Written in Red

I have just finished a wonderful book titled "The Secret of Happiness," written by Billy Graham, published in 1956 by Doubleday & Company. Doctor Graham dissects each verse in Matthew 5:1-12, as expressed in the 8 Beatitudes.

What spiritual enlightenment gleaned from Jesus's famous teaching, now known as the "Sermon On the Mountain."  This season of Lent, my heart turns to the cross, and the Holy Spirit reminds me to see these teachings are just as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago. I want to draw close to Christ, closer than to a friend, to sit at his feet and learn from the Master. I am spending time away from some popular distractions-social entertainments- and instead putting my heart into these devotions.

As I reflect on the last days of the life of Christ, and now symbolically walk through them with him in my study, I feel Jesus is in need of me- as I of He- and though vainly my perspective seems, Christ says otherwise. My feeling is validated and revealed in my study of his predawn prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. In John 17:10 while praying to the Father for the disciples sake, Jesus prays- 

" All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them." 

Yes, he needs me, and all his followers now, just as much as he needed the disciples to stay awake, and watch and pray that fateful night he was arrested. When I am spiritually sharp I reveal his glory- the glory of the Son passed down from the Father, and now my glorious inheritance.

No doubt my lamp is dingy and in need of a good cleaning, and so today I ask my God to help me to restore and renew my passion for sharing the words written in red, and in return I give all the glory to Christ- the man who saved me- and the God who sustains me. He deserves it all.

I need the help of the Holy Spirit to stay vigilant, on guard, to offer assistance in awakening a world still suffering from spiritual stupor. I hear in my spirit the duty of this call is..

.."Be the salt, be the light- to the lost and hungry people who are still looking, walking, and hiding in the dark-. illuminate, shine. Dawn draws near, and soon all will see the true light of the world revealed, great will be the reward for the good and faithful servant."

Read the Beatitudes

Foward

I have learned the secret of being content in all situations- it is in the power Christ gives to me when I let go- and let him lead me. If you are feeling lost, defeated, alone and in a dark place-  I am praying you will stop, drop and listen to this song of victory. It is for you.

Celine Dion & Josh Groban Live "The Prayer" (HD 720p)

God Watching

Last winter asleep in my bed, in the quiet of an early morning, hours before sunrise, my eyes opened from a deep sleep, and I  felt the quiet of a peaceful stillness. As my eyes began to focus, I saw a warm glow from a light shining through the window spilling over onto the carpet.

Looking up, without  a twitch of muscle or movement, except for my searching eyes, I could see the source of this soft light, a full moon. I instantly knew then, from the depths of my heart, that the Creator of that moon, my Father in Heaven was watching over me, with all the tender loving care a father can give through the dark of night. The fullness of God's character was shining right over me. Why? Because he loves me. I could feel it covering me like a warm blanket on a cold night.


I know that same feeling of a loving parent watching over their child; often I too would slip into my sleeping childs room at night to check on her, to see that all was well. Standing quietly, motionless beside her bed, an overwhelming love would fill my heart, and mesmerized I would watch her- breathing little baby breaths, smell the scent of freshly powdered skin, and admire the beauty of the intricate details God designed. I would marvel how this life was blessed to me as caregiver, guardian, teacher, and parent. Oh, how the love would spill out of my heart and I would touch her little back, and resist the desire to hold her, and share this feeling.- content instead to watch her lie in sweet dreams.


I am sure that was Gods intent as well that early morning, to be content to watch over me as I slept there peacefully- yet the magnitude of His love and care is so strong, it opens eyes instantly, turns darkness to light, and peace to anyone's night. This is God's divine nature. He is the embodiment of every good thing created, and so my spirit was quick to wake, for it knows the Father- and seeks Him. I felt secure, loved, cared for and special to know that God is personal and watches over me. How blessed to be in the fold, how marvelous that I can see and feel the darkness turn instantly to wonderful light.

Lukewarm

Revelation 3:15-20

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 

I love taking hot relaxing baths at the end of the day, but disappointment sets in when I come back and find I've drawn a tub full of lukewarm water! Occasionally, I will in rote memory set the water, and not really test the temperature, leaving it to run while I set out to do something else. Arriving back and finding my bath is lukewarm and worthless I have to start over.. such a waste of water, and time, to draw another bath. Complaining to myself... had I just taken the time to be attentive to the task, instead of running off impatiently to do something else... I would now be enjoying a good long soak.

Jesus, in the book of Revelation, is speaking to the church in Laodecia regarding his plans for lukewarm Christians who want to straddle the fence of living for riches and fame, over living a life of honor to Christ, having love and compassion for other's. I write this cautionary reminder, not out of condemnation, but out of that same love for other's- for I know the way of losing God's favor for a season of selfish living... it is devastating for the Christian. But I also rejoice in verses 19-20- knowing He loves us so much he never leaves..

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come inand eat with that person, and they with me.

The book of  Revelation is a priceless look inside the glorious plans God has for the faithful, and valuable insight into His expectations for right living- from now until that day comes when He calls us home. We who follow in "The Way" need to take the time daily to stay focused, to check our temperature, to drink of the living water (God's word), refusing to allow lukewarm living to takeover our faith walk.. 

This is the final hour, and for some the last chance at seeing God through the passion of Christ. If He spits you out it will be like the bathwater going down the drain to the sewer. You are still water, and of great value, but to de deemed worthy, will have to go through a rigorousness process of  restoration- at least for a while, until your treatment is complete- and in time you become fresh and vibrant again, stamped and labeled by God's own hand -redeemed, worthy, renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peace and blessings.

The Truth

When I was a little girl, there was a popular game show on TV entitled  "To Tell The Truth". It was fascinating because the premise was that a panel of celebrities had to guess the identity of a contestant who had an unusual occupation, or story to tell. The three contestants, all claiming to be the same person, would answer questions from the celebrities but only the real person had to tell the truth. The other impostors could lie and pretend to be the real person, while each star briefly interrogated them. The celebrities had to follow a set of rules and guidelines on the questions they could ask, and were also given a time limit. When the bell went off, and the time was up, each star would decide who they thought was the real person- in other words- who was telling the truth. 


It was interesting to see at the end, how some "liars" could stump the panel into believing they were the the correct choice, while the honest and real person was rejected- and it was their own life! The savvy panelist would ask the right questions and in turn, help the whole group get to the truth- if they listened well. The same technique helps a good police officer, prosecutor, or judge in real life, for they know from experience that often the truth is all mixed up in false impressions and lies. We as Christians also need to exercise the same method in our faith walk. We need to ask the right questions to grow in the knowledge of Christ. We need to make sure we are not stumped by the impostor, the deceiver, who is an evil spirit trying to keep us away from the truth of God.   [Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1John 4:17]

Jesus told his disciples that they needed to hold to his teaching, and they would know him, and the truth would set them free.[Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32] Dear ones, I can't stress this enough- you need to know God- to know God, by taking the time to read God's word, study, and meditate on the truths recorded in the Bible. This is your study reference guide for testing, so when the impostor comes to trick you to believe something contrary to what God has planned for your life, you will know that this is not a spirit from God.

When the end time comes, when the trumpet sounds, and the announcement is made  (like in the game show), "Will the real Jesus please stand up?"...don't be the one stumped. If you are dead wrong, you will lose more than a little bit of your pride. You risk everything, and all because you didn't listen well and believe the real truth.

The Promised Land

My husband and I have prayed and fasted many times over the years. Several powerful scriptures we pray and use for meditation to keep God's promises close to our hearts are 1 Chronicles 1: 4-10, the prayer of Jabez and Jeremiah 29:11, the letter to the exiles in Babylon from God.

We first studied these scriptures to know them and to make sure that we did not just randomly pray these verses, or take them out of the context they were meant for and use them for our own terms and definition.  

This is a common mistake among Christians, but not advisable. God's word is anything but common for his very power lives within this written word. It is truth, it is specific and direct. 

To know God takes time, time to study and digest the meat of his words, and what the passage is conveying to man. Then in God's time, after a marriage of his word, and our faith he answers, and fulfills his promises.

Last year we had to make some important decisions for Bruce's career path, after the real estate industry collapse, and a business venture failed to provide the fruit of his labor. We felt confused, lost and somewhat downtrodden at times- but we still remained constant in our belief that God had a plan for our lives.

I made a decision to claim (out loud) the powerful scripture Jeremiah 29:11 every time I heard the clock chime the hour from the college tower. I could hear the chime from our home in town- so hundreds of times I would stop and proclaim this verse - whether I was taking a walk, out watering the plants, sitting on the porch, admiring the moon from my back yard,  lying in bed in the still of the night, or upon awakening in the morning. 

I think my dogs even know the verse by now for my routine was when the first chime began I would stop and say " Listen, listen. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

I see now that this was building our hope and trust in God's sovereign authority. Our part was to stand on that promise. God's promises will come true for those who remain faithful, constant and persevere. God was building our faith and Christian character, something more valuable than the material gain that would come later. For now there was still some things we needed to let go of- some were emotional, and some physical.

Even though it was tough at times to lean day by day on the promise instead of the provision, we were standing firm and continued on in our prayers and fasting. God was there too, we could see the signs, and we knew he loved and cared for us, and that his vision was far greater and wiser than ours. And it was...

It was during our second fast of the first quarter of the year God's answer came. I know God honored this sacrifice as the time to bring forth the promise. We had just completed a 21 day fast the month before, and then joined another church for a Easter fast.

Now fasting is not easy, at least not for me.The first one I did years ago was actually the easiest because I did not know the pangs of hunger that would come and stay with me; so each fast to me seemed harder. Bruce did quite a bit of water fasting, seeking God deep in his heart; he was so humble, never complaining. We both spent time in prayer together and separate. And God spoke..

Just before the fast ended a wonderful career opportunity was offered to Bruce. A position with a company Bruce regretted leaving years ago. An offer quite unexpected- just days before our fast was to end, and the day after we decided to look outside our present boundaries. 

The position required a move almost a 1000 miles from home.  So when you pray the prayer of Jabez and say yes to expanding your territory- watch out- you better be serious.

The decision was easy, for we knew the company, Bruce's supervisor, the timing, and the territory.  All was divinely selected. But still, just as the Israelite's had to use courage to cross over into the promised land, the same command of "Be strong and courageous" was needed for this move. 

Many difficult changes, details, and decisions had to be made- not to mention  a year of commuting for Bruce was still to come. But it was worth it all, and necessary for Bruce to have time to work and me to be there when my father passed away.

Now as I sit here writing this from a lake house in the New Hampshire mountains, with my husband, 2 dog's and cat by my side, I feel incredibly blessed, and so grateful for the promises have come true. I knew I was always blessed, it's just expanded and grown into a new expanded  promised land.

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request."

Ode to Dahlonega

Spring

Right now, as I sit upon a favorite hill in the old cemetery in town… I think about how many times I have walked these hills and sidewalks with my husband and our three dogs… for five years… and four seasons of each year.  We have lived and loved here in our little "American Pie" town of Dahlonega.

The college bell strikes five in the golden clock tower that frames every view of this little gem of small town living.  A fond memory that emerges every time I hear a clock chime, no matter where, of God's divine providence and of a thousand proclamations of Jeremiah 29:11.

After the chimes of five come the gun salute and the
bugles call to dinner from the cadets at the college.
The wild wonder of young minds, just beginning their lives - a stark contrast to the graves I sit next to upon this hill.

We are departing soon - beginning our trek to New England.
And so I sit upon this hill remembering, smiling, and
celebrating the moment and the awakening beauty of spring.

Here I have prayed. Here I have walked among the graves
and read the markers.  And here I have thought about the splendor of grace in the afterlife.

I love this little town, and all her hidden secret places, tucked away in this corner of the earth- like a treasure one keeps on a shelf for fond remembrance.  I will cherish her in my heart forever. So much life came to me during my days of refreshing restoration.

The Georgia mountains spring is at the peak of beauty, full and magnificent, as a proud mother holding a new born child.  I look around and see the dogwoods splashing color of pure white and pink, complemented with the purple thrift that blankets some of the older graves. I am reminded of the rich tapestry of life - Oh if these souls could tell me of the storied history that is represented beneath this earth.

The sky is a soft blue mixed with clouds of swirling white, as folded in to the air.  A gentle breeze lifts my hair and scents the air with the sweet bouquet of full bloom.  I feel caressed by sun and sky- by God above. I feel his warm love and the sweetness of living in this moment, standing now on this hill of memories.

The birds sing and chatter and fly about from tree to tree, their soaring bodies a tribute to the call of spring’s rebirth of earth and nature. Some have migrated hundreds of miles in a single day, a reminder too of the strength in purpose. I am blessed knowing now in this season of life that I have purpose. I always have, but distractions blurred my heart and life was lived in circles of wandering.

My wandering heart has a home now, not a place of residence with an earthly address - No, my home has and always has been in the palm of God's hand, until the day he draws me heavenward.

I am part of this earth in my flesh, fashioned from the dust of God's handiwork, but the greater part of me is spirit. That is the privileged secret of life that God has revealed to me here upon this hillside in this town called Dahlonega.

I am blessed with the healing of the past and my imminent preparation for the glory of the future. I see clearly now. I thank you, dear God for these healing days here in my slice of heaven.

I thank you Jesus, for the thousands of Easter mornings since the first, when you arose from that grave and saved a wretch like me. Now I see beauty and I am beautiful.
Life is beautiful.

                                            * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lynn Stromwall is a Georgia native and has resided in Dahlonega for the last five years with her husband Bruce, and their three dogs, Lucky, Biscuit, and Brianne.  Lynn enjoys writing and is looking forward to her move to a lake house in the New Hampshire mountains, where inspiration for her blogs will be bountiful. Lynn is the mother of Rose, who is studying film at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Resurrection

My Daughter, My Self

My daughter Rose and I share a gift. We both love to write. She wrote this moving and poetic letter to me; I found it on her dressing table after she left for college a few days ago. This summer was probably the last one she will come home for; next summer she will be an upcoming Senior and wants to stay in California working on her film studies.

Oh, the blessing of a daughter- how I love her so much. So much that I encourage her to follow her dreams; to know who she is in Christ, and to use the gifts and talents he placed in her soul. Even if it takes her across the country and beyond. The last thing I said as she prepared to drive away was this- " The most important thing in life I want for you, is to be happy and to share that happiness. To be the light."

Fly high my butterfly. Give much. Thank you for being you. A  little like me, and a lot like YOU.

As it should be.

She writes-

August 21,2011

Dear Mom,

This has been such a wonderful summer. I have been reminded daily how blessed I am. 

From the very beginning of summer we got to go on an adventure together. You and I visited 

New England for the the first time together.

I am so happy you have been with me all my life through out many first times. First day of real school (kindergarten), first day of high school, first learners permit, first move to college, first trip outside of the U.S., and first trip to Miami.

I thank God for giving me a mother who listens, loves, laughs, cries, and talks with me. I am truly blessed to have you and I know you will be with me for many more firsts.

Every change in life is an adventure- no matter how difficult. There will be many mountains, valleys, and deserts, but we must explore these times and find the beauty in them all.

I never like saying goodbye, but I find comfort in knowing that I will always have a home to come back to with you. No matter what comes our way, we cannot let anything rob us of the love and joy we share as mother and daughter.

Like the words I heard in a song recently- " the pain that you've been feeling, is just the hurt before the healing. It's just the dark before the morning."

I'm going to leave you with the poem I read to you this morning. I'll write it on the back of this paper. Remember to BELIEVE in God's power, ACT on His commands, and PRAISE Him daily.

I love you! 

Rose

Trouble Is a Stepping Stone to Growth Trouble is something no one can escape, Everyone has it in some form or shape- Some people hide it way down deep inside, Some people bear it with gallant-like pride, Some people worry and complain of their lot, Some people covet what they haven’t got, While others rebel and become bitter and old With hopes that are dead and hearts that are cold- But the wise man accepts whatever man sends, Willing to yield like a storm-tossed tree bends, Knowing that God never makes a mistake, So whatever He sends they are willing to take - For trouble is part and parcel of life And no man can grow without trouble and strife, And the steep hills ahead and high mountain peaks Afford man at last the peace that he seeks - So blest are the people who learn to accept The trouble men try to escape and reject, For in OUR ACCEPTANCE we’re given great grace And courage and faith and the strength to face The daily troubles that come to us all So we may learn to stand "straight and tall" - For the grandeur of life is born of defeat For in overcoming we make life complete By: Helen Steiner Rice

The Lord is My Shepherd

Happy Heavenly Birthday Mom

I dedicate this song to my Mom who is celebrating 22 years in Heaven.
She is singing a new song, along with the angels-
to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat, the King of Kings.
She adores Him.

Clothed in rainbows, flashes of lightening, blessing, and honor,
glory and power, she is with the Lord God Almighty-
                                                   Worshiping Him.

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of His name.
Jesus, her wonderful, powerful, healing Savior.
The one who is, and is to come.

I sing with you Mom, and I too adore Him.
The only true and living God.
Happy eternal birthday. I love and miss you.

Your daughter,

Lynn

The Beautiful Mind of Christ

Do you often wonder why your unsaved friends

just don't get you sometimes, and why your

words turn to deaf ears when you talk about

what God has done for you?

I did; until I really became a student of the Bible

and started taking God's word's seriously.

One of the scriptures I studied in 1Corinthians

Chapter 2 starting with verse 9-16 helped enlighten

my understanding of God's ways. The Bible says-

 9but just as it is written,         “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,         AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,         ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
10For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.      14But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

I learned from this passage that the natural man's

head knowledge, and the wisdom of the spirit, 

speak two very different languages.

One is learned in the world, and heard by the unbeliever with the ears, and the other language, that is heard by the believer, comes from having the mind of Christ.

The natural man, as an unbeliever will not be

able to understand this spirit language; he

needs an interpreter- the Holy Spirit, and

that only happens when one truly believes in

Christ Jesus, as God's son and their savior.

Then begins a beautiful relationship,

allowing the Spirit to work inside their heart and mind.

So do I stop speaking of the things of God to my non Christian friends, and

leave it to God to show them the way? No, no, no!  As a believer that would be a contradiction to living in the spirit.

I will naturally want to share what I have, it's who I am. The Holy Spirit does the talking and my part will be more of what I do, than what I say.  

It will come from my staying connected to the vine. Christ cultivating in me a beautiful mind that produces a fruit that will naturally draw people to me.

The emphasis will not be on me and my words, but on how God has changed me, evidenced by the way I live.  

   

Keeper Of My Heart

Resting in God

Sweet Words

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

My husband and I have a friend who is a beekeeper;  and I have to tell you, the honey his bees make is the best I think I've ever had. The store bought kind in the plastic bears pale in comparison.  The natural, raw honey is different to the taste; with just the right about of sweetness- thick, richer in color. It just oozes when poured out of that mason jar. 

When I think about the instruction God gives in Proverbs 16:24 regarding my words, and how God compares pleasant words to a honeycomb; I had to ask myself...  Are my words sweet and oozing out of my mouth like honey... or do I have to struggle to squeeze them out drop by drop?

I feel there are times I speak kind words to enrich someone else out of a natural concern and love- then there are the times I'm just processing  rote gestures of kindness for my own ulterior motives.  It's a matter of the real stuff vs the watered down. 

God's word says in John 1:1  and Revelation 19:11-13 that Jesus is the word . 

 John 1:1

 ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(and in)

Revelation 11-13

¹¹ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴

Jesus is the rider on the white horse, the true word-  A  living word that transcends time,eternally imbued with power to redeem the soul,and bring healing (resurrection)
to our bones.

I know God gifted me with the Holy Spirit when I became a believer;  my teacher who will supernaturally transform my mind to the mind of Christ - if - I choose to allow the Holy Spirit to teach me. 


So today I pray: 

"Holy Spirit, teach me how to choose pleasant words that will
bring sweetness and healing to the listener. Amen".

Stand II

Continuing on my July 4th theme of standing- I ran across a beautiful video and song on YouTube that was put together by a student in memory of a class mate who passed away from a malignant brain tumor. It touched me so much I wanted to share it with you.


It reminded me of how important it is to take the time, which is so fleeting, to appreciate the significance of loving and standing by our friends, families, and neighbors in their time of need. Jesus stood in the gap for all mankind, so that we can be in right standing again with God, and enjoy eternity with him. 


Our little momentary sufferings and sacrifices will never come close to what Christ gave for us. He gave EVERYTHING. Sadly, many will walk away from this free gift, by refusing to just believe and accept.  Yes, how very sad for those who say no to Christ. They will never know how much they missed. EVERYTHING.


This video reminds me too of how life on this earth is so short. The Bible says in James 4:14- "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.


So true, evidence by the passing of a young person before their time.... or was it?

Stand

Today is July 4th and all over this great country we are celebrating with road races, parades, watermelon eating contests, family cookouts, and then closing the day with spectacular fireworks displays.

I wonder how many Americans celebrating really think about the meaning of this day and the significance of living free as an American. I know I am guilty of what I am speaking to, and it bothers me.

Yesterday at church I noticed how few people placed their hand over their heart as the flag was brought out and the soldiers marched by, as our national anthem played.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a church of wonderful, giving people. It just seemed sad to know that they either were ignorant to this tradition of honor given to our flag, or we have lost something that once was so special and sacred.

My husband, a veteran, immediately placed his hand over his heart, and I know within that auditorium there were many soldiers, veterans, and citizens doing the same.
So today I write to remind us of this honor given to our flag, our symbol of this great country and the freedom it represents and the many sacrifices our countrymen gave to keep her flying.

Remember the veteran of war, and how that nonchalant attitude would make them feel- or the parent, spouse, or child who grieves when they look at the empty chair at their dinner table today. Show compassion. Think, what if that were your loved one?

I know this country is not perfect. Neither are we. Only God. Sadly, in my opinion, as God is being erased from our government foundations, so creeps in our insidious complacency.

Love of country, love of God becomes a slogan that will continue to fade from the hearts and minds of Americans, if we let this continue.

Teach your children today the story of why we celebrate the birthday of our country. Tell them of the great sacrifice wrought by brave men and women that stood up for something-- for love of country and love of God.

It has been said that to fail to stand for something is to fall for anything. Stand proud today, with deliberate purpose, hand on heart and show others that you care.

The Promises of Christ are True

I must be more than wise in the word of God. I must be embued with the revelation of God. Jesus came to reveal God to mankind, and the red letter words of my Bible are my focus this month for meditation and memorization. I live in peace and joy when the words of Jesus come alive in spirit during this quiet time.

A Mother's Day Poem

To Mom who resides in heaven divine
I'm waiting patiently for that moment in time-

Hugs and kisses, smiles and tears;
the touch I remember year after year.
I wait for a mother's love; that only you can give.

Until that day I visit your grave,
tend to the flowers and call out your name.
I pray and listen and remember..
My daughter beside me, the blue sky above,
reminds me of the expanse of God's true love

I go there not to grieve for those days are past,
instead I find peace and joy; my spirit rejoices-
for I know you are in the arms of your Savior ,
eagerly awaiting too-

That day in time only God knows for sure.
The day revealed, when the Savior calls-
The day all heaven and earth rejoice.

Then in a moment's time you will see,
 your greatest work on earth come home.

The day we see God's greatest work on earth come home-
Your family, your loved ones, the children of God.




  

What Are You Looking For?

Jesus the Bread of Life/ John 6

 ²⁵ When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

 ²⁶ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

 ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

 ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

 ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’^[c]”

 ³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

 ³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

 ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶ But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

 ³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 

³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”