I've Accepted Christ; Now What?

Celebrating Resurrection Day is over for some, others that know the Lord celebrate it every day. BUT what about those among us that accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ through this celebration? I was one of those that asked "now what?" It was Resurrection Sunday in 1993. There was a cross in the church I attended made out of railroad ties (I think) or dark wood anyways. The pastor gave us a visual after his teaching of the crucifixion. He gave us a half sheet of paper and said "now write down what sin is in your life that you want to get rid off and give it to Christ. This may include your life." I thought what an odd statement until he went into further explanation about it. A life with Christ begins with our death. If you have accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ's death on the cross you have died too. Now what?
Well first examine your ways by asking yourself these questions and answer accordingly.
What will you do now? Next step is to be baptized with water and continue to live a new life. What does this look like? Well here is some food for thought....
 Should you keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? If you choose this path, you will end up doing the same thing you have always done and you will not live abundantly.
How can you who died to sin in your life still live in it?
The message describes it best for me to understand the truth in Romans 6:1-4
  If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!
When you die to sin and baptized as Jesus was than you will want people around you to see the change in your actions and attitudes that show you've been crucified with Christ. 
I encourage you to share what Jesus did for you these past few weeks and share your faith with three (3) other people. I encourage you to show your new attitude and actions to those three people you choose to talk to and share Jesus with them.
Next, it is always good to hook your wagon to a friend that is walking with Jesus. This person can be a friend, a bible study teacher, or even a pastor and his wife. Whoever you choose let them be your accountability partner. This means to allow them to help you stand up when you fall, show and tell you when you are not walking right with God, and  know that there is no condemnation with Christ; they will not judge you. 
Last, write down some scriptures that you've heard that have meaning to you. Next, place them in your pocket and examine them throughout your day.
Now, be excited over your new life and show the world your new attitude.

~Marjorie

Friends Come in Different Forms

I read a story recently about a woman and her dad. Her dad was grumpy after his wife passed away and it caused friction between him and his daughter. Then his grumpiness caused problems between his daughter's husband and her. It was a mess. To make a long story short, the man was given a dog and the dog became his best friend until their last breath.
My husband is my best friend and I can share most everything with him. However, girls just seem to understand the womanly things of a woman as a man probably understands a man better. My friend Judy is no exception. I have friends who make me laugh, but Judy and I can sing the first three notes of a song and just laugh at our age difference or change the lyrics of the song and just have a belly laugh. She and I don't have too many different opinions but she is quick to tell me when I am wrong about something.
Judy is quick to lend a hand if she can and willing to step into a leadership role if needed.
Recently she and her sister, Joni, opened their home up to me and Rodney to hold our wedding on their parent's water front property. It is a beautiful place even with the smoke stacks across the water. The day was sunshine all the way. I knew the Lord was going to provide the perfect weather for it and my friends wanted me to set up an alternate location if it rained. I kept telling them that the Lord has chosen their place and he'll provide the right weather for it. Needless to say, he did.
I love my friends Judy and Joni. They both had the willingness to open their home up to my brothers and sisters for our wedding celebration was a huge act of love and kindness that I will treasure forever. I didn't realize how difficult it was for them on some levels until afterwards or just up to the hour of the festivities. I know God was not surprised and that comforts me. It was truly a huge act on their part and I want to thank them publicly and this is the best way I know how.
There were some comments on how beautiful the property was, the view was magnificent, and the day was a joy to many. I owe these wonderful comments first to my Papa for creating such a beautiful place and to Judy for offering it when I was contemplating where to have the party.
Judy bug, you are so very much loved, appreciated, and prayed for. I am your friend and I only want what is best for you. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you until he calls you home.
Jesus says in Proverbs 17:17 "a friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."
From a dog like my Sadie to my husband and friend Judy, it is true that friends come in different forms.

Judy is that friend that shows up in time of need and as I grow to know her sister Joni, I find this to be true of them both.

Thank you for being my friend and being so special.

~Marjorie