This I Pray For You

REJOICE!

Season Reasoning

Did you know that you cannot reason with evil? Maybe that's why it's so hard to understand the vehemency of people who are so anti-Christmas. But maybe that's just their make-up...anti-everything. They would probably disagree about most things. Maybe they think they could change God's mind about evil. Or maybe they try to twist evil into looking like good. Only God is good, none else.

It's really a shame. They're missing the most important decision for themselves that will depend upon where they spend eternity. Because they will spend it somewhere.

I believe that if I'm wrong believing in Jesus Christ to bring me to live with Him in eternity, then the hope that I have seen with my eyes was false and that doesn't make sense. I HAVE seen Him work in me and in others. I HAVE seen miraculous healings, deliverances, and provision. I'm a living testimony as to His power.

Luck and coincidence cannot account for the things I've experienced. It could only have been the hand of God. He is my strength, salvation. He is my past, present and future. The only God. The only Savior in Jesus Christ. God bless and may the Holy Spirit soften your heart to understanding.

Reasoning with Evil
"Most people are convinced that if they could only gather around the bargaining table, everything could be resolved. It seems they quickly forget that evil cannot be reasoned with."

"God cannot be tempted by evil..." James 1:13

Enjoy the following information on the Candy Cane.

The Candy Cane Story
A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would remind people of the true meaning of Christmas; so he made the candy cane to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.
The candymaker then shaped his cane into the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to the earth as Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down to to reclaim the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

This New Day

Do you remember my previous post about a new job? I wrote that God knew the desire of my heart and hoped that it lined up with His. Well, this week He gave me that desire.

I am now the New Assistant to the Pastor (or secretary) at my church! I'm so excited I can't sleep AND we're in the middle of purchasing a larger building! God has moved so simply and fast!

When the things you are thinking about line up with God's plans, the things happen. Especially in ways that amaze you. As a Christian of 29 years, He is more astounding than I ever knew. My heart is just too small to hold the wonderfulness of Him...but I'm gonna' try!

I Just Had To Do It...

Subject: Politics

For My Democrat Friends: "Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere, and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preferance.

For My Republican Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

NEW BIRD!

I watched as the buck-bird 'swooped' in on my squirrel-proof feeder. Thankfully he had a long tongue and he wasn't as aggressive as 'Boo Boo' the bear.

Not many birds have horns...I don't even think any do.

At least he was peaceful and left when he had his fill.

Express Yourself!

In case anyone doesn't understand what I believe...this is it! Christ is the only reason to celebrate Christmas.

New Book by Sue Dent

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1599580179

http://www.neverceese.com/

Dare to Share

This verse really spoke to me today, especially the part

"He will come in and go out and find pasture".

I never saw that part before.

There are 3 things that require our action:

1. Entering - His Salvation
2. Going - His Direction
3. Finding - His Peace, Protection & Power

There is a pasture that God has for each of us. It is where the perfect will
of God can be found and where we will find the best that He has for us.

VERSE:
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate
for the sheep. ... whoever enters through me will be saved. He will
come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have
it the full."
-- John 10:7,9-10

Amazing Photographs From Hubble Telescope

Ever wonder what is beyond our eyesight? Check out these photographs just released.

Click Here

God Bless You and Yours

WOW AGAIN!

That's what God does! He 'wows' me all the time.

I was just looking at the sunset. Such spectacular colors clear across the sky, reflecting off clouds and casting that melon red tint over the earth.

I said, 'God what a glorious sunset you created for us to see. You're Glory is so evident in the earth and sky.'

Then, I felt in my spirit this response:

"Because you believe in my Son, we have made our home within you. So, in effect, I am with you always, even until the end...even in looking at the sunset with you. I am right beside you."

How amazing is that? He not only 'sees' things from His perspective but He sees from my perspective, too.

He knows.

Hallo...Hallo...Hallo Out There!

What's Up?

I have been soooooo busy. Busy working, busy living, busy waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

Still no permanent job in sight. I've been submitting resumes..but alas, no dice.

Hope everyone has been fine. I've written a few articles for AllAboutGod.com. I'm waiting, again, for another topic to pursue and peruse.

Life sure does come at you fast. If I didn't have God I would look like the cat in the picture above.

But I know I have the peace of God in any situation. He's so calming in the stormy sea. Even in these uncertain times, God is in control. I've no need to fear...God is here!

Take heart, sweet bloggers, Jesus is coming soon and I must go get dressed. I must fill my lamp and light the way for others.

Save the day!!!!!

Interview with a Foolish Virgin

Here's an interesting take on the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

Photo at www.SheepTrax.com

They are the stuff of Jesus most enigmatic, haunting parable – the five foolish virgins. SheepTrax Undercover managed to catch up to one of the rejected ones, a member of the bridal Company who awaited His return only to be shut out, un-betrothed.

There, draped in white, beautiful, lampless, huffing on a cigarette (see photo) and strung out like a brazen trollip, stood one of the Foolish Five, waiting for the Wedding Feast that for her, would nev er be.

SheepTrax: Can we get a word, Miss…?

Foolish Virgin: Since he dumped me at the altar, Miss would be correct, not Misses.

SheepTrax: Uh, yeah. Tough break. Wait - Altars are places to worship and meet God and yet He dumped you there. Hummm...

Foolish Virgin: I don’t get it, really. I was dressed for the Bridegroom, had my lamp in hand but ran out of oil. What’s the big deal?

SheepTrax: Are you serious? The story of the 10 Virgins, the five wise and 5 foolish, is an end time parable, a dire warning to those who call themselves the Church of J esus Christ. It is a very big deal – and a theological quagmire of the first order.

Foolish Virgin: (Taking a long drag from her Virginia Slim). Don’t mind the cigarette. I use it to keep my lamp lit. (another long puff) I was supposed to be getting married to the Prince of Peace. Does the phrase “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” ring any bells? I’m part of the **%$@ Bride of Christ!

SheepTrax: Ouch. Look, the problem for you (and many others) was that you ran out of oil and went off sauntering into the darkness looking for more. The lamp you and the other nine carried are a picture of the human spirit and the oil speaks of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. A parable is a spiritual story…

F oolish Virgin: But our lamps began to sputter and go out…

SheepTrax: Times of darkness happen to everybody, foolish and wise alike. The issue becomes then: what next? Will I truly trust God when all seems dark? Will he be your supply, your source? In him, do you really “live, and move, and have your being?” Truth is, you weren’t really ready to meet God.

Foolish Virgin: You’re telling me this was all a test?

SheepTrax: Yep. Com’on, tell the truth. Are you really a Virgin?

Foolish Virgin: (pause) Tech-nic-ally… and you have no right to judge me!

SheepTrax: I’m sure having the eternal door to the Wedding Feast slammed in your face is Judgment enough.

Foolish Virgin: (deftly changing the subject) Have you seen the News? There’s another guy who claims to be the Bridegroom. He does signs and wonders, too. Wonder if he needs a Bride? I mean, I do look the part.

SheepTrax: That was another problem: you only looked the part. Jesus is coming for a Virgin who is, to quote the Bible, “without spot or wrinkle.”

Foolish Virgin: (Sighs) They always want the young, pretty ones.

SheepTrax: No! You’re missing the message here. The real issues of the end- times are about purity of spirit and single-hearted devotion to God. Who do you really worship? The other guy you mentioned is seeking followers, too. He is actually against Christ, hence the name anti-Christ. He is just a power mad pretender…

Foolish Virgin: He’s got a girlfriend?

SheepTrax: (Sighs) Many.

Foolish Virgin: Does he mind tattoos?

SheepTrax: Tattoo? It’s more of a mark, but yes, he’s got one and he’ll give it to you – but you’ll have to swear allegiance to him forever.

Foolish Virgin: Does he smoke?

SheepTrax: Not yet, anyway. - Hey, you aren’t seriously going after that guy?

And she was gone into the abyss. Was she ever really a Bride? Decide for yourself by reading Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, which also deals with wise and foolish servants, sheep and goats. These stories finally end with this stark promise: "Then they (foolish virgins, wicked servants, and goats) will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

In the light of Eternity, will you be found to be Foolish or Wise?


Bryan Hupperts
Copyright 2006

Heart Attack!

Remember, not too long ago, I posted that I asked God to create in me a pure heart. To be a wife of Godly character has been my desire for sometime and I thought progress was being made.

When you confess a sin to God and He cleanses you, the burdens you've carried around for years are lifted. The big slivers are removed from your heart and you start the path of righteousness in the Light of His Love. The heart begins to look beautiful again.

Then, all of a sudden, the Holy Spirit reveals to you a shard of ice that has been left inside your heart. A great operation is needed to remove the remains so
that the heart is fully cleansed of all iniquity.

You think, but I repented and gave that fully to the Lord. Yes, you did and you're forgiven. God has no remembrance of your sin.

That's the sin that you confessed. The sin may have another aspect that you didn't realize was still within your heart.

Say, you'd like your spouse to be closer to the Lord. So, you plan and maneuver him into Christian situations and activities. What's so bad about that? It's very admirable but it's manipulating.

Manipulation of someone else is not a good idea in God's eyes. In 1 Peter 3, God says that His power will be shown through the silence of a wife. He means in actions and words.

When God shows you things like these, called 'besetting' sins, they're even more painful to have removed because it's a deep probing type of operation.

This is what it means to get close to the Lord. The closer you are, the more you are aware of your own unrighteousness. We have so far to go but He is able to bring us to completion and perfection.

These probings are in tender areas of the heart so it's wise to let the Holy Spirit have His way and be in still supplication and surrender. You'll end up being a changed person and reflect more of Jesus.

I know I'll never be the same.

YOU are on notice...RIGHT NOW...IMMEDIATELY

Sometimes friends have to tell you things you might not like to hear, but need to. If you are one of those people who like to forward every e-mail you get, please repeat the following ...

1) I will NOT get bad luck, lose my friends, or lose my mailing lists if I DON'T forward an e-mail!

2) I will NOT hear any music or see a taco dog, if I do forward an e-mail.

3) Bill Gates is NOT going to send me money. Victoria Secret doesn't know anything about a gift certificate they're supposed to send me.

4) Ford will NOT give me a 50% discount even if I forward my e-mail to more than 50 people!

5) I will NEVER receive gift certificates, coupons, or freebies from Coca Cola, Cracker Barrel, Old Navy, or anyone else if I send an e-mail to 10 people.

6) I will NEVER see a pop-up window if I forward an e-mail! (If you do, you have a virus or trojan.)

7) There is NO SUCH THING as an e-mail tracking program and I am not STUPID enough to think that someone will send me $100 for forwarding an e-mail to 10 or more people!

8) There is NO kid with cancer through the Make-a-Wish program in England collecting anything! He did when he was 7 years old. He is now cancer free and 35 years old and DOESN'T WANT ANY MORE POST CARDS, or GET-WELL CARDS!

9) The government does not have a bill in Congress called 901B (or whatever they named it this week) that, if passed, will enable them to charge us 5 cents for every e-mail we send.

10) There will be NO cool dancing, singing, waving, colorful flowers, characters, or program that I will receive immediately after I forward an e-mail. NONE, ZIP, ZERO, NADA!!

11) The American Red Cross will NOT donate 50 cents to certain individuals dying of some never-heard-of disease for every e-mail address I send this to. The American Red Cross RECEIVES donations.

12) And finally, I WILL NOT let others guilt me into forwarding at email by telling me if I don't I am not their friend or that I'm a bad person.

Now, repeat this to yourself until you have it memorized, and send it along to at least 5 of your friends before the next full moon or you will gain twenty pounds in the next three months! (No, not really! If you believe that last statement, go back and read this message again!)



Click Here

A Decade of Decisions

I just got back home after my early morning trip to the Sunday flea market. It's a long-standing routine for my husband and I.

As usual I wandered through the stands, getting more exercise than bargains, searching for a find. The misty cool day

A Little Fun

Test for Dementia



"It's that time of year - time to take our annual senior citizen test." Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important that we keep mentally alert. The saying; "If you don't use it, you will lose it" also applies to the brain. Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence.

So, take the following test presented below and determine if you are "losing it" or if you're still "with it." The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you have made your answer - no cheating.

Okay, relax, clear your mind and . . . begin.






What do you put in a toaster?







Answer: "bread." If you said "toast," then give up now and go do something else. Try not to hurt yourself. If you said, "bread," go to question number two (2).








Say "silk" five times. Now spell "silk." What do cows drink?







Answer: Cows drink water. If you said "milk," please do not attempt the next question. Your brain is obviously over stressed and may even overheat. It may be that you need to amuse yourself by reading something more appropriate, such as Children's World. If you said "water" then proceed to question number three (3).








If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is m ade from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?







Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said "green bricks," what the devil are you still doing here reading these questions????? If you said "glass," then! go on to question number four (4).








It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 10,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany.) Anyway, during the flight, TWO of the engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the engine fails before he has time and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of "no man's land" between East Germany and West Germany. Where would you bury the survivors? East Germany or West Germany or in "no man's land"?







Answer: You don't, of course, bury survivors. If you said ANYTHING else, you are a real dunce and you must NEVER try to rescue anyone from a plane crash. Your efforts would not be appreciated. If you said, "Don't bury the survivors", then proceed to the next question.








Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus and nine people get on. In Swindon, two people get off and four get on. In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on. In Swansea, three people get off and five people get on In Carmathen, six people get off and three get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven. What was the name of the bus driver?







Answer: Oh, for crying out loud! Don't you remember your own name? It was YOU!!!

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Have you ever noticed...the more you want to know God's plans for yourself...the farther away He seems to be?

His voice quiets. He seems unreachable. Your arms find only air when you want to touch Him. He slips quietly to left when you turn to the right.

It isn't a game...to Him or you. You need Him...oh, so much. You know that He's there, right in front of you. You can almost feel His breath upon your cheek and you know it's not only the wind. There's a presence within His presence.

You see...God wants us as close as we want to be. He's always coaxing and beckoning you to come closer still. Close enough to hear His heart beat.

He's waiting for your pursuit of Him. That still, small voice is just under the surface of the noise within your mind. He wants you to notice Him. He wants you to feel for Him.

He wants you to lean into Him. The heavenly arms envy those things that take you away from Him.

He desires to be desired by you. He yearns for His creation to return the love that He is.

He is calling, calling to you. In your pain, worry, frustration, fear, questions, strangeness and void, He is calling a sweet, soft sound. Come.

Be still and know that He,
He is God. You'll be
surprised to note that His
heart beats with yours
in perfect harmony.

God bless.

Morning Has Broken

Such a beautiful Sunday! Even though it's pourin' rain, the day is beautiful.

I took pictures of a vine I started this summer. I planted it around my gazebo so that it would grow up the spindles. This week the first blooms appeared.

It's a morning glory type vine but it blooms all day. I loved the color.


We went to the local fair on Friday and passed a home that had masses of black-eyed susans planted around it. I love look of massed flowers. Such simplicity and fullness is so beautiful.

I'd like to plant that way next year. I'll need to write it down, though, so I don't forget.

How anyone could not see the hand of God within the beauty of creation is beyond me. Big Bang Theory, my eye! Nothing as beautiful as earth could be a chance happening. Get real!

This is Me

We Be Jammin' Again!

Hey guys! I finally have pics of my husband and I doin' our thing!

On Sunday, my husband's family met together in a park for our annual reunion and we entertained them with our music.


It took a little time to get some crowd participants but the lure of the microphone was irrisistable! We had a great time and everyone thought it was the best reunion we've ever had.

The tables were overloaded with entrees and desserts.

The weather held and a soft breeze blew through the pavillion. A parasailer even practiced out in the open park space.

Such a loverly day! It's been a year of God's blessings and living through tribulations. How glorious the day of His salvation! Praise God.

Helllooooooooo!

I tried to imitate the voice of Mrs. Doubtfire...

I'm still here, just working 7 to 3:30. It sure does take the day away. Life is good...yes!

Tonight's jammin' nite but no one has showed yet, so I'm taking the time to leave you all a note.

I found this in an email and thought it was cute:

"The "problem" with today's society, is that; (no one) knows how, to punctuate correctly, anymore?"

Isn't it so true! I saw a sign that was professionally printed from a lumber company.

It said "Conklin Residence" get their lumber delivered for free. (instead of 'residents'.)

Now, someone at the lumber company printed it wrong and then the sign company just copied what was written. Doesn't anyone check word usage anymore?

Proper spelling was a definite course in my day. What's up with this?

Howdy All!

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple, but they've put me on full time for now. Maybe it'll be for a couple of months, I don't know. I'll do what God says.

This has been on my mind lately and I noticed it on a few other blogs, but worship should be expressive, don't you think? I mean, it can be calm and peaceful..just soaking in His presence but why can't we just be uninhibited and let ourselves be the creature He created us to be?
There must be more than just raising our hands, singing His praises or tapping our feet. Someone must have some suggestions, so let's share.

What does worship look like? I've found a few examples:

Or maybe something like this?

I think this one is my favorite:

It's pure, unadulterated, from the heart desire for the only One that can fill the hole in your soul.

Oh God, teach me now!

Monday Faith

The start of the new week is to believe in the promises received yesterday.

God speaks to us through the Word and through his ministers. His Truth and blessings are for us Today.

He has said that He will accomplish His Will in our lives and we live to see it more and more each day.

Monday is the starting point after a Sabbath day of rest. We go forward certain and fully persuaded of His help and support.
He is all He says He is, He can do all He says He can do. But He won't do until we believe in Him. He won't act until He sees OUR faith in action.

We don't go forward blindly, but we go forward in the clear focus on Him and not on our situation. God is a God of completion. He will not let us down.

Faith is always building and going forward. Faith never shrinks back and hides.
Faith is knowing that the lighted open door leads to something better than the darkness around us.

Go forward today with the full knowledge that He is in control of tomorrow. He got you to today didn't He?

Boo Hoo!

My hard drive crashed!

I took it to the 'doctor's' yesterday, so I lacked any communication with the world. It was very hard to walk past my office and not turn in to see if I had any mail.

They installed a new one today and I've still to discover what is gone.

Had a great day at work! Got a .30/hr raise, joined the retirement system and got a free lunch. How cool is that?

Looks like I have about a month's work. Even if they don't hire me full time, I have more experience to add to my resume. God is great!

May the God of peace add to your life - blessings, peace, love, joy, hope and above all - SALVATION.

Things You'll Probably Never Hear A Woman Say

1. What do you mean, today's our anniversary?
2. Can we not talk to each other tonight? I'd rather just watch TV.
3. Oh, this diamond ring is way too big!!
4. And for our honeymoon we're going fishing in Alaska!
5. Aww, don't stop for directions, I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get there.
6. Is that phone for me? Tell 'em I'm not here.
7. I don't care if it is on sale, 300 dollars is too much for a designer dress.

Wit and Wisdom

Can you believe it?

July has gone. Traditional summer has been overwhelmed with the flood and after-effects.

Our town fairs have been cancelled, the parks unusable because of the mud.

But still,life goes on. This isn't the end but a new season.

In the agricultural days, floods were expected. As the rivers receded, they left silt and new fertilizer for the growing fields. A cleansing of the earth that was a preparation of a new time of growth and then harvest.

It's that way with trials and tribulations. We can just sit and wait for the ending or we can ask God, what am I suppose to learn from this? Let me know now so that I can get out of this situation quicker.

Things and circumstances are taken out of our lives. The old ground in our hearts is fertilized by contrition, plowed by brokenness and Spirit planted seeds begin to grow and flourish.

We wait for Your new hope to spring up within these stony hearts. Thanks Lord.


Ooooh and I just learned something new, thankfully.

Remember in the garden, when satan lured Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil?

Did you ever realize that the Tree of Life was there too? Satan did not want them to eat of that fruit, which would have left them in a perfect state for eternity, before they tasted the tree of knowledge. God, in His perfect wisdom, did not want us to eat of the Tree of Life after we had eaten of the tree of knowledge, which would have left us in a state of sin for eternity. Hence, the banishment from the garden!

How amazing is that?

NOW!

I don't know who this verse is for, but it certainly spoke to me today. It's full of God's love, peace and hope. It's a hug from God for someone today. I'll take it myself but I hope that everyone who reads this will feel the embrace of God Himself.


God only acts when we have faith. If our faith is sure and steady, we will see Him move any mountain in our lives.

A favorite quote of mine is "Without God, man can do nothing; without man, God will do nothing."

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -- Hebrews 11:1

God is the God of Now! Don't wait for another day, it may never come. Faith is now! Freedom is now! Love is now! The opportunity is NOW! It may never come again. Lost opportunities are so sad and grievous.


Build your hope in God for He will never let you down.

To Cyberspace....

Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you.

Live, Love, and Laugh.

Hurray!

Looks like I have a temp job for a few weeks (maybe longer). Our town highway garage flooded out and they need help separating the paper files to be copied.

God provides. He has something in mind for me (and everyone) and it would do us well just to be patient and wait upon Him. I had an opportunity to go to a clambake today where a lot of potential employers were hanging out.

I prayed befor I left was that an opportunity would arise and He would direct my steps. The only employer that talked to me was the one I have right now and told me that he may need me longer than 3 weeks. Hallelujah!

It may not be the job of my dreams (He knows about that) but it'll do for the time being until the other job is ready for me.

"Be still and know that I am God". I need that verse. He comes through.