bits of inspiration

Depression

2012-01-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

What a topic! I hate this topic, because I have been there, done that! Many women have! Of course we hate it, but we must talk about it.
First I want to describe it. It's like a deep , dark cave, or a long dark tunnel or another description I find perfect, is that depression is like those deep dark, crevices that some mountain climbers or mountain skiers fall into. I remember watching a documentary of a young man who had experienced such a fall. His partner couldn't find him up top, and couldn't get a reply from any crevice, so he left! How alone the young man felt! The young man thought and thought of what he was to do, and then finally just used all his strength and the tools he had, to go slowly one step at a time , up the steep ice.
Sometimes when we are down, no one knows what to do with us...so they simply leave us alone. They feel they can't help, or maybe they don't want to help because they don't want to bother. So, we feel so alone.
One thing that is important in the beginning of our slow fall into depression, is to recognize what is happening to us. The Bible says to Give Thanks Always. When I am falling into depression, the last thing I want to do is give thanks. That's my carnal self, wanting to wallow in self pity, because , after all, I deserve some show of pity from others, but they won't give it so I have to pity me, myself and I.
Right at the beginning, Give Thanks. Quote or read some Thanks verses...until you drive the devil crazy and until you are really thankful.
Sing !! But you don't feel like singing! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Sing a hymn. Hymns have such deep meaning, often. Most of those old hymns talk about the goodness of God, Jesus shed blood, and His great power. Sing...until you feel thankful.
Go talk to someone..even in the grocery store...about the goodness of God. But you say, " How can I talk about the goodness of God when I don't feel that He is being good to me right now?" Talking about God's goodness will change your attitude.
I do not have all the answers...but the Lord and His Word do....and guess what ?...He was touched with the feelings of our infirmaties!! That means that He knows what it is like to be depressed...because He bore all our sins when He was nailed to the cross. Praise the Lord! And do you know what else? Someday we who know Christ, will put off this body with its sins and shortcomings, and corruption , and put on a new self with no corruption! Christ will do that for us.

God is Good Psalm 145

2012-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Here in Psalm 145 , it says that God is Good; God is Great; God is Gracious ; God is Merciful ; God is slow to anger ; God is abounding in Steadfast Love ; The Lord is Faithful; The Lord is Good to all ; The Lord is Righteous; The Lord's Greatness is Unsearchable !!
God is All these things and More...no matter what I feel today; no matter what atrocities people do to each other today; no matter what unkind things people do to me today; no matter if I am sick or if I am feeling well; no matter if tornadoes or hurricanes or earthguakes come and take away all I have; no matter if a loved one of mine, or a family member is taken away into eternity today; no matter even when there is famine and starvation in the world; no matter even when the antichrist comes to create havoc in the world ! God is always in control! God NEVER allows anything to happen except that He ALLOWS it or has deliberately caused it to happen. God cannot do evil. He has no evil in Him. He is not a ying-yang God. God IS totally and completely Good. God IS Good.
Help us Oh Lord to remember this Truth, today, and all our tomorrows.

Is Jesus in the Eucharist?

2012-01-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

What a phenomenal thing for Jesus to say to us Protestants! " Take, eat, this is My Body", during the Lord's supper; and, " Drink of it , all of you, for this is the Blood of My Covenant," This is found in the book of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Here they were, dining together, the 12 disciples and jesus. it was the Passover, and they were keeping the feast in obedience to the Law of Moses.
The Passover meal of lamb, etc, was eaten at twilight, and so, here was this group, eating, while recling at the table in the evening.
The lamb part is important because Jesus is the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus took bread (unleavened, because yeast is a symbol of sin), blessed it, and nroke it. Then, the cup of wine. He said that it was His Blood poured out for the forgiveness of sin.
He kept the Law and then He fulfilled the Law of Passover in Himself. If ou, in Moses day, had not put the blood of the lamb on your doorpost and lintel, then your firstborn son would die. Jesus is the unleavened Bread since He has no sin, and He also called Himself the Bread that comes down from Heaven. He is the firstborn son of Mary, and also the only begotten of the Father, and yet He chose to die for all those who do not have the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, or their hearts, so that we can have His Blood applied. The sinless died for the sinners.
The bread and the wine that they had that Passover evening, was to be done in remembrance of Jesus. The Bod of Jesus would soon be given for us, on the Cross. The Blood of Jesus, would soon nbe poured out for us. 1 Corinthians says, "As often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, ou proclaim the Lord's death, until He comes".
So, what about those today, who say that when we have the Lord's Supper or Communion, the bread becomes His Body and the wine becomes His Blood?
First of all, when our Lord was breakin g the bread and passing out the wine, there He was, in person, with His B ody passing out the food, and with His Blood inside Himself!
After His resurrection, (Luke 24) He was walking on the road to Emmaus, with 2 disciples. After He broke the bread, when they were eating, the 2 disciples suddenly recognized Him. Yet, His bod was in complete for, before them, and what was not spilled at the Cross, of His Blood, and during the beatings, was flowing through His Body.
They who believe the bread changes into His Body, and the wine changes into His Blood ( the word is transubstantiation), believe it in actuality. It actually changes after it has been blessed. All over the world, at the Mass, everyday, there is the Body and Blood of Jesus being eaten by all those celebrating the EucharistNow, we must be careful, because Christ died Once and for All. Let's go then to Hebrews.
Many lambs and goats died in the Old Testament sacrifices, to atone for the people's sin. So, here comes Jesus and He is called " The Lamb of God who takes awa the sin of the world!" Hebrews 9 says that Christ entered the Hol Place, Once and for All, by means of His own Blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Approxiametly 2000 yrs ago, Christ died, only Once, shed His Blood at that time only, for us, so that we , who lived at any time through history, could receive forgiveness of our sin. The shedding of His Blood brought forgiveness of sin.
Look at verse 25. "Nor was it to offer Himself repeatedly..verse 26.. for then He would have had to suffer repeatedl, since the foudation of the world. But, as it is, He has appeared Once for All, at the end of the ages, to put away sin, by the sacrifice of Himself. And just as it is appointed for man once to die, and after that comes the Judgement, so Christ, having been offered Once, to bear the sins of many, will appear the second time.
Eat My Body! Drink My Blood! It means something! Jesus didn't use meaningless words just to hold a conversation. Jesus came for a purpose. He had His whole Self fixed on that purpose.
So, how do we partake of Jesus? How do we take on Christ? How do we become members of Christ? He ascended to Heaven so how can we eat of Him now?
Down to the very basics...first you must believe. John 6:34 says , " There are some of you who do not beleve." Beleve on what? "The words that I have spoken unto you are spirit an life." So, beleive what Jesus is saying...and that is, not only the words in red, but the whole Bible.
Concerning blood, let's look back into Exodus, where all the children of Israel, were to apply the blood of the lamb to their doorposts and liktels, so their firstborn would not die, when the angel passed over. Therefore the name Passover. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission, or washing away , of sin. Christ's Blood must be applied to our lives, or else we will die for our own sin, and not have eternal Life. "The Blood of Jesus His son, cleanses us from all sin." " In Him we have Redemption, through His Blood. the forgiveness of sins, according to the richness of His Grace" Ephesians 1 ."Ransomed ...through the Blood of Christ " 1 Peter 1 .
Back to believe. If the Israelites hadn't believed that they were to apply the blood to their doorposts, of course they would not have done so. First, you must believe. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." You go no where unless you believe in something or Someone. But, that is not appling the Blood. You cannot apply Christ's Blood yourself, because His Body and Blood are in Heaven, and He is coming Bodily, later, for the second time. His physical Blood is not on earth, and is not being kept in any vial in Europe, and since He is the High Priest, there is no priest on earth who has the power to change bread and wine into His Body and Blood. That's magic. God is not into magic. There is also no "miracle" involved at the Mass, sice the bread and wine stay bread and wine.
So, the next step is to appy the Blood.." Drink My Blood"! ! Cor 6:11...but you were washed....in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Hebrews 10:11.." Our bodies washed with pure water." The Corinthians and the Hebrews had already been washed. Washed? Took a bath? Look at Acts 2:38. "Be Baptized, everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission (washing awa ) of your sins."
Weall believe, if we say we are Christians, that Jesus name is above All names. We believe that Jesus died and rose again. So, in Baptism, Jesus name is applied to our lives. Jesus name (when we are Baptized by immersion, under water, like as He went down into death and rose again) applied to you, is when our High Priest applies His Blood to you. The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. There's the washing. But, it's not magic either!. The water you get Baptized in, is WATER, before , after and during. the change that happens...the Big Miracle that happens, is a spiritual one, and happens inside of you.
Where is your spirit? It's inside of you. Where does your sin dwell? Inside you. Outwardly, we do junk that started inside of us. This inside, needs to be made new.
Acts4:12 "No other Name by which you must be saved." But, the Name must be applies, and that is done only through being Baptized in Jesus Name.
So very much of scripture, is taken away when you believe and practice, the catholic Eucharist.
Peter preached the first sermon! We hold up Peter so much! Then, why don't we obey what he taught under God's anointing? In Acts 10:48, Peter commanded them " to be Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ". Commanded! people say that, that was THEN and this is NOW, so it's not for today. Well, then forgiveness, grace, mercy, Joy etc are not for today either. If it's all for THEN, why do we read the Bible? Why do we preach it? All the different groups, like the Ephesians, the Galatians, the Corinthians, had all been Baptized in water, in Jesus Name, after repenting of their sin. To all these groups, and the rest, like the Philippians, Paul, Silas and others had gone and had preached and had started churches. The salvation message is in Acts. It started there, for ALL of them, and so it must start there for us!
Eat His BodyBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness , for they shall be filledd. ( Matthew5:6). "Come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money on that which is not bread and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me and eat what is good and delight yourself in rich food...Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:1-6
"Whoever feeds on this Bread, will live forever" John 6:58 Then He says that the Spirit gives Life and that the flesh is of "no avail". Jesus is not talking about eating His physical Body. He is talking spiritually.
So much of what we are in the kingdom, is done through our spirit connecting with His Spirit. First...salvation is a gift and happens in your spirit. Second...the fruit of the Spirit is exactly that - in your spirit from His Spirit. Third...His Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, etc, all are free from Him and happen in your spirit. All, from First to Third are gifts. None can be earned through penance, saying the rosary, lighting candles, praying for the dead, praying to Mary or any saint (Mary and the saints do not answer prayers, since it is only the Son who intercedes for us to the Father...only He can stand in the gap for us between Satan and the Father), nor doing Good deeds and giving alms. We CANNOT earn our salvation. Our righteousness is as filthy rags.
You want to be "full" of Christ? Be filled with the Spirit...like they did in the book of Acts...in Acts chapter 2...the evidence being speaking to God in "tongues", another language that God gives you to use in prayer, so you can commune in your spirit with His Spirit and have Him inside of you giving you power to live the Christian life. This is also something we cannot earn, but when we are Baptized in His name, He promises to give us His Spirit.
Then, eat of the Word...the written Word...which is Christ...daily! Then walk as a Follower of Christ, learning from Him and learning from others whose aim is also, to be a disciple and a Follower of Jesus.

Hide and Seek

2011-12-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep, SEEK your servant." " All we like sheep have gone astray" " SEEK ye the Lord while He may be found" " Today, if you will hear My voice, harden not your heart". There is this thing in the Bible about you SEEKING and also about the Lord SEEKING you. There is also a time period that the Bible infers, that you will hear God's voice, and after that time period , you will not hear it. SEEKING is a gift from God. That you are allowed to SEEK Him, is a gift from Him. He SEEKS you and SEEKS you, for a certain time. You do not know how much time God has given you. You waste that time and waste that time, thinking you have forever. But God is simply being gracious to you, in even allowing you to SEEK Him. " Do not harden your heart". "The foolish say that there is no God" The Bible talks about Today..not tomorrow. How do you know you will have a tomorrow. Tmorrow He may hide Himself from you. "SEEK Himwhile He may be found."

Fences

2011-09-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Recently, a new friend was sharing some funny memories with me about her childhood. I had told her that we really would like to move to a farmette someday, so she said, "Let me tell you about farm life!". She said, " One day all the cows got out and wandered off! Well, that's what happened when Dad forgot to fix the fence!" "And then there was the time the neighbour's bull got loose! He was so ornery, that it took 5 guys a whole week to catch him!" I said that we would like to have some goats. " You got to watch goats because they will wander off if there is no fence, " she said! It won't be sweet dreams only, if we get that farmette! Yet, my friend's stories reminded me about God. How, in the world would fences and animal stories remind someone about God? Well, God puts fences in our lives too. He has written commandments and instructions in the Bible, but we don't like them! We want to do our own thing...have our own way! We don't want anyone telling us what to do! The Bible says "All we, like sheep, have gone astray". We have all wandered off beyond the fence of God! But, there is no pleasure in that. Why? Because God makes fences so that we can be safe, secure and feel loved by our heavenly Father. He does it because He loves us! And then , because He loves us , He already has sent His Son to die so we can be free from our sins. So, here we are, the wanderers, and God has done everything to make us internally satisfied. He had the book written for us called, the Bible. He sent His Son to buy redemption for us. And He even sent His Spirit so that He can live in us. God's fences are not to inhibit us. When you submit to God's fences, done His way, it brings Joy unspeakable and Life Everlasting. Praise God for fences!

My Commitment (poem)

2011-08-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Why should I give up that which I gained?
Long, long ago when new life on me rained
Why should I give in to earth's deadly lure?
After heaven poured down my spiritual cure?
Satan's defeated. His end's drawing near
Jesus comes quickly...no more sorrow or tear.

Abandonment to Thankfulness

2011-05-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

What if we were thankful in everything? How could we do that..you ask? But, truly, what if we practised thankfulness? An abandonment to thankfulness! What if when things went wrong...car blew a tire..kids are sick...our son hit a baseball through the neighbour's front window...our spouse yelled at us...the frost ruined our garden...a friend gossiped about us , telling lies about us to another , etc. I know we all have feelings. I didn't say, "what if we never cried or were sad"! But , what if we had , through our sorrows, an attitude that I will give thanks to God "in" and "during" and "in spite of" what is happening to me, even though I still have tears! There is a verse in the Bible along that line. "In everything give thanks". So, it says "IN". In the bad times...during the bad times. Exactly at that time. "EVERYTHING". So, we are to give thanks in everything, all things...no exception! Next word..."GIVE". So, we are to give, to bestow upon someone something. To give to another something that belongs to us and that we want them to have. Give what? "Thanks" ! So, I am not expected to give a million dollars! I am only expected to give thanks! That doesn't sound so hard! Until the bad times come! Then, it becomes hard! But, is there not a heavenly Father who will help us? Alone, without the Father's help, I gurantee that you will utterly fail. So, I ask...Is there not a helper in time of need? If we believe that the Bible is true, then we need to say that "In everything give thanks" is true and that "I, ME, and MYSELF" need to practise this verse...with the Father's help! I chose to Abandon myself to Thankfulness...by God's grace.

Why should I give up? (poem)

2011-02-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

Why should I give up that which I gained?
Long, long ago, when NEW life on me rained?
Why should I give in to earth's deadly lure
After heaven poured down my spiritual cure?
Satan's defeated, His end's drawing near
Jesus comes quickly, No more sorrow or tear!

God is a Curiousity

2010-12-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

Strange word...curiousity. I have always been curious to find out things...but God is a curiousity! Notice how John says" As the living Father sent me". LIVING ! Why would he refer to the Father as LIVING? Remember that every word of scripture has importance.
Jesus said," I am..the Life" John 14. Jesus is LIFE, the LIFE. He said " I am come to bring you abundant LIFE" So He has come to bring us Himself - the LIFE! Yet, He said "the Living Father". Well, it's because Jesus is the Father! What? That's blasphemy! How dare I say that? Look at Isaiah 9:6. It says that the child is "the Father".
Back to LIVING..Jesus said " I am the firstborn from the dead". He is LIVING. How can He say that when Lazarus was raised from the dead before Jesus was ? Jesus said " before Abraham was , I AM ". He said He is the "I AM". Also it says He was slain before the foundation of the world.
Then Jesus said ,"whoever feeds on me will live forever". John 6
You and I can live forever! Feeding and drinking Jesus would mean the He lives inside us, because we have taken Him inside us, or allowed Him inside us, in our spirit.
He is the Bread of Life and the Water of Life.
He is LIFE. He is the Living Father. This Life can live in us by His Spirit.
God is a Great mystery and definitely a Curiousity!

My Typical day

2010-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

How many times have women asked me to write about my typical day!. so, today I looked over a few typical day things I had written over the years, and realized that some of the things would now be an embarrassment to my children. My old lists were very full, and some of them only went to 2pm...laundry already hung up, cinnamon rolls already in the oven and homeschool done for the day, with the kids now having their nap! Some of my married years, I did not have a car until my husband would get home from work. I always then, wished for a car...if only I had a car! During the last many years I have had a vehicle, but now that has added to the list of my typical day. Football practise, football games, sewing projects needing items, things broken that need to be returned, Awana, youth group, picking up items for my husband's business which often makes for a long drive. The Lord has been so good to us in all our typical days. Sometimes we wonder how we did all we did, plus keeping up with prayer time and Bible reading and church. Keeping up with our spiritual walk with Jesus has been # 1 on our list. But its not just an item on the list..its part of our life style which flows into the rest of our day, affecting how we act, what we teach in homeschool, where we shop, where we go to church. Sometimes our typical day invlves asking forgiveness of others and of God. We as humans make lots of mistakes and sin, so that must be cleared up so bitterness does not set in and so you can have an effective christian walk with Jesus. Right now my typical day in 2010, involves...picking up items for our remodeling job (major addition ), homeschooling, making lunches for the workers, running errands for Jon (his car was finally fixed today)buying more and more epsom salts for Craig to soak his big cut on his leg)and now a determination to finish typing all my posts to this blog!! Soon the kids and I will start recording hymns..after Kurt helps me buy a microphone. We should add baking to our list because its December..oh and do Christmas cards!! How is your day going? Tell me what you do!

Who is the Church? (poem)

2010-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Who is the Church? Who is the Bride?
Who someday sits at Jesus side?
Is it the ones who go to church
Day in day out and never search?
To help the Poor The orphaned ones
The Widows, maimed Forgotten Sons?
Forgotten Daughters of our Lord
For Whom He died and will reward?
Who, tell me Who! Who is the Church?

Money Money Money

2010-12-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Let's get rich! Oh, is that what a Christians aim in life should be? Shall we teach a health and wealth doctrine? I Timothy 6:5 men who suppose that gain is godliness: from such men withdraw yourself. Verse 9 They that want to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts. verse 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after, they have left the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Jesus didn't say money is evil , but the LOVE of money. What is your aim? What is your heart coveting after? Jesus said...Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Witch's Brew!

2010-11-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

I am stirring up a recipe. I will tell you the name of it later! Now, here are the ingredients!
First, into my recipe, I'll put in GOSSIP! There, into the big black kettle. Next, I'll put in ENVY!. How about a bit of PRIDE Oh, and we've got to have 6 cups of UNFORGIVENESS That's a major ingredient! Then, we have a pinch of BACKBITING Woa, that pinch will go far, to give my recipe spice!!! Oh yes, we must have DIRTY JOKES! Yes, yes, I almost forgot JEALOUSY !! Never could I forget that one in my recipe. Oh, yes, and ARGUING OVER NOTHING!! That aught to do the trick. And last of all FINGER-POINTING. After all..it wasn't MY fault. I didn't do it. Oh, I see it bubbling as I keep stirring it all around. Its bubbling so wonderfully! Ha ha ha ha ha !! The name of the recipe? It's called "STRIFE". STRIFE ha ha ha ha ha and its a perfect recipe to ruin your family or your church and to ruin YOU !! ha ha ha ha ha. What is that sound I hear? (JESUS JESUS) What are they yelling? (JESUS JESUS) NO NO NO...I HATE that name! (JESUS JESUS)Stop yelling that name! I can't stand that NAME! I can't stick around when you call that NAME! My recipe is failing................nnoooooooooooooooo! I am DOOMED! Goodbyeeeee! AHHHHHHH
written after reading I Timothy 6: 3- 5.

Give that back...it's MINE!!!

2010-11-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

How often we hear such a statement in a household where there are children! et, we as adults often act the same way!
God says, " My glory will I not give to another!". He says " What's mine is mine." Yet , He has a right to say that. In fact, He can claim to anything we see or even the unknown because He made it all. All things belong to Him!
We say, " My talent is thus and thus or " I own a...". My gift of the Spirit is... All we have , in ourselves, in our families, and all our belongings, are the Lord's. He's only loaning them to us, to see how we'll use them.
We might say that...so and so..worked hard, that's why he is a millionare! Yes. he worked hard, but who gave him the strength, the brains, the contact persons? He could have so easily been born mentally handicapped. By God's mercy, he was not!
So, the Bible even says, "Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory"! Whose? The Lord's! But, we as church people, even try to take away the kingdom and the power and the glory...from God! We act like usurpers and try to sit on God's throne!
Pride does not belong in the church members and it definitely does not belong in the church leaders. Whatever part you play, in your church, small group, etc, was given you by God. Do you have an anointing? You need it to serve in leadership, but it is Jesus Christ who gave you that anointing! You did not earn it, nor do you have a right to it! God gave it to you as a trust and now expects humility on your part.
All we have belongs to the Lord. All we see, will disappear one day. Our souls will go to stand before the righteous God of all the earth. His name is Jesus, and He is truly wonderful...and very precious...yet He will Judge in righteousness and fairness.

Was Vashti right?

2010-11-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

What would you do if your living room was filled with men, who had been drinking for 7 days, and your husband, who is one of them, calls for you to spruce yourself up and come into the living room to show the men how beautiful you are? I would climb out my bedroom window and escape!
So, what if you are the type who WOULD go and show yourself off -- prance in, do a little hip-swaying, and a little eye-winking! What do you think would happen after the show? I would say that you have a heart problem...a lust- seeking heart.
Vashti, in the book of Esther,, was the Queen! Her husband was King over all the land from India to Ethiopia. Look on a map. Yhat's huge! Can you imagine the perfumes, the clothes, the jewelery, the furniture you would have as a Queen? Plus all the servants to do your hair, manicures, pedicures...even taking care of your children's diaper changes!
Esther 1:10 says " on the 7th day, when the heart of the King was merry with wine...he commanded..to bring Vashti the Queen before the King with the Royal crown, to show the people and the Princes her beauty, for she was fair to look upon." But, the Queen refused!
I don't think this chapter is a mere chapter about submission. I think it's also on doing what is right in a tough situation.
Vashti had alot to lose by doing what is right, and she did lose her royalty. "Let the King give her royal estate to another who is better than she."
Are you willing to do what's right, no matter what it costs you? God has given us a Book, the Bible, to show us what's right. right, isn't always easy, but there are blessings in it!

The Rare Thing

2010-11-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

They came from far
They came from near
to bow at Nebuchadnezzar feet

They said they're wise
They've no disguise
They're pure, Authentic, knowing all

Just tell us King
What is that thing
You. dreaming, dreamed a dreamy dream

Ha, now I know
The King bellowed
You're all a farce, a lie, deceit

You've come to stand
Make a demand
And tell me anything at all

Oh, wait cried one
There's Daniel-Son
He knows a God who knows the truth

Bring him now
BRING him NOW
Or I shall all these men destroy

And so they brought
Whom God had taught
In all books, visions, and wisdom

This Daniel told
And made unfold
The King's whole dream and what it meant

And so it was
Revealed because
Only the God of heaven knows all

He is the One
Who's gone and done
What no one else could ever do

What others can't
He surely can
He is the God of the Rare Thing

Acts: the beginning of the Church

2010-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, am I ever learning new things in the Bible. First of all, my neighbour asked me a few Q's which got me to thinking about the setup of the Bible. Specifically, she said that the book of Acts is just history, Right? It is history, bur somewhere, the dividing line came when the church began. So, where did it begin and what were the big changes or differences from the old way. I think all churches of Jesus Christ, would believe that the Big change came after Jesus died and rose and went to heaven. Then He said to wait for the Promise. So they waited and poof...the Baptism of the Spirit came mightily and new churches were born...small groups...the new believers were filled with all this power to speak with boldness, and certain ones went out and started new groups of believers in heathen countries. All these new believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and all were Baptized in water in Jesus name, as Peter commanded them to do...in fulfillment of Matthew 28...the name. So, here my neighbour asked me.."So you are saying that I can't find the full pattern of salvation in the epistles and must look to the book of Acts". I said"YES". That was the start of the church. The epistles were written to the already started churches. THAT was also what excited me. When I examined Acts, I found all the names of the epistle churches. ALL, and not only once. When you read each epistle...Romans , Corinthians, Ephesians, etc., you will see at their start, that they are written..to the church that is in.. to the saints...to my beloved brethren in Christ Jesus...to my son in the faith ! ALL were written to the EXISTING churches. All were already Repented, Baptized in water in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues. Many epistles repeat things about those 3 steps, but don't we all repeat things to our children? And don't we all repeat things in our churches? We are like sheep...we need continual reminders of things...BUT...when we don't put the horse in front of the cart, so to speak, we get churches that don't tell us the whole truth. We get imbalanced churches. Jesus never wanted imbalanced churches. He gave us the Bible so we could know the truth and be set free. Take another look at the Book of Acts! Pray ! Ask the Lord if what I am saying to you is the truth or whether I am a liar. Ask Him with an open heart to hear His voice and to learn. May the Lord bless you and keep you on this journey.

Life and Eternity

2010-04-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Life is short
It's slipping by
More moments lost
than moments gained
The things I wanted
where are they?
The things I dreamed
all fled away?
Life is short
twill soon be gone
Fast flys the night
soon comes the Dawn.

"Until the Daybreak, and the Shadows flee away.." Song of solomon 2"17
"Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." Isaiah 60:20
"And (His servants) shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:4,5

Cutting Down the Beauty

2009-12-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today of the various forests that have been cut down in the world. Some say they have cut them down for industrial purposes...to make money, give jobs to people and to make way for economical growth. In the Amazon much of the beauty has been cut away.
We, as individuals, can also CUT down beauty. We can cut it down in our marriages, when we argue with one another and don't deal with our issues in love. We can cut down beauty in other relationships with our friends and relatives. We can have such big disagreements that they are never mended, because we are so stubborn.
Its very important to take care of our earth, but let's value people..even those we don't know so well. Let's build beauty around us by using encouraging words, by apologizing when we hurt others, and by valuing people the way Jesus would.

God IS !!!

2009-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

God IS !! God IS what? God IS alot of things in scripture. Let's find some of
them.
First off, we will remember that Jesus is God, so , whenever it says Jesus IS or God IS, the scripture is talking about ONE and the same!
I John 4:8 God IS love
I John 3:7 God IS righteous
I John 3:3 God IS pure
John 14:6 Jesus IS the Way
Jesus Is the Truth
Jesus IS the Life
Revelation 1:8 Jesus IS the Alpha
Jesus IS the Omega
Jesus IS the Almighty
Revelation 1:17 Jesus IS the First
Jesus IS the Last
Jesus IS the Living One
Jesus IS the Resurrection
John 6:48 Jesus IS the Bread of Life
I John 1:5 God IS Light
John 4:24 God IS Spirit
John 11:25 Jesus IS the Resurrection
Jesus IS the Life
John 11: 26 has a good question..."Do YOU believe this?"
You see...God IS the total totality of these things, not just half or three quarter, but 100% of each of these, plus many more attributes than those listed.
God IS !! He IS the totality of the verb "IS" and He IS the totality of these nouns. THAT boggles my mind and stirs m heart to say "Praise the Lord ! Thankyou Jesus!!!"

What's YOUR price?

2009-10-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

For how much will you sell the Savior?? What is your price? If you already know Him, is there something someone can offer you so that you would sell the Savior like Judas did? Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew! Now, I have a great recipe for Lentil Stew, that I just really love..but would I give up all my rights in a family and my rights to inherit from my parents, for a bowl of lentil stew? Now, that's just food. How about your soul. For how much would you sell your soul? For quick momentary pleasure that lasts a night. Would you sell the Savior or your soul to keep a friend you just can't give up? Would you sell your soul for money or for prestige...even prestige in a church. Would you sell it for glory or power? Would you sell it to gain the honor of others so that YOUR name is up in lights and so YOUR name is revered and talked about? I am talking mostly to Christians right now!! You see, the LORD is not going to allow His place to be precidented by any other. People TRY to be great, but they are nothing. I am nothing without Jesus. You are nothing without Jesus. And if you are a pastor or pastor's wife, still, you are nothing without Jesus. And yet, with Him , He is everything in us, and we are mighty through Him! So, why don't we honor Him more and let Him be Lord of ALL! You can gain the whole world, but lose your own soul.

Susan's Testimony

2009-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

My favorite comic strip has always been "Peanuts" and my favorite character while growing up was Peppermint Patty. Why? Because she would say, " My daddy always calls me his Special Gem"! Well, my own father never called me his special gem . He never called me his favorite anything. My father left our home when I was 6 years old. as I grew into teenage-hood, I longed for a Daddy figure. I repented of my sin at age 15. Mom taught me to pray, simply by her lifestyle of daily prayer.I would time myself for 30 minutes to make sure how long I prayed. Sometimes I would just cry out to the Lord and ask Him to come into my room and just hold me. I longed so badly to sit on His lap and have His arms around me like a Daddy. When I learned about the Baptism of the Spirit, my prayers to receive this got more intense, but nothing happened. I would be loud or quiet, wait on the Lord in silence, kneel, arms upraised, arms down, but nothing happened. There was no Pentecostal church or meeting or anything, in my home town in Canada at that time.I had read about the Baptism of the Spirit, in a biography, and heard about it from Jimmy Swaggert on T.V.. Finally, I laid it all in God's hands, and continued with life, Bible School, missions, choir tours, and singing in various churches. At age 24, I came home from Germany, having been there with the Janz Team. My girlfriend told me she had received the Baptism of the Spirit, and would I please come with her to a meeting in a room above the ice skating rink. That's where I received the Baptism of the Spirit and spoke in tongues. Since my start following Jesus, at age 15, I have come to know that...He is Faithful, He will never leave me, nor forsake me...and...that He is my Daddy and I am HIS SPECIAL GEM!!!

Unbelief

2009-08-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

There is a spirit of unbelief in our world today. People don't believe in God like they used to. People don't believe in a creator, or in God sending His Son to die on a cross for our sins. We think of sin in the form of murder or rape or robbery or maybe we don't believe in "SIN". Sin is the wrong we do against mankind and God. Unbelief is sin. How can we believe in the truth of the Bible? Or in God? We must ask the Lord to take away the blindness of our heart that keeps us from believing. We must "Seek the Lord while He may be found and Call upon Him while He may be near". If you harden your heart against God, you will never believe. Faith is a Gift. Faith is given by God. You may be so far from Him that you call yourself an atheist. Are you happy? Deep down inside where no one can see? Only faith in God, who came to earth as Jesus Christ, can fill that empty part of yourself. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to prove Himself to you, that He is REAL! Ask Him! He will do it! That is your BEGINNING of Faith!

Don't Bow Down to Idols

2008-11-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

What?! I don't bow down to idols! I am not Hindu or Bhuddist (maybe you are). I worship one God - maybe you do too - so we bow down to one God not to many. I bow down to one God. Don't accuse me of having idols. I don't worship Mary or any of the saints. How dare anyone say to me that there may be even a slightest chance that I bow down to anyone or anything but God!
As the main character says in Fiddler on the Roof, "On the other hand." What is really important in my life? Important to the point that, I can't live without it or that, or him/her? What could God take away from you and you would still praise Him - you would still serve Him? Can He strip you of everything like He did to Job in the Bible, in the book of Job, and would you still say, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." ~Job 1:21~
Job was very, very rich. Mega rich. And it all got destroyed. He had many children. Most of them were killed. He had many servants. Most were killed. Much cattle. All were killed. Then of all things Job got boils all over his body - puss, oozing, and stinking. So his friends mostly also stayed away. His wife said, "Curse God and die." Ouch! What a woman - yuck! Do you know what Job said then? " Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
This man was stripped of much that he had worked for, relied on, and loved, but still God was number one. Who or what is number one to you? God wants no one, not even your spouse, your children, your pastor/priest, to be more important to you than he is.
Was it easy for Job? No! Will it be easy for you or me? No! But when we ask the Lord Jesus to help us and when we allow Him to help us, we can daily grow in this area. We can ask the Lord to take the blinders off our "eyes" (our heart).He will! And you know ... He does it in a gentle way, like a very loving Father, because He cares and loves us so very much.

bits of inspiration: Are You my Mother?

2008-10-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

bits of inspiration: Are You my Mother?

My Brother : Ken

2008-08-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of how much my brother Ken has influenced my walk with the Lord Jesus , and I wanted to put it on my blog. He has been a witness to me of how important it is to share the Lord with others. He has been a witness to me of faithfulness to the Lord , no matter what comes. He has been an example to me of forgiving others when they do you wrong. He faithfully prays and longs for the Lord's blessing on others. He takes time to spend with those who do not believe as he does, and shows Christ's love through him to them. He shows sympathy to those in need. This is my brother...Ken.

Are You my Mother?

2008-07-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm searching for my Mother
And I'm hoping you can help
I'm feeling kind of desparate
I just may start to yelp!

There's people all around me
Giving clues, giving advice
And I've got to have an answer
One that's true, not full of vice.

Could she be goddess Diana?
Could she be the mother Earth?
Do you think it's Mother Mary
Queen of heaven, who gave me birth?

By the way, I'm also desparate
To know who is my Dad
Father Paul or Father Peter
Molech, Baal or Sinnabad?

Such a world full of variety
Instant this and instant that
Brings to us too many choices
Father, Mother, where are you at?

Who is my Mom, Who is my Dad
What god or goddess shall I name
Looking everywhere for answers
I'm at fault, I am to blame

For, right there upon my cabinet
Lies the Book that holds the key
It's the Book that has the answer
It's the Book that sets me Free

God Almighty is my Father
Jesus Christ my Lord and King
Creator, Author, Holy Spirit
He's the One, He's Everything

As for Mom, her name is Sarah
She's my Mother, gave me birth
She's a human, flesh and blood
Living on the planet Earth!!

---this was written after reading a book by Erwin Lutzer on the New age. I realized how the devil is trying to use any trick, any ploy, to keep you from the one and only name by which man must be saved : JESUS !!

The Whole Truth about Salvation (a short bible study)

2008-02-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

1. We are sinners : Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23
2.Jesus came to save us: John 3:16,17
3.We must believe in His name: John 1:12, John 3:18
4.We must Repent: Acts 2:38
5.We must be Baptized in water in His name: Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47,48
note: the name of the Father , Son and Holy Ghost is Jesus - One Name. Read
Isaiah 9:6 ,Acts 4:12, Acts 19; 1 - 5
6.We will receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues: Joel 2: 28,29 Acts 2:4, Acts 2 : 38,39 , Acts 10: 44 - 46 , Acts 19 : 6

Please study these scriptures carefully with prayer and an open heart to what G.od wants to show you. and Please feel free to email me at sumalennox@aol.com

Stud Dog service: Golden Retriever

2008-01-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

View My Dogs, Puppies, and Stud Dogs

at
K9Stud.com

Wash the Cup

2008-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Word of God says, "Be ye holy, even as I am Holy". God is Holy! Above all and foremost, He is Holy! God has many attributes - great ones for us to follow, like Be merciful , Blessed are the meek, Blessed are the pure in heart, Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt.5), and then there are the Fruits of the spirit, which are love , joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5) These all relate to Holiness- an inside type of Holiness, which we are to copy. Things which people cannot actually physically touch, but that they can feel. Others are affected in a positive way when Christians act out god's Holiness - when we try to clean up our lives inside.
Outward Holiness, which shows immediately, to others, is also great. It's good..its important! The Word talks about christians being an example to the believers and about being separate, not conforming to the world, not encouraging the lust of the eye in others by our clothing, or lack of clothing, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12) holy, acceptable unto God. We are to be set apart. We are to look different on the outside, than unbelievers. Holiness, must show on the outside. Holiness must affect what we buy , which others will view on our bodies. Holiness must say ," I will cover up my nakedness in public". God covered Adam and Eve, to cover their shame. Shame should exist in a Christian concerning outward modesty.
Actually, outward modesty isn't that hard. If it is hard to you, there's something much harder - it's inward Holiness - it's yielding to the abiding presence of the Holy spirit, so that the fruits of the Spirit can manifest themselves. It's a daily or hourly learning to know who God is and what He doesn't like that is presently inside of you. We read in the word of God examples of what God doesn't like..even HATES...envy, jealousy, gossip, maliciousness, slander, hatred, pride, haughtiness "I,m better than thou", greed, not caring to help the widows, the orphans, or the poor, lusting for your neighbour's things or lusting after their spouse, a pornographical spirit, arguing, debating to make contentions, etc. There's much we can read in the Bible which shows us the right thing to do. Then, the Spirit can bring it to our attention, daily, hourly.
As we get to know God - whose name is Jesus - and abide in the Spirit - which is the Spirit of God - we will be more sensitive to what is Holy and what is not Holy inside of us. We must be careful not to quench the Spirit as then soon, the sensitivity will grow dull.
Holiness - Be Ye holy, even as I am Holy - Both an inward and an outward concept. God wants us to be Holy, demands it of us, commands us to be Holy. Why? Because He really does love us and because we are to be an example of true Christianity.
Jesus is coming - Be Holy - It'll be worth it all in the end!

Depression

2008-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share an article I found on depression, but it's written by someone else, so it would be plagerism to copy her article. So, I will tell you where I found it and you can look it up. Then I did make up a questionarre for you to use to evaluate your life. "Women and Depression" is written by Lisa James and was published in ENERGY TIMES magazine in April 2004.

Your Personal Questionarre
These are questions to personally know yourself first, to eliminate possible reasons for anxiety, unhappiness and depression.

1. What things make you happy?

2. What would it take to make you happy?

3. What things have you waited for, for a long time?

4.Have you had any recent catastrophies?
In the last year?
In the last 2 years?
In the last 5 years?

5. Are you on any medicines?
If so, what are the side effects?

6.Do you have a major sickness or illness?

7.Are there members of your family who have been or are very ill?
If so, are you taking care of them?

8.Do you have financial problems?

9.Are you taking herbs or vitamins?
For what reason are they?

10.Do you believe in Jesus or are you of a different faith?

11.How old are you?

12. Do you have children?

13.What is your job?

14.Are you going through menopause or do you have menstrual disorder?

15.How is your relationship with your husband, your parents, your children?

16.Do you sleep late?

17.What is the pattern of your daily activity?

18.Has the Lord ever told you to do something, that you have not done, but have avoided or dismissed?

19.Was there a career or educational opportunity that you feel you missed out on?

20.Have you been abused by anyone,physically, sexually or mentally?

21.Are you satisfied with the church where you go?

22.Are you at odds with any believer?

23.Are you submissive to your husband? And is he basically loving to you?

24.When was the last time you went on vacation?

25.When was the last time you went on a date? ( with your husband if married or with a guy if you're single) and...Did the date go well?
If you as a woman are dating another woman, then according to the word of God, this practise needs to stop. God loves you and sent His son to die on the cross for you, but if you want to follow Christ, then Homosexual relationships must stop.

26.Are you having a good night's sleep?

27.Do you have a balanced diet, and is it appropriate for your age?

28.Do you have a close friend with whom you can share?

29.Do you have a hobby?

30.How do you feel about your appearance?

31.Do you feel that you are ready to face eternity when you die?

That's all I wrote, except for a page I tore out from my children's school. The young man says, "I want real joy in my life. How do I have it?" The answer is J= Jesus , O= others, Y= you.
Jesus... Do you belong to Him? Is He Lord of your life? Others... serving them and meeting their needs, which sometimes is only a listening ear. You...is last, but not left out. You must take care of your body, soul, mind and spirit.

False (Women) Teachers

2008-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

I have been on the internet alot lately, looking up sites of various teachers of religion. Not only Pentecostal, which I am, but others of other denominations. Fascinating - absolutely fascinating to see, and hear, the variety of speakers.... and thats only the women speakers out there! So many .... and so many views... views about scripture...views about the word of God!
Now, I am not the Judge of those speakers. I am not perfect! I am not the one to say "This one's right' "That one is not right"! BUT, I do have a Father who has given us His Word by which we can base what we hear!
All those speakers would say "I am a Christian"! I'm not saying that they are not, or that they never had an experience with Jesus... BUT, sometimes as we follow along, we hear the beck and call of other voices and at first, we don't listen - No Way! Yet, those voices are subtle.. "Just listen to this interpretation! Not bad is it?" And you think "No, that sounds pretty good!" Whose voice is speaking to you?
I am not a speaker - yet! I am an internet voice, but I am one trying to influence women! So, I must be careful! We must all take what is said to us , back to the Word of God. " Rightly dividing the Word of Truth." You've heard it said - Speak the truth and nothing but the truth. The Bible is that truth. God does not contain Truth. GOD IS TRUTH! HE IS!!! Daily we miss out on perfection. Daily we must come to God to confess - but, are the speakers you're listening to, coming before the throne of grace, and finding Grace and Forgiveness in the time of need? How about Humility? Do they show a humble spirit?
Now, I could say to you, that Billy Graham is a great, humble man to listen to. Of course he is not a woman, so lets talk about his wife Ruth! Humble - not haughty. Are you listening to haughty teachers?
How are they spending the spending the money sent to them? What kind of a house do they live in ? Are they helping the poor?
I was laying awake a few nights ago, being bothered by this theme! Ladies, ladies, Satan wants us to rise up and be women of this world... women who don't have to listen to their husbands.. women who will step on others' toes to get what they want...because after all.."I deserve it!!" What was that song -"I AM WOMAN!" So what! You are a woman because God and DNA made you a woman! Presto! You have no rights, but what God allows in His Word! The best definition of God's type of woman is in Proverbs 31...read it all! and other places talk about a meek, humble woman!
Are you thinking that God means woman to be trampled on? No way! God has plenty to say about man! God loves YOU! God loves woman and created her! Let me interject a word here... Do people say you're ugly? God doesn't say that! He says you're beautiful and He loves you so much. He wants to spend eternity with you in heaven!
Are the women you're listening to - in meetings, on T.V., on cable, on the Web, or at church - are they trying to be the Proverbs 31 lady? Are they preaching truth or are they slowly, slowly leading you away from the God who is Truth, the One whose name is Jesus!
Beware of the voices you follow! You are too precious to lose to deception! Eternity is up ahead...just around the corner!
Let's go Back to the Bible..Back to Prayer!Jesus said "I came to bring you Life, and that more abundantly".

Poem: Today Mom Died

2007-08-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today ... She died
This friend of mine
This dearest lady
To me , Divine

And with her, too
The cups of tea
The late night chats
From one to three
The phone calls from
So far away
The car drives on
A summer day
The peaceful rocking
Of two chairs
As side by side
So free from cares
Your sweet, sweet smile
forever gone
To other realms
You now belong

Where are you mother
Oh, yes, I know
To Jesus, Mom
You now must go
But someday soon
I'll see you there
Where is no sorrow
Nor tears to bare!

Dedicated to Ruth Graham and her family and all who have lost a Mother. And to my own Mom who passed away 10 years ago... Sarah Giesbrecht!!!

Poem: The Rend

2007-05-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

The rend was made upon the cloth
Ruined, they said, by a tiny moth
Who ate his way between the thread
Not knowing it would bring me dread

I went to take it off its hook
And after I took one swift look
Behold the rend in my dear dress
It brought a tear, I must confess.

And now what shall be done with this
Once perfect dress, but now amiss
It can't be worn, it can't be shown
Since from the heavens, a moth has flown.

I'll cut it up, I'll shape it new
I'll tint it to a royal blue
My favorite color that once was
A cheery plan, Great good me does.

In this same way, I'll try to live
To take the rends life does me give
And look at them a different way
In faith to shape a bright new Day!

Poem: Time

2007-05-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Time is passing
Without our asking
Soon it will be...
Tomorrow

Tomorrow has come
And what have we done
For soon it again will be...
Tomorrow

Today, I've been given
To use while I'm livin'
To waste or to use until...
Tomorrow!

Prayer for Marriage: by Donna Marcialli

2007-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

September 6 , 2006 Marriage retreat

Lord Jesus, God I thank you for your unique and complex way of thinking that is so much higher than ours. Lord, I thank you for the potential that is in this room today. I thank you for the legacies that are in the womb in this room today, for the potential you have placed in the hearts and minds of these people. Lord, I thank you. Lord, I feel such a strong sense in the spirit , Lord that we are bringing about a moment of peace, where we look at each other in the eye, knowing that we are partners for a reason. We have something to offer to one another. Lord Jesus I pray that we would begin to hear the music. I pray God that we would hear the music, the music we first heard when we met and we were willing to give up our Saturdays, and it made us want to give up our free time, made us want to be with someone, because there was something , there was a missing piece in our heart that they filled. I pray , God , let us forget about our diversity. Let us lay our diversity down. Lord, let us pick up the hand of our partner, and let us hear the music and start to dance. I pray, oh God for your love to flow. I pray for that perfect love , that you said,"I will go to the cross, so that they may live. I lay down my life so that they may have life". Lord Jesus you gave us your Spirit, so that we could emulate that in our homes. You want to bless us. You don't want to curse us. You want us to inherit your blessings. Lord your blessings come where there is unity, where there is harmony. Lord, there is a cinergistic partnership that happens when we're unified in our diversity. I pray, in Jesus name for a blessing upon them. I pray, open their hearts and minds to one another. Lord, I pray against these relationships that are outside our marriages that are pulling at us. Men , telling their friends what they ought to do to their wives, and women telling their friends what they ought to do to their husbands. In these destructive kinds of relationships that are in our lives, I pray that you would sever that from us today. I pray, oh God, let us move close together in commitment one to each other. Lord Jesus, I pray, forgive us of our emotional cheating, the kinds of betrayals, that if our wives or husbands knew what we said behind their backs, that they would be devastated. I pray, Dear God that you would forgive us. Let us move together in that beautiful dance, because we have children that depend upon us, but most of all because we have eternity ahead of us, and you Oh, Lord are looking down at your crowning creation, our marriage. It's more important than the President of the United States. It's more important than the Senate. It's more important than the nation or the King. It's more important than any authority in the world. Marriage was your crowning creation. And it is what you said you were like. You were like the Bridegroom and the church is like the Bride, because the Bride and the Bridegroom are your greatest and most important crowning creation. We are beautiful in your sight, today. We submit to one another, as unto the Lord, because you are looking down on us. We're not just doing what we want to do today, but we are submitted to you today, oh God. I pray blessings will flow, that the doors of heaven will be opened, that windows will be open, when we get in line with the divine order of the family , and the family of God, looking into your face, knowing that you are blessing our marriage. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, AMEN.
Lord, I commit today to listen more. I commit oh, Lord to care more. I commit Lord to be a better me, because my years are slipping by. My eyesight is growing dim. My mind don't think like it used to. God, I don't have a lot of time left. When I look at my past, Lord, I want to be a better me. I want to face you with everything that you really dreamed that I could be. Lord, you are looking at my marriage, and you've got so many great plans for us. Lord Jesus, I pray God I want to be a better me from this day forward. I commit to you. I commit to my spouse today. I want to be a better me. I know you are looking at me. You're looking at my marriage. It's not hidden from you. I pray you will bless them indeed. Lord, let something be born that's been planted in their hearts even in the last few minutes. God, I look forward to seeing the fruit of the womb that's been planted today. In the name of Jesus.

The Gift of God

2007-04-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

" For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one mat boast." Ephesians 2:8,9 NES
The gift of God - salvation, freedom from sin through Christ's death and resurrection, joy, peace, a new spiritual family, a reason to live, a home in heaven! All these are a gift of God! and yet, how hard we "work" to get them! We often act as though, we are the ones giving ourselves salvation....by the works we are doing!
Let me be a little blunt! We often talk negatively about other groups and say "they are trying to work their way to heaven." Or we critisize one group or another for what they do! What do we do in our own lives in our own churches, adding to Christ's death and resurrection? What do I do in my own life , adding to the cross of Christ?
Did He not say, "It is finished"? I'm sure that those three words mean so much more than I understand...but when someone says, "It's done" "I'm done" or "It is finished", it means its complete! All that God was moving humanity forward to through history, was completed in Christ's death on the cross. His plan was not just for you to have a good life, but to be whole, complete in Him.
I do love traditions! At Christmas, we have ham, brussel sprouts, cooked baby carrots and mashed potatoes. On Birthdays we sing "Happy Birthday". In church, we do things a certain way! That's how we have always done it and so that's how we will do it!Christ taught us wonderful things like... give to the poor, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, help others, fast and pray... But, All in All, we are not saved by these things! We are saved by Jesus Christ! Again I say: by Jesus christ!
Ephesians 2: 10 goes on to say that we were created in Christ Jesus FOR good works, but before that it says we are not saved BY them!! Big difference!
We are sinners saved by grace, through faith, in the finished work of Christ!
That's hard to swallow!
Even me, just realizing this, in the inner most recesses of my spirit, will have to think about this for awhile.
This is phenominal - but it is True!!
Going back to Ephesians 2:4 it says," But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us.."
Jesus went to the cross, BECAUSE HE LOVES US! He endured everything " for the joy that was set before Him". That joy is when you and I accept His free salvation - His Gift - the gift of God - and become his child.
The gift of God - not as a result of works, so that no one may boast!

Poem: Lord, Help me to feel

2007-03-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Lord, fill me with compassion
The kind that You would show
That draws all men to Jesus
With desire Him to know

Lord, help me be just like You
To meet the daily need
When others share their burdens
That to Your Word I'll lead

Lord, help me draw all people
To look upon your Face
Instead of on their problems
Which hinder in the race

Lord, we are Salt and Light here
Amid a cruel world
The only Hope is Jesus
On Him our lives are hurled

Poem: Praise - When?

2007-03-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

When things go right
And the way is easy
Praising the Lord
Sure comes easy

When things go wrong
We pout and frown
We sure let others
Know we're down

Is this the route
That God has planned
Our moods always changing
Like the shifting sand

His Word gives advice
Along another line
To give thanks in everything
And in His Presence dine

Poem: Praise the lord

2007-03-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

When all your days look black and blue
Look up to see the sky's bright hue
Just praise the Lord, each day anew
He'll never change, He's always True

Look all around you, then you'll see
The many Blessings bestowed on thee
And ne'er forget who set you free
Who holds to death and life the Key

The Lord above, beneath , around
Is waiting to be sought and found
So, bend your heart, tune in the sound
Of Him in whom love does abound

Poem: Friendship

2007-03-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Friendship is a treasure
That money cannot buy
An inner strong devotion
Unseen by mortal Eye
You feel it with your spirit
This closeness between two
A freshness like the Springtime
As pure as morning Dew

Poem:The Future

2007-03-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

The future is a place unknown
Untrodden by Men's feet
A time, we all will face someday
On Vict'ry or defeat

We look at things around us
The world and all its Woes
Temptations come at every turn
And plenty are our Foes

But, is there not a power there
With which to conquer trials
Is there some help? Is there some Hope?
A Signpost along Life's miles?

Oh, Yes! Praise God! Rejoice, Be glad!
In Christ, you can be Free
Through Death, He conquered all the pow'r
Of death, our enemy

Oh, death, wherein is now thy Sting
And Grave, thy Victory?

Poem: God Knows

2007-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Wind
getting stronger
Clouds
overhead
getting darker
Nightfall
before it is evening
Heat
everywhere
Suffocating
What's that?
That movement up there?
In the sky?
Wind
louder, louder
faster, faster
Trees, fences
flying around
Houses, barns
flying through the air
Ripped, broken
people...
dead

Lord, you see all this
You know what's happening, Lord

We shall still
Trust and Obey
Amid
Storms
And Tornadoes
Of our Physical
And Spiritual
Lives!

Poem: Life's Goal

2007-03-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Living to Love Jesus
Living to praise His name
Striving to serve Him better
To follow in His way

Leaning on my Savior
Abiding in His love
From His arms receiving
Blessings from above

Yes, this is what my Goal is
That Christ shall have my All
Yet, not through my own Power
But, in His strength to stay

Poem: Burden- Free

2007-03-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

When the world seems set against you
Talk to God, He'll listen
When your troubles grow into Mountains
Think of others who have needs
When self-pity overtakes every corner
of your mind
Praise the Blessed name of Jesus
Go and help a lonely Brother

Every problem seems to grow
Completely out of shape and proportion
If you dwell on it continually
Thinking you suffer more than others
Didn't Christ bear shame and misery?
Didn't God, His father forsake Him?

Look to Jesus , the example
Place your cares in His right Hand
Now, leave them there and go on living
Walk along His Holy way
Seeking not that God would Bless you
Instead that Others are Blessed
through YOU!

Poem: Thorn in the flesh (on being shy)

2007-03-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Silence can be a virtue
But , you must remember
For everything there is
a season
Being shy, or rather, quiet
can be a curse
Communication between
two strangers
can bring them into
a close relationship
Those that I most want
for friends
Find me unapproachable
because of
The silence barrier
Oh, to cross that Bridge
Why, fight your way over
If I could only get over it
with eaze!

Poem: Hope Beyond Despair

2007-03-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Will I ever be the same
As I was yesterday
So carefree, full of fun andlove
for Life wherever it leads?

Will I once again pursue
A goal which is in sight
Or gain a pleasure just to sit
And talk to friends I meet?

Will my spirit gain new heights
that will be fun to climb
Or will I allow my soul to drag
Beneath the dust and mud?

There's Hope that's dawning over there
A peace that's mine to have
A new assurance that God's best
Is working itself in me.

For all the gloomy days ahead
God has a plan in store
To chasten me and help me grow
Maturity to reach.

I may not get to be perfect
in this flesh here below
But, someday soon He will be back
And receive me up to His Home.

Bible Study with me.

2007-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you would like to do a personal or group Bible study with me or me and my husband, we can either do it over the internet if you live far from Roselle Illinois, or You can phone me and get it set up to do it over the phone since I have free long distance, or I (we) can come to your house. starbucks is also a great place to have coffee and short Bible studies. If you are already a believer and have not received the Baptism of the Spirit, I would love to share with you from God's Word what is his next gift for you. contact me at sumalennox@aol.com

Golden Retriever Puppies

2007-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

I do intend to get a separate website for this, but just to let you know - I breed Golden Retriever Puppies. Purebred, AKC, registered. Right now I have none!!! I just sold 9 puppies , but hope to have a litter in fall! t contact me then write sumalennox@aol.com

Prayer for Loneliness

2006-11-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord, I feel all alone. It seems like no one cares about me. Who can I talk to ? who will really listen to me without going and gossiping about what I have said? Who can I trust? Can I trust You? Will you help me if I ask? I know that your Word says that you care. Maybe I should read in the book of Psalms. David had alot of troubles. It says, " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever." That is how you feel about me. your love must be very great. Thankyou for listening and Loving me!!

Modesty

2006-11-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

The best teachings on modesty that I have heard are by Nancy Lee Demoss at reviveourhearts.com and some books written by United Pentecostal ladies which would be available at Pentecostal Publishing House. They have done a great job so I will not touch the subject at this time.

Chocolate chip cookies

2006-11-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Why not add a variation to your favorite Chocolate Chip cookie recipe, by adding a variety of chips instead of just chocolate. . . like butterscotch, milk chocolate, peanut butter or white chocolate chips.

Great Fudge

2006-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

The easiest fudge I have ever made was from a recipe on a jar of marshmallow creme bought at Aldi. Everyone gives me compliments for it.

A prayer to Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit

2006-11-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord , I have read in your Word that people receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I know that people in my city have received this. Since others have, then I want this to happen to me. I am asking you to give me the Baptism of the Spirit and I know that I will speak in a language you will give me, so I give you my tongue so I can praise you the way you want me to. In Jesus name. (some people have received this infilling of the Spirit when they are alone, but most often it was when they were with a group of believers who were also worshipping and praising the Lord. I would encourage you to find a Spirit filled friend to help you or find an apostolic church which preaches holiness, the Baptism of the Spirit and Baptism in water in Jesus Name, or Email me. I will help you all I can My email is sumalennox@aol.com)

A Prayer of repentence

2006-11-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord, I come to you to ask you to forgive my sins. You died on the cross for me so I could have my sins forgiven. I thank you for that and I thank you for forgiving me. I want you to be my Lord. In Jesus name amen

A Prayer of Praise

2006-11-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

dear Lord, I just want to praise you for all your goodness and how good you have been to me. My life has not been perfect Lord but yet there are so many things to be thankful Lord. I am not always feeling good, but I thank you for the good times when I can truly enjoy life to its fulness. I thank you for taking me safely through the hard times. I thank you for your love which is always there and that you exist and you never change. In Jesus name Amen

A Prayer for Depression

2006-11-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord, Today is just not my day. I am not happy and I can't pretend to be. Everybody expects me to be a certain way and I can't perform today. I want to hide from people today Lord. Can you help me? Do you really love me? Today I feel like nobody loves me! Yet I know it says in the Bible that God so loved the world - that would include me. Help me believe it and please give me joy today. Thankyou Lord!

poem: Triumph

2006-11-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Deep inside a storm is raging
Threatening some evil gusts
Of doubt , despair and painful anguish
Floods of raw deceiving lies.

Get back, you liars of darkness
Spirits of the awful deep
You have no right, No claim upon me
I shall not your temple be.

Christ the Lord has fought the battle
"It is Finished" were His words
when on the cross He hung and suffered
Bearing all my misery.

Hope arises deep within me
Glimpsing in Jesus the ray of light
To guide me safely out of darkness
Out of the storm and out of the night.

poem: His Handiwork

2006-11-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

The stars in the Heavens
shine forth in the Night
They're part of creation
twinkling clear and bright

I love to behold them
Each night 'fore I sleep
And think about Jesus
Whose Love we shall Keep

God sure is creative
in His imaginative way
He knew what we needed
By His side we shall stay

He loves this His handiwork
The world he has made
But, He loves us His people
And for our sins has paid.

poem: JOY

2006-09-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

In your presence, Lord I find
Happiness, joy, peace of mind
Following the way you lead
Help me, Father, this I plead
Not my will, but thine be done
Glorifying your dear Son

Camping in your ray of light
Ever brings me sheer delight
When the road gets rough I know
Special grace He will bestow
Planted in this heart of mine
Is joy, that makes me feel just fine.

poem: It's hard, Lord

2006-09-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

At times it seems we travel on
A road that's much too rough
At times it seems the way too steep
The path too hard and tough

And more than that there's hail and wind
There's sleet and rain and snow
How can we stand against the gail
When tempests start to blow?

Then we must look to Jesus
And read His Word each day
So He can help us understand
Just why it is this way.

Oft' times we need the discipline
God's loving hand imparts
To set us on the path of life
We followed at the start

There's other times He wants to teach
Us patience, love, and care
So, when there's someone else in need
His comfort we can share.

poem: Enduring Joy

2006-09-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

The fig trees didn't bloom this year
The grape vines bore no fruit
The labor of the olives failed
The seed crops did not root

No bleating of the sheep is heard
No baby lambs were born
The cattle stalls are empty
The manger looks forlorn

Yet, still, my Father I rejoice
In Thee, my special Friend
For this I know, my Joy in You
Will go on without end

The Lord my God shall be my strength
He gives me energy
To walk the heights and run the race
His Truth sets me free
Habakkuk 3:17-19

poem: The Forgotten Ones

2006-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

The wind howls
The dust flies
And from within the hut
A dying baby cries

Helpless and defenseless
sitting by her side
The mother's heart aches
Still she must abide

Is there no one out there, they cry
Who cares about our plight
When day by day we hunger
And live with constant fright?

You who say your Father
Owns much cattle and much sheep
Will you share your riches
And then His blessing reap?

( My husband and I sponsor 6 children in India through World Vision. Anyone can sponsor a child for only $30.00 a month. )

Safety for Your Soul

2006-09-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

The time is coming when the "latter days" shall be. The Last Days before the heavens and earth pass away and all things as we see them now, will change. Time shall be no more. Eternity will begin - all our griefs will finally end. Satan will come on strongly in the very end. The Angel of Death will pass over the earth seeking to devour , and only those who are protected by the Blood of Jesus will be safe.
The question is - Do we want to be totally Safe - just like in the time of the Passover in Egypt? It seems the world of Christianity is playing the casino game - gambling with the eternal situation. We don't need to gamble - we must not gamble with our souls - eternity is swiftly coming.
The Bible says we can be sure of our salvation. Do we want to be sure God's Way or do we want to gamble OUR way? The sure way is "Repent and be Baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost" Acts 2:38. Also after that, there is still safety to be practised.
Do you want to be safe from Satan? Pray Ephesians 6:18 ; fast Matthew 6:16-18 ; go to church Hebrews 10:25; children obey parents Ephesians 6:1; wives submit to husbands 1 Peter 3:1; husbands submit to God; dress modestly 1 Peter 3:3-6 ; Read the Bible Psalm 119:11; women grow your hair and don't cut it ICorinthians 11:5-15; men cut your hair 1Corinthians 11:14.
You DO NOT HAVE TO DO THESE THINGS! You don't have to do anything. God gives you your total freedom - freedom of choice - BUT - there are consequences when we don't do like God says. I, personally don't want to go against what God says in His Word. Why obey one part of the Bible and not the rest?
Jesus is coming - I believe it is very soon. I don't want to risk missing heaven. I don't want to give Satan an open door in my life. I want to be SAFE, God's Way. Choice - The Choice is Yours!!

What kind of God do you have?

2006-09-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you what kind of god I have! I have the kind of God that surprises you - that does things differently than you expected - that does things considering the lasting value of the act - that does things with eternity in view - that does things knowing the whole picture even behind the scenes of what others actually see - that knows all the hearts of men, all the 6 billion alive today and all those already dead - that plans for the future and has planned since before the earth existed - whose mercy is so great that He would have even forgiven Judas if only Judas had asked - whose mercy is so deep , beyond anything we have experienced from any human - who applies the fruits of the Spirit in a perfect way in all situations - whose thoughts are far beyond our imagination - whose creativity is much more interesting than the best painting in any gallery or more interesting than the best novel you have ever read, and yet.......
He was Bruised
He was Wounded
He was Whipped
He was Stabbed
He was Despised
He was Rejected
He was Smitten
He was Oppressed
He was Afflicted
He knew Sorrow
He knew Grief
He knew Agony
He bore ALL our Sin

And then He died , but...
then He Rose from death and conquered it! Why?
- for the Joy that lay before Him, the excitement , the anticipation , the sheer ecstasy of living eternally in His Home with YOU!!!

Patriotism

2006-01-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

I am a Patriotic Resident Alien
In talking to Americans, I am amazed that even those that call themselves patriotic, aren't always patriotic to the depths that I, as a Canadian- Resident Alien here, am, to the U.S.A. !
I have a strong heart- feeling to the United States, and to what we stand for, and what we want to do in the world, and in the United States , for our people, for our economy, for our place in the world, and to keep peace in other nations, and help the poor.
Aren't our citizens reading what is was like to be a Pilgrim and come to the NEW nation?? What are they teaching in our schools about freedom, and how hard it was to get freedom and remain free?
Strong Patriotism normally starts in the youth and younger. If the schools are missing out on this instruction - the Pilgrims, the growth of colonies, the fighting with the French, fighting against the British, fighting ( right or Wrong? ) with the Indians, Civil War, crossing America on wagon trains, Gold Rush, building the railroad, growth of the future cities, Emancipation, etc- then the parents of U.S. children need to emphasize these hardships and joys that people have gone through, for their own sake and for us, their grandchildren.
We take so much for granted, We are spoiled- like children who are given too much without working for it.
Thankyou God for what we have! Thankyou for all who gave their lives for our freedom. God Bless America!!

Healthy eating for 2006

2006-01-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love and is very healthy is a salad with a million items in it . Some grocery stores offer a ready made mix, but if you have a large family,you will need a large salad. Buying your greens separately is often more economical. Look around in the salad section and let yourself try something new. Add some green onion or some spanish onion. Bok Choy is yummy, and so is fresh spinach. You can even add some slivered or sliced almonds. A light dressing of equal part olive oil and lemon juice with garlic powder and chickweed will not leave you with a stuffed feeling. (chickweed is an herb bought in a health food store- you open a capsule and add only the contents to your dressing) . I always put these ingredients in a jar, close tightly, and shake well. Store in the fridge. Shake again before each use.
Carbs are important, but cutting down on those starches and sugars may be a good thing for you.
My Mom always told me " No second helpings". That way I can even eat chocolate.

Free Recipes

2006-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

One thing that has really helped me with new ideas in cooking is a magazine I get every 2 months from Kraft foods. Here is how you can get these ( it is absolutely free and has great pictures). sign up at kraftfoods.com/free or call at 1-800-521-4403

Microwave caramel Corn by Jon

2006-01-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Pop 2/3 cupmunpopped corn on stove
In
medium size bowl, microwave on high 2 min. the following:
:1 cup sugar
:1 stick butter (not marg.)
: 1/4 cup Karo syrup
After 2 min., stir and add 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
Microwave on high 2 min.
Place popcorn in large brown paper bag.
Pour syrup mixture over popcorn and shake. Close bag and microwave on high 2 min. Shake.
Microwave 2 min. Spread on cookie sheet to cool.

This popcorn is VERY addicting, and fattening!!!!

Poem: I'll never leave you

2005-08-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

I'm happy, Lord-
We're having good times
I'm on top of the world-
everything fine
Everyone speaks well of me
I'm a great Christian
I've got wisdom and knowledge
they respect me , Lord
I'm bright and joyful-
they think I'm perfect
Got it made, they say
about me!

I'm sad, Lord-
no one calls
I've been down-
I need a friend
I don't have it together
kind of messed up
Now, I'm not useful
not perfect anymore
They thought I had wisdom-
now I need a wise friend
Cuz, I'm down, Lord-
it's true, but...
Are you still here with me?

"I have promised to never leave you or forsake you!""cross my heart"
LOVE, JESUS

Every Wise Woman Buildeth

2005-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

"Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands"
Prov. 14:1

Ladies ,I am not a carpenter, but I've got a carpenter husband who builds gorgeous houses. We are in the middle of a major house renovation that will dazzle your eyes. I am really looking forward to see the finished product.
So, let's say we are at that point. The house is completed. It's done exactly according to the architectural drawing and I have a new kitchen, my china tea cups are in the glass china cabinet, I've got my antique pieces collected and above the piano is my favorite Monet picture of the woman in white sitting at the piano. All is perfect. The man did his job right! The man builded his house!
Here I am-the woman! "Honey, you forgot the Lazy Susan I wanted, and I really didn't want the countertop in that shade! Didn't you remember that the island needed curved corners so that the kids don't bump themselves? And besides that , I wanted a mirror in the bathroom so that I could see myself from all angles!"
The woman has begun! But, has she begun to build or to pluck down? Maybe she's been plucking down her house her whole life! It doesn't matter if you have a mansion or a delapidated old house- you can be a builder or a plucker!
Mom and I used to pluck chickens. The feathers don't come out instantly when you do it by hand. It takes a bit of time. Plucking down your house takes time, but with each nag, or negative spirit, or yell at the kids ( in anger ), the beauty of thew home disappears. We do need to get after our kids! Of course! We can't let them run loose like a wild horse! They need the rod of correction , but not the whip of anger!
The wise woman-Wisdom! The Bible seems to talk alot about Wisdom! Wisdom builds on the Rock. The house built on the Rock of Jesus. Yet, the Christian woman struggles with her tongue. We STRUGGLE with ou tongue!! "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright".
Even we as Christian women lack knowledge, lack wisdom. It seems we go along OK, until BANG , something goes wrong, highly gets on our nerves, doesn't go our way, or someone says something negative about MY CHILD-- then the foolish woman, which has been me at times, yells at her husband about that horrible person who dared to say a negative thing about MY CHILD!!
There's the foolish woman bringing destruction, upsetness, sadness, etc. to her house.
The man has done all he can with materials from everywhere, to make an eyecatching, eyepleasing home- and the woman tears it down.
Sometimes, a whole day of going around the house, singing "Keep my tongue from evil, keep my tongue"- wouldn't be a bad idea!!
But, we can't do it, unless we have the "WANT TO" and the asking of Jesus or pleading HELP, HELP!
If you want to be a Builder and not a Plucker, and you determine to change, and work on it, plus praying for help and even fasting for that reason, God will honor that and help you and me!
Remember also, when you fail, confess it, then praise God for giving you another chance!
Hallelujah!

Christmas Poem: Who is Jesus?

2005-08-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's Christmastime once again
A time of joy and not of pain
We celebrate, exchange our gifts
Expect to have some big snowdrifts
We go to church, this once a year
Set aside Al Qaeda fears
Bow our knee to Christ the King
Silent Night to Him we sing

But do we really understand
The secrets of the angel band
How Christ has lived eternally
How He shall come back finally
How Jesus died so we can be
Set free from carnality
Free from sin and Satan's rule
No more his pawn, no more his tool

And yet there's more to comprehend
So to this Christ our knee we'll bend
Repent, be baptized in His name
You'll never, ever be the same
Receive His spirit, speak in tongues
Joy will bubble from your lungs
Merry Christmas, one and all
May joyful Mem'ries you recall!

Sometimes

2005-07-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes:
I forget that life is short
Sometimes:
I forget that people are more important than things
Sometimes:
I forget that God is my Father and has promised to supply my every need
Sometimes:
I forget that my neighbours and friends still are not saved.

Help me oh, Lord to remember eternity
Help me oh, Lord to relax and trust you.
Forgive me Lord, for my many failures.
I do love you, Jesus!

The Longings of the Soul

2005-07-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Psalmist David cries out "Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men." , "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove that I might fly away to be with you". Oh, yes there are deep lonings of the soul. Each of us at this point has various lonings of the soul.
Whether you love the Lord or not, your soul cries out to be fed. You soul yearns to have "rest", to be in completion, to be healthy.
We get so many hurts and bruises in life, some caused by ourselves, our own mistakes, our own sin, some caused by others who wanted to hurt us, some caused unintentionally by those that love us, some caused because there is sin in this world, therefore people get sick and people die.
Oh, the longings of the soul deep within us. "For He satisfieth the longing soul and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."
The longings of the soul can be deadened, put out like a fire dies, and sometimes we ourselves pour water on the fire and kill it. For our soul's longings, we sometimes say, "No, Lord, you ask too much of me." That's the first time we say this, but it may become a habit until at last the Spirit of the Lord is hushed, and He quietens down within your soul. " Quench not the Spirit".
Quenching a fire in the forest or in your wood stove means to drown it or to kill it. Someone said, " My soul shall never find its rest until it finds its rest in THEE." Ah, that's the way God made us. We'll never be satisfied, we'll never be at rest until we find our peace with God through Jesus Christ. We'll never truly be happy until we are in His will for us.
First, His will is "that all might be saved and come to the knowledge of God". Then there is the living for God, the serving God, the obedience to His will for our lives.
We can be saved and run from God like Jonah did, but the result of his flight was to be swallowed by a big fish. ........ Not too pleasant!!

Other Be: Attitudes

2005-07-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

1. Be all of one mind
2.Be compassionate one of another
3.Be loving
4.Be sympathetic
5.Be courteous
6.Be full of blessing to others
7.Be careful what you say
8.Be wise and do good
9.Be seeking and practising peace
10.Be a follower of good
11.Be happy if you suffer for righteousness
12.Be not afraid of the enemy
13.Be not troubled by the enemy
14.Be careful to have Jesus in your heart
15.Be ready to give your testimony to anyone
16.Be leading a good life in Christ
17.Be willing to suffer for Christ

18.Be Baptized in Jesus name, so you can have a good conscience toward God because your
sins are washed away.
I Peter 3

Source of Life

2005-07-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Looking up into the bare trees one winter day wlile lying in the snow, I started to think of those trees, wondering how the tips of the branches way on top could stay living, looking vibrant and alive.
In my ponderings I realized that the source of nourishment didn't lye in any of the branches, but way, way down in the roots. The roots would soak up the water and gain nourishment from the earth and thewn send life up through the sap.
I started to think of the tree planted by the river of water, in the Bible and how Jesus showed us that we need to stay attached to the tree in order to get life. We, like branches, need to stay attached to the source of Life or we begin to die.
The branches on our yard that are dying , we throw on the burn pile. Our source of Life , as Christians, is in Jesus, and we need to stay attached firmly in Him.
Basically we are nothing without Him, but in Jesus, we blossom or bloom, become big branches or little branches, whatever He has for us.
He is our Life, our source of strength, our hope, and if we are attached to Jesus, we shall see Him someday and be with Him eternally. Jan/'99

By Grace are Ye Saved!

2005-03-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah- by God"s Grace we are saved from the wicked power of the Devil. We are snatched from Satan's grasp when we are saved. We have fowle Satan's plan when we step into and accept the eternal plan God has for those He created.
God created us for Himself. Satan did not create us. He has never given us anything good- nothing to bring us true fulfillment, joy and peace- only a temporary fling that leaves someone hurting. Satan has given us freedom to kill babies, to divorce and remarry leaving behind hurting children, freedom to fulfill sexual pleasure and leave behind hurting hearts, to steal belongings so we can have, but others are left without, to argue, to gossip , to slander,- ah, even within the church! But God created us for His good pleasure- for Himself. To know Jesus Christ- to know Him!
But we are sinners. We are in Satan's camp. We belong to Satan until we are redeemed. By God's grace are we saved. Jesus paid the ransome price long ago. 2000 yrs ago He hung on the cross that I should have hung on for my sin, but He did it instead of me, for me. He has infinite grace- beyond anything we can imagine.
We are so wicked we could never get near heaven. The people at the Tower of Babel tried to get near heaven- they were judged. Transendental Meditation people try to meditate into perfection. Many give to charities, many give lots of money to the poor. etc- but God Himself in His Word the BIBLE, which is the only TRUTH- inerrant- said," not by works of righteousness"> :There is none righteous, no not one"
So, here we are! YOU and ME. We understand that God is full of grace. So, then all of mankind will be saved, right? All religions will be saved because Jesus paid the price for our salvation 2000 yrs ago, so now it doesn't matter what you do since works are obsolete and after all, it's by Grace we are saved- the gift of God, not by our works. Right? Oh, but we must look at God's complete book. God gave us the whole Bible, not just 2 verses, and the rest being just a nice story.
John 1:12 #1 as many as received HIM
#2 them that believed
John 3:18#2 them that believed
John3:5 #3 we must be born of the spirit
#4 we must be born of the water
Rom 10:5#5 confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus
#1 believe
1 John 1:9#1 confess your sins
What I see in scripture alot is that God wants us to believe in Him. Many people who are very worldly believe in God. But, belief is where it starts. If you can't even believe that God created you, and that He really sent Jesus to die for your sin, you can't proceed any further. End of discussion. But, my Beloved - as John would say- if you chose to believe let's go on.
The next step is hard because many are too proud. We must confess with our mouth " I am a sinner. There is no good in me. I need to receive the gift of salvation which Jesus bought on the cross of calvary" Many faithful church goers have gone this far and just love the Lord Jesus so very much. They give to the church their time, money and talent. They witness, they fear for the lost who are going to hell. Yet Jesus told Nicodemus even more. Let's go on. Proceed.
"EXcept ye be born of the water and of the Spirit, ye cannot enter the kingdom of God" Cannot, it says. Now, Nicodemus was a good man. He believed in Jesus- he said," We know that thou art a teacher come from God" . Jesus said basically " Nicodemus, there's more- the water and the Spirit". Let's go to Cornelius. I like that story because so many of us were brought up in good traditional churches. Our churches took us to Belief and to confession.
Acts 10:1- Cornelius #1 a devout man #2 feared God #3 all his household feared God #4 gave alms - money to the people #5 He prayed to God continually #6 a just man of good report among all the nation of the Jews #7 He fasted for 4 days #8 He was open to hear and obey more from God. What a good man- even taught his whole household- children , wife , servants, and soldiers which served him, to fear God. Cornelius said to Peter," Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded you of God". As Pter preachad to them, the Holy Ghost fell on all themwhich heard the word. They spoke with Tongues and Magnified God. Then they were Baptized in water in the name of Jesus. So , here you have the water and the Spirit which Jesus talked about to Nicodemus.
#1 Believe #2 Confess your sin #3 Baptism of the Holy Ghost when you speak in Tongues #4 Baptism in water in the name of Jesus our Lord.
By Grace are ye saved, It is the Gift of God. Not of Works, lest any should boast. This plan God has for us is truly by His Grace on us who belonged or still belong to Satan. Isn't God Gracious? He loves us so much! Let's thank Him for His plan, and let's receive His plan for us, for you and for me!!!

#3

God's Will

2005-03-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

"Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God!" Col.1:1
Wow! That's a statement all by itself! Paul was doing what he was doing , because it was God's will. Paul had found out what the will of God was for his life and he had yielded to it , and was doing it! Paul didn't havean easy life! All that hunger, travel by foot or donkey, ship-wreck, persecution, but, he said "Count it all joy my brethren ( or sisters)". He said, I do it all for the cross of Christ, that I may know Him. Paul was quite a guy- yes, but I am a woman. Here's you and me - women- yet, there is a verse- "There is now neither male nor female". In Christ, Jesus looks at us women on the same level as men!! Hallelujah! Shout for joy, women! Jesus loves you as much as He does Paul. Go ahead - Do a jig! Going back to the verse Col.1:1- are you doing God's will? Are you following what God wants for you? Sure, service is not salvation, but we do show Him how much we love Him by doing something good for someone. What about a cup of water in Jesus Name? What about bronies for that obnoxious neighbour, or prayer for the Tsunami victims or $$? What about prayer for the poor girls caught in child slavery or again $$ If you are a working Woman or an at home mother, God wants to use you! If you are in a wheelchair, God can still use you to phone someone and say " I"ve been thinking about you! You've been on my heart lately!" Come on Ladies, let's get busy doing what God's will is for each of us! Then, we'll count it all joy, cuz we're doing it in HIS NAME! Remember the song" When will the world see that we love Jesus".

Just Do It!

2005-03-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

Herein is no choice-Just do it!!
-Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth
-only speak that which is
:good
:edifys
:ministers grace
-Do not grieve the Holy Spirit
-Put away all bitterness
all wrath
all anger
all clamor
all evil speaking
all malice
-Be kind
-Be tenderhearted
-Be forgiving

We must not choose whether or not to do these things. These are commands just as well as commands like "Be Born again." God says, "Do it", but He doesn't ask us to obey in our own strength. DO IT, in His strength, by His Spirit.

One God

2005-03-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

To the Jew, He is: One God
To the Muslim, He is : One God
To the New Testament Church, He is: One God

Therefore God has been or should be seen as the same to all three groups--

God is: merciful- plentious in mercy
to be prayed to daily
Good
Ready to forgive
a listening God, to my prayers
answers prayer
a God of great works
Creator of all
the One whom we worship
the One who we glorify
Great
the Only God
does wonderous things
Truth
to be feared- obeyed
to be praised
My God
the Lord
a deliverer of my soul from hell
full of compassion
Gracious
Patient
plentious in Truth
gives us strength
My Comforter
My Helper
taken from Psalm 86 in the Bible

Poem: Christ is for all (Easter)

2005-03-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

The day that Jesus died for me,
I could have cried-for on that tree
He hung ands bled in agony
To save us all from Satan's Hell,
So we could ring the living bell of Joy.

Now when I die, I'll go to heaven
To live eternally on high,
In God's great mansion, made of gold
But when that is I am not told.
Twill be such joy to see Him there,
So all His glory we can share.

Christ didn't die for only me,
He died so all His glory could see.
Confess your sins to God above
And He shall give you Peace and Love.
He'll never leave you nor forsake
So, pray and confess your big mistake.

Poem: Seek ye the Lord? (Easter)

2005-03-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

Whom do you seek?
Why are you here?
The tomb now stands empty
But you stand in fear.

Yea, sir we seek Him
Who lay mid the wraps
We came to bring spices
See here in our laps?

But, sir He's been stolen
They took Him away
Do you know His whereabouts?
They took Him today!

Mary, Dear Mary
See here, it is I!
Oh, Master Rabboni
You're alive, yet did die.

Today many seek Him
But many give up
We must seek 'til we find Him
Let Him fill our cup.

Jesus said, " I am the Resurrection and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by ME!"

It's me! I'm on the WEB!

2005-02-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

This fantastic idea came to me last fall of having my own web site! It will not be anything amazingly beautiful, but my aim is to inspire you to new heights of thought and of living. I am a Christian so my views will be affected by the Bible and yet if you are not a believer, I still believe I can inspire you! Also I want to share recipes, sermons (ha, ha) I have written, and maybe even poems and songs that I have written over the last 30 years. Basically it's BITS of inspiration. So, keep tuning in at least every 2 weeks and I will try not to disappoint you. Oh, yes a verse to memorize--Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ -Phil. 1:2