Wow - what an amazing night!!! Everyone came out, decorated their cars - really got into the fun of being around children... handed out tons of candy...gave away free snowcones and burritos from Taco Bell... and SHARED THE GOSPEL!!!
We had 6 stations set up where the Wordless Book was shared one color at a time.... Gold for the streets of Gold in Heaven... then onto the dark page - where you were told, Heaven sounds great but we can't go there because there is sin in our lives... oh but wait, there IS a way - onto the red page.... where they learned of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for their sin....(at this stop there were huge crowds - asking questions and wanting to know more...) down the lane a bit more to the white page where they learned that Jesus rose again on the third day and wants to invite us into His family!!!... (at this stop - they were offered the chance for salvation ... and over 100 accepted!!!!) .... then on to the green page where they learned how to grow in Christ.... then finally on to the blue page where our Helper the Holy Spirit was waiting to wrap it all up....
Again .... what an amazing night... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - for those of you who came out and was a part of this event.... your participation helped change someone's life.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
God's Appointed One
Pastor Mark Arnold in Lebanon, Ohio, wrote this true account. He first sent it out to a small handful of friends and relatives, never dreaming that, thanks to e-mail, it would travel around the world. As of today, he's heard back from 50 states, 36 nations, and several major Christian ministries and news networks, and he has received more than 11,800 e-mails.
When Arnold was asked what he felt the value was in letting this story go public, he said he is seeing people moved and coming out of the “caves” they've been in, coming alive and realizing that they need to get involved in the affairs of the nation and not sleep through this season as the church did when believers allowed prayer to be removed from schools.
Pastor Mark Arnold of Lebanon, Ohio, writes:
On Sept. 9, the McCain/Palin bus came through a little town called Lebanon, Ohio. The Lord allowed me to go to the rally [to give McCain and Palin] a message that He wanted me to personally deliver.
Sunday Night: A burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees--I prayed and wept for our nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them.
The God-haters are going to try everything to stop them, but they will not succeed!
God is not pleased with the “bashing” in the news of this “anointed” person [Sarah Palin]. He has called her for this time! I promised God that I would pray and hold them up in prayer. I would “listen” out and be mindful of where they were. The following day is important in this time line ... because I didn't even know until God spoke to me.
Monday and into Monday night: The burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping. I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio. I prayed and walked and wept and walked. I prayed and prayed and wept and prayed.
Tuesday at 2:00 a.m.: God spoke these words to me: “Go turn the radio on!” Immediately the reporter's words were, “McCain & Palin bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 a.m.
rally!”
Immediately on hearing that news, I heard God again. God said, “You are to go.
You will meet them and give them a message for Me!”
I prayed as an intercessor and went to a place in prayer that I don't think I've ever been … because the Lord had just visited me … and I knew I was on a “mission.” I had now been up since Sunday night … and now it's Tuesday and I've got to go on the “Word of the Lord.” He sure became my strength as this unfolds.
I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The news would later report they were expecting 5,000 people, [but] the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people.
I simply obeyed … and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to … and when to be on the move. I had sure learned on the mission field, when God wants to open a door, He will do it at the appropriate time. He always has someone to assist … and even those standing beside you may just be an angel.
I struck up a conversation with an agent on the ground. He simply said, “I can't allow you to stand here!” Here is where the bus was going to actually pull up to. They had to make a much larger perimeter, so the entire area was now being moved back several blocks. The only other thing he told me to do was to go through the metal detector zone and just watch from the back. So, that's what I did.
Due to [the] sensitivity of the Internet, I can't share much of the story. As to what happened next, [it] was a definite God thing all the way.
Looking over the shoulders and backs and heads of all those people … I knew it would take a miracle for what God told me to do.
As I was standing there, two Boy Scouts came running up my back. Literally, they almost knocked me to the ground because they were running so fast behind me, up my back and over to the right. These Boy Scouts were about Junior High age. Their Scout Leader and several others were behind them, but as the two out front [were] trying to push through the crowd, saying they were late, the smaller scouts were left in their dust. The Scout Leader, who was with a McCain rep. from the State, grabbed me and told me [to] bring the other Scouts up front as they try to keep up with the first two that just came through.
I just became the leader of the rest of the Scouts to lead them right up front and center. As the rep. was shouting back at me to bring the Scouts forward, the people parted just like God parted the Red Sea.
I marched those boys right up front and to the right of the stage as one was looking from the back. When I got there I was fifteen feet from the podium. God said, “Stand here, and don't move from this spot.
”
Within five minutes the bus pulled up, and around the other side McCain, Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, stepped up and the speeches took off. I was where God placed me … and even Sarah Palin and Todd were standing on my side of the stage. I made eye contact, I gave them thumbs-up gestures … and I knew they were just happy to see me standing there. Ha ha.
When they came around the podium and started on the other side, I knew they were coming right toward me. A little lady who stood by me, reached up and told the rep. that they had promised a picture with her because she was the one who had lost a son in Iraq recently. The rep. confirmed she would get a pic with them and they would talk to her.
When McCain came to hug her … he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the second time, and I said, “God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!” He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times. He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, “I won't make it without prayer. Sir, thank you for praying for me, and don't let one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin came over to my left side … standing over the crowd and then looking at the little lady who had lost the son. It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around. Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little mom, telling her, “It was not in vain.” She promised her support.
It was at this moment Sarah Palin reached out for me to help her up, and as I was assisting her to stand, I was now face-to-face with her, and God said, “Open up your mouth and I will fill it.
”
Here is what came out:
“God wants you to know that you are a present-day Esther!”
[She immediately began to cry!]
“God wants to tell you that you are chosen for such a time as this!”
“You are called, and chosen to be a leader.
”
“Don't lose heart and don't fear man.
”
“The news and naysayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you … and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat … but do not fear.
”
“You are a present-day Esther.” You are an Esther.
You are an Esther!
“Keep your eyes on God and know that He has chosen you to reign!”
“Stay strong ... be strong ... don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong.
”
Her husband, Todd, came over, and I told him what I told her. He began to cry.
I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time … and know that “she is God-called and God-anointed.
”
“This is a God-thing and your wife is a present-day Esther ... she is for God to use at this time ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther.
”
“You will be hated … but stand strong … God has called both of you to stand!”
“We are praying and I am praying for you!”
At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd, and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin.
“Mr. McCain … they are called of God and she is an Esther.
”
“Don't lose hope and don't lose heart.
”
“We are praying for all of you!”
He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding what I had just said, he said, “Thank you for your prayers and support ... I really do mean that!”
And he turned and shook more hands … and I watched them as they went through the crowd.
When I got to my car I sat there for quite a long time … knowing the God of the universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God.
I wept. I have not stopped praying and crying.
My heart is full knowing they had to have all the staging and all the hype and all the crowd … but the God of heaven and earth … wanted to give them a divine God-appointment!
To God be all the glory and honor.
If anyone wants to know if I believe God can speak.
Yes … absolutely, is my answer!
Be praying for me … and let me know what you think about all of this.
Pastor Mark Arnold
When Arnold was asked what he felt the value was in letting this story go public, he said he is seeing people moved and coming out of the “caves” they've been in, coming alive and realizing that they need to get involved in the affairs of the nation and not sleep through this season as the church did when believers allowed prayer to be removed from schools.
Pastor Mark Arnold of Lebanon, Ohio, writes:
On Sept. 9, the McCain/Palin bus came through a little town called Lebanon, Ohio. The Lord allowed me to go to the rally [to give McCain and Palin] a message that He wanted me to personally deliver.
Sunday Night: A burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees--I prayed and wept for our nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them.
The God-haters are going to try everything to stop them, but they will not succeed!
God is not pleased with the “bashing” in the news of this “anointed” person [Sarah Palin]. He has called her for this time! I promised God that I would pray and hold them up in prayer. I would “listen” out and be mindful of where they were. The following day is important in this time line ... because I didn't even know until God spoke to me.
Monday and into Monday night: The burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping. I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio. I prayed and walked and wept and walked. I prayed and prayed and wept and prayed.
Tuesday at 2:00 a.m.: God spoke these words to me: “Go turn the radio on!” Immediately the reporter's words were, “McCain & Palin bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 a.m.
rally!”
Immediately on hearing that news, I heard God again. God said, “You are to go.
You will meet them and give them a message for Me!”
I prayed as an intercessor and went to a place in prayer that I don't think I've ever been … because the Lord had just visited me … and I knew I was on a “mission.” I had now been up since Sunday night … and now it's Tuesday and I've got to go on the “Word of the Lord.” He sure became my strength as this unfolds.
I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The news would later report they were expecting 5,000 people, [but] the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people.
I simply obeyed … and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to … and when to be on the move. I had sure learned on the mission field, when God wants to open a door, He will do it at the appropriate time. He always has someone to assist … and even those standing beside you may just be an angel.
I struck up a conversation with an agent on the ground. He simply said, “I can't allow you to stand here!” Here is where the bus was going to actually pull up to. They had to make a much larger perimeter, so the entire area was now being moved back several blocks. The only other thing he told me to do was to go through the metal detector zone and just watch from the back. So, that's what I did.
Due to [the] sensitivity of the Internet, I can't share much of the story. As to what happened next, [it] was a definite God thing all the way.
Looking over the shoulders and backs and heads of all those people … I knew it would take a miracle for what God told me to do.
As I was standing there, two Boy Scouts came running up my back. Literally, they almost knocked me to the ground because they were running so fast behind me, up my back and over to the right. These Boy Scouts were about Junior High age. Their Scout Leader and several others were behind them, but as the two out front [were] trying to push through the crowd, saying they were late, the smaller scouts were left in their dust. The Scout Leader, who was with a McCain rep. from the State, grabbed me and told me [to] bring the other Scouts up front as they try to keep up with the first two that just came through.
I just became the leader of the rest of the Scouts to lead them right up front and center. As the rep. was shouting back at me to bring the Scouts forward, the people parted just like God parted the Red Sea.
I marched those boys right up front and to the right of the stage as one was looking from the back. When I got there I was fifteen feet from the podium. God said, “Stand here, and don't move from this spot.
”
Within five minutes the bus pulled up, and around the other side McCain, Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, stepped up and the speeches took off. I was where God placed me … and even Sarah Palin and Todd were standing on my side of the stage. I made eye contact, I gave them thumbs-up gestures … and I knew they were just happy to see me standing there. Ha ha.
When they came around the podium and started on the other side, I knew they were coming right toward me. A little lady who stood by me, reached up and told the rep. that they had promised a picture with her because she was the one who had lost a son in Iraq recently. The rep. confirmed she would get a pic with them and they would talk to her.
When McCain came to hug her … he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the second time, and I said, “God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!” He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times. He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, “I won't make it without prayer. Sir, thank you for praying for me, and don't let one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin came over to my left side … standing over the crowd and then looking at the little lady who had lost the son. It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around. Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little mom, telling her, “It was not in vain.” She promised her support.
It was at this moment Sarah Palin reached out for me to help her up, and as I was assisting her to stand, I was now face-to-face with her, and God said, “Open up your mouth and I will fill it.
”
Here is what came out:
“God wants you to know that you are a present-day Esther!”
[She immediately began to cry!]
“God wants to tell you that you are chosen for such a time as this!”
“You are called, and chosen to be a leader.
”
“Don't lose heart and don't fear man.
”
“The news and naysayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you … and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat … but do not fear.
”
“You are a present-day Esther.” You are an Esther.
You are an Esther!
“Keep your eyes on God and know that He has chosen you to reign!”
“Stay strong ... be strong ... don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong.
”
Her husband, Todd, came over, and I told him what I told her. He began to cry.
I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time … and know that “she is God-called and God-anointed.
”
“This is a God-thing and your wife is a present-day Esther ... she is for God to use at this time ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther.
”
“You will be hated … but stand strong … God has called both of you to stand!”
“We are praying and I am praying for you!”
At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd, and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin.
“Mr. McCain … they are called of God and she is an Esther.
”
“Don't lose hope and don't lose heart.
”
“We are praying for all of you!”
He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding what I had just said, he said, “Thank you for your prayers and support ... I really do mean that!”
And he turned and shook more hands … and I watched them as they went through the crowd.
When I got to my car I sat there for quite a long time … knowing the God of the universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God.
I wept. I have not stopped praying and crying.
My heart is full knowing they had to have all the staging and all the hype and all the crowd … but the God of heaven and earth … wanted to give them a divine God-appointment!
To God be all the glory and honor.
If anyone wants to know if I believe God can speak.
Yes … absolutely, is my answer!
Be praying for me … and let me know what you think about all of this.
Pastor Mark Arnold
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Better Explanation (hopefully)
Let me begin by saying that I do not hate anyone...and am I am not in a place of judgment over ANYone's life. I have someone very close to me (name withheld because I did not get previous permission to use it) that is homosexual. I LOVE HIM - DEARLY. I love his partner as well. It would be very sad and in fact would upset me greatly if he was sick and his partner was not allowed to be by his side in the hospital. They have been together for longer than I can remember and for that reason do think that one should be allowed on the others insurance. That is not my issue...
What I am upset with is how the schools are going farther and farther to take away parental rights. Just like the school has to get permission to hand out an aspirin but can advise and even help a girl obtain an abortion... this is going too far.
In Mass schools ARE teaching about same sex marriages in kindergarten... Parents are not being notified ahead of time and if they want to opt their child out - they can't. That is not right. For many people (you may disagree) but for many people this is a morality issue - and that should be taught at home. Watch this video for what happened to this father when he tried to step into his child's education.
In California - same sex marriage was put out for the voters. It didn't pass. It didn't pass by a HUGE majority. But 4 judges thought they knew better than the voters and overturned the decision. And now it IS being taught here in elementary schools. Here are three news articles to support what I say. article 1 article 2 article 3
I don't remember either of my children being taught about a marriage between a man and a woman in public school - why does this need to be taught???
EDIT: I am glad to report that although the first emails that I have received were hateful and spiteful - to date I have received far more emails with kindness and actually asking for more information... so I guess it worked out in the long run!
What I am upset with is how the schools are going farther and farther to take away parental rights. Just like the school has to get permission to hand out an aspirin but can advise and even help a girl obtain an abortion... this is going too far.
In Mass schools ARE teaching about same sex marriages in kindergarten... Parents are not being notified ahead of time and if they want to opt their child out - they can't. That is not right. For many people (you may disagree) but for many people this is a morality issue - and that should be taught at home. Watch this video for what happened to this father when he tried to step into his child's education.
In California - same sex marriage was put out for the voters. It didn't pass. It didn't pass by a HUGE majority. But 4 judges thought they knew better than the voters and overturned the decision. And now it IS being taught here in elementary schools. Here are three news articles to support what I say. article 1 article 2 article 3
I don't remember either of my children being taught about a marriage between a man and a woman in public school - why does this need to be taught???
EDIT: I am glad to report that although the first emails that I have received were hateful and spiteful - to date I have received far more emails with kindness and actually asking for more information... so I guess it worked out in the long run!
Friday, October 24, 2008
DON'T SELECT ALL!!!!
Oh my what a hornets nest I opened today... I sent out (what I thought to be) a pretty harmless email. Here it is to judge for yourself:
Please read the attached article... this is sooooo much more than marriage or even tolerance... the agenda that is being pushed on children needs to be stopped. This has no place in the kindergarten classroom!!! ! But as you can see in the article - it is already happening... .
For those I have sent this to in California - and if you had any idea of voting no on Prop 8, I hope that you will reconsider.
For those I have sent this to outside of California - heads up --- it will come to your state someday...
With a link to an article that I had received via email
But what I unfortunately forgot to do when I selected all in my address book was to delete a Yahoo group that I am a member of.... YIKES! What came back to me was an pure hatred... (thanks Alexis for defending me).
I know that that group is not the place to post personal or political opinion... I do know that really... it was an accident.... but I have to say that several people did respond to me with kindness and even thanked me for the information and one even said that before the email they were voting the wrong way because they were confused with the wording. They thought that since they were against it they should vote no... so I was happy to be able to right that. (tricky aren't they? - VOTE YES for a state amendment)
In any case - word to the wise: Be careful when selecting all in your email address book!!!!
OH - and just because I may have a different opinion than you - doesn't mean I hate you or anyone else...
Please read the attached article... this is sooooo much more than marriage or even tolerance... the agenda that is being pushed on children needs to be stopped. This has no place in the kindergarten classroom!!! ! But as you can see in the article - it is already happening... .
For those I have sent this to in California - and if you had any idea of voting no on Prop 8, I hope that you will reconsider.
For those I have sent this to outside of California - heads up --- it will come to your state someday...
With a link to an article that I had received via email
But what I unfortunately forgot to do when I selected all in my address book was to delete a Yahoo group that I am a member of.... YIKES! What came back to me was an pure hatred... (thanks Alexis for defending me).
I know that that group is not the place to post personal or political opinion... I do know that really... it was an accident.... but I have to say that several people did respond to me with kindness and even thanked me for the information and one even said that before the email they were voting the wrong way because they were confused with the wording. They thought that since they were against it they should vote no... so I was happy to be able to right that. (tricky aren't they? - VOTE YES for a state amendment)
In any case - word to the wise: Be careful when selecting all in your email address book!!!!
OH - and just because I may have a different opinion than you - doesn't mean I hate you or anyone else...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can't Get Enough Useless Information...
A group of kangaroos is called a mob.
And did you know that there were this many variations of spam?
In case you are wondering what to do with your plain spam - there are tons of recipes out there.... and if you just can't get enough of Spam - they even have a Spam Candle:
But if you are like most people and wonder what the heck it really is - you can check out the Spam website where they will answer that question but also allow you to visit the Spam museum and learn about Spam festivals...
And in case you are wondering where the heck did I get all this information? - Check out Maxine's Blog for other useless - I mean great - information!!!
And did you know that there were this many variations of spam?
In case you are wondering what to do with your plain spam - there are tons of recipes out there.... and if you just can't get enough of Spam - they even have a Spam Candle:
But if you are like most people and wonder what the heck it really is - you can check out the Spam website where they will answer that question but also allow you to visit the Spam museum and learn about Spam festivals...
And in case you are wondering where the heck did I get all this information? - Check out Maxine's Blog for other useless - I mean great - information!!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I Chased the Lion!!!
Seized the day.... lived for the moment... Well - that's how Nicky described it anyway.
We went to the park yesterday after Academy Day... the kids were playing, mom's were talking... then most of the mom's left and I was alone with John and Jake - who both had brought their skateboard. Yes - John has his very own skateboard... so I was encouraging him to go off and make the loop around the park with his son. His reply - no, there are still a few mom's over there and they will look at me. Whatever... come on Jake - let's go!
So, we went to the top of the hill... then I walked down the hill and got on the skateboard (didn't say I was crazy)... and got on - not really realizing that the hill was not completely over... picking up speed rather quickly (hoping I didn't run over Jake), I made it all the around the back side of the park, around the curve and then up the right side (where all the mom's who were left began to cheer for me!)... A few pushes later, I made it back to the beginning! It was a bit scary but I did it!! The rest of the moms left so John then made a lap with Jake.
We sat for a while talking about their skateboards and I made the comment that we all 3 stand on the board differently. John said that yes, he had noticed that and that my stance was all wrong. He urged me to stand on his board again to feel the difference of my stance and his... but when I got on - I didn't know that I was again on slight of an incline... and not prepared to ride! I had things in my hands and off balance... I rode (again picking up speed) wondering how am I going to stop? John yelled to me - ride off into the grass! So, I did - only to have the board abruptly stop sending me flying face first into the mud. I got up dusted myself off knowing that I was bumped and bruised but for the most part ok.
OK, OK ... so maybe skateboarding isn't what the author was talking about... and maybe, just maybe I am a bit too old for this hobby... but I am still a bit proud of myself none the less.
We went to the park yesterday after Academy Day... the kids were playing, mom's were talking... then most of the mom's left and I was alone with John and Jake - who both had brought their skateboard. Yes - John has his very own skateboard... so I was encouraging him to go off and make the loop around the park with his son. His reply - no, there are still a few mom's over there and they will look at me. Whatever... come on Jake - let's go!
So, we went to the top of the hill... then I walked down the hill and got on the skateboard (didn't say I was crazy)... and got on - not really realizing that the hill was not completely over... picking up speed rather quickly (hoping I didn't run over Jake), I made it all the around the back side of the park, around the curve and then up the right side (where all the mom's who were left began to cheer for me!)... A few pushes later, I made it back to the beginning! It was a bit scary but I did it!! The rest of the moms left so John then made a lap with Jake.
We sat for a while talking about their skateboards and I made the comment that we all 3 stand on the board differently. John said that yes, he had noticed that and that my stance was all wrong. He urged me to stand on his board again to feel the difference of my stance and his... but when I got on - I didn't know that I was again on slight of an incline... and not prepared to ride! I had things in my hands and off balance... I rode (again picking up speed) wondering how am I going to stop? John yelled to me - ride off into the grass! So, I did - only to have the board abruptly stop sending me flying face first into the mud. I got up dusted myself off knowing that I was bumped and bruised but for the most part ok.
OK, OK ... so maybe skateboarding isn't what the author was talking about... and maybe, just maybe I am a bit too old for this hobby... but I am still a bit proud of myself none the less.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Match-O-Matic
In case you haven't heard - there is a presidential election coming up soon...
A little test created by ABC news helps you to find out who you most agree with...
See if it is who you thought ... Match-O-Matic
Too bad it didn't include Huckabee... I really like Palin - but still believe that McCain messed up when he didn't ask Huck to be his running mate... one step back - the Republican party messed up when we didn't choose Huck as our man!!!
A little test created by ABC news helps you to find out who you most agree with...
See if it is who you thought ... Match-O-Matic
Too bad it didn't include Huckabee... I really like Palin - but still believe that McCain messed up when he didn't ask Huck to be his running mate... one step back - the Republican party messed up when we didn't choose Huck as our man!!!
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