Too Tired to Swim

The Maine home where I grew up bordered the lovely Sheepscott river.   Often I and neighboring children were known to swim in this clean water hole numerous times a day...especially during those dog days of summer. Although our swimming hole did not normally have a swift current, there were times that it was much stronger than normal;  after a storm, springtime when the snow was melting etc and if one got caught in the current, it could pose a real struggle for a young swimmer. 

I'm sure you all understand the ways of a current...it carries.

Over these past weeks life has served up some situations that simply have put me off kilter. 
Some days I have done ok..others not so much.  

Struggling again today, I counseled myself with the Word, I simply realized I have been swimming too close to the current. Daily life, the news, family and relationships all have the ability to carry us off course as sometimes as shown above, seasons create stronger "pull" and we must be aware and on our toes.
When we get "pulled in" we begin to expend a lot of energy to stay afloat or keep on course.  We tire,lose our peace,patience and more often than not begin the spin cycle of leaning to our own understanding. We become preoccupied and often our emotions tumble to the negative side of neutral.  We are self absorbed.

Lord, I now see.
Thank You for, once again, rescuing me.
Thank You for bringing me back into Safety, that place under Your wing, where peace, security and Grace abound.
You long to carry Your children.  
Your Will is that we live in rest and peace, where no trouble abides.
Father help me to stay and not to venture into the stream or try to figure life out...

You rescue the souls of men
and once again
I thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8T0br5JfAA

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The Shortest Distance

is thru the Power of the Holy Spirit!!

A few weeks ago I was sharing with a friend over dinner.  I asked her how long she thought the process would take to change the current situation that she was in.  She replied " Well, it has taken us many years to walk into the woods and I guess it will take just as long to come out."

Well that would seem rational, correct?

The Lord gave me these words," that does not have to be the case.  We walk in by the flesh but when you walk out by "The Spirit" its supernatural and healing can come very quickly"

I love when the Lord speaks.  It tends to be just a phrase or sentence and has the meaning(s) that could fill volumes.

Friend, you may find yourself in a hole, out of focus, off the track and anywhere but "right" but the Good News is God is the Way Maker!!  HE can make a Way where there seems to be none!  He works in ways we cannot see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YBwMQwr8AI

Good nite Beloved

Compost

Today in Prayer Meeting one of the ladies had a word for another.  She said that my friend was like compost and that she saw small green shoots growing out of her.

Immediately the Lord reminded me that compost is from DYING MATTER and

DYING is WHAT MATTERS~

When we die to self/our flesh, wants and desires, God uses that humility to do great things!

How encouraging is that!!  It is not for not!

So dear friend....Let's "die" together.  Let's make it a point to take the low road (which by the way is the high road)  Let us be willing to be last, overlooked, misunderstood, rejected.....

I want to be compost.  I want to grow good things...I want to fertilize others as I grow myself.

Friend I hope to see you in the garden!

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Bracing Yourself

Last evening while sharing with a young mom, I remembered a time when the Lord taught me a valuable lesson.  As always He is forever trying to expose and tear down  wrong thinking and teach us His ways.

The winter before my youngest was turning 18 I began to "look ahead" (first mistake) and ponder how I was going to survive without the child support that I had been accustomed to.  I tried to figure it out....

While visiting with mom in Maine, she asked how things were going etc.  I proceeded to tell her my plight and that things were going to change drastically.  She responded with " well God will just continue to provide as He always has"

Mildly irritated I began to educate her about different Biblical men who had to "rough it out".  I mentioned Job, Paul and Steven.  Men, all devoted to the Lord, who still had to walk a rough road with a heavy load.  After I made my case, she responded, "Whose side are you on anyway?"    

grrrrrr

I finally went to bed when I could not "move" her and as I settled down the Lord whispered to me.
"Marnie, you are bracing yourself against Me."
To which I replied..."no I'm not Lord, I'm just trying to prepare myself for what may lie ahead of me" (duh)

He then gave me a picture of a man and his son  walking away from me.  The father reached up to scratch his head and the son flinched cowering.  

It spoke volumes.    

"This is the picture that you are painting of Me.  
I am a Good Father.  I Never hurt My children.  You Must Never be afraid of Me.
My plans are Only good for you and I will walk with you through anything that I allow to come your way.  Do not be afraid of Me....or anything for that matter....I am Good and I AM Your God"

I asked for forgiveness and went immediately to sleep.  

I want to say a few things:

God has NEVER let me down.
God has ALWAYS been good
God has ALWAYS provided for EVERYTHING I have ever needed plus bonuses!
God is a PROMISE KEEPING God.

My friend, once again, come into alignment with what He says.....You will never be the same!

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Such a Wonderful Thought!!

"My People"

I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16

What a sweet title: "my people"! What a cheering revelation: "their God"! What a wealth of meaning is couched in those two words, "my people!" Here is speciality. The whole world is God's; the heaven, even the heaven of heavens, is the Lord's, and He reigns among the children of men. But of those whom He has chosen, whom He has purchased to Himself, He says what He says not of others--"my people." In this word there is the idea of proprietorship. In a special manner "the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage."1 All the nations upon earth are His; the whole world is in His power. But His people, His chosen, are more especially His possession, for He has done more for them than for others. He has bought them with His blood; He has brought them to Himself; He has set His great heart upon them; He has loved them with an everlasting love, a love that many waters cannot quench and that the revolutions of time will never in the least degree diminish. Dear friends, can you by faith see yourselves in that number? Can you look up to heaven and say, "My Lord and my God: mine by that sweet relationship that entitles me to call You Father; mine by that hallowed fellowship that I rejoice to enjoy with You when You are pleased to show Yourself to me as You do not to the world"? Can you read the Bible and find there the guarantee of your salvation? Can you read your title written in precious blood? Can you, by humble faith, lay hold of Jesus' garments and say, "My Christ"? If you can, then God says of you, and of others like you, "My people;" for if God be your God and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special interest in you; you are the object of His choice, accepted in His beloved Son. 1-Dueteronomy 32:9 Alistair Begg/Truth for Life

Strength for Today

All day I have been thinking of the hymn line;

"Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow"

Mom and I visited some friends that moved away to start farming.  We know farming.  Farming owns you....the work ALWAYS outweighs the time and energy.

As we were leaving the farmer answered..." No, I'm done for the day....I'm all in".  Wisdom.....pushing it would very possibly bring about an injury, sloppy work and agitation.  Funny how as we gain wisdom with age , our stamina can no longer support all our great plans and ideas!

Life sure is complicated...and as the saying goes aging is not for wimps!  

So my prayer tonight for these dear friends is just that....that they will have strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.   Sleep well....the sun will be rising before you know it and rest will have rejuvenated you for the day ahead...may it be filled with hope!

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Havoc in the Henhouse

Growing up on a farm and again raising chickens when we were first married, I have experienced "havoc in the hen-house".

Today in Women's prayer those words came to me. The enemy of our souls simply wants to create havoc ~ Great confusion and disorder .   he is doing everything within his power to refocus us on to the evil of this world and the fear that comes with it.  he realizes that once our eyes are off of Jesus, our Savior.....he may have a chance to create havoc in our souls as well.

Nothing good comes out of havoc..we cannot think clearly, we worry and fret and often make mistakes because we are not "listening".   We cannot afford to be taken off guard! Time is short and we know the Scripture says 

"that our enemy prowls around looking for whom he may devour". 1 Peter 5:8

Eph 6:14-16

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Friend, go to your "closet" today...are your "clothes of righteousness" hanging...put away or are they on your body where they belong?

Remember we must not think it strange....as evil gets closer and closer...even on our doorstep.   But we must be prepared ~ ready yourself by taking His Peace and Strength.   

En garde brothers and sisters!

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Casualties Along the Route

Today will go down in history as the Boston Marathon marked its 116th year of existence.  But the big news is that  the race ended in a tragic array of mayhem, bombs, casualties and many injuries.  Fear and suspicion grips the public as everyone searches for answers and clues as to how this could possible happen.

As Christians we too run a race.  Will you make it to the finish line my friend?  There is "evil" planted along the route, some obvious and some quite innocent looking. Like today some may be injured along the way  but I'm afraid others may be put down totally. 

Does your heart break for those that fall away?  Do you search for answers or do you just thank God that it was not you that met with demise?  Do you spew quick, religious quotes assuming you have the answers to the fatality and that such a thing could not happen to you?

The scripture says in 1 Corinthians 10:12,13

"Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out so he doesn't fall.  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it".

Hebrews 3:12-13.  "Be careful, brothers and sisters, that none of you ever develop a wicked, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

God is so good to not only warn us but to provide a way to stay clear of the potential traps along the way.  Friend I pray that today you will be focused on the One who will lead and guide you.  He will be a lamp for your feet, a counselor and navigator.  Keep your eyes on HIM!

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A Subtle Pride

This past week I became weighed down with the many prayer requests of the saints.  I, with others, have prayed and believed, believed and prayed.  
Yesterday and today were different though.....I started to become frustrated and irritated.  I had a long talk with the Lord about the whole thing.   I entered into worship this morning wholeheartedly but not long after I again felt the grip of disappointment as I grappled with prayers that were going unanswered.
"Why Lord?
Are we praying wrong Lord?
What are we missing?
Couldn't you just answer at least in part?
I just don't get it."

Tonite as I drove to Bible Study I was reminded once again of His Sovereignty.  I realized that I had crossed into the "Job zone"     The Job zone is always entered on the back of pride.  One begins to think that their timing, ideas, thoughts, etc are better than God's and  they (I) get irritated and frustrated at His lack of acting on our behalf.

Father I ask Your forgiveness, in picking up frustration I laid down the precious Peace that You bought for me on the cross.  
I have NO BUSINESS going "there"   
I have been bought with a price, I am no longer my own and I must trust You....no matter what.  
Forgive me for that subtle pride that makes its way into my heart and mind.  Thank you for Your faithfulness and Your love that endures forever!!  Your timing is exact and prefect and I, once again, bow to Your plans and ways Lord.....I will do it with Thanksgiving as "I know whom I believe and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day"  2 Timothy 1:12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61U_94AgUuo

Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hands... NIV  What a profound and blessed revelation – that God has absolute control over all the times in our lives. God is the only one in the universe that totally controls time. This is beautifully demonstrated in the heavenly bodies. Countless millions and millions of stars move around in the universe with absolute precision. Isaiah the prophet says that the Lord calls every one of them forth by name and they are all present, not one is wanting.

 The sun never rises late or sets early. Astronomers can calculate the exact place of every heavenly body in the remote past, in the distant future. God has absolute control over time and what David realized when he uttered those words is this: that God has absolute control over the times in our lives. He’s never late. He’s never premature. He has a time for every situation, every circumstance. If we will just commit our lives totally into His hands, we’ll find that our times are in His hands. What a relief from pressure, from strain, to know that God has control over the time element in our lives. Our times are in God’s hands. - Derek Prince

content.....again

Anxiety

While watching a movie tonight, a statement was made by a residing doctor.

I feel it holds some weight.

"Anxiety is an enemy to pregnancy"  

I'm sure that it is obvious to all what the doctor was saying to the frustrated and anxious husband.

I would like to say that I believe there is alot more to this statement.  

In the Spiritual realm this holds true as well.   Over and over in the Scriptures the Lord urges His people to take the position of His Rest.  He speaks of "casting our cares",  "Being anxious for nothing", "Counting it all joy",  "Do not be discouraged or dismayed",   even in the "valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil"

Fear.....the opposite of trust.

In James we find that the Lord sees doubt as something that will cancel out prayer. 

When we accept the Lord as our SAVIOR we make a choice to put our lives into His Hands.  We offer ourselves to Him....We give over the reigns.  Granted all of that does not happen totally at that moment, but certainly over time, with reading the Scriptures, praying and studying we find that He indeed is faithful and good to His Word.

God wants us "pregnant".  

He wants us full of EXPECTANCY!   

He want to fill us ....with the realization that 

"No eye has seen , nor ear heard what God has in store for those that love Him!

He so longs for us to trust Him.....totally....that we will be "filled" with all that He has for us!

Please give up the contraceptives of fear, doubt, humanistic thinking etc that you might "conceive" all that He holds for you.   

The enemy will fight you on this one....

stand your ground!

***  1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22,  Phil 4:6,

James 1:2, Joshua 1:9, 2 Tim 1:7, Is 41:10,

Deut 31:6-8, Ps 23, Prov 3:5-8, Matt 21:21,

James 1:5-8, Matt 11,  Heb 11, 

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Sunday Dinner

When  I go to church on Sunday morning I go to be "fed".  Along with my own personal study I enjoy gathering with brothers and sisters to  be encouraged and challenged by the Word.
We hear of pastors that "tickle " the ears of the congregation.  They preach what they think their people  want to hear.. 
 I'm looking for a "meal to tide me over".  You know that nice big meal that "sticks to your ribs" and keeps you full and happy for a long while.  A meal that needs to be digested and that will strengthen and help us endure. Food that I want to talk to my friends about, a place that I can recommend.

Would you join me today to pray for our pastors, preachers, teachers and church leaders.  Pray that The Lord will fan into flame the Spirit that is within them.  Ask The Lord to fill them with wisdom, discernment and a real thirst for His Word..   

Father, we lift Your servants here in NH, New England, this country and around the world..  
We ask Lord that these men and women will be endowed with Your Wisdom, discernment and Grace.  We need Your shepherds Lord, those You have placed to lead and guide us.   Endow them with boldness, clarity and a ferocious desire to protect the purity of the Word.  Help them to carve out time for study and prayer.  Provide for their needs that they will not be pulled away from Your purpose over them.
Lord keep them pure and safe, give them dreams in the night and new revelations from your living holy Word.  Prepare them to deliver a Good Meal to your children, a spiritually nutritious  meal that will tide them over

We trust You Lord

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A Little Talk

Oh "That little talk with Jesus",   why do we wait so long to have it?

We so often prolong our agony, our angst and sorrow ~simply by putting  Jesus last.... we call friends,  we stew, spiral down ~ weaken,

When we know we just need to have that little talk.

Stop and take a minute right now and tell him all about your troubles.
He will hear your faintest cry and He will answer by and by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxLA1NX9gxY

Oh how He loves you!

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Resurrection Sunday

Easter 2013

First thing this morning I listened to the great song done by Sandy Patty and Larnelle Harris
"I've Just Seen Jesus"  

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

Later I listened to "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbRPWUHM80M

But then,
 I listened to Natalie Grant sing, "The Power of the Cross"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB8kf6sInvI

"That's the Power of the Cross,see the chains fall"

We can see Jesus, even believe that He is alive, but unless we apply the Power of the Cross to our lives, the chains will continue to "have their way with us".
It is SO sad to see a Christian who continues to walk chained, bound by the "old man" and his ways.
Chains have the power to shut down the senses.  They can render us dumb, deaf and blind.

Friends...the enemy has been defeated !!!  Lets live like it!

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AMEN

"Let the Amen sound from His people again"

A line in an old hymn.

This week I have sat with quite a few people you are "stuck"   These are fellow brothers and sisters that profess to know the Lord but do not live in His Power.   They walk and operate under the title that the world has given them; disgraced, stupid, poor, nothing, orphan, angry, depressed etc.

They seem to have forgotten, or perhaps have not realized or taught, that the Lord has given us a new Name.  They have forgotten that His Promises are ours...Yes and Amen, and are living dulled to the reality that we belong to a different Nation, a different set of standards and directions.

We are only passing through this land.... we are on a pilgrimage to a better place

If you don't know what He has to say...start reading the Scriptures, go to a Bible Study, sit under good teachers.   Joshua 1:8+9

"Study the Scriptures continually, meditate on them day and night so that you will be sure to obey everything written in them.  Only then will you  prosper and succeed in all you do.  This is My command, Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go!".


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlD3Gaq4cN0

A Savior Needing a Savior

Tonite I watched "The Passion" movie with a bunch of friends.  There is MUCH that I could write about that movie but I would like to touch on one thing specifically.

There was a point when the Savior needed a Savior.    He, like no other "man" since time began, experienced a place where God turned His back.    I don't believe that we can find that place.  As believers, and unbelievers for that matter, we have a God that will never leave or forsake us. Even if we turn our backs on Him, He is always facing us ..watching for our return.

So how could that happen between God and His beloved Son?   Jesus came to earth for a Purpose.  He came to make a way for us to reach God.  Nothing else and no one else would do.  It had to be a pure and holy sacrifice, One willing to shed His blood on our behalf, while bearing ALL of the sins of this world, past present and future.   I honestly don't know how it was possible or how He could bear such brutality.  But He did. Once and for all He paid a debt I could not pay and one that He did not owe.

OH HOW HE LOVES US!

This week spend time with the Lord thanking Him for His sacrifice.  Love so amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4whBsh9ovI

The Current

Today in prayer I was asking The Lord to pour into me His ways..I don't want to argue, be stubborn or prideful....I just want to obey.

I got a picture of a river current and my desire was to just get into the center of the stream and be carried .  When you are carried it is an effortless ride.  

In the past  I tried to swim against the current. Often simply because I was reacting,  felt I had a better idea or just was obstinate.

I must say I do not miss those days!     My experience of swimming against the stream rendered muddy, murky water,  it was exhausting and my vision was skewed ~  Off tract

I gave up a long time ago....Jesus is now in the driver's seat

Beloved put it all down.  Step off the bank and get in the river~ He wants to carry you . He knows His plan and will carry it out.  Don't confuse the process. Give up!  Relax. 

There are so many things I don't understand. But it's ok. I have a Savior that I can trust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOZKc8CyaaQ

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A REAL Miracle

Today as I was chatting with God I gave Him permission to  continue to "break off" the hard edges of my  personality and to sand out the imperfections.  I begged for His Fruit to be  evident IN ME.  I realize that the Fruit IS within me (contained  by the Holy Spirit) but I must allow it to grow and flourish by "dying" and getting out of the way.

I am encouraged at the same time because I have experienced the miracle of change.  I Know!  I can see the difference and believe me ~ it IS a miracle!  How God can take a head strong, stubborn, self centered woman and bring about change is, in my book, nothing short of a miracle!!

I find my path littered with people carrying the same miracles in their lives.  A pastor tonite sharing how he basically "sailed through" a very trying day and saw God's hand visibly working.  Another friend listed the trials of a day gone BAD and laughed as she rendered "it" powerless by keeping focused on the Goal.........nothing short of beautiful

Are you experiencing miracles?  You should be!! If not give me a call...maybe you need a tune up ;))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioJf4EpVdU8

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Holding a Grudge

Today a I friend said, "she's holding a grouch against me"

I love words.

You and I both realize that she meant grudge...but then again, I truly believe that holding a grudge WILL indeed turn you into a Grouch!

A Grouch is a habitually grumpy person, who grumbles in an ill tempered manner.


What right does a Believer have to be a grouch?
If that question irritates you perhaps you need to sit down and take a look at your heart/life.

Friend...we have NO right to be downcast, angry, depressed etc etc
Jesus has the Power to right every wrong.  He would like to change your heart and face.  Believe me people will notice!

Lord I pray You will change the countenance of Your church.  Make us contagious with JOY!! Let us spread the Good News with our whole being!  Forgive us for being grumpy, for holding grudges and for all round  being ill mannered.   Create in us a clean heart oh God and renew a right Spirit within us


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The Look of Grace

A while back I was working with my daughter in law in a public kitchen.  A friend who has been going thru a very difficult time  came walking through.  She was radiant.  As she left the room I said to Amy, "did you notice that woman?  That was the Grace of God just walking past!"

Now friends it probably goes without saying that that "look" of Grace does not normally come over night.  It comes from hunkering down with Jesus.  It is brought about by humbly coming before God over and over that He may be seen strong in our weakness.   It is birthed in the fire with God.

My favorite old hymn

1. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
   He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
   To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
   To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
   When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
   When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
   Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
   Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
   Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
   The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
4. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
   His power no boundary known unto men;
   For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
   He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_73Q6dVq_0g

GRACE. SWEET. GRACE
Free for the asking
But oh friend what a COSTLY gift!
What a price was paid so that we could live supernaturally in this life

It never runs out so beloved don't be afraid of using it up!  It's yours for the asking!!

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Harmony

"You must listen to each other if you're going to sing a chord".  This is a quote by the "would be " nun, W. Goldberg in the wonderful movie, Sister Act.

There is so much discord in the world.  Even as I write this, mom and I watch "The Bible" and she keeps mentioning what a harsh and bloody time that was in history.  
I'm sad to say there has never been a time on this earth that some people group somewhere were not experiencing bloodshed and cruelty of some kind.  It began in the Garden and has only gotten worse as the populace has increased.

But then...
Jesus came.
  
For 33 years He made His mark on our history and on the hearts of mankind.

He was killed on a cross and buried
He rose again and appeared to the "church"
He went to Heaven leaving Behind the Sweet Holy Spirit .

Today we live under a new law, we have been given Promises to aid us in this hard life.  Promises and the Power of the Holy Spirit that assure God's people a life of rest and peace** (for those that believe)
Hence the body of Christ should live in harmony.  
The absence of discord should be one of the very earmarks of Christ's Bride.  
Would you say that is your experience?

I'm sad to say it is not the norm, albeit no fault of God.

Friend it's time to start "singing" your part.  "You don't sing", you say?    

Start by humming.

Ask the Lord if there is anyone you do not harmonize with....Is there someone you need to listen to, forgive, ask forgiveness from?
People it's for the cause of Christ and His Church....it's the Father's heart that none should perish...

Think about it

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** if it is not your experience as a Christian to live in His Peace and Rest  ~ friend it is your inheritance.   Call me and we can talk and pray about it!

It's interesting to me...

all of this "stuff", talk, discussion, (in this case about gun control) is ( in my humble opinion) SO OFF THE MARK that it tends to render me speechless...

I find myself only able to utter; "You're kidding, right?"
  
Men's minds have become so deranged and deluded that truly foolishness abounds.**  

The Lord counseled me a number of weeks ago to begin to "call forth the Davids" in prayer; those that up until now have been hidden.  They have been being trained in doing the Works of the Lord.  They are ready and able to take down the Goliaths; those people and ideals that are contrary to the very Works of God.

It will be the stones of God's wisdom that will hit the mark and in one swoop "it" will come crashing down.

Please join me in prayer.


This is something I wrote as a comment on face book today.   
It is still on my mind. 

Let's be reminded,one more time, that the Lord is in control, that He see and hears and is not taken off guard. 
He directs us in prayer.   

I find encouragement in this direction to pray.  

Will you join me?  

Father in Heaven

Lord, RELEASE THE DAVIDS!!!  

Call them from the field and valleys, 

from the cities and country.

Where ever they are ~ 

cause their ears to tingle with the 

Call of the Lord.  

Give them Your Grace

like Samuel to say 

"Here am I Lord"   

Open the doors before them 

that they may be able to walk forth untangled by life.

  

I thank You that You prepare those that You will use.  

I thank You that You show us how to pray.   

Wake your people up Lord 

and grant us a thirst outside of ourselves.

Let Your Wisdom, Discernment and Clarity 

go forth

through Your people Lord 

and give them favor with all that hear.

Grace us to obey and not grow weary

AMEN

** When I wrote this sentence I refer to human kind who are not necessarily mean, stupid etc etc but more to those that are ignorant of God's ways. They,be they Christian or not, are simply leaning to their own understanding.

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NO one is Strong Enough

A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while explaining stress management to an audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'... She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied , "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it.  If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

So remember what Jesus said: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

So lay all your burdens down at Jesus feet and take up His burden to love the Father with all that we are and to love one and other as He has loved us.

Thank you Becky for this illustration

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Thrown Away People

Weslea has been home from Brazil since Christmas.  In a couple of weeks she will embark on the newest part of her journey and will fly to Haiti.  
She feels directed to build an orphanage there.   
Months ago she took her first trip there by going on a "building" missions trip.  She tells of how one day, sitting with the children on a break, she felt to start to gather the trash that was scattered everywhere around her..( water is provided in plastic pouches which are just thrown everywhere)  As she gathered the children quickly followed suit and the clean up began in earnest.  I believe it was then that the Lord spoke to her.

I would like to invite you to come to our home next Thursday the 14th at 11 Pumping Station Rd, Salem, NH to hear the rest of her story.  Wes will share past, present and future ....there will also be prayer ministry going on.
Come fellowship and be encouraged in seeing and hearing what the Lord has been doing in her life.

Last night as we prayed over her I felt the Lord say that "as she gathered the trash (the orphans...thrown away people) that many would come along side to help with the project"   

Might you possibly be one?

Many hands make light work.  You may never be able to leave your home but you can help send.

Thank you for your consideration.  
If you would like more information or would like to support Wes you can email me back and I will give you any information that you might want/need.

Thank you from this mother's heart

I'm Trading....

In a conversation this morning I told how my mom's friend had just turned a very healthy and sane 106.
A woman within hearing distance said, "well that won't be me..I won't live much past 70."  I asked her why and she replied that cancer ran in her family etc etc.   I reminded her that her future was different now that she is a believer. 

The words in this song are vital for our Walk to be All  God intends for us.

I'm saying Yes to the Joy of the Lord.

Its a choice each and every moment of each and every day.  Old things are passed away behold all things have become new.  The rules are different!   The Promises are OURS!!

We will never be the same!

So get on the "trading floor" this morning and give up all the "c--p" that life and the enemy has hurled at you and claim the "riches of Christ Jesus" 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KsfwvpcQhY


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Be Still My Soul

To You 
who are weary and worn
tired of the strife and stress
warring against the worries and realities

Be still soul
read these words over and over.
pray them
speak them over yourself
realize that there is a purpose unfolding in this 

You are not alone dear one
your brothers and sisters world round are having to say the same words

There will be a day that it will be worth it all



Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duGBIPEusks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6HSrcTvMqU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwkPsKe-39Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FASG0h6-5XQ