My New Website!

I invite you all to check out my new personal website
www.sometimeshewhispers.weebly.com

I have started a new blog on this site. This blog will continue to be my personal blog for family and friends. Once I update the space allowance on this blog, I will resume posting pictures as before.

Thanks for everyone's patience! I have so much to post from our trip to the US!

America the beautiful

Howdy folks..

Sorry for the lack of posts lately.. Not because I haven't wanted to post but we are on vacation in the US for three weeks and have had little time online. Plus, I am no longer able to upload pics to this blog so I have to sit down and figure out how I am going to restructure my blog from this point on.

We have had a great time in the US of A. Our first week was spent in sunny Florida. Lots of pool time, shopping time, visit to the Hard Rock cafe, and a beautiful wedding in Panama City..

Then we headed to North Carolina (kakalacki) for a week of insanity and fun. We saw our eye doctor and both got glasses, our dentist, Bryon saw an oral surgeon and had his wisdom teeth removed, dermatologist, got professional photos of the kiddies taken, had an evening with my college roommates in Charlotte, spent two days at the Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte for Daniel's birthday, spent some great time with my girls Kate and Melissa who drove all the way from Maryland/Va Beach to spend the week with me, soo much more..

I did some 'Mall shopping" by myself which ROCKED. For those of you in the UK, you know that going to an indoor shopping mall and seeing any store you want is a major rarity, so it was fabulous! And actually trying on clothes without kids pulling on me, screaming, hiding in the racks and scaring me to death thinking they were lost, you know, normal mom stuff, lol.

We have eaten some yummy food.. Yamoto's Express three times, take out pizza three times, KFC, Cold Stone, Chickfila, Dairy Queen, Cookout, oh yes.. Fast food nation, here I come! :)

Now we are in Pennsylvania for a week with Bryon's family. I've taken my first nap of the trip home, it was glorious. I had forgotten how spectacular naps are especially when your so tired you are literally falling asleep sitting.

I'm so thankful for this time at home. It has been almost 2 years since we have all been home together. I swore I would not drive on this trip but I have many times. Ya'll can pray for me when I get back to the UK because on my last trip home, I got in a car wreck my first day back to the UK!! I was driving on the wrong side of the road! ah!

I think my southern accent is coming back a bit. We will see :) Thanks to all my UK friends for holding the fort down. Time is going by too fast..

PS. Still looking for input on blog sites, recommendations, any info or wisdom you've gleaned from the blogging world. I plan on making some big changes to my blog when I back to the UK and settle in a bit..

"Why the Ten Commandments can't be cut to six"

I read this article on foxnews.com this morning and was shocked, for two reasons..

First, that a judge actually considered altering the 10 commandments?!?! What! Even if you don't follow a particular religious doctrine, you certainly don't have the right to change it because you are a judge and feel like it..

Second, this journalist actually took a stand in favor of preserving the commandments.. I don't know this woman or what she believes, but wow, you don't see that stand taken very often in mainstream media today.. Kudos to her!




"Why the Ten Commandments can't be cut to six"
By Lauren Green

Published May 11, 2012
Taken from FoxNews.com

When a U.S. District Judge suggested that reducing the Ten Commandments to six would help solve a dispute between the ACLU and The Giles County, Virginia School District, he was wading into deep theological territory...perhaps unknowingly.

To reduce the Decalogue to the last six is ignoring its comprehensive structure. In research for the book I'm working on, "The Lighthouse: God as a Living Reality," I look at the world through the prism of the First Commandment. It's a pretty easy claim to make that all the law, in fact the world, basically hinges on the first edict.


You see the Ten Commandments, the laws that the Bible says Moses brought down from Mount Sinai, are broken up into two categories, the first four commandments are about mankind's relationship to God.

They are:

1. I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

The next six are about mankind's relationship to creation, other people, things, etc.

They are:

5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet

In the New Testament, Jesus summed up the commandments with just two. First was to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind,... and the second was what we now refer to as the Golden Rule, to love others as yourself. That Golden rule would be the last six commandments.

To his credit U.S. District Court Judge Michael F. Urbanski thought keeping the last six commandments would work, after all stealing and murder are already punishable crimes.

The problem is, once the first commandment goes, the whole ten are nothing more than suggestions. The reason those six come second is because the Bible is saying that only when God is revered can mankind avoid the pitfalls of committing adultery, murder, stealing, etc.

It's by putting God first that we can put all other loves in perspective.

The First Commandment: I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me," is not only a commandment but a statement of fact. There are no other gods, but God.

But we human beings are prone to make idols out of anything: romance, money, sex, beauty-- not all bad things. Some of them can be quite good, like family. But when good things are turned into ultimate things, they become idols, small 'g' gods.

Theologians like Dr. Tim Keller, author of "The Reason For God" and "Counterfeit Gods" makes the point that we cannot violate commandments two through ten without first violating number one. For if we murder, steal, covet or any of the other deadly sins, we are in fact putting a need for something above our need for God. That is why the first four, and particularly the first one, are there in the order that they are.

Joy Davidman, a Jewish convert to Christianity and wife of author C.S. Lewis, wrote in her book "Smoke on the Mountain," that "In the last analysis, there are only two things to worship -- the true power and the false power; God or the devil; God or self."

Separating the Ten Commandments as if they were mere suggestions negates the whole of the law. As Dostoyevsky said in "The Brothers Karamazov," "If there is no God, then everything is permissible."

If we could really live out those six commandments on our own, as the judge suggests, then it would seem likely that we wouldn't have need for the judicial system in the first place. But the very fact that the court systems are clogged with murderers, thieves and con artists, is a testament to another reality.

Out of space..

Was just informed by blogger that I am out of picture space... hmmm

So until I figure out how to increase my space or switch to a new site, no more pics..

Sorry about that! Guess I have had this blog for quite awhile and nothing nowadays is free, except Jesus, so it was bound to happen..

I'm considering splitting my blog anyways.. Keeping this one as a closed site for posting pics of us for family and friends and opening a new one for everything else (opinions, recipes, interests, business, etc)

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with different blog sites and types?

The vote is in!

So Amendment voting is over and the results are in.. It passed.

I'm thankful this is over, let me tell you that. Things are getting a little ugly in the facebook realm.

I've been thinking about this great country we live in and how it is set up as a democracy.. President, congress, courts, check and balances, majority rule...

I always find it interesting watching the minority after a loss in any major election. Some handle their loss with dignity and gain the respect of others while others get angry, rude and loose whatever respect they have left.

I looked at a map of the Marriage Amendment voting and only like 6 or 7 counties actually voted against the amendment of the 100 total counties in NC. 60% of people supported it. Now regardless of what I feel about the amendment, that is clearly a majority of the consitituants of NC supporting this particular amendment. It is disheartening for me seeing the minority blowing up facebook with insults about our state. Really, is this necessary?

Seems like the mature approach would be to understand and respect that the process of majority rule was upheld regardless of whether or not you like the outcome. Being a prior military wife myself, I have seen and heard firsthand how precious it is that we have these coveted freedoms. Very few people around the world are able to go out to a polling station and campaign for their cause without worry of persecution or death even.

Does this mean that those who are for gay marriage should sit back and forget about their passion? of course not. But loose with dignity, drink some sweet tea and start your campaign again next election.

4- step journey to peace

I came across this website today and am a HUGE fan!

I know many people who have questions about Christianity but hang ups with going to church. If that is you, this is a great place to start your faith journey. I will say that I'm a big advocate for being involved in a church body for many reasons, some being encouragement, spiritual growth, and Kingdom growth, but sometimes it is hard to take that first step and go into a church where you don't know anyone and don't really even know why you should be there.

This website takes you through the question, "Who is Jesus?" and outlines a simple "4-step journey to peace". There are also some real life people sharing their stories which I totally love. Nothing impacts me more than hearing people share where they are in life, helps me feel a little more normal realizing I'm not the only one with struggles. There is even a link at the bottom of the page that you can ask questions about life, faith, struggles, whatever.

After reading it, maybe God will seem a little less scary and Christianity a little more tangible to you.

Shelby Surprise!

As if I needed any more 30th birthday celebrations.. SURPRISE!!  My wonderful family threw me a surprise party today complete with a UNC Chapel Hill birthday cake and cake pops, Sub Station pita bread subs (YUM!), Diet Cherry Lemon Sun Drop, and good ole NC BBQ (aka pulled pork for you yanks reading this).  Thank you everyone so much for coming.  I felt so loved and special. 

We may have only been in Shelby two days so far but I've seen so many people that I've really missed since moving across the pond.  Since our last visit, there have been so many babies born, kids starting school, house additions, new jobs, new romances.. despite the differences, there is so much the same and boy is it a comfort coming home...

 Bettis family picture (minus a few)

 Me and my cousin Kristen.  We planned our outfits

 

Some of my sweet high school girlfriends.  We calculated that we have been out of high school for 12 years now.  Great having friendships stand the test of time.

 

Aunt Cindy and Daniel.  

Nana, Grandpa and my sweet niece Anna

Bettis ladies :)  Three generations.. 

Molly is soaking it up

Love this one :)

PS.  Thanks Emily for the pictures!!!

Billy Graham on Marriage Amendment..

If there is one person in the world that would cause me to reconsider my view on something just because they said so, it is Billy Graham.. This is his opinion.. 

Billy Graham Weighs in on North Carolina Marriage Amendment

May 2, 2012 - Urging voters in his home state of North Carolina to take a stand on a proposed constitutional amendment, Billy Graham points to Scripture for God's definition of marriage.

Billy Graham commented today on the proposed North Carolina marriage amendment from his home in Montreat.

Mr. Graham said, “Watching the moral decline of our country causes me great concern. I believe the home and marriage is the foundation of our society and must be protected.”

"At 93, I never thought we would have to debate the definition of marriage,” says Mr. Graham in a full-page ad scheduled to run in 14 North Carolina newspapers. “The Bible is clear—God’s definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. I want to urge my fellow North Carolinians to vote for the marriage amendment on Tuesday, May 8. God bless you as you vote.”

Following an eight-year legislative battle, the people of North Carolina will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed Marriage Amendment to the State Constitution on the May 8 primary ballot.

Marriage Amendment Thoughts.. Part two

Now that I've upset lots of people with this post, I will say that I do believe marriage was intended to be between a man and woman. I know that scripture is clear on this issue. I understand everyone's passion and know that the Gospel must not be compromised. 

I also want you all to know that everything I'm saying is totally against my human nature. I am preaching to myself soooo much! I want to jump on the “Marriage Amendment” bandwagon, sport my orange facebook sign and join in, BUT I just can't do it. The more I read people's posts and feelings, the more my soul aches for the world. I feel such sadness hearing homosexual's and friends of homosexuals that I know pouring their hearts out against the amendment. I want so desperately for them to know that they are loved by their Creator. 

Gosh, just typing this makes me want to fall to my knees and beg God to have mercy on me. I am such a sinner. I cannot look into the eyes of my Savior, I am so unworthy.. I pray that a Christian out there, will take a different type of stand for Christ and show these hurting people that they are loved with a love that wont ever leave them or forsake them. I pray that a Christian out there will use this controversial time in NC's history to show anyone listening that yes, there may be problems in this world, yes there is pain and no, not everyone agrees on how the government should be run, but all the while, there is God, on His throne, unchanging, aching for the world to turn to Him and loving us so madly that He actually allowed His only son to be brutally beaten and killed so that we can be with Him forever.  Can you imagine sacrificing your only child for a world that rejects your very existence!!!??!!

Some of you may be thinking about the scripture where Christ overturned the money changers tables in the temple and thinking that clearly Christ takes stands. Yes, He certainly does. In that particular situation, the people were desecrating the temple, God's Holy place,. That was not taken lightly, it angered Christ, and he took a stand against it. 

It is very important that each of us truly seek out God's guidance about what we should and should not take stands against. Does your stand help or harm the mission of Christ? I will also say that my feelings/opinions have changed throughout my life and will most likely continue to evolve as I grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Perhaps you feel strongly for this amendment even after diligenly seeking God's guidance, well.. then you should stand for it! God calls us all for different purposes and I am certainly NOT going to judge how He calls you.  Heck, if I was in the voting box, would I vote for the amendment, POSSIBLY!  I'm not condemning you for your stand on marriage, I just ask that we take a step back and examine this controversy in the light of eternity.

Some of you may be thinking, your sounding awfully liberal, Haley, what happened to the fiery Christian we knew who took stand for things she believes in, regardless of what people thought! Well, clearly I'm still here. :) I have just grown up a bit and brought my fiery feelings under the scrutiny of my Savior. I have spent hours and hours on my face praying that God would show me how to reach the world for Him. How can I show the world that Christianity is more than flawed Christians, it is a Savior who sacrificed His very life on the Cross for THEM (YOU!!!!!!!!!!!). I have come to the point where all I want is for people to know about Christ and His love for them, nothing else matters and if this amendment or any other silly thing the world throws at me is going to hinder that, I want no part of it..

Marriage Amendment Thoughts.. Part One

On, Sunday April 29th, North Carolina voted on an a marriage Amendment sayingb(in part)....

“Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.”

I have been praying about this for weeks now. Being on the outside living in England, I have been reading people's facebook comments and hearing the enormous pain behind this issue (on both sides). I've been watching my family members take strong stands on both sides of the fence.

Because there is such strong feelings, I've been VERY hesitant to write this post. I decided not to put it on the blog until after the voting, so it will not affect anyone's decisions either way. My purpose with this is to show you what God has laid on my heart after a LOT of praying and seeking His will in this situation.  All I ask is that you read this with an open heart.  I do not write this flippantly and to be honest with you I NEVER imagined I'd be writing this post, lol.. I do ask that if you start reading this series, you finish it to the end.  To start and not finish will not give you the complete path of my thoughts, so please read the whole thing or none of it :) 

So what is a Christian to do?  In light of this amendment and similar amendments coming out nationwide.  In light of the controversy behind it.  In light of the fact that most church's and respected Pastors and figures in the Christian community, including Franklin Graham, are rallying around the amendment, and in light of hurting homosexuals, friends of homosexuals and the non-Christian majority screaming out against it?

Well, let's take a minute to look at what Scripture says about marriage..         

• Hebrews 13:4 “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
• Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." 
•  Matthew 19:3-9.. "And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

I could go on and on with scripture.  God is CLEAR where He stands on marriage.. That is not my dilemma. 

Let's also consider this scripture from the Aposile Paul found in 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 which spoke buckets to me in light of this marriage discussion..

• “And I, when I came to you, brothers,I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

My dilemma is, what would Christ do with His stand on marriage in this day and age? Would He become politically active passing bills and amendments protecting marriage? Or would He simply believe it and move on with His supreme purpose, sharing the truth of Christ to a hurting world??

Let's look at more scripture.. 

• Christ says in Luke 19:10 “I have come to seek and to save those which are lost”. 
• He says in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have Eternal life. For God did not send His son to the world to condemn the World but that through Him we might be saved.”..

Living in England has taught me so much about my faith. This country is so void of Christ, and the majority of the people living here lack any desire to know anything about Christianity. In the US, especially down south where I'm from, there is a church on every corner, Bibles in every hotel room, 4-5 worship services on TV each Sunday, Christian music stations, you name it!!! It is so easy for Christians in the States to live your life, take major stands on issues and be comfortable that you are doing “enough”. I would encourage you today to know that voting yes for any amendment is NOT ENOUGH!

I have really spent time here getting to know people, asking what their hang up's with faith are, asking God, “what am I really supposed to do with the time you give me on the Earth?” And you know what resounds in my head over and over and over.. “Love me, Serve me and love others”.. I have heard people tell me that they quit coming to church because they were wounded or judged by the church (NOOO!!!), I have heard people say that they attend church because it is what they are supposed to do, but that it wasn't real to them at all (NOOOO!!!), I have heard people say they turned to other religions because they could be themselves there, no expectations on how to pray, look, act, etc (NOOOO!!!).

Oh people, If all of us professing Christ acted the way He instructed us, there would be none of these reasons!! I believe that if Christ was here now, in light of this Amendment, He would not be in Washington DC advocating for it, he would not be slamming his facebook posts with it.. What would He be doing then?? He would be out living! I have yet to find a scripture where Christ goes to the Pharisees and Sadducees and tells them that they need to change certain laws to make them fit His teachings. Knowing what I know of Christ, that's almost a funny image..

Jesus: “Now, your law 3.1578 is counters my commandment 10 and I need that appealed.”

That wasn't how Christ worked!! He lived amongst the people and radiated truth through his life!! I love the quote, “preach the gospel, use words if necessary'. So what was Jesus doing? He was having dinner with Zacchaeus (the corrupt tax collector), healing the blind, performing miracles, allowing a prostitute to wash His feet with her hair, shall I go on?

Thinking in a practical way.. Our world is hurting and Christ is the great Healer. So how do we fix the hurting world, through the Healer! I ask each Christian reading this to think for a minute if your witness to the hurting world is being helped or harmed by the stance you are taking with this amendment? Because let me tell you, this law/amendment/whatever will pass one day. Just like abortion, “Liquor by the Drink”, fill in the blank.. And when it does, will you still have credibility in your Faith?

When I became an Arbonne consultant a year ago, I was really struggling finding the right balance between it, family and time with God.. As I prayed, God revealed this statement to me.. “Sell nothing but ME!” Don't sell a brand, don't sell an amendment, don't sell anything accept Christ and Him Crucified!!! If we all did this, we could change this world so radically there would be no need for amendments!!! 

CONTINUED....