A Controversial and Possibly Unpopular Post

I want to start this post off with this: everything I say today I truly believe is right based on Scripture. If you disagree with me, I do not hate you. :P I do encourage you, however, to examine the Bible carefully on this issue, and judge whether I am right or wrong.

This November, the United States of America will be electing a new leader for our country. This year's elections have been as hotly debated as ever, among all circles. Much discussion goes on every election season about how we, as children of God, should vote for our leaders. I want to give what I believe is the Biblical stand we should take on this.

In the beginning, there were four governments instituted by God for mankind.

• Self-Government (instituted at Creation) Genesis 2:16-17
• Family Government (instituted after the fall) Genesis 3:16-19
• Church Government 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1
• Civil Government Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 1:13

Before the flood, God did not allow men to set up civil government. When Cain killed Abel, for instance, God pronounced Cain's judgement and set a mark on him to prevent others from killing him. He did not let man rule over man. However, after the flood, God ordained that leaders should be set up to rule, in order to secure a temporal good: protecting mankind from violence. James Madison once said that the only reason civil government is necessary is because man will not conform to reasonable laws without restraint. How true this is! Whether they be the laws of God or of the land, people just HAVE to break them. In any case, each of these governments that God set up are to fulfill the goals God has for them. As Christians, we should be applying God's Word in every area of our lives, including what we do with our ballot. The policies we support or reject, and who we choose to represent us: these all should be guided by our faith in Christ.

Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

As citizens of the U.S., it is our privilege, but more importantly, our responsibility to provide able leaders for our country. Listen to this quote:

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual — or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” — Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, 1781

Did you catch that? We are accountable to God for how we vote. Sobering. 

“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate — look to his character.” — Noah Webster

So then, what are the Biblical guidelines for how we need to place our vote? 

Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

1. The candidate must be naturally competent.

Note where it says "able" men. This word means strong, valiant, and virtuous. This would seem obvious, but many of those filling positions of authority today are NOT able men! They will simply vote with their party, even on things that are totally unconstitutional. Some of them can't even balance their personal checkbook, and we are allowing them access and responsibility with billions of dollars worth of assets. Smart.

Important Note: Natural competency is not enough. Just like in church government, we can't ordain a pastor just because he has a good speaking voice, and knows how to write a great outline. There are other important factors to consider besides the fact that this guy knows his stuff. Moral and spiritual aspects are much more important than ability.

2. The candidate needs to be personally conscientious.

"Men of truth, hating covetousness" 

• Conscientious in the area of morality: Job 29:16 "I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out." How many times do politicians put their stamp of approval or disapproval on something they haven't even read?? That's immorality! Proverbs 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 29:7 "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."
• Conscientious in the area of money: Many that go into office are simply there to see how much they can get out of it. Ridiculously large salaries, lavish vacations, etc., are not the right thing for these people to be focused on! 1 Timothy 6:9-10 "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

3. The candidate must be spiritually conditioned.

"Such as fear God"

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

“Look well to the characters and qualifications of those you elect and raise to office and places of trust.” — Matthias Burnett, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Norwalk, An Election Sermon, Preached at Hartford, on the Day of the Anniversary Election, May 12, 1803

So we have talked about all these things that the candidate should be: how do we apply it? Keep in mind that "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13) The statement "I don't want to waste my vote, so I'll just vote for the lesser of two evils" is completely unscriptural. Christians should not vote for evil, period! When we look at a candidate, if they do not meet these qualifications, we should not vote for them. If there is literally no other options, vote for the best one. BUT. This is rarely the case! With the presidential election this year, neither candidate for the main parties is Godly. I'm just going to say that right out. So...what does that mean? We need to research, and find who is the best person to vote for according to God's Word. If that means voting for a third-party candidate (gasp!), then what's it to you? If you are honoring God, isn't that more important than going for who you think will win? God will bless if Christians choose to please Him with their votes, regardless of the odds. My vote is not wasted if I am obedient to God. I will not compromise Biblical truth in order to vote for a man who may have a better chance of winning, but who is not qualified naturally, personally, and spiritually. Let me give you a couple more verses to think about.

Psalms 75:6-7 "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."

Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."

Your vote is in God's hands, not yours! He is in control: choose to obey, and leave the results up to Him. He will bless you for it.

I realize this was a long post, and controversial to boot, but I think it is such an important issue. Many Christians tend to gloss over it, or just decide not to vote at all. I do not condone that! (See my introduction :) I want to thank my dad for his extensive research on this issue. The quotes and Scriptures in this post I borrowed largely from his work in finding them. The convictions I have stated are wholly my own, however. I would encourage you to study this issue out with an open mind. There are SO many more Scriptures I could have put in, but couldn't due to time/length. I would love to hear your comments, but please do keep them respectful. :) I am simply stating what I believe is right.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! Enjoy the sunshine and/or scorching heat wherever you live! ;D

Mykaela

Sunday Snippets: What's So Special About Your Fish?

Matthew 14:17-18, 20-21 "And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."

John 21:9-10, 12 "As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught."

Luke 24:41-43 "And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them."

I know there are a lot of Scriptures there to read, but please do take the time, or my points aren't going to make that much sense. (They might not anyways, so please just give me the best chance you can, haha! ;) 

This past week I was feeling a bit discouraged because sometimes I feel like I am not using my abilities to their fullest potential to serve The Lord. I do what I can, but sometimes it can feel very small! As I was working out one evening, I was reading the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, and it struck me again how the sweet humility of a little boy who shared his fish with The Master blessed thousands of people. Thousands. I highly doubt he could have guessed that on the day he walked out to see Jesus, carrying the little lunch his mama packed for him, that he would be used of God to bless that many people with a satisfying meal AND the incredible privilege of seeing a miracle!! He simply gave his fish to Jesus, trusting that they would be used how He willed. 

The second story took place after Christ's resurrection, when the disciples went back to their old occupation of fishing. (Not for men). Having caught nothing at all during the night, they were returning wearily when Jesus called out to them from shore, asking if they had caught anything. When they replied in the negative, He told them to throw their nets on the other side. We know the story from there...they did, and the nets were filled to breaking with fish. When Peter realized Who the man on the shore was, he jumped overboard and swam to meet Him. After they all got there, Jesus had cooked fish waiting, but He also asked them to give some of the fish that they had caught. The small group of disciples then ate a meal with Jesus.

My last example is from right after the resurrection, when Christ went into the room where the disciples were gathered and mourning His death. They couldn't believe that it was truly Him, and were afraid that it was a ghost! To prove to them that He was real flesh and blood, Jesus ate fish and honey in front of them. 

You can probably see where I'm going with this by now. Let's compare our talents, abilities, and resources to fish. When we give them to God to use as He wants to, does it really matter what He chooses to do with them? If I were to write a song, and God used it to bless thousands of people, what a wonderful thing!! However, if it only encouraged a small handful of believers, or if I just sang it in my heart as a song of praise to The Lord, is it any less wonderful? I don't believe so! Or what if someone was an amazing carpenter or builder, and wanted to use his talent for God: If he constructed a massive church building that could hold hundreds, and with the same humble attitude of giving, put on a new roof for a struggling family in the church, I don't believe God would be any less pleased with him for the "smaller" service.

If I sent someone a gift of money on their birthday, would I text or call them every single day after they got it, to make sure that they were spending it how I wanted them to?? Of course not! That would be totally ridiculous! So if I'm giving God everything I have in me, should I be worrying about how He uses it? Nope. If He decides to lift up and encourage just one single person through me, it's worth it. It will always be worth it to give my all to Him. Whether my fish are big or tiny, beautiful or rather smelly, weird looking fish, I want to be willing to let Him have them! :)

This week, let's give our fishes to Jesus, and leave them in His hand to use...Let's not take them back because He's not feeding five thousand with them! Maybe He wants you to give your fishes to Him just as a test of your love! May we always give of our best to The Master.

Mykaela

Sunday Snippets: Are You Covetous or Contented?

Hebrews 13:5, 14 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (14) For we have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come."

I was thinking today about the lives of those who do not know Christ. As I grew up in a Christian home, and got saved at age 10, I didn't ever have too much exposure to the darker side of the world. (A fact which I thank my parents sincerely for.) But as a Christian, my entire life goals, desires, and dreams have changed so drastically from what they would be if I didn't know The Lord! As a Christian, we have only One Person to try to please. As we follow God step by step, day by day, the other areas of our lives will fall into place if we are in His perfect will. We don't have to try to impress people, or gain a great name for ourselves...our very identity is wholly in Christ, whom we serve. 

As a non-Christian, what would you have to live for or strive after? Fame? Wealth? Extreme popularity or beauty? Or the biggest one, relationships and "love"? If you did not have a knowledge that this life is meant to be lived for God, what would you do with it? For me, I can see myself being drawn by fame. I love to play the piano and sing, and if I did not have the worldview I do, I would probably be going for my "moment in the spotlight". I'm just being honest. But as a Child of The King, I don't need the spotlight. Why? Because this world is not my home. And the only One I need approval from is The One who holds my life in His hands. I don't find fulfillment in the applause of man, or in gaining wealth. I also don't need to be in a relationship to be fulfilled. If and when God brings that into my life, great. But until then, I shouldn't be moping around moaning and groaning! ;) I have a life to life for Christ!

This being said, I'm not saying it's wrong to have money. I believe that the more you have, the more responsibility you have before God to use it for His glory. I've never been in a position of wealth, but I pray that if I was, I would strive to be a good steward of it. It's the same with fame! It's not wicked to have it--if you're not getting it from the wrong places, with the wrong motives, and for all the wrong reasons. And again, if you have a position of influence, use it! You have opportunities that perhaps no one else has to serve The Lord! And if you are in a Godly relationship, praise God...let your love be a shining example of Christ's love for His Bride. :)

For those of us without many of these things, we must understand that our lives are not meant to be lived in pursuit of happiness from the things of this world. We were put here to glorify God, and to lead others to Him. Our fulfillment and identity are to be found in serving The One who set us free! Let's stop living like this life is all we have, and start doing what we are able to for God. Whether that be large or small, we owe it to Him; along with so much more. He will never leave us nor forsake us...Christ is all we need! 

Mykaela

Sunday Snippets: Leaping Walls

2 Samuel 22:30 "For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall."

Walls. They can be really good, or really bad. If there is a city or home under attack, strong walls are essential for protection and refuge for those inside. But if there are two people who should be together, and a wall separates them, (whether literally or figuratively), the wall is a curse, not a blessing. Today I want to talk about the different walls that we sometimes face. 

One example is family members who do not share your faith. Are there some walls there? Ohhh, yes. When you don't share the common bond of Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him, the gap between you will just continue to grow as the years go by! (I speak from very real personal experience.) What about an offense that has come between you and another brother or sister in Christ? If not taken care of, that wall can become higher and thicker, until reconciliation is a thousand times more difficult that it should have been. Sometimes, people build walls inside to protect themselves from being hurt by other people. 

In each of these situations, there is sin involved. Reconciliation should be sought after quickly when walls come between people, and you cannot love without being hurt. It's just a fact of this life. Did Jesus forbear to love Judas Iscariot even knowing He would be betrayed by him? No! He still put forth the effort and time involved to invest in Judas' life and show him God's love...even though he didn't deserve it. 

In this verse in 2 Samuel, it says that "by my God have I leaped over a wall". When we come to a wall in our lives, what do we do? Do we run at it with all our puny strength, trying to smash through it by ourselves? Do we just ignore it, pretending it doesn't exist, (and thereby making it worse)? Well, according to God's Word, it's through HIS strength that we can get past these walls! Only in Christ can we reach a lost family member, or find courage to forgive someone who has wronged us, or love someone unconditionally even though they might tear us apart later! If you are facing walls that look way too high and thick to push past, remember the city of Jericho in the Old Testament. Through the power of Almighty God, those walls crumbled away like nothing before the Israelites. Turn to God in prayer, asking Him for help...He is not going to let you down!! By our God, we CAN get through these barriers that threaten to overwhelm us. "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD..." Psalm 71:16a

I hope each one of you has an amazing week. Be strong in The Lord, and in the power of His might! :)
Mykaela

Fun Post: June Favorites

Initial disclaimer: This post is inspired by the lovely Kimberly, who was in turn inspired by Miss Rebekah Joy. Gotta love "plagiarizing" ideas from other bloggers. ;)

So this month, I've been doing lots of stuff, and just thought you all might like an update of sorts. :) I've been:
Reading...
A Voice in The Wind and The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers. Both incredible books that have made me laugh and cry, and ultimately have challenged me on several issues. I can't 100% recommend everything she says in them as far as doctrine, etc., but they are overall really incredible books!

Listening To...
This one Lexi Walker song. So pretty. My two absolute favorite artists, the Pettits and the Galkins. In particular, my favorite song, (Yes I just said that. My favorite song ever. I was actually able to pick one.) It's called I'll Never Forsake You, and it has helped me through so many difficult times, or even just times when I'm incredibly happy and want to praise The Lord! SO. AMAZING.

Working On...
Helping get my studio apartment in the basement fixed up. Especially the bathroom...it looks like a whole new room!! My dad is incredible at doing anything and everything remodeling, and my mom is a determined worker and loves making things beautiful! <3 

Wearing...
A lot of maxi skirts. I've been getting into the graphic tee + maxi pairing, and really enjoying wearing the couple of outfits I have that fit that description. ;P

Going...
Over the mountains to Oak Harbor (where my home church is), for the graduation of some good friends. Congratulations to them as they start new adventures!! I had so much fun over there with everyone. :)

Playing...
"Give me Jesus" and "Bow the Knee". Some of my favorite songs to play on piano and sing. :)

Writing...
A new song entitled "Matchless Redemption". I was going for a strong salvation message in this one, so the verses kind of talk about my personal salvation experience, and the chorus talks about the glorious redemption we have through Jesus Christ.

Looking Forward to...
Going to see Kimberly in August!!! Super thrilled that I have this opportunity. I'm hopefully going to be crossing off several bucket list items while with her, so it should be a pretty interesting 10 days! ;P One of those items is going on a big roller coaster. My hands are already slightly sweaty. XD

Wishing For...
A way that I could get into rock climbing/bouldering without so much time, expense, and difficulty reconciling modesty standards and harnessing equipment. :( Oh, well. I'll live. ;)

Celebrating...
My little brother Kayson's 8th birthday!? I cannot believe that he is already 8....:O Crazy!! Also celebrated the one year anniversary of Blessed Hope Baptist Outreach this last month. Praise The Lord!

Baking/Cooking...
Broccoli Cheddar soup and Chicken Spinach alfredo. YUM.

Nibbling...
Starbursts; why I've been so into them lately, I do not know. I refuse to buy them anymore because I will eat all of them in one to two sittings. Ach!! :P

Drinking...
The coffee to beat all other coffees to tiny, itty bitty smithereens: *drum roll* BLUE STAR!! I've finally found a place in Wenatchee that sells it!! I was soooo thrilled when I saw that sign in the market. You guys will never understand how much I adore Blue Star coffee. 16 oz. triple shot hot breve with brown sugar. Sometimes a quad shot if I'm feeling wild. ;D

Planning on...
Starting to play piano at the public market I mentioned in the last point!! It's a really cool indoor farmer's market type thing, located in what used to be an old steel mill. There is a grand piano that you can put your name on a signup to play, and though you can't "solicit" tips, you're allowed to have a tip jar. ;) We'll see how that goes. I love the market, and it's not as much stress as actually performing...if people don't like my music, they are welcome to walk on by, lol! :D

Well, there ya have it! Hope I didn't bore you guys too much here. What have you been enjoying this month??
Mykaela
P.S. Just realized I have a rather large amount of links in this post, and I mentioned a couple of brand names. I have no sponsors or affiliates, and I do not own any rights. There we go. :P

Sunday Snippets: An Open Letter to my Generation

Proverbs 30:12 "There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness."
A few months back, I wrote a post in letter form, addressed to those embarking on a missions trip. It was well received, and I enjoyed writing it, so today is going to be another letter. This one is a bit more sober, but I feel so, so strongly about it, and believe it needs to be said. This is an open letter to those of my generation that have turned 18 and leaped with abandon off of the deep end, so to speak. Or just lived at home in total rebellion if they aren't old enough to truly leave yet. You know who you are. So here goes. 

Dear Christian young person of my generation,
I had the opportunity to see you again recently. You have long since walked away from church and your family for the most part as well, but since there was a big event at church, you darkened the doors again, enduring the message and staying just long enough to eat afterwards. I heard almost a year ago about your decision to quit church, abandon your dreams of serving The Lord with your life, and start living only for yourself. You were one of dozens that I had received the same news of in the last couple years. Though it's happened a lot, it never hurts any less. There is same sickening sinking feeling knowing that yet another has fallen into Satan's trap of selfishness and pride.

As I watched you from across the room, I thought of the times I used to talk with you as a sister in Christ, discussing plans of how we could best serve in our respective ministries, or when I went on the same missions trip as you. We stood side by side in a far off land, giving what small blessings we could to those people, but receiving so much more from them. I remember talking about how good the message at camp was, and how we needed to apply it to our lives. I remembered playing games during fellowship time, laughing and singing with the group. As all these things ran through my head, it hit me hard how different things were now. Instead of discussing how best we could serve, we didn't even really talk. What do we have in common now? Instead of trying to bless others together, I now watched as you showed up with worldly clothing and no desire to come back until maybe the next big event at church. But possibly not even then, I mean...you're too cool for church now, I guess. You've become part of the majority. You've become a statistic at the top of an article: "How many young people leave the church after they graduate". You've become a vessel that is not willing or fit for The Master's use.

What I say to you now I say with every fiber of sincerity and love in me. Wake. Up. Please. You may not realize this, which is why I'm telling you: YOUR ACTIONS DO NOT EVER ONLY AFFECT YOU. Every single member of this body of Christ suffers without you here. You are missed at every church service, every outreach or door-knocking time, every single thing that happens, your absence leaves a hole. And when other young people look at you, and follow in your footsteps?? Guess what? An even bigger hole appears. And it grows and grows continually. 

I care deeply about you, as your friend and as your sister in Christ. There are many, many people who are weeping and praying for your return to the truth. I can promise you that when you walked out, it was a dark day for your parents, your true friends, your pastor, and your church. Every single one of us wants God's best for you! When you turned your back on His will for your life, you got out of the safety of His path. Every other way you follow will be rough and weary without His hand of blessing. I say none of this to be unkind, or to disrespect you. I am one of many who are sick and tired of watching Satan win. Of seeing our generation fall to ruins and stop being beacons to the world, but instead, opportunities for the world to mock true Christianity. Don't you think there are enough young people falling away, without you joining their ranks?! If you are going to truly serve God, you will be a minority. You will face difficulties. And you will be persecuted. But through Him, you can change the world. Standing alongside your brothers and sisters who chose the minority, you can help bring the lost world to Christ. That is the only worthy goal in this life. If you aren't following that goal, you are in the wrong place.

I exhort you to look around you and determine if you really want to continue on the path you're following. If you are in church, striving to follow God's will for your life, and honoring Him, then Amen!! You are part of the mighty few who will change the world for Christ. But if not, then I and every other true Christian beg, and plead with you to return to The Lord, for He will have mercy on you, and will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7) It's NEVER too late to start serving your Creator once more!! Love in Christ,
Mykaela

I Once was Lost...

My Personal Testimony

Today I'd like to tell the story of how I came to know The Lord. Some of you may have read my story in tract form (I hand it out regularly), but there is more to it than what I could feasibly put into a tri-fold 8.5x11. ;) 

I have been in a strong Christian home since I was born. I have heard The Bible preached, taught and sang since I was old enough to understand anything. Christianity has been ingrained into my very being for as long as I can remember! I am so thankful for this early teaching, and for the way my parents raised me. However, being a pastor's daughter and all, I put on a show for a long time. I looked like a really good kid on the outside...I mean, that's what I'm supposed to be, right? A model child! :) I was so, so far from truly being "good" on the inside, though. As a child, I made several false professions of faith, usually just so I would have something to say when someone asked the question, "So how did you get saved?". I knew deep down that it wasn't real. 

In fall of 2006, my family and I went to a tent meeting, where a very fiery preacher preached a message about Hell. Oh my GOODNESS... I was terrified out of my mind that night. I almost let go of my pride and talked to my mom, (who I later found out had been praying hard for me through that message). At the last possible second, I changed my mind and pushed away my conviction. For the next 6 months, I had the most horrible time of my entire life up to that point. I would stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning, terrified that I would die in the night and wake up in hell. I KNEW that I was not saved, yet I just would not take care of it!

During this time, a church member who I greatly looked up to passed away in his sleep. No apparent reason, he just didn't wake up one morning. I knew that he was in heaven, but that event certainly did not help my peace of mind!! I was having horrible nightmares, I was depressed and fearful, and as a result, my school grades were failing. I began to cheat nearly every day, and of course that led to lying in order to cover it up. I was under SO much conviction during this time!

Things were getting about as bad as they could be, until one day, (March 14, 2007 to be exact ;), my parents stayed up late checking my school over. Up to this point, they had trusted me with grading my own work for the most part. That night, they found out about the complete hole I had dug myself into. At around 1 in the morning, they woke me up and confronted me about my sin. I don't remember our entire conversation, but finally, for the first time, I saw it for what it was: I was sinning against a holy, righteous God! He had laid out a law in His Word, (The 10 Commandments), and I had broken every single one of them. James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." I had lied, stolen, dishonored my parents and God, and that sin was exactly what I was on my way to hell for. I had heard the salvation story a thousand times: We broke God's law, Jesus Christ came to earth to 'pay our fine' so to speak. The wages of sin is death, so to pay for our sin, Jesus had to die! All that He was asking me to do was turn away from my sin and towards Him in faith, believing that he could and would save me! That night, I finally let go of my pathetic excuses, my pride, and stubbornness, and asked God to save my soul. And you know what? ALL of that time that I spent fighting was completely useless. Somehow I thought that giving myself to God would be incredibly difficult. And it was--it was both the hardest and the easiest decision I have ever made in my life. There are not words in any language bright or beautiful enough to describe the glory of a lost sheep coming at last into The Good Shepherd's fold. The Bible says that there is rejoicing in heaven at such a time. What rejoicing that must be! Thousands of thousands of angels praising God together has got to be pretty spectacular! 

Ever since that day in 2007, my life has been irrevocably changed. My focus, desires, and interests have all been heavily influenced by my faith in Jesus Christ. The faith that had been my parents' finally became my own. Christianity is the only faith that you cannot be born into...every person must make the decision of their own accord. If you are reading this, and have never turned to Christ for salvation, I beg you to seriously consider your soul. We are never guaranteed tomorrow! Your eternal destiny is way, way too important to mess around with. You need to KNOW where you will be when you walk out of this life. And you can! 1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." Please think carefully about this; you may not have another chance. I can promise you with everything in me: you will never, ever regret it. Thank you for bearing with a long post today...this is truly the most important thing in my life, so I don't think it's something to be cut down! :) I am SO thankful for what God has done for me!!! I hope my story is a blessing to you as well. 
Mykaela