James 1:2-6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and 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.
I was a lost vessel, bobbing and weaving aimlessly in a sea of defeat destruction and bondage. I now have a captain who is large and in charge! I`m merely a passenger, as God navigates this fractured earthly container. Thank you, Father God! It wasn`t until I truly received Jesus Christ as my savior, that I surrendered the helm to His control and direction.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
I was in bondage, a believer of lies decieved by the Satan and his band of ruling spirits. Deuteronomy 11:16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods, and bow down to them. I was an alcoholic, nurturing the addiction that allowed me to escape reality, pain and suffering. I am celebrating six years of sobriety while walking in and through spiritual, physical and inner healing.
I was trapped in guilt, shame, insecurity, rejection and feeling unworthy, excising in a life of fear and doubts. Ignorant to the truth. Not any more, with perseverance and obedience to God`s will for my life, I have died from self---- striving and desiring holiness. Ephesians 5:15-18 Be very careful, then how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are full of evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the LORD`S will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which lead to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
I am God`s child. I have been justified, (just as if I`ve never sinned). I am united with the LORD and I am one spirit with Him. I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
I am free forever from condemnation. I am free from any condemning charges against me. I cannot be separated from the love of God. I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. I have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I can find grace and mercy in time of need. So long Satan-----I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am a branch of the true Vine, and channel of His life. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I am Christ`s personal witness. I am God`s co-worker. I am God`s workmanship. I may approach God with freedom and confidence. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
To function in the will of God: apply Biblical principles, seek wise council, know the Spirit man and live in peace! Colossians 3:15-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God.
I was, I am, I will be, thank you Father God! I was unemployed, I now have a new job (tell you about it later) Have a blessed day!
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. HUMBLE yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up.
Thank your LORD, AMEN!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Stocking Shelves Day 394
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Since I`m still unemployed, yes I looking for a job but the right job for this season of my life, I`ve been helping fellow distributors pack out shelves on weekends. As independent distributors the only way they get a weekend off is to hire someone, like me, to replenish their product to the shelves on weekends. Preforming this simplistic task often allows distributors a much needed break; preventing burn-out which was one of down-falls!
This weekend I packed out for Thomas England/Arnold bread distributor, Josh at three of his stores. Sure are a lots of different kinds of breads and muffins. I remember when there was only white, rye and wheat; do we really need all of these choices or does it just add confusion to a simple task? Too many choices and free-will, is that how we get into trouble?
One of the benefits of packing out, is that I get to see familiar faces and visit with friends from my distributor days. I surely miss the people more than my Little Debbie job itself! Saturday morning Dusty was the receiver of the day at Walmart, a single mother working hard to raise and support her children. I immediately sensed that something was wrong with the usual smiling upbeat receiver.
When I inquired she tired to conceal her pain, but it showed through. She shared that she was just having some difficult times and consumed with worry. Her sister`s wedding was coming up and anything that could go wrong was indeed going wrong. I tried to assure her that worrying wasn`t the answered and that everything would work out. As tears trickled down her face, she confessed that her 58 year old father was recently diagnosed with third stage cancer. No doubt the true reason for pain and suffering. She was consumed by fear.
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evidentt 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.
Without reservation, she accepted my offer for prayer. I gently hugged her as I softly whispered prayerful words of love, encouragement and faith in God. She said that she has been praying and that perhaps for the first time in his life, her father is turning to the LORD. Dusty thanked me, I assured her that I would continue to pray.
The next day when I returned to pack out, I found Dusty busy at her receiving duties. I gently slipped two small wooden pocket crosses into her hand; one for her and one for her father. Again, tears peacefully flowed as she graciously accepted the gift. In our times of pain and suffering holding on to Jesus is our strength.
Psalm 18:32-33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to standd on the heights.
Father God, I thank you for this special time to witness and minister to Dusty, seems that her shelves were empty too! I pray that you will heal her father, but most importantly, draw him into an eternal relationship with you. Open his eyes and soul to receive the precious gift of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Since I`m still unemployed, yes I looking for a job but the right job for this season of my life, I`ve been helping fellow distributors pack out shelves on weekends. As independent distributors the only way they get a weekend off is to hire someone, like me, to replenish their product to the shelves on weekends. Preforming this simplistic task often allows distributors a much needed break; preventing burn-out which was one of down-falls!
This weekend I packed out for Thomas England/Arnold bread distributor, Josh at three of his stores. Sure are a lots of different kinds of breads and muffins. I remember when there was only white, rye and wheat; do we really need all of these choices or does it just add confusion to a simple task? Too many choices and free-will, is that how we get into trouble?
One of the benefits of packing out, is that I get to see familiar faces and visit with friends from my distributor days. I surely miss the people more than my Little Debbie job itself! Saturday morning Dusty was the receiver of the day at Walmart, a single mother working hard to raise and support her children. I immediately sensed that something was wrong with the usual smiling upbeat receiver.
When I inquired she tired to conceal her pain, but it showed through. She shared that she was just having some difficult times and consumed with worry. Her sister`s wedding was coming up and anything that could go wrong was indeed going wrong. I tried to assure her that worrying wasn`t the answered and that everything would work out. As tears trickled down her face, she confessed that her 58 year old father was recently diagnosed with third stage cancer. No doubt the true reason for pain and suffering. She was consumed by fear.
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evidentt 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.
Without reservation, she accepted my offer for prayer. I gently hugged her as I softly whispered prayerful words of love, encouragement and faith in God. She said that she has been praying and that perhaps for the first time in his life, her father is turning to the LORD. Dusty thanked me, I assured her that I would continue to pray.
The next day when I returned to pack out, I found Dusty busy at her receiving duties. I gently slipped two small wooden pocket crosses into her hand; one for her and one for her father. Again, tears peacefully flowed as she graciously accepted the gift. In our times of pain and suffering holding on to Jesus is our strength.
Psalm 18:32-33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to standd on the heights.
Father God, I thank you for this special time to witness and minister to Dusty, seems that her shelves were empty too! I pray that you will heal her father, but most importantly, draw him into an eternal relationship with you. Open his eyes and soul to receive the precious gift of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Blood Work - God`s Work Day 393
Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Sometimes I am just blown away by our amazing God; how does he do what he does? That`s simple he`s God, I don`t have to understand, I just have to have faith and believe in his awesome power. After a twelve hour fast I was off to get some routine blood work, nothing special! A half a mile from the house I realized that I left the paperwork for the lab work laying on the kitchen counter. U-turn.
Once I checked in at Lab Corp, I peacefully enjoyed a magazine as I waited my turn. Soon I was called with a lady named Kay to proceed to the next room. As we waited side by side, Kay and I started to chat. Within our three to four minute conversation, I learned that Kay was on short tern medical leave from her work from home job of fifteen years. A job that consumes as much as 15 to 18 hour a day, often on international calls in the middle of the night.
She shared family tragedies that had consumed family members with unforgiveness. She has two children but also had several miscarriages and had buried an infant. All of this while working diligently for her employer; rarely missing time from work.
Granted she, her husband and children live in a beautiful show-place home, and by social standards were living the "American dream," the good life. But, what was the price she and her family paid to live this existence. She was breaking point, requiring medical attention and therapy. I listened attentively with compassion. I asked if she had a good relationship with Jesus, "yes I do!" As she was called to have her blood drawn, I introduced myself and told her that I would pray for her.
Kay exited the room and I moved on to give a urine specimen, sorry probably TMI. I assumed I would not see Kay again but I would pray for her. Minutes later I headed toward my car, driving a new shiny high-dollar vehicle, Kay was right in front of me. Was this one of my favorite God-winks? God, you want me to lay hands on her and pray with her right now! Oh, yeah!
With a huge smile she was very receptive to my offer to pray, I told her of my connection with spiritual healing. I encouraged her to slow down and smell the roses, life is not all about stuff and what we have. Enjoy your children while they are young. She shared that these where the exact words she had recently heard from her therapist. She confessed she wasn`t sure why she had opened up to me; I was covered with Holy Spirit goosebumps, thank you God.
I prayed. "Your name is Linda, right." Yes. God will use us for his glory if we are obedient and willing! Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Father God, thank you for directing my steps and actions for your glory! I pray that Kay and her family will spend time in your presence appreciating all non-material things you have given them. Father God, if I had not forgotten my paperwork and returned home to get it, I would have missed Kay, guess that was no co-inky-dink.........You are awesome Father, God! Amen.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Emotions Day 392
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
I wouldn`t say that my spirit is crushed but surely feeling the effects of pain and grieving. I struggle to make sense of my niece Kim`s poor choices to return to the deadly life of drug addiction. Even though I understand addiction, I can`t fathom how she allowed herself to be consumed by the lifestyle, again. I reached a place where I couldn`t even pray for her; revealing my weakness and conditional love! I thank God for His "unconditional love" for Kim. Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, say the LORD, who has compassion on you.
I believe that God is using this time of suffering to teach and open my heart to his ways! Psalms 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Father God, please deliver Kim from the bondage of addiction, restore and renew her soul, fill her with the Holy Spirit! She knows you.........but!
Recently, my emotions surfaced causing my resistance to take a noise dive; for the first time in a long while I got some kind of 48 hour flu bug. I didn`t want to get sick, but I felt like crap, belly cramps, dreadful headache, no appetite or energy. Did my emotions sabotage my body? Had I allowed Satan to whisper to my soul; you`ve been through a lot in the past month, you deserve to shut down for a few days. Crawl up in bed, feel the aches and pain of your distress. Sure worth pondering, he is the great deceiver! Was it a co-inky-dink that this flu bug surfaced on the one month anniversary of Rose`s death? Hum, Satan?
Can I manage my emotions during times of difficulties? I believe so with God`s help and extra prayer, I just need to call on Jesus. According to David Seamands, "Healing for Damaged Emotions," "here is the good news of the Gospel for people with damaged emotions: God loves us, not because we are good, but because we need His love in order to be good. Christ, our high priest, bore our sins and our infirmities, not because we are good, but because we need his love and acceptance in order to be good. The Holy Spirit offers us His continuous enabling presence and power, not because we are good, but because we need Him in order to be good."
Satan, you have no authority, the doorway to my soul belongs to Jesus! Ephesians 6:10-14 Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his might power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil`s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
So long, Satan...... got to go get dressed for battle! Does this suit of armor make me look fat?
I wouldn`t say that my spirit is crushed but surely feeling the effects of pain and grieving. I struggle to make sense of my niece Kim`s poor choices to return to the deadly life of drug addiction. Even though I understand addiction, I can`t fathom how she allowed herself to be consumed by the lifestyle, again. I reached a place where I couldn`t even pray for her; revealing my weakness and conditional love! I thank God for His "unconditional love" for Kim. Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, say the LORD, who has compassion on you.
I believe that God is using this time of suffering to teach and open my heart to his ways! Psalms 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Father God, please deliver Kim from the bondage of addiction, restore and renew her soul, fill her with the Holy Spirit! She knows you.........but!
Recently, my emotions surfaced causing my resistance to take a noise dive; for the first time in a long while I got some kind of 48 hour flu bug. I didn`t want to get sick, but I felt like crap, belly cramps, dreadful headache, no appetite or energy. Did my emotions sabotage my body? Had I allowed Satan to whisper to my soul; you`ve been through a lot in the past month, you deserve to shut down for a few days. Crawl up in bed, feel the aches and pain of your distress. Sure worth pondering, he is the great deceiver! Was it a co-inky-dink that this flu bug surfaced on the one month anniversary of Rose`s death? Hum, Satan?
Can I manage my emotions during times of difficulties? I believe so with God`s help and extra prayer, I just need to call on Jesus. According to David Seamands, "Healing for Damaged Emotions," "here is the good news of the Gospel for people with damaged emotions: God loves us, not because we are good, but because we need His love in order to be good. Christ, our high priest, bore our sins and our infirmities, not because we are good, but because we need his love and acceptance in order to be good. The Holy Spirit offers us His continuous enabling presence and power, not because we are good, but because we need Him in order to be good."
Satan, you have no authority, the doorway to my soul belongs to Jesus! Ephesians 6:10-14 Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his might power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil`s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
So long, Satan...... got to go get dressed for battle! Does this suit of armor make me look fat?
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Resurrection Day 391
It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. HE IS RISEN...............
Thank you LORD. AMEN!
Thank you LORD. AMEN!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Empty Chair Day 390
Rose`s house sits just as we left it the day that 911 attendants rolled her out the front door. The wheel chair, the chariot of her farewell ride from her bedroom to living room, empty! A chariot that she resisted as long as possible, the nurse in her knowing that surrendering to it`s comfort would lead her to dependency and physical decline. A house once warm with love and compassion now barren empty lifeless, as if eagerly awaiting her return.
As I reflect on the last months of Rose`s life, I believe that denial prevented me from processing, what I knew that I knew. Slowly but surely, day by day I was loosing a precious gift from God, a mentor, a true friend and second mother that loved me and all of my faults, unconditionally. I thank God for the blessing of free time and for allowing me to spend so much quality time with Rose, no regrets! Now, pain sorrow and grief, but in due time this too shall pass, to be replaced with precious memories of her love. Once I got the water-works under control, a gentle peace filled my soul.
In a visit last week, one of Rose`s nieces by marriage, suggested that I should have Rose`s Catholic study bible. A gift that I graciously and eagerly received. In the process of helping to plan Rose`s funeral service, I learned that the Catholic bible has a Book of Wisdom; why in the world would that not be included in all Bibles? Are Catholics the only one privy to wisdom? I want wisdom!
In the warmth of the afternoon sun I began to explore The Book of Wisdom, which was written a hundred years before the coming of Christ. Its author, whose name is not known to us, was a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria, in Egypt. Written in Greek, in a style patterned on that of Hebrew verse. He speaks in the person of Solomon, placing his teachings on the lips of wise kings of Hebrew tradition in order to emphasize their value. Profound knowledge of the earlier Old Testament writings is reflected in almost every line of the book, marking him as an outstanding representative of religious devotion and learning among the sages of post-exilic Judaism. I was mesmerized, as The Book of Wisdom consumed the time that I should have been weeding flower beds. Weeds are God beautiful creatures and have a right to exist, right! I`m sure you`ll be hearing more from the Book of Wisdom, thanks Rose!
As I thumbed through papers gently stashed in Rose`s Bible I found another treasury worthy on sharing: Healing Corner----The Empty Chair----A man`s daughter had asked her pastor to come and pray with her dad. When he arrived, he found the man lying in bed, with his head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair beside his bed. Assuming the old fellow had been informed of his visit, he said, "I guess you were expecting me." "No, who are you?" asked the man. "I`m the new pastor here in town," he said, "and when I saw the chair, I figured you were expecting me."
"O yeah, the chair, "said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the pastor shut the door. "I`ve never told anyone , even my daughter, "said the man, "but I`ve never known how to pray. All the talk at church always went right over my head. finally, I abandoned any attempt at prayer until a friend talked to me about four years ago.
"Joe," he said, "prayer is a simple matter of having a talk with Jesus. Put an empty chair next to you and picture the LORD. It`s not spooky, because He said He`d be with us always. Just speak to Him and listen to Him as you`re doing right now with me." " So I tried it," he continued, "and I like it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I`m careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she`d send me off to the funny farm."
The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with the man and left. Two nights later, the daughter called to say her dad had died that afternoon. "Did he seem to go in peace?" asked the pastor. "Yes, When I left the house around two O`clock, he called me to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek.
When I came home from the store about an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed."
Thank you Rose, what a joy to find and share this with the readers of God`s blog, Did Rose teach me to pray, no but she taught me a lot about LOVE! AMEN........
As I reflect on the last months of Rose`s life, I believe that denial prevented me from processing, what I knew that I knew. Slowly but surely, day by day I was loosing a precious gift from God, a mentor, a true friend and second mother that loved me and all of my faults, unconditionally. I thank God for the blessing of free time and for allowing me to spend so much quality time with Rose, no regrets! Now, pain sorrow and grief, but in due time this too shall pass, to be replaced with precious memories of her love. Once I got the water-works under control, a gentle peace filled my soul.
In a visit last week, one of Rose`s nieces by marriage, suggested that I should have Rose`s Catholic study bible. A gift that I graciously and eagerly received. In the process of helping to plan Rose`s funeral service, I learned that the Catholic bible has a Book of Wisdom; why in the world would that not be included in all Bibles? Are Catholics the only one privy to wisdom? I want wisdom!
In the warmth of the afternoon sun I began to explore The Book of Wisdom, which was written a hundred years before the coming of Christ. Its author, whose name is not known to us, was a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria, in Egypt. Written in Greek, in a style patterned on that of Hebrew verse. He speaks in the person of Solomon, placing his teachings on the lips of wise kings of Hebrew tradition in order to emphasize their value. Profound knowledge of the earlier Old Testament writings is reflected in almost every line of the book, marking him as an outstanding representative of religious devotion and learning among the sages of post-exilic Judaism. I was mesmerized, as The Book of Wisdom consumed the time that I should have been weeding flower beds. Weeds are God beautiful creatures and have a right to exist, right! I`m sure you`ll be hearing more from the Book of Wisdom, thanks Rose!
As I thumbed through papers gently stashed in Rose`s Bible I found another treasury worthy on sharing: Healing Corner----The Empty Chair----A man`s daughter had asked her pastor to come and pray with her dad. When he arrived, he found the man lying in bed, with his head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair beside his bed. Assuming the old fellow had been informed of his visit, he said, "I guess you were expecting me." "No, who are you?" asked the man. "I`m the new pastor here in town," he said, "and when I saw the chair, I figured you were expecting me."
"O yeah, the chair, "said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the pastor shut the door. "I`ve never told anyone , even my daughter, "said the man, "but I`ve never known how to pray. All the talk at church always went right over my head. finally, I abandoned any attempt at prayer until a friend talked to me about four years ago.
"Joe," he said, "prayer is a simple matter of having a talk with Jesus. Put an empty chair next to you and picture the LORD. It`s not spooky, because He said He`d be with us always. Just speak to Him and listen to Him as you`re doing right now with me." " So I tried it," he continued, "and I like it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I`m careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she`d send me off to the funny farm."
The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with the man and left. Two nights later, the daughter called to say her dad had died that afternoon. "Did he seem to go in peace?" asked the pastor. "Yes, When I left the house around two O`clock, he called me to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek.
When I came home from the store about an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed."
Thank you Rose, what a joy to find and share this with the readers of God`s blog, Did Rose teach me to pray, no but she taught me a lot about LOVE! AMEN........
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Mountain High---Valley Low Day 389
Luke 12:28-31 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
When I committed to a forty day Lenten fast, I had no clue what God would be walking me through. Without exaggeration, this has been a most difficult and trying month; perhaps God knew the strength and fortitude that I would require to survive. Fasting, voluntarily depriving yourself of certain foods and beverages, with the desire for a closer more intimate relationship and wisdom filled experience with our heavenly Father. Mission nearly accomplished!
I thank God for the insight that lead me to this fast. Can`t image going through the past month without His divine guidance. I thank God for the obedience and insight that lead me and three other women to the bedside of a dying young man, Joseph Feeley. Perhaps, our prayers help lead him and his mother to the gates of heaven, a visit with Jesus. What a sacred time and place. Thank you, God! Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
Next a mountain top experience at the Healing Ministry in Kent Island, as Miss Jackie imparted healing to me. My knees weakened, my body surrendering to the Holy Spirit, collapsing to the floor. Consumed by the Spirit, the joyful intoxication of his presence. Peacefully inhaling, receiving and lingering in the delight of the moment. As I slowly ascended, returning to my pew, it was as if my feet where elevated a foot above the floor. I felt different, my hands felt different! Am I different, time will tell! Acts 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men, will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.
While maintaining my fast, only two days later to the valley; the beginning of my final earthly journey with "Sweet Little Rose." Farewells, grieving, highs and lows comforted only by God. Recognizing his voice and trusting. What sorrowful blessings, constantly reminding myself of Rose`s ailing body, renewed restored for life eternal, in the presence of Jesus! John 14:1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father`s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Days later while making homemade meatballs, to share with friends and family after Rose`s funeral, yet another precious moment. Joy, overwhelming joy. Even though my niece Mandy was baptized as a infant, like myself she drifted far from God`s grace. Believing that she was alone on her own to battle through life`s journey. As I lead her in the prayer of salvation, she surrendered her will to the will of God. Receiving Jesus as savior, flooded with the LORDs grace and mercy. Praise the LORD! Oops, almost forgot, I turned 61 in the midst of this; thank you God, for this year of growth and love!
For the first time, Mandy attended church with me; beaming from ear to ear expression her comfort and joy to be there. Welcomed, prayed for in unison by her new church family, tears of acceptance, grace and love. "Aunt Linda, Rose gave us the most amazing gift of all, Jesus!" Thank you, Rose.
John 17:15-17 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Broke my fast, felt entitled at Rose`s funeral reception, to indulged in the sweets that adorned the dessert table! Forgive my weakness, Father God. Was it this moment of weakness that encouraged further disobedience or the overwhelming pressure of impending events?
Just eight days after Rose`s funeral, while traveling to Kent Island for their monthly Healing and Prayer Service, I received a call from Mandy that her mom was in the hospital. Joyce had pneumonia, suddenly it had caused her blood pressure to drop, she would soon be moved into intensive care unit. I shared this news with the lady with me, immediately we prayed. Yet another phone call from my niece Tammy in Kentucky, "Aunt Linda, we`re taking Kim to the hospital, she tried to commit suicide." Really Father God!
No doubt, God knew where I needed to be; surrounded with love and compassion in the arms of Jesus. After receiving communion and anointing, Pastor Kyung-hee Sa held me tight, as I cried to the Lord on behalf of my sister Joyce and niece Kim. My heart was breaking, throbbing with pain, while renouncing the bondage that strangles my family. Please Father God, strengthen us in your love. Pastor Kyung-hee Sa`s prayers and loving embrace comforted my soul. Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
What a month. Joyce is out of the hospital, strengthen by the hand of God, determined to quit smoking and drinking! Thank you, Jesus, perhaps our relationship will be healed along the way, by your grace and presence. After years of battling addiction, Kim faces a lengthy visit to another rehab program. Praying she gets it this time! Thank you God, for "do overs." In my weakness of the moment, I could hardly pray for Kim, I am so sick of the destruction and pain that her addiction is causing our family! I love Kim, but hate the sin of addiction that holds her hostage. Yet, I understand.....please strengthen my family LORD!
This week, God forgave my weakness and allowed me a "do over" start for my fast! Thank you, Father God. I love so much....thank you for the afternoon that I crawled up in your lap and you gently rocked away my pain and sorrow! AMEN!
John 4:23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."
When I committed to a forty day Lenten fast, I had no clue what God would be walking me through. Without exaggeration, this has been a most difficult and trying month; perhaps God knew the strength and fortitude that I would require to survive. Fasting, voluntarily depriving yourself of certain foods and beverages, with the desire for a closer more intimate relationship and wisdom filled experience with our heavenly Father. Mission nearly accomplished!
I thank God for the insight that lead me to this fast. Can`t image going through the past month without His divine guidance. I thank God for the obedience and insight that lead me and three other women to the bedside of a dying young man, Joseph Feeley. Perhaps, our prayers help lead him and his mother to the gates of heaven, a visit with Jesus. What a sacred time and place. Thank you, God! Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
Next a mountain top experience at the Healing Ministry in Kent Island, as Miss Jackie imparted healing to me. My knees weakened, my body surrendering to the Holy Spirit, collapsing to the floor. Consumed by the Spirit, the joyful intoxication of his presence. Peacefully inhaling, receiving and lingering in the delight of the moment. As I slowly ascended, returning to my pew, it was as if my feet where elevated a foot above the floor. I felt different, my hands felt different! Am I different, time will tell! Acts 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men, will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.
While maintaining my fast, only two days later to the valley; the beginning of my final earthly journey with "Sweet Little Rose." Farewells, grieving, highs and lows comforted only by God. Recognizing his voice and trusting. What sorrowful blessings, constantly reminding myself of Rose`s ailing body, renewed restored for life eternal, in the presence of Jesus! John 14:1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father`s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Days later while making homemade meatballs, to share with friends and family after Rose`s funeral, yet another precious moment. Joy, overwhelming joy. Even though my niece Mandy was baptized as a infant, like myself she drifted far from God`s grace. Believing that she was alone on her own to battle through life`s journey. As I lead her in the prayer of salvation, she surrendered her will to the will of God. Receiving Jesus as savior, flooded with the LORDs grace and mercy. Praise the LORD! Oops, almost forgot, I turned 61 in the midst of this; thank you God, for this year of growth and love!
For the first time, Mandy attended church with me; beaming from ear to ear expression her comfort and joy to be there. Welcomed, prayed for in unison by her new church family, tears of acceptance, grace and love. "Aunt Linda, Rose gave us the most amazing gift of all, Jesus!" Thank you, Rose.
John 17:15-17 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Broke my fast, felt entitled at Rose`s funeral reception, to indulged in the sweets that adorned the dessert table! Forgive my weakness, Father God. Was it this moment of weakness that encouraged further disobedience or the overwhelming pressure of impending events?
Just eight days after Rose`s funeral, while traveling to Kent Island for their monthly Healing and Prayer Service, I received a call from Mandy that her mom was in the hospital. Joyce had pneumonia, suddenly it had caused her blood pressure to drop, she would soon be moved into intensive care unit. I shared this news with the lady with me, immediately we prayed. Yet another phone call from my niece Tammy in Kentucky, "Aunt Linda, we`re taking Kim to the hospital, she tried to commit suicide." Really Father God!
No doubt, God knew where I needed to be; surrounded with love and compassion in the arms of Jesus. After receiving communion and anointing, Pastor Kyung-hee Sa held me tight, as I cried to the Lord on behalf of my sister Joyce and niece Kim. My heart was breaking, throbbing with pain, while renouncing the bondage that strangles my family. Please Father God, strengthen us in your love. Pastor Kyung-hee Sa`s prayers and loving embrace comforted my soul. Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
What a month. Joyce is out of the hospital, strengthen by the hand of God, determined to quit smoking and drinking! Thank you, Jesus, perhaps our relationship will be healed along the way, by your grace and presence. After years of battling addiction, Kim faces a lengthy visit to another rehab program. Praying she gets it this time! Thank you God, for "do overs." In my weakness of the moment, I could hardly pray for Kim, I am so sick of the destruction and pain that her addiction is causing our family! I love Kim, but hate the sin of addiction that holds her hostage. Yet, I understand.....please strengthen my family LORD!
This week, God forgave my weakness and allowed me a "do over" start for my fast! Thank you, Father God. I love so much....thank you for the afternoon that I crawled up in your lap and you gently rocked away my pain and sorrow! AMEN!
John 4:23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."
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