Response to a Response to myself.

For those who have absolutely NO idea what on earth I'm about to talk about, please go here: www.homeschoolblogger.com/christinie and read her latest two entries. Thank you. :)

Christine, here is my response.
You make a good debate argument, and are certainly digging deeper into the discussion of free will. I shall happily continue with my point. (Please forgive spelling errors. I hate to make excuses, but I am still under pain medication from my wisdom teeth removal.)

"When I said "allow" it meant that, if we don't ask the Holy Spirit to do something, He most likely won't do it. So in a way we are not "allowing" the Spirit to work.

You ask where or when are we ever in control? It’s not really a control issue here…it’s a choice God has made, to give us a choice, and then He responds accordingly, in a predetermined way."

If we believe in a Sovereign God, then there is absolutely no need for us to "allow" or "ask" Him to do anything. I believe that God has in mind every single "decision" He "allows" us to make, because He decided to have us decide it ourselves. It's complicated... Let me explain.

In God's plan, He has everything worked out. From the time of Creation, to the time of Redemption. Everything that has happened since the Beginning has all been His doing. He knew that Adam and Eve were going to sin; He knew that Judas would betray His Son; He knew that I was going to rebel against Him at age 14, and return again. He knows every decision I will make in my life, He has named my hours, and He has already formed my future to its perfect state. (And I mean "perfect" in a sense that it is formed by God, therefore, it is "perfect" for me.) So, perhaps it is more God allowing US to have the free will to make our own decisions to help us grow and to learn. But He already knows the outcome of everything. Make sense? Sort of like He gives us the question, we answer, but He already knows our answer and already has a response.

I did not say that we were ever in control of God. No doubt we are never in total control of anything, much less our own lives. So I certainly disagree with this statement: "I am not saying that the Spirit CAN NOT work if we don't "allow" Him, but He most likely won't." How in the world does that work? If that were true, then it would be completely up to us for everything. If we sin and rebel, then we certainly aren't "allowing" Him to do anything, are we? If it were totally up to us to decide if/when to ever return to Him, it could never happen. If God's got everything totally under control, then He's working inside of us even during that rebellious time, and He's slowly bringing us back.

And it's the same situation with unbelievers. They have absolutely no power whatsoever to "allow" God to do anything. A lot of them have never even heard Christ's name spoken before, or if they have, some are certainly not asking Him into their hearts right away. They have no way to "ask" Him to work inside of them. They are completely independent on themselves. Does that mean He "most likely won't" work inside of them anyway? If that were true, none of us would most likely be believers today.

"Do you disagree with me when I said that you don't see many miracles in America, but that they're happening all the time where the gospel is going forth? Many miracles are happening in the USA, but not like they were in the New Testament, and not like they are where the gospel is going forth today."

Again, I have to disagree with you. The gospel is most certainly being spread throughout America, and I can tell you right now I've seen Him work firsthand in my family, and in my church. Very true, you don't see people rise from the dead; you don't see people miraculously recovered overnight too often. But that doesn't mean that God isn't working in America, simply because there aren't enough hearts "asking" Him too. And I don't know where you got the idea that very many miracles DON'T happen in the USA, because you yourself have proclaimed many miracles the Lord has performed in yours and your family's lives. There are a lot of Christians out there, and God has worked in every single one of them. Miracles happen every day - they just aren't quite as magnificent as they were in the Bible.

"Of course I am of the opinion that our main purpose in life, after glorifying God, is to "go and make disciples." I have a feeling that you are Presbyterian, and I know that some Presbyterians don't believe that we have to "make disciples" because some people are "chosen," and once you're saved, you're always saved (even if you murder someone and never repent) (I AM NOT saying that you believe that! I'm just speaking about the beliefs of Presbyterian I have heard speak)."

You went wayyy off topic here, I think. ;) You're right, I'm Presby, but what you posted here is something I think should be reserved for another convo... perhaps the one on Mrs. T's blog. And I am perfectly ready to defend my faith there if you should so wish to debate with me again.

So to wrap up my point, I believe that when it comes to free will, it is not about what WE do, but what God decides to place in our lives, and how we respond to it. He'll act in whatever way He sees fit, and while we are our own person, He is continually working in us, and is in total control, day in and day out.

Hope this all makes sense, and I'll continue further if you wish to keep discussing this. :)

Emma

P.S. The only reason I posted as Anonymous in the first place, is because some people seem to get offended whenever I post, and then get intimidated and back away, and then it never gets resolved. And then some have their ears too full with past arguments with me that there isn't enough room for my words from today to pass through. But since you opened the doors to my identity, I entered. :)

Shut up and be grateful.

So, on Friday night I went to see Switchfoot and Relient K in concert - and I was going to see one of my best girl friends there. She has a lot of money in her family, and I always feel a little intimidated when I'm around her. Normally, I don't give a flying belch in space what anyone thinks about how I look, but with Samantha... I totally freaked out over my outfit and hair and stuff. So when I saw her that night... She had on exactly the same outfit. And I mean EXACTLY the same. So I'm taking that as God's way of saying, "Now see? You were all worked up, and now you find that you and Samantha are exactly the same. So sit down, shut up, and be grateful."

God has an amazing sense of humor.

Yesterday morning, I went into surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed. Hehe, it was actually pretty funny... I went in the office, and the doc came in to talk one-on-one with me, and then they knocked me out. I remember waking up afterwards in a curtained room, with my mom and a nurse beside me. They told me to go back to sleep, so I complied. Then I remember waking up again, and being put in a wheelchair. I think I feel alseep on the ride from the office to my car, and then when I got into the car, the nurse was helping me stand up and stuff, and I think I got mad at her cause I wanted to do it myself. I slept the whole way home (can you tell I love sleeping?), and when I got out of the car in the garage, my mom was supporting me and stuff... and then I passed out.

I think that was the best part of the whole day. haha. I just woke up, and I was like, where am I? Mom said I fainted, and they almost called an ambulence to get me. I just cracked up. I hobbled inside and collapsed on the sofa, and ever since, all I've had to do is eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, take meds, and tell my siblings to go get things for me. It's really not that bad... besides the hunger factor. I could eat a whole chicken and a half by myself, plus a cheeze pizza, french fries, and bacon.

I just have to keep reminding myself to just shut up and be grateful, right? ;)

Battle Wounds

I had a tangle with one of those wild guinea pigs this week, as he was crossing my yard. You wanna see what the little booger did to me?


He BIT me! That's right! I had him in a head lock, and suddenly, he just whipped around and took a snap at my arm. Thank goodness the skin wasn't punctured, or I could have caught a disease or something. O_O He was just running along, and then he stopped. And turned. And stared at me. Then he charged, and my life flashed before my eyes.

But, I'm ok. :) I threw him off, and Dewey came and sat on him. Then the guinea pig ran away. Go us! Whoo!

Random Picture of the Day:


Woof.

Happy Stuff

First of all, I'm not sick anymore! *w00t w00t*

Second, I got my phone back! *w00ts some more* Still waiting on the iPod, though... >.< (I don't think I shared the story about what happened to the iPod, did I? Well, my dad wanted to "buff" it, to get the scratches off. Next thing I know, my beautiful iPod goes flying across the workshop and lands on the concrete floor, and shatters into a bazillion pieces. I was NOT happy. But anyways, back to happy stuff. =])

Third, I can fit into my sister's jeans. x) She's like, really petite, so it's a good thing.

Fourth (and greatest of all), one of my best friends in the church came to Christ on Sunday. I've known him and his wife for 4 years, and after all that prayer and time just showing Christ to him through our lives, he finally made a profession of faith and joined the church.

I felt so special, because I was the first one he told, outside of the elders. (He doesn't have any kids, so he kinda spoils me and my sister.) He just came up to me and told me, and I started sobbing into his jacket. His wife didn't even know. So when they stood up and went to the front of the church, we had a box of tissues waiting for her. It was one of the most amazing services... God is absolutely amazing... hehe, i'm going to cry just thinking about it... omgosh, where are the tissues?

Edit:

Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Goofy Your alter ego is Goofy! You are fun and great to be around, and you are always willing to help others. You arn't worried about embarrassing yourself, so you are one who is more willing to try new things.

Sunshine

Sunshine

Sore, broken, beat down, depressed
You’ve learned life’s not always at it’s best
The truth is hard and the road is long,
What is there left to keep you strong?
That clouds start to rumble overhead,
Your mind’s a mess as you go to bed,
The lightning flashes, you don’t understand
Why things aren’t going the way you planned.

Chorus:
But one day there will be sunshine,
Glinting, shining, warmth inviting
Sunshine, looking down on you.
You’ll never know where you’ll find it,
But I can guarantee,
The sunshine will break through!

All alone in this awful place,
She can’t escape this human race,
She’s so confused and her hope is gone,
Her entire life just all went wrong.
The pain seems just too much to bear,
And she slowly sinks into despair,
The storms keep raging deep inside,
She’s given up the hope to fly.

Chorus:
But just keep looking for that sunshine,
Glinting, shining, warmth inviting,
Sunshine, looking down on you.
You’ll never know where you’ll find it,
But I can guarantee,
The sunshine will break through!

But even amidst the raging seas,
I know that God won’t abandon me,
He holds me fast and keeps me strong,
Until the storm at last is gone!

Chorus:
And I can see that sunshine,
Glinting, shining, warmth inviting,
Sunshine, looking down on you.
I know that you can find it,
And I can guarantee,
God’s sunshine will break through!

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.

Did you all know that a wild herd of rabid guinea pigs are illegally stampeding across the Mexican border into Texas? Troops are coming back from Iraq to deal with this growing problem. There have been 5 wounded and 2 deaths so far, and a whole lot of stinky droppings. The wild guinea pigs are said to have an ally of mice already located in the country, so lock your doors! Seal up every entrance into the house! Hide the children! SAVE YOURSELVES!!!!!!

I'm siiiiiick, so pity meeeeee.

Yeah, I'm sick again. When I sniff, I sound like my pug snorting. Not very nice, now is it, precious?

Ballet class last night went well. I had some very nice turns, which made me happy, but my jumps lacked strength. I think it's cause I was under the weather.

Speaking of weather, it's a sunny and cool day here in TX, at a lovely 74 degrees. I'm going to go for a walk today in the back pastures and try to breath in some fresh air before dance.

I have my phone back, I have my phone back, I have my phone back, nanny nanny boo boo. *dances*

Random Picture Of the Day:

(note: this was me right before my celebration dance when the Colts won the SuperBowl this year.)

I smell like wax....

And no, I didn't go "get waxed." I waxed and washed the car. The car wax smells so good, but it makes my hands feel tight, so I had to wash it off. Phooy. So yeah, this entire afternoon has been spent in car servicing and driving. It's a Standard shift, so I stalled it quite a few times. x) a bit scary, but I'm still alive. My dad had me pull the car into the workshop, and I was in a cold sweat the whole time. But I made it, without a single dent or scratch in the car. Yay me. haha.

It's been really quiet here since I last posted... I haven't done much but work at home. I have ballet class today, and tomorrow, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and work on Friday and Saturday, so yeah... it'll be a quiet, slow week. Nothing much on the schedule...

My grandparents are coming out next week, and they're bringing me an spinet piano. I'm so happy! It'll be like Christmas in October!

And, I got my phone back. x) I'm a lot shorter on cash, cause I helped my sibs out, but still, I have my phone! life is good.

Random Picture Of the Day:

The Present

Yesterday, guess what I got to do! Pull fence posts, and put in new ones! Yay for me. >.< Then I got a spiderbite on the back of my leg that's the size of half my palm. owchies.

I need new pointe shoes. The ones I have are dead in the boxes (the tip, and the part that goes around the toes) and it feels like I'm dancing barefoot. I've only had the shoes for a couple months... I guess I just wear them out fast. I'm going to switch to a new brand and see how that goes. =/

Mom and I went to the thrift store the other day, looking for little odds and ends we needed. (Isn't it nice when you find a designer purse in a thrift store? Or even better when you get old handmedowns that no one can recognize and think you bought it new? Waste not, want not.) The only thing was... as I was browsing through the shelves, I felt a certain similarity to Napoleon Dynamite. O_o If I had found a fake dagger, I would have had to put it through my belt loop and whisper "That's flippin' sweeeet." I walked up to my mom, who was examining a shirt, and commented "I like those sleeves. They're real big." And she just cracked up. x)

Went to an outdoor festival the other day. I rock climbed (and won against my sister), went through the blowup obstacle course (lost to my sister), ate a couple hot dogs, and danced the night away. :) it was a lot of fun.

The Future

This is going to be a cool month.

First, Osprey is going to get his braces off! *starts singing "Joy To The World"* That is going to be an awesome day.

Then, later in the month, my mom, my brother, Osprey and I are all going to see Switchfoot and Relient K in concert! *starts singing the Halleluja chorus* I'm so excited...

Dance classes are going well and strong. For a while, I felt horrible because I was having horrible classes. I'm not as good of a dancer as I thought I was... but things are looking better now. I guess the wakeup call helped me focus in class more, and I've improved a tad. My turns are better, and I'm in the 8+ fouette group (multiple turns in a row, in plain english.) I get around 14 fouettes on a good day. -3 on a bad day. =/ lol.

Had costume fittings. Those went badly. I look like an expectant cow. ha! Maybe it's just the poofy skirts.... or maybe not...

so yeah. I'm going to go rock out on my guitar now. burn out bright! byezers.