Matthew 13:14-16 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people`s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hears with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.
As we approach the season of Advent, the coming of Christ, it is often a season of great despair and depression for many. A time of great sadness, as we mourn loved ones that have passed; creating a void that often opens a pit of emptiness. Satan delights in our sorrow and often attempts to disrupt the joy of Christmas. However, to diminish Satan`s success, what if we could send off heaven-bound e-mails to our loved ones! Of course you`d have to e-mail early to avoid the Christmas rush; I would imagine that Heaven is pretty busy in preparation for "The Heavenly Birthday Bash," for JESUS!
I believe that writing an e-mail would help to heal the pain of separation and our loneliness; just as this blog has opened my soul for the healing and restoration that I have required. So just who would be on your e-mail list and what would you tell them? For me. this might be a long list but if you`ve got time, here I go.
First I`d tell my mom, that a piece of me died when she passed, but Rick has loved me through it. Also mom, God forgave me for the dreadful secret that I kept from you. To my brother Robin, I`d shared that after 40 some years, God had me forgive Larry Alexander. I`d tell daddy, that I understand about his alcoholism and that I will soon celebrate 6 years of sobriety. I`d tell pop-pop Guhl that my brother Ernie has a big belly just like his! To all of my aunts,uncles and cousins, I wished that I would have known you better. David, you where my favorite cousin, oops second cousin, was it because of your accident that you always had time for family?
To Brice my first love and father of our aborted child, I forgive you and will always love you! It took almost 40 years to get you out of my dreams. To my unborn baby, I`m so sorry, so very sorry, I love you so much, please forgive me.........I anxiously await our heavenly reunion! To Brice`s mother, Shirley, I`d say thank you for teaching me to openly love.
Mom-mom Guhl even though I was only 3 when you died, I held onto the pain and separation anxiety for years and years. Struggling for decades, unaware of how much I mourned your sudden death. Mom-mom and Pop Frazer, I have finally seen pictures of both of you, I cried and cried for the love that I never knew.
Joe and Barbara Mullen, thank you for your family of love and the prayers, we have a loving faithful, God! Jay, rest in peace, Garfield! Jimmy, your children are okay, you where a good father and wonderful friend. Shirley, Bobby is just killing time; Jen loves and takes good care of him. I thank God for our friendship....Rick-Mon misses you, too. Karen, I still feel your hand on my shoulder, reminding me that I`d had done so good with sobriety, thanks for the on-going life-time of encouragement.
Mike, Rose is slowing down, but she is a determined and proud little Italian women. Smoke, we`ve never had another neighbor like you. You were like a dad to Rick and I. Do you have a garden in heaven? Mary, I know that your children, grand-children and great grand-childen will struggle to get through Christmas without you, the first is the most difficult.
Father God, thank you for allowing me to write your blog and for the intense healing that I receive. I pray that if anyone is holding on to grief, pain and sorrow for a loved one, that they write them an e-mail......just be sure to have the kleenex box handy!
Isaiah 53:3-5 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our trangressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are HEALED. AMEN.........................I have great expectations for a wonderful, love-filled and joyous CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Fragrance of Jesus Day 370
2 Corinthian 2:14-15 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
What a comforting thought, to God I am the aroma of His son, Jesus Christ! By the grace of God we walk in the sweet fragrance of Jesus......thank you, God! Does this empower and require us to shower the world with bouquets of Jesus. As Christians do we take this blessing for granted; applying only a little dab of Jesus cologne on Sunday? Or do we walk the walk, talk the talk and dispense the loving-scent of Jesus each and every day, no matter where we are? As for me and I friends I desire to smell of the high heavens of Jesus, without fear of offending or worry of my political correctness!
Several times this week I was present in the delightful aroma of Jesus. Sunday morning when I attended worship at Connections Church, the aromatic flavor of Jesus filled the room, quenching my senses for His presence. Later that evening I attended a prayer and worship service for Joseph Feeley, a young man battling terminal brain cancer. Doctors have given up on Joseph and their ability to heal him. That evening with worship music and prayer there was life and hope as hundreds of believers perfumed the prayer service with Jesus.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future," declared the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land."
Tuesday evening as I drive a rambunctious group of middle-schoolers home from Generation Station, we rode up on a terrible accident. A phone call soon alerted me that there was a fatality, as the children witnessed the horror of the moment, my first response was to pray. Demanding attention, the aroma of Jesus filled the van as I prayed for the victims and their families; a silence and reverence filled the van, thank you God! With only one more night of driving the van full of teens home, did God use this accident and provide an opportunity for me to witness on His behalf. Long after I`ve stopped driving them home, will they remember that Miss Linda prayed and cried out to God for a strangers behalf? Thank you, Father God.....
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for your are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.......
Father God I pray for the Feeley family and the accident victims and their families, knowing that thy will, will be done. Bless and keep them, drawing them ever closer to YOU! AMEN......
What a comforting thought, to God I am the aroma of His son, Jesus Christ! By the grace of God we walk in the sweet fragrance of Jesus......thank you, God! Does this empower and require us to shower the world with bouquets of Jesus. As Christians do we take this blessing for granted; applying only a little dab of Jesus cologne on Sunday? Or do we walk the walk, talk the talk and dispense the loving-scent of Jesus each and every day, no matter where we are? As for me and I friends I desire to smell of the high heavens of Jesus, without fear of offending or worry of my political correctness!
Several times this week I was present in the delightful aroma of Jesus. Sunday morning when I attended worship at Connections Church, the aromatic flavor of Jesus filled the room, quenching my senses for His presence. Later that evening I attended a prayer and worship service for Joseph Feeley, a young man battling terminal brain cancer. Doctors have given up on Joseph and their ability to heal him. That evening with worship music and prayer there was life and hope as hundreds of believers perfumed the prayer service with Jesus.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future," declared the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land."
Tuesday evening as I drive a rambunctious group of middle-schoolers home from Generation Station, we rode up on a terrible accident. A phone call soon alerted me that there was a fatality, as the children witnessed the horror of the moment, my first response was to pray. Demanding attention, the aroma of Jesus filled the van as I prayed for the victims and their families; a silence and reverence filled the van, thank you God! With only one more night of driving the van full of teens home, did God use this accident and provide an opportunity for me to witness on His behalf. Long after I`ve stopped driving them home, will they remember that Miss Linda prayed and cried out to God for a strangers behalf? Thank you, Father God.....
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for your are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.......
Father God I pray for the Feeley family and the accident victims and their families, knowing that thy will, will be done. Bless and keep them, drawing them ever closer to YOU! AMEN......
Sunday, November 20, 2011
No News Is Good News, Wrong! Day 369
On October 10, 2010 I shared the story "My baby Girl," about my niece Kim and her struggles with drug addiction; an account of our love and relationship. That story had a happy ending but this one, not so much! After nearly 2 years of sobriety, Kim fell off the wagon and fell hard into an existence that I can hardly fathom. She was well on the road to what you might call "normal," but in the life of addiction and dysfunction what is normal?
According to Webster, normal is conforming to the standard or the common type; usual. Average in any psychological trait, as intelligence or personality. Free from any mental disorder.
In a life of sobriety we must choose and learn to receive a new normal. With nearly 6 years of sobriety under my belt, it is difficult for me to comprehend how Kim allowed herself to return to this life of deadly bondage. However, in recovery this is often the norm, it is not uncommon to have 6-7 unsuccessful attempts at recovery. Is it when the addict doesn`t stay connected to a 12 step program or maintain an intimate relationship with God, that we open the door for Satan to do his dirty deeds?
I have known for months and months that Kim was struggling but nothing I said would penetrate the hold of her demons. It is by the grace of God that I have successfully achieved nearly 6 years of sobriety. Romans16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Even though I did not participate in a 12 step program, it is as if God has taken me by the hand every step of the way; one hour at a time, one day at a time, one month at a time one, and one year at a time. Would that be "The Hand of God Program," wanna join? Thank you, Father God! John 8:31-32...Jesus said, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I urged Kim to participate in a 12 step program and to get connected in a good church, however my advice fell to a deaf ear. Instead she was held captive by strongholds and lies, trying to battle an earthly authority that was beyond her will and her power. 1 John 3:7-8 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil`s work.
Father God, I love Kim so much....... it is so painful to know what is happening to her, Father I pray that you will send angels to rescue from from the evil grip that Satan has on her. Father God, please protect my baby girl! Father you are the great physician please heal her brokenness and restore her for your glory. PLEASE FATHER! Father, I pray that you will prepare Kim`s entire family to the fight for her life! Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 103:2-5 Praise the LORD; O my soul, and forget not all his benefit---who forgives all your sins and heals all your disease, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle`s.
Thank you for this time with you Father God......I pray that anyone who reads this will pray for "My Baby Girl, Kim." thank you, AMEN, Linda
According to Webster, normal is conforming to the standard or the common type; usual. Average in any psychological trait, as intelligence or personality. Free from any mental disorder.
In a life of sobriety we must choose and learn to receive a new normal. With nearly 6 years of sobriety under my belt, it is difficult for me to comprehend how Kim allowed herself to return to this life of deadly bondage. However, in recovery this is often the norm, it is not uncommon to have 6-7 unsuccessful attempts at recovery. Is it when the addict doesn`t stay connected to a 12 step program or maintain an intimate relationship with God, that we open the door for Satan to do his dirty deeds?
I have known for months and months that Kim was struggling but nothing I said would penetrate the hold of her demons. It is by the grace of God that I have successfully achieved nearly 6 years of sobriety. Romans16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Even though I did not participate in a 12 step program, it is as if God has taken me by the hand every step of the way; one hour at a time, one day at a time, one month at a time one, and one year at a time. Would that be "The Hand of God Program," wanna join? Thank you, Father God! John 8:31-32...Jesus said, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I urged Kim to participate in a 12 step program and to get connected in a good church, however my advice fell to a deaf ear. Instead she was held captive by strongholds and lies, trying to battle an earthly authority that was beyond her will and her power. 1 John 3:7-8 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil`s work.
Father God, I love Kim so much....... it is so painful to know what is happening to her, Father I pray that you will send angels to rescue from from the evil grip that Satan has on her. Father God, please protect my baby girl! Father you are the great physician please heal her brokenness and restore her for your glory. PLEASE FATHER! Father, I pray that you will prepare Kim`s entire family to the fight for her life! Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 103:2-5 Praise the LORD; O my soul, and forget not all his benefit---who forgives all your sins and heals all your disease, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle`s.
Thank you for this time with you Father God......I pray that anyone who reads this will pray for "My Baby Girl, Kim." thank you, AMEN, Linda
Friday, November 18, 2011
Compromise Day 368
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.
Within the first few days of working at the Generation Station, I realized that it just didn`t seem to be the right fit for me. Having never had my own children or ever worked with children, perhaps being thrown into the mix of an after-school program, wasn`t the ideal place for a 60 year old novice to begin. My heart was in the right place but not much else! The lack of respect for authority, property and for one another, that I witnessed from these middle-schoolers proved to be more than I was willing to tolerate. Maybe, I was just experiencing generational changes that appalled and depressed me! Father God, this generation needs you!
Perhaps, I was in a bottom of the totem pole position that offered only limited time and opportunity to truly minister to the children; delivering me feelings of frustration, boredom and ineffectiveness. I felt lost and stifled as I tried to joyfully fill my glorified job of baby-sitting for a group of middle schoolers. Don`t get me wrong, this 12 year old program is very successful and has benefited lots of children, but not sure it`s where I need to be!
The question that I find myself pondering is, did I truly and sincerely pray and listen to God about this job? Or did I take this position to pacify my hubby`s desire for me to have a job? How do we truly know when we are functioning in the will God or merely satisfying our earthly needs! Where my immediate feelings of frustration an indication of a poor choice and or disobedience to God? Was God trying to teach me something? Did I get it?
Isaiah 30:1 "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my spirit, heaping sin upon sin;
Hum, I certainly wasn`t a walking example of the fruits of the spirit.....love, peace, patience.....maybe I didn`t listen to God! Satan was trying to whisper in my ear, but I didn`t listen! Father God, thank you for loving me and for allowing us do-overs! Tuesday is my last official day at Generation Station however, I feel lead to volunteer there one day a week on Wednesdays. I pray that this day will allow me to walk in your glory and to overflow with your love and mercy.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a volunteer, my first project is to take children to a new evening contemporary church service that begins on November 30th. So far, 11 out of 20ish have expressed an interest to attend! Now this is what I`m talking about, an opportunity to plant a seed! Are there details to work out, oh yea but I`m up for a challenge and the commitment to introduce some middle-schoolers to our Heavenly Father!
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Father God, thank you for holding me in your loving arms as I so diligently try to function in your perfect will and plans .....Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Amen!
Within the first few days of working at the Generation Station, I realized that it just didn`t seem to be the right fit for me. Having never had my own children or ever worked with children, perhaps being thrown into the mix of an after-school program, wasn`t the ideal place for a 60 year old novice to begin. My heart was in the right place but not much else! The lack of respect for authority, property and for one another, that I witnessed from these middle-schoolers proved to be more than I was willing to tolerate. Maybe, I was just experiencing generational changes that appalled and depressed me! Father God, this generation needs you!
Perhaps, I was in a bottom of the totem pole position that offered only limited time and opportunity to truly minister to the children; delivering me feelings of frustration, boredom and ineffectiveness. I felt lost and stifled as I tried to joyfully fill my glorified job of baby-sitting for a group of middle schoolers. Don`t get me wrong, this 12 year old program is very successful and has benefited lots of children, but not sure it`s where I need to be!
The question that I find myself pondering is, did I truly and sincerely pray and listen to God about this job? Or did I take this position to pacify my hubby`s desire for me to have a job? How do we truly know when we are functioning in the will God or merely satisfying our earthly needs! Where my immediate feelings of frustration an indication of a poor choice and or disobedience to God? Was God trying to teach me something? Did I get it?
Isaiah 30:1 "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my spirit, heaping sin upon sin;
Hum, I certainly wasn`t a walking example of the fruits of the spirit.....love, peace, patience.....maybe I didn`t listen to God! Satan was trying to whisper in my ear, but I didn`t listen! Father God, thank you for loving me and for allowing us do-overs! Tuesday is my last official day at Generation Station however, I feel lead to volunteer there one day a week on Wednesdays. I pray that this day will allow me to walk in your glory and to overflow with your love and mercy.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a volunteer, my first project is to take children to a new evening contemporary church service that begins on November 30th. So far, 11 out of 20ish have expressed an interest to attend! Now this is what I`m talking about, an opportunity to plant a seed! Are there details to work out, oh yea but I`m up for a challenge and the commitment to introduce some middle-schoolers to our Heavenly Father!
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Father God, thank you for holding me in your loving arms as I so diligently try to function in your perfect will and plans .....Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Amen!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Closet Cleaning Day 367
Monday morning I helped my 89 year old friend, Rose clean out her bedroom closet; what to keep and what to discard. Like most of us, Rose`s closet and bureau draws were packed to overflowing. After hours of sorting and reminiscing, most items returned to their home in the closet, perhaps just neater. Is it that we are so accustomed to and sentimentally attached to our stuff, that we can`t get rid of anything.
Rose openly admitted that she would more than likely not use some stuff, but she just couldn't`t part with it. Is it the same with the closets of our souls. Do we hang onto our stuff; pain, resentment, bitterness, shame, guilt, revenge, fear, rejection, insecurity, jealousy, hatred, anger and unforgiveness, even though we`ve outgrown many of them. Is it their familiarity, comfort and our control that prevents us from a deep cleaning. It might not be good stuff but it`s "my stuff."
Psalms 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother`s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
If God knows every nook and cranny of our existence why are we compelled to hang on to our stuff? Does it have something to do with "faith and trust"? Just happen to find, principles for Freedom in Christ, 1. Confess the general areas in which you have received freedom positively and gratefully in prayer. Don`t allow one negative though germination space. 2. Meet each new day trusting in God`s power to help you make right choices. Don`t let your feelings deceive you. 3. Expect continuous and increasing freedom where satan has previously bound you or used you for his purposes. Move forward by faith without even a glance over your shoulder at what is now past.
4. Remember, anything the devil whispers in your ear is a lie. When satan speaks he is a liar and father of it. 5. Use the name of Jesus, the Blood of the Lamb, and your confession of faith against all satan`s temptations and condemnation. All condemnation comes from satan. 6. Avoid deliberate sin--like the plague. 7. Rely upon the Holy Spirit to control your life, your emotions, your desires and your imagination, together with your will, by deliberately giving Christ lordship over them each day. 8. Take time to make time to read--learn---meditate on God`s Word. 9. Beware of thinking you can make it alone. You never will make it alone in life because God never intended you should. Be smart: admit you can`t do it by yourself, and then do all things with HIS help! Only God can fill that God-shaped hole in your heart, not stuff, good or bad!
Psalms 139:24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Father God will you help me clean my closets? I`m ready to get rid of more stuff! Father, thank you for the years of love and friendship from Sweet Little Rose, I am so blessed to have the time to help her.
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