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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Should Christians Judge? YES and NO

How many times have you heard, "The Bible says not to judge." Christians and non believers alike use this statement all the time to avoid exposure to any wrong doing in their lives. I know I have said it in the past! Now the Bible does say this BUT what does it mean? Take the statement “don’t drink and drive” for example and ask yourself what it means.  Does it mean never drink anything while driving?  Of course not, it means do not drink alcohol (bad drinking) and drive, but non-alcoholic drinks (good drinking) is ok.  You have probably heard this saying many times:  “You should not judge a book by its cover,” but what if the cover of the book reads “The Satanic Bible?”  Should we make a judgment about the Satanic Bible or should we open the book to investigate?  The answer is obvious.  We should avoid this book because of the warning sign written on the cover.  If we are unsure of a warning sign we should approach the situation with extreme caution.  For example, if we drive down an unfamiliar road and see a sign that reads “Dangerous Curve,” we do not usually turn around and go home; instead we approach the curve with caution.  If we are unable to determine whether something is safe or unsafe, it is safer to avoid the situation.  1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." So we definitely should judge all things (movies, books, music, and behavior of people). When the Bible says not to judge it is talking about the bad type of judging.  So in order not to practice the bad kind of judging, we must understand the two types of judging.



Two Types of Judging
1. Discerning (Good Judging)
  • Identifying the spirit behind an action
II Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for instruction, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."


II Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." Be instant in season, out of season simply means always be ready, whether the time is opportune for preaching the gospel or not.


Titus 2:15, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."


Ephesians 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."


I Corinthians 2:15-16, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged if no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." Simply put a mature Christian can scrutinize, sift,  and thereby understand all things; but unbelievers and even carnal minded which means of the flesh, cannot judge him. Mature Christians should judge all matters and issues.


I John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world."


Paul who wrote a good portion of the New Testament, judged someone in the church. Read I Corinthians 5:1-13. Then see II Corinthians 2:5-11 to see where Paul encourages the church  to forgive that person.



2. Condemning and Criticizing (Bad Judging)
  • Using people’s sin as an excuse to lower or belittle them.
  • Harsh punishment without encouragement to follow.
  • Cursing a person or prophesying destruction into their lives.  Note: it is ok to warn someone of possible consequences, but it is not ok to say things which may discourage the person or lead them to believe that the worst is the only outcome they will have.
  • Sentencing with no mercy.
  • Correcting someone when guilty of the same thing.

People who practice the bad kind of judging often are guilty of the same sin they are using to belittle another person.  Jesus addressed this scenario in Matthew 7:1-5 and Luke 6:41-42, and these are the verses which people sometimes twist in order to defend their sinful desires.  The problem is that people sometimes quote Matthew 7:1 only which reads, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." but one must also read verses 2-5 to understand the point Jesus was making.  The point Jesus was making was not to judge someone of the same sin we have in our own lives.  Another way to look at the point Jesus was making is by answering this question: How can a person help someone escape quicksand if that person is also stuck in the same quicksand?



Paul echoes the point Jesus was making in Romans 2:1-4, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"


Christians should judge and Christians should not judge. Both are true!



What makes judging right or wrong depends on the spirit, motive and attitude in which judging is being done.  So, the conclusion is that Christians should judge the actions of other people, but Christians should not make conclusions about the degree of punishment that a person will receive from God.  The only conclusion that a Christian can accurately make is that if a person does not accept God’s plan of salvation, that person will be separated from God throughout all eternity, because this is what the Bible tells us (see Revelation 20:11-15).

If we are going to make a negative comment to a person about their behavior, we should be just as quick to give encouragement

God, who is the ultimate judge, is full of grace and mercy, so we should also be full of grace and mercy.


James 2:12-13, "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement."

When people hear the word “judge” or “judgment” bad things usually come to mind, but often, good things come out of judgment.  A judge rewards a person who has done the right thing.   After death, everyone will face judgment.   “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment...” Hebrews 9:27.  For non-believers, the judgment mentioned will be the Great White Throne judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:11-15; where all who trust their own good works for salvation are to be judged according to their works and Jesus will say "depart from me.", because the works of men cannot redeem them from their sins.  Only God’s sacrifice redeemed us from our sin almost 2000 years ago.  People who put their trust in Jesus alone for their salvation will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ which is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10; where they will receive what is due to them according to what they did, but they will be told to enter into everlasting life because they are covered by the blood of God’s sacrifice- Jesus.  For people who trusted God, their final judgment will be a good event, but non-believers will face a bad judgment.

Christians should be full of grace and mercy, but this is not always the case. It is a shameful and sad situation when church people treat others like they are trash because of something they did or because of an unjustified judgment. God knows about these situations and He will hold the slanderers, unmerciful, and graceless accountable.










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Sunday, March 27, 2011

PLEASE visit the link below!!

Read Krill's Story here!!





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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Giveaway from The Pioneer Woman

For those of you who have never heard of The Pioneer Woman you really need to check out her website!! She is AMAZING! SERIOUSLY! She has some amazing recipes and is a very talented photographer! Right now she is doing a giveaway for a Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera with a Nikon 18-105mm VR Lens. It is the easier giveaway I have ever entered. Go here NOW to enter. It ends at noon on March 23rd!






And Happy 4th Birthday to my princess!!!!








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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Celebrate the First Day of Spring With Rita's

First Day of Spring

For the past 18 years, Rita's has been giving away a free, regular size Italian Ice to each and every guest to mark the first day of spring! This is a sweet date for Italian Ice lovers, as each year, hundreds of thousands of our guests visit Rita's in search of the first taste of spring. In fact, in 2010, Rita's guests showed their spring spirit and over 1.3 million cups of Italian Ice were given away in a ten hour period!
Rita's is already gearing up to celebrate the arrival of spring in 2011! A springtime tradition, Rita's annual giveaway will be held on Sunday, March 20 from noon to 9 p.m. at all open Rita's locations.  This is surely a tasty tradition that you won't want to miss! So be sure to stop by your local Rita's location and celebrate the arrival of spring on Rita's!

Find a location near you here.

The Browns Mills Rita's location offers a 10% military discount to members in uniform.



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Monday, March 14, 2011

Tuesday Train

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Click the button and follow the instructions to link up to a cool blog hop! It is a good way to bring more traffic to  your blog :)


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Monday Monday Monday

Hello y'all. I hope everyone is having a great Monday. I have already posted my verse for the day along with a video in an earlier post called Monday's Life in Him  Check it out. Had a fun morning with my Bella Bear. After we dropped Emma off at school we headed to Barnes and Noble for some much needed Starbucks and of course some books. What a great combo!

As most of you know I have been on the HCG diet. This is my second round and I have had much success with it! It really does work, HOWEVER, I do not like the way it makes me feel. It makes me moody and snappy with my kids and husband. To me that is unacceptable. SO I have decided to start the South Beach Diet Super Charged starting tomorrow. I have never tried this diet past Phase 1 so I am eager to give it another go. I like this diet for several reasons. #1 It does not make me moody and I am not hungry with this diet. #2 It teaches you how and what to eat so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. #3 I can exercise on this diet and on the HCG diet I could not because of the severe calorie restriction. So starting tomorrow I will be posting my progress. I am also going to start an exercise routine and just found out last night that my husband's building where he works has an exercise room all their own so not as many people to contend with! YAY!!! I am very much looking forward to this. No more letting myself go. I want to feel good again. I NEED to be healthy for my kids.

With all of that being said, the rest of today is a laid back day really. Nothing planned. Bella is napping and Emma is at school so this mommy is going to enjoy her quiet time while I can. I hope everyone has a blessed Monday.
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Monday's Life in Him

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 121:12


I hope everyone is having a blessed Monday.





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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Almost Silent Sunday/Say Hi Sunday

Verse of the Day:
"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." Romans 14:7

I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday!


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Purex Complete with Zout Review


Okay, I am gonna admit! I used to be a huge Purex Detergent fan BUT recently switched over to Arm and Hammer because it removed stains that Purex didn't. Well, I got my bottle in the mail and decided to give it a try and well, I am a Purex fan again. I already am in love with the Crystals! I have 2 toddlers so as anyone knows who has kids of their own or has even been around kids, I always have stains that need to be removed and I am NOT a fan of pre-treating only because it takes up too much of my time, I know I am bad.  Now for the really tough stains I will bend and pre-treat! I hate having to buy the pre-treater though and the detergents that say you can pre-treat with really don't work! Well this one really does.


Purex Complete with Zout combines the proven performance of Purex detergent with the triple-enzyme stain-fighting power of Zout stain remover.

How it Fights Stains
Purex Complete with Zout contains three powerful stain-fighting enzymes. Each enzyme targets a different type of stain:



How to Use it
Purex Complete with Zout can be used as both a pre-treater and a detergent making it great for everyday laundry and heavily soiled loads.
  • Normal wash loads, use it just as you would a normal detergent.
  • For really tough stains, pour a little directly on the stain and rub into the fabric. Let it sit for 5 minutes before putting it into the washer.


Available Fragrances
Fresh Morning Burst
Gives your laundry a light fresh scent
(this one is my fav)

Free and Clear
Fragrance free and has a hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin
Purex Complete with Zout is the first Free and Clear detergent to call out and add a stain fighter.

Will it Work in ALL Washers?
YES!!! Purex Complete with Zout is specially formulated to work in both traditional and High Efficiency (HE) washers.

Serious Value
Purex Complete with Zout is not only tough on stains, but it also costs far less than the leading brand of traditional detergent which in today's economy is a huge plus! It is priced from $3.49 to $7.99 depending on the size and the retailer. It is available at select retailers now, and by the end of March it will be available nationwide in stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Publix.

"Prove it to yourself" with a FREE SAMPLE
TV and print advertising for Purex Complete with Zout will begin in mid-March and will invite consumers to "Prove it to themselves" by going here and requesting a free sample of Purex Complete with Zout. Go now and get your free sample while supplies last.









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Friday, March 11, 2011

My Niece is Finally Here!!!


My sweet, beautiful, precious little niece was born this afternoon weighing 3.76 lbs! My sister was 32 weeks pregnant and was induced this afternoon.  My sister went into labor at 20 weeks and by the grace of God the Dr's were able to stop it and did a double Cerclage. One week ago her water started gushing so she was admitted to the hospital and her stitches cut last week. The baby girl got a gust of air and scootched back up in there and wouldn't budge LOL! So today the Dr's induced! She is having some problems breathing which is normal for 32 weeks but looks amazing! She is truly a gift from God! The Dr's didn't think she would make it 12 weeks ago. Please keep baby girl in your prayers!!!

I removed the pic! Sorry guys :(




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Follow Me Friday

Head on over to Luxury Living Frugal Style and link up to an awesome new blog hop!!!



Verse of the Day:
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20


Hello y'all!! Hope everyone is having a great Friday. Me and both of my girls are just chillin out at home today. I kept Emma home from school because she is getting over a cold and isn't feeling well. I figure a long week end will do her good and she can go back refreshed on Monday. On the downside of that, I am having to miss the baby shower I was supposed to go to today. Kinda bummed I am missing it.


My sister is being induced today! She is only 32 weeks so please keep her and the baby in your prayers.


Nothing really going on today. I cheated on my diet last night :( I am not gonna it get me down and just pick up right where I left off. 


I am going to start doing "Deal for the Day." The deal for the day is listed below!! Awesome Deal!!!





Awesome!
You can click HERE to download over 20 kids songs from Sprout!  Here’s a list…
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
The Good Night Show Opening Song
Brusha Brusha Song
To The Moon
Desert Song
The Dinostomp
Do the You
Fiesta Song
Hiking Song
At the Luau
Party Time
Chillin’ with a Polar Bear
My Favorite Color is a Rainbow
Safari So Goody
The Silliest Concert
Doin’ the Silly Square
Teddy Bear Picnic
At the Bottom of the Sea
Opera
The Sharing Show ABCs
The Craft Song
The Good Night Show Closing Song
The Can’t Share Blues
Ricky’s I Love Bread
The Sprout Sharing Song Theme Song
We Love The Holidays
There’s Nothing Better Than Being Together
Part Of The Family
Jingle All The Way
Holiday Feast
No Day Like A Snow Day On The Farm
If My Friend Was Here

Thanks Budget Savvy Diva for the info!!

Well, I am off for now. I hope everyone has a blessed Friday!




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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

Family Friendly Frugality
Bassgiraffe's Thoughts Thursday Blog Hop
Verse of the Day:
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," Ephesians 1:13

Hello y'all. I hope everyone is having a blessed Thursday.  Update on my diet progress! I am down 3.4 lbs since Tuesday!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy! This round is proving to be much easier as well. I have gotten the hang of things and I have also learned what I can and cannot do.

Well with that out of the way, this day is going to be pretty low key. I done most of my cleaning last night while DH was away at his Scuba Certification class and while they girls were asleep. Going to have some lunch and then fold some clothes and watch TV. 

We are finally starting to settle into our new routine during the week. Emily is loving school. Bella misses her during the day though. She has gotten used to and loves the mommy time. 

My sister, who is 32 weeks pregnant today, is being induced tomorrow. Please pray for her and her baby girl. She has has some complications so they are taking the baby early. Baby is healthy though and things look really good. At the same time one of my best friends here in NJ will be having her baby shower tomorrow. She is expecting a little boy on April 23rd! I cannot wait to meet him. I will have lots of pics for you guys :)

I am off for the day. As always, I hope everyone has a blessed day!

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review



I was chosen as a Purex Insider a few weeks ago and when I got back from my trip to TN, my new Purex Complete Crystals was waiting on my porch!! I was so excited! I ALWAYS use liquid fabric softener. I had no idea what the liquid fabric softeners where doing to my clothes though. The only thing I did know was my clothes came out so soft!  Some things I learned about the differences between liquid and the crystals are :
  • Almost all traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil based, which means they work by coating your fabric in oil!! (YUCKY!)
  • Over time this oily residue builds up, which allows dirt and other debris to stick to fabrics. This decreases the lifespan of your fabrics because it inhibits  the proper cleaning of your laundry and leads to unwanted grey or yellow discoloration. 
  • Purex Complete Crystals Softeners  are 92% natural, not oil based like other liquid fabric softeners, so instead of coating the fabrics with oil, they work by penetrating the fabrics and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts for weeks, not days.
  • The oily residue left behind by traditional fabric softeners can interfere with the absorbency of fabrics, like towels.
  • Consequently, most liquid fabric softeners are not appropriate to use on towels as the oily coating inhibits the towels's ability to absorb moisture from your body or dishes. (My grandmother told me this years ago and I just thought she was nuts. Who knew? LOL)
  • Using Purex Complete Crystals Softeners instead of traditional liquid fabric softeners will ensure your towels stay fresh and absorbent. (It really does this)
  • All traditional oil based fabric softeners can also make your children's sleepwear less safe!!!! 
  • The Consumer Products Safety Commission regulates that garments designated as sleepwear for children must meet certain flame retardant standards. Clothing must be flame resistant and self-extinguish if they come in contact with a small flame. 
  • Clothing fibers are treated to meet these standards and the effectiveness of this treatment can be impaired when coated with oily residue left by most traditional liquid fabric softeners.
  • Purex Complete Crystals Softener is the first major softener that is 100% safe to use on children's sleepwear as it does not impair these flame retardant qualities.
  • Traditional oil based liquid fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of your sportswear.
  • Sportswear's wicking fabrics are modern technical fabrics, often made of high-tech polyester, which draw moisture and perspiration away from the body.
  • Oily residue left behind by traditional liquid fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of wicking fabrics preventing them from drawing sweat away from your body during a workout.
  • Purex Complete Crystals Softener does not inhibit wicking fabrics, making it safe to use on all of your active and athletic wear.

Since I always use fabric softener, usually the liquid, and after reading all about the differences in the two types of fabric softeners I gave Purex Complete Crystals Softener a try and I have to say I was truly impressed! For real! My clothes came out soft! I thought to myself, "there is no way that these little crystals that go in the wash the same time as the detergent are going to work." I am please to say I was pleasantly surprised! So seriously give it a try!!




I was given a product to try and give my true and honest opinions about. These are my own opinions!!!
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

FMBT and Tuesday Train

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Verse of the Day:
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121



Hey y'all. It feels really good to be back after a very long break. Emma is doing very well in preschool and LOVES it. My smallest princess has bronchitis and an ear infection not to mention the cold that caused it all. Please keep her in your prayers. Things are going well though. Getting situated to our new schedule during the week. I am able to spend more one on one time with my 2 year old and getting a lot of cleaning done around the house. One kid is a breeze LOL! 

I also started another round of HCG over the week end. Today is the first day of the strict phase. I did well on the first round so I am excited to see how I do with this one. I gained 2 lbs on the load days which is expected so I am hoping tomorrow morning I will see a big loss when I hit the scales. I am going to do HCG until I get down to my pre baby weight. I will then start a low carb diet to hit my original goal I had set for myself before I got pregnant. I have decided to stop neglecting myself. Regular manis and pedis and eating healthy. I have also bought Zumba for Wii and it is so much fun!!!!

My Emma Bug has a birthday coming up soon! She will be turning 4 :( I will have lots of bday pics to post soon :)


On another note, Go here to print a coupon for up to two free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchased at Chili's. This offer is valid at all Chili’s locations for children 12 and under.
Thanks Together We Save for the info!!

As always, I hope everyone has a blessed day.











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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Hey All

I am still alive. We have just been adjusting to Emma Bug starting school. I will resume blog hopping and normal posts starting Monday. A couple of blogger friends have some really cool giveaways going on right now. One I have posted about and look for the other post on Monday. I hope everyone has a blessed Wednesday!


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Giveaway at Aleena Madelyn Photography


Head on over to Aleena Madelyn Photography and enter her contest to win a gorgeous 8x10 single stack frame from The Organic Bloom. These are beautiful frames. Contest ends on March 22nd so head on over NOW for your chance to win.







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