Happy New Year everyone! God bless you!

Good advice to all for 2013!

The story never ends!

God loved us enough to come to earth as a human.  To be with us.  To prove that He always keeps His promises.  To give us eternal life.  To have an intimate relationship with us forever.  To show us that no matter how dark our world becomes, His Light can never be put out.  That's why it's not enough to celebrate His birth only with Christmas lights and decorated trees.  We must also celebrate it with His love.  For His love lives on forever in those who love Him enough to share it with others.  In that way the story never ends.

(From The Miracle of Christmas by Stormie Omartian.  A very good book of inspirational stories to read through the Advent season.)

My Prayer to God (from "The Miracle of Christmas" by Stormie Omartian

Lord, I thank You that into the deep engulfing darkness of this world You have come as a light that can never grow dim.  All the world has to offer doesn't hold a candle to the light of your presence.  You are a radiant fire that illuminates the shadows of our souls and warms the coldness of our hearts.  Just like the Wise Men who followed Your light to find You, I, too, have followed Your light and found You.  Now, because I believe in You, Your light dwells within me forever.  I have found the way of truth, and my darkness will never be the same.  Thank You, Lord, that You can be found by those who seek You.  Thank You that those who follow You will never walk in darkness.

In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.


God's Promise to Me:

I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.  --Jonn 8:12

Our 6th and final celebration!

This documentary was so good.  It pointed out lots of things from Matthew 2 that I hadn't realized was even there.  9 clues that the Star of Bethlehem was a real event!  Very interesting.  Very inspiring.  Very informative. 

We had dinner first.  I made chili dogs from a recipe in my trusty cook book.  Linda brought the potato chips (which I forgot to put out, so they didn't get eaten.  Sorry, Linda), and Susan brought orange jello.  We finished off the pie from our Christmas dinner.  Susan, Linda, Jeremy, Dad and I were here.  It was good to see Jeremy show up. 

Karen called while we were eating and cleaning up.  She sounds so sick. 

We prayed for Janet for her birthday.  And all the rest of the Eve's on the planet, too!

Then Jeremy went to see what his friends are doing, and Dad went downstairs to watch football, and Susan, Linda and I watched a movie.

Susan had to be home by 7:00 so Jean could go to mass, and Linda had to go, too, since Dad gave them a ride home.  Jeremy took the car they came in.

If you did not get a chance to watch these DVD's, I highly recomment that you try to watch them sometime when ever you can.  They surely are worth the time you spend with them.  We all did enjoy this time together with each other - and with you!  This was our last one. 

"The Star of Bethlehem"

Sunday is Janet's birthday!  And it is our 6th - and final - time to get together and ponder the greatness and majesty and miracle of the birth of Jesus.  This film is "The Star of Bethlehem" by presenter Rick Larson, from the producer of "The Passion of the Christ" - Stephen McEveety.  I previewed it today, and it is really an interesting, amazing and thought-provoking documentary about the actual star that led the Magi to the Christ child in Bethlehem.  Is it possible that the star was a real, astronomical event?  This presentation, as seen by tens of thousands in the U.S. and in Europe, explores the exciting truth of scripture and reveals the eveidence for God's existence as seen in the stars above.  Discover the secret of the Star - - a secret of magnificent beauty . . . www.bethlehemstarmovie.com

See you Sunday!  Hope you can see this one.

Our celebration tonight

We had a great time today at our advent celebration family time.  Susan and Linda and Dad and I were here.  Was anyone else with us today? 

The DVD was so good.  Louie is a great preacher.  He told us about the Christmas Story from Luke, chapter 2, in a way I've never heard it before.  If you didn't get a chance to see it today, you could go to google and google it in and watch it on the internet anytime. 

We ate dinner first.  I made meatloaf with a recipe from my cook book I've been having so much fun with.  Also some creamed potatoes with peas, and a raspberry salad.  Susan brought cookies.  Linda brought rolls and carrots.  Everything was so delicious. 

Then we watched the movie "Faith Like Potatoes".  It was quite good, too. 

Next week we will have our final celebration.  This one will be "The Star of Bethlehem".  Very appropriate for after the birth of Christ.  It is a documentary on the Star.  Very interesting.  You can find that on the internet, too. 

Linda and Dad are at the airport right now picking up Jade and Jeremy.  It will be so good to see them.  I am sick, so Dad wouldn't let me go.  It is too cold outside - only 4 degrees!  Brrrr.  I'm on my way to bed.  G'nite everyone.  Sweet dreams.

Oh - and be sure we keep praying for Tammy and Terry.  And Karen texted Chuck to tell him she couldn't talk 'cuz she's sick, too.  Please pray for her.  She will be going to Bev's for Christmas if she can feel good.  The roads are very nasty to get here for Christmas.  And she only gets tomorrow afternoon (Christmas Eve) until Christmas day at 5:00 off.  Not enough time to come here, anyway.  I'm so thankful that Bev has invited to her join them.  So nice of you, Bev!

Soldier Brian - Staff Sargeant in the 1st Infantry Division - the Big Red One.

Brian in Iraq.  Did you all go look at "Friends of the First ID Band" blog?  You have to click on the arrow on the bottom of the list of titles of the blogs and there it is!    Thank you, Brian, for defending our countries rights and liberties, and being a part of defending America and democracies throughout the world.  We are proud of you.

Our next Advent celebration - Sunday, Dec 23

This week's film - "The Twelve Words of Christmas" - Louie Giglio - is so good.  I do hope all of you can find it on the internet.  Or at the store.  I may have given some of you this one, so go look in your DVD library, too.  The scripture for it is the Christmas Story in the bible - whatever book you want to read it from.  Pot-luck.  discussion.  Post comment on here when you are done.  Even if you haven't been able to see any of the previous DVD's, watch this one.  It's about an hour.

See you Sunday!

P. S.  Did you all receive the prizes I sent you?  What did you think?

Brian's blog

Look to the side panel and find Brian and click on it.  It's quite interesting.  Good pictures.  Thanks, Brian.  And Bev is on there, too.  I wish we could hear from Bev sometimes on here.    Anyway, go read those and all of the ones on the side panel, if you want to.

Advent Celebration #3 - Dec 16, 2012

What a wonderful afternoon and evening it was today.  First we ate.  I made a turkey.  It was delicious.  Linda brought mashed potatoes and cookies.  I also made some sweet potatoes.  And I made a peach bavarian.  I found this recipe in my recipe book and it was really good!

Then we watched the part 2 Louie Giglio film "HOPE - When Life Hurts Most".  It was very timely with what has happened this week in the school in Connecticut.  Very consoling.  Louie is good.  Dad thought it was the best one yet! 

Then we drew the names for the prizes.  I will be mailing them out tomorrow. 

Thanks for participating, all who did.  Four down and two to go!  Next week is "The Twelve Words of Christmas" - Louie Giglio.

Advent celebration #2

This film was so good - "How Great is Our God".  Very powerful teachings on life and the universe and the miracles we are - There surely is a God.  An awesome God!  I love lamenin!

We enjoyed a meal of corn chowder and bisquits and chicken and chocolate cupcakes.  Very good.  I took some pictures to post of us enjoying the cupcakes - Susan requested that we do that.  Now I can't figure out how to get the pictures onto the computer so I can put them on here.  Somehow I'll do it, just give me a day or two.

We discussed the film and then we watched the movies "Analyze That",  and a movie called something Moon.  (I can't remember the name of it!)  The last one was such a good movie.  Linda brought it home from Minnesota.

All in all it was a great time and a good celebration. 

Next time our film will be "Hope" - Louie Giglio again.

First Advent Celebration

Did any of the Hanson's get to participate in the 1st one?  If so, or if not, go to my blog and post your feelings and thoughts about it.  And read other's comments, I hope.  At least I have one on there!  http://momsblog-lonnie.blogspot.com/

This was our Advent celebration - 1st one

We were going to gather at 3:00.  Linda and Susan showed up at 2:00.  Linda thought it was 3:00.  Her clock was wrong.  But, oh well - we got an extra hour of time with them!

Our dinner turned out so good - after we got it all done and started the meal.  Linda brought a Papa Murphy's pizza called Cowboy Pizza.  It was delicious!  She cooked it in our basement oven, as I was getting my corn casserole ready to cook in the upstairs oven and they were different temperatures.  She put hers in and I put mine in and we had the pizza as an hors deuvre before the main meal.  Dad brought Chicken Cordon Bleu, which he put in the downstairs oven after Linda's pizza came out of the oven.  Susan brought her famous brownies.  Yummy.  She was wishing we had thought to get the camera out so we could have taken a picture of everyone eating her brownies and enjoying them so much!  And then put that picture on here.  Next time.  I made the corn pudding casserole.  If you want the recipe I'll post it.  And Dad's recipe for the Coron Bleu, too.  The dinner was very good, and we had all we needed and wanted.  Worked out good for not knowing what the other person was bringing!

After that we read some of the scriptures that were mentioned in the film.  I knew what they were because I previewed the film first.  I meant to post those on here, so everyone could pre-read them, too.  They came alive when we watched the film.  And after you watch it, they would still be very meaningful scriptures to read.  Here they are (late better than never, right?):  For the film titled "Indescribable" -

• How do we know God is indescribable:  Psalm 19:1-2
• We can't fully comprehend how vast and powerful God is.  Psalm 33:6 . . . That is pretty amazing when you think that light travels at the speed of 186,000 miles per second.
• Nothing can truly compare with the unrivaled supremacy of God.  Isaiah 40:25-26
• Psalm 8:4-5    We are significant insignificance.
• Philippians 2:5-8  The Creator of our indescribable universe came to live on our little planet.  Why?
• Astronomical grace - the sacrificial gift of His son, Jesus.  How do you react to psalm 103:8-10

If you can - either before or after you view the film - read these scriptures and ponder them for a little bit.  What are your thoughts about the indescribable God, our Creator, our Savior - as you watched the film?

I thought the film truly is indescribable.  How can we, in our human minds describe a God who is so big, who has everything in His hands.  How can I ever understand His undying love for me, little ol' me? 

I loved the ending of it when Louie showed the picture of the cross in the middle of the galaxy!  Indescribable.  That whole film is amazing. 

We ended with prayer.  We prayed for you!

And then we had popcorn while we watched the movie "Analyze This". 

How was your first Advent celebration?

Next week we'll have the film "How Great is Our God".  I sure do hope you all can find these films somewhere and have a blessed Advent with us!

Next Sunday - 3:00 P.M. - Hope to see you here! 

I'll post the scriptures for How Great Is Our God so you can all read them ahead of time.  If you own the DVD they are in the case of your DVD - in the discussion questions.

This is the post I wanted to put here, instead of the one I had Debbie post for me. Thanks, Debbie, I think I have this figured out.

godtube@godtubemail.com

We are the sheep, He is the Shepherd

Mom asked me to post this for her - it's great!  Take a look!


http://tndickersondiaries.blogspot.com/2011/02/and-we-think-were-so-smart.html

Promise # 22

John 14:1-3

HEAVEN!
Claim what is yours!  Remember who you are and what you have.

Promise # 21

John 10: 27-30

Eternal Security "Absent from the body, Present with the Lord"

Promise #20

Romans 8: 38-39

Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love

2 Corinthians 5:15-18

I came across this wonderful scripture tonight as I was reading my bible - after a hard day.  I'm not feeling too well, today.  Have a lot of pain.  And the news of the day is so hard to watch.  Then this:

(I am writing it in first tense, or the "I", instead of the "we" it is written in - I personalized it.  For you, too)

"The grace of God that is being given to more and more people will bring increasing thanks to God for His glory.

So I do not give up.  My physical body is becoming older and weaker, but my spirit inside me is made new every day.  I have small troubles for awhile now, but they are helping me gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles.  I set my eyes not on what I see but on what I cannot see.  What I see will last only a short time, but what I cannot see will last forever."

Wow This has given me such encouragement!  I will read it often.  Does it encourage you, too?

Promise # 19

Psalm 103: 1-3  Healing in Time of Sickness

God fights on behalf of His children

Psalm 35:22 and 23 says: "Lord, you have been watching.  Do not keep quiet.  Lord, do not leave me alone.  Wake up!  Come and defend me!  My God and Lord, fight for me!"

As I was praying today about the battles in my life, I had such a revelation of "God fighting on behalf of His children".  I wrote down what He said to me and I know it is for all of us:  (As I wrote, more came and when I re-read it, here is what God said to us):

You feel unsafe and unsure.

You don't like to be alone.

You're frightened, and fear limits the joy you experience in your life.  You feel trapped in a useless and scarey place.  What are you afraid of?  Pain?  Rejection?  Are you afraid of making a mistake?  Of getting hurt?  Of getting a horrible disease?

. . . Did you know I am never afraid, worried, anxious or never driven with terror?  Did you know that your Lord is at peace - always?  Did you know my Spirit - the same as in Me - lives in you?

I have built a wall of protection around you so that the invisible dragons of the night will not harm you . . .

I save you from the troubles and dangers of the daytime.  I am for you.  Who can be against you?

But you worry.

You worry because of past experiences when you were hurt.  You are afraid to be hurt agin.  You are afraid I won't keep my word.  You are afraid I don't care about you.  But I do care.  Every hair on your head is numbered.

. . . See Me surrounding you and keeping you from evil.  See Me bringing you up out of a horrible pit, lifting you gently out of the quicksand of fear and worry.  See yourself completely safe, with your feet upon a rock, established in the ways of God."

Isn't  this encouraging?  Isn't it beautiful?  When you face battles in your life write them in a prayer journal.  Wait on the Lord and watch him fight the battles for you and then record his victory in your journal.  This will build your faith.

I am reading and re-reading the book I gave all of you - "Healing Where You Hurt - On The Inside".  It is so good, and a lot of this word from God written above was what I had heard and read in this book.  Are you reading yours?  I was wondering if you weren't interested in it and did not plan to read it, if you could return it to me.  I could give the book to another person.  But, mostly, I want you to read yours.  I know it can be helpful to each of us.  It's the best book I've read on the subject. 

Promise #18

Psalm 32:8

God promises direction for our life.

Promise #17

Psalm 46:1-3

God gives us help in times of trouble.

Hey Debbie!  Where is the next promise?  There are 5 or six more.  I keep looking for them.  Get with it, girl! 

2 Corinthians 13

Read this chapter.  Very good one.  I like verse 5:  "Examine yourselves to make sure you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is really in you?  (Or, as in the book of Romans states it - "Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord?"  My own insert here).  If not, you have failed the test." 

And the conclusion of the letter:  Verses 11-13:
"In the meantime, brothers and sisters, we wish you happiness; try to grow perfect; help one another.  Be united; live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
   Greet one another with the holy kiss. 
   The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Psalm 33

I've been immersed in prayer this morning.  Loving God's precious gems in His Word.  He led me to Psalm 33 today.  Please read it, too.  Meditate.  Ask God's Holy Spirit to reveal what HE wants you to understand from this Psalm.  I was especially drawn to verse 12:

"Happy the nation whose God is Yahweh".  Happy and Blessed are the same word.  We have been such a blessed nation, and will continue to be as long as we seek God and know HE IS LORD!!!! 

Reading on in verse 16:  "A large army will not keep a king safe,
nor does the hero escape by his great strength;
It is delusion to rely on the horse for safety,
for all its power, it cannot save."  Continue reading, and then in verses 20-22:

"Our soul awaits Yahweh,
HE is our help and shield;
our hearts rejoice in HIM,
we trust in HIS HOLY NAME. (Yahweh, or Jesus)
Yahweh, let your love rest on us
as our hope has rested in YOU."

JESUS IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.  HE ALONE IS OUR HOPE.  HE IS OUR HELP AND SHIELD FROM HARM AND THE EVIL ONE.  We rejoice in HIM.  Praise God!

Promise #16

Psalm 37:4

He Gives Us the Desires of Our Heart

a project for all of us!

How about if we all read Ecclesiaasticus (NOT  ECCLESIASTES).  THIS BOOK IS ONLY IN THE CATHOLIC VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE.  As you read it, jot down verses that jump out at you and are interesting to you.  There is so much in that book and it would be a great excercise for us to do.  Hope you can find a Catholic Bible.  A few examples that I know of are:  The Jeruselum (This is the bible I use most of the time), The New American, The Way - the blue one is the Catholic version.  You can look in your bible and see if you have ECCLESIASTICUS, then you know you have the Catholic version.  Remember it's not Ecclesiastes - that is in all the bibles.  I wonder why they didn't include . . . . . . ticus in all the bibles?  It's such a good book.  I love reading it.  In the page before the book starts my bible says of ECCLESIASTES that the name means 'the Preacher'.  ECCLESIASTICUS means 'the wisdom of Ben Sirach'.  Also it is called 'the churches book.'  The church adopted it, the synagogue did not.

So, let's begin.  Dig into it and find some treasures to post here.  Tell us also why that particular verse or verses was meaningful to you.  We can learn lots!

Promise #15

Psalm 92:12-15

We Can be Strong and Faithful in Old Age

Promise #14

Philippians 4:4-7

He Gives Us Peace

Promise #13

Matthew 11:28-30

He Gives Us Rest

Promise #12

James 1:5

He Grants Us Wisdom

Promise #11

1 Corinthians 10:13

He puts a limitation on our trials.

Promise #10

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

He Comforts Us When We Are Troubled

Praying for government leaders - by Don Nori

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice . . . (proverbs 29:2)

Lord, You have the ultimate authority; you Are the ultimate authority.  You are high above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

I pray for the leaders of our country.  They need Your help, Lord!  You've said in Your Word that if anyone lacks wisdom, all they need to do is ask; and You said there is safety in a multitude of counselors.  So, I pray that every person in any position of authority will be led by Your Spirit.  Give them wise counsel and wise counselors.  Give them divine guidance.  Help them to understand the times we are living in and show them the right course to take.

Put a hedge of protection around every leader and their family.  Bless them, Lord!  Bless them with peace, prosperity and an inner confidence that You are in control.  Amen.

"There should be prayers offered for everyone -- petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving -- and especially for 'the president', kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet.  To do this is right, and will please God our savior." (1Timothy 2:1,2)
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Let's all try to pray this prayer from the scriptures daily - or whatever prayer you choose to pray.  Pray for the president and those in authority.  As you pray or during your day, when you think of something or someone in authority who needs God's help, pray for that.  Just a word or two will do. 

Read Isaiah 58 with our nation and our leaders in mind.  Maybe you would want to share what you see there that pertains to our government and it's needs. 

Psalm 33

Psalm 33 is so full of everything and many different subjects. Read it and share here what verse or verses jumped out at you.

I love verse 12 tonight. "Happy the nation whose God is the Lord". (Happy and blessed are the same word. I see this as Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. There are so many passages in the bible that speak of God blessing nations when they honor Him. America has always honored God, and we were founded on the principles of God, and we need to stay with Him as Lord of our country if we want to continue in His blessings.)

Promise #9

Psalm 68:19

The Lord Daily Bears our Burden

Promise #8

Psalm 84:11

He will not withhold any good thing.

Promise #7

1 John 5:14-15

Answered Prayer
(Claim for yourself what God has clearly promised.)

Promise #6

Matthew 6:25;  31-32

He will meet our daily needs.

Promise # 5

Isaiah 41:9-10

His Strength

From my journal - April 17, 2011

Ephesians 1:16-23:  (a prayer for you)

"I have never failed to remember you in my prayers and to thank God for you.  May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him.  May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints (you) will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers."

I copied this prayer right out of Ephesians.  It is my prayer for all of you.  Could you pray it for me, too?

What I wanted to post here from my Journal is this - read it and see it as a word from God to us!  :

"My child, believe on the promises in my word - they are life for you - a life you cannot even begin to know from here on earth.  Believe and keep going towards that goal.  Never take your eyes off that promise.  Believe!  It is the only purpose in life here.  Keep your eyes on Jesus - He leads the way, you follow!  Take a stand against sin around you - even though you will suffer for it.  Remember, Jesus died for that sin.  Build your faith, and your faith will see you through."

Read Hebrews 12:1-4

In this word from God that I posted above, what do you think He is talking about when He says  "never take your eyes off that promise."?  And "It is the only purpose in life here."? 

Where's promise #6.???

Debbie - where are you?  Maybe Michelle will post it today.  It's Tuesday.  I love following these promises and scriptures.  It's a fun study and time with God.  Keep 'em coming!

Where's promise #5? It's Monday.

Promise #4

John 14:16

We have the Holy Spirit

Promise #3

Hebrews 13:5

His Continued Presence in our Life

Another word from my journal - dated April 10, ?

God speaks to us:

You are my people.  You are my bride.  (Rev 22:17).  You are my beloved.  I have given you a special token of my love for you - for I have sealed you with my Holy Spirit - and you are mine - you shall be my crowning glory on that day when I call you to Myself.  You are - each one of you - a beautiful, brilliant, special jewell for my crown.

For I will be KING OF KINGS - I will reign over all Kings, nations and peoples.  Yes - I will be ruler over all the earth.   You shall have a special place of honor for you are my prized possessions.  As it is written:  You have shared in my suffering, and you shall - on that day - share in my glory.

Rejoice now, that you have been chosen.  I have picked you and counted you worthy to suffer for my sake.  We share one common destiny, and we walk one single path.  At this time, there may be sorrow, pain and suffering in your path, but rejoice, for you will see the glory of God. 

Do as Paul:  Rejoice in the midst of your suffering and tears, for you know these things in that glorious day shall bring exceedingly greater joy than any thing you can know or imagine in the present, for I will reign as King of all the earth!

"When you see these things begin to happen, look up and rejoice for your redemption draweth nigh".

Promise #2

1 John 1:9

Daily Forgiveness of Sins

Promise #1

Romans 5:6-11
Reconciled to God Through Christ

Suggestion:  Read each verse and meditate on it, asking the Lord to tell you what He wants you to hear. 
If you want to watch the entire program of Dr. Charles Stanley, go to InTouch.org, and cllick on "watch video".  This was his sermon this week - The Promises of God part 2; God's Precious Promises.

Luke 12:22-32 We are worth more than the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields!"

Set your hearts on His kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. 


Read Luke Chapter 12 verses 22-32. And Matthew 6:25-34. I had received this message from these texts:

"Be not afraid, o my child, rest in me - yes - be quiet before me now and settle down in my care, as a bird settles down in his nest.  For I am watching over you, I love you, and I WILL care for you.

There is no danger that I am unable to turn, there is no enemy too strong for me to handle.  I am able to carry out all my purposes, and to care for you at the same time.

Be not afraid - nor allow fear to strike.  My power is at your disposal.  Call upon my name, my presence is all around, and nothing can harm you as long as you are in my care, and that is FOREVER!"

Psalm 37:3 - 7

(From my Jeruselum Bible):

Psalm 37:3 - "Trust in Yahweh and do what is good . . . "
               4 - "Make Yahweh your only joy and He will give you what your heart desires."
                5 - "Commit your fate to Yahweh, trust in Him and He will act . . . "
                7 - "Be quiet before Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him . . . ."
I meditated on these verses and then I continued, and this was where God led me - His wonderful promises!:
                23 - "Yahweh guides my steps, they are sure, and He takes pleasure in His progress;"  (Meaning spiritually to me)
                24 - "You may fall, but never fatally, since Yahweh supports you by the hand"  ( I immediately thought tof when I fell at Penney's.  It was such a miracle that I didn't break bones, or have worse head injuries than I did have.  But, I also thought of the spiritual aspect of this verse.  Even if I should make mistakes, if I fail in my walk with God, it won't be fatal.)  Since He supports me by the hand.
                26 - "Now I am old, but ever since my youth, I never saw a virtuous person deserted, or
his descendants forced to beg their bread; he is always compassionate, always lending: his children will be blessed."
                39, 40 - "The salvation of the virtuous comes from Yahweh, He is their shelter when trouble comes;  Yahweh helps and rescues them, He saves them because they take shelter in Him."

Isn't this just amazing?  God was speaking to me - and he's speaking to you, too -  through these scriptures - Such wonderful promises.  Vs 7 - "Be quiet before Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him . . . "  He never lets us down, does He?

Read the whole psalm and listen for God to speak to you in it.  He will!  Share it with us here, if you want to.

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From my journal:

The devil's purpose is destruction, but prayer changes that.  Look around you - do you see that old devil at work trying to destroy what we have:  Our freedoms, our churches, our families, our finances, our selves.  But no need to worry.  Jesus has saved us from the devil and all His evil ways.  Jesus has saved us from destruction.  Jesus is our shelter when trouble comes.  We can abide in the shelter of His wings!  What a promise!  What a hope! 

And then He spoke further to me to us - "Pray, my people.  Pray.  Pray for all nations of this world, pray for America, pray for your cities and states.  Pray for your families, your parishes.  Pray for yourselves.  Pray as I prompt you.  There are many, many prayer warriors in my army.  You are among them.  I have my troops posted in many positions all over the world, and as I need them, I prompt them  - I prompt you to go into the battle as my prayer warriors.  Pray.  Pray.  Pray!"

And I know we will know the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  He will prompt us.  He will lead our prayers.  He will lead us into action to DO what we can to change our world and our circumstances.  We just have to be still and wait for Him, wait for Him to lead us.  Pray!

"My Glory, the Lifter of My Head" - Ps. 3:4

From the Jeruselum Bible this is what it says:  (verses 3 and 4)

But, Yahweh, my encircling shield,
my glory, you help me hold up my head.
Loudly I cry to Yahweh,
and He answers me from His holy mountain.

From the New American Bible it say: (verse 4)

But you, O Lord, are my shield;
my glory, you lift up my head!

The whole of Psalm 3 is such an encouraging psalm.  I look at it as the great spiritual battles we go through all the time.  All these demons and bad thoughts and self-condemnation thoughts, etc., come at us all the time.  They say - in some way or another - "You are no good.  There is no salvation for you.  Nothing can help you!"  BUT ----- "You, O Lord, are my shield" - we just need to recognize God there shielding us from all that comes against us.  He is shielding us.  Nothing can touch us in HIM.  "my glory".  MY GLORY!  I had a hard time grasping this one.  How can my Lord be MY glory?  So, I went to the Webster dictionary.  Some of the meanings of the word are listed there:  Distinguished honor or praise; exalted reputation..  The glory of heaven; bliss.  Extreme well-being, prosperity,  etc. - to be in one's glory.  To rejoice proudly or triumphantly; take pride with in.  Isn't this exciting?  He brings us into glory!  Into a place of honor  and our reputations is exalted!  We can have well-being, prosperity,  and all that we need!  Instead of complaining and feeling bad, we can boast, take pride within our being because we KNOW that our Lord is sheilding us, He is bringing us glory!  And then in verse 4 it says "He is the lifter of my head!"  I don't need to hang my head in shame.  The devil can no longer rob me of my joy, my glory, my pride in what I do!  My Lord is the lifter of my head!!!  We are blessed to know this.

The title of this post is the title of the song I mentioned in my e-mail to Mickey.  She asked me if I could post the words of this song and a teaching on my blog.  So, I studied it a little, and was so blessed by this study.  I pray you will be, too.  Here are the words of the song:

My glory and the lifter of my head, my glory and the lifter of my head!  \
Thous, O lord, art a shield to me, - - my glory and the lifter of my head!

I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill!

My glory and the lifter of my head,
my glory and the lifter of my head! 
And thou, O Lord, art a shield to me, -  -
my glory and the lifter of my head!


The whole of Psalm 3 is worth reading and pondering.

Another prophecy from my journal

August 14, 2003

"Do not let the sound of war and unrest in many parts of this world keep you from hearing My message.  The television and radio secular news bring only fear and discouragement and hopelessness into your minds and hearts.  Do not let the noise and news around the world distract you and keep you from spending your time in the quiet of your prayer closet.  Do not miss the importance of this time in history.  Do not miss My message.  For I bring you words of encouragement, I bring you tidings of great joy, I bring you hope!

Listen, My children, I have not gone away never to return; but I WILL come - yes, even at a time you least expect, and when many have become engrossed in the problems of the hour.  I say to you - My precious ones - do not become obsessed by the problems of the world; be obsessed with Me and My love for you.  Look up and rejoice!  For surely your deliverance is very near!  Fill your days with My light, and love, and sharing the GOOD news.  Glorify and honor My name.  Praise and delight yourself in the Lord.  Then you will experience a freedom from the pressures and cares of this world.  You will find peace.  You will find rest for your weary soul.  Come to Me.  Let Me shower you with My blessings.  Let Me touch you with My love and heal your soul.  Come into My presence whenever you choose, as often as you choose.  You can enjoy this rest and the opportunity to be apart from time and concerns of this world.  You shall lose nothing and gain everything!  Try it as a therapy for your physical body.  Always it will be a great source of energy and life for your spiritual journey!

COME TO ME---COME AWAY WITH ME---I LOVE YOU---I HAVE NOT GONE AWAY---I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.  COME TO ME!"

John 6:63  -  "What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. 
                       The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit."

Rev. 7:15b - "He who sits on the throne will protect them with His presence."

A prophecy from the past

As I was going through my things, I came across this journal from 2003.  I record the scriptures and what the Lord speaks through them to me.  This is amazing, and a very encouraging word for us for NOW!

February 6, 2003 (nine years ago!)

Read Psalm 118:1-9, and 15-17.  (this was what I had recorded 9 years ago to read, but today as I read this psalm, I believe we should read the whole psalm for us now):

This was the prophecy I had from it:  (This is a word from God spoken through His Spirit in me.  Please discern what I say here.)

"Quiet your hearts and minds, my people, and hear what I speak to you this hour:

Hard times are coming!  Chaos and panic, suffering and hardships as have never come so near your land in your life times!  But - Be not afraid!  I go before you always.  Come, follow me, and I will give you rest!  I am with you.  Stay alert.  See me at work as you ask!  Study my word.  Search in the scriptures for answers to all questions - to find how and why and where and even when I am working.  I speak to those who have open hearts and minds to hear my words, to do my will.  I respond to those who call upon my name.  I will send my angels to minister, guide, and guard as you ask me to do so.  Listen - Stay close to me.  Listen - stay alert.  You will see me in the events in your life.  You will be guided by ME - you will be guarded by me.  You will be strengthened by Me.  You will be sent out - with all you need to fight the battle that is now being waged for the very souls of all people.  My name and My word, and your prayer, are the weapons that will win the battle!  Stay close to me.  Stay alert!  Know My word!  DO my work as I lead you.  Have no fear - you are in My kingdom and we will not be defeated."

Michelle Hanson

Okay, here is a mystery to me. God's plan was that Jesus would serve as the sacrificial lamb. Part of the plan was that he would be betrayed by the kiss of Judas. So Judas performed a task planned by God to fulfill His redemption of mankind, right? I don't get why Jesus told Judas it would be better that he not have been born at all. I mean, Judas' role in the condemnation and murder of the Christ was preordained by God, himself. Why then would God, in the form of human Jesus, tell Judas it would have been better had he not been born? Seems like Judas was an important key figure in the fruition of God's redemptive plan for mankind. Things that make me go hmm...

Hi - Thank you, Mickey for asking this question. It's great to inquire. Inquisitive minds, like mine, want to know! It starts us all thinking on this, and, hopefully looking up everything we can find about Judas. Looking at our footnotes in our bibles. Asking questions of others as to what they think of Judas. It's exciting to me. I love this. Thanks.

Anyway, that's what I did . . . went on a quest to find answers as best as my little pea-brain can understand. And lo and behold I turn on the TV and there is a program on about the passion and resurrection. And a lot of it was about Judas! The whole point of the program was the prophecies foretold in the old testament about the death and resurrection of Jesus! 500 to 1,000 years BEFORE Jesus even came to be! That was amazing to me.

All of the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - have this story, the story of Judas' betrayal of Jesus, in them. So much can be gleaned from all of them, and they fit together to form a picture of what happened. I find it most interesting that in John 13:27 it says "at that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him (Judas), . Jesus then said 'what you are going to do, do quickly'. then verse 30: "as soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out." Vs. 31 - When he had gone Jesus said: 'Now has the Son of Man has been glorified . . . .' (Read John Chapter 13 and read what else is there). The passion has begun, since Judas has just gone out to do Satan's work. Jesus speaks of His victory as already being won. See John 16:33 "I have conquered the world.".

Later on, after Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (you can read of this in the gospels), he was so shamed. He said "I have betrayed innocent blood." and he took his precious 30 pieces of silver and threw them at the court. He couldn't wash away his shame and guilt and went out and hung himself. The place where he hung himself is called the Potter's Field, and is still there and still named that!

I could just go on and on, but I will end now, just saying - read these gospels for yourself. Go to the cross references in your footnotes and put together your understanding of it all. And read Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. Written hundreds of years before. It's so amazing! God is speaking to us through the scriptures yet today. "alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. Better for that man if he had never been born!" means to me that I would be better off not being born if I turn my back on Jesus! When I follow Jesus I have everything I could ever need, just like Judas had, but if I turn my back on Him, and choose a different one to follow, if I turn to Satan and his evil ways, like Judas did, then I will hate my life, I will be better off to not have been born! Judas was greatly tempted by the worldly pull of what money could do for him! He took a measly 30 pieces of silver in exchange for betraying His Lord! Turning away from Jesus. Big mistake!

Our new furniture

The pictures are of the furniture we received from our kids for Christmas, birthday, mother's day, father's day, valentines day, etc., etc., etc. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
We are enjoying them so much.

The little white spot on the couch is the sun poking through a hole in the blind. The little dog beside the chair is Linda's pal, Toby. He likes my chair, too.

Again - thanks all of you. Such a sacrifice you have made for us, when I know you could have used this $$$ for your own needs. We are so blessed!

It looks bad, but Psalm 12:5 is a wonderful promise from our God: "I will set him in the safety for which he yearns."

Read Psalm 12. (When I read it, it reminded me of the state of affairs in our country as we speak. Especially in view of what is happening in politics!)

King David looked out at the world and was troubled. He didn't need the internet to paint a bleak picture of society or the New York Times to remind him of crime and suffering. Even without a cable news show to give him all the bad news, he saw the evil.

He looked around and saw that "the godly man ceases." He noticed that "the faithful disappear." In his world, everyone spoke "idly" to his neighbor "with flattering lips and a double heart" (psalm 12:1-2).

This description may sound like the theme of a TV show, but it was life, in 1,000 BC. While we think that all this evil is much worse than anything that came before, David reminds us that all of the ills of the world are not just happening in the 21st century.

But David's words also give us hope. Notice his reaction to the bad news he bore. First, he turned to God and cried, "Help!" (v. 1) Then he implored God for specific needs. The response he got was positive. God promised that He would provide protection and safety for his people (vv 5-7)

When you are discouraged, cry out for God's help. Then just sit back, knowing that God has promised His protection and safety! Three thousand years AFTER David, God is still, and always will be, in control!

We have nothing to fear, because God is in control.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ. - - 2 Corinthians 5:20

The word "ambassador" in the dictionary means "An accredited diplomatic agent of the highest rank, appointed as the representative of one government to another. Any personal representative or messenger."

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

I am an ambassador for Christ - and so are you! We need to show people what and who and why and where Jesus is. We must live as as ambassadors for Christ so people see Him in us! I've been assigned to do this in my family, among my friends, and in my church. It's my calling and my honor. Yours, too.

I believe I'm living in a different world than this secular world we are in. I live in God's/Jesus' government.

Let's face it, being an example (ambassador) is often about being different. But most of us don't want to be different. We want people to like us, and the safest way to do that is to blend in. I can't tell you how many times I've agreed with someone who I know is going against the teachings of Christ, or just kept quiet. I don't like to cause waves. I want everyone to like me. But following Jesus has never been about blending in. Following Him means to be like Him, to respond to life and relate to people as He did. It's a little risky and uncomfortable to be different. But that's what being an "ambassador for Christ" is all about - - bringing the wonderful difference of your King to bear on the territory you've been assigned to. What an honor!

Make a difference by daring to be different.

God's mother, Mary

This Mary - the mother of God - has always been so important in my life. When I was growing up, I often felt alone and unloved. I would go and let Mary, whom I imagined as my Mother, hold me, comfort me. I would even talk to her, and I knew she was there, stroking my hair, and being my "Mother". I prayed to her. She was who I could relate to as someone who would hear me and care about me and I felt comfort from that.

Then one day, I was "baptized in the Holy Spirit" after a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Everything changed. I knew God, the creator of the whole universe, the God who supposedly sat on His throne in the heavenlies and was so untouchable - I knew HE loved me. I felt His love. He became my heavenly Father. And Jesus was alive!!! The Holy Spirit was revealing truths to me - then and He still is. The Bible came alive to me. It really is the word of God. He speaks to me through it. What an amazing life this is! One of the readings I read and still read often is Chapter 2 of the book of John. Verse 5 is important: "His mother instructed those waiting on table, 'Do whatever He tells you.' "

That is what I feel Mary did for me. I know she was with me through out my life, but when the time was ready she led me to Him and said "do whatever HE tells you to do." I believe that is Mary's role. Leading us to Jesus. She gave birth to Him - brought Him into our world. She was with Him to the bitter end of His life. She buried him behind the big stone. She was there when He came out of that grave. She was among those who witnessed Him walking amongst us. She was in the upper room with the other followers of Jesus, praying in the spirit for the Holy Spirit to come down on them as Jesus had promised, and they would receive power from on high.

Mary is a model for my life. And I do try to do whatever He tells me. Jesus is my Lord and Savior! Mary pointed the way.

Isaiah 46: 3-4

In my prayer this morning, I was lead to this scripture! I was amazed and blessed, as usual.
Here is what it said to us:

"Listen to me, House of Jacob
all you who remain of the House of Israel,
you who have been carried since birth,
whom I have carried since the time you were born. (I see this as the Lord speaking to me
directly, and you, too! God wants us to listen to Him. He wants to let us know how
He has always been with us, and has carried us. Reminds me of the poem "Footprints".)

"In your old age I shall be still the same,
when your hair is grey I shall still support you.
I have already done so, I have carried you,
I shall still support and deliver you."

Isn't this wonderful? God is so good, and so awesome.

I can remember going through tough stuff when I was in high school, and I leaned heavily on Mary, the mother of God. (I hadn't met Jesus, her Son, yet). I felt my Lord was there, protecting and leading me as long as I can remember. I didn't realize this at the time, but now as I look back, I know HE IS STILL THE SAME, and HE IS STILL SUPPORTING ME! And He means this for all of us! Doesn't that just give you goose bumps to know the God we serve is so wonderful and cares so much!

I do feel the aging process harrassing me these days. I told Linda the other day that I I'm getting older, but I'm tired of it, so I don't think I'll do it anymore. I get depressed when I hurt so much, and can't do what I used to do, and then I hear these words through the Bible from my Lord and Savior! This lifted me all day, and I read this scripture several times today to remind me of God's love.

Hallelujiah!

QUIET TIME WITH GOD

Psalm 23 is such a beautiful, peaceful psalm with lots of powerful and beautiful thoughts in it. It is a good one to meditate with often.

I find that a daily time of Bible reading and prayer is essential in my walk of faith. Quiet time with God - a time away from the busy-ness of my day - away from the phone, the TV, the computer, yes even time away from Phil - helps me connect with God. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) The "green pastures" and "still waters" are more than a perfect country scene. They speak of our communion with God whereby He "restores our souls and leads us in His paths" (verse 3).

All of us can make time to meet with God, but do we? Here is a suggestion for a way to begin: Start with a short prayer for guidance, ask The Holy Spirit to lead you, then read the Bible for a few minutes, and close with a short time of prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and prayers for others. It's vital to take time today to connect with the Lord, who is our life.

I like to think of it like this: I have an appointment with my doctor. I would never think of not going with such excuses as "I'm too tired today", "it's too cold or too hot", "I'm sick", "I need to go shopping" . . . . No, I would not do that. I keep my appointment. That's what I need to do with My Lord. And that's the most important appointment I could ever have! Keeping a daily appointment with GOD is a vital part of the Christian life. The more time we spend with God -- reading His Word, conversing with Him in prayer, meditating on thoughts from His Word - - the better we get to know Him and the more our lives begin to reflect His image and His truth. It's so worth the effort and the time.

I like to have a journal at my fingertips so I can jot down thoughts and scriptures, etc., that I receive when I'm praying. Later when I go back and read these journals, I see God at work in my life. I know My Lord is sitting with me. Sometimes I feel His presence, hear His words to me, feel His touch - Other times, I feel like He has forgotten me. But, I know that the rest of my day (or night) will go a lot better, and somehow everything I wanted to get done, does get done.

I also like to listen to music during this time. A very wonderful gift from God for us. Music seems to chase the blues away, seems to chase the devil - and all he thinks he's going to do - away.

I will be doing a time of teachings on prayer - what I have learned through the years - and I will be posting it here. Please share your thoughts, your prayers, your opinions whenever you want to.

God bless you!