Trailer for Bloodmoney... Planned Parenthood Corruption...

A friend just sent this movie trailer via Facebook and it is revealing ... check it out.

Deliberations from Deb's Den <><

My girls are going to Hawaii!! Favour, Favour, Favour!!

Well, it is true! My girls are being blessed with a trip to Kihei, Maui over Christmas.


















Now, I have to admit that this can be a little traumatic for a mother of teenage girls, however, I am also so overjoyed for the two of them! Opportunities like this don't come around every day. Fortunately, I have lots of praying partners and
God has been been giving me a sense of peace regarding the whole trip! He is such a good God!!

All of my concerns have been removed as I bring them to Him. A direct flight, and now they both get to fly together! I know that it will be such a wonderful experience for them...

More to come as they get closer to the date!





Deliberations from Deb's Den <><

Giving honour... Pastor Scott and Naomi

This is my personal thank you to Pastors Scott and Naomi! You have been a blessing to me and to my girls. I have only been with Northgate since the transition of CVCS, however I know that it was God's perfect timing. I had been at a Northgate Family meeting where we were discussing moving the covering and leadership for CVCS and I heard the LORD speak the words "You are here now." The LORD carried us through the school board transition at this time, but has also brought much "LIFE" to myself and to my family in the transition as well...

Thank you!

I would especially like to thank Naomi for her prayers for my family and for my daughter during a tough time in the hospital. It was a blessing to be received into your family with such love and your expression of support truly blessed me. How surprised and genuinely touched I was to see you in the Emergency lobby that night. Thank you again for your prayers!

There is much more I could write, but I just want them to know that they are appreciated and that their encouragement and discipleship is a blessing. God has much for the two of you and I am honoured to have a part in joining you and Northgate on this journey!

Be blessed as you Dance in Daddy's Arms!
Debbie <><><

Utilizing My Creative Giftings To The Glory of God!

Here is a small sampling of my artwork and designs over the years…. Enjoy and let    the LORD be praised for His creative giftings within each of us.
All designs © Deborah Strandberg 2009
  

   

 

   

        

My Personality Patterns

I just took the Personality Pattern test. It seems to be, pretty much, an exact reflection of who I am. Here are my top 10 traits, what are yours?

Aesthetic

You appreciate art, beauty, and design; you know that they are not superficial but absolutely crucial to living the good life. You have good taste, and you're proud of it. Those with a high score on the "aesthetic" trait are often employed in literary or artistic professions, enjoy domestic activities — doing things around the house — and are enthusiastic about the arts, reading, and travel.

You don't think it's pretentious to be moved by art and beauty. You're not one of those who believe it doesn't matter what something looks like as long as it does its job.

Original

You are constantly coming up with new ideas. For you, the world as it exists is just a jumping-off place; what's going on inside your mind is often more interesting than what's going on outside.

You don't feel that the road to success is to be a realist and stick to the program; you never stop yourself from coming up with new ideas or telling the world what you're thinking about.

Calm

You rarely become irritated, generally accept people as they are, take things as they come, and feel relaxed in most situations.

You do not let a minor annoyance escalate to a confrontation. You don't regularly snap at those around you or fly off the handle with little provocation.

Innovative

You come up with a lot of ideas; if one doesn't work out, there's always another waiting in the wings. You often have interesting solutions to difficult problems. You're practically a one-person brainstorming session.

You are less interested changing the world than in dealing with things as they are. Unlike those who spend all their time trying to solve problems, you prefer to zero in on things that work and stick with them.

Competent

You strive to master everything you undertake. You tend to learn quickly and do not shy away from challenges.

You are not a "que sera sera" type of person, nor do you go easy on yourself when attempting to master a new skill or get a job done.

Accessible

You're comfortable expressing yourself in words and actions, with no self-censorship. You believe that if someone doesn't like what they see it's not your problem, but theirs. A high score on the "accessible" trait suggests that you have a lot of friends, socialize often, and enjoy rap/hip-hop music.

You don't see the need to keep your thoughts to yourself, or to have a zone of privacy that encompasses only yourself and a small circle of friends and relatives.

Slapdash

You believe things will turn out fine even if they don't go precisely according to plan. As far as you're concerned, it's not the end of the world if a project falls short of perfection.

You don't feel compelled to dot every "i" and cross every "t."

Introspective

You like your own company; you're a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you're thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what's going on in your mind is more compelling than what's going on outside. For the most part, those with a high score on the "introspective" trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities.

You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself.

Upbeat

You enjoy being around others and others enjoy being around you. You have a "live and let live" attitude; because you know that no one's perfect, you are forgiving and happy to give the benefit of the doubt.

You don't feel the need to be controversial or express contrary opinions all the time. You see no reason to go around rubbing people the wrong way.

Tender

You are gentle with others, both physically and emotionally. You are careful not to upset people and go out of your way to find the nicest way to say something. You naturally focus on the fact that the world is full of wonderful people, places, and things. More often than not, people with a high score on the "tender" trait enjoy spending time with children, love romantic movies, and are enthusiastic about making the world a better place.

You don't think of yourself as tough-minded or gruff, nor do you need to be seen as some kind of objective source of truth and rationality.

“Run for the Roses” He Rose!!

I was praying for a Young Woman of God last weekend and the LORD gave me a special word for her… to “Run for the Roses.”  At first I was hesitant, thinking that this phrase was just about running a race for a crown that will pass…. for a corruptible prize. (1 Cor 9:23-26)   Since then, however, the LORD has brought clarity to His words for this young woman to  “Run for the Roses.” 

First the LORD reminded me of  the old Dan Fogelberg song “Run for the Roses” honouring  unique thoroughbreds like Secretariat  who have won the  Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes) So I decided to look up the lyrics to “Run for the Roses” and the actual song on Youtube.

"Run for the Roses" by Dan Fogelberg

I then received a vision of the Resurrected Jesus wearing a Winners Wreath of Roses around His neck.   Jesus is our prize and Jesus has won The Race that we were required to run.  For us  “IT IS FINISHED!”  Through Him, we have received the Incorruptible Crown… the Triple Crown of Eternal Glory (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)!  Ultimately, those in Christ have already “Run for the Roses” and won.… because “He Rose.”

Lyrics to “Run for the Roses” by Dan Fogelberg

Born in the valley
And raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky
On wobbly knees
With mama beside you
To help you along
You'll soon be a growing up strong.

All the long, lazy mornings
In pastures of green
The sun on your withers
The wind in your mane
Could never prepare you
For what lies ahead
The run for the roses so red --

And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --

From sire to sire
It's born in the blood
The fire of a mare
And the strength of a stud
It's breeding and it's training
And it's something unknown
That drives you and carries
You home.

And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --

(And for your added enjoyment, I have added another old favourite  Dan Fogelberg singing this song for his father “Leader of the Band.” It is yet another flash from the past!)

Awesome Projection Images!

Ok… so I am a graphic artist… this intrigues me! God has blessed many people with incredible creative gifts! Thanks Rich for sharing it on your blog! Enjoy!

Projection on Buildings from NuFormer Digital Media on Vimeo.

Awesome Projection Images!

“I am God”… NOT!

I was working on my computer the other day, while nonchalantly listening to the conversation between the four teenagers sitting in my living room.  (Not really “spying” per se, but yes, my ears were opened to hearing what they were sharing with each other!)

Then suddenly they started talking about God!  Now, normally this would have thrilled me to bits… unfortunately this time, they were claiming the title for themselves saying “I am God” and “You are God.” 

Now I am sure that it was all done in jest, but I just made a comment to them, that I wondered what God would think about that….

Fortunately, a friend sent along a link to a site called “I Am Second.” I am praying that the HOLY SPIRIT will speak to their hearts quickly about this issue… because God is the Great I AM…. and they are NOT!! 

Check out the testimony of Mike Huckabee, Presidential Candidate…. It kind of puts things into perspective.  I am second.

I AM SECOND (www.iamsecond.com)

“Mom, who’s paying for my wedding?”

I just read a Focus on the Family article which reminded me of a question my daughter asked me a couple of months ago.  Mikayla and I had been watching an episode of “Rich Bride, Poor Bride”  when out of the blue she asked; “Mom, who’s paying for my wedding?”

I have to admit to being a little unprepared for this question.  You see, my daughter doesn’t have a boyfriend (that I am aware of anyways) and is ONLY 14 years old.  Adding to the shock value of this question, was the fact that we had just finished watching a show where the total cost of the “Princess Bride Wedding” was well over $50,000. 

I made note of the question on my ‘Facebook” status and thoroughly enjoyed all the responses to my predicament.  I think that I will keep them hidden away in her Baby book and bring them out for a laugh at her actual wedding (hopefully several years down the road!)

Anyway, back to the Focus on the Family article that got me thinking about this again.  The title of the article was Considering the case for early marriage - Focus on the Family article by Jim Daly.

Daly noted several points that are worth considering, but the gist of the article flows from the thought by Dr. Mark Regnerus, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas that “Christians have spent too much time promoting abstinence before marriage and too little promoting marriage as a viable option institution for Twenty-something believers.” 

Brides in biblical days actually got married in their teens… They say that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was probably between 13 and 15 when she married Joseph.  And of course, there were those  “pre-arranged marriages.”  I wonder what the Twenty-something's of today would think of those?

Just possibly this all this comes down to the fact that we have actually been fighting the wrong battle… Maybe we should have been focusing on the real war; the attack against Marriage as God originally intended it…

The marriage of one man

and  one woman…

For Life… And Life

Eternal!

Preparing to CRY OUT for our Nation at TheCRY Vancouver… August 15th

I received a promotions package for TheCRY Vancouver last week.  Since then, the desire has been steadily increasing and growing in my Spirit to see the people of British Columbia and especially those of us  here on the West Coast and Vancouver Island take a STAND for Righteousness in the Name of Jesus! 

Standing - TheCRY Vancouver * August 15, 2009

So yesterday I opened up GOD.TV on my computer and selected the On Demand Section.  The LORD lead me to choose TheCRY St. John’s.  I have had it on all day… listening and watching, joining in their CRY, praying and battling worshipfully for this nation.   

I joined with them as they prayed as ONE Nation… joining with Jesus in His prayer that we would be ONE with the Father, just and the Father and He are ONE.  All the diverse cultures in Canada coming together as ONE under God!

I joined with them as they prayed for marriage in our Nation as God intended.  One man and one woman… MARRIED FOR LIFE!!

I joined with them as they prayed for the deliverance of those caught in Human Trafficking here in our nation and beyond.

I joined with them as they prayed SILENTLY for those who do not have a voice…. For the babies who have had their CRY and their lives cut short through abortion.  To give a voice to the voiceless.

On August 15th, we have an opportunity to STAND for OUR NATION in prayer and worship, to STAND for a GENERATION  yet unborn through prayer and worship, to STAND for THE WORLD as Canada fully walks in Her GOD-GIVEN DESTINY to bring HEALING TO THE NATIONS!

Join with me as we go to Vancouver and join in TheCRY Vancouver 2009.  For more information go to www.thecry.ca

Join in TheCRY

for Canada!

For my Kaybear… Rick Mercer Report on Bear Tagging… Too Cute!

My Dad just Emailed me this video clip  on the Rick Mercer Report.  (He definitely likes the Fish and Game lifestyle)  It is just toooooo funny! Check it out…. :0)

"Rick Mercer Report" on Bear Tagging - CBC

Rick Mercer visited Algonquin Park to do some work on Bear Tagging and research.  The video was absolutely hilarious and is definitely well worth a look.

The Wedding Gown That Made History

I just received this story in an Email from Irene Cheese and was so touched that I wanted to share it far and wide!  Enjoy… but make sure you have the Kleenex handy!  God bless, Debbie <><

The Wedding Gown That Made History

Lilly Friedman doesn't remember the last name of the woman who designed and sewed the wedding gown she wore when she walked down the aisle over 60 years ago..  But the grandmother of seven does recall that when she first told her fiancé' Ludwig that she had always dreamed of being married in a white gown he realized he had his work cut out for him.
For the tall, lanky 21-year-old who had survived hunger, disease and torture this was a different kind of challenge.  How was he ever going to find such a dress in the Bergen Belsen Displaced Person's camp where they felt grateful for the clothes on their backs?

    Fate would intervene in the guise of a former German pilot who walked into the food distribution center where Ludwig worked, eager to make a trade for his worthless parachute.  In exchange for two pounds of coffee beans and a couple of packs of cigarettes Lilly would have her wedding gown.

   For two weeks Miriam the seamstress worked under the curious eyes of her fellow DPs, carefully fashioning the six parachute panels into a simple, long sleeved gown with a rolled collar and a fitted waist that tied in the back with a bow. When the dress was completed she sewed the leftover material into a matching shirt for the groom.

   A white wedding gown may have seemed like a frivolous request in the surreal environment of the camps, but for Lilly the dress symbolized the innocent, normal life she and her family had once led before the world descended into madness.  Lilly and her siblings were raised in a Torah observant home in the small town of Zarica, Czechoslovakia where her father was a melamed, respected and well liked by the young yeshiva students he taught in nearby Irsheva. 

 
He and his two sons were marked for extermination immediately upon arriving at Auschwitz .  For Lilly and her sisters it was only their first stop on their long journey of persecution, which included Plashof, Neustadt, Gross Rosen and finally Bergen Belsen.

Lilly Friedman and her parachute dress ondisplay in the Bergen Belsen Museum
  Four hundred people marched 15 miles in the snow to the town of Celle on January 27, 1946 to attend Lilly and Ludwig's wedding.  The town synagogue, damaged and desecrated, had been lovingly renovated by the DPs with the meagre materials available to them.  When a Sefer Torah arrived from England they converted an old kitchen cabinet into a makeshift Aron Kodesh.
    "My sisters and I lost everything - our parents, our two brothers, our homes. The most important thing was to build a new home."  Six months later, Lilly's sister Ilona wore the dress when she married Max Traeger.  After that came Cousin Rosie.  How many brides wore Lilly's dress? "I stopped counting after 17." With the camps experiencing the highest marriage rate in the world, Lilly's gown was in great demand.

    In 1948 when President Harry Truman finally permitted the 100,000 Jews who had been languishing in DP camps since the end of the war to emigrate, the gown accompanied Lilly across the ocean to America .  Unable to part with her dress, it lay at the bottom of her bedroom closet for the next 50 years, "not even good enough for a garage sale. I was happy when it found such a good home."
   Home was the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington , D.C. When Lily's niece, a volunteer, told museum officials about her aunt's dress, they immediately recognized its historical significance and displayed the gown in a specially designed showcase, guaranteed to preserve it for 500 years.

   But Lilly Friedman's dress had one more journey to make. Bergen Belsen, the museum, opened its doors on October 28, 2007.  The German government invited Lilly and her sisters to be their guests for the grand opening. They initially declined, but finally traveled to Hanover the following year with their children, their grandchildren and extended families to view the extraordinary exhibit created for the wedding dress made from a parachute. 

   Lilly's family, who were all familiar with the stories about the wedding in Celle , were eager to visit the synagogue.  They found the building had been completely renovated and modernized..  But when they pulled aside the handsome curtain they were astounded to find that the Aron Kodesh, made from a kitchen cabinet, had remained untouched as a testament to the profound faith of the survivors.  As Lilly stood on the bimah once again she beckoned to her granddaughter, Jackie, to stand beside her where she was once a kallah.  "It was an emotional trip.  We cried a lot."   Two weeks later, the woman who had once stood trembling before the selective eyes of the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele returned home and witnessed the marriage of her granddaughter.

  The three Lax sisters - Lilly, Ilona and Eva, who together survived Auschwitz, a forced labor camp, a death march and Bergen Belsen - have remained close and today live within walking distance of each other in Brooklyn.  As mere teenagers, they managed to outwit and outlive a monstrous killing machine, then went on to marry, have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and were ultimately honoured by the country that had earmarked them for extinction.
   As young brides, they had stood underneath the chuppah and recited the blessings that their ancestors had been saying for thousands of years.  In doing so, they chose to honor the legacy of those who had perished by choosing life.

PLEASE PASS THIS INSPIRATIONAL STORY ALONG......IT'S WORTH SHARING!

The Glory Cloud of His Presence – Aglow Part 2

I have been trying to sum up in my heart what the LORD imparted to me during this NI Aglow Retreat.  His Presence and His Favour was definitely with us and I could see His divine appointments as well.

A while back Pastor Scott shared a message at Northgate Foursquare.  It was on Exodus 33:1-18  where Moses is being asked to lead the Israelites to take the Promised Land.  At first God wasn’t going to go with them because they were a “stiff-necked people.” (Aren’t we all at times?)  Fortunately, “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.”  Moses was able to intercede for His people.   "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. ¹How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" Finally God agreed to let His Presence go with them.

This message awakened something within me and I also began to intercede for my friends and family.  God gave me the promise that He would go with us ALL as well.

Then, on the Friday Evening, Diane Fink taught from the same scripture.  Yet another confirmation of God’s Goodness…“the Loving-kindness of God.”  It is His loving-kindness that brings us to a point of repentance unto salvation.  Rom 2:4 God allowed His Goodness… His Glory to pass before Moses (and now He offers it to us).  His Goodness is His VERY Best for us.  It is His beauty, His salvati0n, His welfare, His Joy, His Prosperity… It is His Glory.   “The Glory of the LORD will cover the earth” And, as Christians, we are to be the reflection of that Glory in the earth…  Pretty Awesome when you think about it!!

It is truly about HIS PRESENCE!!

More to come… :)

The Glory Cloud of His Presence… (Aglow Part 1) Our Island Prayer Journey

Why was I there?   Was I ready?  Was I there for His Presence; or was it for our Island Prayer Journey, or the anointed speaker, Diane Fink… or the awesome worship lead by Leah Robertson… or even just the fellowship?

Olivia challenged me this weekend.  She sooooo wanted to be in His Presence and experience the Glory of God!!  The time is NOW and she knew it!! 

We (Olivia, myself, Penny and Laurie) had our Island Prayer Journey planned for the drive down to the conference at Qualicum Beach and we were going to stop at several places along the coastline.  We prayed at Royston, Craigdarroch Beach, Buckley Bay, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Oyster River and Qualicum Bay among other small little hamlets...  to claim the FAVOUR of the LORD for that area.  Our trip was to bless others and to bless the land, but inadvertently, God poured out His blessings upon us!  The weather was glorious, the fellowship was awesome, the presence of God surrounded us and we saw eagles all over the place.

Olivia wanted to be READY and she wanted OTHERS to be ready along with her.  She had her oil lamp full!  She wanted God’s presence and she wanted to honour Him and Him alone!!  Fortunately for us, the love of God permeates all those around us and we all found our heart for the journey too.  He gave us his “Eagle Eye” from which to pray His prophetic prayers for the  various areas.  It was a powerful time of worshipping our creator in His glorious creation! 

If only we could live like this 24/7.  I know that I fall short way too often.  I desire that the scripture Psalm 84:2 would represent my live on a DAILY basis…  Not just every now and then.  I want my heart and my flesh to CRY for the LIVING GOD!!   I want to Live in His Glorious Presence EVERY DAY.

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  (Psa 84:2 ASV)

How often do I let myself get to this point with my Beloved?   I wonder….

A Caterpillar Saved Thanks To Mikayla :)

I have such a sweet, compassionate daughter… she even cares for the beasts (bugs) of the field.   This morning as we were hopping in our vehicle, Mikayla bent down behind the car.  I was watching her in the rear-view mirror, and wondered at what she was doing.  Then I saw her stand up with something in the palm of her hand and walk over to our yard.  As I looked on, she gently placed a little caterpillar safely on the grass… far away from the path of our automobile tires!

Of course, this became a big joke on our journey to the bus, and I must admit that I had a little fun with the whole thing.  I described the moment that her little butterfly would flutter up to her one day and say “Thank You for being my saviour”.

Thinking back on it now,  I realize just how valuable that few seconds was.  It did save a life!  She HAD become this little caterpillar’s saviour! How precious to think that her silent decision could save a life that one day could turn into something significant… That fuzzy little creature now has the opportunity to grow from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.

It brings me back to a painting that the LORD and I had created while at the IGNITE Worship Arts Event.  God had given me a vision… a simple picture of a caterpillar on a stick.   

I was humbled as I first started to sketch it out, and then begin to put colour to the paper and I wondered as to His message of it.  I felt just as small and insignificant as that caterpillar.  Here I was surrounded by incredible paintings of Biblical proportions, but then God began to move me… He started to give me colours and He started to direct me where to place the paint brush.

As I watched before my eyes I saw a different image begin to appear. I could see it start to take shape, and as I stepped away to look at the painting from another direction, He showed me the outlines of an image that He had given me days before of a violin. The word was that “He was bringing forth a New Sound."  The colours of the rainbow brought back another Word that He had given me speaking of His Promises to His Bride.  I shared at this point on my painting recognizing that it was yet an unfinished work, expectantly wondering what He was going to do with it.

After lunch, the painting developed further as several of us spent the afternoon fellowshipping together. As I joined with Him in the dance of the painting, I could see the caterpillar developing into the beginnings of Peacock Feather Butterfly. I knew that I wanted to get a better picture of the feather wings, so I asked Jean Kelly to bring up some peacock feathers on her digital arts computer and continued to paint the feathers with the colours of the rainbow. He then lead me to develop the Peacock Feathers into a Dramatic Mask. He also pointed out another feather in the image and directed me to develop it into a Calligraphy Feather Pen.

Once I had finished, I sought the LORD as to the further meaning of the imagery. He showed me that in the beginning this was just a picture of a stick and a caterpillar.  Just as insignificant as Mikayla’s little caterpillar.

But the caterpillar represented the small beginnings of my/our Worship through the Arts.  As we joined together in UNITY during the IGNITE conference we were being legitimatized into the New Birth of the beautiful all-encompassing Worship Arts. A peacock feather butterfly mask symbolizing the Dramatic Arts and Digital Arts, the violin bringing out the Music, the rainbow ribbons flowing with the Dance and the praise flags, and the Feather Pen DIRECTING our path through the written Word in Prophetic Worship... through song, through poetry, through dramatic writings, through books and novels, and through other Prophetic Works.

He created a masterpiece through my hands and gave me His New Beginnings... a caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly!  I praise Him with His creative giftings and in the process we take ground for the Kingdom of God. He has allowed me to come against destruction with the opposite force... with Creativity... and it is glorious!!

And today God allowed Mikayla to come against destruction with the opposite force… with compassion.  She saved that little caterpillar from death and God has used her to bring abundant life…. True it may only be the life of a small caterpillar, but one day it will become a beautiful butterfly touched with the colours of God’s rainbow… His promise of New Beginnings…. and it truly is GLORIOUS!

The enemy would like to kill, steal and destroy.  But God has come so that we might have life, and life more abundantly.  (John 10:10)

A CALL TO ACTION…. (Parts 1 & Correction Part 2 Added)

Part 1 - Here are some alarming demographics which I just received via a YouTube video.  (OK, OK,  I know that I shouldn’t believe everything that I see on the internet, but I will admit, this does start my mind to wondering…) 

I would like to hear some comments on this.  Check out the video below and let me know what you think. 

Islam could overwhelm Christiandom unless Christians recognize the demographic realities, begin reproducing again, and share the gospel with Muslims.

Some statistics from the video:

• They say that to sustain a culture that there needs to be a fertility rate of 2.11
• Canada’s fertility rate is currently at 1.6. 
• From 2001 – 2006 there was a Canadian population increase of 1.6 million, 1.2 million was from immigration (Do the math - Only 0.4 million from Live Births… Not from the aborted births by the way.)

• Quote from Islamic Strategy Conference in Chicago “We must prepare ourselves that in 30 years there will be 50 million Muslims living in America.”

Of course, Divine Wisdom says that God is in control even of this… but I must admit that these facts do draw my mind to wondering what God is up to…. Where will Canada be in the next generation… or the generation after that?  What will the world that we are leaving to our children look like?

“Where am I going with all of this?” you may be asking….  Well, ultimately, it all comes down to this.

“Do you know who your neighbours are?” and “Have you told them about JESUS?!!”

****************************************************************

Part 2 - After Posting this Blog I received an Email from Maureen Smith, Aglow International Canada National Director (maureens@aglowcanada.com)
I wanted to share the new information for the purpose of accuracy, and apologize for not taking the time to verify the facts beforehand.

From: Jervae Brooks 
Sent: May-06-09 3:12 PM
Subject: Regarding video on www.youtube.com - "Muslim Demographics" (An important correction)
Importance: High

Dear Aglow National Leaders,

We are forwarding the following email to you, from Diane Moder, in case you have received the “youtube” video titled “Muslim Demographics”.

Hi everyone,
On Monday, April 27 I viewed a DVD called “Muslim Demographics.”  After seeing it, the gentleman involved in producing it was contacted. He asked us not to use it because some of the information is incorrect.  He said the material is currently being updated to correct the information. He assured us when that is done we will get a copy.  

That same evening I received my first email that sent a link to YouTube. This same “Muslim Demographics” video has been uploaded to this site. I sent the information to Scarlet Stone, our Researcher and she verified that the material is not accurate in many places. This is her response:

From Scarlet (in red):

Many of the numbers are wrong...for instance the video says that 25% of Belgium is Muslim. The BBC says Muslims are only 4% of the population, and Wikipedia says 6%. That's a pretty big mistake. They are more than likely getting the numbers from Muslim sources which are always higher than reality . . . the picture that they are trying to paint is not complete or correct. I looked into this a while back when we were using this same type of information.

Out of 225 nations that I have fertility rates for, only 121 nations have replacement rates higher than 2.11, and the vast majority of those nations are third world countries where many of the children born will never reach maturity. Not surprisingly, the highest replacement rates are in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the lowest rates of adult literacy correspond to the highest population growth rate. In other words, if you are uneducated, you are more likely to stay barefoot and pregnant.

According to an article by Asia Times Online, the Muslim birth rate today is the world's second highest, but IT IS FALLING FASTER THAN THE BIRTH RATE OF ANY OTHER CULTURE! Why? Because Muslims (and especially female Muslims) have learned to read. Literacy alone explains 58% of the variation in birth rates among Muslim countries. Also keep in mind although we tend to focus on the influence of Islam on western society, the opposite is also occurring. Western society is influencing the Muslim world.

Now could some European countries have Islamic majorities in the future...of course, but we can not honestly make the kind of predictions that are in the video. There are too many variables in population studies. With all God is doing in the Middle East, they can become Christian nations!

I have received many emails this week with this YouTube link and it is apparent that it is now being sent across the body of Christ. Because of this I want to alert and inform the leaders in our ministry that the information in various places on this video is incorrect and thereby brings a conclusion that is not accurate. At this point, until the DVD is updated I trust you will not use this information or forward the

YouTube link. If you already have received this link and information and forwarded this link to others, please feel free to share this email to tell them that the data is incorrect and the material is being updated.
As leaders we want to make certain that the information we share and forward is truthful and is able to be verified. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Blessings,
Diane Moder
Aglow International Islamic Awareness and Education Director
DianeModer@aol.com

The "Aha" Moment

I was just watching a commercial for Mutual of Omaha.  They are having a contest in which people submit their "Aha Moments." 

One mother of a 6 year old boy was talking about their "Aha Moment."  After watching a show on stray animals the little boy decided to ask all of his birthday party guests to donate money to help homeless animals rather than bring gifts for his birthday.  He is now 9 years old and over the past three years he has raised $2700 for stray animals because he had a "aha moment." 

Another woman had her "Aha Moment" when her mother, the matriarch of her family,  was diagnosed with cancer.  The mother didn't want to die without grandchildren, so the woman decided to adopt a little girl to carry on the family legacy.    That little girl inherited their family name and and they created a legacy through adoption.    (More "Aha Moments"  see:  http://www.ahamoment.com/)

My "Aha Moment" came a couple of years ago... or should I say my "Ah Moment." 
I had been reading in Genesis 17 where God was  blessing Abram with a new name... a name that included part of God's own name... "Yahweh" or sometimes just "Yah."  He gave the "ah" to Abram and he became Abraham.  The LORD also gave His name to Abraham's wife Sarai when He changed her name from Sarai to Sarah.  God had offered Abraham and Sarah his name "Yah" as part of  their covenant ceremony as well. 

When we take someone's name through adoption, and we receive their blessing and their legacy, but we also receive their authority as well.  When Our Heavenly Father gives his children his name to use as part of His covenant, he also gives us the authority to use that name legally... He promises His "power of attorney" and says "All that I have, is yours." 

My own "ah moment" came when the LORD showed me that He had also given me His name, "Yah."  He then pointed out that my actual name already has "ah."  My given name is "Deborah."  When I was born, my parents wanted to name me "Debbie," but I was born in a Catholic hospital so the Sisters wrote my name down as "Deborah" on the birth certificate!!  God had given me His name even at my birth. 

I think back on it now and realize just how powerful that is.  Hebrew 1:14 says that "angels were sent out to minister on behalf of those who will inherit salvation. "  Even as I was a small baby God was showing that He had already chosen me.... That I would be adopted by Him, that I would inherit His Kingdom, and His name.  I am "Deborah." 

Our Quiver is full! We are truly blessed!

Our Quiver is full and we are truly blessed!  This weekend my daughter, Mikayla and I joined Grandma and Grandpa Dean as they journeyed down to Ladysmith for my nephew Ryan's birthday party. 

Ryan had some of his friends at the party of course, but what I noticed was the power of family.  There are now 8 grandchildren for John and Marnie with Ryan, at age 5, being the youngest.  Of those 8 kids, Mikayla, Samantha, Sierra, and Jacob were there to celebrate with Ryan.  

Add to that two grandmothers, a grandfather, two aunts, an uncle, a mom and a dad and you can see that the place gets FULL pretty quickly! The bible tells us that this is a blessing.... it a quiver FULL of arrows ready to take out the enemy!

The older kids and some of the adults took this imagery a step further.  While the young kids were inside playing an exciting game of "Pin the Hat on the Martian," we were outside with the Bow and Arrows taking aim at a make-shift balloon target.  Those balloons didn't stand a chance when they came up against the Deans!!

I'm declaring this to be a prophetic act.  As the mighty Dean's hit our targets  (those menacing balloons!), so too will we hit our targets in prayer!!  Our enemies will be put to shame and they will be swept right out the gate!!  The Message Bible puts it this way; "Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep!"

It's our mighty inheritance to receive!!

Lo, children are a heritage of God; And the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.   (Psa 127:3-5 ASV)

 

An Atheist who preaches the need to spread the Good News (Gospel of Jesus Christ) better than most Christians

A friend of mine sent me this story on facebook.  (*Thanks Katie!)

A guest to the Penn & Teller show gives a surprisingly wonderful gift to Penn.

I was surprised that an atheist has a better grasp on the importance of spreading the Good News than most Christians do!  Check out the quote below and then watch the video....

**********

The following quote is just one more example of why I feel an urgent need to speak the Gospel to all creation (including YOU!) 

This quote is from the mouth of Penn Gillette (a famous atheist--who said of himself "I am beyond atheist"): 

Here's Penn's quote about Christians, "If you believed that there’s a Heaven and Hell, and that people could be going to Hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think that, well it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward . . .  How much do you have to HATE somebody to know that everlasting life is possible and NOT tell them that?

I mean if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you -- there is a certain point where I tackle you --and this is more important than that."

My heart is burdened for those who do not know the true Gospel of Jesus.   If I truly care about people...how can I not share this Good News!   Can you see that truck coming??

A Person's a Person No Matter How Small... UPDATE

For the full article http://bound4life.com/blog/2009/02/06/y-o-p-p

I was totally amazed at the wisdom and courage that this 12 year old girl displayed as she stood up for God's Truth.

While doing a school project on persuasive speech, Lia chose to speak out on the issue of abortion. Her teachers encouraged her to change her topic; they even tried to convince her mother to get her to change her topic; but Lia stood firm on her convictions and God has shown Himself faithful.

She had been told that she would NOT be able to enter the competition because her topic on abortion was "too controversial." However she won... first in her class competition; and she won in her school competition, and now after a disqualification and a God-ordained re-qualification, she is headed for the regional competition. I will prophetically state that I believe God will enable her to win in the regional's also. Her speech is powerful, filled with the truth of God and totally anointed of the LORD. Check it out above.

UPDATE 2/17/09 12:00 PM EST: Lia has advanced to the next round of competition with her speech. She will delivering it TONIGHT at 7 PM EST. Please pray.

UPDATE 2/18/09 11:00 AM EST: I heard from Lia’s mother that she did an outstanding job last night. "Her presentation was flawless and she was poised and passionate throughout." She did not win the competition however. Two teachers and others present felt that she was the strongest speaker and should have won, but they suspected that her topic of abortion is what kept her from winning.

Read this excerpt from her mother’s email:
Lia wasn’t really that upset though, especially when she considered that the only difference between winning the competition and not winning was having a couple extra pictures taken and being given a small trophy. Lia has a much bigger trophy – somebody commented to us on our YouTube account that her aunt watched Lia’s video and decided to NOT have an abortion because of it. Yay God! Others have commented that they either never thought of the issue before or were pro-choice – but now they have changed their opinions. So, having a life saved is the best trophy ever!

We’re thrilled with Lia’s courage and conviction. And YES, the best trophy is a life saved. Please join us in continuing to pray for her YouTube video to spread virally and impact countless lives.

For a full article at: http://bound4life.com/blog/2009/02/06/y-o-p-p