survey - ?

 To continue blogging, or to say farewell?

the lyrics say it all...

I heard this song today, and listened very closely to each word.  This song seemed to lift me, and for the second time, I listened carefully.  It still amazes me that Jesus gave us life with His own cost!  His power and His grace and His mercy and He thought of me?  Me?  Me?....

Above All Things

Rebecca St. James

I cannot tell you all the reasons why
Jesus in his wisdom took an interest in my life
It must be endless the boundries of his grace
For he is patient with us and worthy to be praised

For above all things he is powerful
And above all things he is the King
And above all things he is merciful
For above all things he thought of me

I can't conceive it the torture of the cross
The Author of creation gave us life at his own cost
And all those present thought the grave would be the end
But Jesus rose above it and so will I my friend

For above all things he is powerful
And above all things he is the King
And above all things he is merciful
For above all things he thought of me

who am i ?

The only reason I have joy unexplainable and the only reason I can love completely and the only reason I have hope eternal and the only reason I have peace everlasting...  The only reason I’m me and the only reason I’ll live forever and the only reason He can use me and the only reason I’m saved from my sins...

The one and only reason is the grace of God thru Jesus Christ, His only Son.  His love is incredible!    Every person can have this tremendous gift from God!  Believe in God and repent of your sins.  The Holy Spirit guides us towards the beginning of this journey and teaches us along the way.

God is awesome...

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NAS

pause 'n ponder

"To obey the gospel and then turn from the Lord
is to receive his grace in vain. Through compromise whether in
doctrine or in life, we can make void God's grace. Seeking to please
the Lord by doing what the Bible says is not meriting one's salvation. After our miserable efforts are finished, we still stand in need of God's grace. Let us live for the Lord as we look for the salvation to be given at the last day."

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 21
May 6, 1993

November 11, 2010

On this Veterans day, November 11, 2010, I salute in honor of our Veterans who served proudly, for those who were wounded, and for those who gave their life for this country.  These Veterans are remembered for their devotion and courage.

 Also, I salute and honor our active military, those who were sworn into duty, and
are bravely serving and defending and protecting our country.  To those who have been wounded, those who have given their life, I solemnly salute in honor to you.

Remember that for each soldier’s life, there are fathers and mothers, and sons, and daughters, and sisters and brothers, and grandparents that are bravely supporting their loved ones.  I thank them for the sacrifices they have made.

These women and men proudly love America!  The Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and National Guard – it is you that makes this country proud.

God Bless the United States of America...

my God is an awesome God!

All Things Bright and Beautiful
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
And made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden:
God made them every one.

God gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

quick quotes

"Christians are a body whose truest interest lies in the exaltation of the Messiah's kingdom. Their charter is very extensive, their encouragements exceeding great, and the returns promised infinitely superior to all the gains of the most lucrative fellowship. Let then every one in his station consider himself as bound to act with all his might, and in every possible way for God."  

~William Carey

Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, knew the secret of strength through weakness. Complimented once by a friend on the impact of the mission, Hudson answered, “It seemed to me that God looked over the whole world to find a man who was weak enough to do His work, and when He at last found me, He said, ‘He is weak enough—he’ll do.’ All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.”

~Hudson Taylor

pause 'n ponder

I had some shopping to do yesterday.  Since it was a nice afternoon, I had the sun roof open.  I was waiting for a traffic light to turn green, and I leaned back my head and looked up.  It was a sunny day, and the sky was spectacular.  The blue was incredibly vivid and a few white puffy clouds were slowly drifting by.  As I looked up, I thought about how majestic God is. 

He is the Creator of all things, great and small.  I’m unable to comprehend the vastness of His creation, yet He knows me and loves me and saved me!  God created this time and this place and this life for me...

in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 NAS

flowing waters

It’s no secret, I love the outdoors, nature, and all of creation.  It’s there that I can commune with God in solitude, soaking in His love and grace and salvation.   I may be resting against a tree, gazing at a quiet sleepy creek, thinking about peace beside still waters.  Or, relaxing on a bed of green moss, intently watching a clear-flowing stream, remembering living waters.  Or, perched on a boulder, watching the cascade of a roaring river, reminding me of God’s power.  Or, walking thru the mist behind a thunderous waterfall, thinking of security in God.

Jesus said:

"If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38 RSV

My eyes can see the rivers of God’s creation, but, more importantly, my heart can feel His rivers of living water.

John Piper said it best:

This is a great help to my faith. It adds marrow to the bones of my subjective experience when I think that all the promissory notes of the gospel are backed by the stable currency of divine objectivity. My prayer for us all is that God the Spirit might make us thirsty for Jesus Christ, that he might remove the callouses from the taste buds of our heart, and cause us to drink deep and savor the magnificence of Jesus who fulfills all of history past and embodies all the glorious hopes of the future. Because if the Spirit will do this for us we have it on the word of Jesus that "out of our hearts will flow rivers of living water." And that is what we crave above all.

(July 19, 1981, Bethlehem Baptist Church, John Piper, Pastor , Rivers From the Heart, John 7:37-38.

compassion

As the Christmas season is almost upon us, I’ve wondered what Jesus would say about how this Holy celebration is so not right.  Yes, I think Christmas trees are beautiful and I enjoy the outdoor lights and then there’s all that food and Christmas music is cheerful.  I enjoy giving gifts, but it’s much more difficult to choose the right gift for the right person.  Maybe it’s the society we live in today – if someone needs or likes or wants something, often it’s gotten then and there.  

Christmas is all about Jesus.  About His birth.  About His love.  About His truth.  About His power.  About His glory.  About His grace.  About His holiness.  About His message.  About His compassion.  About His ministry.  About His life.  About His death.  About His salvation.  About His majesty.

Monetary gifts supporting missions or sponsoring a child in a foreign country or donating to the Salvation Army or donating food to the needy or helping fund centers to save unborn children or donating Bibles to spread His word.  

Are there any gifts better than putting Jesus first?  Are there?                                               

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
   for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
   defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV

worthy words

tears tears and more tears

Is there any shame in tears?  No. 

Sometimes, I find it necessary to cleanse my heart.

Yes, I have tears.

Tears of sadness and tears of joy.  Tears of rejection and tears of happiness.  Tears of  loss and tears of love.  Tears of anger and tears of strength.  Tears of fear and tears of grace.  Tears of hurt and tears of blessings.  Tears of disappointment and tears of hope. Tears of...

My tears are words my heart can’t express.

In Strong’s Concordance, the Bible has about 697 entries for verses about crying (weep, cry, tears).
One of the first is in the book of Genesis when Abraham wept over the death of Sarah. Hannah wept before the Lord in her barren state. Esau wept over his father Isaac, asking for a blessing. King David writes prolifically in the Psalms of his tears before the Lord, even saying they were his portion day and night.

In the book of Revelation, God will wipe away my tears. 

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4 NAS

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 7:17 NAS

No.  There is no shame in tears.

about lottie...

Since Christmas is fast approaching, I’ve thought about Lottie Moon. She gave her life to serve God in China.  She was an encouragement to others, a brave servant for God, and was passionate about leading others to Christ.

She served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province.  Lottie frequently wrote letters to the United States, detailing Chinese culture, missionary life and the great physical and spiritual needs of the Chinese people. Additionally, she challenged Southern Baptists to go to China or give so that others could go. By 1888, Southern Baptist women had organized and helped collect $3,315 to send workers needed in China.

"When the gospel is allowed to grow naturally in China, without forcing processes of development, the 'church in the house' is usually its first form of organization. God grant us faith and courage to keep 'hands off' and allow this new garden of the Lord's planting to ripen in the rays of the Divine Love, free from human interference!"

- Lottie Moon, Pingtu, China Sept. 10, 1890

In 1918, the Woman's Missionary Union named the annual Christmas offering for international missions after the woman who had urged them to start it - the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

quick quotes

and speaking about communion. . .

Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not so tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning, and there is filth even in our tears.

Charles Spurgeon

Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.

Hudson Taylor

All Christian power springs from communion with God and from the indwelling of divine grace.

James H. Aughey

Thus may we abide in union; with each other and the Lord, and possess in sweet communion joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton

a thursday morning drive

It was a bit chilly this morning when I left the house.  After getting on the intersate, I noticed a misty fog slowly rising from the ground.  As the morning sun began to rise, I saw a wonder unfolding before me.  I began to see sunbeams reflecting off the fog.  There were some areas thick with trees blocking the sunbeams from view.  There were other places that the sunbeams peeked thru small openings.  And, in cleared land, the sunbeams were bright and beautiful.  I love nature, and was grateful to witness this awesome unveiling.

I was listening to a CD of contempary Christian music, but my thoughts were reflecting over sunbeams.  There have been difficult times in my life that I felt all alone.  Times that I felt discouraged and hopeless.  Even thou I couldn't look over or thru the trees to see Jesus, He was always there.  Sometimes, I have wavered back and forth. between blessings and frustations. When I see Him right before me, I can bask in His love and His grace.

I love sunbeams. . .

pause 'n ponder

and speaking about communion. . .

Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not so tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning, and there is filth even in our tears.

Charles Spurgeon

 

Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.

Hudson Taylor

All Christian power springs from communion with God and from the indwelling of divine grace.

James H. Aughey

Thus may we abide in union; with each other and the Lord, and possess in sweet communion joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton

worthy words

do i count?

In 2000, my Dad walked thru the gates of pearl.  Mark read the poem below at the grave side service.  My other Dad (affectionately called Padre), took the same path in 2003.  This poem exemplifies the men they were.  We’ll never know how many lives they touched. . .

THE LIFE THAT COUNTS

The life that counts must toil and fight;

Must hate the wrong and love the right;

Must stand for truth, by day, by night…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must hopeful be;

In darkest night make melody;

Must wait the dawn on bended knee…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must aim to rise

Above the earth to sunlit skies;

Must fix its gaze on Paradise…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must helpful be,

The care and needs of others see;

Must seek the slaves of sin to free…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts is linked with God;

And turns not from the cross…the rod;

But walk with joy where Jesus trod…

This is the life that counts.

Anonymous

amazing grace – a legacy of faithfulness

John Newton (1725-1807) was the author of “Amazing Grace”, I read somewhere that it’s America’s most famous and favorite hymn.

He wrote this hymn as a prayer of deep gratitude poured from his heart to God for having saved his life and his soul. Before he died, he wrote a short statement to some friends that could perhaps sum up his life. “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

He wrote his epitaph, and it’s engraved on a marble plaque in St Mary, Woolnoth, UK.:

JOHN NEWTON, Clerk [preacher]
Once an infidel and libertine
A servant of slaves in Africa,
Was, by the rich mercy
of our Lord and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST,
restored, pardoned and
appointed to preach
the Gospel which he had
long laboured to destroy.
He ministered,
Near sixteen years in Olney, in Bucks,
And twenty eight years in this Church.

I think there’s a lot more to learn from John Newton..

there's power

When I close my eyes and shut out all distractions, I can release all my tension and stress.  This time is one of worship and praise and prayer, this time is to bow down before my God.  I pray each day that I will trust God to use me to make a difference and that my life will honor Him. 

It’s a journey, it's a journey on my knees, until I meet Him face to face. . .  

There's a song I like named 'On My Knees' by Jaci Velasquez

This portion has great meaning to me:

I get on my knees!

I get on my knees!

There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how
But there's power
When I'm on my knees

quick quotes

Step by step, prayer by prayer, the Lord will always get you there.
~Unknown

Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.

~Unknown

Calmness is the way we show that we are trusting in God.

~Unknown

how long?

Every now and then, I come across a song that ‘strikes a chord’ with me. The latest is ‘How Long Has It Been’ by Mosie Lister. Here's the first verse:

How long has it been
Since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed?
How long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?
How long has it been
Since you knew that He cared for you?

When was the last time? When I talked with God? How long did I pray? Actually stayed and prayed? Listened to Him? Felt the warmth of His love and care? When and for how long?

How long has it been?

it's all about HIM

Sometimes I sit around and wonder, ‘well, what’s going to happen next?’  Will tomorrow be better than today?  Maybe it will, and maybe it won’t.  I don’t know, and won’t know, until it happens.  Of course, I can sit around wondering and stressing, but wondering and stressing won’t change a thing.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it a million times more, but here it is: ‘IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!’  This isn’t how I should be thinking or feeling, and I know that all to well.  Things happen for a reason.

It’s God who’s teaching me, and I’d better be paying attention.  I can learn from the good and I can learn from the bad.  My faith may grow stronger and prepare me for what’s around the corner.  I may become closer by studying His word and may learn what He wants me to do.  I can follow His will for my life.  So, how can I complain?  Really, now!

Jesus became a man -  He felt pain, He was persecuted, He suffered, He was condemed...and, He died for me.  How can I complain?  Really, now!   For, ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!’      

For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Phil 1:29 NAS

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.  John 15:20 NAS

reprise: cobwebs and dust by mrs liz (condensed version)

i am liz
i am liz
liz i am

that liz-i-am!
that liz-i-am!
i do not like
that liz-i-am!


do you like
cobwebs and dust?

i do not like them,
Liz-i-am.
i do not like
cobwebs and dust.

would you like them
here or there?

i would not like them
here or there.
i would not like them
anywhere.
i do not like
cobwebs and dust.
I do not like them,
liz-i-am.

would you like them
in a house?
would you like them
with a mouse?

i do not like them
in a house.
i do not like them
with a mouse.
i do not like them
here or there.
i do not like them
anywhere.
i do not like cobwebs and dust.
i do not like them, liz-i-am

moving on up

It won’t be too much longer until I move into my brand new home!  The driveway doesn’t have cracks and the windows never need cleaning and the siding doesn’t need washing and the grass never has to be cut and all the flowers stay in bloom and nothing about the home ever has to be repaired or cleaned or updated.  Sounds awesome, doesn’t it!?

But, seriously...My new home has jasper walls and foundations of precious stones and stones like sapphire and emerald and chrysolite and topaz and amethyst. It has gates of pearls and streets of pure gold like clear glass and there’s a river of life and a tree of life and the throne of God.  There isn’t any pain or grief or sorrow or death.  Sounds awesome, doesn’t it!?  It is!!  Jesus will welcome me there!

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  John 14:2-3 ESV

do i have faith this amazing?

In today’s sermon, our preacher told a little about a man named George Muller.  He was born in 1805, saved at age six, and in 1834, founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, whose prime objective was to provide orphanages in Great Britain.  

He had no money, he had no intention of asking for any – he believed that God would provide everything that was needed.  He prayed and God provided!  Muller never asked for support!  For 64 years, that’s how he operated.  Just think about it, he never, ever asked for money, he only prayed and God supplied! 

Over the years, he cared for and educated over 18,000 kids, educated over 100,000 more in other schools, distributed hundreds of thousands of  Bibles, tens of millions of tracts, supported about 150 missionaries, travelled over 200,000 miles as a missionary himself, and shared the gospel to over 3 million around the world.

And in all that time, he never asked for one penny from anyone, his children never missed a meal, and he never had a debt. That is the remarkable record of George Mueller.

and He loves me anyway

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 9:10 NAS

Considering how vast and infinite this universe is, I’m just a minuscule speck on planet Earth.  In this world’s population of nearly seven billion, I’m a tiny little speck that God knows very well, and He loves me anyway!  I trust in God, I’m forever His, I’m His child, and I’ll live forever!

Yes, I’m a sinner, and yet...

God knows my name

He created me

He loves me

He knows my heart

He died for me

He has saved me

He is with me always

He gave me faith

He cares about me

He blesses me

He is my strength

He gave me grace

He has redeemed me

He understands me

Wow!  God knows everything about me, my past, my present, and my future, and yet He saved anyway!

pause 'n ponder

God says to leave the church building and go and tell His message to ALL, yet laymen are asked to “befriend” people in order to EVENTUALLY invite them to come and hear at church. How do we justify passing the buck and pushing the burden of evangelism on the professional?  What about the billions who will never attend church? Do they miss the chance to go to heaven because YOU are lazy? Are lost people viewed as potential tithers (church “customers”) OR people who need Jesus Christ, wherever the Spirit leads them to attend?

(unknown)

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Eph. 4:12 ESV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Cor. 9:24-27 ESV

worthy words

rest in Your holiness

‘Word of God Speak’ by MercyMe is one of my favorite songs.  The chorus particulary speaks to me.  It’s such a comfort to study His Word and experience a warm feeling surrounding me.  Sometimes, I can actually visualize the love of God covering me.  I’m able to rest in His holiness and listen to God speak.  It’s an amazing place to be!

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak 

When I fail to commune with God in daily Bible study and prayer, I’m the one who suffers.  I miss out on an awesome experience with Him.  And, it’s an awful place to be.

eagle's wings

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31 NAS

This is one of my most treasured Bible verses.  I return to it again and again. 

 

I understand what God is saying, I understand that He alone gives me strength, I understand that strength is divine, I understand that strength is unshakable.  I admit, there are times when I feel totally alone, times that I’m extremely tired, times that I want to crawl under the covers, times that I shake my head and deeply sigh.  

But, I also understand that He is always here.  Always with me.  Always.  It doesn’t matter what it is, devastating or minuscule, I can always and only depend on Him.  I have a note in my Bible that reads:  Let’s call upon, let’s wait upon, let’s depend upon the Lord.  That’s it!

I just need reminding.  And, once again, I return to Isaiah 40:31.

it’s never too late to have a happy childhood

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Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles,

collect rocks, rainbows and roses, 

smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, 

build sandcastles, say hello to everyone,  go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites,

have a merry heart, talk with animals, 

sing in the shower,  read children’s books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance,

laugh and cry for the health of it, 

wonder and wander around, 

feel happy  and precious  and innocent, 

feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, 

give up worry and guilt and shame, 

say yes, say no, say the magic words, 

ask lots of questions, 

ride bicycles, draw and paint,  see things differently,

fall down and get up again, 

look at the sky,     watch the sunrise and sunset, 

watch clouds and name their shapes, 

watch the moon and stars come out, 

trust the universe,  stay up late,    climb trees, daydream, 

do nothing and do it very well,  learn new stuff, 

be excited about everything, be a clown, 

enjoy having a body, listen to music, 

find out how things work,  make up new rules, 

tell stories, save the world, 

make friends with the other kids on the block,and do anything else 

that brings more happiness,  celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation,communication and life energy to ... all living beings on this planet.    

~ Bruce Williamson, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood (1987).

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what is good?

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He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  

Micah 6:8 NIV

In this verse, God requires us to do three things.  First, what does require mean? – God is requesting us, it’s His will for us, it’s His desire for us – He wants us to live a Godly life.  Yes, God has shown us what is good...

As a Christian, God requires us to:

To act justly – God is asking us to be honest, to be fair, to be reasonable.

To love mercy – God is asking us to be compassionate, to be forgiving, to be kind.

To walk humbly – God is asking us to please Him, to be modest, to be respectful.

In obedience to God’s word, we are to love Him, to grow in faith, to worship Him, to glorify Him, to serve Him, to grow in wisdom, to live a Godly life, to...

Living a Christian life isn’t easy.  But, God has given us instructions and directions.  God has given us His Word...

pause ‘n ponder

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It is often wise to think before speaking, literally...  

T – Is it Truthful?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Inspiring?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?

two years ago, on this date....

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In August of 2008, I visited with my kids and granddaughter for a couple of wonderful days.  We only had one car at the time, since hubs vehicle was in the shop replacing a stolen catalytic converter.  On the 19^th of August, hubs went to work, and left straight from there to come get me.  We enjoyed a dinner with the little lady and her Mom.

On our way home, hubby gave me a pretty box with a nice bow.  The pretty box with the nice bow had a lovely pair of earrings (he has a knack for picking out birthday gifts).  And, as it turned out, the stunning gift was a timely gift - especially since my jewelry had been reduced to three pairs of earrings (counting the new ones), one necklace, one bracelet, and the three rings on my fingers.

After getting home, we went in and put some things on the kitchen table, and hubby went back outside for the rest of my stuff.  I looked to see if we had any phone messages, grabbed the phone, then noticed something was very different, and ran back outside.

I was upset, I was crying, I was in shock, I was frightened, I was infuriated, I was traumatized, I was scared, I was distressed, I was …well, you get the picture.  I dialed 911 somewhere between frightened and infuriated because someone had broken into our home… by forcible entry…we had been burglarized…

Where the pc had once rested, was an outline of dust.  The dresser had a dust free rectangle, where there had been a jewelry box.  After looking around carefully, we noticed several more things that were stolen.  I actually was amused to see our dirty clothes strewn around the missing hamper.  The police told us hampers were a popular item to carry the stolen items.

The things that were taken were things, only just things.  Some could be replaced fairly easily – the pc etc.  But, there were many items that could never be replaced.

For the rest of that week, I was on the phone for approximately 12 hours (I'm not exaggerating).  This mess caused a lot of hard work, and I had no inkling just how much of a mess and overwhelming work with police reports, forms for the insurance, the bank stuff, credit bureaus …ugh…

None of this matters, it isn’t even important.

I have blessings in abundance, I have blessings I’m not aware of, I have blessings I don’t deserve, I have blessings, blessings, blessings…  And, God is the giver of blessings.

Don’t forget the blessings, don’t ever forget the blessings…

what is this kind of love?

Agápe (αγάπη agápē) is defined as “love". But, it’s unlike any other love. It’s an unconditional love that’s always giving and never taking. This kind of love is totally selfless and doesn’t change even if the love given is or isn’t returned. This is the original and only true form of love.

• Agape love is seeing the answer and sharing that with whoever is seeing   or experiencing the problem.
• Agape love is never judgmental and is eternally patient with any thing that must be learned. 
• Agape love is totally without demands or requirements. 
• Agape love is total truth in that it doesn’t change, no matter what changes around it. 
• Agape love doesn’t know about time, since time doesn’t exist in heaven. 
• Agape love is unconditional forgiveness for anything, because agape love goes beyond the idea of needing forgiveness.

God is Agápe Love! And, frankly, His love overwhelms my heart. Now, that’s a secure Love!

"The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'
Matthew 22:39 NAS

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:12 NAS

The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8 NAS

God is Here

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I came across this a few weeks ago, and I’ve read it over and over.  It seems God is reminding me how much He loves me and that He’s always with me.  These are promises of God, and I cherish them and hold them close to my heart.  It doesn’t matter what my circumstances are, God is with me!  I am His child, and He will never leave me.  It’s amazing how God provided these words at a time I really needed to hear them!  

When I fall, He lifts me up.

When I fail, He forgives me.

When I am weak, He is strong.

When I am lost, He is The Way.

When I am afraid, He is my courage.

When I stumble, He steadies me.

When I am hurt, He heals me.

When I am broken, He mends me.

When I am blind, He leads me.

When I am hungry, He feeds me.

When I face trials, He is with me.

When I face persecution, He stills me.

When I face problems, He comforts me.

When I face loss, He provides for me.

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

~unknown

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 NAS

foto favs

God works in many ways..............

Yesterday, I did something that totally surprised me. It’s something that I rarely do. For some reason, I found myself handing a bill to a man who was standing at a busy intersection. His appearance looked like the life he was living. I don’t know how he’ll spend the money. Maybe liquor, maybe drugs, maybe food. I’ll never know. But, I strongly felt led to hand it over.

Then, this morning, I was in my car listening to K-Love radio. The DJs were talking with a seven-year-old boy. Okay, I admit it...I began to cry, and did so thru-out the phone call, and a few minutes afterwards. This link tells the inspiring and uplifting story of a little boy and a one dollar bill.


http://www.klove.com/blog/(A Little Boy and a Dollar Making a Big Difference, August 6, 2010)

quick quotes

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Our valleys may be filled with foes and tears; but we can lift our eyes to the hills to see God and the angels, heaven's spectators, who support us according to God's infinite wisdom as they prepare our welcome home.

Billy Graham

-->Faith is believing in advance what can only be understood in reverse.

Chuck Swindoll

 

-->Don't be afraid for tomorrow. God is already there.

Ethel Lofgren