Thanksgiving!

‬‬  “in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18

As we get more into November we get closer to the first of our “big” holidays.  Thanksgiving.  I can remember my parents and their generation often saying how they liked Thanksgiving most of all.  As a child or teen I couldn’t figure that out.  Especially the work put into Thanksgiving dinner.  We had a large extended family with lots of cousins.  So we just played all day while the adults worked hard in the kitchen.  We often gathered at our Grandparents home. We looked at thanksgiving as the countdown to Christmas.  As a child that was exciting.  

But then I became an adult.  And we had a son of our own.  And our parents became the grandparents.  Many of our aunts and uncles have passed away.  Our cousins having their own extended families.  We all were going in different directions.  Those were the days I longed for the older days.  I missed the gatherings with our large family. I then understood why they were more excited for thanksgiving.  Reliving those days of long ago when we were all together.  

I find myself today wishing for the same with our son and his family.  But he lives a great distance from us.  Two full days of travel.  It hasn’t worked out for us to get there for the major holidays.  Thanksgiving and Christmas!  And we sure miss them.  

However, just because we are miles apart, we can still make our holidays special.  We still have family close by.  And every holiday with them we cherish all the more.  

So as we gather together with those we love, let’s give thanks to Jesus for the family He has given us. 

Let’s honor Him with our conversations, mannerisms, generosity, and praise.  He is our Father in heaven.  And we should have His place setting at the head of our tables.  He has given us so very much.  We can at least invite Him to dinner.  

I pray for you all, faithful readers, that as you gear up for a wonderful season with family, near and far, you feel the love of family.  The love Jesus has for us during these  special times ahead.  Let it warm your hearts and fill you with an abundance of “Thanksgiving “.  

TIME TO PRAY AND ACT!

The times of change in a year we call seasons. When the leaves change colors in the fall we notice God’s beauty He has painted for us.  The natural beauty that occurs every year.  Then we get the first snowfall. Most of us will agree that it looks so peaceful and pristine.  For the first day anyway .  Then usually only halfway through winter we are anxious for the first signs of spring to appear. We look for the first green blade of grass to appear. We look closely for the first little flowers to pop up out of the dirt.  Then pretty soon we are snipping us a bouquet from the spring flowers.  We see new growth, and new birth with wildlife and little songbirds.  So delightful.  And finally, summer appears.   More flowers, more birds, some wildlife that can cause some destruction, some bees to pollinate, and beautiful skies to look at in the evening.  It all sounds beautiful and heavenly.  Then in an instant we hear the news, we try to fill our vehicle with gas, and pay an unbelievable amount for butter, eggs, milk, and the rest of our groceries while trying to choose only healthy options.  Reality hits us hard at times.  

Oh and there is more.  In just a couple of weeks we have the privilege of voting for men and women into the public offices that need filling.  By now most of us know who we are voting for.  I hope we all have prayed hard about our decisions.  Do not trust in everything you read and hear in the news.  But trust in our Lord Jesus in whom we pray to. He is in control.  But remember, we must ask Him.  He is not going to come barging in and make everything new and perfect unless we ask Him.  Why not?  Because He has given us the gift of praying for our needs and asking Him to help us, guide us, lead us, and save us.  He has said in Scripture to humble ourselves, seek him, and pray.  Then He will heal our land. And boy does our land need healing.

I encourage all of you, pray, seek His face, repent and humble ourselves.  And take action.  Yes take action.  He has not made us to be lazy and lethargic in our daily walk.  But to get up, get moving, and take action. This is our land God created.  This is our home for now.  Let’s come together and do what is best for our land and our people.  

I will not tell you how to vote.  That is God’s place, not mine.  But I will encourage you to pray and take action.  Vote.  Trust and believe God will take care of us.  

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The New Jerusalem, Heaven

 Revelation 21:9-27

The New Jerusalem, and Heaven. What will it be like?  The Scriptures tell us it will be glorious.  Beautiful colors of violet and white.  Streets lined with gold. And chairs made from cedars of Lebanon, seats of purple.  

For the last six or more weeks we have watched our landscape turn from green to beautiful colors of yellow, gold, orange, various shades of red, along with the left over greens and browns.  The colors have been stunning.  How can someone say God doesn’t exist, or He doesn’t care about us. Just look around.  Quietly sit and relax.  Take it all in.  Our God is a big God, who loves us with everything He has.  So much so that He paints our landscape, our trees, and even our horizons with beautiful sunsets and sunrises.  We have even had an extra treat this year.  It was about midway through summer, into September and October, we had the pleasure of seeing the “Northern Lights “ from our own backyards, parks, streets, and so on. This is the first time in all of my life that I have seen the beautiful dancing of the Aurora Borealis across our sky in the Northeast USA. My whole life.  I was thrilled, I felt flabbergasted.  Me, just a very tiny spec in this vast universe we live in.  And God let me see this beautiful and glorious masterpiece of His.   

Some of you may be thinking “no big deal”.  But it is a big deal.  Can you or I paint a masterpiece across the sky?  Can we tell the leaves when to turn colors?  Of course not. So our Lord Jesus does it purely for our pleasure.  

What does this have to do with the New Jerusalem?  I believe everything.  God knows we will be overwhelmed when we see our New Jerusalem and our new home.  So He’s giving us glimpses of what it will be like.  When we get there, Jesus will have it ready for us.  

I know for me I will do everything I can, everything Jesus asks of me, to be sure my name is written in the Book of Life, and my new address on one of those golden streets. And I pray the same for you my faithful readers.  Be excite.  God has a beautiful home prepared for you. It is our job to hear Jesus, listen to Him, and obey Him.  Be pro-active.  

Are you an encouragement to others?

 Encouragement, what exactly does that mean?  

-the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

-persuade someone to move forward with something, or try something new. 

On the “Biblical “ aspect encouragement is quite the same.  But with some key aspects. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬-

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

Others see encouragement as a spiritual gift from God. Encouraging the other person to strive to be the best they can be.  

‭ Encouragement strengthens others to follow God's will.

Encouragement in Christ gives us the strength to put on our spiritual armor and remain steadfast. 

So as you can see encouragement means the same.  As Christians we definitely have an emphasis on encouraging others as much as ourselves.  We must believe in ourselves and show others it is so vitally important to have that in us, deeply planted.  Then we can pass that on to others.   

We are at the very beginning of October.  October happens to be  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This hits me right to the core.  I have reached my 4 year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I knew right from the beginning I needed to use this to encourage others who have been diagnosed, and also encourage others to have that mammogram yearly or as the doctor suggests.  No matter what your age is.  Breast cancer can be well hidden.  It may not even be felt on exam.  Usually no symptoms noticeable unless it has been there for a very long time.  Some women complain that it hurts to have a mammo.  I’m here to tell you, cancer hurts more. 

 Ok, so I’m talking about encouragement. How does that encourage others?  That is where we must listen for the Holy Spirit.  He has to speak to us about who to share with, and how to share.  That is a huge key as to sharing and encouraging to others.  Listen, trust Him, encourage yourself. Be positive, be gentle, be kind. And always be truthful.  

Since I am talking about encouragement let me remind you it is October.  And breast cancer seems to be out there more often than ever.  Men and women, yes both can get breast cancer. I’d like to encourage you all, please start with self exams.  You may be thinking how do I know what to feel?  This is the age of the internet.  There are tutorials on everything. And I mean everything.  So that’s the 1st step.  Next, see your primary care doctor for regular check ups and yearly physicals.  Don’t forget there are other areas that need watching.  Women have their bodies.  Men have theirs.  Both have colons.  That is another very important exam to have.  I share this because it is our responsibility to take care of our bodies.  Inside and out. I know this is about encouragement. I hope it is received that way.  Our Father God created us, He has given us a call of duty to take care of our bodies.  We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Let us not disappoint our Lord Jesus.  

I pray for you my friends.  That we can all be more than conquerors.  We can be that person who sends those positive and encouraging thoughts out to others in need. And as we walk boldly in our victories, we can draw others closer to our Lord Jesus.  

“Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Our World Today and Who Do We Trust?

 It doesn’t take much to determine the shape our world is in today.  First let me say this is NOT a political message nor is it about politics.  Our world, no matter where you live or what country, is surrounded by disasters. Some are weather related. Some are caused by those wanting to harm others.  And some are just plain natural disasters.  Sometimes we just never know exactly what happened or why.  Many see a national crisis. Many of those crises extend throughout many nations.  And some on a much smaller scale.  I live in a very small rural town.  We saw quite an emergent incident occur yesterday in my little town.                  My question to you all is in whom do you trust to watch over you, protect you and your family, and to provide for you and your family? 

In our town yesterday it took several different fire departments in our area to come together, work together, and several hours of that very strenuous work to take care of the serious situation. Yes, many crews, many difficult hours, many different personalities to come together and work along side one another to put the fires out.  So this is one instance that the public had to trust in someone to protect them.

There are many times we rely on men and women to protect us.  However, I believe the strength, wisdom, and knowledge these men and women have comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.  You may be asking yourself at this point “how does she know that?”  I know that because I know that our emergency personnel,  whether paid or volunteers, are prayed for every single day by someone.  As a Christian and believer in Jesus I believe His Holy Spirit encourages me and many others to pray for our first responders.  They sacrifice much of their time for us.  That’s the least we can do, pray for them.  

What about other disasters?  Ones that our emergency personnel cannot help with? Then it’s so much more important to pray.  We need to rely on the promises of Jesus.  Trust in Him to watch over us, protect us, provide for us.  We have to BELIEVE in our God in Heaven.  We need to TRUST in Him.  We must walk in FAITH.  Some of you may be thinking “what does she know?”  What do I know?  I know that God promises He will always be near.  He promises to hear and answer our prayers.  I know He has walked by my side basically my whole life.  I have acknowledged this to all of you.  I have thanked my Lord Jesus publicly.  I know, without a doubt, I am a living miracle.  There should be no natural reason I am still alive.  Many doctors have told me this over and over.  But you see, I believe!  I know it is Jesus by my side.  

I believe Him for my family, my town, my state, my country, and our world.  I trust in Him for providing all of our needs.  (Needs are different than wants). I have faith He will never leave my side.  

I pray this for you, my faithful readers.  No matter where you are in our world, I believe He will protect you. If you need healing, heal you.  Hang on to Him.  Sometimes it’s a bumpy road.  So hang on tight.  He loves you with His all.  

Thank you Jesus for the victories you give us. Thank you for our hope.  

““Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.””

Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

 

Faith, Prayers, Blessings

 Matthew 17:20b

“For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

This is one of those “faith” verses that we are all familiar with.  I would say it is almost impossible to find someone who hasn’t heard these words spoken before.  Even those claiming they do not believe in the Scriptures have heard this spoken, or read it someplace, or may have even spoke these words themselves.

I say amen to that.  We all need those encouraging words at times in our lives.  It may be for your personal relationship with Jesus, or your relationship with your spouse, maybe for healing in your own body or  a loved ones life.  Then it could be for financial reasons. Or many other reasons we encounter in a lifetime.

Do you think those of us that hang on to this verse more than others are more apt to receive our answers than someone who barely believes in faith?  I don’t believe that.  That would mean the Lord puts your requests ahead of mine because you memorized a verse. I do not believe God does that.  He loves us all equally as the next.  He has made us in His image.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made. He likes your blonde hair as much as my red curly hair. He likes my freckles as much as your pale skin.  Ok, that’s our physical appearance.  What about our hearts?  He desires us to all be filled with His love in our hearts.  But I may have a little bubble in mine, where yours is filled to the brim.  That makes no difference to Jesus.  What He wants most of all is for us to rely on Him, in faith, for all of our needs and wants.  He doesn’t measure our prayers.  He already knows what is in our hearts.  We don’t need to plead with Him.  No matter our need or request, He will be there for us. 

Sometimes we think we know the answer and how Jesus will respond.  Well why would we need faith and trust in Jesus if we knew the answers.  It all comes down to this.  Jesus loves  us more than anything.  He wants to supply our every need.  He wants to answer every prayer.  But those answers are coming from Jesus’ heart and His mouth.  He knows what’s best.  

It comes down to us reading the Scriptures, letting them stick in our hearts.  And having that faith, even if it’s only the size of a mustard seed.  Just sit back, put your feet up, and talk to Jesus.  Let Him hold you in His arms, console you, speak His love to you.  He wants that relationship with you.  It is often in those times that I find my greatest moments of peace and comfort.  For that I am so very grateful.   

As we start a new season, autumn, we get to see God’s magnificent masterpiece of the brilliant colors of the landscape.  But also we can settle down some, rest a little, and prepare for the coming of a new year.  

May you all find your rest and your peace in Jesus.  Be rejuvenated.   

Is This Your Miracle?

 As believers in Jesus Christ, as a follower of Him, our natural self wants to see real life miracles.  When someone is ill, we pray and ask Jesus to heal that person.  And that is what Jesus wants us to do, ask Him.  When our budgets have been stretched too thin we pray to Jesus to help us.   

This is absolutely the right thing to do. Jesus wants us to pray, seek Him, listen for Him to answer.  The problem is us.  Are we asking in faith? Are we willing to accept the answer Jesus gives us?

Answer? What answer?  Isn’t it true that Jesus wants to heal us? What is going on here?  There are so many answers to the questions.  But there is one big answer.  That is the fact Jesus may have healed us in a different manner than we expected.  Here are some examples.

My husband has an aortic aneurysm. It was a beautiful sunny September day.  Paul was sleeping before he had to work that night.  When he got up he yelled out to me in pain.  Upper back pain and abdominal pain.  He then collapsed back on the bed. He was fading very fast.  I could not get any vital signs on him.  I called 911.  Paramedics were here within one minute. (Thank God for small towns).  When the two of  them came in and saw Paul they knew just as I did, the aneurysm was leaking.  They tried getting an IV in, his veins were collapsing.  As not to waste time, they called the helicopter which was at the fire station waiting when we got there.  They packed him up and told me where he was going..  The hospital is one hour from here.  The copter had him there in 14 min.  The paramedics got the IV in, and many other things.  His pulse was beating ONE time per minute.  No BP could be detected. Their ultrasounds confirmed and showed the blood pooling into his abdomen.   I called for prayer. People praying all over the world.  God please heal Paul.  Save his life. That was all I could think of.  I got to the hospital in an hour.  Ran into ER looking for my husband.  They took me to him.  I walked in to his cubicle, he was sitting up drinking some juice.  And he was nice and pink.  He said wow, power of prayer.  I should say so.  

The doctors explained to us they could see him bleeding from the aneurysm .  When they were getting ready for surgery to save his life the doctor decided on one more CT Scan.  They whipped him out of the scanner and put him back in.  3-4 times.  They told us during the CT Scan they visibly saw the blood go back into his heart and the aneurysm close up.  The moment Paul’s miracle occurred.  But wait, the doctor told us the aneurysm is still there and is the same size it was prior to the incident.  They couldn’t explain it.  But they knew something happened. They called it a miracle. 

Well how was there a miracle then if the aneurysm is still there?  We prayed and asked God if we got it wrong. We both clearly heard the Holy Spirit.  The Lord saying “ I did heal him”, “I am healing him”.  

Some miracles can be done instantly and over with.  The Lord  is to be glorified. This isn’t something that can be seen with the naked eye.  Therefore Paul’s miracle is on going.  When he sees his cardiologist every six months they measure the aneurysm.  It has consistently shrunk in size .  It is smaller than it was.  Yes, there is his miracle.  Still going on.  Jesus explained that more people will believe this way.  

You see that is what is important.  That our Lord Jesus Christ is glorified in all of this.  So there are times for that instant miracle that everyone can see.  And then you have a miracle like Paul’s.  It is in stages. 

Either way, when we pray, earnestly seek Him, for His glory, then He will hear us, and give us what we need.  Jesus says believe in Him and trust Him.  He is always with us. 

Jesus is always moving on our behalf. He wants you to receive your miracle, but it may not be time yet.  But don’t give up.  Keep praying to Him.  He says to believe and trust in Him.  

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. “

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬