The Rapture and the Coronavirus

My husband and I just watched a sermon by JD Farag that explains a possible theory on how the coronavirus fits in with the timeline of the rapture of the Christian church.

Check it out if you're interested in finding out more: 

For those of you that prefer spoilers -- here is a glimpse of what JD Farag touches on in the video:

He made a good point that the technology spoken of in the Bible regarding the mark of the beast is technology we actually have at this time in history.

He went on to say that the Bible doesn't refer to any other technologies in Scripture beyond that (ie: travelling to other planets) which would suggest that the rapture is coming soon.

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If you believe in Jesus Christ this is good news! If you don't yet believe, now is an excellent time to accept Jesus' forgiveness of your sins and the free gift of eternal life.

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Easter Words of Encouragement

Christianquotes.info 

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Easter -- celebrating the resurrection of Jesus!

How amazing is it to think that God loved us while we were imperfect. We don't need to be "good" or "good enough" to be worthy of God's love or to earn salvation. Salvation is a free gift from God and all we need to do is accept His free gift! What a blessing. 

Please don't hesitate to ask questions if you would like to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, or the Christian faith! I might not be able to answer all your questions, but I love the Lord...

Check out: my favourite Easter story from 8 years ago: 

Joy in Jesus' Return -- From a Kid's Point of View 

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" Book Giveaway

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" written by Cecil Frances Alexander and illustrated by Kathy Hudson, is a beautiful hardcover book that is sure to bless anyone who reads it.

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" was originally a hymn published in 1848.  This hymn is one that I sang when I was in a children's choir and so this was a special book to share with my own children.

"How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well."

The illustrations by Katy Hudson are adorable and show three kids enjoying God's creation.  The children see many beautiful animals and flowers throughout the day as they play in the sun and wind.  The end of the book shows nocturnal animals as the family goes to sleep in their tent.  You can't help but feel appreciative of all that God has given us when you read this book.

This book is 'bright' and 'beautiful' and highlights the amazing creation all around us.  

Buy It:  You can buy "All Things Bright and Beautiful" on Amazon

Win it:  One Sowing Dandelion Seeds reader will win a copy of the book "All Things Bright and Beautiful".

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

   ~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Happy Easter! Jesus is Risen!!!

Easter 2010

Elijah (age 10) reminded me that we needed to bury our toy Jesus in the backyard.  I didn't realize that this was a tradition that he wanted to keep up with, but I'm all for making memories and continuing traditions and so Jesus was buried in the back yard.  But -- He didn't stay buried!

He was buried, 

and He was raised from the dead on the third day, 

just as the Scriptures said.

1 Corinthians 15:4

Check out this funny story about the first time we buried Jesus in our yard from Easter 2010 .

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall

"The Legend of the Christmas Cookie -- Sharing the True Meaning of Christmas" by Dandi Daley Mackall is a beautifully illustrated book with a sweet and thoughtful story.

This book tells of young Jack who learns the story of the Christmas cookie and the blessing of sharing God's love with others.  Spoiler alert -- Jack gets the opportunity to share God's love (and his special cookie) with a traveling stranger.

Each Christmas cookie is made using an intricately carved wooden mold, as in the Middle Ages.  It would be great if a set of these molds were for sale to go along with the book.  I have a wooden mold from New Zealand of a kiwi bird and so I have seen firsthand how interesting the cookies made from wooden molds can be.  For those of you who bake, there is a recipe included in the book.

While the book doesn't go into great detail about the actual story of Jesus' birth, the angel's declaration of the good news is key to the story:

"Today in the town of David 

a Savior has been born to you: 

He is Christ the Lord."

It seems that this book is intended for those who are already familiar with Jesus' birth and with why Jesus came to earth.  So -- the true moral of the book is for those who DO know to share God's love and Jesus' gift of salvation with those who don't yet know.  Overall, this is a sweet and inspiring story that will encourage those who believe to reach out to those around them.

If you have any questions about Jesus' birth and the reason for it -- please don't hesitate to ask a question in the comments below or e-mail me.  I would love to tell you more about God's love for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

"The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God" by Jep and Jessica Robertson with Susy Flory

"The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God -- What Honesty and Pain Taught Us about Faith, Family and Forgiveness" by Jep and Jessica Robertson (of Duck Dynasty) with Susy Flory...  Reading this book is like being invited to Jep and Jess' for a backyard bonfire and some great conversation.  (How fun would that be!).

There is something that everyone can find to relate to in this book -- whether it's feeling insecure, keeping secrets, questions about God and Faith, addictions or divorce.  And because Jep and Jess are so honest in telling their stories you begin to feel a kinship with them.

“We are desperate to let people know that 

no matter what you’ve done; 

no matter what you’ve lived through, 

you can come out of it. 

You can be washed clean."

This book gives insight into the personal triumphs and struggles of Jep and Jessica throughout their lives.  Funny stories about sibling relationships or hunting trips are interspersed with stories about the strong bonds of family and painful stories of love and betrayal.   

So many people struggle with the idea that they are beyond God's love.  Jep and Jessica talk about their insecurities and their realization that God loves us as we are -- even with all our secrets and sins.  

Jep says in the book: "As I looked at God's Word with fresh eyes, I realized that repenting and turning to God meant I was saved and forgiven.  Jesus' blood covered my sins and redeemed me from the path of destruction I was on.  I couldn't have ever been good enough on my own."

No one is good enough on their own merit which is why we need a Saviour.  Jep and Jess highlight how important it is to have your own faith and to recognize it isn't our works that save us -- it is Jesus' death and resurrection that provides redemption for us.

Be sure to check out this book.  And if you have any questions about Jesus' death and resurrection -- please don't hesitate to e-mail me or leave a comment below. 

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers http://booklookbloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

My Death-Defying Summer

I had a horrible headache, but I had told the kids that we would go bowling with their friends and I wanted to keep my word. I bowled with a headache because sometimes that's a mother's love.


That night I developed a fever and chills.  The next day I was delirious. On the third day I had a moment of clarity (which I thank God for).  I asked my husband to bring me the thermometer and I also took my heart rate.  Temperature: 104  Resting heart rate: 122 bpm.  I told him I thought I should go to the Emergency.

There were chest x-rays and ecgs, blood tests and ivs.  I found out I had pneumonia.  Mid-summer, no cold or flu to trigger it - pneumonia.  They wanted to admit me for a few days, but I refused since Ernie can't take care of the kids on his own (due to stroke symptoms).  Instead I returned to the hospital every night for the next week to have iv antibiotic therapy.

The night that I came home from the hospital the kids had both said in the dark of the night "I hope you don't die, Mom".  I reassured them by scoffing gently at their concern and saying "I'm not going to die".

I had a follow up visit with my family doctor a few days later and it was then that I was told I had "life threatening pneumonia".  I didn't realize that...  You'd think it would have been more obvious to me if my life was threatened.

I nearly died in my family room left for days to "recover" by my well-meaning husband and children...  Then I reassured my kids of the very thing that was up in the air.

The conversation I had with my children after my follow-up appointment was significantly different.  I reminded them that we all will die and not one of us knows when that day will be.  I told them that the important thing was that I have asked Jesus to be my Saviour and to forgive me of my sins and so I will go to Heaven when I die.

Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."  John 11:25 & 26

Now that's reassuring...

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Have a Blessed Easter!

 Wishing you all a Happy Easter weekend...

Jesus ministering to the multitudes

I hope you have fun with family and friends however you celebrate.

Easter to me is a time of thankfulness for Jesus' death and resurrection.  I know that my sins are forgiven because of His act of love.   

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: 

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day 

according to the Scriptures"

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Cutting Down Fake Christmas Trees and Other Traditions

Traditions create memories and a sense of belonging in a family.  Here are some of our Christmas traditions -- many I'm sure you've heard of before, but some are unique to our family.  

~ The kids get pajamas each Christmas Eve and an ornament each Christmas.  

~ On Christmas Day we read the story of Jesus's birth and re-enact it with our nativity set.  We have the Little People nativity set by Fisher Price that the kids can play with (and there's no chance of it breaking!).  

~ At some point during the Christmas season we drive around and look at Christmas lights in our community.  Our newspaper has a list so we can spend a night driving around and looking at the most impressive ones.  Last year we found one that was timed to music on a radio station!

~ We set our fake Christmas tree up in the backyard and then we go search for a Christmas tree to "cut down".  This year we walked all over the neighbourhood admiring the Christmas lights before we found the perfect tree right there in our own backyard.  Next year I might "plant" the tree somewhere else to add to the excitement.

Christmas 2008

~ We have a family sleepover on Christmas Eve where we all camp out in the family room after watching a Christmas movie.  Some of our favourite Christmas movies are:

  

  * How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated!)

  * The Toy that Saved Christmas (Veggie Tales)

  * Small One (Disney short)

  * Elf (Will Ferrell)

  * It's a Wonderful Life (Jimmy Stewart)

  * The Family Man (Nicholas Cage)

One thing we don't do is wake up early.  My kids are both night owls (like me!) and would rather lay awake at night buzzing with excitement about what's to come than go to sleep early and wake up early.  This could be in part because at our house no present is opened without Mom and Dad watching so waking up excessively early just means you  have to wait longer...  

~ I take the kids stocking stuffer shopping at the dollar store where they can each buy a couple presents for each family member's stocking. The kids are able to practice the art of giving by thinking of what each person would like (and because we're at the dollar store it doesn't cost too much of our money!).

Two years ago, Elijah (then 2 1/2 years old) bought me a red train for my stocking.  Once Desiree bought Daddy a set of water paints so that he could paint with her and a pair of work gloves.  It's so neat to see what they come up with.

I love that the kids have the opportunity to give.  By having them do the choosing, wrapping and sneaking around, I hope they're learning that "It's more blessed to give than to receive".  They sure have a lot of fun, that's for sure!

What Christmas traditions do you have in your family?  

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~

Joy in Jesus' Return -- from a Kid's Point of View

This Good Friday I gave Desiree and Elijah a toy Jesus and a children's book about some of the miracles of Jesus. After we acted out some of the miracles, we acted out his death. Then we wrapped Jesus up in cloth (toilet paper), buried him in a "tomb" in our front yard and covered it with a rock. The plan was to check the tomb on Sunday and (spoiler) Jesus wouldn't be there!

But, a few hours later at bedtime here is the conversation Elijah (newly 4), Desiree (6) and I had.

Elijah: "Can we go get Jesus now?"

Me: "Remember Jesus was in the tomb for three days?"

Elijah: "But, I want to take Jesus to bed with me..."

Desiree: "You know that Jesus is always with us, right?"

Elijah: "But I want the toy Jesus."

Me: "You don't want to wait three days?"

Elijah: "It's time -- I counted -- 1, 2, 3!"

Me: "Oh... but three days is longer than just counting to three."

Elijah: "1, 2, 3 ... 4, 5... Let's go get Jesus!"

What could I do? I couldn't withhold Jesus from my son for the sake of an object lesson. So we went back outside in the dark and dug in the tomb. Thankfully I'd had the foresight to remove Jesus as soon as he was buried just in case something like this happened. There in the dirt was the "cloth", but no Jesus. Elijah said "Maybe we need to dig deeper?" All of a sudden Jesus appeared out of no where (as if from my pocket).

I don't know if Elijah completely understood the object lesson, but he sure was glad to get his Jesus toy back. And isn't joy in Jesus' return what Easter is all about?


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~