"Talk to the Hand

the face isn't listening"

Do you remember this saying from years ago.  It is one of the top on my "I can't stand this" list.


And so we have it....a world that does not listen and a society that holds everything in.  We spend SO MUCH MONEY paying someone to listen to us...
Why?  
Cause who else will?


There is a lovely old hymn that says "He's as close as the mention of His Name"

At the very thought of Jesus His presence can be found

He's as close as the mention of His name

There is never any distance between my Lord and I

            He's as close as the mention of His Name 

 He's as close as the mention of His Name 

Jesus            Lovely Jesus

 He's as close as the mention of His Name
Jesus

In my hour of struggle so many times I've found

He's as close as the mention of His Name

Just to breath the Name of Jesus can turn everything around

He's as close as the mention of His Name

Look up these Scriptures and believe the Word


Ps 91:15                    Call on me and I will answer you   
Jeremiah 33:3
Psalm 50:15
Psalm 145:18-20
Isaiah 41:17
Isaiah 65:24**
Micah 7:7


I agree sometimes it's just beneficial to have the give and take of good counsel. 

But truly their is 

nothing sweeter, 

no wisdom greater, 

no timing more perfect

than the counsel of Jesus!

Blessings

Come to Jesus

This evening I partook in a face book discussion on Jesus and sin ~  Profound right?  It's interesting how some sins sound so much worse than others.  We know that some are far more reaching with terrible consequences.  

It would seem like sin is rampant and chewing up more and more of this world.  

Let's remember Noah ~  He and his family were the ONLY believers on the earth at that time.   

This is not a "new season" for God.  

He is not worried.... afraid....confused.  

 HE HAS A PLAN 

HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING    

TIME IS IN HIS HAND

He waits ~ because He loves ~ period.  

 He would that EVERY one would come to know and experience His forgiveness and freedom.

Artist: Chris Rice
Song: (Come To Jesus)

Lyrics:

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PANiveIKVX0

What's Mine is Yours

Thinking about our Father.

Thinking about being His child.

I remember going home as an adult to visit my parents.  I might say "mom would you mind if I made a sandwich?"  She would reply, "Of course!! Whatever I have is yours!  Help yourself"     Later in the visit as I was leaving, my parents would ALWAYS say "What do we have that you might want/need?"


I think this is EXACTLY the heart of our heavenly Father!    A friend told me today that while in pain she decided not to pray for healing but decided to thank the Lord for His healing instead!

WE ARE HIS CHILDREN!  

He wants us to accept what He has won for us!   In respect we ask only to hear Him say "OF Course!!!  ALL I have is yours!!  Help yourself"


I fear that most of our Christian lives is lived struggling with this reality,

HE LOVES US

HIS KINGDOM IS OUR KINGDOM

HIS PROMISES ARE OURS

It's time that we accept the fact that we are His!

Step into the truth of His Word and take His Promises as your own.   

He is a star-breathing God and nothing is hidden from His sight.  Stay in His Presence and REST.  Like a child leave the responsibility to Him!   

He will guide you!  

He will provide for you!  

He will protect you!

Be careful for NOTHING friend

He holds the whole world in His hands!

Blessings!

Back Door Savior

Just finished a short conversation with one of my daughters in which I said  "yes, He often comes in the back door"
Got me thinking ...:)
Coming in the back door is not being formal,  a friend, often a neighbor,  feels free to come in the back door.  Often it is unannounced.
The Scripture says He will come as a thief in the night  2 Peter 3:10,  1 Thess 5:2,  Rev 16:15


He was born, lived and died in a way that NO one would have scripted.
And He continues today...


He's Creative....His ways are NOT our ways.  He loves to surprise us.  


As a child my dad would often, during our Sunday ride, randomly stop the car, go in the store and buy a treat.  We would always be on the edge of our seat.  There was no fanfare, no warning and it did not always happen....but it was likely.
Once he bought a thick slab of bologna and a loaf of bread!  Other times it might be a bag of candy or ice cream but it was always unexpected and never the same.

I think this is kind of like God.  

He loves to surprise us!   

I want to "ride with Him"  

How 'bout you?

HOLD ON TIGHT IT WILL BE THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

He's the Back Door Savior

The Most Unlikely Place

He knows RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!!

Please take a few minutes to listen 

to this testimony 

shared by my daughter Weslea 

as she ministers in Brazil.

Take it for yourself.  

Whether it is your child, loved one, neighbor 

or someone that you don't know personally but pray for

 ~   

God Knows......He Cares....He is Able!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07q_KMMQ_vE

"Nothing....."

"Nothing tastes better than Thin feels"

Have you ever heard that statement?

I have to say I think that I agree with it....

that is....

when I'm full, satisfied, the food is gone and my sweet tooth satiated.


I find that is when  "we" make these type of statements.
"We" tend to have ALL the answers ........then
We speak as experts ..........often.


BUT   when the rubber hits the road....
when its 10:30 pm and I'm in  loose PJ's and have a hankering
when the favorite show is on the same time as prayer meeting
when there just does not seem like there is time enough for devotions


that's often when we don't do so good


To succeed one must think it through, plan, be disciplined.
"We" must mean business, clean out the cupboards, stick to guidelines and have ready answers and thought out plans for impromptu situations. 


"My feeling are indicators, not dictators,"  Lyse Terkeurst  Someone just posted this quote on FB
Perfectly true!


Let's take a moment tomorrow (don't put it off ~ I'm talking to myself) and think it through.
What do you want to see changed in your life?  What needs an overhaul, where and when do you tend to just  cave in?


Let's stand together in those places, praying for each other, that we will have the discipline and fortitude this time to follow through and let the Lord help us to change


HE WILL ~ I promise ~


The Word says:  2 Chronicles 16:9
"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that HE may strongly support those whose heart is completely His"


Blessings!

Lies, Lies, Lies

We are pummeled with them day in and day out.  There is no safe place it seems.  How does one get out of "her own head"?


It started in the garden and continues on today.   We need to make a decision to believe the 


VOICE OF TRUTH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win! '
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win! 
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe

Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth


What lies have you been listening to?

What has you trapped and locked in fear?

Friend,  Jesus dies on the cross for you  ~  to set you free

Please believe Him   

HE IS THE VOICE OF TRUTH

Powerful Prayer

Muse with me for a moment.


Is there such a thing as powerful prayer?  Other than praying in the Spirit isn't prayer just words spoken by an individual?   I have heard people say  "My prayer..."    "When I prayed..."   


Prayer to me is simply human words in the Hands of an Almighty God.   


I would love to hear what you think.    


Often I think of the Father/ child relationship.    An older child may be able to articulate better but the Father knows the younger child's intentions just as well.   


I do believe that it makes a difference when we pray the Word and "stand on the Promises"   We do have authority to come boldly before the Throne of Grace.   He gives specific guidelines for prayer.


Tell me......what do you think..... use Scripture please


Blessings 
Marnie

A Simple Question

The other day one of my daughters was recounting about some time she was able to spend with her 13 year old niece.  We all know that there is nothing more cool for a young teen than hanging out with their "very cool" auntie who is in her mid 20's and is "living the life".


I was told that in the midst of the time together my granddaughter asked my daughter "Do you drink?"  I asked my daughter what her reply was and she just simply said "No, I choose not to.  It's expensive, can make you do weird things and  I just don't have the desire or need." (my interpretation)  Her niece's response was along the line of "I don't either,I think its stupid"


Here's the bottom line for me.  


#1 This was an important question for the girl to ask.  She was testing the water and wanted to see where her aunt stood.
#2  I just PRAISE GOD  that my daughter was able to answer No and give an explanation.




Now this is in no way a judgement on whether one should drink or not, but rather a reminder that we are being watched.  Our youth are trying to sort out life and the pressures of  society and the reckless lifestyles of many peers are very loud.


We used to sing a song in Bible School:
"Do you know oh Christian you're a sermon in shoes"   
http://kenschenck.com/sermoninshoes.mp3

That just about says it all.   I'm afraid we fail on way too many plains.


Take this up with God.  HE will help you .  He is able by the power of the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the things that He wants you to see and know.  Hes just looking for a willing vessel. 


Remember Big Brother is Watching!


Blessings!

Taking Back "More"

Still thinking about this subject.

It's interesting to me how I remember feeling IF I forgave, it was like the "offender" got off the hook.   Who would hold him prisoner any longer?


Today I see that I was the one who was held captive when I did not forgive.  
When we dwell in and hang on to all the offenses, hurts and sadness's we are the one affected..not the offender.


Please remember once again.... there is an enemy of our soul.  he wants us crippled in hate, worry, panic, anxiety, depression, self pity, pain, discouragement and the like.  he often walks into our lives thru the door of the hurt that we have experienced.

Remember with me AGAIN   

that Christ has come that you might have life AND

LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!

We have been set free ! 
 Oh yes we will continue to be hurt, offended and  wounded BUT God is our Healer, our Defender and  our Very Present Help in time of trouble.

HE understands.

HE knows all about our lives ...even what we do not know.

HE says Vengeance is Mine.  

He will take care of you AND "IT"

Do you dare trust Him?  
Do you dare to let Him protect you?  
Do you believe that No one gets off the hook and (as Ive written in another blog) that  when we "loose" it  it will be loosed in heaven.


There is no sweeter Name than the Name of JESUS 


Let HIM have HIS way in you today~


Blessings!

Taking Back the Land

The Lord gave me the opportunity recently to return to a place that  had the potential of holding a lot of emotional, hurtful memories.   Out of the blue the invitation was given and I took it without too much thinking.  It was not until I packed my bags and arrived that certain memories began to flood back.


I was amazed 
#1 that they did not seem to have the power over me as they once had in the past.
#2  That I was equipped to take the "land" back.


Beloved, too often we let circumstances and situations, relationships and perhaps the lack there of to put a "stake" in our heart.   We make an altar of sorts that stands as a monument to our hurt, fear or anger


Now granted it has taken me many years to get to this place ~  but the important part is 


I DID~!


I made it ~ with the Grace of God the power of memories, situations and relationships did not own me.   
A couple of times I was flooded with thoughts but I found myself quickly taking them captive and just not "going there"   


We are "funny" people.  Sometimes we just want to feel the pain as if it validates our experience.
But when we do ~  it ruins us causing confusion, depression and sour feelings.


I urge you    Take your "life" back!   Do not be held captive by any negative thing or experience.  I understand that it will not happen over night BUT it can happen.  When we invite the Holy Spirit in to counsel, comfort and guide we will find a way out and He will take us to a spacious place
Ps 18:19 says   "He led me to a place of safety, He rescued me because He delights in me"


I love that!!
Let Him take you dear one.  With each memory simply hand it over to the One Who can heal you.  IT IS HIS WILL for your life.  He dies that we could live in freedom from these things!

Blessings  

If you would like to talk anything over and/or have some help with this process please feel free to contact me

Attitude Glasses

This morning our Pastor showed us his "attitude glasses"  They were glasses tinted yellow and they could make a cloudy gray day seem "cheery".


How's your attitude?  Do you need a new pair of glasses?  


We truly need the Lord to keep our vision correct, sharp and focused.  The world, the news and sometimes our own families are enough to sap our joy, strength and cheer.


I'm reminded of the scripture that says "encourage each other daily and the day approaches


1 Thess 5:11

Hebrews 10:23-25

1 Peter 4:8-10

Galatians 6:2 

Ephesians 4:29 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Calling all Women~

The scripture says to

"Encourage each other as the day approaches".

This coming Thursday (the 19^th)

 I invite you to bring your lunch and fellowship with other like-minded women.  Come around 11 and stay for a bit, feel free to come and go as you need.

We will share testimonies, prayer requests, prayer and praise.

We Need each other!

Let me know if you'd like to join mom and I at

Gilead’s Balm
11 Pumping Station Rd, Salem NH

560-3609

Blessings  Marnie

The Undertow

A few years back some friends and I went to Plum Island for a luncheon.  After eating, a few of us went for a walk along the beach.  One gal decided to put her feet in.... before long we stood mesmerized as she dipped into the ocean.  We thought, "Wow, look at her! How brave!  The water must be freezing."  We laughed and giggled at our friend, until all of a sudden,  someone said "Are you OK?"  ~ to which came the sputtering answer, "NO"!!!


We rushed to her and aided her in getting her balance so she could leave the water. She was totally wet and covered with sand inside and out!


She had been caught in an UNDERTOW and we did not even realize it!  Because it was so near the shore line and the water was not deep we did not even consider that there was a danger and a serious situation happening right in front of our eyes!!


I probably don't need to write any more...I'm certain if you take a minute you can come up with your own scenarios!


Friend every day, somewhere there is an undertow.  "The enemy prowls around looking for whom he can devour" 1 Peter 5:8   That's why the Lord says "be alert and sober minded!"


Don't be foolish enough to think that you can withstand any of these attacks on your own.   Pride comes before a fall ...
Be vigilant friend ~  watch our for your brothers and sisters as well.   You may think that they are having fun but that may not be the case~ perhaps they are caught and need help getting up AND out!


Blessings!

I  write tonite as I have been gone all week and will not be around much this coming week!   I continue to pray for something more portable to write on but until then ~ ( I do love to hear that some of you have missed me :))

Tipsy

The last time mom and I went to Maine I stopped to take a picture of an old house/barn that stands abandoned and open to the weather..    This house has been this way for decades and every time I see it I am amazed that it is still standing.


Years ago there was a large piece of property near our home that was bought for commercial use. I watched the trees come down, the house and outbuildings demolished and the land being disrupted.   Big loads of gravel and loam were piled here and there and men on large equipment worked day in and day out. Weeks went by and everything remained at "ground level"   Nothing was being built, there was no structure or framing in sight.   


I wondered what they were doing.   


After months of preliminary work the building of the gas station/ mini mall and bank were started.


I've been musing about foundations.  Its because of the foundation of that old house/barn that it is still standing against the odds.  With people wishing that it would just collapse, it refuses to do so.
I believe it will stand until rot takes over.


The foundations of the mall near my house were worked on for months before any thing tangible was seen.   The foundation had to be laid exactly for the buildings to stand the test of time.


Have you checked your foundation lately?   Do it..it is just wise.   If you notice some "cracks" get them fixed!  If "critters", water and the weather are getting in. do some repair.  

It is never too late..   Jesus needs to be the foundation of our lives.   He is the only way.  His promises keep us from falling.   We will not give way to the storms of life if we are made sturdy by standing on His Word and truths.


Go deep today and check out your walls.  Make sure you are in good "standing"


Blessings!










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