The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power - Andrae Crouch - The New CMC Choir...

So Very Long and Painful

The journey ahead of a person, who has lost a loved one.  Daily, reminders pop into view and the heart breaks again.  Tears flow and even anger pushes out of their very beings.
They say the road to healing is: Get sad ...get mad... and get glad.......but that is only part of  the healing.  Many other things play a huge role in the daily acceptance of this loss.  The void is there and there's no going back.  Too many "what if's" will come to mind and too many "if only's" will cause bitter memories to cloud the good, sweet memories.
I remember feeling numb, for what seemed 6 months or more.  I just couldn't pull out of this dull useless feeling.  It took me a good year, to finally start letting things go and make an effort to move on.  I can only guess, that it wasn't just me who felt this way, but many other family members.  
With God's help, all things  are possible and surely we can grasp hold of his mighty hand, when comfort is needed.  At times we just break down and cry out to him for help.  In his wonderful time, the help he knows we need comes.........how great is that?

It Is Finished

My neighbor, passed last night, after only a few hours at home.  That's where she wanted to be and they brought her home.  It's hard to accept and I'm only a neighbor, but when that final time comes, it's very harsh on all who are near.  I will miss waving to her, when I drive by, and pray that her family will find comfort in the fact that she no longer is in pain.  Now, they must find ways to move forward, in life and accomplish goals that she hoped they would.  
So long, neighbor.....RIP

Remember This One?

Billy Graham Dead at Age 99

RIP thou good and faithful servant.........your time is done......

I Say Thanks

All too often, we get caught up in life's hectic daily activities, and forget to pray or thank God, for his goodness.  I'm so guilty of this and try to remind myself of the good things, in my life and what God does daily for me and my husband,  Just post a "public Thank You" to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for his daily protection, provisions, and kindness...........how about you all?  

Two of My Friends

Two of my Facebook friends, lost one of their parents over the holiday's.  It's a sad time for them, and it's going to be a hard year, without that strength here........ to these friends, I offer my sincere condolences, and prayers, for their comfort during these times.......... 

And Then......

From out of the blue a strength came to me and I know that God was behind it all.  I fell into this horrible depression about my relationship and there was no help in sight.  As I languished in my sadness and pain of loosing the one thing I so dearly desired, I found my heart reaching for help.  God, is the only one who can help when you get this far down.  I knew it, just was wanting to put my all into this relationship, and felt I was giving it all I had.  It looks as though I either gave too much too soon, or it still wasn't enough.  Either way the strength to get through today, is there and I am holding on to the one thing that can get me through.  God.  
As I work through the loneliness and uncertainties of the situation, I know that I can reach out to God, for help and strength to maintain each minute of the day.

Of No Use?

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal 
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
AND Lazarus was dead!

No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.

Everywhere, Lately

Lately, it seems so many a passing on to their Heavenly home.  Many have passed, but not to a Heavenly home, because they just didn't know the Lord, or even care to.
We've lost one of our personal family members, and there are many who also have lost family members. 
In the last few days, the news has reported close to 10+ deaths of individuals, who are known nationwide/worldwide, in one fashion or another.  It is my wonder, whether our Lord is ridding or rescuing the one's he is taking from this world?
As I look at the recent list of those who have passed, I see one or two, who may have not lived well enough to become a citizen of Heaven.  Sad is the word, that can only be used, since many of us are glad, these people are no longer with us. 
Sad, is the word we use when looking at the reason some others passed.  Be it health matters, or just passing because it was their time to go.
Utmost condolences, go to family, friends and coworkers involved in these people's live.  Prayers, for all who have dealt with the sadness of watching their loved one, fight a disease or illness, only to grow weak from it's onslaught.  God, knows what he's doing, and I find comfort in knowing this.......

THANK YOU LORD

Today, I look around at the world we live in and see so much turmoil.  People, are living the best way they can and those of us who have a life with the comforts on a daily basis, feel as though we are in some way sinning.  I say this because we see so many who are without a home, because of the devastating weather, recently and those who are sick from some incurable diseases.  Those whose lives have been torn to pieces, not from their own doing, but from matters out of their control.
Yes, I have my problems, and yes they are giving me unwanted stress.  Yet, I can see things going on  that make my problems, look small in comparison.  This gives me a comfort in knowing that I should be grateful for the things in my life and pray for the problems that I see nearby.  I can rest in the knowledge that the Lord, has his hand on my life and problems.  I can thank him for the goodness, he has given me, knowing that I am truly blessed.  
Today, is a good time for all of us to be thankful for the good that is in our lives, and pray for the one's less fortunate.......

Prayer Request

I am asking you for prayers about my health.  It's unknown what I have wrong, and am waiting of the blood tests to come back.  Thank you for your efforts on my behalf.

God is Good

Have you ever been out somewhere and thought you had left something cooking on the stove?  Well, it's not the first time I've rushed home to find whether or not made such a mistake.
About 5 years ago, I did and there was a big mess to clean when I got back.  Boiled eggs that have blown up all over the place, don't smell too great.  It's takes a few minutes to find all the broken shell parts and get them cleaned up. 
Recently, I found myself driving when the thought came to me that I might have left a pan on the stove and it would be red hot, if I did.  I could see all types of things happening, like the house catching on fire.
I started praying while driving as legally as I could to get back, and thanks to the Lord, he answered prayer.  The pan was cold and the stove was off..........a sigh of relief came across me as I thanked him for his goodness.

SCRIPTURES

1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Prayers

Recently, I met online, a lady who is fighting for her life, against breast cancer.  In the last few days, she has been told that the chemo treatments are not working and she must have surgery to remove it.  Then on to stronger chemo treatments.
It is my prayer that this person, who has touched my life, will come through this ordeal in glorious beauty to show the Lord's great and mighty works. I ask that you stand with me in prayer for her healing from this thing........... I thank you!

True Words

Speaking the truth, is sometimes very hard to do, with all the opposition we face in our world today.  America, is facing a battle, that will become hard fought.  We as believers, must be true to our religion and God.

1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The Bible clearly says that Christians will be persecuted. It still happens today in many different forms, from being mocked to murder. Still, you should not let persecution stop you from being a Christian. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior is one of the most important things you should do in your life.  Don't avoid it just because of the persecution.

Give Thanks

A time to reflect on years past, and things that were very important to us. A time to be thankful for the things we have and if able, to share the things we have with others, less fortunate. 
This week you will be gathering with your family to be together again, on this occasion. It may be the last time for some of your family to be with you. It may be a new beginning for a few of you. Either way, this will be a time for you as a family to make memories, as you have on previous occasions. 
Each year, one or two of the members aren't able to make it, for one reason or another. One of my sons, lives out of state, and won't be here. Another may have other family members to be with at this time. So, we will be thankful for the family members that do get to drop by and enjoy the day as well as we can. 
Once again, let us remember to thank the Lord for each day he has given us and for a great healthy coming new year.

Quilt of Life

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was.  They were filled with
giant  holes.  Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life.  I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me.  Nobody else had such squares.  Other than a tiny
hole here and  there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.  I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.  The others rose; each in  turn, holding up their tapestries.  So filled their lives had been.  My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.  I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes.  I had love in my life and laughter.  But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it.  I had to start over many times.  I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.  I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life..  I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth..  My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air.  I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the  many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ.  Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes.  He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

I thought this was beautiful and wanted to share it with you as a friend did with me.........