Colossians 2:6-7 So then just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and over-flowing with thankfulness.
What a true blessing it has been to write this blog, oh yea, I could have brushed off the thought of making a commitment to write, but would I have been disobedient in that decision? I believe so! As I sit here on the eve of a new year and reflect on the significance of this blog and it`s effect on my life, I am amazed and thankful. God has pierced my heart, soul and emotions encouraging and directing me to walk in and through chambers of sin and darkness deep within. As if that wasn`t terrifying and invasive enough, He has me sharing with the world as the author of His blog! Really, Father God?
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought than your thoughts."
Guess, my little pea-brain just can`t fathom the wonders and plans of His great love! I recall the day that Pam and I were working on a presentation for an Emmaus talk, when she showed me the stats for this blog, I didn`t even know they existed. I originally believed that this blog would be an account of praying encounters, as I traveled day by day in this incredible journey of life. Wrong, the blog soon took on a new life and directions; imagine that my plans weren`t God`s plans!
Jeremiah 29 11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, " and will bring you back from captivity.........
I looked at this blog as my personal journal and knew that a few friends and niece Mandy, checked it out occasionally. In less than two year of compliance to this commitment to write, over 4700 people around the world have viewed my journal; on a regular basis people from the United States, Russia, Germany, China, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Australia and India check in on my journey, as I walk hand-in-hand walk with JESUS! I know that in accordance to Internet stats, 4700 views is not astronomical, but for a 60 year old wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend in Earleville, Maryland USA, it`s over the top incredible, thank you, God!
Isaiah 44:3-4 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessings on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
Father God as we approach the year 2012 of our LORD, I pray that you will continue to allow me to witness for your glory, as I am strengthened and rooted deeper into an intimate( IN TO ME) relationship with you! Thank you for the pruning and the in depth healing; you are the potter and I am the clay, mold me and shape me.! I pray that you have mercy and forgive our ignorance. Father God, please bless your people......my family, my friends, my neighbors and the world. AMEN...
May God Bless and strengthen all who visit His blog, HAPPY NEW YEAR, AMEN........Linda
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Making Christmas Candy Day 374
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Yesterday, I felt the riches of Jesus, as I helped my dear friend Rose. For many years Rose has gifted many loved ones and friends with homemade candy at Christmas. Due to the crippling arthritis that has taken residency in her aging body, she needed my hands and feet to continue her Christmas tradition. Rose directed my steps from the comfort of her chair, as I delighted in the instructions and the conversation! While the chocolate slowly and precisely melted to perfection, we where serenaded by a 1940ish style In The Mood Christmas CD. For hours, Rose flipped through pages of memories, as I hung onto every treasured memento that she shared; stocking filled with fruit nuts and pennies in the toe, gifts of love and compassion that warmed the soul. A love filled home with one daughter, 2 sons, a hard working father and an Italian speaking mother, surviving in a county embarking on the wings of a world war. A life of simplicity and a place at their family table for all, strangers welcomed and fed. A cadet nurse dancing outside with a young friend that would soon experience the devastation of the impending war.
I thank God, for the time that I have to provide assistance to Rose; the gift of time and ones self is the most precious gift that we can give during this season of love, in honor of our savior Jesus Christ! The hours that Rose and I spent together was priceless, thank you God.Candy is done, off for another special visit. I first met 87 year old Dorothy, when she walked into my new and exciting facility, Curves an exercise program for women, in 2003. At the time, Dorothy was a mere babe of 79 years young; she showed up on opening day ready to sign on the dotted line to become a member of this new exercise program.
Her excitement and enthusiasm were contagious, she was joining to improve her health and to prove a point to family members. You see, Dorthy had recently visited with nieces, who had offered her a wheel chair. Imagine that, they thought that I couldn't`t walk on my own, she was appalled! What a joy to witness the strength and stamina that Dorothy`s dedication acquired, not to mention the encouragement that she provided for women of all ages.
My Curves franchise is now a memory, but Dorothy is still going strong. Once I closed the doors, she transferred her membership to another location. With pride and dignity she shared that she now has 1320 workouts under her belt; I created a work-out diva! Linda, I`m in pretty good shape, except for a little swelling in my ankles, what do you think? Dorothy, I think that is amazing and that I am truly blessed; God provided the perfect opportunity for us to meet! Thank you, Father God!
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
You go Dorothy, use it or lose it! Before leaving Dorothy, I knelt in front of her chair, joined hands and together we prayed and thanked God for his mighty blessings.
Two days later as Rick and I were scurring around to finish our Christmas shopping, I ran into another dear friend, Tom Walmsley. Tom and Eleanor have been friends for decades, I went to school with their son, David, we were good buddies. However, through marriages and divorces Dave and I have lost touch, but not the case with his mom and dad. Over the years I would always just happen to run into the two of then, rarely seeing one without the other.
Today Tom was traveling alone, when I inquired about his side-kick, he said she`s at home. As I stared into his eyes, I hear much more than he shared, I asked if it would be alright to stop in. Today was the day, I put actions into my concerns for my life-time friend, and pulled in the drive way!
Still in her night clothes and a warning me not to get to close, I was greeted with a smile of love and compassion. My visit was short but packed full of love, as we reminisced and brought one another up to speed about our families! The Walmsley`s have been a very low maintenance friendship that has been a blessings for more than forty some years. I remember, the first time that Eleanor met Rick, she told him that she always wanted me to marry David; Rick was at a loss for words, I took it as a compliment!
Father God, I thank you for the gift of free-time! As I grow older and perhaps wiser, I thank you for the love and friendships that have knocked on the open doors of my heart. Thank you, for your never failing love, your daughter, Linda.
Now from Mom`s favorite--Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Bring it to the Light Day 373
Psalms 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. How often do our feeling and emotions keep us in the dark, feelings of guilt, shame, brokenness, rejection, fear, anger and lies! Jesus Christ paid the debt in full for all of these lies, strongholds and our sins; do you believe it, or is it just head knowledge? Grace is not only God`s undeserved mercy and favor, it is also unearned and can never be repaid.
Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Recently I shared the struggles that my family is dealing with as we seek to help my niece Kim, with her relapse into drug addiction. For weeks and weeks my brother, Ernie and my sister-in-law, Peggy kept Kim`s relapse a secret from me. Where they holding on to the guilt and shame for Kim, hoping to pay her debt? Not possible, however exposing the secret to the light and truth begins the healing process. John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Addiction is addiction is addiction, all based on lies that opens the door for Satan to control our thoughts and actions. Drawing us away from the truth of God`s love! Temporarily, I was sucked into the drama, of Kim`s addiction. What can I do, how can I help her; the pain, sadness and disappointment were overwhelming. Could this relapse lead to her death? Should I fly to Kentucky to offer love and support for the family? God says no, stay home and trust me to handle it.
Friday evening I attended a healing service, offering and receiving prayers on Kim`s behalf, trusting God! This prayer service allowed me to stand firm on the promises of God the Father. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble of hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Ephesians 3:12 In him through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Father God your timing is impeccable, just received a phone call from one of my Emmaus sisters, Marcy, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you........my heart is pounding with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT.......Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Father God, thank you for the love by which so faithfully drench and penetrate our souls! God, please bless Kim and Marcy`s daughter Amy, AMEN!
Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Recently I shared the struggles that my family is dealing with as we seek to help my niece Kim, with her relapse into drug addiction. For weeks and weeks my brother, Ernie and my sister-in-law, Peggy kept Kim`s relapse a secret from me. Where they holding on to the guilt and shame for Kim, hoping to pay her debt? Not possible, however exposing the secret to the light and truth begins the healing process. John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Addiction is addiction is addiction, all based on lies that opens the door for Satan to control our thoughts and actions. Drawing us away from the truth of God`s love! Temporarily, I was sucked into the drama, of Kim`s addiction. What can I do, how can I help her; the pain, sadness and disappointment were overwhelming. Could this relapse lead to her death? Should I fly to Kentucky to offer love and support for the family? God says no, stay home and trust me to handle it.
Friday evening I attended a healing service, offering and receiving prayers on Kim`s behalf, trusting God! This prayer service allowed me to stand firm on the promises of God the Father. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble of hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Ephesians 3:12 In him through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Father God your timing is impeccable, just received a phone call from one of my Emmaus sisters, Marcy, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you........my heart is pounding with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT.......Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Father God, thank you for the love by which so faithfully drench and penetrate our souls! God, please bless Kim and Marcy`s daughter Amy, AMEN!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Excuse Me, I have To P Day 372
From today`s title you might think that I was scurrying off to relieve myself, but not the case. On the contrary `I`m purposefully filling myself with some vital "P" words. Pray, proclaim, peace, praise, purpose, priority, perseverance and patience; what do you think, a pretty impressive list.
For several days I`ve been scratching and scribbling notes and scriptures references everywhere in preparation for this post, leading me to believe that this message is of signicants for yours truly! Perhaps, God has lots for me to ponder and procure.
For weeks "prayer" has occupied my focus, have I finally preceded the urgency and value of prayer; oh yeah! James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Thank you Father, as for me, I prefer to stand on your promises, I will pray without ceasing! Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I will "proclaim" the good news; Luke 2: 9-11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the LORD. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest."
The "peace" of the earth will rest upon Jesus! John 10:27-30 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they fellow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father`s hand. I and the Father are one."
I will " praise" the The LORD, Nehemiah 9:5..........."Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Our "purpose" is to love and praise the LORD; as God inhales our praise His exhales his presence! Think of that next time your singing a praise song, your thoughts will erupt into a full blown smile of delight and joy! Keep a song of praise in your heart and smile in your soul, perhaps someone will inquire, opening the door to witness for the LORD! Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied; "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; "Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandment."
Our "priority" is to focus first on God then all things in our life will fall into alignment! Luke 11:27-28 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 16:14-15 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God`s sight." Father God, thank you for so many years, I focused on things of the flesh, rejecting your grace and mercy!
Father,thank you for your "perseverance," knowing that someday the scales would be removed from my eyes! Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
As needs and struggles arise I will "patiently" wait upon the LORD. Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoice greatly in the LORD that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Lots to ponder! Psalms 86:11-13 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD my God, with all of my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. AMEN.....thanks Father, for all the extra "P" word that you added to your message!
For several days I`ve been scratching and scribbling notes and scriptures references everywhere in preparation for this post, leading me to believe that this message is of signicants for yours truly! Perhaps, God has lots for me to ponder and procure.
For weeks "prayer" has occupied my focus, have I finally preceded the urgency and value of prayer; oh yeah! James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Thank you Father, as for me, I prefer to stand on your promises, I will pray without ceasing! Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I will "proclaim" the good news; Luke 2: 9-11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the LORD. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest."
The "peace" of the earth will rest upon Jesus! John 10:27-30 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they fellow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father`s hand. I and the Father are one."
I will " praise" the The LORD, Nehemiah 9:5..........."Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Our "purpose" is to love and praise the LORD; as God inhales our praise His exhales his presence! Think of that next time your singing a praise song, your thoughts will erupt into a full blown smile of delight and joy! Keep a song of praise in your heart and smile in your soul, perhaps someone will inquire, opening the door to witness for the LORD! Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied; "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; "Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandment."
Our "priority" is to focus first on God then all things in our life will fall into alignment! Luke 11:27-28 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 16:14-15 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God`s sight." Father God, thank you for so many years, I focused on things of the flesh, rejecting your grace and mercy!
Father,thank you for your "perseverance," knowing that someday the scales would be removed from my eyes! Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
As needs and struggles arise I will "patiently" wait upon the LORD. Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoice greatly in the LORD that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Lots to ponder! Psalms 86:11-13 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD my God, with all of my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. AMEN.....thanks Father, for all the extra "P" word that you added to your message!
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