This is the day....

New Years Blessing!

2012-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

A WONDERFUL surprise happened to me on New Years...Sunday!

My dear friend Kelly and her husband surprised us by visiting our church!

I was soooo SURPRISED!! that my brain was having trouble processing the fact that the photos I had seen of them...was in PERSON now!! What a joyous moment when Kelly hugged me and I her!

The LORD brought our lives together through my daughter living in Okinawa Japan at the time AND a Breast Cancer Diagnosis!!

Kelly (living in Okinawa also) had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and not knowing what to expect, my daughter mentioned to her that I had at one time a lump removed. Kelly called me and from there it is History of a friendship's journey.

I have many post written about Kelly and myself at my blog Watering Wells of Hope
I also post updates on health research and cancer updates and have shared other "trials", where truly, He never leaves us nor forsakes us. His GRACE is sufficient!

It has been a two year journey so far. Kelly's much more serious and full of testimony of God's Grace at her blog Grace Upon Grace Pleae stop by her blog and read the blessings!

Both of us have seen the hand of the LORD upon our lives in this trial of Cancer.

For HIS PURPOSE and HIS GLORY.

To touch other lives...witness of His Grace...testify of our own PEACE AND COMFORT found only in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!

Another blessing for the church...is to SEE someone you have prayed for...for so long...and see them radiantly smiling! Knowing GOD did indeed answer our prayers and gave strength to Kelly and wisdom to doctors and intervention in many needed areas of her life.

Praise the LORD for his wonderful works towards...all of us!

I thank him for the care he has shown to me, as well.

It is true..you do not know what a day brings forth...

Some the greatest surprises and blessings!!!

I am reminded again of a great quote I read:

Don't miss the journey...for the destination!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and May God grant you all joyous beginnings in this New Year full of Praises To God!!

HOPE

Isn't the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful!

2011-12-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

http://youtu.be/UZv3jzOTE70

Hymn John w. Peterson 1921

There will never be a sweeter story...story of the Saviour's love divine.
Love that bro't Him from the realms of glory
Just to save a sinful soul like mine.

Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful, wonderful, wonderful,
O' isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful! Wonderful it is to me.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mar was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18

And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the LORD. St. Luke 1:46

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. St. Luke 15:10

Boundless as the universe around me, Reaching to the farthest soul away
Saving, keeping love it was that found me
That is why my heart can truly say...

Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
O' isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful! Wonderful it is to me.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17

Love beyond our human comprehending, Love of God in Christ- how can it be!
This will be my theme and never ending, Great redeeming love of Calvary.

Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
O' isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful! Wonderful it is to me.

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:1-4

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. John 17:8

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
O' isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful! Wonderful it is to me.

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we my know him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. I John 5:20

He came....He died...He did his Father's work...he rose again!

No longer a babe in a manger............But sent to set men free!
No longer a babe in a manger...........but a risen Saviour is HE!
No longer a babe in a namger..........My Lord and God and King!
Isn't the LOVE of Jesus....such a wonderful thing!

Another song to share...

May God bless you in the New Year!
Hope

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Thanking the Lord for our sweet twin grandsons were able to visit this past weekend.
We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving with my eldest son and daughter in law making the entire Thanksgiving dinner by themselves...with a double portion of helpers!!

My husband had to work the day prior, so we traveled Thanksgiving day, arriving a couple hours before dinner. Everything was made and perfectly done! My son's first TURKEY! (well he might say he already had two!!) The twins are little characters...jabbering away and holding up hands for at "taste"...such a fun Thanksgiving with them.

We have so much to be THANKFUL for...as ALWAYS. God's mercies sure and sweet. I love THANKSGIVING and the thankful reminders all through the day of how BLESSED we truly are...and much more so for knowing the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal Saviour.

Thank you Lord, for saving my soul, Thanking you Lord, for making me whole,
Thank you Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free.

Seth Sykes 1892-195-

I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

THIS IS THE DAY...thankfulness fills my heart!
HOPE

Thanksgiving Memories

2011-11-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING...a time of recalling with others...THANKFULNESS.

I bought this little Indian decoration when my first grandson Austin, celebrated his FIRST Thanksgiving. He is now 14 years old.

I am so thankful to see my grandchildren now desire spiritual things in their lives, by choice. THANKFUL as well, for the many blessings they can now fully understand have come from the hand of GOD.

Thinking on past THANKSGIVINGS...it is a reminder of how many we have shared and EACH YEAR so full of testimonies of God's grace.

MEMORIES OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not:
As Thou has been
Thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me!

John Peterson 1921

Have a blessed THANKSGIVING full of Praises to GOD!!

HOPE

To Whom Shall We Go...a shared post

2011-11-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

This post write up is excellent. I'd like to share it with you today if you will.

http://ofhispasture.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-whom-shall-we-go.html

I myself have suffered loss. You can read more about this on my watering wells of hope blog
under the title STEPHEN. You can also click on labels if you like for specific helps.

GOD is our only help in time of such great need. He alone is the ONE who knows it all. The suffering, the heartache, the pain...and the lack of understanding by others. No one knows us like our maker...the GOD of ALl creation.

Please read this Psalm. I read this so often in my fiery trial of faith...and found such comfort. I italicized the verse that meant so much to me.

Psalm 139:1-18
O LORD, though hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yes, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness
and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou has possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in
the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members
were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O GOD!
how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with thee.

Sometimes words are not enough from others...nor from our own lips.
Praise GOD he knows the heart! He knows the depths of despair and he knows our desires. Let them be right before HIM and let HIM have his perfect will in your lives.

I can assure you..Romans 8:28 is always true to those who know the LORD Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Who know the trust that comes by pure FAITH in his work.

I pray THIS IS THE DAY..you are encouraged to seek HIM..for whom shall you go?

HOPE

Heart For The Saviour

2011-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Heart For The Saviour

is a NEW BLOG written by a wonderful lady...Connie.

When I read the verse of Scripture above...I think of her life and her walk with the LORD.

Her previous blog: Connie's Thoughts ... was some how deleted.

Please, stop by and visit this precious lady of Faith. (click the blog name under the picture)

She has a wonderful testimony and her words are most encouraging. She has many years of WISDOM she shares and stories of life that provoke much thought.

If you do not know Connie...visit and find many blessings!

Have a lovely day!!
HOPE

Trusting In the Lord

2011-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

The LORD is good...

...every need he knows of.

a strong hold in the day of trouble...

...he is with us.

And he knoweth them that trust in him.

Our prayers were made...to the one who can answer.

HE DID.

As my family prepared to move overseas...so many needs arose so quickly.

We PRAYED...it was answered!

But then, the need changed..suddenly.

We PRAYED...it was answered!

One AGAIN..it abruptly changed!

We PRAYED...it was answered!!

Three times within a two day period our NEEDS changed and GOD answered them immediately. What JOY it brought and confidence of HIS WILL...

AT THIS TIME.

Some prayers need much patience..as GOD works in other areas..perhaps other lives.

This time...he chose to answer immediately! How thankful we were to be able to share this with so many. The encouragement it brought to my daughter, as she traveled alone with four children to a foreign country.

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7

So often, I have counseled others to wait on the LORD. TRUST.

We must tell ourselves this, as well!!!

How often do you give advice...scripture to others and fret yourself over the very fear they had!!

It is a good reminder to remember...your own words of encouragement.

Oh, so often, I have seen the Lord work in lives over TIME...myself included.

Some prayers...need TIME ..for the answer to come.

To TEACH us to TRUST. To TEACH us patience. To TEACH us not to want.

Does not Psalm 23 say...

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In the front of my Bible I have written at the top of a page:

My Memorials of God's Faithfulness.

MY.

The page is full....he has answered so many prayers.

TRUSTING THE LORD...

Are you? Can you? Will you?

He has so much prepared for you..so many blessings!

Don't miss them!!

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

Trust today..and pray.
HOPE

God Be With You Til We Meet Again

2011-10-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

A song sung at every GOOD BYE I know of...for Christians!

The writer obviously wanted to have joy in knowing that GOD was going with those departing our fellowship...and that by FAITH, we KNOW, we SHALL see one another again..here or in the air!

What PEACE and COMFORT it is to be SAVED and know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as one's personal SAVIOUR! I wouldn't trade my place with anyone! To REST in the LORD and HIS PROMISES..is the greatest life there is.

My daughter and her children left the other day...farewell..FARE YE WELL!!

So many PRAYERS ANSWERED...one prayer answered..the NEED changed and IMMEDIATELY it was ANSWERED..but then once again..the NEED changed and AGAIN..the prayer was answered.

GOD KNEW...the need. What joy and comfort it gave me..as a MOM to see MY GOD so quickly intervene in the needs of my child. It gave her confidence in her journey. The unknowns can be so scary...so unsettling. But, with GOD..our comfort lies in RESTING IN HIM.

How loving he is to give us glimpses of his care...whether it be an immediate answer to prayer...or a timely call...or timely hug..ALL TIMELY.

So with this post...let me share this song:

God be with you will we meet again..
By HIS councils guide, uphold you
With His sheep securely fold you

God be with you till we meet again
'Neath His wings protecting hide you
Daily manna still provide you
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again
When life's perils thick confound you
Put His arms around you..
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again
Keep love's banner floating o'er you
Smite death's threat'ning waves before you
God be with you till we meet again.

Chorus:
God be with you will we meet again..Till we meet again
till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus Feet,
Till we meet, till we meet..God be with you till we meet again.

Jeremiah E. Rankin 1828-1904

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11

I love you ...my family..God Be With You!
Mom and Nana
Hope

Heartaches...but soul rejoicings!

2011-10-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

My heartaches to see my sweet family leaving me...another tour of duty...another place of service...for the USA and OUR LORD JESUS!

This precious family of mine has been so blessed of the LORD..my soul REJOICES..this is the day!

I thank HIM for several QUICK needful answers to prayer and will share those this coming week. So many blessings and lessons learned. GOD IS GOOD to us..so undeserving...amongst millions. He takes notice of us.

He takes notice of YOU!!!

II Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises...

God bless
HOPE

Seasons of Life

2011-09-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

They begin in your childhood...memories.

Happy Times.

These times for me...were with my grandparents. Each year my sister and I would visit them. Sometimes both of us...or separate for our own special visit.

I'm the one in the photo with my grandfather wearing a King hat. I don't recall why...but, that's what Grandparents do for their little g'kids... just go along with the kids and be one too!

I loved this place called "Fairyland". It still exist and so nice to know it has not changed much. The dragon that greeted us is different...and a few other attractions, but, overall the same wonderful childhood place to explore and learn.

We entered through the "Old Woman's Shoe"... and onto the dragon to pull his tongue and hear his greeting. We climbed on the back and tried to walk the length from tail to head.

We would place a key given at the entrance in little boxes to play a story and song that went with the theme of the display. The schoolhouse played "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and the little lamb was there to pet...or "The Three Pigs" and three live little pigs.

Willie the Whale's staircase led to a big walled aquarium at the bottom of the stairs. I had a plastic Willie the Whale bank...sure wish I had it now!

I loved eating the PINK POPCORN...taste just like a popcorn ball only colored and square. I always looked forward to that treat. It only taste good then. Every feel that way? It's the place or people with you that even makes a flavor just more enjoyable.

Sometimes when I'm outside...the smell of the air brings me back to these times with my grandparents..AMAZING..how time comes back ...for a moment.

A SEASON...passed...childhood.

What did I learn from this experience in my life?

As I look back now...it was a time of security with people I could trust and knew they loved me. I had no fears...at THAT moment. I'm sure that is why we sometimes keep those "moments" and recall them often. We loved that time in our life.

A reminder...of how in our hearts, that is what we truly desire in life.

Peace, security and love.

Moments and seasons...that speak to our hearts.

What did I learn...then, I remember how thankful to be. My mom was a single mother working to raise two girls. My grandparents made up for some of the "times" she couldn't afford. They gave me happy moments to remember.

Do you give people in your life HAPPY MOMENTS to remember?

Think of each time you are with family or friends and what you left them with in those moments together.

I have a little saying whenever I am doing something special or new with someone..I tell them.."we're making memories"!!!

I did that this weekend on a short visit out of state to see dear friends in Christ... and today, here at home with another Sister in Christ...going to lunch in a quaint little eatery "THE COTTAGE" and after lunch sharing a yummy dessert and strolling through some local shops in a nearby town. Just peaceful, secure and yes with love..both loving the LORD and having the blessedness of his Fellowship with us.

As a child..in that Season, the innocence of being with my grandparents gave me a warm secure memory to keep in my heart.

Today...the memory of the fellowship with a dear Christian friend...THIS DAY ..THIS SEASON...gave me a warm, secure blessing of more to come.

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures evermore.
Psalm 16:11

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank the LORD for the moments in our Seasons of life that stay in our hearts and bring joy.

Blessings
HOPE

Comforts, Hope, Strength

2011-09-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

So many "moments" in our journey of life that bring us to the humble state of knowing without HIM...our LORD GOD...we are helpless and nothing.

How grateful I am for the many times...ALL...that God My Saviour...has come to fellowship with me and shown himself faithful, true and loving.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

His only condition...

We love him...because he first loved us. I John 4:19

Know therfore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations... Deuteronomy 7:9

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10:20-21

Whatever your lot...whatever is in your heart this day...Give it to the LORD!

and...let him be thy comfort, hope and strength.

He is mine.

Seasons of our life....that seem unbearable...REST in HIM.

Blessings and courage to you THIS IS THE DAY...

HOPE

Hurricane SEASON

2011-08-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

My blog title is rather unique..as I had planned to write on SEASONS of LIFE prior to this post! So timely..as this SPECIFIC SEASON is upon us..literally!

Are the Ominous Clouds billowing upon your heart this day?

I find this verse always such a comfort. I use to repeat it often to myself and my children over the years; as we watched the weather SEASON for HURRICANES. They seem to encompass all your thoughts. You plan your ESCAPE...your SUPPLIES...your cherished possessions (some are your KIDS! ;)

It certainly is a time of TRUST. Of COMPLETE trust in our GOD and the design of HIS WILL for us..for mankind. We can't possibly know his plan or reasons. In HIS time, however, he does reveal so much to us. He helps US grow in this TRUST. I have.

Many years of fear...anxiety...prayers and feeling totally helpless. GOOD.
It MADE me look unto the hills..from whence cometh MY HELP.. MY HELP IS IN THE LORD!!

Barb at Barb's Bacon Bits (why Bacon bits? ) I need to ask her..I missed something here!) Her post on TRUST is very good.

Keep in Remembrance

2011-08-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this on another blog and it brought tears to my eyes...as it should! Such a great price for us!! For our Country!! For our Freedom!!
(please turn off music at bottom of blog site to hear music with video)

How oft people go about their daily lives not touched by this in their lives. People unaware of the great need of prayer and remembrance. To realize the sacrifice made and how to live with it from then on.

THIS IS THE DAY....not only should we remember these....and the recent sacrifice of the Navy Seals who died...for us....our country...our freedom.

But also for the LORD JESUS CHRIST...HE is the ultimate SACRIFICE for us..for our country...for our freedom. FROM SIN. THANK THE LORD..he has set me free from the penalty of sin....the scars of sin...the end result of sin.

I thank my LORD...that he gave us HIS LIFE so that we might live from here on with the promise of ETERNAL LIFE.

I wonder as people watch this...and see the sorrow and the grief...

if they have thought upon what the LORD JESUS did for ALL..

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting live. John 3:16

Do tears fall upon your cheeks? Are you touched by the Hymns that sing of the LORD.

"Man of Sorrows!" what a name For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood-
Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Philip P. Bliss 1838-1876

and...

this song...the first Christian Hymn I learned and love...
also causes me to think upon our U.S. soldiers...they can march to this tune in their hearts and know that the GOD of heaven is with them and his purpose for their lives in his hand. ALL our lives are in his hand. My heart aches for the sorrowful loss of these families. ( I could have, could be one day also one of them) ALL my sons and sons in law have and are serving in the Armed Forces FOR OUR FREEDOM. My own two sons have been in near death experiences..and have lost friends. My sons have been encouraged with the Hymns of FATIH at these perilous and sorrowful times in their lives.

This song is to our Soldiers also...and to us...

On-ward Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before!
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle See His banner go!

On-ward Christian soldier, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before!

THIS IS THE DAY...Remember Sacrifices made for YOU!

THANK YOU my LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!

THANK YOU... my ARMED FORCES OF AMERICA!!!

HOPE

THIRTY SEVEN YEARS ago today...

2011-08-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE DAY....I married a WONDERFUL man.

The young man who shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ on our first date!

The one who led me to the LORD!

How WONDERFUL it is to be married to the one who not only led you to the LORD...but loved you enough to marry you also!

I wasn't looking...But, the LORD knew the perfect day! We dated for a year before getting engaged. During that time, he discipled me faithfully in the WORD OF GOD.

I was 19 (so young) and he was 22.

Our wedding day was a dream to me. I remember when I arrived at the church...there was nothing set up. No flowers at all..and I had ordered flowers with streaming ribbon down the aisles. Oh, no...it's not going to happen. SIGH. (little did I know that Florist have a perfect system of "set up" and timing). I was so sure they forgot...

When the time came...I walked out to meet my Grandfather who was escorting me down the aisle...my eyes beheld the BEAUTY of my DREAM WEDDING! It was as beautiful as I had hoped...and there at the altar, awaited my other DREAM!

For this cause shall man leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Ephesians 5:31

Little did we know that day...the journey ahead. Such simple faith and love at the time. God had plans.

Our family began to grow with children...six of them. Over the course of years several different dogs... cats...hamsters...one rabbit....a guinea pig...and fish.

A couple adventures to the E.R., dentist(braces for one), NO broken bones (ever) I know a miracle!!...One hospital night with baby and fever.... Chickenpox... KIDS part of life.

My husband was always faithful, to lead our family in the ways of the LORD. Nightly devotions and prayers time. Our children would shed tears along with us over lost souls...those who were ill..and those who had needs greater than ours.

He would read stories to the children and make up things as he went along.."DAD..it doesn't say THAT!...Does it?" He would slip in one of their names and we'd all laugh.

Singing PRAISES to God around the piano or guitar as my daughters played for us.

The SPIRITUAL times as a family...are the most cherished.

Their high school graduations were special. Their accomplishments continued...two Marines...a multi-tasker mom of four and full of talent....a nurse/mom/Pastor's wife...another loving mom new) and dedicated worker with the Police Dept...and one with the LORD.

The military sent us across country where we raised our children and became active in our church. My husband attending the Bible Institute...and eventually becoming the Assistant Pastor of our church.

Another DREAM of mine fulfilled was being a TEACHER in our Christian School. I had always wanted to be a teacher...but marriage and the military changed my plans..but GOD had HIS!

NOW...thirty seven years later...we have almost 15 grandchildren (another on the way in January). (not all pictured here)

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

My husband took the Wednesday services tonight and preached on A GOOD MARRIAGE. I was so touched as he told of his love for me and GOD's hand in bringing us together and keeping us together. Both of us, have always desired the LORD's will in our lives.

In the midst of trials, sorrows ...the LORD has never failed us. His promises sure.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank the LORD for my blessed marriage...the center of it being the LORD JESUS CHRIST and for the faithfulness of my husband and friend.

HOPE

Comments are special like you!

2011-08-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take this time..THIS IS THE DAY...

to say THANK YOU to my followers who COMMENT. I'm sure with all of you that "follow" it isn't always easy to find the time to comment even though a post may be interesting...teaching something...or just plain fun to look at. I've visited some amazing QUILT sites..almost embarrassed TO comment.
(I quilt..but not like they do!!!) So, Humbly I comment.

So, how 'bout you? Is there a reason you do not comment...yet follow. Are you a continual follower or just pop in once in a while. Even those times are nice to know you visited.

I've gone to my "follower" list to visit you...to see who you are? It would be nice to actually meet some of you that follow...with a comment!! I'd love to hear from you.

What do you think of my blog post?

Is there anything...I can post to help you...encourage you. I'd love to do that. I'd love to hear your REJOICING in the day too!

Each day is filled with the goodness of the LORD...and if you can share some in your comments..it would be wonderful to rejoice in WITH YOU!

I hope you enjoy my flowers to you...ALL.

I'm quite humbled to have the followers that I do. Whenever, I think I'm wasting my time...Someone..write the very words I needed that day. COMMENTS help as much a blog post!!

I hope to visit you...leave a HAPPY comment...and rejoice in my "FRIENDS".

THANK YOU..
HOPE...who this day rejoices in the wonderful ENCOURAGEMENT we can be to others.

Seeds of time...becoming fruitful

2011-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

wikpedia image

THIS IS THE DAY Seeds of faithfulness...yield fruit.

My Pastor shared with us last night during our weekly prayer meeting; of a young man who called him to say THANK YOU. A young man he hadn't seen in YEARS.

More than 13 years ago, my Pastor was asked to debate another Pastor about some Bible Doctrines. The other Pastor would quote the "man" he followed and his own interpretations...while my Pastor always used KJV Scripture. During this time this same young man...was in the meeting listening. A follower of his dad's religion.

He spoke with my Pastor about the troubled heart he has had ever since that meeting! Though he stayed in this religion many more years, even to the point of becoming a Pastor himself...admitted that the day of the debate, he was IMPRESSED by the fact that my Pastor used nothing but Scripture to prove these doctrines of truth in the GOD of the King James Bible.

He testified that he came out of his DECEPTION! and believes the BIBLE with all his heart.

Over TIME...after this seed was planted...it began to bud and blossom as the photo shows in the perfect illustrations found in creation..by our GOD.

During this time of watering...another Pastor spoke only the Scriptures to prove GOD. He too mentioned the importance of SCRIPTURE with SCRIPTURE!!

This young man, as he preached...became convicted each time as SCRIPTURE he had begun to read... comparing Scripture with Scripture.... bore truth in his heart against the very words he was preaching and in his deceptive religion. He could no longer believe this false religion.

Many years....but fruitful in it's time.

God knows...how encouraging....as we wait on the LORD...and LET HIM...bring forth the fruit of righteousness and a heart seeking TRUTH.

THIS DAY...once again...in Gods faithfulness...I am...ENCOURAGED
to be faithful...to wait on the LORD...and see the GOODNESS OF THE LORD!

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8

I pray this day...you also are encouraged!!

THIS IS THE DAY...LET US REJOICE...AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!

HOPE

My Favorite Furry Friend...

2011-07-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is my GUS.

He is the most obedient pet and so much fun!

He has his own Fan club believe it or not!! Whatta DOG!

Many admirers...He's just that way. To know him...is to love him

One character...

His eyes speak volumes...

as does the cocking of the head!! So funny.

"Can you say that again...please?"

He can catch a ball in mid air and flip around as he does it! I guess he thinks he is "Circus Dog" ??

I don't know about other Schnauzers...we did have one...a sweetie..but GUS..well he is just... One of a kind!!!

He does not let me out of his sight...what a protector and buddy.

I don't dare mention C....A....T....S use to be my favorite pet...

If you say the S word...Squirrel...he runs soooo fast it's a blurr!

One day last week...not having my glasses on yet (early let out for dog) He was just jumping to go out...

oh you saw an S...okay

...but upon letting him RUN...I noticed the grey blurr was a poor grey tiger Kitty!!! I was yelling..

RUN KITTY...RUN KITTY

...he made up the fence as one HUGE FUR BALL..whew. Relief. He looked like he hit an electrical wire!!!

Gus is adventurous so I know there will be more post about him in the future.

What kind of pet do you have?

THIS IS THE DAY...I appreciate God's sweet creations, that bless us in numerous ways. Gus has helped me in many a lonely moment. He's just there.

Blessings...
HOPE

God of Our Fathers....July 4th

2011-07-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

On Independence Day...July 4th.

THIS IS THE DAY...

We all who are patriotic and love our America, joined in festivities, celebrating FREEDOM...Bravery...safety of our loved soldiers home...thankfulness...and the HISTORY of our country that has made it great...FOUNDED by men of FAITH and HOPE and THE BIBLE.

How oft have our FOUNDING FATHERS quoted scripture in their applications and desires of God's intercession and wisdom in putting forth the CONSTITUTION of our AMERICA...

...and the FOUNDING FATHERS of our FAITH.

Men who followed God's commands and HIS will over theirs..men who stood strong on the leadership of Godliness.

In church Sunday we sang this hymn.

God Of Our Fathers

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand,
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay
Thy word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever-sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous good-ness nourish us in peace.

Daniel C. Roberts 1841-1907 George W. Warren 1828-1902

These words as we sang...brought joy to my heart; knowing I have trusted in this same GOD of Faith. I have watched his hand of mercies, not only in the our history of America, but in my own life.

I love the music to this hymn also. Our orchestra has played this with the trumpets sounding prior to the words sung..and so majestic and powerful.

If you have never heard this hymn...search it out. It will bless you!!

Keep the DEPENDENCE of AMERICA on GOD!

...and we can be that nation we have always been!!

IN GOD WE TRUST

Blessings to you!
HOPE

The Blessings of the LORD

2011-06-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Just as the above scripture states...Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

In the midst of trials....can you say this? Many moments in tears, I have called upon the LORD and tasted his goodness. Yes, even times like this.

My husband and I have often sang this song for a special at church:

In times like these you need a Saviour, In times like these you need an anchor.

Be very sure...be very sure...Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One, This Rock is Jesus, The Only One!
Be very sure, be very sure...Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

In times like these you need the BIBLE...In times like these, O be not idle,
Be very sure, be very sure...Your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock.

So many times when we have sung this...I've thanked the LORD GOD ...HE is MY ANCHOR!
Nothing can pull me away from HIM...Nothing can separate me from the Love of GOD...He is always with me... I AM VERY SURE.

For several years now; I've had a heavy burden on my heart. One that many know...Mother's for sure.

Missing their children.

Seems that they grow up in a moment of time...and you recall so many days with them..so many moments. How could it pass so quickly!! You look at a photo and see that very day..as if it was now...but it isn't...is it?

and the tears flow.

God knows All this...and he knows the depth of love we have for those we miss.

I have truly...tasted the goodness of the LORD...in blessing me with a wonderful family. My children...you know; I've posted many times my thoughts upon this. God has watched over them in their absence...just as he watches over others.

and...this is where I have found another TASTE of HIS GOODNESS....

Children of others...God has placed in my pilgrim journey here on earth, serving Him.

One young woman who's blessed Mother died a couple years ago..God has put in my path...a wonderful friendship and bond we have made together. She is a precious Christian...reminds me so much...YES, of my own. She wants her new baby boy, to call me Nana. Tears of Joy!

Another young woman, who is so dedicated to God's service and labours with her family...corresponds with me in a friendship that has blossomed into cherished times of fellowship around God's work and Word...she wrote me recently..and said "I don't know what I'd do without you" ...Tears of Joy!

and yet another precious young woman...her mother deserted her as a child...we met about seven years ago when she came to my church. I took her under wing, since she was new in town...and that became a bond...like a Mother and Daughter. In fact, she calls me..her "Mother in the LORD"....She has sought my council many times and I was so touched to be able to fill a void in her life...(did she fill one for me as well?) Yes, often...

Sometimes, as we wait patiently on the LORD in the midst of our trials...the journey for us is in preparation. God chose to bring these young women into my life for a purpose...for all of us. How wonderful, to know that GOD cares for those voids in our lives that bring so much heartache.

We never stop loving or wanting our loved ones with us...

Everyday...I think upon each of my children. Their faces etched upon my heart. Their voices...always ready to hear.

But in each of their individual lives...they too must journey and let God use them.

Be not idle, the song says...walk daily with the LORD. Seek HIS WILL and let him have his perfect way with your life. You never know what he might NEED you to do for HIM!

Maybe YOU need to be a faithful FRIEND...or perhaps a CARING person who calls to check on those who need that moment... maybe you need to be that SISTER to do things with...or a DAUGHTER to a lonely Mother!! Maybe some small ones need a Grandmother figure...

They say Grandparents are one of the most important figures in a child's upbringing!!!

We will never take their place....but we can be a blessing in time of great need. A comfort in distress and a compassionate companion.

Ask the LORD...how he can use your LIFE...for others.

and...TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD....

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

This is the day....I'm thankful for GOD's work in my heart.

HOPE

Flag Day

2011-06-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is the day, amongst many that I reflect on the good that GOD has given us in this land of ours called AMERICA.

The RED, WHITE and BLUE....significant colors.

I remember being told in my youth:

RED is the blood shed for our freedom.

WHITE for the purity of faith in our land...built upon by our forefathers
for us to keep!!

BLUE for justice and freedom.

This flag was given to my eldest son upon his return home from serving in Iraq with the National Guard.

Normally a flag encased like this has been given upon the death of a miltary service member...but for this occasion..Happily, it was rewarded service!!

Each time I look upon this flag...I recall the near death experiences my son encountered and the friends he did lose in the war. I'm reminded of my own father and his flag given to me upon his death. Faithful, courageous men ...valiant for a cause and willing to go where needed.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

My son in law recently returned to his homeland of AMERICA...from war. He too was courageous: earning medals for exceptional and merited service.

How thankful I am to know these men...my youngest son, my "other" son in law...ALL served or presetly serving our AMERICA...THE RED, WHITE and BLUE.
Men who could have and would have shed their blood for our freedom. Men of faith, who love the LORD GOD and want purity in our land and who want justice done and freedom to prevail.

THE AMERICAN FLAG...means a great deal to me. I cherish it's representation of what men and women have fought for down through the ages of time...and they still do!

We have soo much to be thankful for...to thank GOD he has blessed this land as he has...may we not forget to thank him, to glorify him and to be a people obedient to his will.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

A promisee of God...we can count on it...we can expect it...because
Hebrews 10:23.... he is faithful that promised!!!

Blessings to you this day...
HOPE

He Is So Precious to Me

2010-12-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

It has been ONE YEAR since my Breast Cancer diagnosis...I AM...a one year Survivor.

My doctors appointment with my Breast Cancer surgeon this past Monday...
shows all is well!!

The collage above are some of the memories of this past year. Sweet gifts given, lovely handmade cards, flowers, a soft teddy bear, a gorgeous handmade quilt, an antique teacup owned by a Breast Cancer person, the Willow figurine given by the ladies of my church...all to show support...to help me in my journey...love with tender hearts of compassion. Gifts that I will always cherish.

Some of the photos show my treatment book given to me by my surgeon, the radiation machine, the butterfly sticker I had to wear. Reminders....that it was REAL.

This HYMN... He Is So Precious to Me...gives my praise.

So precious is Jesus, my Saviour, my King,
His praise all the day long with rapture I sing;
To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,
For He is so precious to me.

For He is so precious to me,
For He is so precious to me;
'Tis heaven be-low my Redeemer to know,
For He is so precious to me.

I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,
No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast;
His smile is upon me, the valley is past,
For He is so precious to me.

Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 57:1-2

Be merciful unto me, O God,
be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee;
yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge,
until these calamities be overpast.
I will cry unto God most high;
unto God that performeth all things for me.

THANK YOU for your prayers...your sweet, supportive comments.
THIS IS THE DAY...God bless you!
Love,
HOPE

Don't Miss The Journey For The Destination!

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

I will be embarking on a new journey with a destination....to please the LORD....to fulfill a purpose he has laid upon my heart at this time...and to reach the end with his blessings...and to HIS Praise and Glory.

I will be on a blogging break for some time...and truthfully, do not know if I will be back to blogging. However...my heart always has the desire to share the blessings of GOD and to encourage others with HIS WORD. THUS...I may be compelled from time to time to write a post here. If you would like to continue to be a follower? I would be honored. I hope to keep up with some of you from time to time, as I know your heart as well...desires the same.

TO ENCOURAGE... and...PRAISE THE LORD!

Thank you for the many times you have done this for me.

God bless every endeavor to reach others for the LORD JESUS and to thank and Praise HIM for all his goodness.

THIS IS THE DAY..I REJOICE in ALL the LORD JESUS CHRIST has done for me.

Blessings..
HOPE

Day by Day

2010-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear,
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best-
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure",
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy word.
Help me Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting
Till I reach the promised land.

Linda Sandell Berg 1832-1903

This Hymn is very well known...but I wonder how this applies to you PERSONALLY.

For me...as I even wrote out each verse this morning ...touched me...VERY personally. The words penned by these authors surely were moved to write words that would apply to so many other saints of God.

Worldly music...to me...seems so impersonal...perhaps more Generic.

By Worldly, I mean; lets say Entertaining.

Definition: Entertain: to hold attention...to admit into the mind (NOTE-not heart!)

GENERIC: like our medicines...NOT the REAL thing! I for one have had an allergic reaction to Generic meds! I didn't HELP my need!

Definition: Generic: NOT protected.

This Hymn...has the protection of God's promises! Found in HIS WORD!

For all the promises of God in him, are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. II Corinthians 1:20

Notice even one of the verses in this Hymn says:

The protection of his child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid; "As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure," This the pledge to me He made.

A pledge...a PROMISE.

Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises, O Lord....

Trust those promises. TRUST: definition: Confidence...surety...committed.

And so this morning this Hymn applies to me..PERSONALLY.

Day by Day... I rely on God, on His promises, on His mercies...to get me through my own "personal" trials. With a special mercy for each hour.

..faiths sweet consolation...Offered within Thy Holy Word.

It is here that I find my (sweet) consolation..THE WORD OF GOD. My TREASURE.

HIS WORDS to me..personally.

Genesis 1:5a And God called the light Day...

The first DAY...bore LIGHT.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

I must needs...keep HIS WORD in my heart each DAY...Day by Day.

The trial of this day for me...missing my children and grand children.

A great void in my life...yet, never far from my heart.

God HIMSELF..fills this void as none other can...by the mercies of each hour.

By his loving promises found in HIS WORD.

Truly..Day by Day...Til I reach the promised land.

May God strengthen you this day in your hour of trial..

This is the day...rejoice! God's promises are yours!

HOPE by the way..photo collage is of my g'children!

Happy the Home When God Is There

2010-10-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hap-py the home when God is there, And love fills ev-'ry breast,
When one their wish and one their prayer And one their heave'nly rest.

Hap-py the home where Je-sus' name Is sweet to ev-'ry ear
When children ear-ly list His fame And par-ents hold Him dear.

Hap-py the home where prayer is heard And praise is want to rise,
Where par-ents love the sa-cred Word And all its wis-dom prize.

Lord, let us in our homes a-gree This bless-ed peace to gain,
U-nite our hearts in love to thee And love to all will reign.

Henry Ware, the younger, 1794-1843
John B. Dykes, 1823-1876

EXCEPT the LORD build the house,
they labour in vain that build it...
Psalm 127:1a

Built within from the heart...
a heart of faith that trust God...

Built within from the heart...
in obedience to HIS WORD...

Built within from the heart...
in a daily walk according to HIS will...

Built within from the heart...
with thanksgiving and praise...

Built within...of LOVE for CHRIST
and the witness of HIS GRACE.

Then HAPPY the HOME
when GOD... IS THERE.

Hope 2010

Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

2010-10-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

On our trip up north to visit our daughter; we also had the wonderful privilege of attending her church...and not only that, her dad was asked to take one of the Sunday services. What a wonderful open door to share in the fellowship of God's work in another town...another likeminded church...another labour of Grace!

My daughter and her dad sang a special together..."IT IS FINISHED"

Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. Psalm 135:3

The Pastor of her church...excellent PREACHING...reminded us of HOME. What joy when the brethren dwell together in unity...Preaching the same Truth's of the BLESSED KING JAMES BIBLE!

BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down the skirts of his garments:
As the dew of Hermon and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalm 133

I'm amazed how visiting different churches around the country..you always seem to find one or two people that resembles one dear to your heart..back HOME!

We felt so welcomed...and so a part of their FELLOWSHIP!

Then on our way home as previously mentioned in my last post...the wonderful FELLOWSHIP of dear Christians in their home...might as well have been church; as we shared testimonies of GOD's GRACE and just WORSHIPPED the LORD in praising HIS work in our lives.

Brethren, We have Met to Worship

Brethren we have met to worship And adore the Lord our God
Will you pray with all your power, While we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit Of the Holy One comes down
Brethren pray and holy manna Will be showered all around.
George Atkins, 19th Century

And..it surely was sweet manna as we listened to my daughter's Pastor Preach THE WORD...as we listened to brethren sing special songs on their hearts and share testimonies.

How thankful and full of joy was my heart..when my young grand daughter raised her little hand and told how THANKFUL she was to God for bringing her Nana and Papa safely to visit! Then the following Sunday before my husband preached..my eldest grandson testified of the ENCOURAGEMENT we were to him during our visit. PRAISE GOD!

Then my heart wanted to sing as we parted...

God Be with You

God be with you till we meet again..By His counsels guide uphold you
With his sheep securely fold you
God be with you till we meet again

Till we meet...till we meet
Till we meet at Jesus feet
Till we meet...till we meet
God be with you till we meet again.
Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904

There is a hymn to fit EVERY area of our lives...to sing praises to GOD ...to reflect on HIS goodness...to sing of his mercies...it goes on and on...

and to these dear Brethren...our friends...

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3

HOPE

Hymn and Devotional Series...Showers of Blessings

2010-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

As I go through this series...I want to either reflect upon a devotional thought or something that has happened in regards to the Hymn chosen.

I just returned from a trip to upstate New York to visit my eldest daughter and her four children...MY beautiful, fun,loving GRAND CHILDREN! The entire visit was Showered with Blessings!! With this thought...I'd like to share some of the moments and the Hymn.

There Shall Be Showers of Blessing...note the Hymn title...there SHALL!!!

not might be..could be...SHALL BE!!! What a promise!!

There shall be showers of blessing
This is the promise of Love,
There shall be seasons refreshing
Sent from the Saviour above.

Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need
Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.

Daniel W. Whittle, 1840-1901 James McGranahan, 1840-1907

As an empty nester, my heart continually longs for the hugs and love of my children and grandchildren. The VOID at times seems unbearable...but GOD my Saviour has continually lifted my heart with rejoicing as I walk with him. Such comfort comes when I have put my trust in HIM and realized MY LIFE is NOT...my own. Therefore, whatever STATE I am in...I MUST be content; and live ONE day at a time. I have found that in yielding my heart in this manner...I can...and do...make it through those Seasons of loneliness.

As the song says...There SHALL be seasons refreshing...Sent from the Father above.

Showers of blessings we NEED... God knows them ALL! PRAISE HIS NAME!

I was surprised when I left them...the PEACE that came instead of a heavy heart..as I anticipated I'd have...But, peace comes at SUCH A TIME!!

Oh, the Showers of Blessing we enjoyed during our visit!

Fellowship with Saints at my daughter's TWO churches! TWO because of the weather where she lives...one is closer in time of SNOW and the other where she use to live and couldn't leave them! BLESSINGS of answered prayer in God's care, while her husband is serving in Afghanistan. TWO churches watching over her family.

How THANKFUL I am. Showers of Blessings!!

I will post more about our trip with Hymns...

But, I also wanted to share how this song came to mind also as we traveled the roads home. A long 18 hour trip. Raining the entire time. My son living in North Carolina called us in concern over the weather; warning us that the entire East Coast was expecting Thunderstorms and high winds. (Tropical conditions). If you know me...I do NOT like driving in storms...let alone at night; which is when we would be arriving to the North Carolina border. FUN.

I bowed my head in prayer...and gave my day to the LORD. I decided then and there..that I was NOT going to worry...I WAS GOING TO TRUST THE LORD!!! Whatever YOUR WILL LORD...let it be.

That morning in my devotional reading...Proverbs of the day...

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

As we began to approach some heavier weather and a vehicle accident...bringing us to a complete stop...sitting there for quite some time. I had hoped to meet up with a dear friend on the way home, but text her that due to time and weather; we wouldn't be able, as I didn't want them driving out in the HORRIBLE weather. She called back and said, she and her family INSISTED we stop in AND stay overnight! Since we were sitting there and had no where to go...My husband said..WE SHOULD.

We just so happened...to be at HER exit! and able to drive a back road to her home...have a wonderful meal together...SHOWERED WITH BLESSINGS...of GODLY fellowship, a soft bed and her dad made us breakfast before departing...at 7:30 in the MORNING. LOVE of BRETHREN!!!

and...we drove home in the LIGHT of the day and SUNSHINE all the way home!!!

The next two days...ALL the areas we had traveled were under flooding conditions and strong winds...

Truly, we do not know what a day brings forth...

some..full of wonderful SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS!!!

PRAISE THE LORD...he truly cares for even the smallest matters in our lives!

I pray this was an encouragement to you...in trusting the LORD...a little more...EACH DAY.

HOPE

Hymn and Devotion Series

2010-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Lately the Hymns seem to speak to my heart more deeply than ever and my thoughts continue with the words...the messages.

And so, I've decided to do a series of Devotional thoughts with a Hymn to go with it. I hope it will be a blessing to you and lift your heart in song and praise...for THIS IS THE DAY...let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it!!

Praise Ye the LORD, the Almighty.

Praise ye the LORD, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth.

The Almighty. He the LORD GOD...sustainer of life...My help in time of need...my provider...merciful.

Imagine, Israel in the wilderness 40 Years..and yet the scriptures tell us...that their shoes did not wear out!

And I have led you forty years in this wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. Deuteronomy 29:5

He led them...

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;
and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light; to go by day and night:
He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22

Oh how much He has done for....me!!

This now reminds me of another Hymn...

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

I sing the mighty pow'r of God that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained The sun to rule the day,
The moon shines full at His command, And all the stars obey.

I am in awe whenever I am near the ocean and see the vastness of this water that remains in its course...the rivers, streams. The mountains in their majesty...and yes, the Sun to rule the day..giving us light in our days..and the moon to shine at night.

I always liked the spiritual illustration of the Total Eclipse...

the WORLD coming between the SUN and MOON causing near total darkness...

Never let the WORLD come between you and your walk in the LIGHT of the LORD!

Keep that LIGHT of LIFE...walk in the Light of the LORD.

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15

The next total Lunar Eclipse is dated for December 21, 2010

I remember the last Eclipse I watched...it was scary watching it slowly move and eventually darken the moonlit night. It was sobering to think of so many SOULS lost in the darkness of this world.

Also noteworthy is that a FULL MOON/Brightest light of night... precedes an eclipse!

How refreshing it was, when the moon began to once again peek more and more giving back it's FULL LIGHT.

The wonders of God's creation is so inspiring to behold. To think upon the detail, care and perfection!! All for ...you and me....

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

THIS IS THE DAY.... Praise Ye the LORD, the Almighty...I Sing the Mighty Power Of God...

HOPE

Rejoicing!

2010-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE DAY...I rejoice in the salvation of one of our teenagers at church! I've been praying for this young lady for a long time..but even more so recently.

How wonderful it is to not only hear of an open profession of FAITH in taking Jesus Christ as one's personal saviour...but also to see a young person in spite of peer pressure...in spite of perhaps self "worldly" goals...choosing to WALK with the LORD!

I've known her since she was a toddler and being raised by Godly parents; I've had every hope that the testimony of God's Word manifest daily would reach her heart at a young age!

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. St. Luke 15:10

I am rejoicing......Imagine!!! ANGELS!

...and each and EVERY... ONE...soul...turning to GOD...brings REJOICING.

I can hear the Hallelujah chorus being sung right now and echoing through out all Heaven.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

A WONDERFUL GIFT...of love! Free to whosoever will!!!

Open the gift! Receive it and Rejoice!

BORN AGAIN...once born you cannot become unborn!! YOU BELONG TO HIM!

NOW I BELONG TO JESUS

Jesus my Lord will love me forever, From Him no power of evil can sever...
He gave his life to ransom my soul...

Now I belong to Him!

Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me

Not for the years of time alone, But for eternity!!

I love the words to this song...

Not for the years of time alone (not just now! with the blessings too!)

But for ALL ETERNITY!!!

Rejoice with me...THIS IS THE DAY!!!

Hope

Health Awareness!

2010-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been dealing with a lot of health issues this year and wanted to share some important information with my readers. In hopes that it might relieve you of some stress and anxiety in trying to determine your health needs.

So oft we put off going to the doctor thinking...."OH, IT's JUST MY AGE"!!

I've learned otherwise!!!

For information on BREAST CANCER you can visit HERE ...my post tell of my journey with Breast Cancer that began last December with God's gracious care and intervention.

As then in God's intervention...I also have found out I have Hypothyroidism.

This is an ANSWER to prayer!! sounds strange doesn't it??

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank the LORD for HIS intervention.

I've suffered from fatigue for YEARS...never finding the exact cause...and then finally just leaving it to my AGE and the Radiation treatments I finished this past April.

But, with it's lingering affects...I became desperate for ANSWERS!!

Frustrated at not having the energy on some days to do ANYTHING! This is NOT me!!!

I prayed and prayed...(God knows the timing..for whatever purpose..we WAIT on HIM!)

On one particular day...I began to have more swelling in my feet than usual (from my Blood Pressure) and my eyes were puffy (chalked it up to my allergies)...but I also began having NUMBNESS in my arms, hands and legs.

ALSO a WARNING...DO NOT LET YOUR RX run out on a weekend!! and especially a HOLIDAY weekend..which I did. Over the fourth of July I absentmindedly let my RX run out and of all times...needed the doctors okay to refill...

Okay..I've gone without my BP meds a couple days before...but not FIVE! By the fifth day...and hoping that my RX was available...I began to have marked swelling in my feet and as I was shopping that day felt unusually BLAU...let alone have a major hot flash. ALARM...I decided to go check my blood pressure in the pharmacy section of the store.

173/? I can't even remember...I just remember seeing 173 and OH MY!

I headed straight for my doctors office..and thankfully was seen within the hour with no appointment made! UNUSUAL!!!

My doctor accessed my problems...refilled my RX, did a EKG and X-ray to rule out any heart problems..she also had me do some blood work.

I did not request a THYROID check...but thank the LORD ...SHE DID!

VOILA...my problem...THYROID. She immediately started me on a low dose Synthroid, until we know my proper dosage. I will be checked again in a month to evaluate the dosage I need to keep a proper balance of the Thyroid Hormone in my body.

The Thyroid regulates all the functions in your body!

Liken your body to a automobile needing gas and oil...to start the engine to keep the fuel line going so that all the other parts do their job!

The Hormones work to tell each part what to do.

The Thyroid has hormones called T4 and T3 these work together to regulate your system.

The TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone that signals cells to release more Thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. Certain cells in the body convert to T4 or T3.

(read more about this at the link I've provided)

When I looked up the symptoms..I was amazed ..I had them ALL!!

I have requested test for my Thyroid for years (my mom and sister take Thyroid meds) and nothing ever showed up. The report on this site also states this very thing happening to people. This is why it is so important to watch for the symptoms and have blood work.

I did some research online and found an excellent site with the link here..
www.ehealthmd.com

The American Thyroid Association RECOMMENDATION for women 35 yrs. and older: Get a Thyroid blood test every 5 years. Most women more so after 50.

Even children and infants can be affected with Thyroid problems. I wonder now how many children are suffering from this and the parents are unaware of the problem and thinking their child is lazy!!

Some of the symptoms are as follows;

Tiredness
Inability to tolerate COLD
Weight gain of 5-10 pounds (unexplained) and not losing while trying!
Drowsiness-though slept all night
Muscle Aches
Constipation

LATTER symptoms:
Dry, flaky skin
Hair loss
Difficulty thinking
Numbness of arms, legs
Puffy face-eyes

There is a greater chance of THYROID problems in people with Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

NOTE: I am wondering now if my Hormone Therapy I had been on for 25 years was not masking my Thyroid deficiency. Upon my Breast Cancer diagnosis..I stopped my HRT. Thus, over time revealing a HORMONE deficiency..the THYROID hormone!

I truly pray this is a help to someone. I know had I realized the extent of the symptoms associated with the Thyroid, I might have sough help sooner.

Blessings to all..
HOPE

..was Blind..but now I SEE!

2010-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

The song "AMAZING GRACE" has been prevalent in my thoughts lately...by events of Praise...by the very song itself...something in the news...or even another blogs devotional.

I read in the news the other day about a little girl just 7 years of age singing this and as I watched the clip of the audience...many were moved very emotionally as you could see it in their eyes and tears.

In their midst this little girl sang...

Amazing grace-how sweet the sound- That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.

Is she singing this from her heart as A SAVED person? Do the people listening realize the MESSAGE and TESTIMONY of these words sung?

I began to think upon the many many people who sing or have sung this song...and the testimony of their lives that revile it!!!

I recall as a teenager ...to my shame...lying to my Mother. After I was caught, I was so miserable...I had lost her trust...COMPLETELY. I regretted this so much and even to this day.

THIS was a time that I felt a wretch!

Oh!! EVERY ONE does little white lies!

REALLY? and it's right? Common place!

(why is it called WHITE?)

Do we take our wretchedness so lightly?

I LIED! I connived and planned it! and hurt the one I loved!

As the years passed...I eventually gained her trust again.

But ONE DAY I read the BIBLE the WORD OF GOD for the first time with a humble heart.... and I SAW the wretch I truly had been..(one of many times) I knew in my HEART, I had so offended my own precious Mother...and GOD.

I repented and got SAVED...

I WAS blind...but NOW I SEE!

Sin is so deceiving...and time does not take it away..only that AMAZING GRACE!

It was and is that AMAZING GRACE...and how sweet is that song...that testifies of the true believer of GOD's WORD.

That Amazing Grace is found in the pages of HIS book...in the HEART of every true believer.

Ephesians2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

HOW CAN IT BE???

How can it be? How can it be?
That God should love a soul like me, how can it be?

As at the cross I humbly bow And gaze upon Thy thorn-crowned brow
And view the precious bleeding form By cruel nails so bruised and torn
Knowing Thy suffering was for me, In grief I cry... "How can it be?"

How can it be? How can it be? Was ever grace so full and free!
From heights of bliss to depths of woe In loving kindness Thou dids't go
From sin and shame to rescue me...O love Divine, "How can it be?"

AMAZING GRACE!!!

CHERISH THE MOMENTS....REJOICING

2010-07-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

This little guy..is ALL BOY...as you can see by the black dots on his arm..no it's NOT giant measles..he got a pen and decided to color. How many of us know BOYS that have done this..TYPICAL.

The bag on his arm.. holds all his little Hot Wheel cars. He MUST have these at ALL times. So cute..he even sleeps with them by his side! Now is that a BOY or what CARS/BOYS!!

I babysat this little guy just a few weeks ago (his brother had to have a minor surgery) so I watched this one and his little "older" sister. I had soo much FUN with them.

Their mom told me they liked cereal for breakfast..."oh, okay"...

THEN..I remembered...the ONE time I don't have Cheerios..ONLY FIBER ONE! YIKES...

Noooo..we can't have this...

Hey kids..you like pancakes! VOILA...

so I made this little guy a TRUCK pancake and he was so HAPPY he smiled for the photo.

We played...

OF COURSE!!! CARS!

and we read MY favorite book..THE FARMER ROCKS HIS FARM...only "I" embellish it with a little TUNE in my rocking recliner and we chant along...

"Rocky Rock..the Farmer rocks his doggy... and when the doggy goes to sleep...
the Farmer rocks his pig...Rocky Rock..the Farmer rocks his pig!"

Finally at the end the mouse goes to sleep and the Farmer..but the mouse sneaks off and who knows where!

Well...now this cute little guy...is HOME today..

after a very near tragic weekend.

We are REJOICING in the merciful kindness of our GOD!!

Little BOYS as I mentioned are quite adventurous even at a young age. This little guy nearly drowned this past weekend! His mom did CPR until EMS revived him on the spot..however, he had to be transported to a children's hospital for observation.

A very scary....heart wrenching time....a time certainly in need of PEACE...

Thankfully, he was only under the water a few minutes..but minutes count!

He was in the hospital 3 days and THIS IS THE DAY..he came home...PERFECT!

No problems...no after affects...just a SMILING FACE...holding HIS CARS!

When I went to visit him the other day in the hospital...he was sleeping...

so I sang our little Farmer tune a few minutes and put one of the cars I had brought in his hand..eyes still closed...he clutched the car tight!

I brought a few cars for him, just in case in the hurry of that day..he didn't have them along. I prayed he would wake up and SMILE at the nice surprise.

SMILE he did...and that night HAD to have his blankie by his face..AND his CARS lined up next to him on the bed..HE WAS HAPPY!

The hospital said that they have so many close calls ALL summer long and some do not make it....

Along with this post...I'd like to add this link for CPR information VERY IMPORTANT! Please take the time to visit and learn these life saving steps. This CAN and does happen to us all... We as Christians are not exempt from these things..but, we can be prepared (as this mother was!) Imagine the comfort she found in knowing at a critical time SHE was able to respond. THE MOMENTS mattered...
www.learncpr.org

I Peter 1:7 says..
That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...

His mom shared with me how she had in her thoughts for some time...the what if's of LIFE and how she would deal with them. Would she trust GOD..would she be bitter...HOW would SHE react.

In LIFE...we face so many different situations...some very tragic...some very stressful...ARE YOU PREPARED?

OUR GOD...gives PEACE AT SUCH A TIME...

As she prayed for GOD's will...

Peace to trust in GOD's care and the outcome...she was ready and able to trust GOD.

She had not only been prepared physically by the CPR training..but prepared in her spirit by her walk with the LORD...knowing HIM personally as her SAVIOUR.

How thankful we are at this time to...CHERISH THE MOMENTS REJOICING...

HOPE

Come, Christians, Join to Sing

2010-07-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Come Christians, join to sing- Al-le-lu-ia! A - men!
Loud praise to Christ our King- Al-le-lu-ia! A - men!
Let all, with heart and voice- Be-fore His throne re-joice!;
Praise is His gracious choice: Al-le-lu-ia! A - men!

I rejoice this day...with a song of praise on my heart for the many answers to prayer that have been so needful. Some very critical!

I thank and praise the LORD!!

for a mother AND baby at delivery who both developed complications, making a critical ICU situation...Both are home and well!!

for safety in traveling during severe weather...

for my own CANCER free check up!

my list can go on and on....

The song above is such a wonderful song of PRAISE...Join me will you!?

Sing a song of PRAISE today!

*photography by blog owner*

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

2010-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! PRAISE GOD FOR FREEDOM!

This is a Patriotic wall hanging I made for my son when he went to Iraq as a young Marine..a few years back. He actually rode into Baghdad the day of the war on terrorism. I KNOW what it is like to have your SONS go into battle. How THANKFUL I am/was that I have the LORD JESUS CHRIST to hear my prayers..to strengthen them and my family as we waited day in and day out for their return HOME...as we still do today.

HOME to AMERICA the LAND OF THE FREE!!

I just came back from decorating at my church for a dinner tomorrow..I was excited to hang the RED, WHITE and BLUE...as I thought about my freedom as a CHRISTIAN to worship and meet on SUNDAY and to hear the songs of Praise to God and songs of Liberty not only in the land but in Christ! Liberty and freedom from sins grip!

When I sent this to my youngest son...he hung it above his "rack". A reminder of the support back home!

I am so THANKFUL for the Lord's gracious care upon my loved ones. Two of my sons and sons in law have served on the FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. I know as a mother what it is like to have them leave home and face the enemy.

One of my son's in law is home on R & R at this time...I know the relief for my daughter and grandchildren these few weeks will be for ALL of them. I can imagine how that HUG felt.

Yes, I've been there. I know.

I'm happy to have THIS FLAG in my home...it is not one presented at military funerals (though I do have one..my Father's)...but this one presented to my eldest son who served in the National Guard-taking him to Iraq. To commend his unit. I love the admonition of a SOLDIER. AMEN

(Both my sons have also served as U.S. Marines and U.S. Army soldiers)

So often I think of the BATTLES we face as CHRISTIANS...the warfare is similar..but what ARMOUR we have in CHRIST! Not only the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit but the PRAYERS of the saints and God's Will in each life. What great PEACE..it gives to all of us who trust in HIM.

Let us remember:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Isn't it something that America chose an EAGLE as a national symbol..

He (God) shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 92:4

God bless our troops and their families...
God bless all those who put their trust in the LORD!

Thank you LORD...for ALL you have done for me.

HOPE

2010-06-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

...my heart is full as I think upon the loss my dear sweet daughter in law has experienced this past week. Her father was tragically killed..suddenly..without warning. I cannot imagine the ache in her heart..and yet she showed herself strong while I was with her.

As the above verse states...the LORD Jesus...HE IS OUR STRONG HOLD.

I think upon the many trials in my own life where I needed that strong hold...and He was indeed mine as well, as I put my trust in HIM.

My son too...how thankful I am...that HE showed himself strong..for her. At such a needful time of comfort..her own husband, strong in faith.

We don't always understand what happens...but GOD is perfect as are HIS ways.

As I looked at my two precious twin grandsons just three weeks old..how timely that GOD allowed my son and daughter in law to be BLESSED in such a sweet way and to have this comfort of love in the midst of trial.

GOD knows...she brought them into the world with her Father nearby to share in a memory she will always cherish. Photos she can share with her children.

The LORD is good...he gives GRACE and Strength in time of need.

As we continue on in our days...of prayer and courage...

May the LORD Jesus be Glorified and HIS manifold Graces revealed.

(thank you so very much to all of you who have left comforting words and prayer)

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank the LORD Jesus for HIS WORD..HIS COMFORT..HIS GRACE.

HOPE

Prayers Needed

2010-06-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

Please be in prayer for my daughter in law...she lost her father to a tragedy this past weekend. I am with her and my son helping with the twin babies...

I will post again when I am able..

THANK YOU!!!

GIVING PRAISE

2010-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

PSALM 111

PRAISE ye the LORD.
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
The works of the LORD are great,
sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious:
and his righteousness endureth for ever.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered:
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him:
he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
He hath shewed his people the power of his works,
that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment;
all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever,
and are done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto his people:
he hath commanded his covenant for ever:
holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:
his praise endureth for ever.
kjv 1611
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since my beginning days as a Born Again Christian..I have had continual Praises to my GOD. He is so worthy.

He has done so much for me!! Truly HIS WORD is TRUE...HIS PROMISES fail not...

How often do you actually say?

..PRAISE GOD...PRAISE THE LORD!

It is not a Charismatic outcry...but one of the heart full of rejoicing and thanksgiving!

Do you recognize those many moments...that deserve this EXCLAMATION!

So oft in the world we YELL out...

GO FOR IT!...ATTA BOY!...ATTA GIRL!...WHOOO HOOO!

How much more the bold PRAISE to GOD for his wonderous works in our lives!

Make known HIS GREATNESS...say aloud...

PRAISE THE LORD!!

THIS IS THE DAY...THREE NEW Grandchildren!

2010-05-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

YES..these are TWINS. Nolan Patrick and Asher Nathaniel born May 27, 2010

THIS IS THE DAY...We have been extremely blessed! THREE healthy grand babies born to our family. Both mommies are doing wonderful!

and Brady Charles born May 27, 2010

They were born on different sides of the USA...but the TIME..
Twins 12:15 Eastern
Brady 12:31 Pacific

so on their Birth Certificates it will read as if they were born 16 minutes apart..but today it was actually 3 hours! But nonetheless..the SAME DAY!

Lord willing...one day they will CELEBRATE a Birthday TOGETHER!

In honor of my little grand babies..I give them my favorite verse on children.

And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD;
and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Isaiah 54:13

Thank you LORD for the BLESSINGS of THIS DAY! We will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!
HOPE

A Woman Of Strength

2010-05-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
A woman of STRENGTH...KNEELS IN PRAYER...to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman thinks herself fearless..
A woman of STRENGTH...KNOWS COURAGE... in the midst of fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of HER!
A woman of STRENGTH...GIVES THE BEST...of herself to everyone.

A strong woman walks proudly...
A woman of STRENGTH...WALKS IN GOD's WAYS.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence...
A woman of STRENGTH.... WEARS GRACE.

A woman of STRENGTH...is a virtuous woman.

Strength and honor are her clothing;
and she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:25

...a small reward...

2010-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have had a nursing home ministry for well over eight years now; visiting every Monday with a song service and preaching. It's "church" for many of them.

Today was one of those days that brought a small reward that makes the heart full.

We watch our elderly congregants from week to week and year to year come and go...either by moving to another facility or by death. It is hard to loose one of our dear sweet friends. Most of them...say they are SAVED! Due to their elderly years...I suspect...many are of the OLD PATHS!

(NOT old fashioned..but of the RIGHT WAYS of GOD!)

They KNOW whom they have believed in!!

It is always such a joy to watch them nod their heads in agreement to my husband's preaching. Several, afterwards while shaking hands comment on the blessing of hearing it straight! AMEN.

Don't think these elderly in nursing homes don't know what is going on..THEY DO!

Many times when you think they are not paying attention...suddenly they all giggle at something my husband says that is funny....or if he reflects on the foolishness of our youth..they all remark with ~sighs~ of complete understanding.

...and then there are days when some are not okay, they seem so distant and failing.

One lady whom I will call "Lily" gave us a sweet small reward today.

Often this lady is lethargic and many times falls asleep...whether there is singing or preaching. Not long ago, I was afraid her time was near; she seemed to be getting much more lethargic.

I wanted to call her Lily for as I looked up information on a Water Lily I found that this plant...very pretty white against the green pad (it's leaves) goes dormant. Just like my Ms. Lily...she must have gone dormant for a while...lethargic and sleeping...but TODAY...much to our surprise and pleasure..she began toe tapping to the music!

We were singing several hymns when I noticed her right foot keeping perfect time! Her eyes were closed as she drew in each word and musical note. Just as a flower soaks up the dew of the morn...or the water from beneath it's leaves as the Water Lily. She was being refreshed...alive!

After our service...I approached her and said..."I saw you tapping your foot to the song!"...with her sweet eyes looking upward and a bright smile...she responded..

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING TODAY!!!

What joy it brought to my heart to know that TODAY made such a difference in her life...her moment of peaceful pleasure in the songs of faith and preaching of God's Word.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the LORD. Colossians 3:16

A small reward...worth every week...and year we have come to visit...HER!

THIS IS THE DAY....we remind ourselves...IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL WHEN WE SEE JESUS!

What is holding you up?

2010-04-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

As I waited in traffic one day, I decided to take these photos of bridge construction (I being on the other bridge next to it!) It reminded me so much of the strength needed to hold up in these last days...the strength needed to face difficulties in life.

I beheld the massive structure being built..step by step...day after day. A tedious and meticulous job! Imagine if just ONE mistake were made!!

Many people fear crossing bridges..probably thinking of this very fact. Man is only human is he not? Even in his strive for perfection..it is still possible for error. So what do you do? TRUST GOD!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God...
Isaiah 41:10a

As I think upon this marvelous verse..my heart is comforted.

FOR I AM THY GOD...

The greatest words....Our Creator!..HE is OUR GOD!

HE is the one who holds me up...

..... thy right hand hath holden me up... Psalm 18:35

ho

Look at the many things in this structure needed to hold it up!

Solidness..CONCRETE. Girders...stakes... and who knows how many small unknowns that make up it's strengths.

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statues continually. Psalm 119:117)

Some commandments of GOD may seem small and insignificant to you...but each is very important in the structure of your Christian walk.

I love to read Psalm 119. What a wonderful chapter on daily living and obedience that brings forth structure..strength and security!

Also keeping His presence daily in your thoughts and walk of life.

Reading your Bible daily..gives strength. It reminds of us God's work in mankind..in our own lives..HE speaks to us through it!

Praying daily...strengthens our hearts by faith as we seek HIS WILL and not our own..and find understanding in HIS WAYS..and except them. No is also a positive answer with GOD!

Fellowship with other believers...strengthens the unity of faith and knowledge of GOD with our praises of answered prayer...provision in time of need...and like mindedness of service to HIM who first loved us!

Ever notice the "bouncy" feeling when crossing over a bridge? A bit scary isn't it?

How about the insecurities you feel in your life...think how scary it is...when you don't look to GOD but to yourself. The answer to holding up..is found in Jesus Christ.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, A wonderful Savior to me
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

Franny J. Crosby 1820-19-15

THIS IS THE DAY...I rejoice in knowing my greatest strength is found in the LORD Jesus Christ...come what may...HE HOLDETH ME UP!

HOPE

A Blessed Day

2010-03-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE DAY...I was BLESSED with the wonderful fellowship of very sweet ladies....one being my very BESTEST of friends, SUE. She is a Missionary to Papua New Guinea; home on furlough. Her daughter Missy, whom I blogged about recently invited us all to a very quaint ADORABLE Tea Parlor in a neighboring town. Along with us were two other young women from my church and also a couple of "little" darlings who had never been to TEA before.

WHAT FUN!

I captured the most precious photos of the little ones "DRESSING UP" for tea. The Tea Parlor had a dresser filled with hats, necklaces, scarves and gloves.

It was so cute to watch how much they enjoyed being FEMININE! A LADY!

They giggled and posed very graciously for me...being the LADIES that they wanted to be...for the time any way!!

I loved seeing these two "Girlfriends" have such fun together since Missy's daughter will be leaving one day for the mission field with her parents. THIS DAY..for them..made memories!! One day, they will look over the photos with precious thoughts of a Special Day.

The lunch was WONDERFUL. A full TEA. I love Peach tea so that was my choice..however, before leaving home I purchased a nice lime green tea tin of Rooibus Berries and Cream TEA...YUMMY! I so enjoy a nice flavored tea. I need to watch my caffeine and since this is caffeine free...all the more to enjoy! The place was so enjoyable with it's whimsical decor.

The fun of visiting Tea Houses is the different decor used by each individual owner. This owner chose the Spring colors of pinks, and greens...whilst I have been to others that are of a Victorian Era and warm settings. Both very charming.

This photo is my favorite...just TWO BEST FRIENDS....like me and Sue. I can imagine this being us when we were little...we've been friends for over 35 years...raised our children together, taken vacations together...cried together..prayed together. "BEST FRIENDS"

Iron sharpeneth iron;so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

THIS IS THE DAY...we sharpened the countenance of one another, with the joys of Christian Friendship and the sweet testimonies of faith shared by each.

HOPE

What makes LIFE worth living...

2010-03-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is the title of the book I am re-reading by W. Phillip Keller. He also wrote A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (my favorite book). I enjoy Keller's books because he is so focused on the Lord's presence in every day life.

I like to think that way myself..taking one day at a time...as I purposed for this blog title THIS IS THE DAY...

I was so blessed in reading today..and I have to confess..I jumped to the end for some reason and what joy it brought to my heart THIS DAY!!

The chapter title is Stillness, Solitude, Serenity.

He speaks of his own character as a child growing up and then the Lord's good work in his life. He goes on to express that it's that personal...very personal walk with the LORD Jesus that gives one a reason for living!

To learn of HIM and KNOW HIM!!

God is no longer a distant Deity or some other person...He personally knows ME and I know HIM. He imparts to me faith, love, hope and inner convictions.

I don't hear of Him from a third party...

I John chapter 5 is the KNOW book of the Bible. AMEN!! What a wonderful book to constantly read ...what assurance and comfort!

Our time in GOD's WORD is vital to knowing HIM and HIS ways.

and what Stillness, Solitude and Serenity it does indeed bring to us who believe HE is who He says HE is.

A bond is formed like no other...confidence in the GOD of all creation...a loyal love for HIM, as HE loves us...Oh the sure mercies of GOD. Forgiveness..complete is found only in HIM.

As Keller writes: His love imparted to me by HIS SPIRIT enables me to go out and live for HIM and to quietly carry out his good cheer...

He is mine! I am His! Herein is hope!

This is not mystic....it is TRUTH manifest by God's work in peoples lives who have trusted Him as their Saviour! He opens our eyes of understanding that we might truly know HIM.

I love I John 5:13....

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

What makes life worth living? Knowing God in a personal way and sharing it with others who have no hope!!

It is GOD alone that gives true Stillness (as we rest in His will..Be Still and know that I am GOD)...Solitude (a quiet personal walk with Him) and Serenity (that perfect trust that brings peace...at such a time!)

Do you know the LORD Jesus as your personal Saviour?

There are two reasons you are living....

One..the LORD desires to reach your heart and save you from your sins and give you the HOPE of Eternal LIFE..

Two...He desires to use your LIFE for a good purpose as you submit to him and walk in his ways. He desires to bless you...and others through you!

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

What makes LIFE worth living....the goodness of the LORD.

I believe to see ....the goodness of the LORD!

HOPE

A Cottage...A Mansion...A Home

2010-03-02T18:31:00.001-08:00

The path that leads to life and happiness is found...ONLY in the LORD Jesus Christ.

....I am the way the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
John 16:6

The door that opens wide to Heaven...is found ONLY in the LORD Jesus Christ.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3

They say "The road to a friends house is never tooo long"...

Imagine this friend..THE LORD JESUS CHRIST...and the house HEAVEN...the road..simply the BIBLE...HIS WORD!

ONLY BELIEVE...grasp the TRUTHs of GOD's HOLY WORD...and you too can have a HOME in Heaven.

How far and how tedious a task would it be to follow the road to your friends house?

Are they worth the time, the joy they can bring to your heart by one visit!

I pray my home is like this...worth the distance and time.

I DO live a good distance from my friends!!!

I love the above photo a friend sent me...I'd like to think of my home as a cottage of HOPE for others when they visit. That they would find a refuge of comfort...peace...and the LORD's presence within.

But imagine the glories of Heaven's HOME and the simple path it takes...by faith, to trust God as HE is...to believe HIS words...no distance or time can hinder your opportunity...

TODAY is the accepted TIME..TODAY!

(For he saith, I have heard of thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

II Corinthians 6:2

A cottage of HOPE...A Mansion in GLORY...A HOME in HEAVEN!

Trust in the LORD Jesus today for the forgiveness of your sins and let HIM give you a new life...a new home...and a Heavenly HOME!

Treasures of the SNOW

2010-02-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou upon the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
He sealth up the hands of every man; that all men may know his work.
JOB 37:5-7

A treasure to us who have not had snowfall in over 13 YEARS! what a blessing it was a week ago to find snow flakes trickling down under the streetlights of our neighborhood.

Amazing the excitement that ensues! Though some up NORTH have had enough...we had only just begun! It was near 7:30 as it began and by 10 p.m. neighborhood kids were outside PLAYING in the SNOW! ( I eyed a few adults ...myself included!)

What is it about SNOW that makes people...even up North if you will admit it...

THAT FIRST SNOW FALL...brings a refreshment to the air..and a BEAUTY all it's own.

The pure whiteness of it all...purity...cleaness...brightness.

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? JOB 38:22a

I learned from a message our Pastor preached soon after the snowfall...that Snow actually purifies the air..as a filter. Tons of bacteria are cleansed from the air to the ground. Snow kills germs of Malaria for one.

This recent snowfall...hit 49 states in the USA! How gracious GOD is...to cleanse the Earth in this place...USA..for us.

Snow also has sounds that are in harmony like musical notes and the snow can be measured by these means.

Amazing that snow...can stop a train in its tracks...and yet...little children build a snowman for their pleasure.

All in it's season...all for a purpose...all for creation.

Even my dog, Gus...had his pleasure of the Treasures of the SNOW!

He ran about happily spaying up flurries of his own snow makings! The COLD didn't bother him a bit. It was shear pleasure!

>

and...of course the only KID around was my eldest son visiting..so he took upon himself the building of our snowman! small in stature but great in representation!

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament his handywork.
Psalm 19:1

Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Hope

Rest for the Soul...

2010-02-09T11:44:00.001-08:00

I love this photo of an open BIBLE. If you have ever grasped the depth of this book...you know what a blessed TREASURE you have in your hand.

My Bible

Though the cover is worn,
and the pages are torn,
and though places bear traces of tears.
Yet more precious than gold,
is this Book worn and old,
that can shatter and scatter my fears.

When I prayerfully look,
in this precious old Book,
many treasures and pleasures I see;
many tokens of love,
from the Father above;
Who is nearest and dearest to me.

This old Book is a guide,
'tis a friend by my side;
it will lighten and brighten my way.
And with each promise I find,
it soothes and gladdens my mind,
as I read it and head it today.

To this Book will I cling,
of it's worth will I sing;
Though great losses and crosses be mine.
For I cannot despair,
though surrounded by care,

While possessing this blessing divine.
Annon.

I remember in my youth thinking the NEW testament was the OLD updated! Little did I know that this book was COMPLETE in it's entire and that the OLD and the NEW walked together hand in hand. Compliment one another, confirm truths, manifest God's holiness and divine hand upon man's life.

When I think of the verse that says..

Thus saith the LORD, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls....
Jeremiah 6:16a

I wonder? how many today...how many young people especially? Understand or even know THIS BOOK...the BOOK OF LIFE...the BOOK OF HOPE...THE BOOK OF ETERNITY!

THE BOOK OF TODAY! ...it is the most current book of the day!

It applies to all mankind at any time in history! But how many think of this as an outdated book.

Imagine neglecting to read the book that can give REST to your SOUL!

Man reads books of all kinds...seeking perhaps help on how to do this or that, maybe some advice on issues...like health. I myself have been researching Breast Cancer ...

But, I find in all the books conflicting words...some agree...some don't.

One thing I find...is that in this BLESSED King James Bible...

I find ALL TRUTH and I find that all the pieces are fitly joined together and AGREE!

and...I do indeed find REST for my soul!

Today, as I did my devotions the verse in Jeremiah came to my heart and I also noticed in reading it...the last part.

...But, they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16b

Imagine!! not wanting REST for your soul, promised by the LORD!

I then read this passage in Acts (the NEW testament)

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts. 13:46

....but seeing ye put it from you.... CHOICE

...and judge yourselves.............. CHOICE

Old Testament Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

New Testament II John 1-6 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

I rejoice greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

The only reason this book is OLD...is because it has lasted down the ages...still relevant today....and as precious as ever to those who read it and head it.

I wonder? How many realize..that this is the book of the LIVING..it is alive and speaks....to the HEART of man...if he will only receive it.

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Psalm 199:90

Thy word is true from the beginning; and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalm 119:160

Friends, Compassion and Encouragement

2010-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Three Words that can mean so much.....

Friends, Compassion and Encouragement

Especially at this time in my life...a Breast Cancer Journey.

I have truly been overwhelmed with the loving kindness of many friends.

I've received calls and cards from people I've not talked to in quite some time...

that's okay...I was on their HEART and they let me know!

Some friends have reached out by hugs of compassion.

Oh what a wonder a HUG can do!

Friends, Compassion and Encouragement

Gifts....handmade...sent with LOVE....for a cause

The photo is a handmade gift sent to me by a friend..

whom I've never met in person.

JOY...and as with her name she spreads much JOY.

I was so touched when my husband came in from the mailbox and handed me a little parcel.

FOR ME?...I saw the return address...From JOY!

She handmade the sweet PINK cloth...added a warm scented sandalwood soap!

and this lovely handmade Leaf butterfly pin!

As I looked over her gifts I could see her heart reaching out...Pink obviously for my Breast Cancer Journey...and perhaps the Butterfly pin as a reminder of the comfort once given on another journey of faith.

THANK YOU JOY Your thoughtfulness...is a treasure in my heart.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.... Proverbs 17:22a

THIS IS THE DAY....I'm reminded of the many Special people..GOD has put in my path.

HOPE

My Cancer Journey

2010-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Along with THIS IS THE DAY...
I will be posting from time to time on my other blog
Watering Wells Of Hope...My Cancer Journey...

The link is found on the Pink Rose on the side bar.

I hope that you will again find cups of refreshing as I share with you the many blessings the LORD has and will continue to do as I walk with him in faith..and trust HIS perfect hand upon my life.

For those of you new to my blog Watering Wells of Hope...It began with a testimony of a fiery trial in my life that the LORD used for a purpose...to HIS praise and glory and to the saving of a precious soul.

Please join me there for another JOURNEY OF HOPE.

I will continue to post here at THIS IS THE DAY...for uplifting words and devotional thoughts that I pray will bless you.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Thank you to all who visit!

HOPE

Thanking you all for your prayers

2010-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all who have prayed for me and sent loving comments and encouraging words. I appreciate very much the kindness that has been shown to me in so many numerous ways. My children and church family...my blogging friends...my friends from afar and above all...

I thank the LORD Jesus Christ for his Grace given to me this note worthy day, January 25th.

This is the anniversary of my son Stephen's death at age 9 months in 1983.(read at Watering Wells of Hope) It was at this time God showed Grace upon Grace. He chose to take Stephen to Heaven...and a friend "Kathryn" chose to be born again! His purpose was fulfilled. A precious soul was the reason.

The chorus below is to a recent song written especially for me, by Deborah Bolack. This would have been my song in 1983...and has become my song for 2010.

Though I can't see beyond today,
I walk the path of ahead by faith.
His watering wells of hope are mine;
He gives me peace at such a time.

One part of the song says:

As I look back on paths I've travelled,
I see God' hand upon my life.
He has brought me through dark valleys;
His word my guiding light.
I don't need to know the reason
God's brought me to this place.
I'm just called to be a witness
To his glory and his grace.

Grace was shown to me this day....my lymph nodes for cancer...came back NEGATIVE! My tumor removed showed CLEAR MARGINS! I'm on my way to recovery!

God also chose to use another very special person in my life for this trial of faith. My dear friend Kelly Anne Johnson, who herself is battling cancer. If it had not been for her, I might not have gone to have my mammogram at the time I did. The timing was essential for my growing cancer to be caught. For her...there is one reason we already know of for her trial. She helped me. She's been such a source of inspiration and encouragement as I faced each day that lie ahead..and all while she herself...takes one day at a time...allowing the LORD's will be done in her own life.

With Cancer.

We never know just exactly HOW God chooses to use us...but the thought of saving a precious soul...or the thought of helping another sister in Christ prepare for her trial...and perhaps by your own trial...lift another.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

Thank you to my friend, Kelly Anne. You mean so much to me precious friend. Oh what a friend we have in Jesus...and what friends...are come BY HIM. Thank you LORD. It was your hand that brought us together in this journey.

We are all created for a purpose...and each purpose...at a time appointed.

When, Where, How... we let him... The LORD of Glory...have our life.

Dear Friends..

Let HIM have HIS way with thee....all will be well...all will be worth it all!!

Praise ye the LORD, Praise the LORD, O my soul.
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being... Psalm 146:1-2

God bless..
HOPE

A Wonderful Birthday SURPRISE!

2010-01-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today began very special with a lovely bouquet from my husband, for my 55th Birthday.

Then a loving package arrived from my daughter and g'children in New York. The cards from the children are precious treasures!!

Each gift was carefully wrapped in PINK with the cutest pink, lime green and daisy ribbon. The children picked out a nice silver pin for my church jacket...it looks like GUS my Schnauzer! The package was filled with all sorts of wonderful gifts. Some I'll blog on later next week.

I thought today would be a quiet birthday and maybe a few phone calls...was I ever SURPRISED...when...

two of my closest friend's and FAMILY...rang the bell at dinner time with loads of boxes of sorted Pizza's and an Ice Cream Cake...and gifts galore! with both families that consisted of an additional 13 people with my husband and I.

"The Party Began"

I was overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness and kindness of my friends. We ate, opened gifts and played Apples to Apples Bible Version...and believe it or not..I won! A fun not so competitive game. I liked that. We laughed and I wanted to cry several times..for the joy they brought to me this night.

The sweet fellowship.

It isn't expressed with words...

Since my surgery, I hadn't been back to church due to dizziness and some nausea. So tonight, they also brought in a huge basket loaded with gifts...from the ladies of my church. (sorry for the fuzzy photo)Yes. that is me, finally in a pic...with my faithful little pal GUS The Schnauzer.

The gifts were each wrapped with sweet flowers attached and many homemade cards. All the cards expressed love and concern with prayers.

I love scrap booking cards...some are so gorgeous...some so cute..and all made by talented people.

Here are some of the gifts..I thought you would enjoy seeing...

This teapot is just toooo CUTE!

Isn't this little dove...just so SWEET.

And if you have never seen these made...they are wonderful. Coasters hand made with tiles and scrap booking stamps!

There was sixteen different packages to open. Each gift has meant so much to me...touched my heart with such caring friends...

AT SUCH A TIME...

and one in particular gift was this lovely "Forget Me Not" tea cup and saucer.

The lady who gave me this; is the boss of one of our young women. She has visited out church a couple of times and we spoke briefly...and I have done business with them at their shop ..just once, but we chatted and I invited her last year to our Ladies Luncheon. Business kept her from being able to attend. A very nice person.

The card read:
This is very old, it was my grandmothers. Love, Diana.

When she heard that I had Breast Cancer and the ladies making up a birthday basket for me, she wanted to have a part in it. She said that her grandmother and mother had died of Breast Cancer. She wanted to give ME.....a part of her LIFE! I'm so overwhelmed with this sweet thoughtful gift that must have meant sooo much to her!!

She wanted to reach out...and let me know...she cared. and I know.

Gifts are nice to receive...but more than all is that gift of the heart that is shown by the sacrifice of others. My friends who took the time to make this day special for me...and the acquaintance that sought to show her concern and care in such a personal way.

The world is filled with loving hearts....how blessed I am to be one that knows so many.

THIS IS THE DAY... my heart is overwhelmed....humbled....so thankful.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in they presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11

HOPE

The Battle Is The LORDs

2010-01-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

Please visit my friend KELLY ANNE JOHNSON by clicking on the link at the sidebar..

You will be truly BLESSED...

She has written a WONDERFUL post about her battle with Chemo that began today...

Her FAITH,

Her beaming SMILE,

Her CHEERY voice....bring sunshine to my heart!

COURAGE

as I wait on the news of my battle plan...

I thank the LORD ...

THIS IS THE DAY...

..MY HEART is filled with THANKFULNESS

for BLESSING my life at this time with such a PRECIOUS FRIEND..

Peace At Such A Time

2010-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Deborah Bolack has written a very special song for me.

THIS IS THE DAY....her song has touched my heart.

Peace At Such A Time
(©2010 Deborah Bolack)

(V.1) As I embark on this new journey,
I know I’ll never walk alone.
Though this path is not my choosing,
My life is not my own.
I’m created for a purpose;
God’s called me to his field,
And I’ll see his will unfolding
When I walk in truth and yield.

(chorus) Though I can’t see beyond today,
I walk the path ahead by faith.
His watering wells of hope are mine;
He gives me peace at such a time.
(v.2) As I look back on paths I’ve travelled,
I see God’s hand upon my life.
He has brought me through dark valleys;
His word my guiding light.
I don’t need to know the reason
God’s brought me to this place.
I’m just called to be a witness
To his glory and his grace.
(chorus) Though I can’t see beyond today,
I walk the path ahead by faith.
His watering wells of hope are mine;
He gives me peace at such a time.

(coda) His watering wells of hope are mine;
He gives me peace at such a time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am so honored and blessed by this dear sister in the LORD. I have a book she has written, two CD's of her music with the song book and have enjoyed it all so very much. She is a very talented lady and also gifted with sharing in word the depths of her heart and walk with the LORD.

Thank you so very much Deb!
HOPE

Don't miss the journey...for the destination!!

2010-01-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

The journey may seem a bit misty ahead...but faith sees through the eyes of belief.

As my dear friend Kelly wrote on her blog update about our journey together and the above title quote from a Pastor....don't MISS the journey for the destination!

By FAITH this journey holds countless answers to prayer...blessings that touch the heart (such as my friendship with Kelly)....opportunities to witness of God's GRACE..and also to see the hand of GOD upon your own life...by the strength in time of need...the peace that passeth ALL understanding and just plain BELIEVING in God's WILL for each day as we yield to HIM.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
II Corinthians 1:4

As I view this photo above...the path is misty...but if you have ever been on such a path in the woods... oh the refreshing breeze..the aroma of the Pine trees...

I visited my daughters in the great Northwest last Fall..and we walked such a place as this. It was so PEACEFUL...and yet you had no idea what lied ahead..where the path was winding...one took us to a flowing stream with Salmon...running UP stream...Yes that IS GOD's ways! What great illustrations are manifest in his creation of HIS power and design.

As you journey on a path in your own life...REMEMBER this quote above. How true it is that the end is not known..and yet look at the Christians expectation of the end...the good work of GOD.

It could be the salvation of a precious soul..it could be a happy time of renewal in your walk with God...it could be that final home in HEAVEN.

I thank the LORD for this new journey that GOD has used to already strengthen my faith and my belief to see the goodness of the LORD as each day passes.

A friend and I recently sang a special at church ..the song written by Deborah Bolack of our KJV blog roll. She sent me her songbook and one song especially touched my heart, long before I was diagnosed with breast cancer...it was as if Deb had written it for me..and yet it is a reflection of her own journey with the LORD.

TAKE ALL...
take all of my trials and turmoil
take all of my pain and heartache
take all of my gifts and talents
take all my desire and burdens..

It goes on to giving each of these to the LORD

some of the chorus says ...All that I am... all that you've given...and all that I've gleaned...

...the song goes on to say I lay it at HIS feet and to take all for HIS purpose.

I noted the part that says...all that I've gleaned! Oh how much I have gleaned over the years from my Pastor's faithful preaching of the TRUTH in the KJV Bible..my husband's steadfastness to the truth that is preached...my friends testimonies that have sharpened my faith...and from my own children as they learn and walk with the LORD as well.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Friends don't miss the wonderful journeys GOD has set before you...WALK WITH HIM..in FAITH.

HOPE

...update on my breast cancer...
I am scheduled for a Lumpectomy on January 15th. They will remove the tumor and needed surrounding tissue invaded and a few lymph nodes to send to pathology to detect if it has invaded the lymph system.
IF there is NO invasion to the lymph system, I go onto radiation therapy.
IF it is..then I will have a second surgery to remove the main underarm lymph nodes that contain the cancer..and then chemo and radiation.
This is determined all after the pathology report from the Jan. 15 surgery.
I am very confident in my surgeon ..she was excellent in explaining everything clearly..and this has been my prayer...to have clear information. God knows the rest...and I trust in him for the remainder of the journey.
Thank you for your prayers!!!

Mission Field

2009-12-31T09:45:00.001-08:00

God's creation is so wonderful. I look at this stunning photo and the reflection that emphasizes the majesty of God's creation...and the serene peace. Each time I see a mountain, I am reminded of HIS greatness.

Psalm 36:6a Thy righteousness is like the great mountains...

God created us...and when I trusted Christ as my personal Saviour at the young age of 19...I realized then, truly; my life is not my own. He created me for a purpose in life and as I've yielded to HIM in my Christian walk; I have found those purposes fulfilled over and over again.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

And so now...as 2010 approaches the NEW YEAR brings with it a new journey for me. A "mission field" of sorts..or so as I view it to be and with all prayer that it will bring forth fruit that we all desire in our walks of life serving the LORD. Some are called to special fields of service and some for a particular time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer yesterday. This is the pathology report from my ultra-sound core needle biopsy. I have IDCa ..Invasive Ductal Carcinoma A or I'm assuming stage 1. I have a 8 mm tumor that has invaded the surrounding tissue though I do not know yet to what extent. I will have to have a lymph node test to see if it has advanced into my lymph system. I know that there are many more test to come. I see a Breast Cancer Specialist this coming Monday to discuss my condition and treatments to follow.

If you would pray with me in this regard...that I will be able to fulfill this "mission field's" service as God desires. That with every open door to speak of HIS grace that listeners will take to heart the truth being shared. That I would have courage when faced with difficulties and wisdom to understand certain situations and how to show my God's true presence in my life.

God also chose at this time in my life to bring a dear Christian woman into my path, my friend whom I've shared with you..Kelly Johnson in Okinawa. Isn't it a work already that GOD chose this time for both of us to have Cancer. Miles apart, yet close in spirit and heart...we are walking together in this journey and we both...

............believe to see the goodness of the LORD...............................

I will post off and on about my journey in the midst of other devotional thoughts as I have done here on THIS IS THE DAY...

May God bless you in the New Year!

HOPE

New Year Prayer

2009-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Dear friends..please continue to pray for Kelly Johnson (missionary in Okinawa). Her mastectomy went well and she now is in the battle. She is armed with the Lord's graces and care. Her blog can be found on my sidebar with the PINK Tea with Friends photo.

Please also keep me in your prayers as I await my own pathology report for Breast Cancer. I had a breast biopsy done yesterday. Monday Dec. 21.

THIS IS THE DAY....the LORD continues to be our confidence and strength in time of need. He is ever present.

May God bless you with a NEW YEAR filled with HIS good work in your lives.

HOPE

Life's Images

2009-10-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

My husband and I visited this lovely town in Indiana several years ago. We passed this GENTLEMAN several times while going back and forth to our destination...

when I finally noticed...
HEY...that's a STATUE!!

I laughed when I realized all this time I thought he was just an elderly man sitting there reading the newspaper! I had to go back and take pictures and look this over!!

I have pondered the thoughts about my devotion and could have said...

Who are you fooling?

But, the LORD laid on my heart another thought... What STATUE do you REPRESENT?

STATUE; a representation, form of likeness, cause to STAND!

My thoughts lately have been on our usefulness...maybe even perhaps while just standing still. Waiting on the LORD. I began to ask the LORD...what am I doing to make a difference? I'm not mothering little children any more? My grandchildren live a far off...and with some health issues I can't be as active as I once was.

WHAT CAN I DO?

...and then a still small voice spoke...

BE FAITHFUL....BE AN EXAMPLE...STAND STRONG ON THE TRUTH...STAND STILL IN YOUR PLACE...

I liked this statue...showing the SMILE on this elderly man's face while sitting reading the news. Perhaps, he read something good that he agreed with... or perhaps he was smiling at something he had more WISDOM in and knew better than to believe all one reads in the papers!

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Proverbs 3:13 kjv 1611

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31 kjv 1611

Are you a woman of the world?...too busy on the cell phone and laptop to make a Spiritual difference in any ones life! Always on the go! Gotta be here and gotta be there! Appointments...calls... busy..busy with SELF.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal;
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
St. Matthew 6:19-21 kjv 1611

...and then there is the Father who takes time to show love to his children...here, patiently teaching his little one to ride a bike.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 kjv 1611

Like...using this experience as an object lesson?

...and here is Grandma. Doing her usual grocery shopping..standing firm on her convictions and yet has a heart of gold (some goodies in the bags for the grand kids?)

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:25 kjv 1611

This statue... reminds me of a man in our church. Our song leader, choir director, orchestra director and dad, student and husband.

He stands in his place...week after week. Yet, the image of what he represents is ever present. As are all the rest here that I've shown.

I can think of so many people that have influenced my life...by just standing still in their place...doing what they should be doing for the LORD...and mostly STANDING for the TRUTH by the good example of continued faith.

These thoughts encouraged me greatly as I thought upon my own life.

Sometimes...standing still is the right place...standing FIRM.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith... II Corinthians 16:13a kjv 1611

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 kjv 1611 One of my favorite verses.

I pray this encourages anyone who might be downhearted on your usefulness as a Christian. FAITHFULNESS in this day speaks volumes of your strength in what you believe. Make a difference, by standing strong...standing still in your place!

HOPE~

Now is the accepted TIME...

2009-10-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

As I read my devotions this morning I noted TIME. A young friend recently commented on her blog about the passing of time going too quickly. Yea, and she is younger than me! I too, have said lately to my husband...

"Where is the TIME going!"

It seemed but yesterday that I had a house full of children...now just the two of us. It truly seems to me as if I awoke one day and they were all grown and on their own. I view photos around my home and many a time become overwhelmed with missing them and I so remember the moments the very photo was taken...just YESTERDAY? Wasn't it??

Remember how short my time is:...Psalm 89:47a kjv 1611

My husband and I have spoken much about this subject of TIME; as we approach yet another new year and another birthday to come...aging.

How deceitful youth is...thinking there is plenty of time and going about as if their youth will last forever. Oh dear one in youth...think not that it will catch up with you!? Yes, indeed it shall.

Ecclesiastes is a sobering book of the Bible. Speaking of life, time and consequences.

To every think there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die.... Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a kjv 1611

How often are we surprised at a young persons death...why? Because we forget...the soberness of life itself and reality.

There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war....Ecclesiastes 8:8 kjv 1611

TIME is of the essence...critical.

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Proverbs 4:11

How thankful I am to know the LORD Jesus Christ as my Saviour...to know that the TIMES of my life are sure in HIM. I have known Him and have been taught by Him and truly His WORD has led me in the right paths.

Though TIME passes quickly by...we can still grasp the moment, Praise Him with Thanksgiving and know that the accepted time is here... The day of Salvation.

The accepted time is TODAY.

Blessed his he that readeth and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:3

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) II Corinthians 6:2 kjv 1611

Friend..do you know the LORD Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? You can TODAY.

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD: and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found.... Psalm 32:5-6a kjv 1611

Call upon him while there is TIME....and call upon him while he is near....

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near...
Isaiah 55:6a kjv 1611

My Heart is Fixed

2009-10-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise...
Psalm 57:7a kjv 1611

Fixed: firm, permanently placed, steadily directed.

Stedfast: fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering, firmly fixed

Settle: to fix, to place in a desired state, to calm, to secure, to conclude.

Stablish: to establish, fix unalterably, to bring a firm basis, to prove, to show valid and true.

I just finished reading the Book of Esther...what a glorious book in the Bible. I love this true account of deliverance and righteousness prevailing!! If you have never or have not for a long time read Esther; I encourage you to read it in entire at one sitting. You will be encouraged, blessed and FIXED in your heart toward God.

I love my Bible...I love that I don't need Scholars to interpret or a priest..I can read on my own...and use even a simple dictionary. These few words I've listed, interpret just fine what God's Word says..perfectly. There was no need to change one WORD in my King James Bible for me to understand what Fixed means..or how to praise God! Read the book of Esther!

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. Psalm 112:7-8 kjv 1611

Notice how this coincides with the Book of Esther...and the word here..ESTABLISHED...and FIXED.

The dictionary words perfectly fit the meaning and the truths.

Esther shows the majesty of God's care...that truth prevails!

Oh the wonderful demeanor of Esther. Her respect and humility.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exhalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
I Peter 5:6-10 kjv 1611

Stedfast...Stablish...Settle.

Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians 15:58 kjv 1611

Like the photo of the old Oak Tree...settled over the years of time...tested and established. Planted and rooted deep...FIXED.

The Oak is known for it's great strength,hardness and is a common symbol of strength and endurance.

My eternity rest on the Lord Jesus Christ...my strength, my stronghold, my shield and deliverer. In HIM, my heart is fixed.

THIS IS THE DAY...I pray you are fixed upon the solid faith found only in the LORD Jesus Christ and that your faith is established upon HIS WORD of TRUTH.

HOPE~

New Creature

2009-09-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 kjv

CONFIDENT: full of assurance, having no uncertainty, trustful, believing

The great joys of a christian is that NEW life in Christ! Born again...brand new.

A WHOLE NEW LOOK!

The significant mark of a born again Christian is a CHANGE!

As if life started all over again! A new walk, new talk...

This is to be a total make-over!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 kjv

What great CONFIDENCE indeed...to know that GOD is faithful as promised and he performs that good work in us when we trust him...HIM ALONE...as our LORD and SAVIOUR. The work begins that moment!

I found it quite interesting as I read about the Caterpillar (before he becomes a NEW creature!)....the caterpillar is considered a pest in agriculture. They have bad vision as well.

Sounds much like the sinful creatures we WERE before salvation...blinded and a pest to our own lives! Destructive.

And then...the change comes by simple faith of trust..as the definition of CONFIDENCE states...trustful. Believing the truth of the WORD of GOD.

I loved reading about the MONARCH butterfly... the name alone says something:

MONARCH: a hereditary sovereign-right, holds a dominate position.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. I Peter 1:3-4

The monarch butterfly feeds on MILK-weed...how noteworthy, that the WORD OF GOD is called MILK.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
I Peter 2:2 kjv

Amazing how fit everything is...even for me.

I was raised in Pacific Grove, California in my youth...and participated in our yearly parade as a "butterfly kid" for the celebration of the MONARCH butterflies coming to the coast in October each year. I recall watching films about the CHANGE of the caterpillar to this glorious "Monarch" butterfly.

What a wonderful example God has left us in his creation of the very thing he does in life with that of a sinner who comes to him in sincere faith, repenting and desiring to live a NEW LIFE IN CHRIST by salvation in his SON.

If you have read my story at Watering Wells of Hope...you will remember me writing about the glorious mountain...Mont Blanc in Switzerland.

MONT BLANC... is called the MONARCH of the mountains! How touching for me and how God places so many things in our lives to illustrate...

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ... Philippians 1:6 kjv

THIS IS THE DAY...rejoice in the continued work of Christ in your life and let him have HIS way with thee...Let others SEE the change.

Blessings..
HOPE~

Were Sheep Astray....

2009-09-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. I Peter 1:25

It is finished...it is SEALED.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant... Hebrews 13:20

What JOY...to KNOW that our salvation is everlastingly SEALED in the LORD Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 says..In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise...

II Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

I remember when I was first saved and my husband (not then) continued to share with me the Scriptures. The very foundation of TRUTH. The Cornerstone of our faith...the WORD OF GOD. This is where faith is built up in strength. As in the book of First John..the KNOW book. I was so heart struck as I read the Scriptures for the first times. The true Scriptures. The confidence and assurance that came as I read. It testified of itself by His Holy Spirit within a true believer. There was no question in my mind or heart that this was TRUE.

And then to read of the SEALED promise. SAVED...it is finished. Confession of my sinful life was forgiven...FINISHED. The WORD that I could read and learn from...was FINISHED. NO more adding or taking away..it was finished, complete, SEALED.

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

No wonder Christians REJOICE...no wonder a new Christian leaps for JOY. What greater gift of life than to have Eternal Life and to know that it is for ever...sealed and yours.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

HOPE~

It's Amazing!

2009-08-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

The beauty of God's creation...is amazing...showing love by it's very presence.

There is a song that my daughters use to sing while at home. One of my favorite and most heart touching songs.

The Man in the middle.

...the chorus went something like this:

I love that man in the middle...

Because I know, he first loved me....

The song was about three crosses...and the Man in the middle...Jesus Christ, dying for the two thieves on each side. One on the left and one on the right.

It always amazes me that only one chose to believe. Only one chose to see with his heart..the full love of GOD right in his midst.

I remember a message a brother in Christ preached one time titled..

So close...and yet so far.

How sad and grievous this is to my heart, when I think upon the souls of man that reject or take so lightly this great love wherewith Christ loved us...to die for us, to stand in our stead.

This song also has a message that has always gripped my heart:

It's Amazing!

Not of works which we have done,

but by God' redeeming Love..

It's the blood of Jesus Christ that sets me free...

And the blood of bulls won't do...

For one sacrifice tis' true...

It's the blood of Jesus Christ that makes a new ...

It's amazing what Christ can do for a sinner...

It's amazing the blood of Christ can set you free...

But more amazing....is God provided Salvation...

and included a guilty soul....like me.

My eldest daughter shared with me today about a young man on the verge of salvation!!

He couldn't fathom why men hate Jesus Christ, when he died on the cross for them!!

Amazing...yes...that he died for guilty souls...

Amazing...that some of these souls...reject the very foundation of LOVE.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 KJV 1611

I love that man in the middle...because I know, he first loved me.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
I John 4:10 KJV 1611

THIS IS THE DAY....I thank the LORD...I did SEE with my heart...this great AMAZING LOVE!

HOPE~

It is Finished.

2009-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

And such WERE some of you. Indeed.

WERE..... Done, finished, complete.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,

he said, It is finished:

and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

The sacrifice was made. Nothing more could be added to it. Finished.

One of the malefactors looked upon Jesus and said...

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:41-43 KJV 1611

This thief...did not get baptised, nor did he take communion, he did not have time to do "good" works to keep himself forgiven.

He repented...He believed...and He called upon the Lord.

He was WASHED

He was SANCTIFIED

He was JUSTIFIED

I Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Praise God, we do not have to try and keep ourselves saved. We live and do good as we continue on for the TESTIMONY of this wonderful GRACE.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saves us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

I rejoice to know that I have complete confidence in the WORD OF GOD found in the King James Version 1611. I rejoice to know that no verses are left out!! No verses are missing choice words.

It is a finished book of the LORD...it is a finished book of LOVE...it is a finished book of Life.

Pretty amazing that in the death of our Lord Jesus...LIFE began.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

And such were some of you...

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1611

Praise the LORD...that our salvation is complete. Thank the LORD, we never have to fear...did "I" do enough. NO, HE did it all...IT IS FINISHED.

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank the LORD Jesus for dying on the cross for MY sins. For the FINISHED work at Calvary..and for the LIFE that comes from this finished work of love.

Why I live the Christian LIFE:

We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19

..and such were some of you

2009-08-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

I Corinthians 6:11 KJV 1611

What wonderful words come from the Bible. This is one of my favorite verses. Truly, it is to all those who have found this true. By salvation in the shed blood of The Lord Jesus Christ.

WASHED: to remove dirt, stains; to purify, cleanse

SANCTIFIED: to make holy, purify

JUSTIFIED: to declare innocent, declare free, to prove right

Just....if...I'd

Covered by the free pardon of sin by the grace of our Lord Jesus. Just as if "I"... had paid my price of sin. But, Yea...HE DID IT for me.

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remissions of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Romans 3:24-26 KJV 1611

What wonderful, glorious words of truth and comfort!

SUCH...were...some of you!

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:5-7 KJV 1611

THIS IS THE DAY....I thank the LORD my God...

I was lost...but am found...was blind, but now I see!!

I know the path to follow...I see the light of the world...is Jesus.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Hebrews 2:9 KJV 1611

A Small Privilege

2009-07-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of making these place cards for our church Mission Board.
I taught myself basic calligraphy many years ago...

...not knowing the value it would be to others one day.

THIS IS THE DAY...I'm so thankful, God can use a small portion of my life for HIS service...to help even in the smallest way...A PRIVILEGE

The privilege of helping, as our mission director asked my assistance. The privilege of writing each precious Missionaries name and thinking of their work and labour of love for Christ and the souls of mankind.

Perhaps you know some of these Missionaries? GODLY men of faith...Bible Believers...What a PRIVILEGE to know them all. We have many more we support...these are just a few as we are redoing our mission board display. We have frames all along the side and back of our church with each missionary's picture and a place to post their monthly newsletters. These cards I've done, are for a long side our map that points out where each missionary's field is located. I believe when I last counted..we support over 30 plus missionaries! We support several to Papua New Guinea, Europe and Africa. Worldwide....I'm so glad I belong to a mission minded church...

as the great HYMNS say:

Go Tell the Untold Millions.....Over the whole world wide

READY to go...ready to stay, Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great, Ready to do His will.

From Greenland's icy mountains, From India's corral strand...
From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain
They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain

So send I you to leave your life's ambition,
To die to dear desire, self-will resign,
To labor long and love where men revile you-
So send I you to lose your life for Mine.

Have you a willing heart to serve? Even in the smallest way...
Typing up newsletters!! Helping stuff envelopes for missionaries on furlough...sending missionaries letters or cards of encouragement...

There is so much WE also can do....with them....for God's work.

As Paul commends in:

Romans Chpt.16:1-4
I COMMEND unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also the churches of the Gentiles.

God bless our missionaries with the courage, strength and help they need, daily, to accomplish the work they desire, for the lost souls of mankind...for Christ.

HOPE~

Sweet "Tweets" of Life

2009-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE DAY....I'm thanking the LORD for the "sweet" creation he's made for us to enjoy!!

This little chickadee family and friends come to visit often, now that I finally found what seeds the squirrels will not eat up before the birds...or destroy my bird feeders! I like squirrels too...at a distance!!

I have owned so many bird feeders it isn't funny...but, now with these seeds that the squirrels don't like...I have wonderful daily visits now from my little sweet friends.

As I've stood out in my yard..yes, chirping...they try to get as close as they can...to peek! I love it!

And then there are the flock of geese that flew into my neighbors yard! I could only get close enough to these two scurrying along!

I've never been a bird fan to keep them in cages...enjoying them outdoors is much more entertaining as you watch them freely come and go and sing to their hearts content!

Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land...

No Strings Attached!

2009-07-13T19:06:00.001-07:00

I Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly,seeketh not her own ,is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.

Are you a mop-head Christian? By this, I mean, are there strings attached to the things you do for other people?

Sadly...How oft, over the years, I have met professing Christians like this. Do you a kind deed...but EXPECT something in return.

I don't mind at all requiting a good deed..and certainly giving of thanks is the right thing always to do...this IS the will of GOD concerning you!

I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

There are some members in churches who also have this attitude when it comes to the "church" as a whole.

"I attend here...and you owe me"

What happened to YOU being a part of the church also!?

Sure the church is to be full of charity and compassion...but not to be taken advantage of.... for your own gain.

We are to be servants with charitable hearts in service to the LORD!

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

It hurts the church when only a small handful of members do the WORK of the church. It happens in every church. A few faithful. A few hard workers.

Few: a special limited number

This should not be so.

My husband discipled me in the LORD and how thankful I am. He has such a good heart and desire to serve the LORD. He's always stressed...

Nothing should be done for self glory...self promotion...self..self..self.

All should be done to the GLORY OF GOD!!

Take the extra mile...

Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

He is so gracious in his response to this. Do things without expecting any thing in return...and be pleasantly surprised and blessed when others in turn do the same for you!

It has always proven true.

You will always be blessed in the long run..with the joy of serving the LORD with a pure heart and motive! FOR HIM!

Don't be discouraged dear Christian....it takes the good work of the LORD in our hearts to be obedient to HIS WILL. Do your part, be a testimony to others and serve the LORD with gladness.

To know His will...is to seek his ways..in HIS BOOK.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED....Do the work of the LORD with joy and a true charitable heart and the blessings will come down from heaven!

THIS IS THE DAY...I am so thankful for all the kindness and charity that has been shown to me by so many loving Saints of the LORD.

HOPE~

In the beginning...

2009-07-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

The letter "T" is quite significant in the very beginning of the Bible...The King James Bible

As I continue with my thoughts on the book "In Awe of Thy Word"..again with permission from the author G.A. Riplinger. I want to share with you some gleanings from this marvelous book that reveals the true majesty of the King James Bible.

My heart literally aches when I think of the many versions out there that take away from this most glorious book that GOD has preserved without error. Truly GOD is who he says he is!!

Would we dare question GOD in His perfection? Do we question WHY He made the human eye as he did...and suggest maybe HE could have done it this way?! Oh my!!

HIS WORD (not man's) is our life... HE is the sustainer of LIFE... because he is LIFE!

In the beginning was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and the WORD was God.
John 1:1

It is so amazing to read of the perfection in His Word! I can't emphasis enough...how important it is to search out this matter diligently. I can only speak from experience...of reading first hand the evidence and also knowing beforehand by the testimony of The WORD itself to my own spirit, that it is in it's purest form; with no corrections needed.

(imagine as I hope to do one day...write a book...and someone ELSE tell the readers..no, she meant this or that.) Hello.. it's MY testimony!!!

God does exhort in His Word..to STUDY it...SEARCH it...

Now lets just glean a little .... LETTERS in the King James Bible

(from G. A. Riplinger's book...In Awe of Thy Word)

The letter Tt

The meanings of the letters and sounds are taught in their first usage in Genesis.

The letter "t" is a picture of a pointer stick. The first usage of the letter "t" in Genesis is the pointer word "the"

"t" means "from there to here"

(from the bottom point to the top point or vice versa)

This definition is given in the second usage of the letter "t" in the word "t here" in Gen. 1:3

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

"I am the....Truth (John 14:6)

The "t" is a picture of the "I am" crossing earth's horizon-line. Jesus Christ bridged the gap, "from hell to heaven" when "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree" (Acts 5:30) The "t" with its trunk and two branches, pictures the vertical "tree" of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree of life and the cross of Calvary. (Gen. 2:9). The t points to heaven.

*my note here...the #5 in the KJV is very significant in number...5 will be either referring to death or grace or both. Read my story at Watering Wells Of Hope and you will find how very very true this number is in our own lives!!!

Genesis 2 and 3 continue pointing with "toward," "this," "these," "they," "thou," and "them." Single stick pronouns, such as "thy," "thou," "thine," and "thee," are singular.
Objects move "from there to here" with a "touch" and are "taken." "(T)horns" and "thistles" point out and touch you.

Words go "from here to there" as they are "told."

"Time" moves "from one point to another" and "from now to then" with "til," "thence" and "then."

Linear Bible objects include the "tower", "table", "tablet," "tares,"....

Communication is from a "teacher" to each person.

To leave the straight path of "truth" is to "transgress" from "here to who-knows-where."

This book is available at www.avpublications.com

I sincerely hope that this post will be of help to many in confusion or in question of Which Bible is God's HOLY WORD.

If you were a NEW Christian and walked into a Christian Book Store and asked for A BIBLE...do you realize how many versions are out there!?

"How about this one...or this one..or that one...CONFUSION!"

A new Christian should be able to walk into a "Christian" book store and ask for a Bible and the worker say...Oh YES... and hand them ONE VERSION PERFECT IN ITS ENTIRE...

and GOD said....

Psalm 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

THIS IS THE DAY....I humbly thank the LORD for HIS precious WORD...for revealing Himself in such a personal way... That we may know HIM.

Understanding the Bible

2009-06-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14

DISCERNED: to distinguish (comprehend) mentally...recognize as distinct or different.

We are talking about "studying" the Bible.

It is indeed a "different" book. It is a book of LIFE...HOPE...PEACE...ASSURANCE!!

God has chosen the Bible.. His Word...to reach man in his lost state. However, once a person has trusted Christ as his personal Saviour: the Spirit of God dwells within to give one understanding of the Scriptures.

The Bible says to SEARCH the Scriptures. In this search we find salvation...and also the "walk" that the LORD God desires with us.

Psalm 119 has many verses that exhort us in this walk...

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89

7 Keys to Understanding your Bible

Please note that the "KEYS" are taken from the book In Awe Of Thy Word...but some of the verses or notes are of this author.

1. KEY FEAR GOD
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
(In Awe of Thy Word)

Fear can be healthy. For a child to fear the edge of the cliff is healthy for his safety sake: he has a reverence for the cliff. And, so with the fear of the LORD, we understand his power, wrath and judgments. He is all knowing. No sin is hid from his eyes. We come with reverent fear.

2. KEY Believe the Bible is the very word of God:
Through faith we understand... Hebrews 11:3 (In Awe of Thy Word)

Do you believe it is GOD's WORD!!
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalm 119:160

Man takes so lightly his Bible reading...and yet, he will scour multitudes of books for answers...from medical questions to any subject available! Yet the soul and spirit is eternal and the most neglected!

Can you imagine going to the doctor, he gives you an RX for your condition and YOU decide you don't need it. YOU don't believe what he says to be true. You have no trust in his judgment.

You must have confidence in the Word of God. The infallible truths and promises of God Almighty. Can he not write a book? He SPOKE the world into existence!!!

BELIEVE God's Word to be true!!

3. KEY PRAY
In 1538 the Bishop of London felt that study without prayer was like lungs without air- no life. (In Awe of Thy Word)

Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Psalm 119:76

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. Psalm 119:26

Pray...asking God for guidance, understanding and assurance.

4. KEY BE MEEK
(In Awe of Thy Word)

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.

Meek: humble, patient, kind

5. KEY OBEY

...We are not to 'correct' it....
(In Awe of Thy Word)

as the song says...

OBEDIENCE is the very best way to show that you believe..

doing exactly as the LORD commands..doing it happily..

Action is the key do it immediately...on the narrow way..

OBEDIENCE is the very best way to show that you believe.

O...B...E...D...ience... OBEDIENCE is the very best way to show that you BELIEVE!

6. KEY READ AGAIN

many have read this little story:

A mother sent her daughter with a basket to the river to fetch water. The daughter complained because she did not understand the task, since the weak and leaky vessel retained so little. The mother told the teen, 'Yet, indeed, but the vessel is getting quite clean.'
(In Awe of Thy Word)

Isaiah 34:16a Seek ye out the book of the LORD, and read:

I Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

7. KEY MEDITATE on MEMORIZED SCRIPTURE
(In Awe of Thy Word)

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statues: I will not forget thy word.

I can still recall some of the very first Bible verses I memorized. One being...

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

My husband led me to the LORD. It was the first time I had ever had anyone open a BIBLE and show me the truth of the Scriptures. I remember to this day...the "awe" of finding all the promises of GOD contained in this blessed book. It was my husband who taught me in my youth as a babe in Christ...even these same 7 keys. They are vital to a Christian's spiritual growth and understanding the will of the LORD.

The King James Bible is the most precious treasure you will ever own. It is mine.

THIS IS THE DAY....I thank my LORD for his faithfulness in preserving HIS WORD without error....for me to behold and grasp within my reach...to KNOW HIM...and rest in his perfect peace.

In Times Like These....

2009-06-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Before I post on the Seven Keys to Understanding the Bible...

I want to post these songs that have a wonderful message and challenge.

In Times Like These

In times like these we need the Bible, In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock!
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One; This Rock is Jesus, The only One!
Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

Surely TODAY, this message is evident! People need a solid foundation, they need to know that there is a place of quiet rest, of peace and comfort. It is found in the LORD Jesus Christ and His Word.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour, And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

When you read the BIBLE...you SEE the LORD JESUS!

The WORD OF GOD testifies who He is...

John 5:39 Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And Can It Be That I Should Gain?

And can it be that I should gain An int'rest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be...
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left his Father's throne above, So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adams' helpless race.

Amazing love! How can it be...
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

It is truly amazing, when we comprehend the great love wherewith he loved us!

He died for us and loves us...knowing what kind of people we are.

Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart

Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, A light to my path alway,
To guide and to save me from sin And show me the heavenly way.

Thy Word have I hid in my heat, That I might not sin against Thee; That I might not sin, that I might not sin, Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

Forever O Lord, is Thy Word established and fixed on high;
Thy faithfulness unto all men Abideth forever nigh

Thy Word have I hid in my heat, That I might not sin against Thee; That I might not sin, that I might not sin, Thy Word have I hid in my heart.
God's Word should be seen as a precious gift that we desire to read and obey, because of His love and wonderful ways towards us!

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalm 119:160

THIS IS THE DAY....my heart is ever so humbled, knowing I have the very Words of God in my midst. May I never take them lightly nor his great love for me.

Stand in Awe!

2009-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading this marvelous book by Gail Riplinger. I highly recommend this book to anyone who questions the value and authority of the blessed King James 1611 Bible.

This book is absolutely amazing.

I have cried in reading some of the pages of this book as she so clearly exemplifies the precise accuracy of every jot and tittle! My heart is overwhelmed by the very fact that all the years I have been saved, a born again Christian; God's Word has been very evident in my life. It is indeed...in every essence our necessary food!

Every LETTER (alphabet) has a distinct meaning...WORDS appropriately placed in order to give the correct meaning of a passage. God is NOT the author of confusion.

The title is perfect. I stand in awe at the magnitude of God's grace in giving us HIS PRECIOUS WORD...giving us HIMSELF... at Calvary...THE WORD incarnate.

I am humbled in reading this...as I am my Bible itself. To know that GOD shows himself openly to man and lets him make his own choice to believe or not. All the evidence is available as the Book of Romans states in verses 19-20...

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

St. John 1:1 ... In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

God spoke the world, life into existence. HE SPOKE and it became. The WORD OF GOD is not to be taken lightly.

Think of the ebbing and flowing of the tides, the waxing and waning of the moon, the repeated order of days etc. The intricate design of the human body....the human eye!

If you grasp this beyond science...you SEE with your heart!

If I can just give you a glimpse into a bit of what I've read to cause you to seek out the BOOK of the LORD and READ...I'd have great joy of heart.

I would surely THIS DAY...REJOICE.

Mrs. Riplinger explains the built in dictionary found in the KJV Bible...amazing!

Oh and to then to know that God cares so much for you that he counts the very hairs of your head!

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered, Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

...and would he not count every pen stroke...one jot or one tittle of HIS WORD!

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

Every word of God is pure... Proverbs 30:5

Psalm 119 continually exhorts the reader of THY WORD.

As I've mentioned before....we trust Christ as our Saviour and then question HIS WORD!

I will give you in the next post the 7 Keys to understanding your Bible.

With permission from the author...I'll share some of these points in her book.

THIS IS THE DAY...I rejoice in knowing whom I have believed in!

HOPE~

You can check on this book at www.avpublications.com

A Token of Love

2009-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

ROSES

I received this lovely bouquet for Mother's Day from my daughter Ruth. They arrived in bud form on Saturday,

By Sunday morning of Mother's Day; I found a wonderful surprise of Roses in bloom.

The scent was heavenly...each time I walked past them...

I stopped and smelled the roses!

None of my children were able to be with me this Mother's Day; and I have to admit....it was quite lonely without them, amongst all the other mother's and their families.

To my surprise as Adult Sunday School ended and the smaller children bounced in...followed by one of the Sunday School Teachers... I was handed this lovely Mother's Day treat.

I wanted to cry. This lady is always so thoughtful and this truly touched my heart. At such a time...she knew...as she did last year...that my heart ached for my children. Last year, she and her mother Betty, gave me a sweet card.

( read about Betty at my "A Creative Heart" blog post...A Special Luncheon 2008)

Even though all the Mother's at church that day received a lovely carnation corsage...this was the most meaningful.

Maybe she'll never know the depth of her thoughtfulness...but, it made me feel like I had "celebrated" Mother's Day after all...I felt with this small token of Love, not only her care for me...but it brought back those moments when my children were small and would have handed me these precious gifts.

How thankful I am for the people in my life who touch each day with kindness...

One moment...can make such a difference. One moment...can bring unexpected Joy.

One moment...if you stop and smell the Roses... can fill your heart with LOVE.

Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

THIS IS THE DAY...I think from now on...when I stop to smell the roses...I'll remember the loving bouquet sent from my daughter and the kindness of a sister in Christ.
Hope~

Stepping Stones of Life

2009-05-07T10:29:00.001-07:00

Our walk with the LORD.

It is quite noteworthy for this devotion to use this photo as I pondered how to use this in a post. I did a devotion one summer at our church and wondered if I still had the notes. I prayed last night, if the LORD wanted me to post this... I would find it. I did, in an unlikely place...they literally fell into my hands when I opened a notebook not even pertaining to devotions.

With this, I pray that my words here are written as the LORD desires.

Each morning I go outside to enjoy the fresh air and hear the birds chirp, talk with the LORD and view these ever present "stepping stones".

My lovely daughter Aubrey, made these with her children to give me one Mother's Day. It it one of the most touching gifts I have ever received. Seeing the imprints of a hand, or the little keep-sakes they chose themselves to embed in the stepping stone for their "Nana" is precious to my heart.

Only a grandmother could appreciate of course! A plastic snake...a Lego...a bumblebee button.

When my grandchildren were here recently, the girls placed their hands over the imprints on their stepping stones...they had grown! The girls giggled...and the boys remembered making these and laughed at putting a plastic dinosaur in one!

They had forgotten their "thoughts" at the time of choosing these items. A choice, they made...years ago.

Have you forgotten a choice perhaps you made years ago, also?

To walk with the LORD...daily...step by step.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy GOD?

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

My summer devotion was on Growing Up...In the LORD.

Steps of growth as we walk in His ways.

Ask yourself as a Believer in Christ...where you are in your steps of growth? Are you growing healthy in the LORD?

I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Babes:
they need pats on the back (comfort)...fed constantly...clothed

These are attributes of a new Christian's needs as well...as it states...As newborn babes. The WORD of God as necessary food for proper growth...and clothed with humility. Of course every baby needs that little pat on the back for comfort...perhaps you know a new christian who needs encouraged in the right choices they are making.

Little Children:
Imitate others....need discipline...instruction...innocent and unaware of dangers... a hand in hand for comfort-secure.....learn to walk...one step at a time!

Oh how oft they need correction...and warnings of danger... the impressions/influences made by others that are so vital to their choices and that hand in theirs that makes them secure and safe.

Are you at this stage of growth...do you seem to need a lot of correction! or instruction on warnings about the world, the flesh and the devil! How 'bout being impressed by the wrong people...or the right..think about the choice and it's consequences. Again..perhaps their is a young Christian needing a friend's hand to let them know they have a true friend in Christ. Children stumble when they first start walking!

Grown Children:
Full of energy that needs to be properly channeled...selfish, envious of others, finding "self"...their value.

As a growing christian you need to find your value to the ministry...what can you do to channel your energy for the LORD. Think on things...of good report. Don't be self centered...envious. God has a purpose for your life and a talent all your own. Too many times we find people wanting someone Else's talent and they haven't realized that God has given them ...their very own!! Pray and ask the LORD to show you what you can do...maybe you are the person who has the time to PRAY when others are so busy...maybe you just need to be a helper! I sure needed them for my ladies luncheon! What a blessing these people were and their willing hearts. A blessing. Your talent..can be being a BLESSING to others! AMEN!

I Corinthians 12:4/18 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Young adults:
learn personal responsibility...learn to love with charity...work...and develop virtues (choosing right).

Now is the time to take the full weight of your choices in life. Are you truly surrendered to God? Are you willing now to do the work of an follower of Christ? To labour in the field of souls? Can you now make sober minded decision about what you believe? Do you have your own convictions? and understand why you have them!

Mothers/Fathers;
Birth "newborns"...feed others...nurture.

At this stage of life...after you've grown in knowledge of the LORD and His Word..you should be bringing forth fruit. Spiritual children...leading others to Christ...then feeding them what you have learned and nurturing them along as they "grow" up in the LORD.

AGED:
Full of faith and strength of character...sober minded...realistic-relying not on dreams but the promises of God....see the Heavenly future.

As an aged Christian, you should set the example of longevity of faith...of strength in trials...testimony of God's promises fulfilled...and your peace of Heaven's home.

I recall some comments that my grandchildren have made over the years..

One in hearing the account of Adam and Eve's beginnings...told their dad about the morning devotion at dinner that night.

Eve came from Adam's WALLET!

My daughter had used the illustration of putting her hand in her side pocket to show the children how Eve came from Adam's side...exactly where daddy keeps his wallet!

So innocent...and yet...are you?...as a wife in submission to her husband or a husband to the LORD. How easily our flesh can misunderstand our place!

Then my granddaughter had taken a bath a bit too long..and said

"Now I have Grandma skin!"...

Does it bother you to age....GRACE abounds with aged..of faith!

One of my own children upon receiving his hamburger with the buns separated...proclaimed..

"They forgot my lid!"

Have you forgotten a vital part of growing in the LORD...is your walk complete?

Oh and most of all this one...

When my little granddaughter has not seen her dad for quite a while..she asked her mom..

"Mommy, can I have a picture of daddy? I forgot what he looks like!"

Oh dear Christian...never take your eyes off the LORD! Remember to see HIM in His WORD daily...stay on the stepping stones he has laid and walk thereon!

II Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen

This is the day...I thank the LORD for my salvation and the many faithful Christians in my life who have helped me in my walk...step by step..year after year. I have now walked with the LORD for 36 years, and as "Pilgrim"...keeping my eyes on that light!
Hope~

Grandchildren...My Joy and Delight

2009-04-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalm 127:3

Children's children are the crown of old men...
Proverbs 17:6a

THIS IS THE DAY... I thank the LORD for GRANDCHILDREN

...and the great joy they bring to my life. I have ten grandchildren (one with the LORD)...and really I'm, I guess quite young for that many!! As a mother of five of my own...it's inevitable that you will one day have a bumper crop of G'kids around! I love every moment of their hugs and funny things they do and say.

They all...every one of my grandchildren...live a good distance away. The visits are very very special and cherished. The memories linger in my thoughts and in my dreams. It's so hard to say ...good bye...and wait for the next visit.

I love looking over the photos of our fun during this recent visit...since they are now a military family and will be traveling the world wide! I see many trips for my husband and I in the future. My other daughter came to visit also with her two boys...she is moving also with the military...

here's a sampling of a few of the G'kids fun time.

Remember the darling little GIRL who loves spiders...well, this is her little sister's collection of BUGS and SNAKES!!

I bought "Beebers"...her very own BUG Carrier. She was HAPPY!

She could put her stretchy snake inside and pretend he was real...

The rest...well, they have to wait their turn!

Then...there is big sis who is very very BRAVE!! you know..Spider Girl!

She caught a cricket once and kindly named him "Crickey".

The boys do their share too...like even pretending to have a frog ..foaming at the mouth..GROSS!

Dish soap... bubbles!!

AND...real...SHARK'S TEETH...

They enjoyed scouring the waters edge for their treasures.

and as the photo up top shows...they run for the fun!
What delight it brings to my heart as I hear the glee's of happiness and excitement of another adventure!

It was surely a refreshing time....the innocence of youth.

May we continually pray for the next generation and God's graces upon their lives.

Blessings to you..
HOPE

...comfort one another with these words..

2009-04-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:11

I love this verse...and I love this carving my mother gave me. I have it sitting on my fireplace mantle. It is a constant reminder of the above verse.

Our LORD is so caring, so long suffering and full of mercy. His ways as I've mentioned before are so perfect..that we cannot fathom it's work in entirety.

My dear sweet sister in Christ, passed on to the LORD early Saturday morning. She was only 51 years of age. Sobering as we think of each day we take for granted. Make the most of each day..for the LORD!!

She was diagnosed with a rare cancer just a month ago...and so quickly spread. I know that many will not understand why..but for me, I see God's mercy upon her. She has had a very grievous trial the past two years of her life and quite frankly..even the things I've endured..THIS...would be most difficult. I see God's mercy in relieving her of living this the rest of her life here on earth. I know that her family will miss her so terribly..but they have the comfort that this post speaks of...God's will and HIS comfort found in his promises, in his faithfulness and his WORD.

I thank the LORD so much for my King James Bible! What a TREASURE! the book of TRUTH right in my very hands! So many verses that testify of it's accuracy of it's strength in the believers life and the fruit it has and continues to have through the ages of time.

But, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

I Thessalonians 4:13-14

Comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:18

THIS IS THE DAY... my sister in Christ is with the LORD, she loves.

Please pray for her family.

God bless you all with this same comfort.

HOPE

2009-04-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

If you want to be distressed..
LOOK WITHIN
If you want to be defeated...
LOOK BACK
If you want to be distracted..
LOOK AROUND
If you want to be dismayed...
LOOK BEFORE
If you want to be DELIVERED
LOOK TO CHRIST!

Many years ago I wrote this on the front page of my Bible as a reminder to not let these things hinder my walk with the LORD. I could write so much about each of these listed..but I think it best for you dear reader to think upon these yourself and let the LORD speak to your heart.

As I began to read once again a wonderful book....Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret... I was blessed with these words on the first page...

Bear not a single care thyself,
One is too much for thee;
The work is Mine, and Mine alone;
Thy work- to rest in ME.

-Selected

As a born again believer...I have the choice to trust. Have I not already trusted Christ for my very souls eternity! and can I not trust him for each days care?

Oh, dear one...think upon these phrases...ponder them in your heart and have faith.

Enough that God my Father knows:-
Nothing this faith can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

-selected

We thank Thee, Lord, for pilgrim days
When desert springs were dry,
When first we knew what depths of need
Thy love could satisfy.

-selected

Oh how I have found this true in my life...
the desert spring when dry...
HIS love indeed did satisfy!

The SEASONS of our life...

EACH must be seen as the time for which it is purposed.

The deliverance is there...if we just...

LOOK TO CHRIST.

A Thankful Heart

2009-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isaish 40:29

My heart is full of thanksgiving to you all for your prayers and sweet comments. They are so uplifting. Thank you for taking the time to pray for someone you don't even know, and sharing my burden...for caring...for the compassionate messages of concern... for your thoughtfulness.

THANK YOU!

Haddie is HOME! To God be the GLORY! The bone marrow transplant was successful and she is home relaxing and eating! She went home sooner than expected and was even able to SKIP a followup appointment! We all knew that in the end...The LORD OF GLORY would be glorified and his perfect work done! We should not be amazed!!

One more example of WHY we should have complete confidence and trust in the LORD's care...no matter the trial.

I heard from one of my friends that has been dealing with cancer for over 2 years now. Please keep her in prayer. She is an elderly lady with colon cancer and at this time going through another round of Chemo. It is very hard on her and on top her dear husband was in the hospital also for gall bladder removal. They live far from me, so our hearts are knit by letters and prayer.

My friend whom I recently asked prayer is now going through her first Chemo. I have not heard any news. I'll update as I hear.

The gentleman that goes to our church...dear Saint, he says physically he is worn..but Spiritually uplifted! Praise the LORD! Imagine these who suffer so...comforting US!

Our Pastor preached last night... "WHEN YOU LOOK YOUR BEST"...and the text was Acts 6:8-15

note verse 15

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

As you read your Bible, you will note that often during the most difficult trials..Noah, Daniel, Job....their testimonies of Faith shown as bright as the sun (SON)....and they did indeed look their best!!

Imagine going through a trial and being noted as having the face of an angel!

PEACE! ....yes, and at such a time!!

I have a thankful heart of praise this evening as I think upon the goodness of my God and his faithfulness to all mankind...how unworthy we are and yet he looks down upon our hearts that are humbled and it pleases him to bless.

Oh how I love my Lord....
my heart cannot magnify him enough...
nor can my words even compare to the Praises in Heaven
as the Angels sing...

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Joyful, Joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love

Stars and angels sing around Thee
Center of unbroken praise

Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife

Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

THIS IS THE DAY....
I think of the angels singing Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Urgent Prayer

2009-03-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dear friends...

Please be in prayer for another dear Christian woman recently diagnosed with cancer. It is very very serious. The cancer has spread and she is in much pain. She is in her late 40's with grown children. She has been through some very difficult trials in the past few years.

God knows all things...he does all things well, though we may not understand it all at this time. I've said this many times in my writings...because it is true.

The blessed trust of knowing the LORD Jesus, is beyond my words...it must be present in your own heart. Walking daily with Him and watching the work of God in hearts..in your own life...is truly the work of Grace...moment by moment...giving each believer glimpses of His care.

He will care for this dear Saint. He will comfort. He will do His good pleasure for all to know. God is with us.

So many songs come to my heart when I write these words. Songs of comfort..songs of peace in knowing the LORD of Glory is in control.

Oh to see his blessed face one day...for some sooner than others.

Face to face with Christ my Saviour...Face to face what will it be?
When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me.

Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see him by and by!

What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain,
When the crooked ways are straightened And the dark things shall be plain.

Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see him by and by!

It is difficult for many people to comprehend times like this, but we must look forward and trust God's work. Sometimes years down the road...the glories of God's work are manifest. The WHY's of life. Some we may not know until we see the LORD.

But know this...it will have been done in truth, justice and for a Godly purpose.

I like what a Preacher said once... You must rest on the naked WORD OF GOD...and nothing else, for assurance and comfort of peace. Nothing can rest the soul like the WORD OF GOD.

Read St. John 1:1-3,14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

God bless you..

HOPE

Answered Prayers

2009-03-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Haddie has taken the transplant SUCCESSFULLY!! Praise the LORD.

It has been a truly amazing journey for this family...and the testimony of God's work is spoken loud and clear!!

Due to family visiting....I'll be on a break until the first week in April.

Thank you all for your loving thoughts and prayers.

(I'll have lots to share!)

The Bug

2009-03-04T21:12:00.001-08:00

I have the flu bug...please pray that my g'kids visiting don't get this...

Still no word on the surgery time for my husband as we pray for the LORD's will in this. The MRI was a bit vague...there is definete damage but how much we are not sure. Just patiently waiting on the LORD.

Haddie is doing well thus far...and no fevers which has been an ongoing problem. Praise the LORD!

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful notes and the prayers especially!

God blessings on you...

HOPE

Perfect Peace

2009-02-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.

Trust ye in the LORD for ever:
for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

Isaiah 26:3-4

Such great comfort comes from the Word of God. Oh to have this treasure in our midst! To be able to handle the Word of God and comprehend the vast promises and hope. Partakers of his divine Grace!!

There are so many needs in this time of our lives...and God knows all of them. Not one hair of our head is not known! Imagine...the God of all creation, cares this much about you and me. One hair does not fall that he is not aware of!

How sweet to know that God sees Haddie in her youth with her hair falling out due to Chemo, he will comfort her in this affliction...so many others going through this very trial. I have a friend with colon cancer, who has been going through treatments for the past two years. Oh, how I pray for her salvation and for her to know this wonderful PEACE that passeth all understanding! Please pray for her.

My husband goes to the Orthopedic doctor tomorrow morning to find out what the MRI shows of his injury.

Many of you also have great needs of your own, friends, loved ones. God knows them all.

An elderly man in our church is also going through Chemo for a brain tumor. He is witnessing to a long time friend..perhaps in his affliction of cancer, his friend will see this peace found in salvation.

This comfort and peace come from God's WORD! Keeping our mind...stayed on HIM, by reading the Bible! A letter of LOVE from the very source of LOVE! What greater gift than to know you hold it in your hands! Never neglect this time. Never forsake the moments of thought that will keep your heart steadfast upon HIS ways.

Verse 4 says...trust in the LORD forever!!! it is to never stop! and it says...
for he is everlasting strength!

This is that peace. Our trust in HIM forever. We are saved and sealed. Forever in His care.

Always remember that HIS ways are perfect. Nothing happens without his knowledge.
Therefore...we can trust...have peace....and know...

THAT HE IS GOD.

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm....

Isaiah 25:4

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Nahum 1:7

THIS IS THE DAY...peace rest within my soul as I bring these petitions before my God, the LORD Jesus Christ..and know, he hears me and HIS way is perfect; therefore I can trust and not be afraid. I can rest and know...HE IS MY GOD!!

...and wait patiently on the good work that will be done.

Need of prayer

2009-02-23T19:16:00.001-08:00

THIS IS THE DAY....I, Thank you for keeping this missionary family in prayer. They have great need at this time as Bro. Girard's (saved) mother passed away this past Sunday, and his wife's father is presently in serious health and not expected to live long. Please especially pray for her father's salvation at this time.

My husband has seriously injured his ACL...(ligament in the knee). He is on crutches and has a leg brace. He had an MRI on Friday, to check for any other damages, no word yet. Surgery is a must with this condition to replace the ligament.

I know that many of you have needs as well...and as I pray...I ask that he would also meet the needs of your heart and those of your loved ones.

Our God is faithful and he knows all our needs. He desires prayer; as the compassion of our hearts is made manifest in love for others.

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2

Thank you,
HOPE

Prayer Request update

2009-02-19T18:51:00.001-08:00

Haddie received her bone marrow treatment and the surgery on her brother to extract the bone marrow went well and quicker than expected! AMEN.

Please continue to pray for her body's recovery (it will take two weeks for her immune system to respond) and also for her own self esteem in losing her hair with the Chemo treatments. Not easy for a 15 yr. old. Though her parents say she is in good spirits and knows this is the road to recovery. Praise the LORD!

Pray for her parents as they stand by her side and have to watch this unfold in their precious child's life.

A time of reflection in understanding God's ways...

He chooses these times for a purpose...

I know O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.Let I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Psalm 119:75-76

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

(many brethren together in prayer for a common desire and hope)

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:23-24

As we pray...remember the labours of this missionary family on the foreign field and how much good has been done by their many sacrifices for others.

Thank you,

HOPE

Urgent Prayer for Tuesday

2009-02-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

Please be in prayer/fasting Tuesday all day and especially at noon (California time) for Haddie Girard. She is the fifteen year old daughter of

Missionary Bryan Girard in Papua New Guinea

They are currently in California and going through a fiery trial with their daughter's health. Her elder brother is going through the bone marrow donor surgery tomorrow. Tomorrow is a critical stage for this sweet young lady. Much prayer has been said on her behalf. Doctors are amazed at the answers to prayer and the faith of this family. Praise the LORD!

One doctor said

.."whatever you are doing...keep doing it!"

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer...
Romans 12:12

THIS IS THE DAY....We can rejoice in knowing our GOD is able and his ways are always right, just and perfect.

God's blessing be upon you and the needs of your own heart.

HOPE

Family Time

2009-02-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

As I look upon the precious photos taken during the past two weeks of my grandchildren:

This is the day...I rejoice in the wonderful blessing of FAMILY.

The above photo is of my sweet 6 yr. old granddaughter and my lovable Schnauzer Gus. He was such a pushover for attention as you can see!

My daughter and her four children came to visit for my birthday. Little did they know since they were a few days late and their Mommy's birthday was the following week; that Nana had the dining area already decorated for a surprise birthday party for... their mom! As we entered the driveway, I used the excuse of putting the dog in another room first and then placed a decorated cake I made, on the table.

In the two and a half hour trip to our home, they didn't say a word about how they had a "party" hidden in a bag for Nana!

As we all entered the house...I said,

SURPRISE!

and they were! The glee's of happiness and wishes for their mommy rang out!

WAIT! We have a something for YOU

... and out came a huge Birthday gift bag and all the trimmings for a PARTY and a gift!

My daughter was so happy that I had already decorated because the entire week prior they couldn't wait to have this "party". It was fun to celebrate our birthdays together.

During their stay, my home was filled daily with laughter of funny stories or things the kids did....

You naturally expect your beautiful little granddaughters to play Mommy...and yes they did...

and they also like:

SPIDERS!

if you look closely you can see that the girls have decorated Nana's sewing/guest room with their lovelies! SPIDER WEBS!

Here is a close up of their "creatures".. Plastic of course..but nonetheless... SPIDERS!

My grandchildren love to go to the Dollar $tore...and on this trip, instead of the usual purses or princess crowns; the GIRLS flocked over to the bags of spiders, snakes and bats! Did I mention the BATS that lay around the room also! oh there were lizards too of all sorts and colors...okay, some were a nice bright purple, and girls do like purple!

I asked the girls...

"Don't you want a cute new purse? or look here is a nice pony?"

"No, Nana, we love spiders. We want to be Vets when we grow up!"

"Mmmm? what do these have to do with being a VET?"

"Well, at least you can rescue Nana if any of those creepy..uh, I mean "cute little" things show up."

My daughter was laughing quietly as we paid for the girls goodies.

"I guess our hikes in the woods have made the girls really interested in...God's creation!"

The boys were busy looking over the Army men packages...whew!

And so, my lovely "girly" room had taken on some new characteristics. I just hope I don't find any stray spiders...and think they are real!

They did play "Tea time" with these cute little tigers they also found at the fun store.

The Cheerios are suppose to be mini cookies!

There is nothing like seeing the world through a child's eyes. I enjoyed every moment of watching their sweet pleasure in simple things and play.

No t.v. was watched...just simple times of play... and family enjoyment.

I hope you enjoyed my story of family life...

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

I thank the LORD for his blessings upon me in this life with precious people both in my own family, my church and here.

Thank you to all that left me birthday greetings. It touched my heart.

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

A Blessed Remembrance Day

2009-01-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today is not only my birthday...but this day last year, my youngest son trusted Christ as his personal Saviour! The MOST wonderful birthday gift of my life!

We had been to a special meeting at our church and the Preacher...Brother Tom Bard spoke to his heart so deeply, it led my son to salvation. This preacher has a wonderful way of presenting soberly, the presence of GOD. My son said he felt as if he could have reached out and touched God's hand that night. The message title if I remember correctly was God Is Near.

My son had been on a path of indecision for some time.... He was born and raised in a Christian home. We faithfully had prayer and devotions. My children attended our church school. They had all the resources to take...the cup of salvation. They all made professions one time in their youth. But, some lacked that TOTAL surrender of their will..for HIS. That is true salvation.

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to HIM, I freely give.

It is a joy to think that today is my birthday...and his Spiritual birthday. He is not here for us to celebrate together; but our thoughts of thankfulness and hearts are intertwined with love for each other and the love of Christ our Saviour.

THIS IS THE DAY...

I surely count the blessings in my life. When I think upon the many years now of my life and the answers to prayer, the safety of my life and the friends God has brought into my path of life. I think upon this Psalm.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

I was saved at the young age of 19. I have known the presence of GOD ever since. I have known and continue to...have the fullness of joy as I think upon my blessed Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ. I'm grateful this day...for His Blessed WORD. My comfort and treasure.

(I'll be taking a break for a week. My daughter and grandchildren are coming to visit for a week! MORE JOY! thankful for the sweet grandchildren God has given me)

Thank you friends for your encouraging notes...and friendship.
I'm thankful that in this life...I also have met you.

Our Testimony of the WORD

2009-01-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

As I was reading my devotions and appreciating the wonderful joy of God's written Word...I thought about the "wordless book" Pam at Good News created with her children.

This book... just pages of color...yet told the story of the blood shed by Christ~ RED, the blackness of sin -BLACK. I began to think about our daily walk in the LORD and what people see or hear.

I then pondered the thought:

"Without words...what does my life say about my Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ?"

I began to list somethings to consider:

My APPEARANCE: dress, hairstyle, expressions,

My ACTIVITIES: homemaking, decor, hobbies,

MY APPETITE; music, entertainment,

Once I made this list..I thought?

Do Christians really take these things to heart?

We hear preaching about our walk, but do we really analyze each aspect of our walk with the LORD. We are to be ambassadors of Christ.

A representative of HIM!

Christians are "little Christ"... the disciples were the first to be called Christians.

Acts 11:26b ..And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Why? They had a distinction about them that set them apart and people knew...

THAT IS A CHRISTIAN!

Yes, there are counterfeits out there. I see them all the time...yet, something tells us there is something askew about them.

For what saith the scripture? Romans 4:3

Search the scriptures for what GOD says. Compare scripture with scripture.

Do you see a genuine wholesomeness about those who do who claim to be Christians?

Men or women!

God doesn't make cookie-cutter Christians...the Bible is full of whosoever will...but, our choices do manifest the heart's desire in doing God's will.

I wrote down "expressions" because I recently had a conversation with someone about their facial "expression" showing dissatisfaction during a choir practise! The choir director brought it to her attention. It can send signals to the entire congregation!

"oooh... did they not like how the Choir sounded? or was it the song leader? Maybe it was the piano player?"

mmmm? uh oh...sending some people into the THOUGHT zone! and away from the message of the choirs song of praise!

It doesn't even have to be in church...what about in public? Do you have a look of complaint or impatience! Patience is a virtue that is always appreciated with the public. I can't tell you how many times I have had a cashier or office worker thank me for waiting patiently, not complaining when I got to them. What a great opportunity then to give a Gospel Tract! and readily received!

I also put hairstyle..because even a hairstyle can speak too loud...taking away from the garment of Christ in you the hope of glory! He is the glory...not us! I like to look nice and presentable...but we must be careful...as with all our appearance..jewelry...makeup...perfume etc. The mirror does wonders for our spiritual check up. What you see...a wordless book...is what the world sees.

..."People will read you, before they read a Bible!"

Do your activities show your heart desire in living? Homemaking~ is it a drudgery or challenge...or is it a noble calling to be an example of Proverbs 31...married or single! Remember to do all to the Glory of GOD.

Are your activities full of time consuming things that bring in pride and competition...maybe even cause you to miss...church!

Or how about hobbies? I love to quilt and do crafts...I am very careful of how much time I give to it. Is your hobby expensive (quilting can be!) or do you limit your expenses and mindful of "missions" or the needs of your own church or others. Some hobbies can just be for enjoyment...is it wholesome, time well spent? Even blogging!

If you walk by a car or house and just hear music (no words) can you distinguish what kind it is? Does the beat or tune...appeal to your flesh (the old man)? You know when it happens..you know from your lost state versus your saved soul, what music truly would testify to others; what kind do they hear from you? Is there a difference that people know without the words?

Entertainment...DEF: an activity to give pleasure or relaxation
opera, movie, literature...sports can be but falls into the term of "recreation" which involves active participation beyond mere leisure.

Do you watch a movie or t.v. controlled by the media? Unknown commercials or movie trailers shown that you wouldn't have watched if you had the choice. YOU DO!

Can you control what you watch? Yes.

Someone recently said to me...

"if my child should not watch it..neither can I!"

That's' it in a nutshell...we are to come to God as a little child are we not?

So as a child in heart we also should be innocent and with a pure mind and heart!

We chose to get rid of our T.V. before we had children...over 34 YEARS ago! and how glad I am. I have not missed it at all. My children saw it of course at other homes...but, it did not control our home. It did not dictate our way of dress, our hours of home life and devotional times. It was not the center of the house! It was not the focus of our attention.

I grew up with T.V. we watched it in the morning before school...we watched it after school (I squeezed in homework) and we watched it DURING dinnertime! Did I have a "HOME-life" ...no.

If I still had children in my home..I would not have the Internet. I gasp at the advertisements just on email sites! and to think of all the children allowed to have email accounts! I like gmail for this very reason...no photos.

This was a good devotion for me. I am always glad to do a "check-up". I want to hear the words of my Lord one day..

Well done.

I pray that the WORD of God reveals my heart over and over so that I can continue to strive to do my best...HE is so worthy and souls so precious.

I love this Hymn...

I wonder have I done my best for Jesus
Who died upon the cruel tree
To think of his great sacrifice at Calvary
I know my Lord expects the best from me.

How many are the lost that I have lifted?
How many are the chained, I've helped to free?
I wonder have I done my best for Jesus,
When he has done so much for me.

Ensign Edwin Young 1895

My check ups come daily. In this New Year..I want to do better. I want to guard my eyes, my mouth, my heart...ALL. So that come the next New Year, I will be able to rejoice, I pray..in a fruitful year, because of obedience to His Word, His Will and His Ways.

My prayer this year is;

Psalm 139:23 Search me O God, and know my heart:try me and know my thoughts...

A "Winter" season in my life is passing now and I look forward to the Spring that is bringing new buds of joy into my heart. (I'll post later about the "seasons" of a Christian's life).

May I encourage you in this Scripture for 2009.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

God's Grace

2009-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

In continuance of the previous post Great is Thy Faithfulness about a brother in Christ. I wanted to share with you a little more of his testimony.

It is all God's Grace.

How a former Pastor...family man and a born again Christian can fall into sin so far...that you find yourself.. 20 years down the road

Homeless...on drugs...seemingly helpless and hopeless

yet, the GRACE OF GOD renewed his joy of salvation and set his feet once again upon a rock and put that song back into his heart!

His warning... GUARD YOUR HEART!

Psalm 119... READ the entire chapter and write this upon the tables of your heart!

God gave us his word for this very purpose...to yield our hearts, body and mind to his will and not our own. To walk with him, to think upon his ways and to guard against the wiles of the devil.

The devil is indeed a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Never underestimate that you have a will of your own...YOU make choices that determine your life's path.

God is faithful...he is always true...always near...but, he will not override the will of man. God in his mercies lets man decide. He doesn't want a bunch of robot Christians..he wants free will choices that show your desire to do right, your love of his righteousness and your thankfulness of heart for all that he has and will do for you.

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalm 119:2

Man...can forget...he can go astray.

Psalm 119:Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
Psalm 119:92

This man testified that he began to write Bible verses on pieces of paper and kept a journal of remembering God's ways...this strengthened him and helped him. Just as the word of God says...IF YOU KEEP...HIS testimonies...if you take heed to God's word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to they word. Psalm 119:9

He said that the t.v., advertisements in the paper and catalogs were his downfall. The exposure to lust....in day to day living...hearing and seeing their unlawful deeds.

GUARD your home..your eyes and your heart.

He began the pursuit of holiness in his life.

Everywhere you turn these things of the world are thrown in your face. You have to purposely avoid them...YOU make the choice.

Will you pursue Holiness in your life? This year.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24

As an exhortation in 2009... Dear Reader,

join me in a daily watch of our hearts and walk with the LORD! Let us walk as an example...to help others and our own selves...to give strength of hope and encouragement; that this is the good way to walk.

May God grant us the grace that was bestowed on this brother and renew in us a committed heart in the pursuit of holiness, that gives honor to the LORD Jesus Christ, edifies the church and encourages others to trust the LORD as their Saviour.

THIS IS THE DAY...I thank my GOD for his faithful WORD of truth and power that enables a man to stand up once again and testify of God's Grace and HOPE found in the LORD.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

2009-01-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalm 119:89

My heart has been truly full...as I have thought upon the past year's battles and victories! Praise the LORD for his merciful kindness and long sufferings...for his wondrous works in so many lives....in my own.

We have a "watch night" service every New Year's Eve...This year's proved to be extra special: THIS IS THE DAY

I give praise and thanks, especially because I have personally listened to the testimony of a brother in Christ brought up from the miry clays of a horrible backslid condition...back to the pulpit, and giving GOD all the Praise for HIS compassion's that failed not..for his constant prodding of the Holy Spirit and the WORD that never left his heart. As a true born again Christian...he took his eyes off the Saviour and onto the world...step by step..little by little...it's grasp took hold and yet the LORD never left him nor forsook him.

He warned...it comes little by little over time...and then suddenly you have found yourself in a horrible place. Asking how in the world? Did I get here?

What a testimony! Tears streaming down...words broken...as he spoke of thinking he never again would have this opportunity...to speak boldly of God's holiness and of all his graces...in church.

His title..

In Pursuit of Holiness...

Strive because there is so much resistance in the flesh...

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13

STRIVE...CONTEND...

WHEREFORE seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus....
Hebrews 12:1-2a

Satan knows exactly what button to push...

Be vigilant and watch unto prayer...don't let Satan take your joys by letting you be offended so easily and get you out of church...or for not getting recognized ...or perhaps not resting in the LORD and letting him work in not only your own life, but others! Yes, others that might be your very foe...pray for them and let God have his way with them.

Be faithful yourself and an example of pursuing holiness...turning away from worldly temptations!

Patient in the LORD and wait...

Think upon the fruitfulness that can be brought forth in this next new year...

simply by setting aside, Self...and putting the LORD first.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Psalm 5:3

and remember...

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not:
As thou has been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided..
Great is they faithfulness,
Lord unto me!

Hymn 1866 Thomas O. Chisholm

Happiest Of New Years to you...

I appreciate so much the encouragement you have been to me...
the wonderful friendships made in sharing the Lord's work in all our lives.

A huge world...yet so small...with friends right around the corner, no matter the distance!

Blessings to you...
HOPE

How Great Thou Art!

2008-12-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN AT LAST

The words so touching...on the floral arrangement placed by my father's casket. My church knew the perfect words for him at this time.

The piano player, our Pastor's daughter played his favorite song with blurry eyes.

"HOW GREAT THOU ART"

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died, to take away my sin!

THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MY SAVIOUR GOD TO THEE
HOW GREAT THOU ART...HOW GREAT THOU ART...
THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MY SAVIOUR GOD TO THEE
HOW GREAT THOU ART...HOW GREAT THOU ART!

Each time I hear this song...I too want to shout!

HOW GREAT THOU ART!!

Oh, the riches of his grace...for all he has done.
Not for me alone or my dad...but for all mankind!

Can you grasp the depth of His love
His mercy and his forbearance
to die for sinners...
and patiently wait for them
to receive his wondrous salvation!

It took years for my father to receive Christ as his Saviour.
But, he did. He took that step of faith and humbled himself;
cast off pride and unbelief to take the promise of GOD.

For by grace are saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13

As we listened to my Pastor speak of my dad's changed life and the joy he brought to so many in that change. Hearts were encouraged and full of thankfulness.

Remembering the beginning...

A daughter's hope...and desire

A step of faith...patient in the work of God

Strength of prayer...and the Truth

A yielded heart...one's own choice

A calm assurance and peace...

Salvation.

This was on my heart. HOW GREAT THOU ART!

As we drove to the National Cemetery to honor my dad for his military service as well; I looked in the rear view mirror...

TWENTY EIGHT cars following behind us....

My husband and children listened as I recalled his arrival a few years prior...

an old car...a box with few belongings...no hope...without God

NOW...friends honoring his life of faith and hope. Friends bringing their hearts of joy and loss to share with us...his family...the peace of God's promises fulfilled.

As the taps played and I was given his flag, the final prayer said...

I was so very thankful to be

HIS LITTLE PRINCESS

Missionaries...my dad and me

2008-12-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

My dad and I now embarked on a new journey together.

Missionaries to the souls of men at the V.A. Hospital!

He needed to have radiation treatments to ward of the cancer returning again, he did not want chemo.

We made weekly trips....and while my father was in with the doctor: I sat in the waiting room amidst many war veterans. Some experiencing the same disease as my father, some other health issues. All men...who needed hope!

As I sat in the waiting room..I'd pass out tracts, readily received! What joy filled my heart at this reception. Even if I didn't get to say a word..THE WORD was given and they could read it.

I recall one elderly man in particular whom I had the privilege of striking up a conversation..which then led to a witness of God's saving grace. This sweet man listened so intently and as my father came in to leave, the gentleman shook his hand and expressed his happiness at meeting me and our comforting chat.

I don't know if this man got saved...God does. Just the opportunity to share God's love and amazing grace was my joy! Perhaps..I hope..one day to see him again and know that this time was his to receive Christ as his Saviour.

My dad got a kick out of my "mission" while he was with the doctor..and so from that time on we called these our "missionary journey's" together. It made the dreadful trip for the treatment worth it all!

My father and me...doing a work for the Lord...together.

And it all began...with a simple letter of HOPE.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

I love to tell the story...

2008-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word,
Tell me the story most precious.
Sweetest that ever was heard.
1820-1915

I love to tell the story, tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, For some have never heard,
The message of salvation, From God's own holy Word.
1834-1911

Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave,
Remember I'm the sinner, whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, If you would really be,
In any time of trouble. A comforter to me.
Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story.
Tell me the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
1834-1911

There's a sweet and blessed story
Of the Christ who came from glory
Just to rescue me in mercy full and free
With His loving kindness sought me,
And from sin and shame he bought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.

Hallelujah what a Saviour Who can take a poor lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set him free!

I will ever tell the story..Shouting glory, glory, glory..
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
1849-1919

All songs giving glory to the LORD...for the work done in the hearts of man. I too, could write a song of praise for the work God has not only done in my own heart; but in the hearts of those I have prayed for and the wonderful privilege of seeing the salvation of converted souls.

What would my words contain...

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My eyes behold, The wonders of his hand,
My heart is lifted up in joy
His truths and promises still stand!

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My prayers, he's heard
My pleas have come before Him
My hearts desire....found in his precious Word!

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My confidence shall never be shattered
My steadfast hope...will always be true
Forever His praises...my lips shall scatter!

Praise be to the LORD...MY GOD AND MY SAVIOUR!

written by HOPE
December 2, 2008

As I write "this story" about my earthly father and my Heavenly Father; I truly rejoice in this work of God's mercy, grace and truth.

I read also today in my daily devotional reading... Mark chpt. 5:1-20 (awe the number of Grace!) the story ends with this verse..

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:20

I myself marvel at this story and that of my earthly father. Freed from the cords of sin and finding peace with God.

I love to tell the story!!