Even The Bad Is Good

Now to many people that statement will just not make any sense.  But to those that follow the Lord, those that know HIS ways, YES even the bad is good.


How can this be?


Well not only does the Scripture say that "all things will work together for good", (Rom 8:28) but we know that God, as a loving Father, keeps a close and intimate "eye" on us. 
 2 CHRONICLES 16:9
For the eyes f the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.

So in the Good, Bad and the Ugly, if we are following hard after the Lord, we are on solid ground and we have nothing to fear.  He is with us.  He will make a way.  He is working out a plan in our lives.  He is molding us and making us into His image.  

Don't move friend....His timing is PERFECT!   Just praise Him right where you are!

Blessings 

Deflated Santa

Mom and I took a ride today and everywhere I looked I saw "deflated" Santas.  So Sad.  


Santa tends to only be "alive and well " during the Christmas season.  


 I'm so thankful for Jesus, the manger, the cross and the empty tomb.  These symbols never deflate.  They remain a firm foundation to the Christian faith. They are tangible and real. 

There is power in the Name of Jesus. 

He is alive.  He hears and answers prayer.  

He never slumbers or sleeps.  He is everywhere at once!  

He is ALL powerful!  He is ALL knowing.  Nothing is too difficult for Him!  

His will is for healing, deliverance, freedom and  eternal life with Him!

Yes life is hard....but that is beside the point!  It would be harder without the Lord.  Do not be fooled. 

Jesus is the answer for the world today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjZTug_O-Y

Hes Everything to Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywzlq2AiAuM&feature=related

I honestly don't remember life without Jesus.  I am so blessed by this.  I cant even imagine.   


Today let's pray that HE will give us opportunity to share with someone.  That we will, by HIS grace, be bold and fearless to throw out the lifeline to someone going "down".  Watch and pray, listen and speak, HE will guide your steps and your voice to speak HIS love to a dying generation.


Blessings

December 25, 2011

Dear Friends ~


Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!  


 Let's pretend that we are sitting by the roaring fire.  The snow is drifting slowly down and there are no deadlines to meet and  no places to go.   We have hours to chat, snack, enjoy the quiet and the Lord.
What a wonderful scene, right?


Well, who knows, this may be the  year of the Lord ..  Lets prepare our hearts today for HIS coming again.
Thank you for reading these blogs and for being good friends.


I simply pray Gods richest blessings on you all.


May you be filled afresh and anew this coming New Year .


Blessings!
Marnie 

Testing Testing Testing

I love the saying,  "I was the perfect parent until I had children!"   Well that applies to our Christianity as well!  I can see numerous places that the Lord has changed me.  This has been an encouragement.  But having the kids around has made me keenly aware that there is still MUCH more work to be done!


Sarcasm has always been a speciality in our family....friendly teasing, words of banter,  sharp wit.  I felt, now that the kids have left, that I have done alot of work in this area    HA~   Are you kidding!??  I simply did not have anyone to do it TO!   So there you have it..... my tongue is still alive and "well" although I use that term loosely.


So the test begins.  HE has made it apparent to me ~ gotten my attention ~  let me see the looks and hear the "Moms" and let me see clearly that there is still an issue I need to put "to death"


The holidays are the perfect time to "Check your gauge" ~ especially if you feel you have arrived!   Stress, overindulgence, tiredness and PEOPLE will be what the Lord uses as a "dip stick" to see what needs to be added or subtracted from our lives.


Do not disdain this my friend..... just see it as a place to bring to the Lord for grace and guidance.  Oh to be like HIM this is our prayer!


"Oh I want to be like Jesus" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kALNwn5utU

Just Step Aside

I read this in a post:   " I've had a tough couple days... My emotions are run ragged."

Whether it is a tough couple of days, weeks or just an hour or two, I implore you to take a moment and just "step aside".  I hold a personal thought when I read about how often Jesus "stepped aside".  He often

separated Himself to go and spend time with His Father.  Why?  My conclusion, believing He was totally man, was so that He would not kill someone, say something that He shouldn't, go where He should not go and-or just suggest that God wipe the slate clean and start all  over.  

Living on earth is tough, even for the Savior!  With this realization I am glad He is the one interceding on my behalf day in and day out.

During the holiday season emotions can run unusually high.  Nerves are nearer to the surface as we gather with people that we don't see too often.  The stress of adding "gifts and gatherings" to our already stretched schedules and budgets can often make us tired and irritable. Not to mention the realization of broken relationships and dysfunction that stare us ever in the face.

Friend, Lover of God, please discipline yourselves to "pull yourself away".  Don't let slew foot  steal from you anymore.   Put your armor on and if you find yourself in an uncomfortable place, excuse yourself to a quiet corner and call out for more of God's grace.

He says it is sufficient  (2 Cor 12:9) and that He will show His strength in our weakness.   So prepare yourself today and everyday.  Don't be caught off guard.  Get all the rest you can and stay focused.  He will carry you thru whatever comes your way as HE IS ALWAYS PRESENT AND FAITHFUL!

Remember you are loved and carried.  Take advantage of these promises.

Merry Christmas!



.

A Good Conclusion

I received a Christmas Letter the other day and there was a paragraph that I think bears repeating.  It goes:


"As for me, I am coming to the age, when I deeply realize that some things are not going to change.  And if they are, I am not going to be the reason or facilitator of that change, no matter how good I think that change may be......I do not have to fight to change it anymore..  This knowledge has brought a peace that has begun to rest in my heart and is beginning to seep into my outer life.......
What has begun to happen is that I am beginning to look up from these circumstances and find an abundance of other things to be thankful for and a great big God to be thankful to!..............I have begun to experience JOY!
...........when I look up I no longer drown in the circumstances of living in this sinful, dangerous, uncertain world.  My wondrous discovery this year is that I can be joyful...at least most of the time..........It is so delightfully unexpected."


I am so thankful that my friend has come to see this TRUTH!  She has been leaning into the Lord and not to her own understanding and the Lord has been faithful to allow this truth go deeper and deeper.


Friend accept this gift from the Father.  Take HIS peace.   You will not change things but HE can!  Rest in His ability and His timing.  Lean beloved lean!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0zz6msgnPY&feature=related

3 Wise Men

ONLY THREE???!!


Where are all the Wise Men?


Who were these men and what made them wise?   What was so compelling in their "studies" that they were willing to travel far and wide in hopes to witness something?

http://www.bibleinfo.com/en/content/what-were-names-three-wise-men

Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or 

situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in

 keeping with this understanding. It often requires

 control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that universal principles,

 reason and knowledge

 prevail to determine one's actions. Wisdom is also the comprehension of what is 

true or right coupled 

with optimum judgment as to action. Synonyms include: sagacity, discernment, 

or insight.

Well the Scripture says that the "fear of God is the beginning of 

wisdom". (Psalm 111:10)  So is there no "real" wisdom outside of God?  

Interesting thoughts.  

It is a wise person who listens, studies, prays and realizes that 

there is Someone BIGGER than them.  

Someone Who is in control.   

Be wise this Christmas

as the saying goes:  

Wise Men Still Seek HIM"

Blessings!

A Hug; Just Cause

My mom was sharing with me today that there is a "worship singer" where she attends  church, that when done singing, comes to mom's row and gives her a big hug on the way to her seat.  
Just cause. 
This is a special thing.  My mom, almost 95 in another month, feels so special and loved from this simple act.  What a precious thing.  My dad would say "Don't cost no more"  an old saying from the country that says simply, "why not"..


Today ask the Lord what you might do "just cause"  Some little thing that does not cost you anything but would make a big and lasting impact.  I know that you will be given something.


A friend posted this on face book today.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc8ZbVcdHpg&sns=fb
It's as simple as this.
We can change the world one act of kindness at a time.
Blessings friend!

Musing

Often in the course of a day of conversation a word or phrase sticks out to me.  Today, riding with a friend, she said that she had complimented someone on her singing voice and asked if the woman had taken lessons.  The woman simply said,  "No, I just sing along with the radio."


You know you do not need to get a diploma, take religious education or listen to sermons day in and day out to know how to live the Christian life.   You simply need to  "sing with the radio" or in this case "walk with the Savior"   You need to practice what the Word says.  You need to walk it out.


I have quoted this Scripture before and here I go again, : 


 "Study the Bible continuously, meditate on it day and night so that you  will obey every thing written in it, only then will you  prosper and succeed in all that you do. 
This is my commandment, Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be discouraged for I AM with you wherever you go"  Joshua 1:8+9


Blessings as you walk!

Fussing

Have you ever just found yourself fussing?  You are at the end of your rope, things are looking dark and impossible and you fuss.


Why do we so easily forget our Savior?  How can we overlook the one who created it ALL and holds it all together?


Today, friend,  remember and ask Him to enter in to your problem.  He WILL give grace, divine wisdom and creative thinking.  I have been known to tape 2 fingers together, set my phone alarm for every 15 mins, mark on my hand, etc. in order to be reminded thruout the day that HE IS HERE AND ABLE!


Join Him today
Praising Him
Blessings!

How Great Thou Art!

Sung by a one man barbershop quartet~

This is incredible! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=dxCRIF0m79w&feature=related   

Sent to me by my brother Pete

The Workout Machine and the Scripture

*When they are USED they bring results.
*When they just take up space they are no better than a hat rack


*We spend our money on them
*We research different versions to do different things and hit different targets
*We compare ours with others


I have known people who know the Scripture for memory but it has made no difference in their life
I also know people who can tell you everything you would want to know about the "diet world" who are grossly overweight.


How sad.    The fact is that we can totally fool ourselves into thinking that we are ok, and just like the pounds that  attach to us one at a time when we stop exercising so also we see the  little sins and  compromises that begin to appear in a life that does not practice the Scripture.


Find the Book.  Dust it off.  Open it up.  Underline the Promises and begin to APPLY them.  Life and circumstances  will change.  
It may not hurt to dust off the treadmill as well!!


New Living Translation (©2007)
"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."  1Timothy 4:8

The "Clothes of the Calling"

Have you ever heard the Lord calling you?


You hear but know that there is NO WAY that you can do what HE is asking......


What good company you keep!
Like Noah, David, Daniel, Joseph, Joshua, Moses, Abraham, Deborah, Esther, Mary  etc etc etc, you stammer and stutter that you are not cut out for the "Call", there has been a terrible mistake and you suggest that HE move on....to the next person on HIS list.


That's what the Lord plans.  
He is determined to get the Glory .  
He knows what we are made of.   
I heard a pastor this week say that after he heard the "Lord's Call" he began to pray that the Lord would put the "clothes of the calling" on him.  
I like that.  
I have been there more than once and I have seen HIM  fulfill HIS calling in and thru me in ways that I would have one day thought impossible.  I am continually astounded by HIM!


Let Him clothe you today.

Any Old Bush Will Do

I heard a quote on radio this morning.  It was, "Any old bush will do"
Like Moses, if we came across a burning bush that was not being consumed, we would stand amazed.  How is this possible? 


But as the quote this morning said,  "any old bush will do" 
God is looking for vessels HE can use.  He will use whatever HE can get HIS hands on.  He is looking for broken, submitted, humble  servants to pour Himself thru.     
He is constantly calling, searching, looking for people who will give up their rights to follow HIM.  Then HE moves in, takes over and brings glory to HIS Name. 


Will you be a bush for God...an inanimate object, that outside of the Lord, has no real worth and is easily overlooked.  

BUT GOD

Oh yes  ~ BUT GOD ~ HE makes all the difference.  Will you surrender in making HIM Lord of your life?  
Burn Baby Burn!


Blessings!

Planted in God’s House

Here is a word for you from the Word Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar ofLebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” NIV      There are some beautiful pictures of what the life of a truly righteous man is like. He is compared to two trees; a palm tree first of all. The essence of a palm tree is that it grows very straight, very upright and the fruit is found in the topmost part of the tree. In other words, the higher we grow the more the fruit. The cedar is the king of all trees, the most lovely, the most magnificent, and that’s also a picture of a righteous man.  Then it speaks of being planted in the house of the Lord. That word planted is important. It speaks of commitment. Some Christians are never willing to be planted anywhere. They want to flit from place to place. They never put down roots and they never bring forth fruit. Somebody said, as a prayer, “Lord, help me to bloom where I’m planted.” And bear in mind that if you’re not planted, you will bloom nowhere.  And as a result of being planted they still bring forth fruit in old age and their lives become a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Their very lives cry out, “The LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.” If you want to see the nature of the Lord, look at the life of the truly righteous man and you will see the Lord’s faithfulness mirrored in that man’s life. - Derek Prince     ps   Sometimes God even TRANSPLANTS us!

I Am Overwhelmed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18p8OyYgUhU&feature=related


I am overwhelmed at the LOVE of our Savior!   My knee is much better, please continue to pray.  I opened a Christmas Card today and it was from Jesus!  He had sent me some money!  He signed it "I own a cattle on a thousand hills!"  
What a precious Savior, a good Friend, a faithful Husband.  
I am a "kept woman" 
I am never out of HIS sight.  
HE SEES ME!  




Jesus You're more than a friend
more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me


YOU BRING JOY TO MY SOUL!


Friend~  He wants to be all that and more to you today!
Let Him!
Claim His promises over your life and watch how HE fulfills every single one


Joyful Joyful Lord we adore Thee!


Blessings

Choral Practice Lessons; Part 2

"A dissonance that resolves on the next page"


As our instructor assured us that what may have sounded "off" to our ears on the page we were singing would certainly blend in and "make music" on the next, I immediately thought, "How much like life".


I'm sure many of you will agree that there are many moments in our life's music that things seem way out of tune.  Discord and flat we wonder how we got here.  


BUT WAIT!

All of a sudden, the page turns and we meet someone, our provision comes, the dilemma works out, we are healed, the sun breaks thru the clouds.


Dearest Friends,  Don't give up!  It may not sound or look pleasant today but with just a turn of the page, your life may hit a new note, and things will all come together.


Blessings!
"Do not be afraid or discouraged for I am with you wherever you go"  Joshua 1:9

Two Thoughts from Choral Practice

First Thought:


Yesterday at my Christmas choral  practice  a phrase jumped out at me and I jotted it down in the margin of my music.


"If you're comfortable then probably you are singing the wrong part"


This reminded me that the God we serve is not into making sure that we are comfortable.  He stretches us as He molds us and makes us into His likeness and image.    Now I do not want you to confuse the fact that HE is a God that comforts...HE ABSOLUTELY IS.   Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to be our Comforter,  but here we are not talking about being comforted  but rather being comfortable!


Too often our flesh justifies that we deserve a comfortable life.  "I've worked all my life for this time of retirement. I've had "my day",    Been there ~ done that.   So what are we saying?  We have arrived?  We no longer have to work?  Be used?  Have a mission?


Until the day that the Lord calls us home, we have a purpose.  There is a call on our life as a child of God.  SO if you are comfortable where you are perhaps you are "singing" the wrong part.  Ask the Lord today if you are where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to do.  He has a place and task for you and wants you to realize that you NEED Him to be able to accomplish the task at hand.


So friend, put fear aside and dare come before the Lord for His orders for the day.  You surely don't want to miss a thing!


Blessings!


Part 2 tomorrow.




Please come and join us in an afternoon of celebrating HIS birth at this free concert. 

The Music Of Christmas

Sunday, December 18^th at 4:00pm

New England Bible Church

60 Chandler Road, Andover, Massachusetts

Mary Did You Know?

Don't you just love this song?


The fact is Mary probably did not know too much about her future.  She was asked to obey and she did.  She did do a lot of pondering and I don't recall seeing anything on face book. She just walked it out believing.


We don't know, BUT God does!  We can trust HIM.  HE will guide us, guard us, provide for us, calm us, keep us, heal us, give us wisdom, strength and GRACE.  


Is the suspense just killing you?  Are you so busy worrying, planning  and thinking about tomorrow that you are not enjoying the day?  The scripture tells us to leave tomorrow alone Matt 6:34.  We are to preface all our plans with the "Lord willing" James 4:13-15   


As the Lord told my friend...."You know its really simple to serve Me"    TRUST.  The same God that created it ALL and holds it ALL  does not find you too big to handle.  


So dear frazzled friend......BREATH.  LAUGH...... TRUST...... PRAISE.  


Its ALL GOOD.  (even if its not)


Blessings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY4_wIJUCMU&feature=related

A Post by Charles Stanley

Our Righteousness

Ephesians 2:1-10

Anyone who thinks of himself as a pretty good person ought to take a look at God’s assessment of humanity. He says we all come into the world spiritually dead and are ruled by Satan, his world system, and our own sin nature, or flesh. In the Lord’s eyes, we are children of wrath who deserve only punishment.

On the other hand, God is so pure and holy that He is totally separated from all sin and cannot look upon it with any favor or approval (Hab. 1:13). Everything He does is appropriate and beneficial; by comparison, even mankind’s righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Yet even though we have nothing of value to offer Him, the Lord wants us for His own and has done everything necessary to draw us close.

Those of us who have placed faith in Jesus Christ have been made spiritually alive in Him, and all our sins have been forgiven. There’s a striking contrast between what we were and who we now are in the Lord. But this change has nothing to do with how good we’ve been. Even the faith with which we respond to the Savior comes from God. We can never make ourselves righteous; it’s all a gift from Him. And once He declares us justified, we will never be pronounced guilty again.

God has said that in the ages to come, He wants to show the “surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us” (Eph. 2:7). For all eternity, we will be showered with this awesome demonstration of His love. As great as our blessings are now, they’ll pale in comparison to what awaits us in heaven.

Praise the Lord!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyvoU-e-slw&noredirect=1


This is one of my favorite songs!


Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think that we are paupers
when he knows himself we are children of the King



Praise the Lord   
He can work thru those that praise Him



Take a few minutes friend and listen to these powerful words of truth and life.


and then 


PRAISE THE LORD!!!!


Blessings
www.comeinandrest.com

Decluttering

I have been having the opportunity lately to declutter/organize in some homes.   I really like this job.  I enjoy moving mountains.  I tend to be goal oriented and am spurred on by success.


This process has stirred up my thinking about the clutter IN our lives not just around us.   Sometimes we are JUST A MESS.   With that we can be discouraged, downtrodden, despondent and even depressed.   God loves to come in an organize our mess.  HE says "COME TO ME!"  "Cast your cares on ME"
HE wants your mess!!  
HE knows where it has all come from and what should be done with it .
HE comes in and pushes stuff back and makes room for us to catch a breath and see a light at the end of the tunnel.  We are encouraged.


God keeps going.  Pretty soon HE is moving us to open up our closets, look under beds and go into hidden places.   He asks us to throw out lots of stuff.  HE shows us what is useful and what is just taking up space and causing us to stumble.  
HE wants to do new things in and through us and wants us to simplify.  (Believe me I am reading this as I write!)


God makes all things new.  HE longs for us to travel light, not to be owned by our stuff, to hold lightly.  
Fellow traveler,  Whats in your backpack?


Blessings!


Need some help?  Call me!

If HE Says To Do It We Should~

The  quote went something like this " If HE says to stand on your head, you do it,  If HE says to be baptized, you do it"   
It is true that whatever HE says we should do.  


I do foresee a possible problem....being baptized is "normal", expected and accepted (in the church).  It's when we are asked to "stand on our heads" that a problem can arise!.  Immediately antennae go up, eyebrows raise and whispers are heard.


A word of caution.   
Don't judge someone's actions.  
Instead PRAY.


I believe that often the Bible has judged the actions already but in the case where it is not specific, (like standing on your head)...
.leave it alone.  
Take care of yourself.  
Don't make a comment.  
Read thru the Bible and see the old prophets who did totally "weird" things....John the Baptist who dressed odd and ate even more strange.  


If the Bible does not address it, it is best left alone.  You would hate to have to be judged yourself for your judgement!


Think about it.  
God's Ways are not like ours, in fact it is said that they are foolishness to man! I Cor 1:18


I think making sure OUR  walk is as it should be is a full time job!


Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving One and All!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz83Oh8lEYM

A random Thanksgiving Song that I like    Enjoy this day.  Make it a habit!   Look each guest/family member in the eyes and tell them that you love them


Blessings 

Stressed?

BREATH!


Come before the Lord.  Pinpoint the area that is "pricking" you and take it to the Lord in prayer.  
HE has a good idea. ( Ps 138:8)  
HE is the giver of peace.  (John 14:27)
HE makes a way where there is none.  (John 12:1-11)  
HE can change the atmosphere around you and create in you a clean heart.  (Ps 51:10)
HE can soften a stony heart and make it flesh. ( Ez 26:36) 
HE can draw people unto Himself.  (John 12:32)


HE IS MORE THAN ABLE.' (2 Tim 1:12)


Stress will only kill you.  Handle it all on your knees and then just get up and begin....Put some good praise music on and refocus, prioritize and change your perspective. 

Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.



Beloved have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving Day!  Whether you are alone (with the Lord) or with a crowd, let Jesus be your Guest of Honor and bring Him honor today with you life!

Blessings!

Preparing for Thanksgiving Day

Genuine heart felt gratitude.


Prepare today for Thursday.  Strengthen your thankful muscles.   Practice.  Start with the people around you,  those near and far.
Now move onto the provisions that you have.  Look around you...notice everything.
Next  thank the Lord for the "place"  that you are in right now.  Good, bad or ugly HE is watching over you and as HIS child you are being  held and there is a plan being brought about in your life.


What good does it do to complain.   Nothing.  Do yourself and those around you a favor today and be thankful.  The very atmosphere of your home and workplace will change   Try it!


Blessings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3dXCL34aEA&feature=related

BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!


and the enemy hates it.  So much so that he slinks around trying to steal "it" as soon as its delivered. One of his biggest tactics takes place in the mind ... his playground.  Doubts appear out of nowhere.  Little voices denounce and play down what God has said or done.  Reason comes in to ~ reason.  We lean on our own understanding.


Hang on tight friend!    HE DOES  hear and answer... if not today, one day soon you will hear and know.  He will direct your path.    Discipline yourself to stand firmly on HIS Word and refuse to waiver.  Your resolve will be strengthened as you stand.  He will give grace and strength.


Resist the devil and he will flee.  


Again  HE DOES ANSWER PRAYER.  He does hear you.  He does care.  His timing is perfect.  Quiet yourself and rest on HIS faithfulness


Blessings!

Three Dollars Worth of God Please

“I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.

"I would like to buy just a little of the Lord. Not enough to explode my soul and disturb my sleep. Not enough to take control of my life. I want just enough to equal a cup of warm milk. Just enough to ease some of the pain from my guilt.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. I would like to find a love that is pocket-sized. I don’t want enough of God to make me love a black man
or pick beets with a migrant. Not enough to change my heart. I can only stand just enough to take to church when I have time. Just enough to equal a snooze in the sunshine. I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of the womb, but not a new birth.

I would like to purchase a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. If it doesn’t work, I would like to get my money back.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. I would like to hide some for a rainy day. Not enough for people to see a change in me. Not enough to impose any responsibility. Just enough to make folks think I am ok.

Could I just get three dollars worth of God, please?”    Wilbur Rees

Oh Friend!  What a patient and loving God we serve!  With these words HE has every right to turn HIS back on us ~  YET ~  He continues to love us, to beckon us, to "get in our way" that we might stumble upon Him. 

Don't you see?  Three dollars is no where near enough.  The scripture says "taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8    

I say if you have truly tasted...it will never be enough!  You will want more and more as HE ALWAYS creates a thirst.  Come beloved and drink deeply!

Blessings!

Always There

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnNxP2k4Nn4&feature=related

We tend to make goals.  We look for the "outcome",  the letter, the job, the marriage, the _____________.
We are always waiting for the next thing.


I have come to firmly believe that it is not about the "outcome" but ALL about the Journey.
It is on the journey that all the work is done.  It is where we learn to believe, are tested, stretch and/or fail. 


We take many journeys between birth and death.  Dear friend,  don't despise the journey.  HE is there with you...longing that you will choose to believe that HE is who HE says HE is!  That you will learn to lean into Him, and practice with diligence the stature of standing...confidently immovable ...on the promises of God.


HE IS ALWAYS THERE!


Blessings!

Brothers and Sisters Arm in Arm

At a meeting concerning corporate reconciliation a woman got up and shared that she saw the church walking with arms linked forming a line.  Not walking helter-skelter or randomly but with purpose and direction.  


The meeting was held to address the importance of the "church" to stop the bickering, slandering, speaking ill of other congregations, pastors and fellow believers.  Reminding us that the enemy is using these actions to keep the world from seeing the love of Christ.  


I agree


As I have pondered this picture.  I also see a wide line of linked people like you see when there is a missing person and they are doing a search of a large property.  Every square inch is covered.  The Lord has reminded me that IF His church will purposely shut their mouths, link arms and walk forward NO ONE will be overlooked or lost.   Whosoever is ready or searching WILL BE FOUND.


Fellow Christians  I implore you to discipline yourselves and take up His cross and walk forward.  WE have a mandate from the Lord to GO AND REACH THE WORLD FOR CHRIST!


Onward Christian Soldiers!


Blessings!

Mother's Ears

Have you ever been in a crowd or group and been able to distinguish the cry of your child over all the noise?
There you are in the church service, meeting, playground etc etc, perhaps chatting with a friend, and all of a sudden, you STOP . Your body tenses and you listen.  Is that your child crying?

I love Psalm 18

^"4 The cords of death entangled me;
   the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
⁵ The cords of the grave coiled around me;
   the snares of death confronted me.

 ⁶ In my distress I called to the LORD;
   I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice; 
   my cry came before him, into his ears.
⁷ The earth trembled and quaked,
   and the foundations of the mountains shook;
   they trembled because he was angry.
⁸ Smoke rose from his nostrils;
   consuming fire came from his mouth,
   burning coals blazed out of it.
⁹ He parted the heavens and came down;
   dark clouds were under his feet.
¹⁰ He mounted the cherubim and flew;
   he soared on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
   the dark rain clouds of the sky.
¹² Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
   with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven;
   the voice of the Most High resounded.^[d]
14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
   with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
¹⁵ The valleys of the sea were exposed
   and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, LORD,
   at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

 ¹⁶ He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
   he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
   from my foes, who were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
   but the LORD was my support.
¹⁹ He brought me out into a spacious place;
   he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Beloved HE hears you when you cry out.  He does not sit idle but your cry arouses Him and alerts Him to your need and He moves on your behalf.  Do not give up.....Help is on the way   His grace IS sufficient for you!

Blessings!

Does Jesus Care?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncpuyN01U48&feature=related



Oh YES HE CARES and IS able to comfort and deliver!


Blessings friend!

Beauty Among Decay

As I was raking and preparing my gardens and yard for the upcoming season I noticed these brightly colored leaves bringing beauty to the decay all around them.   
We live in a decaying world.  Death and lack are everywhere.  Depression, panic and anger are all around us.  Are you letting the beauty of Christ shine through you?   The world is in such need.


My friend, let HIM shine.   Walk in HIS peace, love, compassion and kindness and see how the world responds.  Don't be afraid or discouraged.   He will make a way where there seems to be no way.


2 Corinthians 2:16 
To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?