"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21b

In the ancient but relevant book of Ecclesiastes, God tells us through Soloman that;
"To everything there is s season,
A time for every purpose under heaven;
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones; a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain; and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Today, I am mourning the death of my sister-in-law, Shan. I am remembering her with thanksgiving and celebrating her life, her love, her relationships. She will be missed.
These moments in our lives must have some value, painful as they may be. What is the lesson to be learned from life and death, knowing that I to, will one day die. Is there life after this? Is there a Heaven? This Passage in scripture assures us that yes, there is a heaven, and a time and purpose for everything under it. Earth is the lesser of the two worlds, and the bible declares to us that not everyone, fitted for earth will inherit heaven, But GOD is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance. We cannot work our way to this glorious land, it is not to be gained by the keeping of the Law; God's perfect Law, the Ten Commandments, for in that you break one, you are guilty of all.
Only by the blood of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world, can one be purchased and cleansed from the guilt and shame of sin.
Sin; we are all born with it, it is a dreadful, fatal and congenital disease. Only the blood of Jesus can cure it and wash it away. I am happy that Shan had accepted Jesus, and she now stands in His presence. For the believer, to be absent from the body, is to be present with the LORD.
Oh how I wish all people everywhere to know Him, the Savior of the World; Lord Jesus. Come to Him, like a child, simply believe that He has died for your sins, and turn away from your sins, to God and be saved.
Truly Shan would agree with Job; "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21
John 11:25-26; "Jesus said to her, "I am the ressurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

"The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force."

For sometime this verse has been in my mind, as I awoke one day, perhaps a month ago, and it was there. It persisted, and I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking something new to me, something deeper. I confess I didn't readily understand what the meaning is, but I did perceive it had to do with prayer. I find in my life that the verses of Scripture the Lord whispers to my spirit, often have to do with learning in the school of prayer... Closer communion with My Savior, and newer levels of helplessness before Him.

After some days, I went to my concordance to research where this verse was to be found, and what the context. It is recorded in Matthew 11:12, Jesus speaking of John the Baptist, quoting from vs 11; "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force."

I have meditated on it, and ask God for light. Suddenly in the last 2 days, I have received the same reference from two entirely different sources, revealing a very clear picture to my question. I have been reading a book by John Eldredge, Wild at Heart (Which I strongly encourage you to read) where on the first page past the introduction this very verse is quoted. I was thrilled waiting to find my answer....
I read to page 177 befores he deals with this verse, though the entire book is really about it. Eldredge quotes John Bunyan in Pilgrim's Progress:
"Then the Interpreter took (Christian) and led him up toward the door of the palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but (dared) not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a tableside, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the names of them that should enter therein; he saw also that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, being resolved to do the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man fell back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, "Set down my name, sir," the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet upon his head, and rush toward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many woundes to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace."
This story gripped my heart and kept my attention. Tonight I was listening to an old sermon by the great CH Spurgeon, on this very topic. Thirty minutes into his preaching, he quotes this very same passage in Pilgrim's progress. His sermon, not only enlightening but inspiring and exhortive... I GET IT LORD! My Christianity must not be in word only, nor in passionless deed. I must live this life as if everything hangs in the balance, for indeed it does. We have real enemies in this life, and they will do whatever they can to seduce you away from zeal and passion, from a violence for holiness.... I must win heaven, I must take ground everyday that I live, it is my duty and calling as one called of Christ, to be an ambassador of His grace.

I cannot get away from the truth that Jesus Christ did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance... unto a new, redeemed and holy life. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that will he also reap." Galatians 6:7

"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." Ephesians 1:4

I could go on and on, in this vein, as my heart is filled with new zeal. I am strengthened and hopeful. I want to be holy and whole. Set apart for the Master's use, this is my greatest purpose and joy. Let us take up arms together, dear brother, dear sister; Let us take heaven by storm, and bring with us, many sons to glory.

"And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you,"

I find a song in my heart often these days, it is a beautiful song by Fernando Ortega and Andrew Schreiner... called: Take Heart My Friend the chorus encourages me so much... the words begin;
"Take heart, my friend, we'll go together.
This uncertain road that lies ahead
Our faithful God has always gone before us
And He will lead the way again

Take heart, my friend, we can walk together
And if our burdens become too great
We can hold up and help one another
In God's love, in God's grace

Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender in the night"

In our lives there are those times, as the ancients called the dark night of the soul when you can't seem to make ryhme nor reason of the things you are having to endure. We as believers can be tossed to and fro, and feel uncertain of what is ahead... perhaps there will never be light again....
but this song sings in my mind and it's truth rallys my heart.. to trust in God..
Trust and Obey...for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Perhaps you are not sure of this Jesus, I refer to.... well let me assure you, HE is the one, to whom you must look, you must consider Him who endured such suffering for sinful man, you must come to the end of yourself, and call upon HIS name to be saved. Whatever the situation that causes you worry and consternation....
There is One to whom holds the power to calm even the raging storm out on the ocean, or in the tumult of your own soul.
Paul the apostle relates a time in his own life, while aboard a ship bound for Rome as a prisoner; he was chained to a Roman Centurion. 276 people aboard shipwrecked after 14 days of incredible storms, high seas, fierce winds; throwing anything overboard that might help lighten their load. Paul with fasting and prayer sought the LORD (who is mighty to save) .
Acts 27:22-25; " And now I urge you to take heart, for will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying; 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you. Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God, that it will be just as it was told me."

Therefore Believe on God and in the one He has sent, His son, the LORD Jesus, that you may be saved, and that HE will carry you through whatever storm you presently find yourself...
Take Heart my friend... the LORD is with us!

"Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think"

I know God is great, He is true, He is all powerful, and gentle beyond imagination.... and yet, I am amazed at the things God does and can do for us. We ask Him to perform miracles in our lives and in the lives of those we love, and yet when HE moves, beyond our widest dreams, it totally blows our minds; or am I just speaking for myself here???
Well I could write a book, about what GOD has done in and through the life of someone I love deeply. At one time my fellowship was totally broken with this person, and it seemed beyond repair.... maybe for me, but not for the LORD Jesus Christ. He showed up, and HE showed out! It would take at least a day, for me to recount to you, the amazing things the LORD did, to bring about healing, forgiveness, reconcilliation and restoration. And as the Bible says, the end of the thing is so much better than the beginning.... and the truth is, this is only the beginning of this glorious new season of life, of friendship, fellowship... relationship.
Well today is a special day, it is this special person's birthday, so I wanted to bless him, and thank him... he who has been in my life and in my heart for 41 years.
Happy Birthday Brother! Happy Birthday Friend!
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that HE would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of
Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to HIM who is able to do exceedinly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to HIM be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-20 (this is Paul's prayer for the church in Ephesus), and today my prayer for you Brian... I love you!

"Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God fo my salvation; My God will hear me." Micah 7:7

Waiting.......... It is not my favorite thing to do, in fact I have had to come to terms with the truth that I am terribly impatient. I want what I want, and I want it now, after all, I am an all American girl, raised in the baby-boomer generation of fast food and instant gratification. But I have come to Jesus, and have given Him ownership of my life. He never changes; the LORD is the same yesterday, today and forever, and it seems His ways (so much higher than mine) are that way to.
Life of recent has taken some interesting twists, I find myself in a strange season, I don't feel prepared for... This season is a gift from GOD. I am thanking Him for it, but HE is causing me to learn the lessons of patiently waiting. The old English word for it seems more apropos: Longsuffering. Do you like the way that sounds? Nope, I didn't think so, and yet I really do believe that GOD works all things together for good, for we who love Him. I believe that He is the giver of good things, and He loves me and knows what is best for me. So I press on and I trust Him, and I wait patiently. I take my comfort not only in His excellent reputation of proving to me over and over again, that God is faithful and able to bring beauty from ashes, but also from His word, that speaks the truth to me in love. It binds me up, strengthens my faith and gives me cause and encouragment to press on, believing what my eyes do not yet see.... HE is so good! Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him." I am reminded that GOD is the rest and the answer... not a solution to the problem, or an illusive decision but GOD Himself... Lord help me to wait and to watch for You.
Psalm 62:1-2 "Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, He is my defense, I shall not be greatly moved." vs8; "Trust in Him at all times; you people; pour out your heart before Him, God is a refuge for us."
I have to tell you, I am waiting but not as silently as perhaps I should. The Psalmist encourages me to run to the LORD, and hide myself there, He will help me, I can trust Him.... HE is so great a security, nothing can knock me down. PRAISE THE LORD!
Psalm 27:14; "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, wait on the LORD!" Don't give up, don't give in, keep waiting... keep trusting... it is always darkest before the dawn. Lord, give me courage.
I read His word, I do cry out to Him for help, He does meet me and strengthen my heart to continue on another day. Isn't He wonderful?
Micah 7:7; "Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me."
I pray that in whatever the circumstance of your waiting.. the LORD God will help you to wait a little longer, that He will strengthen your heart and encouage you to run the race so as to obtain the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. He is able to get us there... Hang on Friend, Look unto Jesus...

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue"

A good friend was asked about how to cultivate a quiet and gentle spirit recently. Good friend that she is, she posed the same question to me. It is a good question, one I need to spend some time not only thinking on, but also working on... It however brought to mind, how often we speak, before we think through the effects. Are we hurling arrows that can pierce the heart and wound the soul? Or are we building up, strengthening, affirming and healing? Proverbs 15:1 says; "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Of course, right on the heels of this, I had a contentious arguement with my son, bringing the sorrow and remorse that conflict often adds. One harsh word, often calls for another and so on. As I stopped to think about this issue, this verse popped right into my mind: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eats it's fruit." Proverbs 18:21 Proverbs has lots to say about what we say, how we use the vessel of our tongue and lips, so does the epistle of James. James 3:6 says; "the tongue is a fire , a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." Also that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth. My favorite though is this; "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Ephesians 4:29
How do we cultivate a quiet and gentle spirit, and thus speak from it, so as to encourage and edify? Well, when I think of cultivating, I think of digging, breaking up sun baked earth, using tools, muscles, sweat... myself. It may cause pain and even some scars, but when the work is done, the ground gives and makes ready the implanted seed, to in time bring forth bud, bloom, fragrance and fruit. In this case, my tools are God's word which can break up like a spade, or soften as with water; and the work of prayer, confession and humilty. The Lord in His infinite wisdom will correct and chasten me, if that is what is needful.
"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
I love how God speaks to me, through the scriptures as I think about life and all the wonder of it's every day. As you read the Bible as a daily discipline, sometimes we think it is time better spent doing another task; but when it comes instantly to mind in areas such as this, I am thankful that I know what the Word has to say, and that it reads me so well, discerning correctly for me, the attitudes of my own wicked heart.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

My husband and I have been looking frequently at this Psalm, for we know it to bring comfort. When you are hurting, and unclear, unsettled, uncertain... You want comfort. This familiar statement is worthy of some real time to ponder it's rich truth.
The Lord is MY shepherd... He is personal, not that I own Him, but He owns me. He bought and paid for me, with His sinless blood, on the cross of Calvary. I gladly gave my heart to such a one, whom has proven His matchless love for me... And for YOU to!
He is my SHEPHERD.... What does that mean? Well think about it, of course not many of us know much about sheep today, but the bible assures us that we humans share many characteristics with these woolly little creatures. Sheep are needy, they need good grazing land, protection from predators, direction, correction and sometimes rescuing.
I have needed all these things, and sometimes I still do.
"I shall not want." Can you say that in all honesty? I have been meditating upon this a lot lately. I can't say, "I shall not want", but I am seeing the beauty of making that my goal. For I have seen in my own life the pull and the deceitfulness of riches. Oh Lord, you know, how I have struggled with lusts of the eyes.... I love pretty things, but I have cluttered my life with them. They require, care, protection, concern, time and attention... And they offer me little in return. Father, free me! Help me, to be a contented little lamb, whose sole devotion is to Her good Shepherd, her savior and lover of her soul. His name is Jesus! He is the good shepherd, who leaves the 99 to seek and save the 1..... Who promises to never leave, nor forsake us. Oh and this is only the beginning. Jesus says; "Come unto me, all you, who labor and weighed down and weary and I will give you rest."
Psalm 23.... "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shaddow of death, I shall fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness adn mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

And in Your book they were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

I just received a phone call, from a good friend, letting me know, her mother has passed. The death of a dearly loved one, nearly always causes us reflection, remembrance, and thanksgiving.
I am thanking God for this life today, and for all the children and grandchildren that came through her. Topsy, was beautiful, to the very last moment, when the angels came and escorted her in to the heavenly kingdom. It is reported that she told her three beloved daughters, I have taught you girls how to live with grace, and now I will show you how to die with grace. What a rich inheritance we have, in Christ, and indeed in the relationships HE ordained for us.
Today, I am praying that the GOD of all comfort will envelop, hold up, strengthen and encourage all of Topsy's family, her beloved husband Eddy, and beautiful daughters; Jessica, Rebecca and Jill, and a quiver full of gorgeous grandchildren, and indeed great-grandchildren. Lord, I rejoice for and with Topsy, that she is entering into Your glorious Kingdom today, to behold Your glory, and Know the fullness of all that YOU are. Kiss her for me.
"For YOU, Oh Lord, formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marverlous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number that the sand; When I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:13-18

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, in whom there is no shadow or turning

Truly God has blessed me and given many good gifts... but the 1 I am thanking Him for today, is this website. I am excited about it, as a place to share my thoughts, ideas and prayers. I have been emailing my family, with prayer requests and praise reports for sometime now. This blog, enables us to have a place in cyberspace to check in and fellowship together. My middle son, Miles, gave me my own domain for a Mother's Day gift... Thank you Miles.. I really love it! I really love you, a precious gift from GOD. Check Miles blog out, there is a link on the right. Looking forward to hearing from you.

"For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus Christ) are Yes and in Him Amen , to the glory of God through us." 2 Corinthians 1:20

Amen : Yes, I agree, so be it.
I became the amenlady many years ago, before I was indeed a Christian, and had come to know the significance of this title I take. I was a singer, in high school in Antioch, California. I learned the song Amen, written by Jester Harriston, while singing in the high school choir. We were rehersing for a big choir event in Stockton, at the University of the Pacific, where Mr Harriston himself, would come and direct 2,000 students in a wonderful choral event. We ended the evening's concert with the song Amen... It became my favorite, the choir would simply sing amen, over and over again, while Mr. Harriston would sing the verses. These verses quite simply tell the story of the Gospel. Gospel means good news.