A solitary walk at dusk... through fern-carpeted forest.. trees like shadowed men... a whispering breeze sings a melody of its own imagining.. the last slivers of sunset fade in brilliance... the darkness is almost frightening...

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art!

Picnicing in the grass: $0.00

Caesar salad from a bag: $5.92

Fried chicken to feed a crowd: $29.97

The look on The Pastor's face as the youth group and campus group united in doing "The Wave" while he was batting in a softball game: Priceless


.... Add 3 yummy desserts, 7 blankets on the grass, 1 loving dog, 2 kinds of fruit, countless discarded flip flops, 6 orange marker cones, 1 game of Ultimate Frisbee and 2 games of flag football which I loved passionately though we lost wretchedly = 1 Very. Awesome. Picnic!

"Can we throw them to the ground and then take their flag?" -The Tall Guy

Haha. And now my muscles are screaming in that very nice sort of pain that says I should really play flag football more often! :) Ciao, my faithful readers! Enjoy our lovely summertime weather this weekend.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I've been meditating on this Scripture lately. How can I glorify God in *my* body?
-Keep myself sexually pure (that's the context of this verse).
-Dress modestly. Be a billboard for purity, rather than impurity.
-Conduct myself honorably. Close my ears to vulgar conversation, close my eyes to impure books/magazines/news stories, close my mind to worldly influences.
-Eat & sleep in moderation.
-Ignore peanut M&M's whenever possible. :)
-Don't be an idiot by overscheduling my time and then wondering why I'm tired and cranky.

And I'm still thinking...

A Little Laughter.
Spent a lovely Friday evening laughing at a series of comedic sketches put on by area homeschoolers. How I love to laugh! (it’s a family trait). Sometimes I was the only one laughing. Hmmmm. But laugh, I certainly did! At the little sub-plot between Benedict and Lady Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Or the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance who reminded me of The Oldest Friend. And at everything else. And let me just point out that I missed the former Mr. Darcy. Come back from England! I went to support The Green-Eyed Girl who made a perfect shy and scared Piglet in Pooh & Piglet’s Adventures (actually I forget the title). And she rocked it!

A Little Dirt.
Spent a finally-warm-enough Saturday morning playing in the dirt. Haha. Got to weed the gardens, plant lots of flowers, herbs and vegetables and fight with the sprinklers. I lost. And got wet. Good times!

A Little Fellowship.
The long-awaited, much-anticipated Formal Fellowship Night for the high-schoolers. We spent a kind of frantic hour at the quaint park while I took pictures of the lovely ladies and gentlemen. The Little Bro was busy making friends with a half-grown duckling that he named “George Advocate, Jr.” Haha. I don’t know either. If you think that’s silly, we were just getting started. Onward to the restaurant. The group was positively GIDDY. Confession: I was, too. I don’t know why. Anyway, we drank tons of water, told stupid jokes to the busboy, almost set the place on fire, tasted everyone else’s food, took many many pictures, laughed at random things (“it’s nothing like Mississippi!”) and generally had a very long, very fun meal. A bit too long, because then The Curly Girl & The Country Boy had to go home. (I’m so sorry!!!). As it was, the rest of us spent the afterparty looking like zombies. Well-dressed zombies though. And I rambled about frogs on the way home to keep The Little Bro awake as he drove. At least it worked! So yeah, great night was had by all. The food was great, but the company was better!

A Little Sport.
The billionth annual Memorial Sunday Picnic tradition lives on! This one was masterfully organized at the last minute by The Golden Girl*. Our kitchen mess precluded us from hosting the picnic, which was sad for us. But it was really fun to have an actual picnic pavilion and basketball court and playground and change of scenery. There were three beautiful doggies running around. Awwww. One was a tiny puppy that fell asleep on my lap. Yes, awwww. And we played a fun-intense-crazy game of basketball. In which I jammed my pinkie finger pretty hard on the basketball. My thought: “NO! Not my piano fingers!” It was swollen yesterday, but mostly back to normal today. Only a little pain while typing. *Sigh of relief*

A Little Work.
What's a holiday at my house without good hard work? I spent the day mostly in my apartment. The French doors flung wide open and the summery breeze blowing through, while I unpacked, alphabetized and cataloged books. True relaxation. While working. Well, maybe I got distracted a few times by a book or two. But that's the kind of glorious summer day it was. If only all days could be so grand!


*The Golden Girl was formerly known as "The Blonde Girl," but someone informed me that the word "blonde" is misused and has negative connotations. Being negative about my friends is just NOT cool! So now she is Golden! We are referring to The Golden Girl's lovely light golden blonde hair.. :)

Yeah, I know it's Friday. For me, the week isn't over on Friday. Weekends are the hardest and busiest time of the week. Which explains why I crash on Sunday afternoons and take a much-needed nap. Speaking of sleep, I was so sad this morning. I woke up at 5:00 am (normal occurence), and thought briefly that it was Saturday and I could sleep some more. My smile turned upside down, when I realized that I was deluded and it was Friday morning---and I had to go to work. Then again, I can't complain... Because I don't have wonderfully adorable little children that get up very early every morning (including Saturdays) like The Sis does, so that means I can sleep in once a month or so. :) Wooohooo for sleeep!!! This is the exhaustion talking...

Monday - Can't remember much about that day. Worked. Felt miserable. Was sick. Listened to the Word on CD.
Tuesday - Still sick. Still worked. Parents signed over "my" car to me. Didn't have Tuesday night meetings (thank you, Jesus). Got home and had a flat tire. Prayed. Studied.
Wednesday - Better day. Body is back to normal. Youth group details take over my brain. Preached on modesty. Bought new tire. Vacuumed house.
Thursday - Payroll day at work. Ugh. Return stuffed lamb to niece. Bought plants at greenhouse. Dinner at The Sis' house. Home. Youth group stuff. Clean more. Fit formal dress. Record music.
Friday--has only just begun....

The DLF is not a happy camper right now(see post http://jewelsoftruth.blogspot.com/2008/01/vortex.html), because my To-Do list is increasingly unfulfilled. Trying to keep perspective on this whole life of craziness. Determining what is important. Trying to practice only what is important. Leaning on grace.

If I hadn't been placed by God where I am right now, gone to Bible college, ended up working in accounting and training in photography... here are some things that I might've become:

Trial Lawyer. Probably a prosecutor. Arguing for a living? Heck yeah! Too much schooling necessary, though. Maybe if I had an extra 10 years of life.

FBI Agent. I'm not even joking. Carry gun and solve cases and get bad guys? Sounds like my kinda deal... Yeah, so I read too many mysteries as a child.

High School Teacher. Cuz I just like teenagers. What an opportunity to influence the next generation.

Christian Music Star. I'm so glad God changed my mind on this. Waay too much opportunity for pride/sin in the industry. And the worship vs. entertainment debate was clearly resolved in favor of worship, for Biblical reasons.

Fiction Writer. But I couldn't reconcile spending so much time on something that didn't matter in eternity.

Nanny. Mmmm. That would require moving and living in a sinner's house. Ugh.

I thought about what I was going to become from the time I was ten years old. It was on my mind and in my heart. All I wanted to do was please God. Sometimes I didn't know how that would work out. I considered moving to California, Ohio or Florida for Bible college. God did not lead that way. In the end, God opened a door to be trained here at my home church. Three years after Bible school graduation, I'm still here. Working full-time. Unmarried. Doing a correspondence course again in my "free" time. Constantly seeking the Lord's will.

"The mind of man plans his ways, but the Lord directs His steps."
Proverbs 16:9

In the past, I thought that I could see the finish line. But really, I could only see until the first bend in the road. I've only ever been able to see a little way. And ya know what? That's cool with me. Because the will of God is perfect. I can put my life in His hands. Because He is trustworthy and faithful.

For now, I'll still be faithful to plan the next step, leaning on His peace to guide me. He'll still be faithful to direct these faltering, tentative steps of mine.

The Chronicles of Narnia series are my all-time favorite fiction books. I love the stories, the imagery, the English-ness, the purity of writing, the exaltation of nobility and courage and those character traits often ignored in this modern world. I love the references that C.S. Lewis (TCON's author) did not "intend" as allegory, yet they speak to me of Christ. I love that it is magic without demonic inspiration, and that there is a clear line between good and evil.

In hono(u)r of the newest Narnia movie, Prince Caspian, I am going to post my favorite lines from the book that were not included in the movie.

"No more of that, your Majesty, if you love me," -Trumkin the Dwarf

"He that is walking between the Centaur and the Giant has no look of surrender in his face." -Glozelle

"The Trees... quenched their thirst with deep draughts of mingled dew and rain, flavoured with forest flowers and the airy taste of the thinnest clouds."

"You came of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve. And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emporer in earth. Be content." -Aslan

"You are my King. I know the difference between giving advice and taking orders. You've had my advice, and now it's the time for orders." -Trumpkin the Dwarf

I'm not gonna post my opinion on Prince Caspian (the movie), because The Sis hasn't seen it yet and I don't wanna spoil her experience. :)

Spent my weekend at a garage sale. I love garage sales. Or so I thought. Now I know that I only love going to garage sales. I certainly do not love having them. But I'm trying to be positive, so here we go.

Good things during the Garage Sale:
-Fun conversation with The Chatty Girl and The Green-Eyed Girl on Friday night, all about love and relationships and marriage.
-The rain held off until 4:33 on Saturday afternoon!! So great!
-Babysitting or "Five-Year-Old-Sitting" (her words) The Namesake for a little while on Saturday. She is quite the entertaining red-haired little girl. She amused me, and I read her books while sitting in the afternoon sunshine.
-FOUR HOURS cutting, addressing and stamping The Little Bro's graduation announcements. I guess we know alot of people!
-Uninterrupted time to think, journal alot and study the Word.
-And hey, at least it was for a good cause. :)

Though many people use blogs to speak to certain situations in their lives, I do not. This bit of poetry is not directed at one particular friend. Rather, it's just my heart speaking to the many dearly loved ones who have known the Truth and now have deserted Christ.

Dear friend,
After all the truth that you heard,
I can't believe you walked away.
And here I am-waiting for your return!

I can't give up. I won't give up.
You haven't gone too far.
No, no... the Father is looking for you.
And I'm looking, too.

While you dance with the world,
Seeking vanity.
I'm down on my knees
Crying for mercy.

When will you see?
Yes, may the light pierce the dark!
May the Word yet be heard.
Let the Rock crush your heart.

Watching & praying
One hour. Or two.
One day. Or a hundred.
My friend...
When will you come home?

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
John 14:27

Take a breath.
Let your heart rest
in His peace.

Turn your eyes from troubles.
Turn aside from chaos.
Embrace His peace.

Grand total: 78 books (I think). My favorite finds? Where do I start?

Sacred Songs & Solos by Ira D. Sankey. His name was very familiar and it was a thin songbook that looked incredibly old. (I collect old hymnbooks). So it went in the box. After researching, I realized that the name was familiar because Ira Sankey was world-renowned as D.L. Moody’s partner in evangelistic ministry and as a prolific composer.

A Daughter of the Land by Gene Stratton-Porter. This book was in the collectors’ room for really old and rare books, which meant significantly more expensive. When I went back on half-price day, there it was!! Waiting for me. Calling to me…. LOL If you don't recognize the author, she also wrote The Girl of the Limberlost. If it still doesn't ring a bell, just remember-she's a good author. Take my word on that.

War on the White Slave Trade by Ernest A. Bell. I picked up this book because there was a quote by General William Book (founder of the Salvation Army) on the front. Just paging through it quickly, I read several stories of young women caught in sexual slavery in early America and the efforts of the Church to fight against it through governmental avenues and through ministry! Awesome!

And more: A book on 19th century etiquette (fascinating!), the autobiography of Charles Finney, four books by Grace Livingston Hill, an old hardcover of Les Miserables, Spurgeon’s Sermons, several books by L.M. Montgomery, a Methodist hymnal, two books in the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley, a book by Paul/David Yonggi Cho (pastor of the largest church in the world), some Andrew Murray, several by Louisa M. Alcott, some cookbooks, several cute little books for The Niece and many more…

And besides all the great books, I had fun, too!!
-Standing in the rain with The Chatty Girl, who was wonderful enough to lose sleep and be excellent company going to a book sale when she doesn’t even like books!

-Eavesdropping on the conversation of two guys in line in front of us. One said, “Perelandra” and my ears went on high alert. They were talking about a series written by C.S. Lewis that I’ve been wanting to read. The conversation was quite intriguing, especially when they mentioned its “Christian themes.” I should’ve just talked to them, but *shrug* what can I say? Sometimes I’m shy.

-A funny little comic of stick people that I drew while eating breakfast. It was a drawing of the The Chatty Girl and myself, and I was dragging a Santa Claus bag full of books. And this tiny comic was hilarious because we were eating breakfast at 6:30 am on a Saturday, when normal people sleep. We were tired and therefore, silly.

And I can't wait 'til next year's book sale!!!

What book sale am I speaking of?
The 47th Annual AAUW Book Sale on Penn State campus. They say it’s one of biggest sales on the East Coast. And oh, it is AWESOME!

It is awesome because the books are CHEAP, they are MANY (250,000+) and they’re sorted into categories. Otherwise, it’d be overwhelming. As it is, the volume staggers me.

I’m a book collector, a book lover, a book reader, maybe a bookworm. But I’m turning into a very selective book buyer. A book “snob” just sounds so harsh. I buy books to read them and study them and reference them and decorate with them.

There’s a method to my (book) madness. The important three categories are Collectors, Children and Religion. I go in that order, because the best books are the old ones. Children’s books are way popular, so I go to that category next. I go to Religion last, because I work under the assumption that truth is unpopular in our secular culture, so few people know and/or want the incredible Christian writers of old. Usually, I find the best Christian books in the Collectors section anyway. Strange, I know.

I love good books. I like older books because they’re generally more likely to be “good” books. I read few books of modern fiction (written within last 50-60 years). And I hate, hate, HATE those horrible Harlequin romance novels. Even the sight of them makes me nauseous. There was someone buying a whole stack of those in front of me in line, and I had to look at the ceiling to avoid being sick… Speaking of hating books, as I was glancing through titles in the Religion section, I picked up a copy of the book of Mormon. As I realized what the title was, I dropped it like my hands were on fire. I do not fear heresy, but I despise it with a holy passion.

Anyway, more on the book sale to come...

One of my biggest "beefs" with the dating system is the imitation of marriage. And it just seems to get worse and worse through the years. For example, a guy and a girl start dating. And suddenly they cease to be individuals. They become one unit. They are "nameandname." They vacation together, hobbyize together, buy things together, receive invitations together, make decisions together, depend on one another for conversation, emotional stability, advice etc., and if they're sinners, they live together. Doesn't that just sound nice and adorable and romantic? Oh sure, and I would totally be a supporter... Except one majorly important fact. They're not married!! In the eyes of God, they're not "together" and won't be together until they make that covenant.

There is no "partnership" or "joint ventures," until God has joined them together. Period. I don't care what the world has determined is appropriate. You see, in the Bible there are only two "statuses:" single and married. 1 Corinthians 7 makes that clear. And I think the Bible trumps Facebook any day.

No ring. No covenant. No privileges.

The conclusion?
Treat people based on their Biblical status. If they're single, treat them like single people. If they're married, treat them like married people/a.k.a. the real couples. Stop letting the world and the devil tell you how to think!

At church, we're back to the sermon series about "the New Birth." We went on a little rabbit trail about love and unity and other such things. Actually, we started this sermon series so long ago that I don't remember the beginning. Haha. Anyway, I've been thinking about what a Christian really is... And what a Christian is NOT.

I know people will accuse me of being proud and self-righteous by daring to think that I (a fallible human being) could actually pass judgment on another person's soul. It's not that hard really. For example, a co-worker uses vulgar language and five minutes later is talking about what the pastor said at his church on Sunday. I know that Christ would not do that. He is too holy, too perfect, too set apart. This coworker possesses the name of Christian--but there is no power, no holiness, to reflection of the glory of God. It's obvious. His character is the same as his father, the devil. My coworker could be called a "nominal Christian." And I've had several conversations with nominal Christians in the last couple days.

What is a "nominal Christian?" I'm so glad you asked.

(the following italicized content is culled from an article called, "The Nominal Christian" from http://www.comprehensivechristian.com/)

The term nominal means, “in name only.” A nominal Christian can be defined as one who may be religious, but not godly. Claiming allegiance to God, but manifesting no power as the sons of God. Essentially, he is one who does not really believe that the Lord should be the Lord of his or her life. He would actually rather share the Lordship over his life with the Lord Himself!

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

A nominal Christian is one who places a higher value on his personal opinion and experience rather than on the Word of God. A nominal Christian is one who bends with the wind and compromises the truth of Jesus at the slightest threat of persecution. One who loves money and respects wealth and wealthy people more than the children of God. He likes comfort and not the cross. He would rather be a people pleaser than a God pleaser. He would rather save face than admit he is wrong when is confronted with the Truth of God.

The biggest and most tragic aspect of the Nominal Christian’s thinking is that he thinks that he is truly good and accepted with the Lord.

Here’s what the Lord says about that,
Revelation 3:1c ,
"I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

A nominal Christian therefore may be religious, read the Bible and pray at set times or he may do it at random times and on certain occasions. He may be a philanthropist.
He may be a, “model citizen” in the eyes of society, one who has a very good work ethic and is basically a moral person. Yet, he has no life of the Risen Savior within Him.

A nominal Christian is not a Christian at all. He is not "saved." He is eternally lost. Unless the nominal Christian realizes the error of his ways and repents, only torment is his future and hell, his destination. And this is the part that breaks my heart!

I always seem to learn stuff during the weekends. And write it out in list form. Weird. But I guess everybody needs a quirk or two. It keeps 'em interesting. *smile* Moving on...

I love walks down country roads. Throwing sticks in the creek with the nieces, poking our noses around a deserted cabin, looking at the "salmon" (actually trout), marvelling at the rich colors of the forest carpeted with violets, petting curious horses. Yup, simple pleasures. And city friends, don't knock it 'til ya try it! :)

Being awake in double-digit time is hard on me. Even while drinking chai, with my two very nice friends "Caffeine" and "Sugar." I stand by my previous assumption that there is no such thing as a 'morning person' or 'night owl.' It's all about training your body to a schedule. Mine is trained to the early-to-rise thing. At least, it is by Friday. Weekends just wack me out.

Family togetherness is just cool. The Other Bro and his family were visiting from North Carolina. The Other Bro is so named because he's my "little" bro, but the other little bro is 'littler.' Haha. So we got to hang out for awhile. Funny stuff is The Other Bro & The Little Bro discussing whether the driveway was level. The conversation went something like this: "No, it's not!" "Yes, it is!" "No, it's not!" "Yes, it is!" That's what happens when two know-it-alls get together. :)

My first *real* photo shoot was exhausting/exhilarating. For 3 1/2 hours on Saturday afternoon, the Little Bro and I haunted local picturesque locations for backgrounds in his senior pictures. I was shooting him. (Yes, laugh about that sentence. I think it's ridiculously funny, too) I've surmised that while I got the creativity genes, the scientific/analytical genes went entirely to The Other Bro. I've got the vision--but the journey to the vision is tough. Technical stuff always means "more work, less fun" for me. But we'll sludge through it, no doubt, and have some masterful images.

Favorite Foods from the Weekend
-Sour Patch Kids... cuz they remind me of my childhood.
-Whipped Cream... cuz it's just awesome.
-Burritoes... it's a Texan thing.

Enough lists already! :)

Sometimes (okay, all the time), God just amazes me. He knows just what I need and provides it for me. I had been wondering how God could provide what I needed. Reality screamed louder than His promises. Things looked hopeless and the future was bleak. How could God provide what seemed impossible to me?

In the last 24 hours, God confirmed His promise to me no less than 3 times. In the nighttime. In a rabbit trail in a sermon. In a conversation at a birthday party. I always wondered how God could confirm His Word to people in practical ways. Until today when I experienced His miraculous confirmations firsthand.

He reminded me that, He is my Provider. He has already been to my place of need and provided for me in that time. He is faithful to perform His Word.

There is peace in my soul again. Thank You, Jesus.

Maturity is growing up. Maturity is putting away childish and juvenile interests, expressions, mannerisms and demands. Maturity is disagreeing gracefully. Maturity is being genuinely interested in other people. It is learning to listen. It is not having to constantly talk about yourself. Maturity is being secure in yourself in all situations. Maturity is free from intimidation and fear of man. Maturity is being who you are no matter who you're with and not being ashamed of it. Maturity is being content with what you have. Maturity is not defining yourself by the type, brand, price and status of your posessions. Maturity is remaining humble when you are exalted. Maturity is being able to relate to all ages/classes of people while communicating a sense of equal importance. Maturity is being alone and unafraid. Maturity is being vulnerable in soul among friends. Maturity is never putting up a facade. Maturity is knowing what you want and walking away from it. Maturity is knowing your dreams and laying them down. Maturity is making life decisions based on long-term, rather than short-term satisfaction. Maturity is not having to know everything about everyone. Maturity is not speaking negative words about anyone, even if it's true. Maturity is remaining calm during confrontation. Maturity is treating each person as if they've never wronged you. Matury is fading into the background instead of being in the spotlight. Maturity is speaking few words and speaking them well. Maturity is running from evil without hesitation.

Maturity is not an age thing. It's not a looks thing. Maturity isn't even about what you do. Maturity is about what you do as a result of who you've become on the inside. Maturity is allowing Christ to replace you. Maturity = Unselfishness. Maturity is growing up in God.

Conversation #1:

Secretary says to me, “Now since you and I are the only single girls here, don’t you think they should hire some good-looking techs for us??”

Me “Ummmmm”

Boss laughing, “Yeah, ‘Amethyst,’ I’m gonna leave this up to you!”

Secretary, “We need some 'eye candy!'” (Inwardly I'm gagging. I hate that term!)

Boss, “Amethyst, you have the final say here.”

Me “No comment”

Boss laughing: “That settles it!”

Secretary, “But ‘no comment’ could go either way! She just has a boyfriend and isn’t telling us about it. That’s why she said that!”

Me “No, I don’t!!”



Conversation #2:

Wide-eyed Office personnel, “Obama is the antichrist!”

Boss opens his mouth then closes it. “I’m not gonna say anything, because some people want him in.”

Office personnel “Yeah, like people in padded rooms!”

Secretary, “My mom wants him in.”

Strange as it is, I was thinking alot about cults and heresy last weekend. This group includes anyone who appears "Christian" but denies Jesus as the Son of God and/or the born again experience. Anyone who exalts a human or angelic messanger as speaking the Words of God that are opposite the revealed Word of God (the Bible). Anyone who denies the Trinity, the inerrancy or authority of Scripture, etc.


Read a book about a former Jehovah's Witness who submitted himself to the true Lord and was radically saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit. It was a radical story and delved deep into the doctrinal deceptions of that particular cult. This guy had the most problems accepting Jesus as Lord. Which is kinda funny when ya think about it. Modern Christianity would say, 'believe in Jesus, accept Him in your heart and you're saved!' This man did believe in Jesus and accept Him, as a Jehovah's Witness! But even the devils believe and tremble, so belief does not equal salvation. Salvation came when this man recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and submitted his entire life to the Lord. The book is called, Kicked Out of the Kingdom by Charles Trombley.

Read another book, Mara by Isabella Alden. This one kinda stunned me because it was a novel and I was not expecting such a thorough book about Mormons. And it wasn't even your everyday, suit-and-tie, door-to-door salesman kind of Mormons. This was about Mormonism back in the day when polygamy was widely accepted. And it hit me hard because of the recent news story about the police raid in Texas, where 463 minors were removed from a cult's compound because of underage marriage and sexual abuse. FLDS is just a reincarnation of early American Mormonism. Their basic problem is believing that works will get them into heaven (wrong!!), and because the words of men tell them which exact works get them into heaven, they are led into particularly repulsive sin, like so-called "plural marriage." Oh, how I HATE that term! It is really the filth of adultery in the guise of religion.

And then there's the Amish. No one wants to call them a 'cult.' Because the thought of living without modern conveniences is idyllic and sensationalized (at least in touristy Amish country, PA). Sure, they have the 'name' of Christian. But are they? No, I don't think so. They deny the born again experience. After all the religious activity and avoiding worldliness that they do, according to their doctrine, salvation is not guarenteed. They can only hope that they'll make it to heaven. No faith involved. Has Christ died in vain? Does His blood, pain, death and resurrection mean nothing?? May it never be!

There are more that I could speak of... The deceptions of the "Orthodox" church, which is actually un-orthodox when compared to the Word of God. The heresy of the Catholicism which recognizes a man (the Pope) as having more authority than the Bible. Both of these churches (though supposedly diametrically opposed to the other) deny the born again experience, and embrace salvation by works. The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by faith alone, and that we show faith by our works. Jesus died as a sacrifice for sins, once for all, and now we are to walk in His steps. In the holiness that He would walk in. In true Christianity, faith and works are married together.

How should we live in these days of deception?

Stand for truth.
Speak it in love.
Walk in humility.
Keep a grateful heart.
Be sober & alert.
Look to Christ alone!