SHINE ON.....

...... Shine on harvest moon ~ up in the sky.

Tonite will be a full moon ~ the harvest moon (the best known of all the moons).

It is the moon of song, poetry, and folklore.  The herald of autumn and ripening fields.
Before farmers had mechanical pickers and electric lights, they relied on the light of the harvest moon t bring in their crops.  Back then, most of the harvesting was done by hand.  With everything ripening at nearly the same time, there was too much work to be done in the fields to stop at sundown.  A bright full moon allowed farmers to work long into the night to reap the crops at peak harvest time.  Many farmers said the moonlight gave them the equivalents of an extra day or two. (Charles Seabrook, Wild Georgia)

In East Asia, where my daughter is studying, it is a big deal.  There, the harvest moon is celebrated with the Mid-Autumn Festival.  Traditionally on this day, family members and friends will gather to admire the bright moon and eat moon cakes under the moon together.  Some other traditions include carrying brightly lit lanterns and collecting dandelion leaves and distributing them evenly among family member.

   "When the moon is full, mankind is one!"   ~  Chinese proverb 

When you look up at the full moon tonite (and any other full moon nite), pray for the world that God so loves ~ that "one mankind" ~ that they would KNOW the ONE TRUE GOD ~ the Creator, the Glory, the BRIGHT and redeeming LIGHT.

.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  II Corinthians 4:6

For us who have already had the immense and amazing privilege and honor of having His light shine in our hearts......SHINE for the harvest.  Pray for the harvest.  Pray for the laborers of the harvest...for the harvest is great, and the laborers are few.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a HARVEST if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

SHINE ON....for the harvest!!!

Perfect Equation

Illustration by Katherine Brown (circa 1982)

 

God is sovereign.

God is good.

Sovereign + good = Rest

No need to strive.

No need to worry.

Rest.

Rest in His goodness.

Rest in His sovereignty.

Ahhhhhhh.....

This is in conjunction with:  "Five Minute Friday"

Older

I wasn't going to do "Five Minute Friday" (writing freely without worrying about editing or perfection for five minutes)  this week ~ wasn't in the mood.

 

I saw the word for the week, and decided to go for it.  Why?

Because, I had my birthday this week, and as we mark time here on earth, I am now officially a year OLDER.

I'm on the down-hill slope of life here on earth now.

I regret the time and years I've squandered, but rest that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, and that He will restore the years the locust has eaten.  Hallelujah!

I like being older (the alternative would mean I am not here), and I want to be here for my children.  Lord willing, I will continue getting older.

And while I am getting older, may I be getting WISER ~ in order to bear fruit and glorify Him.

THE HELP

My HELP comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:2

 Surely God is my HELP; the Lord is the ONE who sustains me.  Psalm 54:4

 For I AM the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will HELP you."  Isaiah 41:13

God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present HELP in time of trouble.  Psalm 46:1

Let us them approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to HELP us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

MAPP ~ the Journey of Parenting

  Photo credit

Although I am NO EXPERT, and I have made tons of mistakes for which I so wish I could have "do-overs," I have been asked from time to time for parenting advice.

The parental road is one which we would travel many times over even though it can be treacherous, long, and full of pit-stops ~ some joyous, some frustrating, some heart-breaking, some heart-rendering, some sweet, some too long, some too swift, and some way too scary.


Allow the Holy Spirit to be your Guide and the Bible be your map:


M  ~  Model.....no one likes a hypocrite, and even kids can sense them a mile away.  Make sure you are living a life that holds up to what you are espousing to them, and to the standards you have set for them.

A  ~  Affirm....the world and Satan are going to try to crush them at every turn.  Remind them consistently of the "wonder" they are, how precious they are in the sight of God, and how much you love them.  Caution:  Be careful to not instill in them arrogance, and a sense of entitlement.  There is a fine line between "affirming" and "you are so great that the world  revolves around you."

 P  ~  Prepare....do everything possible to get them ready to leave the nest.  Of course good moral character tops the list, and them teach them everything from laundry, to how to handle money, to how to wake up by themselves to an alarm, to how to stand-up to peer pressure, to how to cook, to how to be a good friend, to time management and much more ~ wrack your brain to think of things to teach them.

Here is the legend:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  Deut. 6: 6 - 9

And then, navigate that map with PRAYER.  Pray.  Pray.  Pray.

I Thess. 5:17  ~  Continually be prayerful.

If we are to be in continual prayer....the children God entrusted us with should be a HUGE PORTION of our prayer life.

Let me reiterate  ~ I veer off these directions ALL the TIME, but I am looking to the perfect Parent and Cartographer to help me get back on track when I do.

Blessings to you, dear ones, as you navigate this wondrous thing called Parenting.

I am linking up to a Blog Hop hosted by a darlin', godly woman who has a fabulous website...

Generations.... Past and Future

You've seen or heard about the scenario....a family Bible, perused many times, and all of a sudden ~ a letter, never seen before... appears.

I was always somewhat skeptical.  Come on, how could you miss it?

Well, skeptical, no more.  I found a letter.  I've looked through the Bible before searching for a hint of anything about my ancestors.  To no avail.  And then, it just appeared.

A letter addressed to my Great-Grandmother.  Dated July 10, 1896.  With an elaborate logo, "The World for God."

Curiously, anxiously, excitedly and cautiously....I opened it and read:

My dear Auntie,

Your letter was received some days ago.  I have delayed answering it for we have been so been so busy.  Have moved and all-together it makes us all torn up.  We are also in a tent.  It is a new one and I am trying my best to pay for it.  It is costing me $133.00 and our corps is allready much burdened.  It keep be very very anxious to know how to manage but we are getting along very nicely.  Our crowds are keeping up over 2000 people every week and souls are being saved.  Praise God.  

It was impossible Auntie to come on Decoration Day or on the 4th of July as both of them was very heavy days for the corps.  I often think of you and wonder how you are.  If you are alone ~ or not.  I am wanting to ~ if I can ~ to get a rest after the Summer is over as it will not be off much use to rest in winter-time, but at present could not leave the corps only be sickness or death.  

We are here in Frankford surrounded by very peculiar circumstances related to the work.  Dear Auntie, last week I was sent for to take a meeting over the other side of Phila. and Oh! how I felt when I got off the street car and found myself only about two blocks from the Hospital where mother died.  There it was standing in plain sight.  I did not know it was any ways near.  How I remembered that awfull Saturday when in the pouring rain I stood outside the great big doors without a friend near but Christ and they told me she was sent away.  But God helped me to bear it.  He only knows how and so Auntie, dear Jesus will help you.  When you are lonely and sad remember Jesus is very very very near.  That He is right in the room by your side.  Do not worry.  Jesus will grieve if you worry, but trust Him with all your heart and lean not unto thy own understanding.  He is so much to be trusted.  

Remember me to Uncle John.  I trust that he still is comforted by the peace that passeth all understanding.  Is Katie still in Bustleton?  If she is, she is only a few miles from where I am stationed.  If you would give her my address she could come and see me.  

Well Auntie, I must close this letter as it is getting on toward time to take the open air meeting we hold there every night-but-one on the public streets.  Well, hallelujah for the privilege.  I am so glad that Jesus saves me now, and that I am a Salvationist ~ fighting for God.

With love to all.

Yours Faithfully,

Eva Mace 

Capt.

I was amazed.  Had no idea.  I don't really know much of my family's spiritual heritage, strength of convictions, commitment level, service, etc..  So, this was very interesting piece of information.

It also aids with my theory ~ although I know it is God's SOVEREIGNTY that has brought me to Himself, and  He CHOSE me before time eternal to be His child.... I sense that the faithful that have gone before me in my earthly family, somehow in God's mysterious ways, helped to usher me in.

My parents were not church-goers.  They would drop us kids off at the church on Sunday morning sporadically.  I loved God, but there was a disconnect (ritual and not relational).  All those Friday afternoons (from 3:00 to 5:00) for three years in order to be confirmed were like a dull painting, cloudy and meaningless.

My grandparents on either side did not attend church, as well.  (My paternal Grandmother died when my father was seven.  My paternal Grandfather lived in an Old Soldier's Home in Washington, D.C.  My maternal Grandfather ~ no, and my maternal Grandmother worked nights.)

Hopefully they had come to the full knowledge of Him by believing that Jesus was the Son of God who died for their sins, but it wasn't discussed.  Those generations tended to be like that.  

So, somewhere in my past lineage, I feel like there were those who earnestly prayed for their family's future generations, who sought to live godly lives, and now we are reaping those benefits:

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands.  ~  Deuteronomy 7:9

Capt. Eva Mace and all those gone before me with their LOVE for God, I THANK YOU and salute you...for I am eternally grateful.

May I love and obey Him as my forefathers and foremothers before me ~ for my future generations sake.

Photo credit:  Christopher Sleight

God is Awful

Did you have an intake of breath after reading the title of this post?

Are you shaking your head, and saying to yourself, "Whaaaat?"  "Has she gone crazy?"

Yep, my God is awful.

Did you know that the origins (c. 1300) of the word "awful" once meant "full of awe" or "awe-inspiring."

Early definitions state:  "filling with profound reverence," or "with fear and admiration fitted to inspire reverential fear;" "profoundly impressive."

Only in the late 18th century did "awful" acquire its modern meaning of "very bad," probably through repeated use to mean "so bad as to inspire awe."

This brings to mind the recent tsunami, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods.  Awful.

Do I understand the horrifying death, destruction and devastation wrought from these?  No.

It is part of the Fall; of living in a Fallen world.

However, God is sovereign.

It harkens us back to the mysterious awe of the Creator and Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent One who reigns.

My God is and always will be full of awe.

Prayers and blessings go out to all who were affected by the disasters.

O LORD, our Lord,

How majestic is Your name in all the earth,

Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

Psalm 8:1

HE does the decorating this time.....

And blessed be His glorious name forever;

And may the whole earth be filled with His glory

Amen and Amen.  Psalm 72:19

 

  We decorate pine trees to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

(Photo credit:  Teresa @ "A Baby Changes Everything")

However, GOD does the decorating for of the pine trees to celebrate the glorious RESURRECTION of His Son!!!

~ with CROSSES!

Just in time for Easter the pine trees pay homage to the AWESOME SACRIFICE and VICTORY over death by symbolizing Christ's Crucifixion with new growth.  

NEW LIFE on a TREE!!!

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.  ~ I Peter 1:3

Blessed Resurrection, everyone!



WORLD POPULATION

During my Quiet Time this morning as I prayed, a few of the key verses I use to pray for the unsaved came to mind.....I Timothy 2:4 and II Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
God wants ALL people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the TRUTH.

So, I thought...I wonder how many are ALL right now, and went to the WORLD POPULATION website/counter.

Fascinating ~

When I first got there, it was: 6,897,838,826.

Every few seconds I would refresh:  ...927, 956, 985, 9,014, 043, 086, 115, 129, 158, 172, 187, 201, 232.

The AWESOMENESS of God takes my breath away.

Thinking about HIS OMNIPRESENCE....HE is there for EACH ONE of those births, deaths and everything in between.

Thinking about HIS OMNISCIENCE....HE knows every cry of every person, every hair on every head, and every thought of each and every one of us on this planet.

Thinking about HIS OMNIPOTENCE....it is through HIS almighty power that almost SEVEN BILLION people live, move, breath and have their being ~ and HE KNOWS every life, every movement, every breath, every thought, every word, and every deed.

WOW!

Soon to be.....SEVEN BILLION

Heavenly Father, and Creator of ALL things ~ the earth is full of Your GLORY, and may ALL of these t SEVEN BILLION people realize WHO the CREATOR of  that GLORY is, and give their sinful hearts to YOU so YOU can reside there and they can live out the FULLNESS You long for them to have.   By the BLOOD of the LAMB that saves yesterday, today and tomorrow, may ALL be SAVED and come to the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH.  In Jesus' victorious name I pray.  AMEN and AMEN

They are yellow, black and white.  They are precious in His sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Oh that EACH ONE, would REACH ONE.....don't let this happen.

God doesn't need us, but He wants to use us.  May we be used of Him, to further His Kingdom for His glory...it is ALL due His GLORIOUS NAME, Jesus the Christ.

Addendum:  as of press time....the population is now 6,898,045,314.

Seven billion coming soon ~ each one, reach one.

Maybe this year.....?

...by Elisabeth Elliott:

Maybe this year will be the year of desire fulfilled. 

Perhaps, on the other hand, it will be the year desire radically transformed, the year of finding, as we have not perhaps truly found, CHRIST to be the ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE, Christ, the "deep, sweet well of Love."

Here is the opportunity offered.  Be patient.  Wait on the Lord for whatever He appoints, wait quietly, wait trustingly.  HE holds every minute of every hour of every day of every month of every year in HIS hands.  Thank Him in advance for what the future holds, for HE is already there.  "Lord, YOU have assigned my portion and my cup."  Psalm 16:5  Shall we not gladly say, "I'll take it, Lord.  YES!  I'll trust You for everything.  Bless the Lord, O my soul."  E.E.

ALL the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalm 139:16 

.....not maybe, Lord, but MAY I trust and rest in Your sovereignty, for it is blanketed like the warmest, coziest blanket on a bitter cold winter night with MERCY, GRACE, PERFECT LOVE, GOODNESS, KINDNESS, COMPASSION, FAITHFULNESS and FORGIVENESS, and look to the Author and Finisher of my faith; my Redeemer, my Friend, my Intercessor, my Counselor, my Victor, my ALL in ALL, JESUS, the CHRIST.

Blessed new year to ALL who read this.

Giving Thanks

I LOVE November with the crispness in the air, the earthy smell of the fallen leaves, and the cocooning process.  I also LOVE that it is a month in which giving thanks is highlighted.

As I was pondering ALL for which I was thankful for, I thought it would take much more than the thirty days of November to express.....so I'll have to move into December, January ~ ahhh, let's just say 365!

Now, except for the top 25 of so.....they are pretty random, and you will see how scattered my brain can be.

I may have repeated, but I also lumped some categories together; i.e., food ~ so, if I individualized some ~ there would be plenty more.

1.  My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ's humility, obedience, and sacrifice on the Cross.
2.  That He saved me.
3.  That I now have life, and life abundant.
4.  That I will spend eternity with Him.
5.  That my loved ones will be there with Him also.
6.  That He is sooooooo patient with me.
7.  That He loves me unconditionally and lavishly.
8.  That He never leaves me or forsakes me.
9.  That He is trustworthy and faithful.
10.  That He supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory.
11.  Health
12.  My dear husband
13.  How hard he works
14.  How kind he is
15.  How generous he is
16,  My wonderful children
17.  How thoughtful they are
18.  How committed they are to being authentic Christ-followers
19.  How dedicated and trustworthy they are to all they do.
20.  Their jobs :)
21.  Their friends
22.  Their future husbands
23.  Their future children & my grandchildren
24.  How sweet they are to my parents
25.  That my parents are OK, considering their ages and health
26.  That my sister lives ten doors away, and takes fabulous care of them
27.  My brother-in-law, too.
28.  My nephew and his wife, too.
29.  My extended family.
30.  My in-laws.
31.  My friends.
32.  My church.
33.  My ability to travel.
34.  All of my GREAT traveling experiences.
35.  My giftedness which God gave me.
36.  My senses.
37.  Nature
38.  My house.
39.  My car
40.  My clothes
41.  My jewelry
42.  Books
43.  Pets
44.  Furniture
45.  Memories
46.  Hopes
47.  Dreams
48.  Ancestors
49.  Medical technology
50.  Doctors
51. The GREATEST Physician of all, Jesus
52.  Hospitals
53.  Medicine
54.  Insurance
55.  Helping others
56.  Food in the pantry
57.  That my husband likes to cook
58.  That he likes to fix my strawberries
59..  That S.B. likes to cook
60.  That my sister likes to cook
61.  That my sister-in-law likes to cook
62.  Heating
63.  Air conditioning
64.  Sheets
65.  Blankets
66.  Pillows
67.  Computers
68.  Telephones
69.  SKPE
70.  Indoor plumbing
71.  Winter
72.  Spring
73.  Summer
74.  Fall
75.  Sunrises
76.  Sunsets
77.  Rain
78.  Snow
79.  Airplanes
80.  Cars
81.  Other modes of transportation that makes our lives easier
82.  Restaurants
83.  Summer memories in Potter County
84.  Summer memories "down the shore"
85.  Teachers
86.  Schools
87.  Holidays
88.  Worship
89.  Music
90.  Bible
91.  The written word
92.  Magazines
93.  Acrylic nails
94.  Make-up
95.  Toothpaste
96.  Shampoo and conditioner
97.  Lotion
98.  Perfume
99.  Soap
100.  Stationary
101.  Calendars
102.  Creativity
103.  Art
104.  Stores
105.  Postal service
106.  Internet
107.  Gardens
108.  Farmers
109.  Inventors
110.  Missionaries
102.  Ministries
103.  Selfless people
104.  Clean air to breathe
105.  Clean water to drink
106.  Beauty
107.  Luggage
108.  Television
109.  Weather forecasts
110.  Cameras
111.  Photographs
112.  Writing instruments
113.  Paper supplies
114.  Tea
115.  All Coca-Cola products :)
116.  Nurses
117.  Nice neighbors
118.  Mentors
119.  Mentees
120.  Encouragers
121.  That God is sovereign
122.  That God is victorious
123.  That God is the King of King and Lord of Lords
124.  the Holy Spirit
125.  Dentists
126.  Massages
127.  Stuff that keeps you organized
128.  Flowers
129.  Trees
130.  Gentle breezes
131.  Beautiful waterfalls
132.  Freedom
133.  A country that was built on Christian principles
134.  Wisdom from above
135.  the Peace that passes all understanding
136.  Joy
137.  Comfort
138.  Forgiveness
139.  Security
140.  Women's Ministry
141.  Women's Retreats
142.  Rest
143.  Sleep
144.  Respite
145.  Storage spaces (basements, etc.)
146.  Guest room for company
147.  Porches
148.  Moon
149.  Stars
150.  Clouds
151.  Libraries
152.  Sports
153.  Games
154.  Puzzles
155.  Toys
156.  that Scripture is alive ans active
157.  that God is omnipotent
158.  that God is omnipresent
159.  that God is omniscient
160.  that God is majestic
161.  that God is marvelous
162.  that God is magnificent
163.  that God is my Father
164.  Safety
165.  Protection
166.  Smiles
167.  Tears
168.  Harvests
169.  Angels
170.  Help
171.  Mercy
172.  Grace
173.  Redemption
174.  Quiet
175.  Excellence
176.  Integrity
177.  Honesty
178.  Laws
179.  Traffic rules
180.  Goodness
181.  My God is good.
182.  Kindness
183.  My God is kind.
184.  Compassion
185.  My God is compassionate.
185.  Justice
186.  My God is just.
187.  Love
188.  My God is loving.
189.  Prayer
190.  Jesus is my Intercessor
191.  Dancing
192.  Praise
193.  That My god is worthy of praise.
194.  Restoration
195.  Reconciliation
196.  Righteousness
197.  Plan B
199.  My God is holy.
200.  My God is glorious.
201.  My God is awesome.
202.  My God is the Name above ALL names.
203.  My God is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
204.  My God is unchanging and unchangeable.
205.  I am not alone.
206.  I am God's handiwork.
207.  I am God's daughter.
208.  I am God's friend.
209.  God is my strength.
210.  God is my shield.
211.  God is the restorer of my soul.
212.  Singing
213.  Blogs that I love.
214.  The women that write them.
215.  Time
216.  That God will restore the years the locust has eaten.
217.  Thesauruses
218.  Dictionaries
219.  Concordances
220.  Commentaries
221.  Repairmen
222.  Seamstresses
223.  Light
224.  Power
225.  Chocolate
226.  Fun
227.  Laughter
228.  Candles
229.  Exotic locations and getting to visit them
230.  Bible translators and the translations
231.  Video cameras
232.  Treasured mementos
233.  Yarn
234.  The afghans my Mom made me
235.  The ceramics she made me
236.  The cards my kids gave me
237.  Thank You notes
238.  Gifts
239.  Iron sharpening iron.
240.  A clean house.
241.  God hears.
242.  God cares.
243.  God answers.
244.  Birthdays.
245.  Special days.
246.  Ordinary days.
247.  Windows
248.  Eyeglasses
249.  Contacts
250.  Hair stylists
251.  Good ideas
252.  Plans that come together.
253.  Veterinarians
254.  U.S. Military ~ past, present and future.
255.  God's amazing creation
256.  God's creatures...except maybe mosquitoes ~ why God?
257.  Police
258.  Firefighters
259.  EMTs
260.  Ambulances
261.  Funny jokes
262.  Nice movies
263.  Resources
264.  Personalities like me
265.  Personalities that are not like me
266.  Accessories
267.  Garbage collectors
268.  Things that make my house cozy
269.  Calculators
270.  Oceans
271.  Mountains
272.  Lessons I've learned
273.  My husband is a great father.
274.  The Church
275.  Harmony
276.  People who use their gifts to glorify God
277.  Faith
278.  Carpet
279.  Carpet cleaners
280.  Decorations
281.  Decorators
282.  Clean laundry
283.  Wisdom
284.  that my God is triune
285.  The Father God
286.  His Son, Jesus ~ fully God and fully man
287.  Holy Spirit
288.  that the Holy Spirit lives within me
289.  Unity
290.  My God is longsuffering
291.  My God is my Rock, my Anchor, my Refuge, my Everything
292.  Treats
293.  My husband's unconditional love
294.  My children's unconditional love
295.  My parent's unconditional love
296.  My doggie's unconditional love
297.  that "this too" shall pass
298.  found "lost" objects
299.  Mechanics
300.  Plumbers
301.  Ingenuity
302.  a nice yard
303.  trees
304.  walking trails
305.  tennis courts
306.  swimming pools
307.  sales
308.  coupons
309.  fun opportunities
310.  God's glory
311.  authenticity
312.  understanding
313.  good communication
314.  comprehension
315.  a purpose-driven life
316.  friends to do things with
317.  friends to travel with
318.  friends that are there for me
319.  aunts
320.  uncles
321.  cousins
322.  time with grandparents
323. a sense of humor
324.  remembering....
325.  my heritage
326.  Jesus is victorious, my Victor!
327.  that God works all things together for good for me
328.  that greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world
329.  God's favor
330.  Sanctification
331.  God is my Sustainer
332.  Jesus is my wonderful Counselor
333.  Jesus is the Quieter of the storm
334.  My God is the Name above all names
335.  My God is on the Throne far above all rule and authority and power and dominion
336.  Pedicures
337.  Color
338.  Garages
339.  Garage door openers
340.  Paper Towels
341.  Food
342.  Celebrations
343.  Flowers
344.  Snow
345.  Maps
346.  Hats
347.  Gloves
348.  Ingenuity
349.  Vacations
350.  Sun
351.  Facials
352.  Television
353.  Movies
354.  Videos
355.  My teeth
356.  My immune system

Thank You, thank You, thank You, God ~ from WHOM ALL BLESSINGS flow!

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll!

"Is It Hot Enough For Ya?"

We've had a few days of respite from the intense heat of summer, so extremely lovely ~ but apparently the 90's are coming back.

Everyone likes to talk about the weather. On beautiful days...we expound about how gorgeous it is outside. On extreme days...we complain about how hot, how cold, how rainy, how windy it is.

Especially, the heat.

Globally, 2010 is set to be the hottest recorded.

Where I live, the heat seemed relentless. We had 64 days of temperatures of 90 degrees or more. The most since 1993. The all-time record dates back to 1980 with 70 days.

Now, the reason I bring this up is this:

I keep thinking that those hot summer days that seemed relentlessly ruthless are really a terrible foreshadowing of spending eternity in Hell...a blip on the radar screen of an everlasting fire.
Hell, is not a subject readily talked about these days.

A survey done by the Barna Group have found these results:

Most Americans do not expect to experience Hell first-hand: just one-half of 1% expect to go to Hell upon their death. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) believe they will go to Heaven. One in 20 adults (5%) claim they will come back as another life form, while the same proportion (5%) contend they will simply cease to exist.

Oh, that that statistic would be close.  I hope it is off by .05%  ~  because God wants NONE to perish, but ALL to come to the knowledge of Him (II Peter 3:9)...and that is pretty darn close.

There is a condition that must take place in order for 100% to indeed, not experience Hell first-hand. That is to enter into a relationship with the Living, Triune God. How to do that is easy: Acknowledge that you are a sinner, and believe that Jesus Christ came to the earth, fully God and fully man, died a sacrificial death to absolve you of your sins, is resurrected and sitting on the Throne in Heaven.

Yesterday at our church, Ken Boa gave a sermon on hell. Not being a theologian or particularly adequate in expounding on this subject, I am going to give you a few of his quotes from his website:

"The reason Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else did is because He wanted no one to go there. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9; also see John 3:16)

"Jesus taught the existence of hell. He had more to say about hell in fact, than heaven, in order to warn us and turn us to salvation. A few of the examples of Jesus' teachings on hell include Matthew 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 11:22-24; 18:9; 22:13; 23:15,33; 25:41,46; 26:24; Mark 9:43-48. Many other Scriptures affirm the existence of hell. The Apostle Paul spoke of everlasting punishment and separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)."

 (me again) Since God does not want us to have a relationship through puppetry (with Him being the Master Puppeteer), He gave us a choice. We can choose to believe we are sinners, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross to take away those sins and restore us to a RIGHT relationship with our Creator, or NOT. That is what determines our eternal destiny....Heaven for those who accept Jesus as their Savior, and Hell for those who do not.

I am a nerd. I have a book, a "Weather Journal" in which I notate mostly extreme weather happenings.

Jesus has a book, too. It is going to determine the weather of each and every day (if there are days) of your eternal existence ~ ones which are beautiful, glorious and perfect, or ones which are unyielding in the blazing inferno.

"If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:15

Please, please, please have YOUR name written in the Book of Life. God loves you, but He is also HOLY, and can not look at sin.  His wrath is for those who refuse and reject His offer of salvation ~ to repent, be cleansed by Jesus, the sacrificial blood of the Lamb that was slain for this reason, and to accept the greatest gift of all ~ reconciliation with God, and eternity in Heaven.  Choose God's love.

The weather is perfect.

Diana + Theresa = Hope

Jesus is the TRUTH to be told;

Jesus is the LIFE to be lived;

Jesus is the LOVE to be loved;

Jesus is the LIGHT to be lit.

Let us love Jesus

with an undivided LOVE,

and others, as He

LOVES

you and me.

(Mother Theresa 1992)

The prayer book and tiara are a few of the pieces of memorabilia in the exhibit called:

"Diana:  a Celebration!"

I can't help but wonder if Diana, in reading Mother Theresa's inscribed words to her 

or in spending time with her,

ever accepted the TRUTH of Jesus' love...

...ever truly became a Princess, being a Daughter of the TRUE KING.

One can HOPE.

Since they both died within the same week, in my hope-filled, romanticized notions... 

 perhaps God planned for them to be on a "special assignment" together.

 

....in heaven, as it was on earth.

Hope so.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
I Timothy 2:  1-4

Whose Your Valentine?

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.


She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
Beautiful Love by Jô Angel div>

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

Love Vintage by Jô Angel
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

Beautiful love 02 by Jô Angel on Polyvore.com

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

Vintage Princess by Jô Angel featuring Disney Couture jewelry

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.'




Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend,'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!'

Her heart sank and turned cold.

Love 02 by Jô Angel featuring Juicy Couture accessories

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and
you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry , I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'

The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as
he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when
I had the chance!'

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you wherever you go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish your spirit now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Which boyfriend do you LOVE the most? Nurture? Spend time with? Lavish upon?

Your heavenly Father so longs for your spirit to be one with His. He never loses His vision for whom He designed you to be, even if you have fed the wrong boyfriends, and starved the right one.

So, in this season when we celebrate love, give your spirit the greatest gift of all ~ you!

The throne of God, full of mercy, grace, love, goodness, compassion, kindness and forgiveness, will seem closer than you think ~ for eternity is now.

The Holy Spirit is waiting for yours....the PERFECT LOVE, the PERFECT VALENTINE!

An Offer I COULD Refuse

So, I had an interesting proposition pop up recently.

We received a letter from a "location scout" for a movie that is being filmed in our area this Spring. (They liked the look of the outside of the house ~ supposed to take place in New England and our house is traditional, red brick).

Curious, I thought it would be fun to explore further. Since my niece's boyfriend is in the business (Apollo 13 and Blindside), I called him and he said he knew her, everything was legit, and gave me some coaching.

I called her and we chatted and she said to e-mail her and she would come out and look at the house.

After we hung up, I thought I'd better find out more about the movie.

I "googled" it, and everything came to a S.C.R.E.E.C.H.I.N.G halt.

Here is what I find out:



New Line has picked up the Farrelly brothers comedy "Hall Pass" from turnaround from Fox, signing up Owen Wilson to topline the picture. Jason Sudeikis is also in negotiations to co-star.

The story centers on a married couple who find themselves in a lull in their marriage and just going through the motions. The wife then gives her husband (Wilson) a "hall pass," a free ticket to engage in extramarital encounters. Sudeikis would play the guy's best friend, who also gets a free pass.

The movie begins production Feb. 23 in Atlanta.

With the Bible being my plumbline and my compass, and knowing God's heart on this, I knew immediately that this was something I could not and should not pursue.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure,... ~ Hebrews 13:4

Of course, I have no idea how the movie ends ~ does the "Hall Pass" allow them to live happily ever after? But, the END certainly does NOT justify the means.

So, needless to say, I did not e-mail her.

It will be interesting to see which house they end up choosing.

Not ours ~ "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

(Please know that this is JUST not right for our family ~ for whatever family that chooses to participate...I wish you nothing but the best.)