A new life in Christ

Michael Fran*zese was a financially powerful member of a New York Crime family. He was sworn into the Colo*mbo Crime Fam*ily at the age of 24, against the initial wishes of his father. He has been referred to as the Mo*b's, "Long Island Don" and "The Prince of the Ma*fia."

He was once the primary target of a massive, fourteen agency government task force that "had one assignment----to bring down the Ma*fia's youngest and most financially powerful new superstar, Michael Fran*zese." At the height of his m*ob activity, Michael was "one of the biggest money earners the m*ob had seen since Al Ca*pone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's survey of "The Fifty Biggest Ma*fia Bosses." (Vanity Fair Magazine).

This guy was living the "high life" in a life of cri*me, until God choose Him. That's right. God called this man into service for the Kingdom of God despite the life of sin he was pursuing.

On the set of a film he was producing he met and fell in love with one of the dancers. She would ultimately be the woman God would use to bring him to himself. She would introduce Michael to Christ. Eventually, they would marry.

Eventually, he would walk away from his life in the mo*b and he would refuse government protection. In fact, he is the only high ranking official in the mo*b to leave, refuse protection, and live to tell about it.

And he isn't hiding folks!!!

I was fortunate enough to visit my brother's church on the week that Michae*l Franz*ese came to speak. It was amazing. This man has not only left the m*ob and lived, but he is preaching the glory of God across the nation!!

You can read all about his incredible story in his book, "Blo*od Covenant". You can order it and learn more at this website. (It is also available at amaz*on)

I wanted to share with you a few of the things that he said that touched my heart:


1. The ground at the foot of the cross is LEVEL! (can I get an AMEN on that one?) So many people struggle with their past, but we need to remember that when we come to Christ we have a new life! We are given a fresh start and those sins are forgotten, no matter what they were.

II Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"


2. Where are you in giving your life to God versus studying Him as a subject? You see, Michael was an alter boy growing up. He knew all about God, but didn't know God. There is a difference. God taught him that religion was more than a subject. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. God will prove himself without a doubt if you seek Him and surrender. It won't be "beyond a reasonable doubt" the way our court system handles things. It will be beyond ANY doubt! He shared how this has been true in his life. The gospel is TRUE and will hold itself up to any scrutiny.



He has an amazing story to share and I am so glad I was able to hear him speak. I encourage you to check him out and read about God's amazing power in this man's life.

~Mary

String of Pearls

There was a young girl who had very little and yet she was happy.

One day her father came home with a string of pearls and gave them to her. The girl was SO happy and she wore the pearls proudly and took such good care of them.

A few days later her father came home late at night and asked his daughter where her pearls were. "In my box Father." He told her to go and get the pearls, so the girl obeyed.

When she came back, her father told her to throw the pearls in the fire. Without asking "why" she once again obeyed him.

Then he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out another set of pearls. "I'm now giving you the REAL String of Pearls!"


Can we give up our fake string of pearls (earthly possessions) to our Heavenly Father as willingly as the little girl did so that we may receive our REAL String of Pearls (Heaven)?


And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ~Matthew 18:3

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ~Matthew 19:24

Truth

I was told that when bank tellers are trained to recognize conterfeit money, they aren't shown examples of counterfeit as much as they are taught the details of genuine money. The theory is that if they are so familiar with the genuine bills, then the counterfeit bills won't fool them.

We live in a world in which we are surrounded by conterfeit beliefs. In the day and age of tolerance and moral relativism, there are times we can find ourselves confused.

How do we protect ourselves and our families from deception?

I think we need to learn a little from the bank tellers. If we focus our attention on learning what is genuine, then we won't be fooled by conterfeit statements. The only way to acheive this is to keep ourselves in the truth, the truth of His Word.

The more we study the truth of the Bible, the less likely our hearts will be swayed by falsehood. I am being convicted more and more of my need to be in His Word daily. Not only to read it, but to meditate on it and memorize it. This is the knowledge and wisdom that will protect myself and my family from lies.

"Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

Knowing God's word and His laws will keep us from stumbling! I am reminded that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, He countered each of Satan's lies with the truth of God's word.

In Matthew 4:3-11 -

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus only used the truth of God's word to defend himself.

How are you equipping your family with the truth of His Word?

~Mary

The Big Picture...

As we are once again busy (as you all are) with activities and responsibilities and school, I was reminded this week of how much I like being a mom. I have tough days, tiring days like everyone, but the big picture is one of thankfulness. I think my own kids are fascinating (of course!) and sometimes marvel that I get to be their mom.

That said, I don't want to waste any time stressing about little things that don't really matter, like who forgot to do this, and why are they arguing about that sticker/toy, and where is your other shoe, and no, you can't have another snack... little things sometimes get in my way of remembering the big picture.

But, if I seek God's direction and keep the big picture in mind, the little things sometimes fade a bit as I remember what great children I have, and what a blessing they are. And suddenly the missing shoe or hundredth snack doesn't seem to bother me as all. I'm sure you all feel the same. Below are some quotes that hopefully will inspire/encourage you this weekend.

Thanks for visiting!





"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness."
-Honore' de Balzac

"All mothers are working mothers."
-unknown

"There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it."
-Chinese Proverb

"A mother understands what a child does not say."
-unknown

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."
- George Washington

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-Abraham Lincoln

"By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
-Henry Ward Beecher

"A mother is someone who dreams great dreams for you, but then she lets you chase the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same."
-unknown

What target are you aiming for?

I recently came across a book I ordered earlier this year. It is called 'What Every Child Should Know Along the Way' by Gail Martin. I began reading it once again. It was just what I was looking for, regarding raising my kids. I have been wanting a Bible teaching to add to our Home School day. This book is full of ideas on sharing Christ with our kids. I came across this list and it really made me wonder how I am doing:
Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children

1. Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.
2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he's cute. It will also encourage him to pick up "cuter" phrases that will blow off the top of your head later.
3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait till he is 21 and then let him decide for himself.
4. Avoid use of the word "wrong". It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe that society is against him and he is being persecuted.
5. Pick up everything he leaves lying around (books, shoes, and clothing). Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on to others.
6. Let him read any printed material he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.
7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your child. In this way he will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.
8. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?
9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial of his desires may lead to harmful frustration.
10. Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
11. When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him."
12. Prepare for a life of grief.

It isn't always the BIG mistake that gets us off track. It can be little foxes. The bad thing about a little fox is that they are so easy to overlook. For instance, at first I did not see what was wrong with #9. What is so wrong with giving them what THEY want to eat or drink?? Well, we had a time, (very recently) when we were cooking our meal and 2 mini-meals. My kids would not eat what we made for dinner and we were more concerned with them eating, so we had 3 meals at dinner time. That was not beneficial to any of us. It only made them more demanding and defiant in other areas. We finally have all of us on the same meal, but we still struggle with my son eating willingly. I now see the benefit of not letting them choose all of their meals. If we go to McD's, they DO choose whether they eat nuggets or burgers, but they do not control our meals anymore.

One of the main points, being made in the book, is that we are called to 'Aim our children straight as arrows'. They do not know the way they should go. We are the ones aiming them. It is wise for us to know where we are aiming our child. Shooting aimlessly will create a dismal result - delinquent children. With focus and a steady aim, we can lead them to have a relationship with Christ. She uses the Scripture 'Like arrows in the hands of a warrior...' Psalm 127:4.

This book has impressed me, thus far. It speaks to creating Dynamic Devotions, creating Family Unity, using Gifts and Talents, great Biblical Character Traits, having Manners, Practical living skills, and Personal Safety. I can tell you that I am challenged to raise my focus and to aim my arrows (kids) more carefully at the target (Christ). I am seeking Him in how that looks for my family. What will draw my kids closer to their Savior? I do not know. I can aim them towards the mark, then God can draw them to Himself. If I do not take the time to aim them, I may miss the target completely. What a huge responsibility. It is possible to accomplish this goal, but only if I remain in close relationship with Christ. My job, and hubby's job, is to keep on track with seeking our Savior and the rest is God's job. We must be willing to take the first step and He will show us how to draw our children to Him.