Elke's Boring! [tm] Blog |
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Wednesday, April 30, 2003
From the "Practical Life" front - this tip from a colleague - check what is on sale where: currentcodes.com Check before you buy online - this shows free shipping, etc.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
I would really like to go to Creation East with my family, but have to admit I am not sure I am up for several days of camping with them :-) The artist line-up is almost too good to miss though! Well, if I can't go, maybe I can entice you, dear Reader, to take a look at the concert page, and maybe you will even go. Verse to meditate on for the evening: For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17, NIV In Christ, Elke
Saturday, April 26, 2003
PRESIDENTIAL QUOTE FOR THE WEEK “We can all pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God’s will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands.” --Harry Truman
Friday, April 25, 2003
Only a short time after several Yale students were killed in a horrible car accident, tragedy again struck for a Yale graduate. JoAnne knew the young woman, Lyric Benson, who had only last year graduated. Her ex-boyfriend shot her in the face - see the article from the New York Times: Ex-Fiancé Shoots Actress, and Then Commits Suicide. While I was reading this article again tonight, I looked for other articles on this terrible story. I stumbled across this NY Times write-up and another one, which regrettably indicated that Lyric had indeed died. While reading through it, I realized that this woman had apparently rededicated her life to God, as indicated by the sentence "Benson broke off her relationship with Robert Ambrosino, 33, weeks ago after a religious reawakening prompted her to rethink their living together". It is still very sad to think about this death, but I am comforted tonight because Psalm 116:15 says: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Looks like we will see Lyric again when we are gathered around the Throne of Grace - praise God! Please pray for comfort, peace and courage for her family. In Christ, Elke
Thursday, April 24, 2003
It is late, and I am tired, but today I experienced again the peace only Jesus can give. When it seems once again that the pressures of the world seem insurmountable, having my thoughts and meditations return to my Savior is soothing and comforting. I have to keep reminding myself that Christ reigns supreme - over all things. I was meditating on a few verses tonight that may help you as you read them: David had a lot of struggles, and he wrote about it in Psalm 77, 1-3: I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. The good news for all of us is that if we allow the following passages to sink in, true peace - God's peace! - can enter our hearts: Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. One of my favorite "worry wart" passages comes from Philippians 4:6-8: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. God is so good - He knows every groaning of our soul and quenches the longings of our heart. In Christ, Elke
Monday, April 21, 2003
If I was the one to decide, this would be next dog: An American Mastiff! Cute American Mastiff puppy pictures can be seen on this, this and this page - all of these dogs were bred by Hammond Kennels. *woof* Elke
Here is a picture of my sister Birgit (on the right) and I recently (with my Dad's finger in the way).  I love my sister, even though she causes me to lose my last strand of nerves many times. I am sure she feels the same way. :-)
Sunday, April 20, 2003
Another interesting find tonight: Rapture Ready Resources. This site also has a Rapture Index, showing a number, which is made up of various factors, which are Biblical prerequisities for the Rapture to happen. Quite interesting to study. The owner of the site points out very clearly that this does not mean the Rapture will occur if the index reaches a certain number. In Christ, Elke
I love it when I find pages such as this one: Creation Questions and Answers. Not only does it make for great reading, but it allows me one central place to look for answers to questions from non-believers I sometimes struggle to answer. Today is Easter Sunday. Praise God for Jesus Christ who defeated death for us and rose from the grave so all who trust in Him can have eternal life with their Father in Heaven. I long for our Lord to come back soon. In Christ, Elke
Friday, April 18, 2003
Have you ever heard of Alistair Begg? If not, take a look at his ministry's page, Truth for Life. Also check out this page on How to become a committed follower of Christ - excellent reading for a memorable day - Good Friday, the day when Christ died on the cross for our sins. Can't wait for Easter Sunday when I can say "Christ is Risen" to commemorate his resurrection, the day Christ overcame the sting of death once and for all for those who trust in Him! On another note, we watched Kolya tonight, a Czech movie that was quite popular in Germany a few years back. I never got to see it there, but enjoyed it tonight. It is subtitled and a wonderful movie if you haven't seen it yet. Verses for the day: Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. In Christ, Elke
Thursday, April 17, 2003
*teeheehee* If you haven't seen this, this is great: The Iraqi Information Minister, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, commenting history: We Love the Iraqi Information Minister.
I can't get over my Technology Diva colleagues: They had a wonderful surprise waiting for me today when I got to work!!! My cubicle had been decked out in Stars & Stripes garland with helium balloons (with a giant US flag balloon at the top), other red, white and blue decorations, a bunch of flowers, a cake and a huge gift basked with all-American goodies such as apple pie, jelly beans and Cracker Jack in it as well as other gifts, such as flatware with Stars & Stripes handles, placemats in US colors, etc. I haven't felt this loved and appreciated since yesterday, when my husband gave me carnations in red, white and blue to celebrate my special day. I continue to praise God for the blessings He is pouring out on my life. He is so good to my family and I in every way. I posted some new pictures of our new pot rack and family room furniture. I am really excited about the beautiful additions to our house. Having Nick there permanently in June (God willing!) will be the ultimate comfort factor. How I love that man! "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your love is more delightful than wine." Song of Songs 1:2 Another great blessing from the Lord - my husband! Praise God for giving him to me as a partner through this life. In Christ, Elke
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
WOOHOOO!!! Became a US citizen today! God has blessed me so richly - in more ways than one. In Christ, Elke
God at Work: I had shared with some sisters in the Lord my concerns about the demonic nest I stumbled across and how I was nervous about the repercussions from the spiritual dark side because I shone the light of Christ into that corner. Tonight, I shared with my son some of what had happened. I asked him to pray for my protection. As we were coming home from shopping at about 10:10 pm, we were driving up the road to our house, when a Jeep Wrangler came just careening towards us in an S line with another car behind it. I just stomped on my breaks, and the car shot across my lane and crashed into a tree and spun around. After it came to a standstill, we jumped out - the other car had stopped as well. It turned out that an 18-year old girl had lost control of the car after having bumped into the curb but had tried to avoid hitting us. Nobody was hurt - there were four young people in the car. When I had had a moment to reflect on what just happened, my request for prayer came back into my mind. The prayer of the saints made it to Heaven as God certainly sent His angels to intervene tonight. Praise God for His mercy and grace! In Christ, Elke
Sunday, April 13, 2003
Dear Lord, have mercy! I am more confident now than I was half an hour ago that we are living in the endtimes. Take a look at this Questions and Answers page, posted by kryon.com. Read some of the answers, and as a person of faith, you should realize how twisted the only Truth has become here. Pray without ceasing, Brothers and Sisters, this is sheer demonic power at work. Matthew 7:14-16 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 24:23-25 "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." Matthew 24:10-12 "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." In Christ, Elke
Okay, now I am really afraid for my friend who told me the other day about KRYON. The page referenced has three of Kryon's channelings at the UNITED NATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Being fully aware that there are demonic spirits in this world, I am very afraid for my friend now. When I was sharing Christ and the Gospel with him the other night, he told me very briefly about Kryon. It sent shivers down my spine. As we parted, I said "If I am right, you are in great spiritual danger; if I am wrong, I have lost nothing." Please pray that this evil spirit is kept in check in my friend and in all others who have listened to this blasphemous spirit pretending to be God. In Christ, Elke
Friday, April 11, 2003
Sent to me by e-mail today: =========== A LESSON TO MY SON by A PROUD AMERICAN Irma S. Chambers The other day, my nine year old son wanted to know why we were at war. My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation. My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window. He told him: "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?" "I see trees and cars and our neighbors houses." he replied. "OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush." Our son giggled and said "OK." "Now son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country." my husband said. "OK Dad, I'm pretending." "Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and see that man come out of his house with his wife and he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death. Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and afraid of their father. You see all of this son....what do you do?" "Dad?" "What do you do son?!" "I call the police, Dad." "OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations and they take your call, listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then son?!" "Dad, but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine. "They don't want to son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it," my husband says. "But Dad...he killed her!!" my son exclaims. "I know he did...but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children." "Daddy...he kills them?" "Yes son, he does. What do you do?" "Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him" our son says. "Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him," my husband says. "But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!" "WHAT DO YOU DO SON?" Our son starts to cry. "OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next son?" "What Daddy?" "He walks across the street to the old ladies house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then...he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?!!!" "Daddy..." "WHAT DO YOU DO?!!!" Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I close the blinds, Daddy." My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him... "Why?" "Because Daddy.....the police are supposed to help...people who needs it....and they won't help....You always say that neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either...they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid....I can't do it by myself...Daddy.....I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and...and.....do nothing...so....I'm just going to close the blinds....so I can't see what he's doing........and I'm going to pretend that it is not happening." I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine year old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husbands questions and he tells him...."Son" "Yes, Daddy." "Open the blinds because that man....he's at your front door..."WHAT DO YOU DO?!!!!" My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, without hesitation he says: "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!" I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs my son to his chest and hugs him tight, and cries..."It's too late to fight him, he's too strong and he's already at YOUR front door son.....you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone, before......it's too late." my husband whispers. THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq. When good men stand by and let evil happen is the greatest EVIL of all. Our President is doing what is right. We, as a free nation, must understand that this war is a war of humanity. WE must remove this evil man from power so that we can continue to live in a free world where we are not afraid to look out our window and see crimes on humanity. So that my nine year old son won't grow up in a world where he feels that if he just "closes" the blinds the atrocities in the world won't affect him.
Day Twentythree of Gulf War II Frightening statistics... Numbers and Estimates from Iraq War! And by the way, for my German friend who was telling me before the war began that the US sent young black men to die in Vietnam (not true, the percentages reflected the population percentages in the US), I invite you to look at these dead soldiers' faces again and count. Irregardless of the skin color, these are men who gave their all for the freedom they believe in and who paid by never seeing their wife or children again or never even getting the chance to get married and have children and grandchildren. Tomorrow, I will be on my way home from Germany - it has been a long week, but I have had many very good discussions about Jesus and faith with some old friends. How much I pray for me to see them around the Throne one day! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 In Christ's love, Elke
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Day Twentyone of Gulf War II I didn't have a chance all day to check on the news, but what I am seeing here tonight on TV seems too good to be true. I don't believe it's over yet, but this is amazing! The greatest image I saw tonight was the very public and very vocal THANK YOU of Iraqis around the world, also in Berlin in front of the American embassy. The saddest ones were the children, one who had lost both arms and his entire family in a missile strike and several more who were severely burned when an Iraqi fuel tank blew up. Please pray for these innocent children who are paying dearly for the struggle for freedom around them. I had an interesting reaction today when I said I go to church every Sunday ;-) - my German colleague looked at me in an incredulous way and said "Really? You really go to church on Sundays?" I had to smile because I had just quoted that as a reason for loving the US in my last post. I am very much enjoying my stay here, but I miss my Christian friends (family!) back in the US. And of course, my real one. One thing is for sure: My diet starts on Sunday when I get back - too much yummy German food this week! Bible verse of the day for me: Matthew 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." - Jesus Christ God never said there would be peace! Not what we humans want to hear, but Biblical truth. In Christ, Elke
Sunday, April 06, 2003
Day Eighteen of Gulf War II Made it to Germany on early Saturday morning and spent a great day with my family - it was Dad's birthday on Thursday and my sister's yesterday. We had a wonderful dinner with friends in a restaurant. I actually stayed up until 2 am - talking about a lot of things...including the war and God. It was painfully obvious that there are a lot of misconceptions about both topics, as evident in the discussion. Mentioning that I was happy to live in the US because I could be a non-apologetice person of faith was fine and accepted, until the discussion turned to believing in six literal creation days. That was inconceivable how any sane person could possibly believe that. Needless to say that despite good arguments from my end, I felt unbelievably alone in the presence of six people of an opposing view. I have to admit that I generally feel really apprehensive about being here. The negativism is obvious. My father's friends were actually trying to view all of this from all angles, which was rather refreshing. I wore my Swarovski American flag flying to Germany - I guess I did that on purpose and as a show of support for our troops. This morning my sister and I went to the Freie Evangelische Gemeinde in Giessen for the service - I thought the sermon was excellent but regrettably my sister apparently was not touched at all. The message was pure truth and biblically supported - hurrah!!! for the truth. Praise God - He is present in Giessen, Germany! On a sad note, NBC journalist David Bloom died today in Iraq of a pulmonary embolism. I am really saddened - I had watched his great reporting almost non-stop on MSNBC. Please pray for comfort for his wife, 9-year old twin daughters and 3-year old daughter. In Christ, Elke
Friday, April 04, 2003
NEWSFLASH MSNBC reports: US Marines have just found cyanide and mustard agents in the Euphrates River!!!! They are saying it looks like it was done on purpose to poison US troops.
Just saw this on MSNBC: Velvet Hammer reports: "1100 31 MAR - A Soldier from C Co 1-15 was wounded on 29 MAR 03 in Iraq. He received wounds to his neck and has been evacuated to Germany. If you have not been contacted it is not your husband." This has got to a military spouse's worst nightmare...getting that rap on the door in the middle of the night and seeing uniform-clad men. As a former family support group leader, I think this family support group website is amazing...how I wish I would have had something like that when my husband as the company commander at the time deployed to Panama for Just Cause two days before Christmas in 1989! Pray for these families...for courage...for comfort...and for no knocks on the door. In Christ, Elke
Day Sixteen of Gulf War II What a great story: Iraqi family risks it all to save American POW. This is one of the most humbling things about war - how ordinary people rise up to perform heroic acts of bravery while risking their own and their family's lives. In Christ, Elke
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Something beautiful for the evening:  My husband gave me these beautiful roses for my birthday last week *beam* - he is such a wonderful man. Who knows, maybe he will read this... If he does: "I love you, Honey" :-))) EB
Day Fifteen of Gulf War II Sad, very sad to see these faces of American soldiers killed in action. There is another list of faces, which need our prayers for a safe return. God, have mercy and bring this war to a quick end and our POWs/MIAs home safely. My colleague, Rick Swan, has a wonderful webpage, which tells the stories of those who came home from another war, Vietnam, and the tributes to those among them who didn't. I encourage you to pay a visit. Ecclesiastes 4:1-4, New International Version: 1 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed- and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors- and they have no comforter. 2 And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. 4 And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. In Christ, Elke
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
Had a fascinating description of life and strife in Liberia from one of the members of our small group from church. Wow! What an amazing insight into some of the happenings in this African nation. We "powerprayed" tonight - sometimes I think that Christ smiles down on this group because of their prayer fervor during the meetings. I have to say I have seen so many answers to our prayers recently that I feel extremely blessed by our Lord. One of the requests I made known to my Lord tonight was for the restoration of health for one of my colleagues who was seriously injured in a car accident yesterday morning from what I have been able to find out. He is now in a coma in a hospital. I pray that God will heal his body, but will also give him the chance for a spiritual timeout to consider where he stands with Almighty God. I told my small group about blogging tonight - might be a great idea for small groups in our church to post news to each other or submit prayer requests. I am looking at my daughter's blog...I need to plagiarize and get her Shout Out code from her blog. Hers is a lot cooler than mine, so I suggest you check it out. It now also has a chapel branch. Spiritual insights for the night: Luke 21:6-28, New International Version 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down." 7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?" 8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." 10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life. 20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." In Christ, Elke
This is an excellent presentation of the Gospel by one of my favorite speakers, Alistair Begg: Truth for Life. In Christ, Elke
Day Fourteen of Gulf War II Boycott Watch - A look at who's boycotting which French products, and what's not really French, or is it? - okay...how naïve can it get? Why don't we just send every French person alive hate mail. My Bible tells me the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." And this is what I will do. In Christ, Elke P.S. Visit my daughter's blog !<- unsolicited advertising
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Day Thirteen of Gulf War II Did you ever wonder what happened to the "United We Stand" that we all so proudly displayed after September 11th? I was pondering how much that has changed...the preponderance of patriotically flagged cars and chest pins is gone. Are we more or less patriotic as a nation now than after 9/11? Are we divided patriots - some of us patriotically supporting the troops, others patriotically demanding peace and the return of our soldiers? It certainly gave me pause today to think about patriotism and its changing face in the United States of America. Last time I checked, at least we were still "One Nation Under God". In Christ, Elke P.S. This patriot is being sworn in as a US citizen on April 16th!
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