Thank You, God

I appreciate all you do for me God... I love you so very much. But could you do me just one little favor? People tell me that you will never give me more than I can handle. So next year do you think you could trust me just a little less? Thanks....

Almost a Year

Dear God,

I know you're busy, especially this time of year. And tomorrow is your birthday and you probably have a million places to be. I just need a minute if you can spare it.

Why are people so cruel? It's been 363 days since you called my brother home. Several attempts at contact with my family have produced nothing. I have no clue how or why he died. Is it so much to ask for closure? It's been almost a year of not knowing. Will I ever know? And even if I do, will it matter?

Could You at least help me stop crying? That would be a huge help.

Thanks for listening... You always do.

The Christmas Story

Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

The angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was very surprised by this and wondered what the angel meant. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' She replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary said goodbye to her family and friends and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see Mary. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph was worried when he found out that Mary was expecting a baby before their marriage had taken place. He wondered if he should put off the wedding altogether. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Saviour' because he would save people. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had told him to do and took Mary as his wife.

At this time, the land where Mary and Joseph lived was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted to have a list of all the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a register (or census) there. Mary and Joseph travelled a long way (about 70 miles) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because that is where Joseph's family came from. Most people walked but some lucky people had a donkey to help carry the goods needed for the journey. Joseph and Mary travelled very slowly because Mary's baby was due to be born soon.

When they reached Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay. So many people had come to register their names in the census, that every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the Inns. The only shelter that they could was a stable or cave with the animals. In this poor place Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes'. Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds were very, very scared, but the angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Saviour has been born for you. You will find the baby lying in a manger.'.

Then many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' When the angels had gone the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem to see what has happened.' So the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Saviour.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. Some Wise Men in faraway countries saw the star and guessed what it meant. They were very clever men that studied the stars and had read in very old writings that a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

The Wise Men followed the star towards the country of Judea and when they got to the capital called Jerusalem they began to ask people: 'Where is the child who is born to be king of the Jews?' Herod, the king of Judea, heard this and it made him very angry to think that someone might be going to take his place as king. Herod sent for the Wise Men to come to him. He told them to go on following the star until they had found the baby king. He said: 'When you have found him, let me know where he is, so that I can go and worship him.'. But Herod did not tell them that he really had an evil plan in mind to kill the new king.

The Wise Men followed the star towards Bethlehem (where it said that the king would be born in the old writings). It seemed to stop and shine directly down upon the place where Jesus was.

The Wise Men entered the house where they now lived and found Jesus with Mary, they bowed down and worshipped him. The Wise Men spread the the gifts they had brought before Jesus. The gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Wise Men were warned in a dream, by God, not to go back to Herod. So they returned home to their countries in the East by a different way.

When the Wise Men had gone, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' the angel said, 'take Jesus and Mary and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for Jesus to kill him.' So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary during the night they left for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod died.

When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, he was furious and he gave orders to kill all the boys aged two or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. This was to try and kill the new King, as his plan to find the location of the new king from the Wise Men had failed.

After Herod had died, Joseph had another dream in which an angel appeared to him. The angel said, 'Get up, take Jesus and Mary and go back to Israel, for those who were trying kill Jesus are dead.'

So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary and they went back to Israel. But when he heard that Herod's son was now king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. So instead they went to Galilee, and lived in their old town of Nazareth.

31 Things About Me

And so I thought... I may as well put it in a blog. Why just have it on facebook?

1. I am a night person through and through. No matter how much I try to reverse it, I always feel better being up at night and sleeping during the day.

2. I'm a black and white thinker in a grey world. This causes me much stress, stress that is either black or white, I might add. LOL

3. There's no place like home... I just don't know where that is. Being 'rootless' is a chore. (see #2) haha

4. I'd sooner ask a complete stranger for help than someone I know. I think it's because I believe people keep score. Not sure where I came to believe it, but that is most likely why.

5. If I had three wishes I would most likely waste two of them on stupid things like money or security of some sort. But the FIRST wish would be to walk in God's shadow always. I'd like to think I could walk in His light, but I am sure it would be too bright for me. Besides... there is something comforting about the warmth and darkness of the shadow. It's an old feeling that fits just right.

6. I'm all about respect. It seems to be an old fashioned notion in a new-fangled world and that's a shame.

7. I'd love to have gossamer wings for one day and fly above the trees to see life in a different perspective.

8. Just once I would like to know that I am perfect just as I am. I get glimpses now and then, but oh how fleeting those moments are. I'd like it to be a feeling that would last for hours so I could feel it to the marrow.

9. If I could be with anyone living or dead for just one day I would have to say it would be Jesus. I'd like to know how someone could deny Him or 'forget' about Him. I know the apostles did... I'd just like to know HOW that could happen. But then I wonder... could I live with knowing I did after the fact?

10. I love reds and golds and deep, dark greens. All the other colors have their place, yes, but I love the warm colors.

11. Daisies are my favorite flower.

12. The older I get the more I realize that life is so very precious. It isn't about what I can accumulate any more. It's about what I can accomplish. There is so little time to do all I want to do.

13. Except for white, there isn't a chocolate that I don't love.

14. For every prayer I have uttered there are 100 I should have said.

15. I was a mess until I found God. Funny thing about it was that He wasn't lost, I was. Even now though I can still turn my life into a rope and pony show. The difference is that I know I am not alone any more.

16. What if I woke up one day and I wasn't really awake? Like maybe I was in a coma or had Alzheimer's? Would I know? Could I tell that things were different for me? I wonder about such things.

17. I love most people most of the time. I just don't like some of them. That makes me feel strange sometimes... like I'm a bad person or something. I try and I pray on it. Maybe I'm not as bad about it as I think I am. I am my own worst critic after all.

18. Where exhilaration meets danger... I like that place. I've always wanted to jump out of an airplane or drive waaaaaaay too fast.

19. I'd like to think of myself as 'informed woman of the world.' But deep down I know I am a scared little girl just wishing everyone would like me and accept me. How human huh?

20. I always wondered why Frank L. Baum chose flying monkeys for the servants of the Wicked Witch of the West. As a kid they scared me. As an adult I think he may have had some serious issues. LOL As a writer I can only hope to measure up to that.

21. When I'm in that stage just before I actually fall asleep, I sometimes feel as though I fell out of bed and then just got right back on it. But it's a quick action that takes less than half a second. It always gives me a start and makes my heart race.

22. I believe that if the warmth and love that is found between Thanksgiving and Christmas was reversed to the time span between Christmas and Thanksgiving that this would be a better world to live in.

23. I can spell the alphabet backwards faster than I can frontwards.

24. My favorite car is the 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. Call me crazy, but that's when cars were cars and not cookie cutter shoeboxes.

25. Music, children and animals are the things that consistently drive me to tears.

26. My experiences have not been my best teachers. They have been my ONLY teachers.

27. Physics says what goes up must come down. I find that doesn't apply to age and weight.

28. When I am gone I want to be remembered for being kind.

29. When I can define a feeling as fear, I know it is the very thing I MUST face and challenge.

30. Laughter is a great healer. I love to laugh and do so every chance I get... but never at someone else's expense.

31. My name is Sally Rose and the most important thing I could ever say about me is that I AM A CHILD OF GOD.

　

Donut Falls

Quiet time at the homestead. I like that time. The sun just came up and the fog has burned off. The birds are bantering about something or another. And I see the cats chasing butterflies, fruitlessly but persistently.

Grace hasn't spoken a word. I'm somewhat relieved. I suppose if she had something important to divulge she would. But for now we just sit and quietly gaze at the coming day with all its promise.

I found this picture of one of your awesome creations, God. Donut Falls it is appropriately named. And my mind wanders. "I'd like it better if it was donuts fall." (I think I'm hungry, huh?) The only thing better than the picture would be to actually be there when dawn arrives.

Ahhh, the things I think about when I am in the presence of Grace. Thank you for listening, God. Talk to you later. Have a Great Day. I sure will.

Just Checking In

Good Evening, God.

I've been thinking a lot lately, but then you know that. Sitting with Grace does that. And it never ceases to amaze me how the mind works.

I was just outside on the porch. It was raining softly and there was a slight breeze finding its way through the leaves on the trees. I looked down and saw the kittens peacefully dreaming their little kitty dreams. One's foot twitched as it chased a butterfly or mouse. Another was coming awake from hearing me out there.

Then I could hear the rain coming down a little harder. There seemed to be a rhythm to it. I thought, "No, it's just your imagination." But I wasn't entirely convinced that it was imaginary.

Suddenly a pretty brisk gust of wind came through the screen and along with it came a few drops of rain. When it settled on the cats they flew out of the box. I couldn't help but laugh, but they sure didn't think it was funny.

And then the thought generator kicked in so I became consumed by the process.

I called each one by name. Nothing. So I tried again and again. Nothing. I spoke out loud to them, "Why you ungrateful clumps of fur! Only yesterday you were snatched from the brink of homelessness and this is how repay me?" Nothing. (Yesterday the other six were taken to the shelter. Nine was just too many.)

So tell me, God, why do cats ignore us? It's like talking to a post. I suppose I will never have an answer to that, but seeing I was talking to you I thought I would ask.

And by the way, do ants sleep? The reason I ask is that at 2AM they were busy working on trying to move one piece of cat food that the furballs missed. There must have been 100 of them pushing and pulling. I made sure to steer clear of them after what happened not too long ago. Oh yeah, and while I'm thinking of it - Thanks for sending that angel when I was bitten by those fire ants. He told me to use meat tenderizer on them and the stinging would go away. Sure enough, it worked! I have to tell you though, I felt really stupid applying it.

As I was reminiscing about that a bolt of lightning skidded helter-skelter across the sky. I waited for the thunder but it was pretty far away. And that got me thinking even more.

You made the rainbow curve in a perfect arc. You could have made it any shape you wanted. Why did you pick the circular shape? Is it a subtle message that you can get there from here? That maybe it's not a straight line, but it's doable? I don't know.

The way my life has been I would think a promise coming from you would come in that zig-zag pattern of lightning like Ws strung together like this... WWWWWWWW. Or maybe a spiral - how symbolic is that? It would seem more accurate.

But then you are the Creator and I am just an innocent bystander in awe. I have to say though, the arc is pleasing to the eye, not to mention easier for school children to draw. I'm sure you know more than I do. I just don't really want to think about curvature of the earth and light refraction. That takes all the wonder out of it.

And speaking of awe and wonder, I saw some pictures about scientists who have created cube-shaped watermelons. The article mentioned that they were easier to transport and store due to the fact that they don't roll around. They also 'created' heart and pyramid-shaped ones too. They ARE interesting, but it just doesn't seem right that someone spliced the genes or fooled around with the DNA. To me DNA stands for Do Not Adapt. Who are we to be rearranging anything you create?

Just then another breeze came in and when I looked for the kittens they had moved to the top of the workbench out of the rain's reach. I saw the leaves moving to and fro. Some have changed colors and will soon drop to the ground. In the Spring they will replaced with new ones. Is that why so many babies are born? Because the older people keep dying? That sure makes sense to me. Maybe it's as simple as you are not done creating yet. What would I know?

Well, that's about it from me for now. Just thought I would check in with you and tell you how grateful I am for my life straightening out a bit. It was nip and tuck for a while. But even then, YOU knew better. I just wish I was better at this faith thing. So do you think you could help me out with that? I'll be checking in with you again real soon, God. Take care of all my friends. Thanks... You are an Awesome God... You make me smile.

So I Don't Dance

As I dance merrily down the road of life it is comforting to know that I am in the fold, a child of God.

OK, so I don't dance, I shuffle. And maybe sometimes I grudgingly trudge the road of happy destiny.

But it is days like this that I know I am a Child of God. I don't have to question that. Yet still I pinch myself wondering if I am truly awake. Could this possibly be true? Time will tell. It always does.

And though I mutter and moan, and stutter and groan, it is always an epiphany to me when You come to take me by the hand, God, and let me know that, indeed, You were listening the whole time... not only to my prayers, but to those that were lifted up on my behalf by others.

Re-energized and hopeful I say, "Let the adventure begin!" I will go where you point me. Please forgive my doubts. How truly Great Thou Art...

Into the Darkness

I look back over my shoulder and feel as though I am walking into the darkness.

I rely on all those old sayings I have heard over the years. The one that comes to mind is, "Feelings are feelings, feelings aren't facts."

And EVEN THOUGH (just for you, Bebe, haha) I feel like I am going to a dark place, it doesn't necessarily make it so. I am a person with choices. And those choices are the power I can draw on when the darkness seems to be closing in.

Oh, I can let it happen all right! But it doesn't mean I HAVE to, thanks to one-liners and supportive people in my life.

Once again, God, Thanks for listening. I am blessed.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hello, God. It's just me again.

I've been told that if I feel lonely or distant from you that I should examine exactly who moved. It usually isn't you. OK, in fact, it never is.

I love those times when I am 'in the zone,' Your zone. Or when I know I am connected. And I wonder why it is that I am not a lot of times. And then at the times when I am not close to you, why it is that I cannot see the distance.

Then... when I finally make it back to You, I can't remember the path I took so that the next time I can travel it again. All this back and forth stuff sure is confusing and baffling. Why can't I just stay in Your Light? Why is it so difficult?

Such is the life of a human being, huh? Back and forth, yin and yang, push and pull. And yet, at the end of every struggle, there You are... waiting, my personal Light at the End of the Tunnel. How awesome is that?

Thank You for listening once again. You must have the most tired ears of the Universe.

Angels' Gate

This is it, God! This is how I imagine Angels' Gate. Not on some lofty cloud somewhere, but grounded in a lush forest with life all around it. And from a distance, Your Light shines in to provide warmth and comfort.

I look forward to the day I can see it with my own eyes. Not a scary or foreboding place, rather a place of solace, joy and fellowship.

And if the entrance is so grand, how exquisite the interior must be! I can almost hear them singing from here.

How Great Thou Art!

I Cry Out to You

This field looks so peaceful and serene, God. It's hard to believe there is hardship and strife throughout the world. On this day of remembrance my heart cries out to you.

I see things sometimes and wonder, "What was God thinking?" Sometimes I smile at your creativity. Other times I am saddened. Today is a sad day.

When you gave us freedom of choice you must have known some would abuse it. And yet you took that chance. You gave us a great power for such small beings. Did you know? Could you have foreseen all that has occurred?

I suppose that is about the dumbest question ever asked. Of course you knew. How could you not? And then my mind wanders to why? And then I wonder who I am to question your greatness.

When Cain slew Abel you must have seen all that would follow. It wasn't war then, but that would follow all too soon.

Our weapons of war were shoddy at best. But it wouldn't be long before the ingenuity you gave us would create monster war machines. And their sole purpose? The killing of humans.

Nation against nation was not enough for our small minds. Brother against brother came into fashion. And so it continues to this day.

With technology almost creating itself, I wonder how long it will be before humans are a thing of the past.

And still we seek bigger and better and more efficient weapons in order to kill ourselves off... with collateral damage just an insignificant byproduct of greed and the insane lust of mankind.

And so we try to absolve ourselves of any wrongdoing. We justify our outrage and rationalize our sadistic tendencies. We blame anyone and everyone but ourselves. And to help us in this shame, we set aside 'special days' designed for us to 'remember,' as if the remembrance nullifies the killing. You know how we are... the end justifies the means.

So tell me, God, before my heart hardens and becomes bitter, before I lose all hope in humanity. Because I am not you and do not forgive as easily.

Was it all worth it?

As always, thanks for listening, God... and thank you for peaceful surroundings to let me know it IS possible.

The Shattered Heart

What can you do for a shattered heart

when life comes in and rips it apart?

Where do you take it to get it mended

when it feels inside like your whole world has ended?

Who do you turn to for love and support

when the world's sins are too much to report?

When do you know if your prayers have been heard

or if maybe, in the end, they are all just absurd?

Why is there sorrow, unending and most sublime,

and that the road is always an uphill climb?

　

You haven't forgotten me have you, God?

I come to you now, no walls, no facade.

Undeserving, I humbly ask for Your Grace,

to see one positive thing I can embrace.

Because isn't it true in this world so unknown

it always boils down to just me and you alone?

And truly I should be grateful and in jubillee

that you would set aside this precious time for me

and take the time, Your wisdom to impart...

to set me free and mend my shattered heart.

A Rainbow of Thought

What an array of color there is in our thoughts and prayers. It's a virtual rainbow, flowing in, through and beyond the boundaries of our bodies.

Have I told you how wonderful this is, God? Remembered images come and go. Fantasy landscapes are born. And most precious of all are the unforgotten faces of those we have held so dear.

What a glorious invention of yours... the imagination. It can ground us or give us wings to fly above all the worries of this world. It can inspire us to do things we could not believe. It can bring us back to You.

Thank you for the rainbow today. You know how much I needed it. Your grace is awesome and unmatched.

One Life

One life... it seems almost insignificant. Billions have populated the world. What could mine possibly mean?

I've never touched humanity like some do. I'm no Edison, Einstein or Salk. I've never made contributions like them or others who are so gifted. What's the point?

I'm no peace-maker, healer or great thinker. How can my life make a difference or even matter?

And then I am reminded that even the thread in the hem of a fabric has its purpose. The thread may not know its value, but the unknowing does not diminish it.

One Life... A series of moments strung together for me, just me. It may coincide with yours but it is separate and unique.

Insignificant? I think not.

Stunning Beauty

I awoke in tears, Gods. Not sad tears. You know the type. It's the ones that make you know you were dreaming of a wonderful place, a happy time. The sheer knowledge that it was a dream seems too much to bear because it was all so real.

It could be a real experience or just something the child inside yearns for. But in that moment of non-sleep where the realization creeps in, it's as real as if it were happening now. I suppose that where the tears come from.

And now fully awake, I can't remember what was so incredible that it could produce tears. We humans sure are a strange lot, huh?

But this I know - that place, that brilliantly breathtaking place - it was surely touched by Your hand to bring such tears, for who else could stir the passions as much? It's like that feeling a person gets when viewing where sky meets water and the two meld into each other as perfect complements.

I will sit now, close my eyes, and try to remember. How great thou art, Dear God, how great thou art.

No Words Today

No words today. Just the voice of an angel, Andrea Bocelli. Let the words into your hearts and know anything is possible...

We Were Born to Shine... Because We Believe.

On My Father's Side

Thanks to Pat for this one...

Our Gift... AKA

Nothing I could write could match this.
THIS is the reason for everything.
I Love You... Enjoy!

Click Here ------> Our Most Precious Gift

HAPPY EASTER

Crown Him With Many Crowns

A

Advocate - 1 John 2:1

Alive for Evermore - Revelation 1:18

All-Knowing - Psalm 139:1-6

All, and in All - Colossians 3:11

Almighty - Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8

Altar - Hebrews 13:10

Altogether Lovely - Song of Solomon 5:16

Amen - Revelation 3:14

Ancient of Days - Daniel 7:13 & Daniel 7:22

Anointed One - 1 Samuel 2:35

Author of Eternal Salvation - Hebrews 5:9

Author of our Faith - Hebrews 12:2

B

Balm of Gilead - Jeremiah 8:22

Banner over us - Ps 60:4 S of Sol 2:4

Bearer of Sin - Hebrews 9:28

Before All Things - Colossians 1:17

Beginning and Ending - Revelation 1:8

Bishop of our Souls - 1 Peter 2:25

Blessed and Only Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15

Blessed Hope - Titus 2:13

Bread of Life, my manna - John 6:35

Bridegroom - John 3:29

Bright and Morning Star - Revelation 22:16

Brightness of His Glory - Hebrews 1:3

Buckler - Psalms 18:30

C

Captain - Joshua 5:14-15 - Hebrews 2:10

Changeless One - Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8

Chief Among 10,000 - S. of Solomon 5:10

Chosen of God - 1 Peter 2:4

Christ - Matthew 1:16 - 1 John 5:1

Comforter - John 14:16-18

Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25

Counselor - Isaiah 9:6

Creator - Romans 1:25 - Isaiah 40:28

Crown of Glory - Isaiah 28:5

D

Daystar to Arise - 2 Peter 1:19

Defense - Psalms 94:22

Deliverer - Psalms 40:17

Desire of all Nations - Haggai 2:7

Despised and rejected - Ps 22:6, Is 53:3

Diadem of Beauty - Isaiah 28:5

Door of the Sheep - John 10:7

Dwelling Place - Psalms 90:1

E

Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23

End of the Law - Romans 10:4

Ensign of the People - Isaiah 11:10

Equal with God - Philippians 2:6

Eternal God - Deuteronomy 33:27

Eternal Life - 1 John 1:2

Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6

F

Faithful and True - Rev 19:11 - Rev 3:14

Finisher of the Faith - Hebrews 12:2

First Begotten - Hebrews 1:6 - Romans 8:29

Firstfruit of Them Sleep -1Cor 15:20 Rom 11:16

Fortress - Psalms 18:2

Foundation Which is Laid - 1 Cor.3:11

Fountain of Living Waters - Jer 17:13 Ps 36:9

Friend of Publicans and Sinners - Luke 7:34

Friend Sticks Closer than a Brother - Prov 18:24

G

Gift of God - John 4:10

Glory, my and lifter of my head - Psalms 3:3

God Who Avenges Me - Psalms 18:47

God Blessed Forever - Romans 9:5

God Who Forgives - Psalms 99:8

God of My Life - Psalms 42:8

God in the Midst of Her - Psalms 46:5

God manifest in the flesh - 1 Timothy 3:16

God of My Righteousness - Psalms 4:1

God of My Salvation - Psalms 18:46

God of My Strength - Psalms 43:2

God With Us - Matthew 1:23

Good Shepherd - John 10:11

Gracious - Ex 33:19, Rom 16:24, Rev. 22:21

Great God - Titus 2:13

Great Shepherd of the Sheep - Hebrews 13:20

Guide Even Unto Death - Psalms 48:14

H

Harmless - Hebrews 7:26

Head of all Principality & Power - Col 2:10

Heir of All Things - Hebrews 1:2

Helper - Hebrews 13:6

Hiding Place - Psalms 32:7

High Priest Forever - Hebrews 6:20

High Tower - Psalms 18:2

Holy One Of Israel - Psalms 89:18

Horn of Salvation - Luke 1:69

Husband - Revelation 21:2

I

I Am - John 18:6

Image of the Invisible God - Colossians 1:15

Immanuel - Isaiah 7:14

Inhabiter of Eternity - Isaiah 57:15

Inhabiter of Praises - Psalms 22:3

Intercessor - Isaiah 53:12 & Romans 8:34

J

Jehovah Jireh - Provider - I Jn 4:9, Philip 4:19

Jehovah Nissi - Banner - I Chronicles 29:11-13

Jehovah Shalom - Peace - Is 9:6, Rom 8:31-35

Jehovah Tsidkenu - Righteousness - I Cor 1:30

Jehovah Shammah - Present - Hebrews 13:5

Jehovah M'Kaddesh - Sanctifier - I Cor 1:30

Jehovah Rophe - Healer - Isaiah 53:4,5

Jehovah Rohi - Shepherd - Psalm 23

Jesus - Matthew 1:21

Jesus Christ Our Lord - Romans 7:25

Judge of All - Genesis 18:25 - Acts 10:42

Just One - Acts 7:52

K

Keeper - Psalms 121:5

King Eternal - 1 Timothy 1:17

King Immortal - 1 Timothy 1:17

King Invisible - 1 Timothy 1:17

King of Glory - Psalms 24:7-8

King of Heaven - Daniel 4:37

King of Kings - Revelation 19:16

King of Peace - Hebrews 7:2

King of Righteousness - Hebrews 7:2

King of Saints - Revelation 15:3

L

Lamb of God - John 1:29 - Rev 17:14

Lamb Slain - Rev 13:8 - Rev 5:12 - Rev 7:17

Last Adam - 1 Cor.15:45

Lawgiver - James 4:12

Life - John 14:6

Lifter of Mine Head - Psalms 3:3

Light - John 1:7

Light of the World - John 8:12

Lily of the Valleys - Song of Solomon 2:1

Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Revelation 5:5

Living Bread - John 6:51

Lord and My God - John 20:28

Lord and Savior - 2 Peter 1:11

Lord of the Dead and the Living - Rom 14:9

Lord God Almighty - Revelation 16:7

Lord God Omnipotent - Revelation 19:6

Lord Jesus Christ - James 2:1

Lord of Glory - 1 Cor.2:8

Lord of the Harvest - Matthew 9:38

Lord of Lords - 1 Timothy 6:15

M

Maker - Psalms 95:6

Man of Sorrows - Isaiah 53:3

Master - Matthew 23:10

Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5

Merciful - Heb 2:17

Messiah the Prince - Daniel 9:25

Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6

Morning Star - Revelation 2:28

N

Name Above Every Name - Philippians 2:9

Nazarene - Matthew 2:23

O

Omega - Revelation 22:13

Omnipotent - Revelation 19:6

Only Begotten Son - John 3:16

Only Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15

Only Wise God - 1 Timothy 1:17

P

Passover, my - 1 Cor.5:7

Pavilion - Psalms 31:20

Peace, our - Ephesians 2:14

Physician, great - Luke 4:23

Portion of Mine Inheritance - Psalms 16:5

Potter - Jeremiah 18:6

Power of God - 1 Cor.1:24

Preeminent one - Colossians 1:18

Pearl of Price - Matt 13:46, 1 Cor.6:20

Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6

Propitiation for Our Sins - 1 John 2:2

Q

Quick Understanding - Isaiah 11:3

Quickening Spirit - 1 Cor.15:45

R

Rabbi - John 3:2

Ransom for Many - Matthew 20:28

Redeemer - Job 19:25 - 1 Cor.1:30

Refiner - Malachi 3:2

Refuge in Trouble - Ps 46:1, Ps 9:9

Refuge from the Storm - Is 25:4

Resting Place - Jeremiah 50:6

Resurrection and the Life - John 11:25

Reward of the Righteous - Psalms 58:11

Righteous Judge - 2 Timothy 4:8

Righteousness, my - 1 Cor.1:30 - Rom 10:3

Rock that is Higher than I - Psalms 61:2

Rock of My Refuge - Psalms 94:22

Rock of Our Salvation - Psalms 95:1

Root and Offspring of David - Revelation 22:16

Rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1

S

Sacrifice for Sins - Hebrews 10:12

Salvation, my - Psalms 27:1

Same Yesterday, Today, Forever - Heb 13:8

Savior of the Body - Ephesians 5:23

Savior of the World - John 4:42

Scapegoat - Leviticus 16:8 & John 11:49-52

Scepter of Israel - Numbers 24:17

Sent One - John 9:4

Separate from Sinners - Hebrews 7:26

Serpent in the Wilderness - John 3:14

Shadow of the Almighty - Psalms 91:1

Shadow of a Great Rock - Isaiah 32:2

Shelter - Psalms 61:3

Shepherd, my - Psalms 23:1

Shield - Psalms 84:9

Sin, for us - 2 Cor.5:21

Son of God - John 1:49

Son of Man - John 1:51

Song, my - Isaiah 12:2

Spiritual Rock - 1 Cor.10:4

Star out of Jacob - Numbers 24:17

Stone the Builders Rejected - Matthew 21:42

Strength of My Life - Psalms 27:1

Stronghold in the Day of Trouble - Nahum 1:7

Strong Tower - Proverbs 18:10

Stronger than the enemy - Luke 11:22

Sun of Righteousness - Malachi 4:2

T

Tabernacle of God - Revelation 21:3

Tender Plant - Isaiah 53:2

Testator - Hebrews 9:16

Treasure - 2 Cor.4:7

True Bread from Heaven - John 6:32

True Light - John 1:9

True Vine - John 15:1

Truth - John 14:6

U

Undefiled - Hebrews 7:26

Unspeakable Gift - 2 Cor.9:15

Upholder of All things - Hebrews 1:3

Upright - Psalms 92:15

V

Very God of Peace - 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Very Present Help in Trouble - Psalms 46:1

Victory - 1 Cor.15:54

Vine - John 15:5

Voice - Revelation 1:12

W

Way - John 14:6

Well of Living Waters - John 4:14

Wisdom of God - 1 Cor.1:24

Wise Master Builder - 1 Cor.3:10

Witness of God - 1 John 5:9

Wonderful - Isaiah 9:6

Word - John 1:1 - Revelation 19:13

Worthy - Revelation 4:11

Worthy Name - James 2:7

X

Exceeding Great Reward - Genesis 15:1

Excellency - Job 13:11

Excellency of Our God - Isaiah 35:2

Excellent - Psalms 8:1

Express Image of His Person - Hebrews 1:3

Y

Young Child - Matthew 2:11

Yes and Amen - 2 Cor 1:20

Z

Zeal of the Lord of Hosts - Isaiah 37:32

Zeal of your House - John 2:17

I Don't Need Luck

While some are touting the praises of St. Patrick today and taking part in all manner of rituals, I sit here and declare, "I don't need luck!"


There will be no kissing of the Blarney Stone for me.




I wont be looking for any pots of gold at the end of any rainbow I might encounter.

There isn't a four leaf clover that could bring me the luck most people seek.

And I won't be asking any leprechaun for three wishes.

"Why?" you might ask. Because I got God... That is all the luck I need.

Have You Read A Good Book Lately?

The Three Trees

Sometimes a story is so important that it truly doesn't matter who wrote it. This is one such story. I claim no authorship to this piece. In fact, I wish I knew who wrote it. My best friend, Charlie sent it to me and I feel it is a message that we all need and so I pass it on to you.

　

The Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in a woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said. "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter." and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsman said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one" and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and women came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the king of kings in it's boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Blessings

I was thinking again, God. Back in the day before I knew you as you are, when people would sneeze I would always say, "Bless you." I couldn't have squeaked out your name if my life had depended on it. I thought if I used your name you would strike me dead.

I am so glad I don't have that problem any more. There's no political correctness in asking you to bless me or anyone else for that matter. I mean, really! Who else would I want to bless me? The bankers, the politicians, the large corporations? I think not!

God Bless Us One And All...

How Great Thou Art

I've been thinking, God. Yes, we both know how dangerous that is, but I couldn't help myself.

I listen to people, I mean really listen. One thing I notice is speech patterns. It's amazing the number of people who say, "Thank God," for this or that. And that got me to wondering. Do they really? And if they do, how?

I look out over the landscape and the skies and into the deep dark of the night and I wonder what kind of Creator I would have been. There are times I think I have quite the imagination, but I never would have thought of one iota of what you have created. In consideration of that, you deserve much more than thanks, but thanks at the very least.

Would I have thought of separating day and night or even thought of them to begin with? So wondrous is the daylight to feel the warmth of your love. And the black of night is perfect for restful sleep.

And the seasons! Would I have thought of the beauty of flowers in the spring and summer along with its soothing heat? Winter is so beautiful, just right for skiing and sledding. And for those who couldn't take the cold... they could move south to a warmer climate.

Would I have thought of color? And if I had, would I have made the sky blue? (It's not one of my favorites, but then you already know that.) And then there's that perfect splash of color you use in the sky that displays all your radiance - the rainbow. What a nice touch.

Could I have had the foresight to know that water should be so abundant? It is, after all, the lifesource. I especially love the idea of rain that comes out of nowhere it seems and in such crystal clear droplets. I wouldn't have thought of winter rainfall coming as unique hexagonal delicate snowflakes that's for sure. And in white! I love that the snow covers everything giving the whole land a purity we seldom get to experience.

Would I have known that the lush greenery and healthful fruits and vegetables would not only have been for the eye's pleasure but all a form of sustenance? I think not.

And as animal life was formed (if only I could have thought of it), should I have given thought to how they would help in the reproduction of plant life as they carried the pollen on their bodies? I probably would have been to busy to think of that.

And if I could have brought other animals into being, would I have created them for their beauty alone or would I have seen the need for further nourishment both for animals and the humans that would come? And would I have given them their keen senses to be crafty enough to evade capture? And would I have known to make docile species that would provide us with milk and eggs and the other kinds that would be special companions to us to keep us from being lonely?

And once I had this self-sustaining sphere hung in the heavens at the precise point it should be, could I have known that a being so special, so precious would have to be made to enjoy it all? This being would need to have a unique brain capable of reason to be able to use to its best advantage all that it was given. And it would need a twinkle of creativity to influence its own world.

Would I have known to give humanity free will to dictate its own future and, if necessary to the individual, choose to do wrong? Could I have known that there would be so many who do not appreciate all that they have been so freely given? Could I have lived with what seems like utter failure on many of their parts? Or would I have considered it failure on my part?

As awe-inspiring as this universe is, could I have remained anonymous refusing any recognition for all that I had done? Shamefully, I have to say no.

And yet for all that You have given us, for all the beauty, comfort and inspiration, how do we thank you? My euphoria fades. We have done nothing to honor your great gift. We squander our inheritance like reckless children and still whine every chance we get.

The sustenance you have given us is dwindling as this orb's overpopulation greedily eats it up. Farmlands are dying out. Wilderness areas are becoming all the more encroached upon. Natural resources are becoming exhausted. And your carefully considered balances are spinning wildly out of control.

Species go extinct every day. Crops are diminishing. Our air is stale and foul and soon to be unable to sustain us. The sea is filled with garbage. Our water is no longer pure. And to whom do we seek a solution? The very beings to whom you have given stewardship, those who allowed the destruction in the first place.

I weep. I am ashamed of us, for us.

And yet, in spite of it all... Each and every day I awake to Your Glory. It is a clear sign to me that You haven't given up on us yet. And for that alone... I Thank You. How great thou art.

From Darkness to Light

Dear God...

The darkness envelopes me and seems to bear its weight on my soul. I weep at a marrow level. I do not understand the pain, nor from where it it comes. I do not understand the inhumanity of your individuals toward each other. How does a person live with such memories? What do I do?

And at that perfect moment when I am willing to raise my face from my hands and look up, I see how futile my tears are. For in the midst of the blackness I see your sign to me that I am not now, nor ever have been, alone. And I see that through it all You have been there with me.

One more time... Thank You.

Awaiting the Green

The days are getting longer now, God. I thank you for that. I can't wait to see green again. White is nice for a time. But after a while it feels so empty and void of any life at all.

I long to hear the birds sing and smell the flowers. I want to see anything as long as it's not from my window. Traffic, snow-filled roofs and a bank parking lot are not good for the soul. Maybe one day I will learn to cultivate my black thumb and have it generate beautiful greenery. For now I spare your lovely plants from certain death.

And so I count the days until I can find respite in your grandeur. Just a tree would be nice. But if nothing else, I can thank you for the sunshine that streams in the window allowing me to know there is hope for a bright tomorrow. You take care of the big stuff for me, all right? I'll tend to this thing I call life.

Jesus Valentine

Fofo's Faith

Fofo's Faith is unwavering. No matter the trials she continues on secure in the knowledge that God is taking care of her. She says she is walking in the Light.

Despite repeated illnesses, her faith remains intact. I asked her why. "Because God is the Great Healer," she replied, "and I trust Him implicitly."






And so I asked her how she got to have such faith. Very simply she stated, "I pray."

But I was convinced that God only hears certain prayers... not mine. I knew that wasn't true. I just feel so helpless sometimes. But she gently reminded me...





"We can call on His name any time," she said as a smile crept up onto her face. "He just loves us so much." But I'm human and I forget. It's nice to have a friend who reminds you.

So I'd like to throw you some kisses and thank you for reminding me that every day is Valentine's Day when you have God in your heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valentine’s Day with Jesus

Jesus does not send perfume
To linger in the air
Instead He sends salvation, sweet
To show how much He cares.

He doesn’t bring me candy hearts
In boxes of delight
Instead He always lets me know
I’m precious in His sight.

He doesn’t pass out pretty cards
Trimmed in shades of red
Instead He gave His life for me
His precious blood was shed.

He doesn’t hand out fancy gifts
Like we would send to mother
Instead He sends a message clear
To always love each other.

He doesn’t give me teddy bears
That whimper, “please be mine”
Instead He gave His heart to me
I wear it all the time.

He doesn’t give me roses, pink
For all the world to see
Instead He gave eternal life
That’s good enough for me.

~~by Marilyn Ferguson