I'm Home!

Hey everyone! I've been home for almost a week, but I just haven't had a chance to blog. Sorry! I'll try and do a good update sometime later today, or tomorrow. Hope you all are well!

Ta-ta!

Well...I'm leaving for the airport in 12 minutes! I was just about to pack up my laptop (which I'm allowed to take on the plane! yaay) and decided to do a quick post, to inform y'all of my departure. So...I'm packing this computer up...and I don't truly know when I'll unpack it! Bye for now!

Another strange Saturday

So, it's Saturday yet again. And...I went another week without properly following my schedule. Oh, well. I wish I had gotten more done, but I didn't...and I'm not going to fret. :)

My Daddy is home from the hospital. We picked him up at 9 o'clock this morning. He's feeling relatively well. His stomach hurts, because they had to make a couple of small cuts, and his legs are sore, too (from not moving them at all for so long, and being put to sleep by medicine and stuff), but he's doing fine. He's planning to go to church tomorrow.

Even though I don't have a lot to say...this will be my last entry for a while, because I'm leaving EARLY Monday morning to go see the coolest, most wonderful guy in the whole entire world--Ben! (see profile pic :D Isn't he cute?) I'll be gone til Sept. 21. He lives in Virginia...and I canNOT wait to see him. It's been a couple of months. In my ever so humble opinion...that's way too long.

So, my faithful readers (if you're out there)...I'll post again when I return. Unless my boyfriend decides to take a long nap while I'm there...then I might post. We shall see.

Have a blessed Sabbath tomorrow!

>Mary Jo

My Dad

Hey everyone. . .

My Dad is in the hospital. Last night, Mom and I took dinner to a couple from our church who just had a baby, and my family (the three of us) were going to go out to dinner together when we got back. When we left, we gave my Dad a call and told him we were on our way. He let us know he wasn't feeling that well, and that we should just go ahead and go out if we wanted to. So, we went out for a burrito and when we got home Dad was gone! It turned out he was on his way to the doctor, but found out the Urgent Care was closed, and the only one that was open did not take our health insurance, so he decided to go to the ER. About 12 o'clock (midnight) the doctor came in after some bloodwork had been done and let him know he was going to have to hvae his gall bladder removed today. He went into pre-op a little after 9 this morning. At the time, they weren't sure how bad it was, so they didn't know if they'd be able to do it laproscopically (through his belly button) or if they'd have to cut him open. Thankfully, they were able to do it without cutting him open! He's been out of surgery for almost an hour. Everything went smoothly. He has to stay the night in the hospital and will be able to come home in the morning. He won't be able to lift anything heavy for a while, but he will be able to return to work Monday :) So, that is good. Our Lord is so gracious. I'm so thankful for His protection over my Dad. Please keep him in prayer. I'll update if anything else happens! I am going to go see him in a little bit. Mom is waiting until he's settled in his room, and then she is going to come and get me, and take me over to the hospital.

Have a blessed weekend!
Mary Jo

"Abortionist Closes His Chop Shop"

So, here's an update from Patte. Randall Whitney is one of the baby killers at OWC, the mill my family ministers at. I wasn't even aware he had his own death camp, but praise be to God that it's closed!!!! :) This article is REALLY bias, but it's the one I have so I'm posting part of it. The article can be found in its entirety here.

By EILEEN ZAFFIRO
Staff Writer

Dr. Randall Whitney, who has run one of the two abortion centers in Volusia County for three decades, isn't waiting for any court decisions or new laws to get out of the abortion business in Daytona Beach. He stopped doing abortions at the Family Planning Center two days ago, pushed by a protracted battle with the state over how his practice should be regulated.

Whitney is bracing for the obliteration of abortion rights.

"It's going to be an ugly fight in this country," said Whitney, who performs roughly half of the abortions in Volusia County each year, usually 1,000 to 1,500. "These Republican do-gooders and pro-lifers don't have a clue."

Those who hope for fatal blows to abortion rights are ready to duke it out. Among them is Mary Wallis, head of the 18-year-old Pregnancy Crisis Center in Daytona Beach, who has dedicated herself to helping women get through their full pregnancy.

Wallis, a retired nurse, even helped two 11-year-old victims of incest who wound up giving birth.

"In 1973, I was so stunned America would pass such a law," said Wallis, a native of Ireland who moved to the United States in 1953. "It's God's creation we're destroying."

Whitney will still offer other types of medical care at his Mulberry Street office, and he'll continue to perform abortions at Orlando clinics, as he has done for years. His decision is about legalities, not a moral dilemma, he said.

"I sleep well," Whitney said. "I have no concerns about what might have been if a fetus lived."

Whitney, who calls himself a "modified Christian," is among abortion-rights supporters who fear a complete national ban. Others expect there will eventually be some states where abortion is legal, and others where it's not.

"If the country keeps going in the direction it is, abortion will only be legal in the states that choose to have it," predicted Stephanie Grutman, executive director of the Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. "We'll be down to about seven states, not including Florida. Some people will just go to Mexico, Canada or Indian reservations for abortions."

I do NOT agree with a lot of what's said in this article, nor do I affiliate myself with the listed "ministries." I think any CPC that refuses to call abortion what it is--murder of a tiny, precious human being who is crafted by Almighty God in HIS image--has problems, and I wouldn't send someone there unless I had clearly had the opportunity to share the gospel with them, and speak with them about the reality of the grievous sin of abortion. I fully believe that, especially if they're calling themselves a "christian" ministry, they will be held accountable before the Lord for having NOT called sin, sin. The Bible says God HATES the hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17). It's not something to be taken lightly. You don't have to walk in someone's shoes to know it's wrong to chop a little baby limb by limb from his or her mother's womb, unlike what the CPC director stated in the article. Another problem is that the only "religious" people the interview are catholics and a unitarian. I'm not going to get into all that now, but probably will do a series on catholicism in the near future. In all...the closing of this mill is a glorious occasion, and one we should all thank the Father for. As Patte said, "May the dominoes of child murder in Florida be falling!" May God bring revival to our land before it's too late.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
~2 Chronicles 7:14

When You Can't Keep Your Schedule. . .

Don't! :)

I know, I know...bad advice, usually...but...schedules are made for man, not man for schedules! ;)

Today, I had good intentions of keeping my schedule, as, like I said, I was really planning to this week. But I had a change in plans! I wish I had gotten more done, but it has been a really nice day. My Dad had the day off, so the three of us have all been home all day, so it's been more relaxed. I talked to Ben for longer than I planned to this morning, we had family devotions late, and then I got a surprise call from Ben this afternoon. It wasn't scheduled, but it's been a nice day! Plus, I had some time to do some Bible study.

I've been feeling convicted as of late about not being completely obedient to Christ in my thoughts, so I read some scriptures, as well as made a notecard for myself and put it in my Bible, so I could be reminded quickly when I need to be. It really is amazing, though...the realization that Christ knows EVERYTHING we think...every single thought that goes through our heads. It's daunting, and it's enough to make one feel pretty bad. I'm sure thoughts are more of a struggle for most people than actions are, as far as sin. Anyone know of any good verses about one's thoughts? A couple of good ones I came across to remember, that are related, are 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Psalm 19:13-14 (the added emphasises are mine):

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
~2 Corinthians 10:5

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
~Psalm 19:13-14

I also found a Spurgeon sermon on 2 Corinthians 10:5 that I'm going to read later today. Conviction hurts...but it can be so sweet, too; a renewed, stronger desire to strive for holiness is so sweet...

So, with that--I'm off to do some schooling.

Blessings!
Mary Jo

Of Blogger Beta and Colds

Hmm...I don't know about this Blogger Beta thing. I like the features, but you can't comment on blogs that aren't updated to the beta thing yet. :/ Ah, well. Probably most folks will update soon enough. I hope...

Well, it turns out I've got a bit of a temperature now. So, who knows what's wrong with me. I've been feeling kind of dizzy for a couple of hours, since I woke up from a nap. I even opted to let my Mom make dinner tonight, which is something I rarely do, because I enjoy it. I hope I am well enough to go to church tomorrow...though it doesn't appear that I will be. :( Thankfully, they record Pastor Dave's sermons, and Mom and Dad can just get me a CD. Yay for me! Of course, one can honor the Sabbath Day without being AT a church, when it's just not an option to be there. I just...want to go!

I need to catch up on school (I got behind and haven't done my work for yesterday yet...*whoops*), so I guess I'll be going now. Dizziness+Anatomy=no fun. Oh, well! Only *gets planner and counts days* 75 days left until I'm officially *graduated*!!! So long as I stay on track, which I'm certainly planning to!

Okay! Now I'm really leaving.

Ta-Ta! And if I don't post again before Monday...
Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
~John 20:18-20

-Mary Jo

New Layout, Sick at home, and other sorts of things

So, I'm home sick today instead of doing my usual Saturday ministry activities. I do long to be out in the field of souls...but I don't think people want someone at their door who can't really talk and who will sneeze on them every couple of minutes. They already think the gospel is foolish enough, much less if the messenger is sick! So, I'm home today. After taking some Claritan and some ibprofin, I am feeling quite a bit better, though I still have the sniffles. My extra time explains the new layout and whatnot. In bed, with my laptop, messing with my layout. Haha

I've been doing some thinking this morning. Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Biblical womanhood, from being a good wife, to cooking, cleaning, and all sorts of things. Each and every one of them has ideas I want to put into place now, in preparation for marriage and in service to my family, but it can be overwhelming! I've tried making a schedule, which I've NOT been good about following, though I plan to start THIS WEEK! I've also been planning our meals at the beginning of the week, and cooking breakfast and dinner most days. I've been trying to maintain my relationship with the Lord, which obviously comes first (at least...I try to keep it first. I'm obviously NOT perfect), my relationship with my family, and Ben, and stay organized with chores, cooking, and school. Sometimes, it just seems like a lot to handle. I have really great intentions, but somewhere between sleeping an extra half an hour, or talking to Ben an extra half hour...or family devotions starting later than planned, my whole schedule goes down the tubes, and I'm back at square one. It is thoroughly frustrating. It truly is my heart's desire to be as prepared as I can be for marriage and to serve my family while I'm still at home. Thankfully, every week ends, and there's always, until the Lord comes back or calls me home, next Monday to start my weekly schedule over again. I love sitting down at the end of the day having done everything I needed to do, and some things I just wanted to do. It really is nice. I don't want to waste another day of my life, which is but a vapor, and SHOULD be all for the glory of my Lord. So, I'm going to try my best not to waste my days anymore. This reminds me of the lyrics to a song we sing at church called "You Are My World." Here's the part I'm thinking of.

All my days are gifts from You
I pray I'd use them as You want me to
Use them for you

Really, though...God is so deserving of every moment of every day in the life of His children being used for His glory. Even if that just means staying focused on the responsibilities He has for me at this point in life, and preparing for the responsibilities I will one day have, if He is willing, I want to do all for His glory...and by His grace, I can try.

And with that...my wonderful boyfriend is on the phone, so I'll be going!

Finally, an update!

So, it has been a while. To you, (if I have any), my faithful readers...I am sorry! Haha...

I'm in the kitchen with some bagels in the oven (my first attempt at making them), so I have a bit of time to post. Things have been pretty good this past week. Just been doing my normal stuff. Let's see...

Saturday, the mill was still closed (glory!!) so we didn't go, but we did go to evangelism with the people from church. I went out with my Dad. Nothing particularly great happened, to speak of. Most of the doors we knocked on were people who only spoke Spanish, and I am NOT a Spanish-speaker (even though both of my parents are). Dad talked to them for a while, with his Spanish (which sounded great, though he insisted his "espanol es horrible!" But, I thought it was good. The people seemed very humble. Dad spoek to a guy from our church who is from Mexico, and he's going to go back to that neighborhood with us tomorrow since his Spanish is better, and we're going to bring a translation of the repentance tract in Spanish. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to. :) The link is in English. So, after evangelism Saturday, Dad and I headed back (Mom was still sort of recovering so she didn't go--door to door in 90+ degrees can be tiring). Mom and I went to a babyshower for Brenda Rivera, who's having her baby by C-Section this coming Monday (Sept. 4)-Labor Day, of all days! *grin*

After that, we came back home and I got ready to go out again. Dad and I went downtown in the club district with some of the college group from church, for the first time. It was quite an experience...I was born again when I was 13, so I never got old enough to partake in that wickedness (I was plenty wicked, though). So, it was my first time down there. It really is Satan's play ground. The clubs are so wicked, the people there are just there to enjoy sinning. That's simply what they do. It's so sad--I wonder how going out half naked, getting drunk, and then fornicating with a stranger could possibly be enjoyable, but apparently they think it is. Preston, a 28-year-old guy, from church was the "preacher" in our group. He was preaching on the truth horn, and was stopped by the cops eventually. We were able to pass out a lot of tracts, and had a few good conversations. Needless to say...we're going back tomorrow night (that is, if I feel better...I've got a bit of a cold).

Sunday was wonderful, as always! Went to church and then to college group on Sunday night. I love my pastor SO much. He knows so much about the Bible, and is such a wonderful teacher. The fellowship with the folks from Cornerstone is so sweet, too. *sigh* I love my church. If you live around Orlando, you should visit it! Even if it's a ways away...it's worth the drive.

This week has been pretty good. I've been doing school, reading, etc. I've also been heavily debating headcoverings (from 1 Corinthians 11) on Christian Debate Forum. It was fun, though I took a leaving shot yesterday, because I don't think it's all that fruitful to continue the debate. For the benefit of people reading, and not posting on, the thread, I explained my position verse by verse, and pointed out a few things. I learned a lot doing the research for the debate, and have become even more solid in my position. It was fun! Though, I did get a little behind on school, so I'll be catching up today.

What else is new? Oh! I'm going up to see Ben in 10 DAYS!!!! I leave early in the morning on September 11. Thankfully, the tickets were not that expensive ($40 each way, plus tax...) so that was nice. :) I won't be back until late at night on September 21, and I likely won't be blogging while I'm gone, unless Ben decides to take a three hour nap or something. Haha! I will be doing shcool while I'm there though. Lucky Ben! Gets to help me study for an Anatomy test (don't worry...it's just the nervous system!). It should be a lovely visit though...I love being up there (obviously!) at the farm. It's so beautiful, and I rather like my boyfriend (don't worry--we're not "dating"...he's courting me...in case someone missed that *smile*) (isn't he cute?)! Alright...I do suppose I'll stop gabbing about the most wonderful guy in the world... *wink*

So, that was a highlight of the week. Ordering tickets. Oh! I've also got an e-mail address at his site now, to help out with things. I've been doing some "marketing" of sorts. I made him business cards too! It was fun.

I've also started reading a new devotional book by John MacArthur called "Drawing Near"...it's pretty good. I recommend it. :) I'm also reading the devotional from "TableTalk" every day...it's a magazine put out by R.C. Sproul's, Ligonier Ministries. It's a good magazine. I recommend it, too! They have, in addition to the daily devotionals, articles and such about theology, church history, etc. Interesting!

Since today is the first day of September, I am finished reading 1 John, and am going to be reading Philippians daily.

So, I guess I've updated on just about everything there is to update on.

And all the bagels are baked! :) I got the recipe from the "Bread by Hand" eBook. I highly recommend it, if you want to learn how to make bread. The directions are simply, and the bread is yummy! You can order it here. It's $4.97. Not bad!

well, I guess I'll be going now. Keep Ben in prayer today, please, as he's driving all the way home from Wisconsin by himself. He was dropping Lauren, Sam, and Jesse off at School of Evangelism. They'll be gone for three whole months! I hope he doesn't fall asleep at the wheel!