This blog is designed for women who want to be encouraged in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is usually a few paragraphs each weekday that share scripture from the Bible on how to live life pleasing to Christ.
Friday, December 30, 2016
It's time to think of 2017! Ugh! That's the first time I have typed it, what a surprise, it crept up on me, and bit me right between the eyes. I guess every year does that, it's just that I don't ever catch on to the fact that time is moving faster than I would like. Praise God, He is in control, and His plans will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.
Speaking of God's plan, how do we fulfill His plan for our lives while we are here? Every individual finds out what God has for them by reading the Bible, His handbook on life. It is not instantaneous, like driving up to the window of Starbucks; it takes daily reading, memorizing, contemplating, and meditating in God's word.
The seed that is planted in the heart will take root, and grow stronger daily. Water, sunshine, and good ground!I have been inundated recently with e-mails about how to grow spiritually in 2017. This is all well and good, because we think of the New Year as a good time to change. All the Bible studies in the world won't change us if we don't have a heart for God in the first place. I have done dozens of Bible studies in the past few years, and I will continue to, because I can glean from them the truth and apply it to my heart. You can too, but first you have to be hungry!
Hunger for God only comes through gaining an appetite for more of Him. Reading God's word will make you hungry for more! It may not seem like anything at first, but keep going in obedience, and God will honor that. No matter where you are in your walk with God, you can gain a greater desire for Him. "Perfect love casts out all fear."We become fearful if we have not had the best of relationships with others, and thinking of having a relationship with God, well, that too can seem daunting, no, maybe overwhelming is a better way to put it.
"It's His kindness that leads us to repentance." Jesus, In His compelling love and desire for us, wants us to be free. He wants to give us body rest, soul, and spirit. "Come to me, all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." " Cast all your cares upon me, "Jesus says, "And I will give you rest." I need rest, How about you?
Thursday, December 29, 2016
"Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances." (Proverbs 11:14)
I have found this verse to be true in my life. If I listen to what God says, the outcome of any circumstance tends to be better. My husband has said to me for years, to respond not to react when speaking to our children. Of course this takes discipline on my part, and I don't always think before I speak. I wonder if any of you can relate?
Yesterday as I was speaking to my daughter about dating, I realized that I had a good deal of composure1! She brought up the subject as this is something we never want to deal with. Our expectations are not realistic, but we know our children, and don't feel this is something that is good for her at this time. Teens can be so carefree and unaware of the pitfalls and entanglements that can come in relationships. Without realistic expectations, and guards around your heart, damage can be lifetime snare.
Listening to parental advice is not the latest fad, and has always met with resistance in teens, but those who are wise will have a continual feast! What kind of feast you might be wondering? Free from emotional baggage, free from jealousies, free from anger, and free from always trying to please someone else. Emotional roller coasters were invented by teens! All I have to do is say the wrong thing, and we are hanging on for dear life. The wrong thing can be something different every day!
What does God want in these situations ? His Father heart is to keep us from evil. He wants us to stay away from even the appearance of such things. Try to get a kid who doesn't know God's heart towards them to see that this is not harsh, well that is why we pray. Parents need to be on their knees more today than ever. I did not have a prayer covering when I was a teen, but God kept me from guys because I was shy. I didn't know the Lord, but He was already working in my heart. That just blows me away! Wisdom was working in me before I knew who wisdom was!!!
Today, we live in a mixed up world of denial of sin, and unrighteousness. Praise God for His care and comfort in our lives. His heart was for us, before we knew Him.Who does that? Only our All consuming, ever-present Savior who makes a glorious way for us, if we will follow.
Dear Heavenly Father, your ways are so much higher than our ways. We can be thankful that you are watching out for our good, even when what happens to us doesn't feel like good. You see what has happened to us in the past and in the future. We can't possibly navigate in this world without your wisdom, Grace and care. Please be all that you can be in me! Amen
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas celebrations. It truly is the best time of the year! The white dog is my west highland terrier, Lina, and our yorkie, Jack.We know that Jesus wasn't born in December, and we don't celebrate it because of winter solstice, we celebrate Jesus birth every day of the year, but it's great to have one day that concentrates on His birth.
Where would I be without Him? Thank God he doesn't tell us those things. There is no reason to dwell on what never was, and never will be. We celebrate the here and now, of being in His presence, loving others and displaying His love and kindness to the lost.
Jesus didn't hesitate to arrive here on earth so that He could save mankind. The greatest gospel truth is this, that Almighty God, lowered Himself to such a degree that He would be a helpless, newborn. The God who spoke all things into existence, cared for us enough to empty Himself of all that He was, so that the story of the fall would only be that, a story of what "was," not what "is" in our lives. Not that we have perfected being human, oh by no means, we all have to yield to God's gentle leading, and sometimes His push to display His glory. His power and authority rules in our lives as believers. That is something that I am happy to yield to. His love reigns supreme! Drum roll please.
Friday, December 23, 2016
This scene is in the narthex at my church. They had several little places like this for families to take pictures. I love fireplaces and use mine quite often this time of year. It makes the whole room cozy.
This is my family's Christmas picture in front of our tree. Everyone looks so much older, yes, because we are! Time is one thing that we don't have a grasp of. It moves in spite of us, but with Jesus as the head we are always headed in the right direction. Amen!
I would like to share a scripture with you today from Proverbs 18:16. "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
I like this verse since it reminds us of the greatest gift of all, Our Savior and Lord, Jesus! How I love to say His holy name, and give him praise. No matter what comes our way, we can rest in the fact that we are always in His care, and that He will somehow make a way for us regardless of the circumstance. I think of the persecuted church members in countries all over, who give testimony to the Love of God with their dying breaths. He receives their heart-felt cries, and receives them into heaven as victors in the winner's circle.
As we look at this verse we see that the gift was given by someone, who is much greater, and whose presence is great! Of course when we receive Jesus into our hearts we know we have also received The Father over all creation, who was and is, and is to come. Being ushered into the presence of God someday by Jesus, will be the crowning glory of our lives, and also just the beginning of our life in heaven. No tears, no death, no sorrow of any kind. Ruling and reigning with Christ.
We have a lot to do here before we can even think of the great beyond! Souls to bring to Christ, people to love regardless of their faith, and hands that reach out to the most desperate of souls.
Yes, we have a lot to do, as we serve Christ on earth, where he has us, doing His will to impact all eternity! Your life has impact, purpose, and is highly regarded, by the Presence of the Great!
Many Many Blessings and much love to all of you and your families as we celebrate the coming of the greatest man who ever lived. I so enjoy our time together, and look forward to talking with you next week. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
I love the front of this house! It shouts He's alive, Rejoice, give Him praise! The King is coming! I have no idea what these people believe, but that's my take on it.
Have you heard this song: I heard the bells on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, I heard the bells on Christmas Day on Christmas Day in the morning. We were watching the end of the movie, " A Christmas Carol" last night and I was so joyed by the church bells ringing all over the city! Can't you hear the bells in heaven ringing out loud and clear when someone gives their heart to Christ, or receives healing, or hears from God?
The book of Revelation talks about the trumpets sounding, which seems more regal and kingly, but the peal of bells sounding out over the house tops so clear, sends a different message. Bells speak of Christmas in our culture. Many hymns talk about the ding dong sound of bells declaring the new born King's coming. What about His second coming?
There won't be the sweet sound of bells, but the roar of a Lion, the Lion of Judah. We will hear the voices of many angels saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessings! And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!" { Revelation 5:12-13}
Then those who are on the earth will wish that they had rung the bells, or Praised the Lord while here on earth. It will be a terrible time for the unbeliever, or those who half heartedly served God. It sounds from this scripture that even the " creatures on the earth and under the earth, meaning in the sea, will Praise God! Can we imagine such a scene? Animals will praise, maybe with the sound that God gave them, but what a sound that will be!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
These are the silly reindeer that are in my yard right now. I know they have nothing to do with Christmas, but I still like them. My JOY sign is behind them, and that is what we want people to see, with the manger scene in it.
Have you ever considered why God would send His son to save us? He could have spoken salvation into existence, or used someone other than His son, or who know what to bring us to Himself, but He chose to send His one and only son. His Son was part of Him, of who He was, He was a treasure, especially since He couldn't be replaced.
Why not use another option, since He is God. He could do anything that He wanted to, but this was the only option in His estimation. What would cause a Holy Righteous God, to let go of heaven's jewel? Do you want to know the answer? It may shock you, but it was you. That's right, God looked to eternity future, and desired that you would be His own. You are worth it, according to God. These are not my words, they are His.
"We love because he first loved us." {1John 4:9 } " I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. " {Jeremiah 1:5} "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." {Ephesians 1:4 }
Monday, December 19, 2016
This is what it looks like in my front yard right now. Snoopy is a favorite because when I was a child, he was the comic that I would always read. Dogs were considered special in my family, and this dog was silly, cute and endearing.
What is on your heart during this season? Do you enjoy the holidays or are they just something you hope to get through without any damages? I'm thinking financial, or relational damage that can occur when we are in close proximity to those we love. Differing of opinions, how we raise our families, and live our lives can become explosive discussions within minutes since some of them come with hurt feelings from past holiday "discussions".
I lived through this with my Mom's mother and my Father. They were not "friends" to put it lightly. Most holidays they were civil, but both had short fuses and harsh tongues.The last time my Dad saw my Grandmother they had a big fight over how much my father would contribute to my college education. I had already finished two years, but my father felt that I should get a job and contribute to my tuition. My Grandmother was used to getting her way, and felt that I should have my education paid for by herself, my Mom and Dad. Dad left there fuming, and the ride from Connecticut to Long Island was much longer than usual. My Mom and Grandmother paid for the last two years. I am very grateful for that.
I don't mean to be airing dirty laundry, my point is that we can make or break bad situations by how we look at people ahead of time. Seeing those who we have difficulty with through Jesus' eyes can help us to hold our tongues. Before you know it, time will pass and those who we are angry with will be gone, and there will be no words said that will change this. A little compassion and concern for others can go a long way.
Jesus speaking to His Father said, "And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You loved Me. { John 17:22-23}
Let God lead you as you talk and share this Christmas. I am praying for you, and myself that He may be glorified. AMEN.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Blessings to you my dear friends! This house is down the street from me. I love the way they have decorated for Jesus' Birthday. They may not realize that He is the one it's all about, but I can enjoy it as that. I have been looking for houses that are nicely decorated, but haven't found a lot. My trek continues.
We all may realize that the people of Israel were looking for a political Messiah, but the more I think about it, the more the gospels make sense. If I were a political person, I may look at President elect Trump as a type of savior. We know that he may make some good moves, but without the christians incorporating, and impressing the truth to the lost, he hasn't got a chance.
I am not looking for a political savior. The people who lived during Jesus's day were. They memorized long portions of the old testament, that describes Jesus as such. Fewer scriptures were written in places like Isaiah that spoke of the spiritual Messiah. Israel was in a bad place, with Rome ruling over them. They wanted to be set free of the harsh treatment and tyranny of the Roman Empire. God always knows what we need and when we need it. Sending the Spiritual Savior was the most important thing that He could do.
What unnecessary trouble came upon the Jews because they didn't have eyes to see or ears to hear. Especially the religious leaders of the day. It can be so easy to over look Jesus when you are looking for someone else. He will come in all of His glory and power, displaying His honor and majesty, when it is the right time. In the mean time, we will proclaim His glory and declare His majesty with all we have, because this is His will for now. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
This is my front door. The trees light up at night but it doesn't come out in a photo. Today is our first very cold day and the wind is blowing, and a little dusting of snow. It is even colder in Chicago where my daughter is; Stay warm Rachel! She will be coming home next Wednesday. I can't wait! Nothing happens until she is here.
I hope you are well today and warm. Next week it will be back in the 40's and we will not be bundled up so much. God is on the move regardless of the weather, or anything else. It amazes me that none of what we go through is a consideration for Him. He is far above it, but He still is aware of, and understands how we feel. Can you think of what it is like in Florida at 85 degrees today?
Can you imagine what it is like in heaven without any stressor, always perfect temperature, and no sin or darkness? Beauty abounds everywhere you look and go. You are perfectly fulfilled and worshipping the Lover of your soul, Our Lord Jesus Christ! He is at the center of all things, and His eye is on you alone.
Such an atmosphere of love, and acceptance is exactly why Jesus died for us. His heart was towards us in such a way that nothing would keep Him for fulfilling His life's purpose. And He did this so that we could feel heaven now. Get alone with God, maybe bring your Bible, and a pen so you can write what He speaks to your heart. Allow His word to wash over you, putting every other thought aside. Call on Him, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hear Him call you child, my daughter, come to me! You will never be the same!
" though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." {Hebrews 5:8-9}
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! Without Jesus where would we be? I don't even try to figure that out, because it wouldn't be a good thing. We can look forward with faith and trust because He has proven Himself faithful over and over again.
Let us consider this one thing with humility: Without the Holy Spirit on this earth there would be anarchy.Where does His Spirit live? Inside of you and I. We can think on this, without getting self absorbed because it has nothing to do with us, except that we have said, YES.
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.{ Romans 8:11}
The quickening of God's Spirit causes us to rejoice when others are in in sorrow. He gives us strength when no one else has any. He fills us with power to do what no one else can do, because there is no way to do it in the natural. He satisfies the soul as only He can. Nothing else comes close. In fact, everything else will leave us empty again, with a deeper need than we started with.
"Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near." {Isaiah 55: 6} This is our time, to seek Him, read the word, and pray. He wants to revolutionize our lives so that His light shines more brightly.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Greetings on this 13th day of December. My son Matthew was born on this day, 22 years ago! He was the last baby born at Smithtown General Hospital. Just a bit of trivia for you.
Listen to these verses, " Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David. "{ Luke 1:68-69} These are the words of Zacharias, the Father of John the Baptist, as he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied concerning his son. I wonder if Zacharias had any idea that people in 2016 would remember what he had to say before Jesus was even born? I'm pretty sure he had no idea that he was making history. His son, was to be the forerunner of the Savior who was to come.
One never knows what a day will bring! Zacharias and Elizabeth had no hope of conceiving at their stage in life. They were of the older generation, with no children to boast of. Perhaps they spent their days with nieces and nephews helping them raise their young. To have a child at this stage, Wow, now that is a change of direction! A miracle, a destiny, a plan of God!
Elizabeth must have wondered why God has waited so long, that it became a miracle, not an everyday occurrence, but John the Baptist was no ordinary child. His life was truly set apart. His life's purpose was to" proclaim the way of the Lord." I believe that he knew His destiny, and was faithful to fulfill it. As parents in this world today, we often don't see the plan ahead for our children.
God sometimes reveals a piece here or there, but God sees the whole complete picture for all lives. We want to "proclaim the way of the Lord" as John did, and be faithful to complete what He gives us. Trusting Him, is the big piece of the picture, and the fruit of it we may not know until heaven. Trust Him, because He alone is able to complete it! Hallelujah, Amen.
Monday, December 12, 2016
This is the front of my church as they presented our Christmas celebration last week. It looked like real houses. Apparently they had carpenters and craftsmen working on the set. I hope some of you got to see it.
The set is not what made it so special, as the people who acted and sang gave the best gift of the season; themselves. I was in the mall earlier today, and I was glad that it wasn't crowded, and I was able to get my shopping done without too much trouble. What I loved most of all was driving home and seeing the decorations and light that people have displayed. I love to dress up my yard for the celebration of a lifetime. Not many cars come down our street, but I know that it is decorated out of love for my Savior. If you didn't see my reindeer you can go back a few days.
Whether others are celebrating I am, and I look at all these things as a celebration of Him.
" Then as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!'"
We know that after the praise came the ridicule, and abandonment, and the rejection. How He loves us, to see past all of this and die in our place anyway. I find it hard to look past one of those, but not Jesus. His eyes were set on His Father, which is my goal. Can you place your eyes today on the lover of your soul? I know you can. It will make such a difference.
Friday, December 9, 2016
I hope you like this picture. This is my front yard when you come up the path to my front door. Those are trees behind the Joy sign. It gives me joy to look at it, because Jesus is in the center of the joy! He makes everything worth while. Sometimes we have trouble keeping the joy sign up because of the wind, but I will never let the joy fall over! We can be overcome with joy, but the sign must stand!
I am finishing the Sunday morning Bible Study this week called "Uninvited" Some of you may be saying to yourself, you are going from joy, to uninvited! What a let down. No, don't think that, because sometimes the greatest joy comes from working through those ugly feelings to receive real lasting release. If we don't face our challenging emotions, we can't be freed from them.
Starting on January 15, we will be offering this study again, because it is just that good. It is a DVD teaching by Lysa TerKeurst, and she is coming to us from Israel. She has chosen some of the best known spots where Jesus taught and shared to reveal truths that will set you free! If you are not from this area, you can do the study on-line, by going to "Uninvited.com"
I know a lot of people feel left out, and uninvited this time of year. My Mom was one of them. I always made her feel welcome, and got her special little gifts, hoping to cheer her up. She had a troubled family life as a child, and as an adult, so building relationship with her helped her to see Jesus as a loving, caring Father.
I am happy that she is now with the Lord, because I know she has joy, that will never leave her, safe in His loving arms. Is there someone you know who could use some special care this season? Maybe you could invite them to Christmas dinner, or New Year's Eve? Ask God to show you someone that you can minister to. He will!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
There isn't a picture tonight, because I have had some technical difficulties. I don't know why, I do the same thing every day, but today my pictures didn't arrive in my inbox. Does that make sense? No, but none of this makes sense anyhow, so what can I say?
I have wanted to share this quote with you from the Bible Study by Priscilla Schrier, "Armor of God." "Sensitivity to taking offense is one of the key ways satan traps believers in his web of deception." page 48. I know this can happen so easily. I am more aware of it now, but when I was younger, it didn't take much for me to take offense. How about parents and children, when someone says, I think my little boy Johnny is a little more advanced at coloring than yours. See how he stays in the lines.
I didn't know this was an IQ test, you might say to her. There you go, both women are offended. Both boys just want to play, but the Moms are up in arms over something silly.
"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." {Proverbs 19:11}
"A brother {or sister in this case}, offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." { Proverbs 18:19}
All of these examples are pretty strong. Pride is at the root of it all. I hate to say that, but it is true. The Holy Spirit is so very close when we are willing to lay down pride and put aside offenses. Our enemy knows how easy we can fall into this trap. Don't do it! It is better to be wronged than to allow our feelings to be hurt. "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:10 I would rather have the Lord lift me up anytime, than my flesh try to do it. I will stumble and fall on my own, but if He does it He gets the glory. I'd say thats a win-win. Amen!
I have wanted to share this quote with you from the Bible Study by Priscilla Schrier, "Armor of God." "Sensitivity to taking offense is one of the key ways satan traps believers in his web of deception." page 48. I know this can happen so easily. I am more aware of it now, but when I was younger, it didn't take much for me to take offense. How about parents and children, when someone says, I think my little boy Johnny is a little more advanced at coloring than yours. See how he stays in the lines.
I didn't know this was an IQ test, you might say to her. There you go, both women are offended. Both boys just want to play, but the Moms are up in arms over something silly.
"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." {Proverbs 19:11}
"A brother {or sister in this case}, offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." { Proverbs 18:19}
All of these examples are pretty strong. Pride is at the root of it all. I hate to say that, but it is true. The Holy Spirit is so very close when we are willing to lay down pride and put aside offenses. Our enemy knows how easy we can fall into this trap. Don't do it! It is better to be wronged than to allow our feelings to be hurt. "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:10 I would rather have the Lord lift me up anytime, than my flesh try to do it. I will stumble and fall on my own, but if He does it He gets the glory. I'd say thats a win-win. Amen!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
We have a God who loves us regardless of our behavior. We can't earn it, work for it, or deserve it, love just is, as He is. I did not know that anyone could have a relationship with Jesus as a child. My parents didn't know, and I'm not sure anyone else around us knew about Him either.
I was in High School when my best friend Debbie found out about Jesus. She was very sure that He was who He said He was. I was not so sure at first. Where was He all this time, and why didn't I know about Him from my church? My mother was Presbyterian, and so I went with her occasionally. It's funny, when I felt challenged by this new found faith of my friend, I got involved in my church, helping with Sunday School. It was almost as if I wanted to give them a chance to show me this Jesus.
I didn't find Him there. I was slowly coming to see Him in my friends, and I totally yielded my life to Him when I was 18. I was baptized in Conscience Bay, here in Setauket, my my new Pastor. Only my two friends from High School attended, but I remember it, as if it were last week. I felt brand new on the inside. I made a statement that day, by my obedience to God's word to go into the waters of baptism, and be washed. It was only symbolic on the outside, but It was real on the inside.
I haven't thought about it in years, so why today? I suppose our topic of love reminded me. Love so patient, constant, and close. Love that melts away bitterness, harshness, or worry. He melts my heart of all that I give to Him. He is constantly saving me from myself. What a wonderful Savior!
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
If we know God, then we can be sure of our future. This was said by a woman who suffered through the holocaust, in Germany because she and her family hid Jews in their house during the 2nd World War. As Christians, her Father and Mother felt that commanding that all jewish people be taken to camps was wrong. They were right, but it cost them their lives, except for Corrie. She lived through to tell her wondrous story, of hope and grace.
We wonder sometimes about why things work out the way they do. In Corrie's situation we might ask, "Why was she spared and her sister died?" She tells of the mix up of papers where she was released by accident, when she was supposed to be killed. God saw fit to let her go, and tell of how she read scriptures to all the ladies in her bunk. She gave hope to those who were dying and hurting. She remained strong during the most awful circumstances.
When we trust God, our lives are not our own. We belong to Him, and sometimes that means going through the fire. The miraculous part is that we come out on the other side. I think of the Prophet Daniel, who went through a real, physical fire, and came out not even smelling of smoke.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43: 2-3a
We can trust God that He will do what He says He will do, and be who He says He will be. Corrie had to trust God that her sister was with Him at the time that He appointed. We can trust Him too. Allow Jesus to be all that He wants to be in your life. Amen.
Monday, December 5, 2016
This is ice skating at Tanger Outlets. It was a warm night, and looked like a lot of fun. I used to ice skate all the time, but it has been a while. It's one of those things that you have to do often or it just isn't that much fun. It could take me the whole session to feel like I could really skate!
My Pastor shared the stories behind some of our favorite Christmas carols yesterday. I forget sometimes that they were written as hymns of the church because I hear them in public places all the time. Do you ever stop in a store when one of these beautiful well-known songs comes on, and look at the people shopping? I have, and it will cause you to pray for them. Many have no idea that it is playing, forget about what it means.
Music has always been so very special to me. I studied music therapy in college, and wrote my thesis on how music affects seriously mentally handicapped children. Most of these children couldn't walk, or feed themselves, but when music was played, they tried to sing! It is a universal language, and God gave it especially for us during the end times to celebrate His love for us and ours for Him. Also to let Him know how much we want Him to come!
Music, from the beginning, has been a powerful instrument to express affection, love and hate. The enemy of our souls knows how to use it to effectively influence those who will listen. We as the People of God, know how to express ourselves to God, using music as He intended it to be. Worship the Lord with your voice today!
Friday, December 2, 2016
This is Stony Brook Harbor just a few weeks ago. Our Island is so beautiful! Step back and enjoy all the natural resources and you can forget that you not are far from home. I did not realize how populated my area has become until I saw it from the sky in a plane. I couldn't believe how many building, homes and shops have been built in the past 10 years.
Things happen all the time around us that we may not be aware of. I can drive down a street many times before I realize new buildings. Of course this is good because I need to be driving, not looking, but my point is, how quickly change occurs. We can see it in our children, and other people, but I don't think I am aware of how I change.
This is another reason why the body of Christ is necessary. I hope always to change for the better, but if I don't who will let me know? I hope "they" do so gently, because I can be sensitive. My husband is really good at this. He is always careful to let me down gently. I hope you have someone in your life who can do this for you. In love, truth shared can bring life to a person. I can think of a few times when this was not the case, but we will leave that alone for now.
I have learned and I'm still learning how to deal with my children and loved ones, so that they will "hear what I say," and not turn me off. "Let your words be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." {Colossians 4:6 } NIV This is hard, because we try to do something that is spiritual in our flesh. This usually just causes confusion! Only God has the right words and when we look to Him, they can come out of our mouths, instead of a mumbled bit of fleshy jargon. Bless someone close to you today with your deliberate words. Blessings and love to you all. Talk to you on Monday.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
I know this isn't what you'd expect from a girl like me, who loves the beach, but I do think it is beautiful. This was my front yard last winter. I love the four seasons. If winter could be a little shorter, I'd be fine. We don't always get what we want. God knows this is a good thing! Especially for women, who can be emotional about almost everything.
Sometimes when I get too emotional I will ask God to slow me down, and help me to see if I am distressed about something when I don't have all the details. My daughter Stephie got her finger caught in a metal door. Not the side that closes, but the side where the hinges are. OUCH!
Yes, she was pretty upset, but she didn't cry until we got to the car. Great control, I must say, but the reason was she didn't want anyone in school to see her crying. If it were me, I would have let it fly, but anyway. The walk in clinic said, not broken, just keep it in a splint. Two weeks later it doesn't feel any better. We go to the Orthopedist, who took x-rays again, and said it is broken, but that is not the problem. She has a bone cyst, and he would like us to see a hand specialist. O.K., I have never heard of a bone cyst before so we go to the next doctor. I am still not concerned, because she seems fine at this point.
We see the hand specialist, and he reads all three sets of x-rays,{he took his own as well} and then he says, This is a bone deformity, I will send the x-ray on my cell phone to my friend at the Hospital for Special Surgery, but I think it is benign. What did you just say? Benign, what is the opposite of that if you are wrong? I just thought this, but didn't say it because I was pretty shocked. After I got home, I thought, Lord what does this mean?
It has been a week and a half since that appointment. The doctor hasn't heard from his friend, and I rest in the Lord. Stephie belongs to Him anyway. I pray for the deformity and cyst to shrink, and know that whatever it is, His grace will cover us both. I don't have all the answers yet, but while I wait, I will rest. He is so faithful!
" The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. { Isaiah 58:11}
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