What “lies” have you believed….do you still?

Hello…my name is___________?

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Can you fill the blank? What does your name mean to you? Have you ever been called “some other name” that you believed?…from a “bully”? teased/make fun of?

I remember being teased back in middle school/junior high and was called many names that I started to believe. For example, my physical features (e.g. “big eyes”, “Yoda”, “big nose”, “shorty”, “terrorist”, “you look like the enemy” (Persian Gulf War at the time), racist remarks , sexuality, etc..) weren’t the same with the people around me-who does anyways? -God has made us all uniquely-beautiful-and different! Can you relate? Feel free to boldly share your story down below or email me too.

Anyways, I started to believe in many of these “lies”..

“…Hello, my name is regret
I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget

Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief

Oh, these are the voices. Oh, these are the lies…”-Hello, My Name Is
Share
Matthew West (myktis.com)

My self-esteem just went lower and lower as I grew older. I would at times have “suicidal” thoughts and suffered depression. I went through a season where I even wished I was “white” like most of my peers. With all this, my hatred and anger grew, which I would keep to myself and was anti-social.

I slowly grew out of the lies starting my college years when I had a “spiritual awakening” (see personal testimony). My low self-esteem didn’t disappear overnight, but it slowly faded away as I grew in my faith and my found identity as a “child of Him (Heavenly Father)…

“…And I have believed them for the very last time…..

Matthew West – Hello, My Name Is (Lyrics)

…Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed,
And I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King.”- Hello, My Name Is
Matthew West (klove.com)

One last thought is we need to be careful what you put above God (e.g idols). I used to struggle with this (e.g. sports, music, celebrities, etc..), which I can share the “negative effects” on another blog topic. This will affect one’s identity, which will give you a false belief.

*NOTE: I’m not trying to be the “angel” (righteous) here, but I’ve had my share of being the “devil”. I’ve teased others too or said things that might’ve “offended” them, which some has boldly reminded me. If I have and I don’t know it, please forgive me and let me know (in person if possible or via email, phone, etc..) too! I want to learn from my mistakes.

Satan-“father of lies”

Testimony from an Ex Satanist! What satan DOES NOT! want you to know!!!

Providence
“Published on Oct 10, 2016

There sits today in rulership of this fallen world order one who has grown ancient in evil, cunning in subtlety, and cruel in deceit. He waged the first war of the universe in the distant planet called heaven, and subsequently brought conflict to this little world we call earth as it spins on the outer edges of the milky-way galaxy. He filled all heaven with discord and the earth with death, and both with great sorrow. He deceptively challenged every transparent purpose of the Creator, and even coveted the throne of the Eternal, planning to either assume rule of the universe or if not, then to plunge it into chaos and ruin.
This menacing figure who has hijacked our planet well explains the presence of every conflict that disturbs our world today, every pestilence that afflicts humanity, every sorrow and pain and death that tortures the children of earth. Lucifer, the former covering cherub and one-time honorable prime minister of the angelic intelligences in Heaven, has become Satan, the great adversary of our smitten world. This powerful angel heads a vast army of unseen intelligences, the hosts of darkness who oppose in this world, every beneficent purpose of our Creator the Almighty God of the universe. He especially hates the Holy One who in great condescension assumed our human nature that He might by divine power destroy the works of Satan, conquer evil and lift the terrible sentence of eternal death from our fallen race.
To speak of a throne of evil controlling this world system is no mere figure of speech, it is a grim reality. And the occupant of that throne is no figment of anyone’s imagination. Jesus Christ ascribes to him the title of “prince of this world.” John 14: 30. The famed Christian apostle Paul describes him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.” Eph. 2: 2. Paul also warns us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness…” Eph 6:12 John the Revelator describes this foe as “the great dragon,” “that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan who deceives the whole world.” Rev. 12:9.
When the leader of revolt against the Eternal Creator was expelled from heaven, expelled along with him were many other angel intelligences who had yielded to his cunning sophistries and had joined in his unworthy rebellion. This world is today their singular abode. This is because that tremendous event, which rid heaven of the fallen hosts, was followed by the tragic fall of our first parents under Satan’s lies. This historic fall let loose legions of fallen angels to bend all of their efforts and genius over many thousands of years in the work of spoiling, corrupting and ruining the once noble human family, originally created to be the crown of God’s handiwork. A key element of the strategy to ruin humanity has been to lead man to blight and degrade the fair earth that was intended to be our perfect and eternal home.
The apostle Peter warns us “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Finally, the inspired revelator says ” Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.”

So…what “lies” have you believed? Feel free to share down below your thoughts of any of the content above. Remember, you not alone! Lastly, do you believe them still? Why or why not?

Good News Sociology
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ACTION: What are some ways to “heal” (e.g. emotionally) from the scars of your past?

Thank you to my Heavenly Father for giving the inspiration to Matthew West to write this song to touch others, like me (see Who Am I?) !

What’s your “real” name?

Hello…my name is…

What’s your real name? Do you know the meaning of it? What’s the story behind your name? How was your name chosen? Do you identify with it? What do you say is your “true” identity?

I’m always intrigue by people’s real names and I love to ask some of the questions above. Some really ponder and don’t know some of the answers to the questions.

My full name is Salvador Cruz Monteagudo, which mean “savior -cross -sharp/pointed mountain”, something like that… 😉 However, when I was growing-up, many had trouble saying my full name. I can’t remember what grade I was, but a teacher asked if she could call me by a shorter name..”Sal”. I said yes and I’ve used that on my homework, documentations, applications, etc.. ever since. By the way, “Sal” means “salt” in Spanish 😉

Can you relate? Do you have a nickname? What’s the story behind it?

Visiting those “sick” in the hospital

Last weekend during a conference “Storm the Planet Returns”) at my local church, a friend shared about a “friend of ours” that was just taken to the ER. She told it was pretty serious and thinks he might not make it. I didn’t bother to ask the medical condition as it didn’t matter to me. I then did a quick prayer for our friend and I non-verbally asked that God will just “heal” him and give some added time for me to see him.

The following day, I got an update via text that he was in the hospital and encouraged me to visit him. I was getting ready for church service (also 2nd session of the conference) and did a quick prayer for our friend, so I can visit him afterwards. I just had some faith and trusted God that He’ll give our friend some extra time for me to visit him later on.

During the service, one of the speakers (Jennifer) shared how we need to be the “pastor” (a.k.a. “church body ministry”) to the people around us. I thought of the people I work with (including my particular “friend”). Then after towards the end of the service, one of the leaders (Spencer) in our local congregation gave an invitation to come up for prayer (e.g. healing). I thought it was my cue to leave early and head to the hospital to visit our “friend”.

When I got to the hospital..

..and was praying as I was riding my bike there, I went over to his bed side and smiled. He looked very weak and frail. The nurse (from the group home) left, so I took that time time to pray for him and shared with him some worship music that I recorded from our church service…

“Storm the Planet Returns” Conference: Day #2 (Session 2)-Worship Pt 1of2

…I would repeat some of the songs that was sung at church..

“You are my joy…, the joy of the Lord is your strength…!”

..as I was declaring it with faith for my friend.!
After awhile, my “friend” would grab my hand hard and tight. I noticed some increase strength..praise the Lord!

I would get a call from another pastor friend about how he got a call from a lady in charge of the group home about “my” friend that lives there. I told him a friend and I already visited him. He ended up visiting “our” friend and told me that he looks good, which I replied thanks to the many prayers! I would visit him again that day (Monday the 21st) just to see how he’s doing and would hear “good news” that he’ll be coming “home” in hospice environment.

Just this past Saturday (26th), I went to visit him at “home” and would encourage him by praying for him again. I also turned on his room radio, which it was already set to the local Christian station (Praise FM 101.5 FM/103.9 FM). I then started to sing this song that came to my mind (“You Are Not Alone“) and would do a parody with faith-building encouraging words.

OTHERS

-Surgery

Prayer Before Surgery, from openbible.info
Bible verses for surgery biblereasons.com

Got any personal stories/testimonies, feedback, comments, suggestions, etc.. regarding any of the content above? Would love to hear some to encourage others in similar situations as we are “not” alone!

Good News Medical
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Life Lesson: Humble yourself and ask directions when lost!

The other day (Friday, September 4th 2015), I was driving to a particular location that I thought would be easy to find. I used my camera and took a pic of a map I googled, but would find out later it wasn’t the most accurate pic.

I would end up driving almost an hour to finally reach my destination, which I was at a point where I was very frustrated (the hot weather also played a factor). I look back and ask God to forgive me for my impatience. Fortunately, I’m at a point in my life where I’ve grown a lot more patient and didn’t “hurt” anybody, which I would have regretted if I did.

What happened was the pic (above) I took of the map wasn’t big enough to show the entry ramps before or after, so the location was too narrow to see a “bigger perspective”. One of the lessons I learned was to take two or more pics to show the “surrounding area”..

I stopped at two locations looking for directions…

1st-Forgot the name of the gas station and the exact location, but somewhere in Blaine around here (hwy 65 & 109th Avenue.) ..

The guy told me to continue east on 109th Avenue and look for Lexington Avenue, which leads me back to 35 W. I saw the map and realized I was very close to the prison if I continued west more on 109th. I left my physical map at home, which I need to remember to bring it next time.

2nd-Kwik Trip [3405 Lake Dr
Circle Pines, MN 55014]

Above is the hand written note that this nice “young” woman jot down for me. I’m very thankful to God for bringing this woman to help me and that He humbled me in a time of frustration to ask for “help”

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, “–Colossians 3:12

Thank you to both people that helped me.

Got any similar stories of being lost? What was the feeling? Did you ask for help? Did you find your destination? How? Share your stories to encourage others as we all have had similar experiences 🙂

Good News Minnesota
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Disney Character: Jafar-“Why M-E?”

I’ve been practicing the last month or so the lines of Jafar from “Aladdin” (theatrical play performance), which our performance (see “My first theatrical experience (Aladdin the Musical at the Park)”) will be this coming weekend (Friday & Saturday evenings) at a local park. It’s been a challenging character as I’ve had to act “selfishly”, which is something I’ve been trying to do the “opposite” since I became a Christian in my early college years. However, it’s been a fun role as I can relate to this character in various ways when I was younger.

We all can relate somehow to Jafar. Here is some lines that I thought of myself during my “junior high/middle school” years..

“…I was unappreciated by my peers. As their slings and arrows flew. I would ponder. Why me? Why Me?…–broadwayjr.com

“Why Me?” Cut Song from Aladdin

Instead of “slings and arrows”, they were “spitballs and spit (a.k.a. “gleaking”) from my peers/bullies. Anyone ever been bullied?

Another song I made relating to this theme…

“It’s About Me” (Parody to “It’s All About You”) by Jafar

(see Music: Parody-“Creepy Old Cave” (originally from “I Can Show You the World” from Aladdin) by Jafar)

Instead of “pondering/dwelling” on how bad you might’ve got it growing up in your “earlier” years. I encourage you to think about others that might’ve got it “worse/more challenging”. This has helped me overcome my frustration of my “past”, which I feel has been a “cake walk” when I compare it with others that have had more difficulties…

Nick Vujicic on how life without limbs is no obstacle – Songs of Praise – BBC One

music-karaoke-its-about-you

I currently work with physically-mentally challenged adults and have been since I graduated from college. This job experience has really changed me to be a “better” person and it has taught me to take my eyes off of “myself” (e.g. own problems). Before I go to bed, I write down a list of “needs” I’ve read/watch/heard as a prayer request and then I jot down a list of what “I’m thankful” for. This nightly routine has also helped me to take my eyes of myself/me too!

What are your needs? Can I pray for you? What are you thankful for? Feel free to share down below to encourage others..

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*I would like to thank J.A. (see her Choose Joy blog) for inspiring me to finish this blog with this theme!

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”–Matthew 25

Can you identify yourself with Jafar or any other Aladdin characters? What about any others from different theatrical performances?

Good News Theatre
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Neutral Perspective: Kim Davis should go to jail & shouldn’t go to jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses?

GO TO JAIL!

How to silence Kim Davis supporters who cherry-pick the Bible …

Occupy Democrats
How to silence Kim Davis supporters who cherry-pick the Bible to discriminate against LGBT Americans.

Kim Davis Hearing Ends In Handcuffs: She’s Going To Jail, Folks!
September 3, 2015 reverbpress.com
“…I’d almost feel sorry for Davis if she weren’t a hateful hypocrite actively trying to discriminate against others. Lack of pity aside, I do hope that Kim Davis will wake up to the fact that she’s obligated to leave her job if she doesn’t want to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. Sure, I think Davis should be impeached, but if she has a sincere emotional conflict — and that’s a big “if” — there’s a simple alternative. Rather than issue the licenses herself, Kim Davis need only have someone else in her office handle the situation while she stands aside…
God Agrees Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Is A-Hole, Sends Her To Jail by Kaili Joy Gray
Sep 03 1:34 pm 2015 wonkette.com
*WARNING: this article has some “words” for mature readers
Anti-Gay Marriage Clerk Kim Davis Goes To Jail, from youtube.com

“Published on Sep 3, 2015

Kentucky clerk Kim Davis is going to continue not signing gay marriage certificates, but starting today she will be not signing them in jail. Cenk Uygur and John Iadarola (Think Tank), hosts of the The Young Turks, break it down. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

“Embattled Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has been ordered to jail by U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning, according to the Herald Leader’s John Cheeves:

Earlier on Thursday, Davis told Fox News contributor Todd Starnes that she was prepared for this outcome. “I’ve weighed the cost and I’m prepared to go to jail, I sure am,” she said. “This has never been a gay or lesbian issue for me. This is about upholding the word of God.””..”

Four Reasons–From A Christian Perspective–Why Kim Davis Is 100% Wrong
Posted on September 1, 2015 theboeskool.com
“…Now imagine that the restaurant’s owners decided to start selling alcohol…. As an employee, you are NOT being forced to drink alcohol in violation of your religious liberty. And if you decide that having a job where you sell alcohol to others goes against your moral code, you are free to find another job, right?…

It does say quite a bit about the issue of divorce. It seems to say that if a person gets a divorce for a reason other than infidelity and then remarries, that person is guilty of adultery (that’s one of the big 10!). I wonder how many divorced people Kim Davis has issued marriage licenses to…..”

Good News Law
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SHOULDN’T GO TO JAIL

David Barton Explains Why Kim Davis Shouldn’t Be in Jail
September 4, 2015 by Warren Throckmorton patheos.com
“..Then Barton implies that a republic is different from a democracy because God’s laws are higher than man’s laws; and then something about France. Barton is rare form here and couldn’t be more wrong…”
Folks, you’re missing the point about the Kentucky clerk’s jail sentence Written by Allen West on September 4, 2015 allenbwest.com
“..Jefferson didn’t want the state to establish religion that would lead to state persecution of religious freedom — the reason why the Pilgrims came to America. That’s why the First Amendment to our US Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” In America, the citizen has the freedom of religion; the state can’t institute an atmosphere of freedom from religion.

And so I find it rather interesting that in Kentucky, Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis found herself spending last night in jail for her religious belief. And spare me comparisons to segregation. Blacks were granted rights by way of the 13th-15th Amendments, and it was the Democrat party who sought to deny them.

What I found most absurd were the comments of White House press secretary Josh Earnest when asked about Mrs. Davis’ situation. Earnest declared yesterday, “No public official is above the rule of law”; the hypocrisy of the White House spokesperson saying such is absurd, at a minimum….”

Ted Cruz on the Kelly File: I Stand with Kim Davis , from youtube.com

Here’s my response to the jailing of county clerk Kim Davis for her refusal to violate her faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvjMr_ug4VI&feature=youtu.be

Comparing other cases

-Islam

Muslim flight attendant says she was suspended for refusing to serve alcohol
By Emanuella Grinberg and Carma Hassan, CNN
Updated 4:07 PM ET, Sun September 6, 2015 | Video Source: CNN
“…She wants to do her job without serving alcohol in accordance with her Islamic faith — just as she was doing before her suspension, her lawyer said.

“What this case comes down to is no one should have to choose between their career and religion and it’s incumbent upon employers to provide a safe environment where employees can feel they can practice their religion freely,” said Lena Masri, an attorney with Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
…

Should this lady be also “jailed” for refusing to serve alcohol due to her religious beliefs?

Any feedback from any of the content above?

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