A Woman of Moderation

A Woman of Moderation

Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Ephesians 5:30, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."

1 Timothy 2:8-10, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

Please understand and rest assured that I write this in a spirit of love and care for you. And in the interest of preserving the eyes of man. We are not to put a "stumblingblock" in front of anyone, especially another Christian. Our responsibility is to edify (build up, encourage) the body of Christ.

We women need to be careful in what we wear. Our outer appearance should reflect the glory of the Christ which is within us. I am going to specifically talk about the clothes that we wear. If it reveals anything that should be reserved for your husband (or future husband), then it needs to be changed. If you aren't married, then it should pass the Godly Dad test...does he approve, does God approve?

Our cleavage should not be showing, at all. The top should be loose enough so as not to accentuate the shape of our breasts, but not so loose that when you bend over or move around the neck hole flops open and reveals what shouldn't be discovered. The armhole should go up to the armpit. Also, the back should go up to the neckline. Coverage should be complete. Color and pattern should be complimentary to you. Material needs to be of the type that doesn't reveal skin unless you are wearing another shirt or cammie underneath that is also very modest. Ask yourself, "Why am I wearing this? Does it just make me look good? Or does it glorify God?"

Now for what you wear on bottom. I know that the current trend is ripped, frayed jeans. Is it showing off your thighs? Why? Is it so short or so tight that it leaves very little to the imagination? Then why are you wearing it? If it is just for comfort....okay, then wear it at home with your family. But when we go out in public, we need to realize that we are taking God Almighty with us. We are the light of the world and are to let our light shine unto others. What kind of light do you portray? Red light (if you get my drift) or the pure white light of Christ?

You might think that you have the freedom to wear whatever you want and that it isn't your fault if someone looks at you and gets aroused. As a Christian, how can you not seek to glorify God in all that you do, including your clothing?! How can you not seek to show truth and love to others, especially to our fellow Christians?! Let's try to do a better job of wearing clothing that brings glory to the Lord Jesus.

I want to be a mom more than anything

     When I was a child and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always, "a teacher and a mommy." Those desires never left as I got older, but my desire to be a mommy grew stronger once I got married. I got pregnant two months after our wedding. It was not planned, but was a pleasant surprise. Four months later that precious baby passed away while still in my womb. It broke my heart. A few months later, more determined than ever, I was pregnant again. This time with twins, but they too passed away too early. My desire to have a child become an overwhelming goal.
     I made vows to God, I prayed without ceasing to be able to have a child. (To say I was discontent and obsessed would be a valid statement.) We waited a year before we tried again and when I did get pregnant we determined to not tell anyone until I was past the third month of gestation. I did everything in my power to make sure that this baby would not pass away and would be born alive. I was desperate to have a child. And that next year, I finally had my baby daughter.
     There would be at least two more miscarries and a total hysterectomy by the time I was twenty-seven years old. And then I would find out that my one and only child was "defective". I was an angry woman who became very bitter with the way I felt I had been treated by God. I blamed him for all of the miscarries and physical difficulties, and for my only child's disabilities. (Years later I confessed those wicked sins and God sent great healing to my soul and spirit.)
     However, there is still the fact that I am a "mommy" to an adult child. This was never what I expected when I was a little and wanted to be "a teacher and a mommy" when I grew up. There are times when I get really tired of still being a mom. The vast majority of mothers only get to raise their children for 18-20 years, but those of us with "special" children get to parent them forever. This fact can be overwhelming at times, especially more so when you have to deal with your own aging, and for me, my chronic pain and growing limitations. I wouldn't change this parenting for anything, but there are times when I wish that I could just tweak it a bit. There are times when I really wish the frustration wasn't so overwhelming. Those times when I once again realize that my adult child is still doing the same things we confronted strongly just a few months ago. It makes me feel like things will never improve with those issues. The frustration gets to be too much and I just have to cry out to God and pray, and go for a long walk. And then, get over it and go on with life, hopefully a bit stronger and wiser than I was before.
     Be careful what you long for. Be careful of your discontent. Be careful of your attitude and actions. You just may get more than you expected, both bad and very good. If I could, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. God has allowed all things to work out for my good and I am very grateful.

Ladies do you praise your family?

     It has been too long since I did any blogging, but this issue has been on my mind for several years and should have been discussed way back then. So, better late than never!

Titus 2:3a & 4, "The aged women likewise,...
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"

Psalm 37:25, "I have been young, and now am old;..."

     I think I finally am qualified to teach the women to love their husband and to love their children. And so today, I pray that my words will first, glorify the Lord and second, be a blessing and encouragement (and perhaps a conviction and life-changer) to you ladies.

     Here is the question: "Do you praise your family?" That may sound sacrilegious to some, as we are told over and over to praise God, to praise the Lord. I am not asking if your praise is worship and exaltation of your family, but simply put, do you nag and complain to your family more than you thank them and praise them for what they have done and for who they are? (and, no, I am not talking about flattering compliments. There is a difference!)

     Think about your childhood: how did you feel (and possible react) when someone truly praised you for a job well done, for a certain character quality that you demonstrated, for doing something that you didn't have to do, but did it with a great spirit just to be a blessing to someone else? Now, think about this: how did you feel (and most likely react) when someone either ignored you or got down on you? Which would you rather experience? Which would be the most likely to encourage you to do the right thing? (and no, I am not saying that there is never a time for anger and rebuke.)

    I can tell you that in my life, I would much rather hear the praise which I know would encourage me to do even more of the right things. If I would hear the negative words, I would be even more stubborn and try to find new (and usually sneakier) ways to do the wrong thing just to get back at the person who spoke those negative words. And my opinion of the negative person would never improve if I never heard any kind words from them. (Remember that now I am ancient and old, and know much better than to behave that way. No, that does not excuse my past sinful behavior. I have confessed that sin and it is under the blood of Christ.)

     The thing is, as much as we like to receive praise from others, it feels just as good and even better when we give praise to others. So, ask yourself this question and try to be honest: "How many times did you honestly praise and thank your children and or husband yesterday? Now, how many times did you come down on them?" Many, many years ago I remember hearing a message that proclaimed that we should try to praise our family members ten times as much as we nag on them. I thought I could never do that! But as I reflect back, I realize that the concept was that we need to speak words of kindness much more often than we speak negative words, and that we should truly be grateful for each individual in the family that God has given to us. (I think that can apply to your physical family as well as to your spiritual family, and even to the family of mankind.) Can you imagine what could happen if we began today to start thanking our children for everything that they do and praise them for their good character qualities? Could you imagine how much stronger our marriage would be if we begin today to truly thank our husband for each thing that they do and praise them for who they are? What would happen within our church? Our community?

     So, how do you truly praise someone? A good place to start would be to sit down and write out the things you appreciate about each member in your family. (And no, I am not talking about their physical attributes. They had nothing to do with that. They look the way they do because God created them that way. Those types of words would be hollow flattering compliments. I am talking about their personality and the things that are good that they have chosen to do.) For instance, I will use my daughter as an example, she is: faithful, reliable, prompt, loyal, kind, compassionate, caring, funny, curious, helpful, and so much more. (I made my list years ago and have been able to keep adding to it. And so will you as you begin to focus on the good in your family.) Then I began to purposefully praise her for these good qualities whenever I saw them being manifested. I also began to thank her every time she did something whether I had asked her to do it, or she had just done it of her own volition. At first it felt really weird to praise her. That was because I had been doing so much nagging throughout the years, thinking that if I yelled at her enough, she would get busy being the person I wanted her to be. But I was determined (one of my stronger character qualities. Some could even call it stubbornness), to change the way that I talked to my family. As the days went by, it got easier to give praise and thanks, and as an added bonus, we began to love each other more and more.

     Here are some examples of what I am trying to teach you (and I bet you are doing a good job of learning because I know that you desire to strengthen the relationships within your family.):
INSTEAD OF:                                                                      
Why are your clothes laying on the floor?
TRY THIS:
You are such a clean person, I am glad that you like to wear clean clothes, and I know that you will put these dirty ones in the laundry basket as soon as I leave, because you are also an obedient child.

INSTEAD OF:
How many times do I have to tell you to do....
TRY THIS:
I noticed today that you were showing kindness to your sister. I know that a kind person can also do as they are told. Remember when I told you to....

INSTEAD OF:
Why are you still doing_____, when I told you to stop?
TRY THIS:
I know that you are determined to do what I told you and that sometimes it can be hard to obey, but since you didn't obey, you will be punished. Next time, I know you will be more determined to obey.

INSTEAD OF:
(Not even noticing that the person is trying to obey and/or please you.)
TRY THIS:
(Pay attention to the little details. Stop what you are doing for a minute and go to that person, look them in the eye, and either thank them sincerely for what they are trying to do, and/or praise them.)

     There are always opportunities to thank and praise others, and I believe, that it is important to make those opportunities happen. I hope that you will take the time every day to speak in love and sincerity to your family. I made the time when my daughter was young to praise her every evening when I put her to bed. She's too old to do that now, but I try to take the opportunity at least once a week to praise her for her qualities. And I thank her all throughout the day. She and my husband have picked up on this habit and it has strengthened our family. It just feels so good to be appreciated, and in turn it feels even better to love and appreciate those whom God has placed in my life.

     So, dear friend, I appreciate your love, your faithfulness within our friendship, your kindness. Thank you so much for reading this blog. I hope that it will bless you.

Rejoice in the LORD Greatly

Rejoice in the LORD Greatly

8-14-2018

Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

I know that this verse is specifically written to Israel, but when I read it the other day the Lord impressed it upon my mind that I too should be rejoicing greatly. Why should I rejoice?

I should rejoice because God has clothed me with the garments of salvation when I received Jesus Christ as my saviour. He removed my filthy garments of sin and put upon me His pure blood of salvation. There was nothing that I could do to save my soul. There is also nothing that I still need to do to obtain eternal salvation. Jesus Christ did everything for us so that all we need to do is believe that he is God the Son, the Saviour of the world, and put our full trust in him and receive him alone as our savior. I should rejoice if for no other reason than the fact that I am saved.

I should also rejoice because he has covered me with the robe of righteousness the moment I got saved. There was a time when I thought that I had to do all these good things so that I could be righteous. The Bible says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in Isaiah 64:6, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” I should rejoice for the fact that there is nothing more that I need to do to become (or to stay) righteous. I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Too often, we think that we have nothing to rejoice about or that we have the right to be grumbling and discouraged. If we have been saved by the blood of Jesus; if we have trusted in Christ alone for our salvation, then we have all that we need, and we should greatly rejoice in the LORD no matter what is or isn’t going on in our life. And if you think that this only applies to Israel, well, take a look at the command God gave to the church in the New Testament writings of Paul the apostle to the Gentiles:

Philippians 3:1, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” 

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice evermore.”

God is:

GOD IS:

(January 2018, by Alice E Jensen)

The world only seems to focus on the fact that God is love, because that is the only attribute of God that they seem to accept about God. It is an easy attribute to understand and desire since it is an attribute that makes the world feel good about itself. Yet, that is only one of the many, many attributes of God that are mentioned in His Word, the Holy Bible. Let’s take a look at them. I dare you to read all of them. I double-dog dare you to read all of them with an open and understanding mind. I triple-dog dare you to not only read these openly, but to also accept them as the truth, because God's Word is the Truth!

Numbers 23:19,  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Deuteronomy 4:24,  For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

Deuteronomy 4:31,  (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Deuteronomy 6:4,  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

Deuteronomy 6:15,  (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 10:17,  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deuteronomy 33:27,  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Joshua 1:9,  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

2 Samuel 22:33,  God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

2 Chonicles 30:9,  For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

Job 33:12,  Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

Job 36:5,  Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

Job 36:26,  Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.

Psalm 7:11,  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

Psalm 46:1,  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 47:7,  For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalm 50:6,  And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself.

Psalm 59:17,  Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Psalm 62:7,  In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 62:8,  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 68:20,  He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

Psalm 74:12,  For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Psalm 75:7,  But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalm 84:11,  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 94:22,  But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 99:9,  Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

Psalm 116:5,  Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Proverbs 30:5,  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Jeremiah 3:23,  Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

Daniel 9:14,  Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Matthew 22:32,  I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

John 3:33,  He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

John 4:24,  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Acts 10:34,  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

1 Corinthians 1:9,  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:25,  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

2 Corinthians 1:18,  But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

Hebrews 12:29,  For our God is a consuming fire.

1 John 1:5,  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 3:20,  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 4:8,  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Do you want the truth, and do you want to receive a blessing from it? Then this is a good way for you to get to know about the attributes of God. Study His Word!

Eagle and the Tiny Bird

    

     I was just reading one of my journals and came across this experience that I had on May 18, 2016, and just had to share it with you. It was an awesome experience.
     "This morning while I was driving west on Lider road, I had just came down the hill and was headed through the Black Jack valley when a majestic bald eagle flew out of a fir tree to my right and crossed over Lider right in front of me. It was high enough that I would not have hit it, but it gave me a great view of that huge bird. For a split second, I wondered why it was swooping across the road. I figured it was just moving to a better location or had seen a yummy rodent in the field on my left. But then, I saw a tiny bird fly right behind the eagle. That tiny little bird had chased away the huge eagle. A bird no bigger than three inches long, had the boldness that was larger than the eighteen inch eagle that was apparently threatening the tiny bird's nest.
     The Holy Spirit immediately taught me a lesson: Christians are like that tiny bird and Satan is like the giant eagle. He is big and powerful and deadly, but we can be brave and bold. For even though we are small and weak, we are mighty and fierce when we trust in God and allow Him to use us to do what is right. We don't need to sit or hid or cower in fear because of the appearance of the enemy. We can attack and he will flee just like the eagle fled from the tiny little bird.
     James 4:15 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Thank-you Card

 COMMON COURTESY?

By Alice Jensen, 7-23-17

          For those of you who are under forty: How many of you know what is in the above picture? How many of you have ever touched one? How many of you have ever been taught the common courtesy of how and when to use one?

          What ever happened to the most basic of common courtesies? Either we aren’t teaching them, or we are choosing to just ignore them. So, this old lady is going to sit you down and give you a lesson that I hope you don’t soon forget.

          Thank-you, cards are to be used to thank people for the gifts they have given to you. Within your immediate family, so long as you live under the same roof, they do not need to be used. (But it wouldn’t hurt to give one to a parent or sibling every now and then.) However, whenever you receive a gift or unpaid service from anyone, you should sit yourself down and write a short little thank you card or note. I can tell you that it will be greatly appreciated.

          In the last ten years (at least) I have received fewer thank you cards or notes than I can count on one hand from those under the age of forty. And “No!” a thank you note sent by email or on Facebook does not count. Writing a thank you card or note should entail just a little bit of work and a little bit of money and a little bit of time for it to be a true thank you card from your heart. I will admit though, a written thank you even if it is sent through the internet is better than nothing.

          I have given gifts and I have performed free services for others and sometimes I haven’t received even a verbal thank you. I am not trying to guilt anyone nor am I looking for sympathy. I am just trying to get folks to be more thankful and grateful and appreciative, and to physically express it to others. I can tell you from experience that when I don’t receive any type of thanks at all (especially over a long period of time from some individual), I tend to withhold my gifts and talents from the ungrateful recipient. I know, I know, that isn’t very Christ-like, but you do notice that Jesus didn’t do very much for those who were so full of themselves they didn’t think they even needed Him…like the Pharisees.

          So, anyhow, it is very easy and very simple to just go to the store, including the secondhand and dollar type stores, and purchase yourself a package of cards. Keep them where you will remember to use them, and then use them every time someone gives you a gift or provides a service to you, especially if it is a free service for which you would have had to pay a whole lot more than it will cost you to just write a simple thank you card.

          “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Psalm 112, My Jerry

Psalms 112, “The Virtuous Man”, My Jerry

  June 2017 by Alice Jensen

A virtuous or righteous man, who can find one? I have! A few weeks ago, as I once again read Psalms 112, I was amazed to realize that the chapter could be written about my husband. Every verse applies to my Jerry!

1, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”

 After dating several men in a matter of a couple of years, I was pretty burned out on the whole idea of dating. I knew that I wanted a husband, but I finally realized that I also needed him to be a Godly man that loved God above all else. God assured me that He already had one picked out just for me. Little did I know that it would be my Jerry! After a few dates, I told Jerry that one of the requirements to continue dating me was that he had to be reading his Bible faithfully. I already saw the evidence that Jerry served the Lord and was faithful to God and His church. Jerry assured me that he read his Bible every day, and to this very day that is still true. Jerry fears the LORD and delights greatly in His Word and is obedient to it.

2, “His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.”

When Jerry and I began to plan for our future, we had hoped to have six children. I so wanted to give him a son to carry on the Jensen name, but God had other plans for us. He did allow us to have six pregnancies, but He also allowed us to lose five of them. One was a set of twins. However, God also blessed us with one pregnancy that went to birth. Our Rebekah is our one and only “seed”. But she has been a mighty good influence in our lives. She is a blessing to so many people, in spite of her autism. She is a mighty blessed woman, and Jerry has done a great job of raising her to love and serve the Lord.

3, “Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.” 

There was a time, when our finances were so tight, you could hear them scream. But from a young age I had been taught to tithe and to give God the first part of all our increase. I do have to admit that there was once that we just were not able to do so, but we made it up later. Jerry has always done his best to provide for his little family and to please the Lord while working.  And God blessed Jerry with better and better jobs, until He gave Jerry the career as a law enforcement officer. For thirty-seven years Jerry protected and served the people of Port Orchard. Because of our tithing and because of that job, God has given to us wealth and riches and a wonderful house that we can use to serve the Lord and be a ministry to others. Jerry is known as a righteous man because of the life he lives, and God has blessed him.

4, “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”

Jerry never realized what was in store for him when he got married to me. We would go through great depths of sorrow and horrible heights of mental illness. Yet, Jerry stayed an upright man and God has blessed him with light in the darkness. Jerry is full of compassion and understanding when Bekah or I go through times of struggle. He stays gracious and righteous, and God delivers us time after time. One of the darkest periods of our lives was when our daughter became psychotic and self-destructive. Jerry kept things as peaceful as he could within our little family. Several times he would have to take her for rides to get her mind onto other things and to give me a break.

5, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” 

There is no man with more of a servant’s heart than my Jerry. He is willing to help anyone and everyone any time all the time. He not only lends, but he also has a very giving spirit and has given large sums of money when we are guided to do so by the Holy Spirit. And together we try to be the best stewards of God’s resources. Jerry is discrete and has never been a gossip or backbiter. As a patrol-officer there were many cases that he kept to himself and could not share with others outside of the office. He has done a great job of knowing when and when not to share his experiences.

6, “Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.”

 I know this doesn’t mean that he won’t move from one house to another. But I also know that Jerry would be satisfied to live in one place for the rest of his life, and I am also sure that he will be happy to live wherever God moves him. This verse means that a righteous man will stay a righteous man because of the choices that he makes. And those who know him will know that he will stay a righteous man. It is too bad and too sad that there are not more men that this can be said about, but without a doubt it can be said about my Jerry. From the day I first met Jerry almost 39 years ago, he has been a righteous man that is faithful and loyal to the Lord and to the Bible.

7, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”

Jerry was the epitome of a police officer. For 37 years he protected and served the city of Port Orchard. Never did he get fearful of his job and what he could potentially face in the line of duty. He was always professional and calm. He treated everyone fairly and kept his cool. He was level-headed and able to quickly assess and address each situation as it arose. At first when he became a police officer, I was extremely afraid that he would be hurt or killed. However, as I saw how well Jerry did his job and as I trusted in the Lord, I became less fearful. The fear never totally left until the day he retired, I knew that Jerry would do his best to not get hurt nor allow anyone else to be hurt. God has taken great care of Jerry.

8, “His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.”

I don’t think that Jerry ever had any enemies, but I am sure that there were those who did not like the job that Jerry did as a police officer, and there were those who didn’t like him for doing his job. But Jerry trusted in the Lord and knew that no matter what happened it could only be done according to the will of God. Jerry’s heart is established to trust in God and in His Word.

9, “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.”

Jerry is a very giving man. I remember hearing a story from a former neighbor from when Jerry was a young teenager. She told how that Jerry had found a garden hose in someone’s trash. It was still in good condition and just needed a cleaning. He did so and then gave it to the neighbor who needed a second garden hose. Whenever we hear of a true need, we are some of the first to respond. Jerry gives of his time, talents, and treasures, and has always done it with a grateful heart to the Lord who made it possible to give in the first place. Again, I cannot emphasize enough what a righteous man Jerry is and has been. His righteousness truly does endure for ever.

10, “The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.”

I don’t know how to apply this to Jerry other than to say that many of the criminals he has arrested have also faced the punishment for their crimes. My prayer is that Jerry will always be remembered by the wicked and by the righteous as a man who loved and faithfully served the Lord. When Jerry first started as an officer, he was accused by an angry man who had received a ticket from Jerry, that Jerry had been rude and angry and cursing when he had confronted the man. The sergeant who took the report told that man he had the wrong officer because Jerry Jensen was the calmest and most level tempered officer on the force; and that no-one had ever known Jerry to get angry at anyone, nor had anyone ever heard Jerry use curse words. The man had to leave in shame because of his own wickedness. Instead of getting a reprimand for doing wrong, Jerry was commended for doing right.

To say that I am proud of my husband would be like saying the ocean is wet. Yes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am proud of my husband. I believe he is the most righteous man in the world! And I am so blessed to be his wife and to have him in my life.

The Virtuous Man

     When I say, "The Virtuous Woman", what is the first chapter in the Bible you think of? Proverbs 31, of course. But what if I was to say, "The Virtuous Man", what would you answer? I had never thought about this before, even though I have read through the Bible at least thirty times. A virtuous man, hmm. What chapter exemplifies a virtuous man? Wellllll, a few days ago, I once again read Psalms 112, when all of the sudden I realized that this chapter could be written about my husband, a virtuous man indeed.
    As I read through each verse, I noticed how it applied to my Jerry. I hope the same can be said about your man. If you are not yet married, and it doesn't seem that your guy matches what is written in God's Word, and probably never will, it is time for you to dump your man. Sorry, but it is a fact that if you truly do want to live "happily ever after", you need to first marry a man that is a virtuous man. Oh, and if you don't think they exist anymore, think again. They do. They may not be located where you are looking, but God knows and He can put the two of you together. I have seen Him do that many times and yes, I have even seen Him do it recently.
     For those of you who are married, but not to the most virtuous man, well, you need to stay married and you need to be as virtuous as you are able. The Bible says that the man can be won through the righteous behavior of the wife. (see I Peter 3.) And if he never notices you, God still does, and He will bless you for your obedience and faithfulness.
     You can read how God brought Jerry and I together in one of my earlier blogs. But I never knew how blessed I was to be married to my Jerry until I realized that he is a very virtuous and righteous man according to Psalms 112. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be his wife.

For Whatever it Takes

     A few months ago, during Mission's Conference at our church, one of the missionaries commented that he is very, very careful about what he sings, prays, and says, for fear that he may be speaking without realizing what he was saying and that God may just require more of him than he is prepared to give. Immediately I thought of a post that I wrote several years ago about a song that I heard when Jerry and I were newly married and how I loved the words of the song and even sang it until God did require me to give up more than I was prepared to give. Then I thought of how God has used all of those "losses" to allow me to have more than I ever thought I could possess.
     That song was titled, "For Whatever it Takes to Draw Closer to you Lord", and it talks about trading sunshine for rain, comfort for pain, etc. I just thought it was such a beautiful song. But once I began to lose my babies and my health, I hated that song. For many years I would not listen to it and put it far from my brain. Then about seven years ago our Pastor and his daughter sang it at our church. As soon as I heard the first few notes I headed to bathroom because the tear spigot was turning to full blast. I sat on the toilet and just cried, as the Holy Spirit comforted me. Was I now willing to sing that song in truth? It took an act of faith for me to fully surrender my health to the One who created me. Once I let go and let God be the Lord of my physical body, I had such peace and could truly say, "For whatever it takes to be closer to you, Lord, that's what I am willing to do."
     How I wish that I could say that ever since that day I have been able to praise and thank the Lord for the physical trials I continue to face. But there are still times when I complain and cry and just get weary. How I wish that I could also say that the Lord fully healed my body. Instead, He continues to allow me to suffer. But in that suffering, I am learning and I am changing my thoughts and I am beginning to understand the pain of others. The two phrases that get me through the hardest times are: "It could always be worse", and "This is only temporary."
     I pray for that missionary. I pray that he will be able to trust God. I pray that when he does go through the trials and pains of life, that he will grow in his faith. I know that I am a different woman than I ever imagined I would be because of all that I have had to endure, and I thank God for it. I pray that this missionary will become the man that God wants him to be.
     Several years ago, I heard the analogy of Christians being like diamonds. They do not become items of beauty until they have had all the rough parts removed with chisel and hammer. In the hands of a skilled craftsman, they become jewels of great value.

The Second Wife

     You are the second wife of a man who seems to love you dearly. No, his first wife did not leave him, nor is she even dead. No, you are the second wife of a man who already has one wife. He says that his love for you is greater than the love you would have for your children. You accept what he says, but you long to know that love for children yourself. For some reason you are not able to produce any children while the first wife continues to have them every few years. She in her pride makes fun of you every chance she gets for she knows that her husband loves you more than he loves her. But she is the one who has produced the heir, and she is oh so proud of it.
     Your husband is a man who fears and obeys the LORD and is even of the family of the high priest, though not closely related. Still your husband is a good man who regularly takes his family to the tabernacle to worship the God of your faith. Every year, the whole family makes the trek for the special occasions that are required for every man to make.
     This year, you are so desperate for a child that you decide that you will earnestly pray and make a promise to God that if He will give you a son, you will dedicate this son to God. As you pray, you are in bitterness of soul and tears flow from your eyes. Your lips move while you pray, but no words are heard. Without your knowledge, the high priest sees what you are doing and instead of comforting and encouraging you, he condemns you for being drunk. He is very familiar with how drunkards appear because his own sons are wicked, guilty, and truly evil young men. You speak to the high priest and set him straight about your actions. Now you are committed to keep your promise for not only does God know your vow, but so does the high priest.
     A few months later, you realize that you are feeling strange and hope that what you doubt may actually be true. Can it be, that after all these years, and after all the loving, you are finally pregnant? Once it is confirmed, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has heard and answered your prayers. At last, a longed-for son is born from your body and placed in your arms.
     As you look into his trusting eyes, you begin to think about this child being placed in the care of the high priest. How can you do such a thing? It is the same high priest who accused you of drunkenness. It is the same high priest who does nothing to control or correct his wicked sons. It is the same high priest whose sons work in the tabernacle where you will place your precious baby boy. How can you even think that your son will not turn out just like them? How can you not worry about his future? How can you keep this vow to God Almighty? And that is when you remember that He is God Almighty and that you can trust Him. He is the one who heard and answered your prayer for this child who now lays in your arms. Instead of looking at the wickedness within the tabernacle, you keep your focus on God. You trust God! And God greatly blesses you for your faith.
     This is the story of Hannah that you can read in I Samuel 1-2. She demonstrated great faith which we women of today can learn to emulate. She trusted God, and God blessed her. This same God is our God if we receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Saviour. We too can trust God. We can trust God with our children, with ourselves, with our everything, and He will bless us for it. We don't need to fear the future nor the present nor the evil that surrounds us. Instead, we just need to trust God.

Daddy's Girl

I have always been a "daddy's girl", even when I hated and despised my dad for what he did to me and to our family. (That bitterness and anger was taken care of a long time ago and you can read about it in one of my earlier postings.)

 
One of the earliest photos I have is of me in the arms of my father. He was a big and strong man who was also meek and quiet. I would love to sit next to him at church and trace the tattoos on his arms with my little fingers. When I tired of doing that, he would allow me to cuddle up next to his side under those same strong arms. There I would be at peace while I listened to the preaching.

I can only remember one time when my dad "disciplined" me and it came as a total shock. I won't go into details. Suffice to say, it worked! There was another time when he was suppose to spank me when I was around nine years old and had been a super brat and mouthed off to my mom. Mom demanded that Dad take care of the situation. Having never been punished by my dad, I was a bit scared and did not know what to expect. He took me to my room and sat with me on the bed. He told me that he hated physical punishment and would never spank me. But to appease my mom, we had to pretend. So, instead of swatting my behind, my dad "spanked" the bed while I stood up and "cried". (I think that is when I learned to love acting and found I was really good at fake crying.) Now that Mom is in heaven, this is the first time she has probably learned about this story of my dad and me.

My dad is now 91 years old and is in failing health. I know it won't be long until he joins his bride of 69 years. I guess that is why I am thinking so much about him today.

 
He had his flaws and wasn't the best dad, but he was loyal and faithful. He was also stubborn and proud. I remember one time having an argument with him about something that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, but he stuck to his belief and would not be swayed. The very next day when I had proof in hand that he had been wrong, he denied that he had ever held the opposing belief. All I could do was shut my mouth, shake my head, and walk away.

My dad taught me to be independent by allowing me to make mistakes and learn from them. He taught me to be strong in my beliefs. He taught me to love math and to be able to apply it to every day life. He showed me how to be patient and to endure strife...and to keep your mouth shut when necessary. He taught me faithfulness to God, church, family, nation, and community. He taught me how to drive a stick-shift and had me help him rebuild the engine on my car when "someone" (not me) drove it without my permission and without oil and caused the engine to freeze up. I will never forget putting the rings on the pistons and trying to get the whole thing back into the cylinder.

 
My dad was in WWII and has only recently shared his memories of that time. He was on an LST that took part in D-Day, and the invasion of southern France, and north Africa. The Navy then transferred him to an LSM that took him to Japan for the invasion. He was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of surrender, then stayed behind to help with the clean-up. I know that he still has memories buried deep down inside that he won't remember and will never share. That's okay! I am proud of my dad.

It is hard to see my dad as he slowly declines. I remember the first time I hugged him after he had his heart attack and bypass surgery. No longer did I feel the strong shoulder muscles that always assured me that Daddy would protect me. Over the years those muscles, as well as all the others, have gotten weaker and smaller and his stature has shrunk to my height. At this point, he can no longer stand on his own nor take care of himself. About all he likes to do anymore is sleep for hours on end. But inside, he is still my strong and loving dad. And even though some of the memories still hurt, I will cherish the life I had with my daddy.

Fight the Enemy

It has been a long time since I did any blogging. Lately, I have been praying for God to show me how He wants to use me since I can no longer do most of the things I used to do. Teaching Sunday School, leading Ladies' ministries, Nursery worker, Kitchen leader, Life Group Co-coach, Church cleaning and yard work, Drama leader, Prayer partner...all those things had to be laid aside when the Lord allowed me to have fibromyalgia. I knew that I could always pray, which I do always, but I also knew that I could do more. My heart's desire is to serve the Lord every minute of every hour of every day.
Recently, the Holy Spirit has been gently speaking to me that I could get back to blogging. So, here I am, and Lord willing, He will use me to be a blessing to you. My prayer is that those who read my blogs will increase in number and in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. May God use this site for His glory and your good.

So, for this blog I would like to share with you a dream that I had a couple of days ago.
In my dream I was a warrior general, like John of Arc, who was leading my city army into a battle to defend our city from the coming enemy. The location was somewhere in Israel at a city of only three thousand and the setting was around 2500 years ago. We had heard from reliable sources that a huge army was coming to take our city because we would be an easy target and because they hated our good and godly reputation.

 
My army and I were clad in our tunics, cloaks, and coats. Our only weapons were our tools of farming and shepherding. But we loved and served the Lord God and knew that whatever happened He was on our side.

Our troops numbering less than a thousand were stationed all around the small city wall, prepared to defend unto our death. As we stood in the morning sun, the enemy army approached. They were covered in black armor from head to toe and were mounted on black horses of war. Spears and swords glittered in the morning light. Fear touched our brains, but I yelled words of encouragement.

 
The army responded with their own yelling of "Charge" as they came rushing towards us. However, as they reached us, they fell from their horses and begged for mercy. Their spears and swords were only made of plastic and their horses were inflated pool toys.

 
As the enemy lay quivering they pleaded for us to just let them into the city where they could get food and drink and rest. They promised that they would leave within a week or two or a month. At first I looked upon them with pity as my troops wondered what we should do. It was then I remembered how Satan comes like a roaring lion, but also as a subtle serpent. With firm resolve, I commanded our army to dispense of the enemy at once and not allow even one of them to step one foot within the city gates.

Sometimes the enemy attacks quickly and strongly, and it overwhelms us. But much of the time Satan comes as an angel of light and we welcome him into our life. We must be on our guard at all times and always seek the advice of God and His Word.

Warning Warning

By Alice Jensen, Feb. 2015 

WARNING: This blog contains information that you may not wish to read nor wish to have others read. I believe that this story needs to be told and pray that it will be an encouragement to others who have gone through the same experience or care for someone who has. You may comment, but no negativity, please. You do not know how emotionally hard it has been for me to finally write this story.

Introduction: During the month of January 2015 the Lord allowed my husband and I to watch a certain television show that dealt with rape, specifically "date-rape". My husband and I got to talking afterwards because I was wondering if there is some ministry that I could do for other women who have been raped. A ministry of the Lord. My beloved husband very pointedly told me that I wasn't ready because I had never faced my past yet. I still blamed myself for what had happened to me. My husband very clearly assured me that none of it was my fault. NONE of it! and that I had to come to a realization and acceptance of that fact before I could help anyone else. That is when I decided to write this with the grace and help of the Lord.

"An Admission of Truth"

When I was seventeen years old, I was working at the place that my mom managed. She and I were the only ones that worked there and I usually closed the business by myself in the early evenings. When my parents went on vacation, I was left in charge. I think it was during that time that the city fire inspector came to do his inspection of the building where we were located. The young man came into our business to check our fire extinguishers and we got to talking. He was cute and very friendly. I was young and looking for a boyfriend. So, I decided to flirt a little with him. It didn’t take long for him to take the hint and he invited me out on a date that Friday after I got done with work. It didn’t take long for me to agree.

Those who know my past know that I had been sexually assaulted several times as a child and as a teen. I had been raised to believe that “love” between male and female, meant sexual favors. Even though I was now a Christian, I still didn’t understand how to behave with the opposite sex. I wanted it to be romance and friendship and being together. I truly did not want it to be just sexual pleasures for the man. But I didn’t know how to find that kind of true love and by that time in my life, I was just 

Our date went fairly well, but right away I felt scared because he told me that he was not a Christian and didn’t care to hear about religion. He ordered wine with the dinner and I told him that not only was I too young to have alcohol, but that I didn’t like it at all. My grandfather and my favorite aunt had both died alcoholics. I couldn’t see any good that came from drinking it. He didn’t care about what I thought and basically called me a baby. I should have walked away right then and there, but he became my “challenge to convert” instead.

After dinner, he took me to a house that belonged to a friend of his. I thought the friend would be there and we would end up visiting with him. But no, that wasn’t why this guy wanted to get me there. He had sex on his mind. I was so foolish and decided that I would stay and we would just engage in a little kissing. I thought I was strong enough to stop him if he tried to go too far. He got a bit friskier than I had wanted, And I firmly told him to stop and he was "kind" enough to stop and take me home.

I don’t remember any more “real” dates other than him visiting at my house and me visiting at his apartment a couple of times. I kept trying to get him to come to church with me and he kept trying to get me to go to bed with him. He said that he would come to church if I first had sex with him. I refused and he told me that we could never go any further in our relationship unless he could “test-drive the car”. I was really offended by that, but also really stupid to keep him even as a friend.

The last time I went to visit him; I decided to go with my Bible marked with passages for him to read. I hoped that if I “accidentally” left it in the living room on the end table under my sweater, that he just might be enticed to pick up my Bible and read it. I was such a naïve fool. I was a young woman, a baby Christian, and one desperate girl who just wanted to be loved for who she was.

A few days later, this guy called and told me to come over and get my stinking Bible and sweater. It was a Wednesday night and I had just returned from prayer meeting at my church. I was so sad to hear him call my Bible stinking. I knew it meant that I had failed. I began to accept the fact that I could no longer have contact with this guy after I retrieved my items.

It was about 9:30pm when I showed up at his apartment. The man opened the door wearing a big, fluffy bathrobe and appeared to be getting ready to go to sleep. I was just going to get my items and get out with the knowledge that this relationship was over. He told me to come in and pick up the stuff myself because he didn’t even want to touch my Bible. (I should have known that the guy was a demon in the flesh who couldn't stand the Word of God!) I went into the living room and picked up my Bible from the same place where I had left it. He was angry that I had tried to get him to look at my Bible. It scared me and I could feel my heart beginning to beat faster. I looked around for my sweater, but it was nowhere to be seen. The guy told me that he had put it in his bedroom, but that I would have to go get it myself because he didn't want to even touch that. I did not want to go in there, but he would not let me leave. He was so convincing that he would not bring my sweater out and I had to go get it from his room. How I wish I had just left it there and gone home, but it was my favorite sweater.

The adrenaline was flowing from apprehension, but I reasoned that I had been pure in my motives and that I could get the sweater quickly enough that I would be safe from this guy. So, I tried to make light talk as I entered the bedroom. I had never been in there, let alone ever even looked in the room before. I had no idea where to find my sweater. When I finally saw it on the night stand (which was located on the far side of the tiny room), my heart began to beat really fast in fear. As my heart raced, my voice got higher and faster. I just tried to get him to realize that I cared about his soul and wanted him to accept Christ as his savior. He stood there mutely and angrily glaring at me.

I don’t know how fast it happened, but with my back to the guy, I reached for my sweater and from the corner of my eye I could see him drop his bathrobe to the floor. He was completely naked when he rushed up behind me, pushed me to the bed, and ripped off my panties. He was so strong and had my shoulders pinned to the bed with his arms and my legs pinned down with his. He then shoved his knee between my legs and fiercely told me to "let him in". I cried and screamed and begged him to stop. He said this was happening whether I liked it or not and he shoved his other knee between my legs. I began to scratch his back. I dug in my nails . I know I scratched him deep enough to draw blood and so did he. He then threatened to kill me and put his forearm across my throat and angrily told me to shut up and let him finish. I was so scared I obeyed and tears streamed down my face onto his pillow soaking it. I could not believe that I was being raped and losing my virginity in such a horrible way. I fully blamed myself for being so stupid.

When he was done, he told me to clean up. While I was in the bathroom he asked me if I had the venereal disease “crabs” because one of his friends thinks he got them from his toilet. I was so mad at him for what he had done and what he had said that by the time that I left the bathroom, I went to the front room and shoved him as hard as I could and ran out the front door. I ran all the way home crying my eyes out. It was late by the time I got home to my parent’s house, so I hid out in the basement “rec-room” for the rest of the night. I didn't want either of my parents to see me, let alone question me about my crying. I blamed myself for the rape, I never told anyone about it until I was married. I hated the man who did this to me and became very bitter about the whole thing. The hatred became so strong in my heart that I decided to hate all men and trust no one.

In 1990, the Lord got ahold of my heart and mind. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and hatred. I was finally able to understand my sinful part and to forgive those who had hurt me sexually. However, I still had a very hard time admitting that I wasn’t responsible for the rape. I believed that if I had never even flirted with this unsaved man or had never been alone with him or hadn't gone to his apartment or hadn't even let him touch me in the first place, then he wouldn't have raped me. It wasn’t until I was married that I could even admit that it was a rape. My precious husband has helped me to realize that I was victim of rape and that none of it was my fault…and this is a fact that I had not accepted until this very day, January 9, 2015.

I wrote this testimony after Jerry and I had watched a couple of television shows that had featured rape in them. It made me begin to think about the rape that had happened to me so long ago. I never got the counseling that I needed. Jerry still thinks that I might need some, but I don’t. I just really don’t want to rehash an incident that old. I am hoping that it has turned from trash into a treasure, from compost into mulch, from bad into good. I have forgiven the guy who did this to me and I don’t even remember his name. I just want to be able to use my rape to be a blessing to others who have gone through the same horribleness. If there is one absolute truth that I wish to share, it is that the one who did the rape is totally to blame for it and the one who was raped is not to blame in any way. Another truth I would share: God loves you so much and the terrible things that happen in this life are because man chooses to sin, and that God can give you absolute healing and victory over every trial. If you wish, please pray for me that I would be used of the Lord to be a blessing to others who have been raped especially to Christian women. Thank you!