Victorious In Him

Jesus, our LIVING hope . . .

2008-06-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Even when we can't believe things for ourselves, God puts family and people around us who can, in times of need. Today I BELIEVE for my niece Marissa -

I love you Marissa!

My prayers for her

1 Peter 1:3 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"

Who Marissa Is In Christ

She is accepted...

John 1:12
She is God's child.

John 15:15
She is a disciple, She is a friend of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1
She has been justified.

1 Corinthians 6:17
She is united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
She has been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 12:27
She is a member of Christ's body.

Ephesians 1:3-8
She has been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 1:13-14
She has been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

Colossians 2:9-10
She is complete in Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16
She has direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

She is secure...

Romans 8:1-2
She is free from condemnation.

Romans 8:28
She is assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.

Romans 8:31-39
She is free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
She has been established, anointed and sealed by God.

Colossians 3:1-4
She is hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 1:6
She is confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.

Philippians 3:20
She is a citizen of heaven.

2 Timothy 1:7
She has not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

1 John 5:18
She is born of God and the evil one cannot touch her.

She is significant...

John 15:5
She is a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.

John 15:16
She has been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

1 Corinthians 3:16
She is God's temple.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21
She is a minister of reconciliation for God.

Ephesians 2:6
She is seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.

Ephesians 2:10
She is God's workmanship.

Ephesians 3:12
She may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 4:13
She can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her.

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"

Can . . .

2008-06-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:19

For all the can't in our lives, as I read this verse, I wanted to shout it outloud today! To myself, to my husband, to my kids, friends, and the body of Christ - HE IS OUR STRENGTH! You CAN! You CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

So where are your can'ts? Do you dream of doing something and then have it quickly dashed away by the lies of can't? My prayer for all of us today, is for the CAN, the can with Jesus! May He strengthen you to believe once again.

Really cool . . .

2008-06-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Remembering . . .

2008-05-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Just want to say, we will never forget her. Two years have gone by since Christel Joy Conley went home to be with Jesus. Even though it has been two years, she very much lives on in our memories and hearts. I wished I would have had more time with you Christel, you always made me smile! But, I look forward to spending all of eternity with you, worshipping Jesus together!

See her big sister's site here for more

The Presidential Prayer Team

2008-05-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tell you about something I am part of that can make a difference in our country. It’s called Pray the Vote—a special initiative of The Presidential Prayer Team that is calling everyone to pray for this fall’s elections. It’s based on the belief that when God’s people call out to Him in prayer, it opens a window for God to bless our nation in ways we can’t imagine. Pray the Vote is asking people to commit to pray for the elections and then to register that commitment on their website. I hope you’ll check out the Pray the Vote website and join me by committing to pray. Thanks for considering this important decision.
Also, here is an encouraging video to watch.
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ppt_ecrd_PTV

Prayer . . . believing God for miracles

2008-05-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have a sister/friend who moved to the other side of the world 3 1/2 years ago to marry the love of her life. Tonight she needs prayer. She has a little boy who is a year and a half, and he is sick with croupe and had to go to the ER because he couldn't breathe. My friend has a bulge in her lower back that caused her to be in excruciating pain for last several weeks, and barely walking. Tonight she is desperate for healing, for her self, for her son, and so I post here for anyone to believe in prayer for their healing! JESUS WE ARE ASKING, BELIEVING, AND KNOCKING BECAUSE YOU TOLD US TO IN YOUR WORD, AND YOU ARE FAITHFUL! So hard to not be able to help in the physical, yet I know what is done in the Spiritual is even more important, and I guess this is my best way of helping my sister. So I am asking please pray for her and her son even if you don't know their names, God knows.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Great is Thy Faithfulness . . .

2008-05-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today I am praising God for His faithfulness! 20 years ago today I married my best friend, and not only do we very enthusiatically celebrate 20 years, whoo hoo! But, we thank God for them. This hymn (below) was in our wedding and it seems to be the theme of our life together. Here's to my wonderful lifelong friend, I look forward to every day we have together for the rest of our lives! I love you!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee.

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Live abundantly . . .

2008-04-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Live in full joy being close to the One who loves us more than anyone can! JESUS!
God promised us through Jesus in His word:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Oh, God is smiling over us . . .

The "thankful heart" key

2008-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

I love this chapter out of Francis Frangipane's book - "The Stronghold of God". I am reminded today of the places where I have not been thankful. Lord, forgive me for grumbling and complaining. Lord, I AM thankful for many wonderful blessings of family and friends you have placed in my life. I am forever thankful for the many wonderful blessings you have given us, especially Your Son.

A THANKFUL HEART By Francis Frangipane

The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. Our attitude determines whether life is to us a place of blessedness or wretchedness and misery. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns have roses! It all depends on your perspective.

This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the stronghold of God.

Perhaps the worst enemy we have is not the devil but our own tongue. James tells us, "the tongue is set among our members as that which . . . sets on fire the course of our life" (James 3:6). He goes on to say this fire is ignited by hell.Consider: With our own words we can enter the spirit of heaven or the agonies of hell! It is hell, with its punishments, torments and misery, that controls the life of the grumbler and complainer! Paul expands this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:10, where he reminds us of the Jews who "grumble[d] and were destroyed by the destroyer."

The fact is, every time we open up to grumbling and complaining, the quality of our life is reduced proportionally--a destroyer is bringing our life to ruin!

People often ask me, "What is the ruling demon over our church or city?" They expect me to answer with the ancient Aramaic or Phoenician name of a fallen angel. What I usually tell them is a lot more practical: One of the most pervasive evil influences over our nation is ingratitude!

Do not minimize the strength and cunning of this enemy! Paul said that the Jews who grumbled and complained during their difficult circumstances were "destroyed by the destroyer." Who was this destroyer?

If you insist on discerning an ancient world ruler, one of the most powerful spirits mentioned in the Bible is Abaddon, whose Greek name is Apollyon. It means "destroyer" (Rev. 9:11). Paul said the Jews were destroyed by this spirit. In other words, when we are complaining or unthankful, we open the door to the destroyer, Abaddon, the demon-king over the abyss of hell!

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Multitudes in our nation have become specialists in the "science of misery." They are experts--moral accountants--who can, in a moment, tally all the wrongs society has ever done to them or their group. I have never talked with one of these people who was happy, blessed or content about anything. They expect an imperfect world to treat them perfectly.

Truly, there are people in this wounded country of ours who need special attention. However, most of us simply need to repent of ingratitude, for it is ingratitude itself which is keeping wounds alive! We simply need to forgive the wrongs of the past and become thankful for what we have in the present.

The moment we become grateful, we actually begin to ascend spiritually into the presence of God. The psalmist wrote, "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. EnterHis gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him;bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and Hisfaithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:2, 4-5

It does not matter what your circumstances are, the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key which unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart; entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.

Blessed Lord, forgive me for being a complainer. Help me to offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all things. Lord, I come this day to covenant with You. By Your grace, I will be thankful regardless of what my life seems to be. Oh God, remember Your covenant pledge and gather me near to Your heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

First step, get out of the big comfy chair . . . Living beyond what was once just a dream

2008-04-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes dreams seem too big to tackle, sometimes they just lack the ability to see the first steps. This little video below, by Banning Liebscher, turned on a bunch of lights for me this morning to see those first steps of visions and dreams I have. They are simple steps, and those dreams we have, dont' have to start out as giant, overwhelming mountains, that seem impossile. Take your dreams, and just go! Maybe it's the journey thats more important than actually getting there.

I am encouraged today and wanted to share.

We are a people awaking to follow their dreams . . .

2008-04-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, it's a Superchick song, but hey, I kinda love it.

"Here's to the ones who don't give up
Here's to anyone who never quit when things got hard
You'll never let them say "You'll never get that far."

I want to shout it out to all (9) of my kids (it's not just a girl song). . . So here's a shout out (and the prayer and cry of my heart for all of you). . . you are the one's who don't give up . . . KEEP GOING! Keep holding the hand of Jesus, and letting Him tell you who you are and where you should go! Don't let go of His hand, even when it's hard, even when there is bruises and bleeding, stay strong, don't give up!

You are amazing and you are beautiful!

Find me there . . .

2008-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Somedays seem seem like playful fun in the fountain of life. Other days seem like a mad dash for the shade of His wings. Either way, it is where life, true life, is found, and that is where you will find me. Though they are very different days, I will praise God for either of them, because in Him alone, can I live and see and breath. Thank you God for everyday that you give me.

Psalm 36:5- "Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your river of delights. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."

You were there all the time . . .

2008-03-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful that we have a mighty God, who loves us, and is faithful. Today I praise Him, and thank Him, and freshly trust Him again.
________________________________

God of Our Yesterdays
by Matt Redman

We were in the darkest night,
And wondered if our eyes would ever see the light,
You were there, Lord,
We were in the storm again,
And wondered if we’d ever live in peace again,
You were there, Lord,
You were there is the struggle,
You were there in the fire,
You were there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.

So whatever lies ahead,
Whatever roads our grateful hearts will come to tread,
You’ll be there, Lord,
And we will fix our eyes on you,
And know that there is grace enough to see us through,
You’ll be there, Lord,
You’ll be there is the struggle,
You’ll be there in the fight,
You’ll be there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.

We thank you for grace in our yesterdays,
We thank you for peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.
You’re always closer than we know,
Always more involved and in control,
We will trust our lives to you,
The One who was, and is, and is to come!

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.
We thank you for grace in our yesterdays,
We thank you for peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.

Even though . . .

2008-02-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

Even though I am sick, and life dictates I should be well, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though I forgot to do some things and life dictates I should have, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though I think I know so much and life indicates I know very little, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though my heart feels one way and life dictates my actions in another, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though at my very best efforts I fail and life confirms it, You are still God, and I trust You.

Even though You are still God and I trust You, and the world indicates You are not, You ARE still God, and do I ever trust You!

Oh Praise Him . . .

2008-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Joshua 23:9-11 "The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God."

Today, we saw a miracle. The judge granted us PERMANENT GUARDIANSHIP. He is ours forever. No more court - we will raise him as one of our own, which he has already found that place in our hearts 8 months ago when he was a week old.

When we showed up in court today, we found out he had been assigned a lawyer. A very good one at that. And not only had this man been assigned to the case, he knew exactly every detail of the case. He talked to us in a small room before court and he was the first person in this whole process that had read the entire file, from our petition and questionnaire, to the CPS reports, and hospital reports. I was truly truly in shock and amazed all at the same time. FINALLY, a person who knew. Not only did he know, but he made the petition, today, no more wasted time and petitioned the judge to grant us permanent guardianship today. And the judge did. We were truly in awe. We felt like God sent an angel dressed like a lawyer, into the courtroom today, and it was quick, fast, right, and is now DONE! This case is closed, and he is ours.

Thank you all for walking with us in this journey - we thank God for each one of you.

O Praise Him

Turn your ear

To Heaven and hear

The noise inside

The sound of angels awe

The sound of angels songs

And all this for a King

We could join and sing '

All for Christ our King!'

How constant How divine

This song of ours will rise

Oh, how constant How divine

This love of ours will rise Will rise...

CHORUS:

Ohh praise Him!

He is Holy!

Turn your gaze

To Heaven and raise

A joyous noise

Oh the sound of salvation come

The sound of rescued ones

And all this for a king

Angels join to sing '

All for Christ our King!'

How infinite and sweet

This love so rescuing

Oh how infinitely sweet

This great love that has redeemed

As one, we sing...

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

He is Holy, He is Holy

Living . . . really living!

2008-01-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

I read this today, and it encouraged me. Some have said I am a private person, but I do not see it that way at all. I simply feel that not ALL things need to be said out loud. The One I love knows my heart and He hears it all. And loves me, and guides me.

I know the truth, who He says I am, and nothing else really matters.

Here is a list so we can all be reminded -

Who I Am In Christ

I am accepted...
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant...
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ,
the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"
(From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)

My quote for this day . . .

2008-01-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

"Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice." Amos 5:14-15

Why do I fear my destiny, what you have laid out for my life? Jesus I trust YOU, You are my helper! Forgive me when I fear . . . I know You are always in control.

"One who denies his destiny can bring about as much pain and suffering as your greatest enemy." Joseph Willowbrook, Talisman, Season 3 Smallville

A lonely heart . . .

2007-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have felt so alone. But yet, to look with my eyes, I am never alone. I have many, many happy moments of my life, that are full of people and surrounded by much love. Yet, this nagging, gnawing feeling kept creeping up on me, calling me, to a place of loneliness. I hated it, I rebuked it. It was so not true. Yet, even as I smiled and laughed, I could feel the fringes of this terrible feeling hanging on to every smile, and every warm relational moment. God, I can't believe this is true, what is going on. I sat in silence and listened. Then, I knew. I was lonely for the One that could only fill this place in my heart. The place that no person could fill. God was calling me to a deeper place of knowing Him, and loving Him, and letting Him be the only one that filled that place. It was made for Him, that place in my heart. So as I have listen and prayed and read this morning, I am experiencing a new place of depth with the One who loves me like no other. The fringes of loneliness have been removed by the only One who could remove them. How great and awesome is the love of God, how wonderful He is. I read this passage from the Message and it cut straight to the core of my own frailty and need for God:

"God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to You; even from a distance, You know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and You're there, then up ahead and You're there, too — your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! Is there anyplace I can go to avoid Your Spirit? to be out of Your sight? If I climb to the sky, You're there! If I go underground, You're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute— You're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, He even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to You; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to You." Psalm 139:1-12

There is so much much more to God than I will ever understand.
I am so glad He knows me intimately, like no one can.
Today, I long to know Him in ways I never have.

He is the answer to every question I have, every worry, every fear, every lonely place . . . He is the love of my life!

How He Loves by John Mark McMillan

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are
and how great your affections are for me.

Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
when I think about the way That he loves us,

Well, I thought about You the day Stephen died
and You met me between my breaking
I know that I still love You, God, despite the agony
...they want to tell me You're cruel
But if Stephen could sing, he'd say it's not true,
cause...[voice breaks]... Cause He loves us

the amazing LOVE Jesus has for us!

2007-11-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.godtube.com/view_video?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

God knew . . .

2007-10-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I had God's plan for my life all figured out, or at least pretty close to it, He goes and proves to us that He is still so wonderful and still God. He planned for us in ways so unimaginable and yet, so wonderful too. Our little miracle was born just 24 hours after I poured out my heart to God in a poem here on this blog, dated May 31, 2007. He is four months old now . . . what we did not conceive, God did. We never saw it coming, but we are so grateful that God did, and knew the plans He had for all of us. Love abounds in our hearts in the newest ways ever . . .

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him . . . " 1 Corinthians 2:9

So what is God saying to you?

2007-07-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

You live today by the word you receive today. You can't live on yesterday's manna.

The above quote is from Kathie Walters, and it is as if she were reading my mind. Not that I thought something so great to write, but the fact that I cannot feed on the old. Gods timing is perfect, and the things He used in the past worked in the past because He intended them to be for that moment and time in history. And today, He has something new to say, and tomorrow. Not that He has changed, because He never does, He is ALWAYS the same. He just wants us to rely on Him for our day, our life, our choices. So if we look to the past, we can learn, but we cannot assume that what we did then will work for today. We cannot rely on past ways and thinking. We can only rely on Him.

That's also why we need to read the bible, everyday. Because it is God's word, it is God's word today. Something that you have read before, may jump out in a new way today, because it is what God is saying for today. Same God, same words, just FRESH manna for today.

God, we need your fresh manna for today! I will choose to listen to what You are saying today because I love you and I trust You!

I just learned today that God wrote this 7 times in Revelations. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.” Revelations 3:22 Wow . . . The number seven means "complete". We, the believers in Christ, are the church. I know when I tell my children something even twice, I must really want them to do it. Seven times . . . I think I better listen.

Trust . . .

2007-07-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

How can there be any other place that to trust God? I know when I do not trust God, then who am I trusting? My self? Other people? The world? No way - even in hardest of my own thinking I must believe God at His word "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

Definition of trust: 1 a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed2 a : dependence on something future or contingent : HOPE

Help me Jesus to trust you more, even in the littlest of things. I want all my confidence to be in You and Your ways alone! Jesus, you are my only hope! I love you!

Cool photo . . .

2007-07-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it"

2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

My heart cry . . .

2007-07-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Always Forever by Phil Wickham

You are the hand that catches my fall
You are the friend that answers my call
You are my day, You are my night
You are my love and all of my life

You are the love I need
You are the air I breathe
You are my love my life always forever
I would lay down my life Just to be by Your side
You are my love my life always forever

You are the grace that covers my sin
You’re everything the beginning and end
You have my soul, my heart and my mind
You have my love and all of my life

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, forever

Home . . .

2007-06-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

The word for today, and yesterday, and really for my life is: home. There is so much more to that word than its original meaning. Home to me is a place of love, no matter your blood relation. There are people who are home to me, both relatives and not, that I am deeply thankful for today. I post this song, an oldy . . I know. But, Tim and I danced our first dance at our wedding to this song, and it has been true for our lives. Here are the words.

Love Will Be Our Home by Sandi Patti

If home is really where the heart is
Then home must be a place that we all share
for even with our difference our hearts are much the same
And where love is we come together there.

Wherever there is laughter ringing
Someone smiling, someone dreaming
We can live together there
Love will be our home.
Where there are children singing
Where a tender heart is beating
We can live together there
Love will be our home

With love our hearts can be a family
And hope can bring this family face to face
And though we may be far apart our hearts can be as one
When love brings us together in one place.

Wherever there is laughter ringing
Someone smiling, someone dreaming
We can live together there
Love will be our home.
Where there are words of kindness spoken
Where a vow is never broken
We can live together there
Love will be our home

Love will, love will be our home
Love will, love will be our home
Love will, love will be our home
Love will, love will be our home

Chorus

Amazing Grace

2007-06-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago that I said goodbye to my dad. He spent the last two months of his life in the hospital. In our hospital, children under 12 are not allowed past the lobby. We had a meeting with the hospital social worker to plan for his transfer to a nursing home. I told her I was glad because the kids had not seen him for two months. Prior to that, he had lived with us for 3 months, so they were really missing him. I am so thankful for the hospital social worker as she arranged for my children to go and see him right then. I remember how he talked with them and smiled at them, and of course, joked with them. They were so excited to see him. That was in the afternnoon, and that evening, I got a call from the hospital that I should come, he was in his final stages, and his breathing was very slow. I cried all the way to the hospital. Mostly because I was so grateful taht God had arranged for a very special, last time memory for my children and my dad. As I entered his room, he looked asleep. He was breathing, very slowly. I grabbed his hand and talked to him. I told him I loved him and we would miss him. I told him to say hi to grandma for me and thank her for teaching me about Jesus at an early age. Then I sang "Amazing Grace", and as I sang the last line of the song, I watched him take his last breath and he was gone. Later, a friend told me "He was a showman to the end . . . he took his final bow at the end of the song." How true . . . how very true. That's my dad.

I know my dad was just hanging out at the hospital until he got to see his grandkids one more time. And I know he waited until I got there to finally go. And how like him to wait until the final line of the song to leave. He was just that stubborn to wait . . . and I am so glad he did.

His service was at the San Joaquin National Cemetary. This is where he wanted to be laid to rest. It was an awesome service.

Thank you to my family and friends for your support, prayers, and love during this time of our lives. We were truly blessed!

Thankful . . . by me

2007-05-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

As I look around my life
I am so Thankful
Especially for the little things
And especially for the big

There is a sound
That rises in my heart
Everyday
That says thank you God
In words I cannot explain

For each day as I look around
And know I am more than blessed
To have a car, and a house
And a place to lay my head
Food to eat, clothes to wear

But my heart sound
Springs forth
In greater song
As I look past all the things I have
And see all the people smiling back at me

My husband
My children
My family
My friends
My neighbors
and even strangers too

My heart springs forth
with such gratitude
At each smile and tear
And voice and talk
And hug and kiss
And just the thought

It must be love
That makes my heart song sing
In ways that I cannot explain

But I know the King
Can hear my heart
I know He hears my song

For the loudest sound
In the song
Is when I think of His love . . .

So take away my bed, my car
My house, my food, and my clothes too
My heart would still sing its song
For I am so extremely blessed
To not only be loved
But to turn and give it away too

Forgive me Lord for worry, fear, and trying to figure things out . . .

2007-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

In other words, or Beth Moore's word's to be exact, we need to quit wishing and whining, and start believing and receiving. Yup . . .

For Jesus promised us . . .

Matthew 21:21-22 "Then Jesus told them, "I assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." .”

We remember, with love . . .

2007-05-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

On today's memorial day, I would like to remember Christel Joy Conley. She went home to be with the Lord one year ago today. I loved Christel; her love changed my life. She could always make me smile with her whistling and always greeted me by clapping my hands. She especially made me smile at church when the worship would start. I loved to watch her clap and raise her hands high and wave them. Often she would stare in a corner, and I just knew, she could see the angels worshipping with us. Christel Joy, we miss you and remember you. I know you are whistling with those angels in heaven . . . and loving it!

Her big sister's site made for her

John 3:29-30

2007-05-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

"The bride will go where the Bridegroom is. A Bridegroom's friend rejoices with Him. I am the bridegroom's friend, and I am filled with joy at His success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. "

You are my very best friend Jesus.

Thank you Jesus . . . Your love never fails!

I have to believe . . .

2007-05-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in church, a friend of mine shared her testimony of the last 9 months of her life. 9 months ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has walked the road of chemotherapy, not working, losing her hair, loneliness, faith, believing, and healing. She shared this song, along with her testimony. I was refreshed with the truth of God, hearing her overcoming testimony. As I listened and prayed, my heart was crying out this song for believing for things in my life, my families life, my friends, and those God has put around me. I share it as encouragement for all of us to not give up, but to believe, becaue He loves us, and HE is faithful.

I have to believe that He sees my darkness
I have to believe that He knows my pain
I have to lift up my hands to worship
Worship His name

I have to declare that He is my refuge
I have to deny that I am alone
I have to lift up my eyes to the mountains
It’s where my help comes from

He said that He’s forever faithful
He said that He’s forever true
He said that He can move mountains
And if He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move Your mountain too

I have to stand tall when the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong when I’m weak and afraid
I have to grab hold, hold of the garments
Garments of praise

I have to sing praise when the hour is midnight
He unlocks the chains that bind up my soul
My sin and my shame, He has forgiven, and made me whole

I have to believe

by Rita Springer

Beautiful . . .

2007-05-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/viewmovie.html

Because His promise is . . .

2007-05-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

In John 16:13-15, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit. What a friend . . . thank you for our helper!

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is Mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me.’" John 16:13-15

Lead me on today Jesus, thank You for guiding my life. Thank You for the truth! May it be the only voice that guides my thoughts, attitudes and actions today. I love You . . .

For Billy . . . I love you

2007-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer . . . because I believe

WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST

You are accepted...
You are God's child ~ John 1:12
You are a friend of Jesus Christ ~ John 15:15
You have been justified ~ Romans 5:1
You are united with the Lord, and are one with Him in spirit ~ 1 Corin. 6:17
You have been bought with a price, and you belong to God ~ 1 Corin. 6:19-20
You are a member of Christ's body ~ 1 Corin. 12:27
You have been chosen by God and adopted as His child ~ Ephesians 1:3-8
You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins ~ Colossians 1:13-14
You are complete in Christ ~ Colossians 2:9-10
You have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ ~ Hebrews 4:14-16
You are secure...
You are free from condemnation ~ Romans 8:1-2
You are assured that God works for my good in all circumstances ~ Romans 8:28
You are free from any condemnation brought against you and you cannot be separated from the love of God ~ Romans 8:31-39
You have been established, anointed, and sealed by God ~ 2 Corin. 1:21-22
You are hidden with Christ in God ~ Colossians 3:1-4
You are confident that God will complete the good work He started in you ~ Philippians 1:6
You are a citizen of Heaven ~ Philippians 3:20
You have not been given the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
You are born of God, and the evil one cannot touch you ~ 1 John 5:18
You are significant...
You are the branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life ~ John 15:5
You have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit ~ John 15:16
You are God's temple ~ 1 Corin. 3:16
You are a minister of reconciliation for God ~ 2 Corin.5:17-21
You are seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm ~ Ephesians 2:6
You are God's workmanship ~ Ephesians 2:10
You may approach God with freedom and confidence ~ Ephesians 3:12
You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you ~ Philippians 4:13

And I'm living just to say, I love You . . .

2007-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

19 years ago, today, I married my very best friend. The theme of our wedding was "Friends For Life", and through the good, the bad, the fun, the ugly . . . we have been and WILL always be friends for life. I cannot imagine living this life with out him, and I look forward to all the many more years ahead of us. Thank you Jesus! Only with You Jesus, have we really lived.

Stronger by Delirious
We're getting stronger everyday We're getting braver in every way
Hallelujah here we come. We're getting stronger everyday
Push through the rains that fall our way Hallelujah here we come.
We're much stronger when we're one Hallelujah here we come.

Oh, I love You from the depths of my heart And nothing here will tear us apart
Everything's beautiful with You Everything's beautiful, when You invade my life
And I'm living just to say that 'I love You'. We're getting closer everyday
Chasing the dreams that heaven gave Hallelujah here we come
We're getting closer everyday Into Your arms I'm here to stay
We're much stronger when we're one Hallelujah here we come

From hopeless to hope . . .

2007-05-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

After reading the newspaper this morning, my heart was very sad. At first I was sick to my stomach, then my heart wanted to just weep. There was a story about a person I had known. As I stare at his face, I pictured him, not as an evil person, but I saw an innocent little boy. At some point in his life, he was a little boy. My heart goes out to his mother . . . Who I was looking at in this picture was not who God created him to be. And so I asked God, where is the hope? Will we just write him off as the bad person. I know he will be suffering the consequences of his actions, as he should. But he is still a person. Will we believe for Him? Will we believe for those like him? How about our own children?

For your word says in Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

So if you are the same today as yesterday, then I believe this for today - Matthew 4:23-24 "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them."

For every hopeless situation or person, today Lord, will you raise the banner of Hope in our hearts, to cry out for healing of every disease, sickness, pain, demon-possession, and illness! Forgive me for my unbelief Lord . . . I am full of hope today only because of You! On my own strength and my own mind, everything is hopeless. All hope lies in You and You alone. You are our Miracle Maker!

There must be more . . .

2007-04-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

An encouraging word from Francis Fangipane

And I pray "Lord, forgive me for seeking a safe life instead of a supernatural life. I want more of You. Call me out of the boat of my familiar, predictable world. Master, for the sake of reaching the lost, increase my faith until I am standing with You on the water of divine potential. In Jesus' name, Amen." by Francis Frangipane

God's gifts . . .

2007-04-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

What a great joy it is to watch the gifts of God being unwrapped in one's children!
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, . . . "

A beautiful sound . . .

Jesus, help us . . .

2007-04-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved in the shootings at Virginia Tech University this week. May God bring comfort and healing to your hearts, as only He can.

Memorial

Standing strong . . .

2007-04-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

This morning as I awake, I am struck, blow by blow, over and over again, by every lie from that the pit of hell wants to throw at me and believe. As I felt myself get mad, then sad, then begin to bend over and lay down, as if defeated, I heard this, louder than anything -

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then . . ." Ephesians 6:13-14

And so, (after about 20 minutes) I JUMPED off the floor, and screamed NO WAY am I going to be knocked down today! I prayed the armor of God on me, and asked for forgiveness from God for opening my mind to the belief in any of the accusers lies, and declared that I am covered in the blood of the lamb.

If YOU are feeling bent over and knocked down today, know that true strength and true victory is only a prayer away. For the promise of our God is - "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; . . ." Revelations 12:10-11

If you know Jesus, YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER!

If you haven't met my very best friend Jesus yet, go here

Today I sing two songs. As I sing them, I sing them as a declaration over my life, my families life, and my home.

I'm Still Standing by Elton John

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah
I'm still standing yeah yeah

Stronger by Delirious

We're getting stronger everyday
We're getting braver in every way
Hallelujah here we come.
We're getting stronger everyday
Push through the rains that fall our way
Hallelujah here we come.
We're much stronger when we're one
Hallelujah here we come.

Oh, I love You from the depths of my heart
And nothing here will tear us apart
Everything's beautiful with You
Everything's beautiful, when You invade my life
And I'm living just to say that 'I love You'.

We're getting closer everyday
Chasing the dreams that heaven gave
Hallelujah here we come
We're getting closer everyday
Into Your arms I'm here to stay
We're much stronger when we're one
Hallelujah here we come.

Trust in the Lord . . .

2007-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, God did a mighty thing. He removed heavy yokes from my life that I hadn't even realized were there. Thank you God for freeing me from the heavy yokes of failure, guilt, and fear. Every place where I had opened the door in agreeent with the lies of the accuser were removed by Your mighty hand! Yesterday You also told me to look forward, look forward, look forward, and leave the past in the past.

So, today as I look forward, not back, I ponder the many areas before me. Questions, questions, questions . . . so many of them. Will Tim's job change next year? Will he teach summer school? Should he teach summer school? What will we do for homeshcool? What will this summer look like? Should we put our backyard in? Where do you see our lives for you God? And many many more . . .

As I look and ask, there is only one who can answer these questions . . . Jehovah himself!

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified)

Today Lord, forgive me for trying to figure things out. Forgive me for carrying the weight of guilt, failure, and fear for the past few months. Today I wait patiently for You, and You alone.

I trust YOU!

And I LOVE YOU JESUS!

Miracles . . .

2007-04-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

I saw a miracle this week. As I sat among my family, and looked around the room, God gently whispered to me, "Look at my beloved children. You know the places and adversity each life has faced. Look at them. Look at yourself. Each one, each one of my beloved children, miracles!" And as I looked around, a great sense of awe in God overcame me as I knew what He meant. We are miracles, overcomers . . . in the hands of our God. Thank You Jesus!

"I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:12-14

Seen any miracles lately? Look around . . . small and big, they are abundant! Look for God's display of power among the peoples today! You will see Him if you look . . .

" . . . and those who seek Me find Me." Proverbs 8:17b

Promise . . .

2007-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

I believe today for the promise of God. He says " I will . . . " and today, I believe. For the brokenhearted and hurting . . . I believe. Nothing I can do will save someone or fix someone, but as I look around my life today, the loved ones surrounding me . . . I believe for every promise in God's word over our lives.

Isaiah 42:16
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

There is so much more of You God, but today, I believe you . . .

Hope . . .

2007-03-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today, Lord, I am in need of hope. So many situations around me look hopeless. I woke up today with the weight of worry on my shoulders. I worry about the living situations of my pregnant friend who is bi-polar and on no medication right now: I worry also for her unborn baby. I worry for the man at church who had a stroke, and they cannot stop the bleeding in his brain. I worry about his wonderful wife too. I worry that I hear you right and I make the right decisions in my life. But . . . I know You tell me not to worry Lord, so right now, I place these weights and worries at Your feet.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, " Peter 1:3

JESUS IS our LIVING HOPE!
Our hope is not for someday, far away in eternity,
it is a HOPE for the LIVING for TODAY!

Forgive me Jesus for my unbelief.

I stand in belief and prayer for myself and every one of my family and friends who today, are facing hard, hurtful, fearful, and unbelievable things.

We look past the impossible to believe God for the POSSIBLE!

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

The view from my beach chair . . .

2007-03-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a small glimpse of my beautiful weekend away. With the sound of the oceans roar behind me, I actually had a moment all to myself (which is rare with three small children). Good thing I packed my pencils and pad at the last minute. Not great by any means, but FUN for me as I realized once again how much I love to draw.

A refreshing ocean breeze . . .

2007-03-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had been given a wonderful gift of a trip to the coast with my friend. I love the coast because it holds many, many great memories from my life of fun times spent with my family and friends. But even more than that, to just sit and gaze upon the greatness of the ocean makes me even more in awe of God.

To try to imagine with my eyes the great expanse of the sea, my mind cannot fathom. I look and look, and soon I realize how small I really am, and how great and mighty is our God. To watch the waves break, I am reassured of His love. To look upon the sand is to stand in amazement that He knows the number of grains of sand. And to watch the sunrise, and the sunset, day after day, is to know that God is faithful; He never changes; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As I am caught in the moment of the greatness of God, how He is so mighty, yet knows every part of the smallest corner of my heart, I fall in love with Him all over again.

He knows me, really knows me. And, He loves me . . . more than I can even imagine.

And the same is true, not just for me, but all of us!

The God who made the vast expanse of the sea, and also knows the number of hairs on your head, longs for an intimate friendship with you! He sees you, He knows you, He made you, and best of all, HE LOVES YOU!

Do you hear Him today, calling your name . . . lovingly, over and over again.

Run to Him today, His arms are open wide, waiting for you . . . with a smile on His face.

What's in a name?

2007-03-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

As a family, and in homeschool, we are studying the names of God. I have been changed as I come face to face daily with knowing that God IS who He says He is. Today we learned about Jehovah-Ahavah, "God Is Love".

"It is God’s nature to love (1 John 4:16). He keeps His covenant of love for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 7:9). In Love, God reveals Himself to us and seeks fellowship with us. Love is a basic attribute of God’s nature. He is the perfect expression of true love.
“In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9 "
from the book 'I AM: Inheriting the Fullness of God's Names' by John Paul Jackson

Knowing that God is the perfect expression of true love; then I believe You God, Jehovah-Ahavah, and I ask You today to come and ravish my heart with Your passionate love. Replace my heart with Your heart, so I may love like You love. Replace my eyes with Your eyes, Jesus, so I can see others as You do.

The greatest thing you'll ever learn Is to love and be loved in return. ~ From "Unforgettable with Love" by Natalie Cole

Increase my faith . . .

2007-03-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege of attending a Lamaze class with a single friend of mine who is having a baby in June. That's me, the labor coach. It is our third class, and last night we watched the birthing video. I am so overwhelmed and amazed all over again at how wonderful our Creator is. He designed everything so perfectly . . . birth IS a miracle. And then I am left wondering with all the whys? Why God do you allow some people to have children, and leave some women barren? Why God do you allow children to be born in severe poverty, and leave well-to-do families childless? Why God does thing called abortion exist when there are endless numbers of couples waiting with open arms for a child to love? Why God . . . my mind cannot understand. Today Lord, my heart breaks for the unborn. Will they make it to birth? Will they survive the birth process? Will they have a safe and loving home once they get here? Lord, increase my faith today, because even when I can't understand . . . my heart always trusts You. You are Jehovah, Elohim, El Shaddai . . . Almighty God, Our Creator . . .the I AM. Forgive me Lord, for my unbelief.

Encouragement I received for today . . .

2007-03-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

I thank you Lord today for those that you have placed in and around my life. We all need each other . . . forgive me Lord for the times when I think I can do it on my own. I was greatly encouraged by this word from John Paul Jackson.
_________________________________

Out of all the prophetic men and women in Scripture, only two are described as being gifted to understand dreams and visions: Daniel and Joseph. There are many prophetic people in the Bible, but only two who were gifted like this. In other words, we shouldn't be shocked or downhearted when we don't understand all of our dreams, visions or experiences. All of us aren't going to understand our dark knowings, the deep things the Lord has called us to do--the deep things He has told us about. We have to depend on other people to help us.

You Will Always Need Other People

As simple as it sounds, this creates incredible tension. We have a gift--we're supposed to be the ones with the revelation! If we depend on others, what if they see us as weak? Well, I'm the one with the gift, we think. If I don't know, who's gonna know? Yet we often don't know, and the not knowing forces us to go one way or the other: We can choose God and His "family plan," or we can choose to become orphans who have to survive on our own. We are part of the body, and we cannot exist solo, no matter how gifted we are.

Walking in Faith

God will make us walk through life in faith so that we can understand how other people walk through life in faith. Walking in faith involves believing that what God has said about us is true. It means we take Him at His word--which takes a lot of courage, depending on our personality type and our fears. We accept the fact that He did not create us to be loners who know everything. In fact, even though we can prophetically see for others, often we can't see worth a flip for ourselves. If we didn't have to walk in faith, we would have absolutely no comprehension or understanding of the divine dynamic tension that everybody else has to walk under. In essence, God tells us, "I'm going to let you see for everybody else but you. Very seldom will I let you see for yourself. I am going to have others come to you and tell you, 'This is what's going to happen,' so that you have to walk by faith just like they do. You will know, then, how it feels when you go and tell that to them."

All of Us Equal

As we go through this maturing process, we realize that comforting others as we ourselves have been comforted (2 Corinthians 1:4) doesn't just apply to helping others through their pain. It is also a general statement of how God created us to live with one another whether there's pain involved or not. We are not separate from one another. What one goes through, we all experience; and so, we learn to live in deep compassion and humility, realizing that God created all of us as the apple of His eye. All of us are equal in His sight, even if one gifting seems to be spotlighted more than another. His affection does not pertain to gifting. It does not pertain to accomplishments. It pertains to His heart. He has chosen us to be recipients of His compassion. When we realize this, loving people becomes a little easier. Their destiny is just as important as ours, and we cannot make it to ours if they cannot make it to theirs.

by John Paul Jackson
Streams Ministries

Life . . .

2007-03-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

True life, as I have discovered, is found only in Jesus. And there is where I shall dwell . . . because in that place I find all I need to not just survive, but to REALLY live.

Hebrews 8:35 -39 says "Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . .”No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Got Life?