"All my times are in Your hands."

Seasons come and go, some are better than others. One thing is for sure though, however difficult the season may be, if we are but patient, it will end, and something new will surface soon. It is the last day of July, it is hot and sticky, and I am longing for the cooler, crisper days of Autumn. I know it is coming, though it may linger for awhile. My son, Miles, says if you want to learn patience, pray for trials. Well God knows I need to learn something in this arena, and I don't recall asking God for trials, but they have come non-the-less; Miles, did you pray that for me??? I know for sure that God is still on His throne, and prayer changes things, and, or perhaps the one who prays. Father, teach me to pray and to wait patiently for You, for YOUR answer, for YOUR best.
Help me to trust and obey You Lord. I have found it true, that it is simpler to be full of faith, hope, love and joy, when things are going well; the path clearly defined, not so easy to demonstrate these hallmarks of our faith, when the winds of adversity begin to blow. It is at these times however, you discover how wonderfully faithful God is to you, through His people. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, beloved ones who love, pray for and encourage me in the faith. May God grant me the same opportunity for you if needed.

Marriage is honorable amoung all...... Hebrews 13:4a

Today, July 26, 2005.... Ron and I celebrate our 30 years of marriage. I praise the LORD, in fact we both do. I can remember this day 30 years ago, the excitement and terror of it. I had dreamed of becoming Mrs Ronald DeBenedictis and finally it was to be true. The little chapel where we exchanged vows is no longer there, but recently we walked by the former Royal Palms Wedding Chapel and remembered together; what seems like just the other day, and yet, it has been a lifetime. Ron is 58 & I am 54 years old now; for more than half of our lives we have been joined together. I love this wonderful man, more and more each passing day and year. He is by no means perfect, nor am I, but we did vow and promise in the presence of many witnesses to love one another, for better or worse, for richer or poorer in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This was and is our solemn vow. When we married we did not yet know the Savior in a personal way, but God was faithful to draw us out of our conflict, pain and trials to Himself, where we could be forgiven, strengthened, healed and restored. We both find that these necessary elements of life GOD continues to impart to us. This year has been the most difficult one to date, but I am thankful for it, it is a gift from the Father's hand, by which HE is changing us from glory to glory.
I love you dear husband of my youth, I respect you and I am so proud of you and to be your wife. Thank you for your unfailing love for me, for your faithfulness, forgiveness and many kindnesses. Thank you for not dwelling on my flaws, but highlighting my strengths. I appreciate you Ron, and I will continue to love you, until Jesus calls me home. Happy 30th Anniversary my darling.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name."

As I think on this verse, I hear the Hallelujahs ringing in my mind, to the refrain; "He has done great things, Allelujah, He has done great things, Allelujah... Bless HIS Holy Name."
Have you taken time to think about the great things the LORD has done for you today? I confess, I can get so bogged down, with life, I fail to stop and meditate on His goodness, too many days.... or, as today was so hot and sticky, complain in my soul about that, rather than seeing it as a gift. Lord, please teach us to see Your hand in all things, and appreciate the bitter as well as the sweet, and be thankful.... for truly, YOU have done great things; I bless Your Holy Name.... Amen.

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt___"

___Melt with fervant heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." This is just a teaser... you really should open up your bible and read it for yourself... 2 Peter chapter 3.. it is only 18 verses long, and if you have a soul, it will challenge you, I am sure.
Day after day, we go on with our too busy lives, doing the things we each deem important. Many of us love God and our families, and live the best lives we can....
but dear ones, is this enough?
I ask myself these questions as I ask you.
"All Scripture, is given by inspiriation of God Himself and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." I Timothy 3:16

This passage in 2 Peter is very straightforward warning us; admonishing us, "to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless." God, through Peter, exhorts us at the end of his epistle, "since we know beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Today, I awoke to the reports of bomb blasts in the London underground, only hours after the news that London will host the next Summer Olympics in 2008. It is aledged that this is the work of another radical terrrorist organization, with roots in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe themselves to be devoted and peaceful people, yet many in their ranks are militant, hostile; indeed evil and wicked.
Granted we in the Christian community have also had to endure the harsh cristicism of many who abhor the actions of our own radicals, whom have even murdered in the name of God.
We must denounce all that is done in God's name that is so totally contrary to His divine nature. God is holy, righteous, merciful, long-suffering, gracious and good.... but He is also capable of great wrath and righteous indignation. God needs no man to fight according to the flesh on His behalf. However GOD tells us to fight the good fight of faith, in prayer, with weapons that are not carnal, but spiritual and mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds.
Christian... stand up and fight, with the sword of the Spirit; the Word of God. Hold high the shield of faith, which is able to quench all the firey darts of the evil one. Pray at all times for all people, in the Holy Spirit.
"Remember, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."