and we have such a short time to further His Kingdom. Why live it in fear of what others may think, if it is for His glory alone? So go on: Glorify Him! Glorify Him! Share yourself wholly, with full knowledge that, prayerfully, when your time of judgement comes, you can hear Him say to you "Well done, my good and faithful servant." That is my only goal.

--Lord, I pray today that my efforts do glorify You alone, and that others will see the benefits of living Joyfully Authentic. I pray that they are able to see their way to being transparent in their lives and sharing that which You alone have done for them and through them. I pray that You continue to work through me and allow me to glorify You above all. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.

I've Got Marriage on My Mind by Shalene

In my efforts to be ready for the marriage of my friend and her fiance, I must admit that I'm thinking about marriage quite a bit. I'm thinking about the fact that Christian divorce rates are actually, in come cases, higher than that of non-Christians! I'm thinking that there must be something that we're not remembering. I'm thinking about my own marriage and how blessed we are to have such a strong marriage, seven years after we met, especially with the way it started out.

My husband and I were not believers when we met. My divorce from my first spouse was not even final yet (we had only been separated for a year.) My husband's (to- be) divorce was not final yet either. And yet, we began a relationship that included premarital sex. We had a child together out of wedlock, and we lived together before marriage. Now add all those together with the simple fact that it was to be a second marriage for both of us, and it would seem that it was doomed from the start. And it could have been.

I've made a point to go back and think about what it was that has made our marriage strong, and thankfully that's easy to figure out. Number one, first and foremost, is that we have both made God number one in our individual lives. Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book "I Promise" likens it to a love triangle. Picture a triangle with God at the top and each partner at one of the other corners. As you both move up the sides of the triangle, towards God, you are also moving closer to one another. Number two, has been, I think, the fact that we did a 6 week study of that same book.

This is not an advertisement of that book (though you can buy the book, by clicking on the link to the left, under Marriage Resources.) :) But I do recommend it to anyone that is married or even thinking about getting married. The entire book is built around five "Promises". Those promises are the following:

• I Promise to conform my beliefs to God's Truths
• I Promise to be filled by God
• I Promise to find God's best in every trial
• I Promise to listen and communicate with love
• I Promise to serve you all the days of my life

At the end of the study, you both write a "Marriage Constitution" in which you write out those promises and you both sign it. It can then be framed and hung on a wall, as a declaration to all, the promises you have made to each other. Though we have not hung ours yet (I'm still waiting for my wonderful hubby to build me a frame for it, but he's terribly overworked as it is) we have printed it up and "antiqued" it, so that it looks like one of those old parchment documents. I'm not going to go in to how these 5 promises are applied, but I will include here, our Marriage Constitution, because I do feel that that is another reason that our marriage is strong. We both have a strong desire to honor and love one another publicly. I also pray that even if you do not read the book, that the words of our Marriage Constitution will give you the necessary steps to strengthen your own marriage. So with that said, here for your reading pleasure:

Our Marriage Constitution

Preamble: On April 4, 2003, we stood together to be wed, and promised to love, honor and cherish one another until death do us part. Now that we both have put Jesus Christ in the center of our marriage and our family, we want to affirm that commitment to each other here, today. Each of us loves the other, more than we would have ever thought possible, and we each want the other to know that we honor them and place them above all others in our lives. Our goal is to create in our marriage a place of safety and security, a place in which we can share everything without fear and grow together in deeper love and intimacy. To confirm our commitment to this goal, we both willingly make these five solemn vows to the other.

I Promise: to conform my beliefs to God’s truth. I will gain control of my outlook, emotions and happiness by continually examining my deepest beliefs and striving to make them consistent with what God’s Word says. I take sole responsibility for my beliefs with the understanding that they, not you, determine my emotions, expectations, and actions. Thus I lift from you the burden of being responsible for me.

I Promise: to be filled by God. I will keep God in my heart as my source of joy and love. My love for you will be His love flowing through me. I will receive your love as overflow from Him. I will base the security of our marriage on making Christ my Lord and His will my own. I will strive to conform to His image and follow all His commands, especially the one to love you and care for you all the days of my life. (Ephesians 5:25-26; Philippians 4:19)

I Promise: to find God’s best in every trial. I give you the security of knowing that the negative things that happen in our marriage will not destroy my love for you. I will not expect perfection from you, but will use even irritations between us as opportunities to see my blind spots and foster my personal growth. I will call on the power of Christ to root out my weaknesses. (Romans 8:28; James 1:12; Romans 5:3-5)

I Promise: to listen and communicate with love. I will value every word you speak as a window to your heart. I will honor your opinions, feelings, needs, and beliefs so that you will feel free to speak honestly and openly with full security in my love for you. I will be open with you in communicating my heart and will consider your feelings and needs in all my words. (Ephesians 4:29)

I Promise: to serve you all the days of my life. I will fight all tendencies toward selfishness in me and focus on keeping you, your needs, and your goals before me at all times. I will serve you willingly and wholeheartedly, just as Christ served His disciples not only in small, humble ways, but also by giving His life for them and for us as well. (Galatians 5:13)

--Lord, I pray today that my marriage and those of my readers are strengthened today and every day. That every marriage out there, learns to put you first and each other second, as You instructed. I pray that these words will edify each person that reads them, and I thank You for the blessings that my marriage has been for me and my husband. I thank you every day for him. I thank You for the chance to further Your Kingdom. I thank You for the responsibility to glorify Your Name above all other. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

What If You're Wrong Part 2 by Shalene

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11).

I posted a video from YouTube yesterday, by one of my favorite artists, Nichole Nordeman. The video was for the song What If, and in the dedication on her CD jacket, she states the song is "for a friend who thinks this Jesus stuff is nuts". For all you friends, neighbors, loved ones and every one else, What if you're wrong? I have a relative by marriage that asked us this question before we were believers, and I never really thought about it. (Once again, I chose not to hear the Truth in her words.)

Do you think that the He's "just another nice guy", that He was a dreamer, that He was certainly a special person, but not the Son of God? Do you think the crown of thorns is "no more than folklore"? And what about the Bible, do you choose not to believe that it is the Word of God? What if you're wrong???

If you're right, then NOTHING. Nothing as in, this life means nothing, there is no point to any of it. Does that make you feel good? If you're right, then there is NOTHING to look forward to, and no one will know that all the believers out there, myself included, were just foolish to believe in Him. Because there is NOTHING after this life.

But what if you're wrong? What if there is "hope you've never dreamed of hoping for"? What if the moment you pass from this earth, you learn that you were wrong? You will spend eternity wishing you had listened and believed. Because at that moment, you will believe, but you won't be able to do ANYTHING about it. I urge you, read the book of John. It tells all about who Jesus was, and why He came. I don't want you to be wrong. Because what if you are???? What if He is love??????

Lord, today I pray for all the unbelievers that choose to remain thinking that belief in You is foolishness, I pray for their eternal souls. I pray that you give me the words to minister to these lost souls. I pray that they see the Love that You are. Lord I know that you are Truth and Light and Love like I could never imagine. It is beyond my comprehension and beyond any explanation. But Lord, I want to try. I pray that You help me to reach those that would be saved by Your message of salvation. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.


What If by Nichole Nordeman