Saved? From what?

I've been contemplating "salvation". Paul tells us we are "being saved". (An action still being performed.) Is salvation more than just submitting to the historical action of Jesus' execution for redeeming us from the death consequences of sin? Seems we leave it at that and then basically take it from there on our own. Okay, Jesus..thank you for dying on the cross. Now I'll take it from here. But Jesus says he is ever making intercession for us. Doesn't salvation continually make us "safe" from the sin patterns formed in our souls as we look to Jesus continually as our savior? As Christ lives in the Christian, he continually exposes all that isn't consistent and compatible with his spirit. Doesn't he demand exclusivity? I remember once upon a time not feeling comfortable calling him "Lord", but feeling no problem in calling him my Savior. He's not divided. He is both Lord and Savior or he is neither. He said, "No man can serve two masters (Matt 6:24). He doesn't want us to be slaves of unrighteousness but a slave of righteousness. (Rom 6:16-19) . the Lord of Righteousness will find all selfishness that is contrary and incompatible with himself. His spirit within us will act to separate ungodliness from his presence within us. Our soul (psyche, mind-emotions-will) which has years of sin patterns and shows up in our behavior, is at war against the new spirit God gives us. We must be "born again"; that which is Spirit is Spirit. Has the life of the living Lord been birthed in our spirit? If any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Roma 8:9) If we have received the life of the Spirit of Christ, "The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom 8:16).

I miss you Annie!

what a wonderful time I had with Annie this weekend. She got here Saturday and left Tuesday morning. Took lots of pictures, including this one... I miss all my family; I am here alone in Washington with time ticking away and the best moments in life passing moment by moment. I realize that family and friends are what make up life's pleasures and all the memories one refers to as they get old and unable to do anything other than reminesce... So, thank you Annie for taking time away to spend with your mom. I look forward to Kevin & Patty who will be showing up this weekend to claim their newly purchased 5th wheel. Will be nice to have them here. It's been 4 years since they've been over.

Bedtime/Reading Time/God Time

Almost time for bed. Finishing up watching Frasier then off to bed. I love bedtime as it's the time of night I read and meditate. I've found the Bible verse to be true, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to You"..(James 4:8). Bedtime is the best quiet time for me. How does one draw near to God? I believe it's through his written word and through prayer. I've heard several "Christian" (?) people say they don't like to read the Bible...how can that possibly be? The word is like food. It's something our spirit craves, isn't it? (Although some "believers" believe that we don't have a new spirit until our bodies are resurrected and God gives us a new birth at that time.."that which is flesh is flesh and that which is spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). While studying to show oneself "approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth..."(2 Timothy 2:15), one can encounter many many theologies and philosophies. It begs the question, who or what is correct? What is the truth? How distorted is the message of the cross, from it's early beginnings...with Satan's influences over the past 2000+ years... I'm always pondering; always trying to make sure things add up... I'm just thankful he has given me the desire to know him and the truth. There was a time when I could have cared less. Thank you Jesus.

Motorycle Dreaming!!!

Today I went an looked at an 06 Suzuki Intruder. Brother, Kevin, had sent me a "Craig's List" ad knowing I had a 96 Intruder I sold to his brother a couple years back. I have missed that bike dearly, ever since.. I haven't looked for a replacement bike, as Lloyd and I bought a 99 Valkrye from another friend.. It's a touring bike, built for two...However, I'm not that comfortable riding as a passenger on a bike... so, I'm getting the "bug" again to have my own. If the price is right, I may just be talked into this bike. It has only 4000 miles.. looks brand new. I am going to test ride it tomorrow... We'll see.

Ditchwaterdeb

So where did the name "ditchwater"come from?... My cousin, Mike, playfully pinned it on me a few years back and I liked it so began using it. He heard me joke about being in good health due to drinking "ditchwater" as a kid growing up and thus the name originated.. I believe, with all my heart, that those bugs and germs I swallowed caused an immunity to germs.. In fact, a doctor informed me that there is some truth to that philosophy... A few people have gotten it wrong and tried referring to me as "dirtywater" deb or "dishrag" deb... somehow, those titles take away the fun...