Resource Material

I was just doing a little research and decided to consult the Assemblies of God website for additional information. That is exactly what I found there; loads of good information and resources. This link will take you directly to a number of pdf printable position papers. "Worship in the New Testament", "The Security of the Believer", and "Can Born-Again Believers be demon possessed?" are just a few of the offerings there. If you have never visited there, I encourage you to do so.

The Wiles of the Web

Hello, my name is Sista Cala and I am an Internet junkie. I just don't know how I got so out of control. It all started with needing an email account at work. Then my job made it mandatory to complete on-line continuing education. Various committees decided to use email instead of actually having meetings. This was to cut down on wasted time. ha, ha.

Somewhere along the way, my sister Cyn encouraged me to start a blog. I pondered for days about what to name it, what I wanted to post, and how to get my thoughts from paper to screen. Blogger made that easy for me; and the rest is history.

From blogspot to bloglines, I needed a streamlined way to manage all of the blogs I wanted to read. Bloglines has a function called "clip blog" that made it so easy to save little snippets that I thought might be useful later on. Soon I had a mountain of snippets and little way to catalog them.

One day while teaching Sunday School, I made reference to something that I had read in a blog somewhere around here. Opened a can of worms indeed. My pastor decided that I must be a computer guru or something, so he put me to work on the church website. It started simple with a couple of pages and now it is about a dozen.

Requests came pouring in for info about our ministry. How could we get some samples out to the masses. Eureka........YouTube, GodTube, e-zekiel.tv, ShoutLife. Being the 'net-queen began to consume more and more time. Then the teens asked why we didn't have a MySpace. I said that I had no time to work it. Oh some of them could have set it up for Pastor, but they couldn't be trusted to keep it squeaky clean.....you know what I mean? Long story short; we now have a MySpace page. I tinker with it some, but get this......it has worked its magic on my pastor and I think he's got a hundred friends or more.

It is not enough that I've got all these sites setup and running for the church, I have my own personal pages too. Actually mine came first. I used them as beta-sites for me to learn the ropes. So much work, seems like a waste to terminate them as I plod the steps of sobriety. Alas, I have all but stopped posting here, have given a notice on ShoutLife, doing very little on MySpace, e-zekiel.tv, and GodTube (now tangle.com) but still keeping both YouTube accounts renewed weekly.

God is so good. He has spared me from withdrawal symptoms. So far. But then again, I didn't/haven't quit cold turkey. Actually, I have found the methadone of the 'net world.....Facebook. It is a little user un-friendly at times, but it offers means of blogging, networking, and IM all rolled up together. It has become my latest hangout. I can't barely go a day without logging in to see what long lost friend has found me.

It is going to take more than a 12 step program to free me from that one. Perhaps down the line I will get back to some serious posting. I still have tons of material that I could post; but for now you can catch up with my archives all over the 'net ( if all of these links are intact). See you around. If you're ever in the Facebook neighborhood, look me up (enter sistacala@juno.com )in the friend-finder box and we'll have a little chat.

Treasures for the Taking

My how the time flies......I'm not sure when I will get back to regular posting, but I know that I will. Eventually. In the meantime, I have found a great resource site that I am sure you will enjoy.

Initially, I viewed the YouTube videos posted by Pastor Loran. Then I followed the links from his YouTube channel and found a wealth of valuable downloads; mp3 sermons, written semon notes,worship songs w/lyrics, and links to several other great sites. So, I just wanted to pass the info along. Visit Abundant Grace Assembly of God and find some treasures.

Information Overload

"Information is everything." I have said that so many times in the past 3 weeks that most everything has lost significance and become just information. It is a true statement, particularly related to ads. But too much information can overload the brain. At least that is true as far as my brain is concerned. Really, there are times when I think I need to just "control, alt, delete" and reboot my brain.

Enough about me. I want to share a few links for on-line Bible study resources. (This is not a paid advertisement.) I have worked with it for a day or two and I really like it. It is similar to E-Sword, yet different. Both resources can be downloaded for free or you can order the CDs.

E-Sword has many add on features. Some are free and others can be bought. I am partial to it because it offers Strong's Numbers and definitions right with the text. This link will take you to Bible Pro.com. This site boasts of 45 Bible translations, a dozen or so commentaries, daily Bible reading helps, and maps of all kinds. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Bible News is a basic sort of search link, good for any link list. It offers search by word, reference, or topic. If you have been to my sidebar, you already know about Christ Notes . I think their widget is one of the best for blogs and such. And a final link that offers a world of Christian links; CrossSearch.com.

Flawed but Faithful

A man with many names. Remembered by the masses as the one who walked on water and sank. Remembered by others as the disciple who denied Christ 3 times in the same night. And still others recognize him as the center stage preacher of Pentecost.

Cephas/Kepha was Peter's Aramaic name meaning rock. Jesus gave him this name in John 1:42 translated into Greek as Petros.

James refered to Peter as Simeon (the Hebrew name for Simon) Acts 15:14

He was called Simon Peter in Mt. 16:16, Acts 10:18 refers to him as Simon known as Peter.

Some facts about Peter the disciple of Christ.

• was one of the first disciples called Mark 1:16-18


• was a fisherman from Bethsaida John 1:44


• had a home in Capernaum Mark 1:21,29


• was married Mt. 8:14, Luke 4:38


• took his wife along I Corinthians 9:5


• was a Galilean with an accent Mark 14:70


• was a brother to Andrew (disciple of John the Baptist) John 1:35-42


• was named first in the disciples' lists in the synoptics


• was in Christ's inner circle with James and John


• saw the risen Christ I Cor 15:5


• received a special commission in John 21:15-19


• his preaching led to the conversion of thousands on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:14-40

Historians tell us that he was crucified for the cause of Christ. Regardless of his faults and failures, he remained faithful to the end.

Psalm of the Shepherd

Who has not heard the 23rd Psalm? The only ones who haven't heard it are the ones who have never been exposed to the Gospel at all. It is probably the most familiar text of the Bible along with John 3:16. Even the un-churched have heard the Psalm of the Shepherd. It is a staple of funerals everywhere. Often Sunday School children memorize it before they enter elementary school. It is a simple chapter, yet so profound.

It is so familiar that I often take it for granted. When attending funerals, I often join the minister and softly quote it as he reads. It is ingrained in me. Seems like I memorized it when I was only 5 or 6. Learning it by heart came through years of repeated interaction with the verses. Sometimes it seems to be an "old hat" kind of thing and other times it is the best medicine. Nothing really comforts me more than knowing The Good Shepherd will take care of me all through this treacherous journey called life. And He will be there when it is time to step over the threshold and into everlasting life with Him.

Rather than continue with my observations of the chapter, I want to link you to some sermon notes that really spoke to me. Please take time to check them out and leave a comment or two. I'm sure the pastor would be encouraged by your visit.

Cargo Transport

I borrowed this post from the Pilgrim. Stop by his place for more good reading. Enjoy.

Heavy load? This cargo was no problem for the transport. It gave us all a good chuckle when we saw the toy dump truck chained to the transport.

My mind went to the scripture written by the psalmist. "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you." - Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Often our trials and cares seem overwhelming and we wonder if we will break beneath the load. Why not heed the Lord's invitation to give Him our burdens...our load.
Our cares and concerns, though burdensome for us, will not break Him. They are like a toy truck chained to a mighty transport. Give them to Him today!
Posted by David Warren Fisher at Pilgrim Scribblings

The Beauty of Seasons

Seems that I just keep pondering on the theme of the seasons. The following is an excerpt from Singing Owl. She paints a picture of a place I would like to be. Go to The Owl's Song to read the full post.

Sunlight filtered through wind-tossed woods, casting dancing shadows across the highway. I almost expected the dappled light to scatter before my wheels like leaves. The trees, some flashing a spot of early red or gold, turned to farmland, red barns, and the occasional horses or cattle. The shadows of late afternoon stretched in elongated stripes, curving over the gentle contours of the fields. Except for the engine, it was quiet. I saw few vehicles and fewer people.

Stopping to stretch my legs, I stepped onto crunchy gravel at the side of the road. It was warm, even hot, but there was that awareness that fall is nearing--something in the breeze and the shadows and the sky. I gradually became aware of an almost undetectable sweetness in the air. Sniffing, I wondered what caused it--too mild to be called an aroma, exactly. Then I saw that on each of the four corners of the intersection was a different kind of crop.

To my rear on the left stood corn, tasseled and turning brown, loaded with ears that would become food for the cattle during winter. Behind me to the right the "spring green" of alfalfa grew in astonishing brilliance. In front to the left a field of soybeans, one of the loveliest crops imaginable, stretched to the horizon. In summer its leaves are a deep glossy green, but now they were turning to the characteristic mottled red, gold and yellow of fall. On the other corner stood a farmhouse. To the side of the wide lawn was a garden. Around the edges grew late-summer flowers--Gladiolas, Black-Eyed Susan's, Snapdragons, and many more I could not name. I was too far away to identify all of what remained in the garden, but I could see what I guessed were tomato plants along with the broad leaves of squash plants. I surmised that all these lovely growing things were what filled the air with that subtle freshness.

David at Pilgrim Scribblings shares a poem in his post about the seasons. One line that really strikes a cord with me is this one. "Summer is over and we can't call it back..."

Once we have passed through a season only the memories can be retrieved. The events of a season shape the season ahead. A hard freeze cuts down on the population of insects found in the spring. A springtime with ample rain and warm temperatures yeilds crops in abundance. A freeze in the springtime damages vegetation that is just beginning to bloom. A dry scorching summer is a sure obstacle for plant growth.

Spiritual seasons work in a similar fashion. Yet it is how we cope with the freeze that comes at the time of our budding. Or how we rebound from the drought that often follows the spiritual highs we experience. And yet another factor in our spiritual seasons has to do with the preparations we make to sustain ourselves in difficult times.

St.John chapter 15 tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches. He is the constant source of our life. We are never left alone in the seasons of our lives. Everything we need for growth is found in Him, but it our responsibility to seek Him, ask of Him, and receive from Him.

Looking for me?

You will find me Beneath the Ivy Wreath today. Somehow I just can't seem to post in two places on the same day. Besides, my sister needs a little traffic and a lot of encouragement.

The Word of God is always an encouragement so I leave Habakkuk 3:17-19 for you today.

17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Pay It Forward: Nice Matters

These folks are kind, compassionate, friendly, uplifting, and of course; they are nice.

Kari @ Healed Waters the originator of the Mercy Drop Award. Her posts are saturated with the love and compassion of Christ. They are like a drink of water to this thirsty soul.

Granny B @ Compassion to Sympathize is a homespun newcomer with a heart of gold. When it comes to being nice, she knows just how to show it.

Tami @ The Next Step is a member of Christian Women Online and participates in the daily themes. I particularly like her "Thankful Thursday" posts.

Godzheart @ Victorious Woman writes of her daily life and Christian walk. Her biblical study blog, Lessons from Life is well written and easily followed. Though I haven't met her, I picture her with a soft voice and a friendly smile.

CH Green @ Beneath The Ivy Wreath has time constraints that keep her from reading and commenting as much as she would like. Her comments may be few but they are always encouraging. She recently launched her poetry blog, The Ivy Wreath and welcomes your comments.

Cindy @ Inspirational Korner consistently posts uplifting and insightful posts. Her comments around bloggyland are also of the encouraging sort. Nice matters in blog design too. She changes the backdrop regularly to add a touch of class to her site.

Ordinary Christian is someone who is not afraid to reveal her weaknesses in order to strengthen others. No matter where her adventures take her, she always stays on the right path.

I'm not sure who created this award. All I have is these few words to go with it.
"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."

Crucible of Praise

Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. It is something that comes standard with the package of our humanity. Some folks become praise junkies. They go about doing things just to be recognized and rewarded. Others while they relish the compliments, prefer to remain anonymous in their well doing. Proverbs 27:21 sheds some light upon the power and purpose of praise. The Message states it this way: "The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in the fire; The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame."

I am still learning how to be gracious when receiving compliments. When I know I have done well, I tend to reward myself. Not necessarily in a tangible way, but I just have a deep satisfaction in my labors. Often I am perceived as being ungrateful due to my inadequate responses. In reality, I love the accolades but I don't want to let them swell my head. I am learning to say a simple "thank you" and/or "to God be the glory".

Praise can incite pride or it can work perfection. Pride is the automatic response of the flesh. Perfection is the result of yielding to the Spirit of God. Remember, everything He created is good. The Word says so. Yet there is no goodness about the flesh. It is merely an earthen housing for the Spirit of God. So the Apostle Paul adds that we must keep the flesh under the control of the Spirit.

Basically, I said all of that to preface this huge thank you to Rita at Saved by Grace. She has bestowed upon me the "Nice Matters" award. Let me also add, to God be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done. Without Him, I would be neither nice, friendly, good, positive, or influential.

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."
I have met so many nice bloggers in the few months that I have been in the bloggyhood. Those who are nice are also positive influences in the blogosphere. Inspirational is yet another word for various blogs I have read. "Feel good" blogs are as infinite as the stars in the sky. Finding 7 worthy recipients is easy. Keeping the list to 7 is the hard part. And.......Now........The envelopes please................Ooops! There must be some mistake. I have been handed some bills instead of the nominations for the "Nice Matters" awards. Sorry to disappoint you folks, but the hour is late, the awards will have to wait..... until my next post.

Let's Get Busy

I just had to share this link. It is a wonderful addition to my previous post. Many thanks to Pastor Brad Williams. Read @ Sojourner.

For a closer look at what kind of busy we should be: check out Tyler's post @ Sons of the Prophets.

Summer Blogging Delays

My how time flies! I did not realize that it had been 10 days since my last post. According to my sitemeter, some of you have been checking in regularly. So sorry for the lack of new material. I've had lots of laundry to catch up on since vacation. And we have been involved in a couple of outreach opportunities with our church. My sis over at BTIW tells me that traffic always slacks up in the summer but mine has been pretty consistent.
Thank you for your continued support. You will find my post for today at Beneath the Ivy Wreath's Worship Wednesday.

Repentance Preaching

Writing a new post has dropped a few pegs on my priority list this week. Making preparations for a vacation trip has consumed much of my time. For some good reading, I offer this link. The letter was written in January 2007, but it is appropriate for the days we are living in. We need to preach the same message that John the Baptist preached. "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." BTW, I believe David Wilkerson is a true prophet of the Lord with a message for today.

How would they know?

Personality Preview- Bible lesson to follow in upcoming posts.
I picked this up over at Diane's Place . I don't put a lot of stock in crunching numbers and putting a label on someone. I just did this for fun. My sister over at BTIW thought it fit me pretty close.

Here are personalDNA maps that uniquely represent your personality. Mouse over any part of the box or strip to learn more about the traits that the colors represent. According to these folks I am a dynamic leader, but I am short on empathy. Click on the "my personal DNA report" link to read what they had to say about me.

Dynamic Leader

My personalDNA Report I can buy the "leader" part, but I've never thought of myself as dynamic. Guess I should start thinking "Dynamite". Yeah, I have always enjoyed fireworks and blowing things to bits.

The following is an excerpt from the "Leader" portion of my report.
"You're not set on one way of doing things, and you often have the skills and persistence to find innovative ways of facing challenges. You are well-attuned to your talents, and can deal with most problems that you face. Your independent streak allows you to make decisions efficiently and to trust your instincts."


This excerpt is from the "Dynamic" part of my DNA. "You are not overly concerned with what others may think about you, which leaves you free to be thoroughly involved in the world around you. "



I think these excerpts fit me just right. Some of the other stuff is up for debate. The stuff in the "if you want to be different" section is, well, good advice. I think. Take this one for instance. "Those who are as outgoing as you are often need to remind themselves that time alone can be just as fulfilling—take some time for yourself and you might find that there are many things in your inner world that are just as compelling as the world outside your window."

RFIDs = 666 ???

All in the name of medicine, or is it?

"An American company, Verichip, is developing an RFID chip implant that will permanently store your medical records under your skin, so any hospital equipped with a reader can know all your pertinent health information even if you are unconscious. A simpler version of this subcutaneous chip is already implanted to help identify pets." writes NewsWeek .

"Injectees would thereafter be able to breeze past bouncers and entrance lines, magically open doors to VIP lounges, and pay for drinks without cash or credit cards. The ID number on the VIP chip was linked to the user's financial accounts and stored in the club's computers. " See full article here.

"The June report points out that until recently RFID technology was used mainly for logistical purposes to identify cargo. "Now it has entered the public space on a massive scale: public transport cards, the biometric passport, micro-payment systems, office ID tokens, customer loyalty cards, et cetera." excerpted from e-week.com.

Globe and Mail reports: "In design, the tag is simple: A medical-grade glass capsule holds a silicone computer chip, a copper antenna and a "capacitor" that transmits data stored on the chip when prompted by an electromagnetic reader."

NewsWeek reports: "The technology has the potential to transform our relationship to the objects around us. In theory, stores could dispense with checkout counters—instead, you'd grab items off the rack or shelves and walk out the door, while an RFID reader takes note of the items and takes the money right out of your e-wallet."

Steps Toward the Mark is dedicated to teaching on the relationship of prophecy and current events related to the 'mark of the beast.' The site provides additional links about RFIDs.

This is mean to be an FYI post. I know what I think about all of this, but I couldn't decide exactly how to post about it. Your comments will be appreciated. Thank you.

Destination: Healing

Janet of Janet's Writing Planet has written a excellent short story here. It could easily be used as an ice-breaker skit or an altar call. The truth in it is timeless and her presentation is POWERFUL!

For a related post, visit Beneath the Ivy Wreath , where each week I am privileged to write the Worship Wednesday feature.

Lazy Way Wednesday

Come see me here today. I just can't seem to finish anything these days. I have four posts in progress. Each needing that little something to make them complete. It is not just in the blogosphere that I am slacking. I have several home improvement projects that are awaiting my attention. Maybe I have adult ADHD. :>)

******News Flash**** It is 2pm and my sister there has not posted it yet.*****
Guess you'll have to shame her into giving me posting access to her place. Then it would actually be my fault if Worship Wednesday was not posted on time. :-)

Priorities: it is all about priorities. That's a post for another day.

Right now, I need to be getting my bills ready to mail. They are in a stack right beside the printer. But..... I needed to write and send a post to my sister before morning. That's how I wound up on the computer in the first place..... but.....and....but....and... Excuses abound.

Seriously, I should be posting some better material soon.

P.S. Have any of you ever gotten a bug or virus from blogger comments? Just wondering.

Harmless ???

Pretty good! The Bible couldn't even get that rating. With all the violence, blood and guts, beatings, imprisonments, murder, rape, and war, it would have to be at least an "R". Notice I didn't mention the language found in the Bible. No need, it doesn't seem to count with the movie ratings anyway. Besides, folks don't care about the ratings if the ads look inviting.

I picked up this button from my sister @ Beneath the Ivy Wreath. She had picked it up from fellow blogger who had most likely done the same. Internet information is like the common cold; it can be spread with little effort, causes varied reactions, and can not be completely erased.

The button is nice commendation for my blog. It also can be a tool for checking out the blogs or websites of others. However, when you follow it to it's source you will find it is really a clever way to get you to an online dating site. You may be saying, "what difference does that make?".

None, I guess. I liked the button, so I used it. Then again, I changed the code a bit, because I didn't like it showing "online dating" below the button. Again, what's the diff? When I click on it, I go to mingle2.com and the header tells me it is an online dating site. I just don't know, something about it seems deceptive.

If it is truly a device of the enemy, then I shouldn't perpetuate it. If it is merely a tool that can be used in both positive and negative ways then it is up to me to use it wisely. (Somebody help me with this.) I suppose it is no different than the Internet itself. The super information highway is an infinite supply of tools. In and of themselves neutral until wielded by man. Then they can be instruments of destruction or building blocks of goodness.

Reminds me how something so wonderful as the Bible can be twisted to support something so evil as a cult. Today more than ever we must be diligent in prayer and watchfulness. We must know what the scriptures say and what they mean. The Word of God can be used as a litmus test for every situation, so we must know how to apply it as well.

No doubt I could have used these few minutes and this space in a better way. Guess I just needed to 'talk it out'. To be sure this post is not a total loss, I offer the following verses.

13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. II Corinthians 11:13-15

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

Just another note about buttons. Please avail yourselves of the ones in my sidebar.( I believe I have them posted correctly.) Pneumabloggers takes you to Rich Tatum's sites, the Comfort Cafe offers a variety of authors, and the Blogging for Jesus button takes you to PilgrimScribblings.

Shouting Life

My PaPaw is shouting life! See last paragraph. Thank you.



This relatively new site is a spin-off of MySpace. I haven't joined because I do well to post here a couple of times per week. My sister over at Beneath the Ivy Wreath has joined and finds it a refreshing alternative.

If you are considering MySpace, check out ShoutLife. I believe it is important to support Christian ventures. Besides, you will find information on a variety of Christian artists and organizations.


I would also like to request your prayers on behalf of my family. My Papaw was promoted to glory yesterday. He leaves behind my Granny (his wife of 68 years), a brother, one daughter,a grandson, me, my 2 sisters, and 2 great grandsons. One thing for sure, he is living and shouting life in his new home. In that, we are being comforted.