Z: Zodiac

And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Deuteronomy 4:19

I paid five dollars to have my palm read in 1993 at the Oregon State Fair. The gypsy-looking woman studied my hand and told me some distressing news: my lifeline was extremely short – barely visible. I would die young. My love line was broken: I wouldn’t find love until later in life. So, I was to die young and find love when I was old. Awesome.

I will admit that for years, I enjoyed reading my daily horoscope and finding ways that it rang true. I kept a horoscope taped to my refrigerator from a few years ago that I particularly liked: “Be patient with the current state of things. You will have more than one career in your lifetime and several big adventures. Whenever you’re in a lull, as you may be now, rest up and take full advantage.” I liked it because, like most horoscopes, it was an encouraging message. But, it didn't apply to every Cancer I knew. It was entertainment – not prophesy. At least, that's how I used to justify it.

Years later, I had another palm reading by a woman who said she was Catholic. This time, my reading indicated that my lifeline was long and steady: I would enjoy good health long into old age.

I know that many Christians believe astrology is heresy. I know other folks who believe in star signs and even use it in place of traditional religion. For me, it was a fun diversion; interesting to see the coincidences and nice to read encouraging messages. After researching what God’s word says on the subject, I no longer consider it harmless entertainment. The old horoscope clipping came down, and if anyone wants to know my sign, well that’s irrelevant.

Harmless or risky: what do you think about astrology, horoscopes, and palm readers?

Y: #YOLO

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement

Hebrews 9:27

For the past year or so, I've been hearing young adults use the word "YOLO" to explain why they take risks or make irresponsible choices. YOLO, for any who do not know, stands for "you only live once."

That sentiment can be taken in a few different ways, as The Lonely Island song, "YOLO" demonstrates (a parody about being overly cautious so you don't die): 

But, everyone is going to die, so instead of using YOLO as an excuse to push boundaries (or never leave the house), please use this as a reminder that you will also only die once, and then you will face judgement.

Your past doesn't disqualify you from God's grace. But refusing to acknowledge Jesus Christ's sacrifice and accept the grace freely given, will. You never know when you're going to die, so please make a decision before it's too late.

Reblog: I'll Drink The Cool Aid!

I wrote my favorite blog entry a few weeks after I began blogging, on August 29, 2011, when I got a Facebook message in response to my previous entries about the FOC. The message read:

“Interesting.. since I don’t belong to your cult, I am going to hell? dude thats f--ed up!! will you drink the punch if asked too?”

This is my response: yes, you're going to Hell and yes, I will drink the punch.

In middle school (mid-1980s) we have the Rajneeshee cult here in Oregon. It is a big deal on the news. Many of their members wear red and we all joke that our vice-principal is a member because she has a red suit she wears once a week.

In high school I write a paper about the Jonestown cult. I know what a cult is. I have even heard it whispered that the Followers are a cult. But it doesn’t matter what we’re called. This is the only truth I know.

There are two ways to get into heaven and I would take either one without blinking an eye. The first is to be baptized by a prophet. Since the last living prophet died four years before I was born, I am stuck with door number two: martyrdom.

People want to know why the Followers allow their children to die. Why not take them to a doctor? Let me tell you why: we are told that the only option we have to absolutely ensure salvation is martyrdom.

If a woman dies in childbirth, it has been proven (I cannot give the details of this proof here because I want you to read my memoir) that she is assured salvation. If a child dies and his family has the faith and trust to allow God’s will to be done, then that child is also on his way to the streets paved in gold.

I don’t know if you can understand this, but fear is a powerful thing. I do not want to go to Hell. If there is a temporary suffering – even if that means two days of hard child-birthing followed by a slow and painful death with my baby still unborn – I choose to take that route over an eternity of Hell Fire and Damnation where there will be weeping an gnashing of teeth. If watching my two year old child die because she needs an insulin shot will mean she gets a free ticket in, well, thank God I am not faced with that choice. We all know that God sent His son to die a horrible death. God even asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Why should our children be spared?

I think about Hell all the time. I obsess about it. I imagine the day I am thrown in. I picture the weeping and gnashing of teeth. I’m not sure what gnashing is, but I think it involves a demon bashing my teeth in with a sledgehammer; new teeth replace the old and the process repeats for all of eternity. I suppose this teeth bashing happens inside a pool of boiling lava. My skin melts off and regenerates in endless torture.

            So, yes, if drinking the punch keeps me out of Hell, then bottoms up, baby!

X: Xenophobe

Preachers and pastors who make their paying career in ministry are false prophets, we were taught. Those hundreds of thousands of men who have gone through college and graduate school to study the bible and the original languages and contexts of the scriptures, biblical scholars, are fakes. They are not hand-picked men of God.

In college, I made friends with a young woman who was the daughter of a pastor. She was the first person to tell me about the trinity – she even drew a picture to explain it. At that point I was already out of the FOC, but still very much afraid of other belief systems and worldly churches. I told my mom about my new friend and what I was learning. Mom’s response was to sternly rebuke me for casting my pearls among the swine. Because the woman had a father who was a worldly pastor, because she was not “born holy” in the FOC, she was swine.

Xenophobe: a person who fears or hates foreigners, strange customs, etc.

Dictionary.com

How can the FOC receive help if not from a stranger or outsider? I’ve been thinking about this. From my own experience in public speaking, it’s not something that comes easily or naturally. Just imagine, being very sheltered in who and what you were exposed to and then suddenly being called to become a preacher! I have to believe that these men (Walter White and other FOC preachers) really were lead and inspired by God, through the Holy Spirit to preach the word. How else could they have captivated such a loyal following? But, I have also come to accept that the FOC did not alone hold God’s heart. God didn’t send Jesus to die on the cross just for that little town in Oregon. God cares about the souls of the whole world.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 13:2

Last Sunday, I printed a message from a stranger to the OC FOC. I don’t know what his message is, or what God is calling his friend to do. But, I do believe that if the group is to be helped, it is very likely that the help will come from the outside.

W: Wisdom

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain therof than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every on that retaineth her.

Proverbs 3:13-18

When I consider this passage of scripture, I notice that the positive attribute of wisdom is spoken of as feminine. It reminds me of a young man I recently met (around eight or nine years old) who happily told me, “Girls are smarter than boys and boys are stronger than girls.” I was surprised that he didn’t seem bothered by this apparent fact. He was just happy to be stronger than girls. I have taught every grade level from Kindergarten through college, with the exception of second grade and high school seniors, so I do have an opinion about his statement (boys are stronger).

Yesterday, an agnostic friend sent me this picture, with the comment that I should stop reading (my favorite pastime):

So, I decided to apply wisdom to the situation by checking the bible verses listed on the man’s sign. Here they are:

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

Psalm 5:5

The have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not

Psalm 115:5

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Amos 5:15

There is no evidence in any of these three verses that “God hates book lernin’.” My conclusion is that this photograph is an anti-Christian hoax. I’d love to hear what you think.

V: Vessel (Are Women The Weaker Sex?)

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers are not hindered.

1 Peter 3:7

By Enid Neel

There are a lot of people who spin the Bible just like a politician spins the media. But what does the bible say about the relationship between men and women. Let's talk about a few specific points then we'll get to the big picture.

The bible compares men and women to pots. People in ancient times used clay pots for everything, so this was an analogy they had a better understanding of than we do. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:7 that a husband should honor a wife as a weaker vessel. A LOT of women are offended by this. But we don't understand the context. Jews had pots designated for different jobs around the house. There was a big plain pot with sturdy handles that you carried to the well for water. It was plain, serviceable and built for work. But this pot was left by the door. They had beautiful ornate pitchers that were filled out of this larger pot. They had lovely handles and ornate design, but were not meant to carry out of the heavy lifting. These were called the weaker vessels. That's how God designed the marriage relationship. God is the source, He is the water.

The husband as the head of the household, carries the responsibility of supplying his home with God's provisions. As the sturdy pot brings the nourishment into the home, the serving vessel, relieves him of some of his burden and in turn distributes the blessing to everyone in the home. Both are a valuable part of a supply chain. Neither is designed to do the others job. You wouldn't want to go to the well with your ice tea pitcher, neither would you want to fill the glasses on the table with a 5 gallon bucket! Both jobs are necessary and worthy of honor for the part they play. I am glad God views me as an ornate and beautiful pitcher to deliver living water to my family. Heaven only knows how often I feel like an old clay bucket, unappreciated and unnoticed. But the God of heaven has commanded my husband to honor me as a 'weaker vessel'. I am not designed to take on all the burdens that I sometimes try to take on. Is it any wonder our handles fall off and we get bunged up? We were not designed for 'heavy lifting'. We were designed to share our burdens with our spouse and our God. Not try to do it all ourselves.

This set up takes pressure off both husband and wife. God built us for our tasks, and enabled us to do them well. But God has not equipped us to take over our spouses' job. And we need to quit trying to ram a round peg into a square hole. Your husband was not designed to have the finesse of a dainty pitcher and your wife was not meant to carry the spiritual water to the house, that's your job...

Step up and own the job God has given each of you and your home will be a better place.

My name is Enid. As a wife, mother, sister and member of the human race(or rat race) I have come in contact with many marriage killers. I hope to share the pitfalls I've found, so that you can avoid them. Life is so much better when you go around obstacles ,not through them! Some of these things are so easy. Some are the hardest job you'll ever do...but your family is worth the effort. Thanks for reading!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Neel

U: Unbelievable

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

1 Peter 2:9

“That’s unbelievable!”

Talking to outsiders about the way I was raised in the FOC, with all its accompanying restrictions, rituals, and atypical beliefs, can be awkward. It can lead people to think of me as some kind of sheltered oddball who had that “weird” upbringing. When I have confessed to having been born at home, never having been inoculated, kissing people on the lips at church, being forbidden from making friends outside a closed group of people, and that all of my childhood friends have shunned me, I get these types of responses:

“I can’t believe that!”

“Did you grow up in the United States?”

“Did you live on a commune?”

          “Are your parents cousins?”

          “Yeah, right.”

          As a mother, I now experience a lot of firsts through my children: well child visits, shots (ouch, the kids say they hurt – and I’ll take their word for it), vacation bible school, AWANA, summer sleep away camp, soccer practice, cub scouts, ballet. My son will go to Outdoor School next year, an event I desperately wanted to participate in when I was in sixth grade. And, he’ll go to school dances. These are things I couldn’t do. These are common things that most people experience. My life was not common.

          I’m not complaining about my unbelievable upbringing. It is what it is (or, it was what it was). It’s part of what makes me who I am today. And I don’t mind being unusual.