Thanksgiving Proclamation

As Thanksgiving fast approaches I cannot begin to count the blessings God has given, so much more to be thankful for than space to write or breath to speak.I came across George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, it was his first official proclamation after becoming the first president of the United States in 1789. Give special attention to what our duty as a nation is, what Thanksgiving Day is suppose to be devoted to, how it was intended to be observed, for what and to Whom we are to be thankful, to remember Who is the source and bestower of our blessings, and to be good stewards of and share those blessings. How much attention to or awareness of this proclamation is there in our society today? How many know the true origins, history, and foundations of our country and the holidays we celebrate and why we celebrate and have reason to give thanks?
I would encourage you to read and reread over and again this proclamation. Share it with as many people as possible; forward it, print copies and give them out, read them to your family and children as you gather to give thanks, if you teach share it with your students and parents-it is well within your protected rights. So many today are trying to rewrite history and outright lie about the Godly foundation and heritage of our country. Who better than George Washington to remind us all? "In God we trust" and to Him should we be thankful individually and as a nation! God bless you this Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!

George Washington's1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789.(signed) G. Washington


1621

Pilgrims and Native Americans enjoyed a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This feast may have become the model for today's American celebration.
1630
Settlers and colonists from many continents brought customs of days of prayer and thanksgiving, especially in New England, where the first Thanksgiving of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was observed on July 8, 1630.
1777
The first Thanksgiving of the new United States of America occurred in 1777 when General George Washington and his army, as instructed by the Continental Congress, stopped in bitter weather in the open fields on their way to Valley Forge to mark the occasion.
1789
Washington's first proclamation after his inauguration as the nation's first president in 1789 declared November 26, 1789, as a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer

My Adoption Story






Today, November 15, is a special day for me, the date of my adoption into the family God. The year was 1981; I had just turned seventeen the month before, on the seventeenth, and was nearly half way through my senior year in high school. Earlier that Spring I had been invited to Wick Road Baptist Church by a young lady I liked. At that time I was going off and on to Allen Park Church of the Nazarene where I had grown up attending. I was amazed the first Sunday I went to Wick Road that there were about one hundred youth in Sunday school; they were in the middle of a promotion. Had never experienced that before as we never had much over a handful at Allen Park. I was surprised, too, at the number of people I knew, went to high school with, and how enjoyable/fun it was at Wick, but the gospel message was also solid, clear, and hitting home with me. By Fall I was attending pretty regular and each time when the invitation was offered to receive Jesus Christ and God’s gift of salvation I felt/sensed an urging that I needed to do something, to respond, to find some relief from the inner turmoil. I would find myself gripping the pew, sensing a spiritual struggle within, just trying to make it through one more time. This Sunday was just the same, I can’t remember the message but the battle within was on full force. However, something different happened, a friend of mine put his hand on my shoulder and quietly asked if I needed/wanted to go forward, I had so many times before, and as I said yes I released my grip on the pew and stepped out in the aisle toward the alter. He got the attention of a man who knelt in prayer with me. I can’t remember the exact prayer he or I prayed but I know I asked for and received forgiveness, asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, received His gift of salvation and eternal life. I didn’t fully understand or comprehend what happened, still don’t, but I do know this, that it was like a tremendous weight/burden had been lifted, I felt light, free, and a peace surpassing understanding. So, on this day I celebrate my spiritual birthday, the day I was, in Jesus’ words, born again. The day I was the whosoever of John 3:16, a verse I had learned/memorized as a little boy, that believed and received the greatest, most gracious gift, from God, of eternal life. On this day I remember and give thanks for the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of promise, the Holy Spirit, living and abiding in me, leading and guiding, comforting and counseling, teacher and helper, constant companion. Thankful that I am not a spiritual orphan but have an Abba Father always with me, always listening, always caring/providing for me, always everything I need all the time. Thankful, glad that I’m a part of the family of God, an everlasting family in which I share an inheritance and am a joint heir with and because of Jesus, my Brother, my Friend, forever. Today I remember and say thank You Abba, thank You Jesus. Your grace still amazes me. Early this morning, in the stillness and quiet You remind me that you are I AM and that I am Yours. Early this morning taking me on a journey back to before the foundation of the world and there revealing to me the miraculous, eternal depths of this miracle of adoption and encouraging me to share and make others aware that they too can take part in and experience the miracle.

They Never Meet

I came across this today from the pages of Our Daily Bread and found it very interesting, enlightening, un-understandable(?)...His ways, His thoughts higher (infinitely) than ours! Thought I'd pass it on.

Did you know that the farthest point east and the farthest point west in the United States are both in Alaska? It’s a geographical trick, actually. Pochnoi Point in the Aleutians is as far west as you can go and still be in the US. But if you travel a few miles farther west, you’ll end up at Alaska’s Amatignak Island. Because that spot is west of the 180th meridian separating the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, it is technically east of the rest of the US.
But you’ll never find a spot where east and west are actually next to each other. In going west, you never “find” east. East goes on forever. West goes on forever. They never meet. You can’t get farther from something than that.
What difference does this make? Just this: When you read in Scripture that your forgiven sins are separated from you “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps. 103:12), you are assured that they are an immeasurable distance away—gone forever. If that’s not enough, try this: God says, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isa. 43:25).
Concerned about your sins? Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God is able to say, “What sins?” But He will do that only if you put your faith in His Son. — Dave Branon

Wow...our God is an Awesome God!

Fall Back


24/7 has become a popular term, referring to "all the time", however, it does not apply to this first week in November. This week we have 25/1 and 24/6. People sometimes say, "there are only twenty four hours in a day" but today they would be wrong. On this November 2 there are twenty five hours in a day. How can that be? How does it work? Well, the simple answer is that you turn your clocks back one hour, technically it's suppose to occur at 2am, before you go to bed on November 1. But the more I think about it, the less I understand it, the more unexplainable it becomes. I could say that it gives us an hour back for a day back in Spring when we "sprung forward", setting our clocks ahead one hour, and experienced a twenty three hour day. Daylight savings time is what they call it. So, then, how to explain that? Today we are back to standard time. Standard? I suppose that means this is where our time is suppose to be? So, this is normal time until we spring forward again? Oh my! I think it's time to quit trying to understand time and start enjoying it because once it's gone we can't get it back even on a twenty five hour day.

Adoption Awareness

The month of November is "Adoption Awareness Month". Throughout this month I will be writing, sharing about the miracle of adoption. Drawing attention to the great need, opportunity, responsibility to minister to the fatherless and orphan.

We have been given the Spirit of adoption by which we cry out "Abba, Father!"

Remembering 9/11

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL' You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.Neither will I. I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but itis OK..I am ready to go.'I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when awoman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of thebelievers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there. I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me? Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But some day your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. God

Kingdom Children

Let the little children come to Me...for of such is the kingdom of heaven

Father's Day

One day, one Sunday in June, as summer approaches...chosen by whom? Chosen when? Chosen to be celebrated/recognized this time of year I know not why, nevertheless we call it Father's Day. It is a day to remember, a day to honor, a day to celebrate fathers and fatherhood.

Today I sat outside encircled by the half globe of a cloudless blue sky, the sun shining brilliant bright, warm hot upon my face and arms I soaked it in while the slightest breeze barely rustled the leaves and brushed gently over my browning skin, and I listened as birds sung timeless melodies known only to them and their Creator, my Creator, my Father. I saw a bluebird and remembered a childhood song, "...my oh my what a wonderful day!" It is a wonderful day, this day that the LORD has made, this gift the LORD has given, I will (do) rejoice and be glad in it(another childhood song)! I rejoice and am glad in Him! I rejoice and am glad in the gift of eternal life He has given! I rejoice and am glad that at this very moment, somewhere beyond the blue sky I see is another cloudless sky where the Son is the sun shining in the fullness of His glory in that eternal homeland! I rejoice and am glad that at this very moment my father is there with his Father rejoicing and glad! I rejoice and am glad that one day, one timeless day, I will join them there too! Until that day I will live loving my LORD, my God, my Father, my Abba, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength! I will live a life that honors and glorifies my Father! I will live a life of love that honors my father, my pop!

Guiding Eye

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Psalm 32:8
The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew6:22

Remember Their Sacrifice!

May 30 was the original date for Memorial Day until the change to the last Monday in May to create a three day holiday weekend. However, every day we should be thankful for and remember the sacrifice!

See Jesus today?



He is praying you do!








Thank You, Pop!

Thanks to my Dad, Sonny Rodriguez, for his service to our country in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. Thanks for your service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from 1987-Eternity. So thankful to know and have the assurance that you went to your eternal home on that sunny Sunday of 05-06-07.


I love you and will meet you there one day!

Seize the Day


My times are in Your hand. —Psalm 31:15
Before entering the broadcasting field, Jim Valvano led the North Carolina State University basketball team to a national championship. Then cancer developed in his lower back. Invited to address the Duke University squad, Jim had this to say,

Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment, and make the most of it.”

God gives us an urgent directive in Hebrews 3:13, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today…” Why is there such a strong insistence on today?
It may be that today, this very day, could be the last one in our time here on earth. Today may be your last opportunity to accept God’s gift of salvation, or if you know the Lord already, to share this gift, to share His love with a friend or loved one.
James has this warning about presuming upon our tomorrows: “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14).
Seize the opportunities that God gives you today. That’s sound advice… for all of us.
Redeem the time—God only knows How soon our little life may close;As every passing moment flows,Redeem the time!
Plan as though you’ll be living for a century; live as though you’ll be leaving today.
Today open your ears to hear His voice,
Today open your heart to receive,
Today open your eyes to see,
Today open your mind to know,
Today open your mouth to share,
Today rest in the Lord,
Today exhort one another,
Today partake of Christ.

Only Jesus

If I have but Jesus, only Jesus—
Nothing else in all the world beside—
O then everything is mine in Jesus;
For my needs and more He will provide. —Olander

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Earthquaking

Early I awoke this morning...laying awake in the stillness and quiet when I heard a tiny rattling sound but could not figure out where it was coming from...then what sounded like a sudden gush of wind but it was different...a kinda eerie feeling overcame and in the pit of my stomach there was a churning, goofy, butterfly, uneasy feeling...the window rattled, my bed did a little wave like thing, like the floor dropped out from under me...not for long but long enough...the little rattle returned and then all was still and quiet again. I looked at the clock and it was 4:39 am when it was all over...how long it lasted I do not know but what it was I was pretty sure of, it was something I had only experienced once before in my life (16-18 years ago) but it was unmistakable...an earthquake was my thought and...a report on the radio and news on the internet served to confirm what I already knew that it was indeed an earthquake. Wow!

A 5.4 on the Richter Scale with its epicenter about 180 miles away in Illinois. I sit here amazed, in awe of Your Almighty Power! I remember shaking and earthquaking in Your Word...Isaiah, at the cross on the ninth hour..."It is finished!"...on Resurrection morning, in the Book of Acts on the Day of Pentecost there was a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, and as the disciples had fervently been praying "The place where they were assembled was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke The Word with boldness." Wow!

Awakened, shaken physically, let it be for me too a spiritual awakening, shaking...oh to be filled with The Holy Spirit, flowing freely, fully, in me and through me, Your temple...proclaiming, living Your Word, in Your Power, by Your leading, for Your glory I pray, Amen!

First Anniversary


My parents Sonny and Peggy...vows kept...covenant fulfilled!

Defining Moments

Today I share an excerpt from the pages of Our Daily Bread...
One year ago, people around the world were stunned by a shooting rampage that left 32 victims dead on the campus of Virginia Tech University. In the aftermath, the mother of one critically wounded student who survived said she did not want the ordeal to become the defining moment in her son's life. Instead, she hoped it could be "something positive, some great celebration of his life."

When the unthinkable happens, it may seem impossible to believe that anything can overcome the emotional scars. Yet, the life of Joseph offers a powerful illustration of God's transforming power...The defining moments of our lives are not determined by the things that happen to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God. —

When rough the path from day to day,
When sorrows fill our eyes with tears,
Our choice to find our hope in Christ
Can lift our soul and calm our fears.

This comes with a prayer that you may know His constant abiding presence and peace surpassing understanding and sustaining grace.

Today is a special day for our family, especially my Mom, it's first wedding anniversary for Mom since Dad passed...also May 6 is coming soon, the day of his homegoing...both are days, in fact, every day is a day to celebrate his life. and the One Who is the Resurrection and the Life, The Way, The Truth and The Life, and for His gift of eternal life delivered and paid in full...today I celebrate Jesus Christ!

E.S.P.N.

Acrostics have always been a good way for me to remember and share Biblical Truth...here is another that came to me recently-

E-encourage one another
S-support one another
P-pray for one another
N-need...we need one another...we need God.

Today in Our Daily Bread Devotional this Truth was reinforced

Encouragement! We all need it, especially in our walk of faith. The book of Hebrews tells us to keep urging each other on. "Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, . . . but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (10:24-25).

Help me, Lord, to reassure and strengthen
Others by the words I speak today;
I would always try to be affirming,
As our pathways cross along life's way.

You and Me

A memory not so long ago or so it seems to me
Of a baby girl giggling while bouncing on my knee
Sitting on my lap freely giving hugs and kisses too
Always saying “I love you!”
Together we did sing and rhyme
Yet it seems that in no time
That a little girl stood by my side
Always together me and you
Always saying “I love you!”
Before these eyes I watched you grow
Blessing my life I want you to know
Then that little girl became a teen
How to express how much to me you mean?
Together we grew me and you
Always saying “I love you!”
Up hills we climbed
Down them we flew
In sunshine and through rain
Through times of joy and pain
Always behind me
Holding me too
Always saying “I love you!”
Now a young lady stands by my side
Together we look down the aisle wide
Slowly now we begin to stroll
Through my mind the memories roll
“Who gives this woman?”
How can it be?
(Not so long ago it seems to me
A baby girl bouncing on my knee
Now before my eyes a woman I see)
And as I’m saying that “I do”
Know that I always love you too!

For my niece Jeanine on her wedding day

Moments that Matter Most

This past Monday, March 31, I remembered vividly where I was on that date one year ago. I wrote in my journal of the singing that night at Griffin’s Chapel for my Dad and the emotions, love, holiness of that worshipful gathering… it was as if God’s grace flooded that place, His love was released and freely flowed, His Holy Spirit moved freely, it was, well, like nothing I had ever experienced before and really no words are sufficient but as I recall it again the feelings, emotions well up inside of me…it was what we all needed. Dad was in his element, praising the LORD, surrounded by friends, and he was very humbled at the outpouring but even more so he was humbled by the graciousness of God, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life….and that he so often unashamedly expressed…and in those moments it was I who was humbled by this man and his love for the LORD but even more on this night as I sat next to him and he worshiped as never before…and I watched him walk up on that stage with his friends and raise his voice and raise his hands in praise and…shine…the glory of God illuminated that place, filled that place as the LORD inhabited the praise offered to Him, and oh how sweet and fragrant as he delighted and took pleasure in You, LORD…and I watched as Your all-sufficient grace poured out, Your power was perfected in weakness, You exalted the humble and I was in awe…in awe of You my heavenly Father and in awe of you my earthly father.

One year ago, it is hard to believe and as priceless and worshipful as those moments were, how much more, infinitely, unimaginably more what he is experiencing now and what one timeless, eternal day, we will experience together with our LORD, our Savior, our Brother, our Friend, Jesus…thank You Father, thank You Jesus for Your grace, mercy, love, peace, assurance…for the gift of eternal life…for making it all possible for us to be forever family and to have a forever home with You!

What have I learned? What matters most? How have I grown? How have I changed? How am I different? What will I do about it? What will I do now? Where will my focus be? What will be my priority? The eternal, the spiritual need outweighs the temporary, the physical need. That ministering to the physical need opens the door of opportunity to minister to the spiritual need. It is in the midst of those most trying times that there is openness, tenderness toward things spiritual and eternal…and an opportunity to share, to learn, grow, to draw near to and know the presence, peace, grace, love of God as never before. What matters most? Knowing we are loved…knowing we are not alone…this is what we most need, this what matters most…knowing someone understands even when we don’t and looking to Him, looking to Jesus, learning from Him, leaning fully on Him, trusting Him with All our hearts…trusting that somehow all that happens in this life, this temporary, fits into, is a part of His eternal plan…so to keep our eyes on the eternal…so to have peace that surpasses understanding.

What if I gave ALL?

What if I gave ALL?

What if I followed Your example, Jesus?

You have S.H.O.D.E.* me the Way

No greater example of serving

No greater example of sacrifice

No greater example of humility

No greater example of obedience

No greater example of (self) denial

No greater example of love (displayed)

No greater example of giving ALL!

What if I gave ALL like You?

What if I gave ALL to You?

What if I gave ALL for You?

What if I gave (surrendered) ALL?

What if I truly followed You?

What if I truly sought You with ALL my heart?

What if I truly loved You with ALL my heart?

What if I truly trusted You with ALL my heart?

ALL from You, ALL to You, ALL for You, ALL like You

Then would I experience true richness

Then would I experience true power

Then would I experience truly abundant Life

Today I would give ALL

Today I would be a living sacrifice (holy, wholly, sanctified)

Today I would have the mind and attitude of Christ

Today I would deny self, take up my cross, and follow You

Today ALL like You, Jesus, ALL like You let me be, I humbly pray, Amen.



*Philippians 2:5-11 Servant, Humble, Obedient, Death (cross), Exalted
http://www.angelfire.com/ia/wwmt/whatif.html

Risen Sun


REJOICE! He is Risen!

I know that you seek Jesus
Why do you seek the living among the dead?
He is risen, just as He said
Remember what He said
"The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
He is risen!
He is risen from the dead
He is risen indeed!
"REJOICE!"
Go and tell
You are My witnesses
Peace be to you!
My power be in you
I AM with you always.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who...has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:3

Rejoice in the LORD!

Today I will rejoice in You
Rejoice that my name is written in heaven
Rejoice that my name is inscribed in Your nail-scarred hand
Rejoice that my times are in Your hands
Rejoice that my salvation is secure in Your hands
Rejoice that I am Your son
Rejoice that my life has purpose
Rejoice that my life matters because You love me
Rejoice that You are my Abba Father
Rejoice that You, Jesus, are my Lord, Savior, Brother, Friend
Rejoice in an eternal family
Rejoice in an eternal home
Rejoice in abundant and eternal life
Rejoice in Your graciousness
Rejoice in Your mercifulness
Rejoice in Your faithfulness
This is the day LORD that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

The Hour of Power

BEHOLD the hour is at hand
The hour has come
Shall I say "Father save Me from this hour?"
For this purpose I came to this hour
My soul is troubled
My soul is exceedingly sorrowful
The scripture MUST be fulfilled
I came to do My Father's will
I came to lay down My life
It is necessary
It is the only Way
It MUST happen this way
This is your hour
This is the power of darkness
Do You not know that I have power?
I have power to crucify You
I have power to release You

You could have no power
No power at all against Me
Unless it had been given you from above
I have power to lay down My life
I have power to take it up again
ALL power in heaven and on earth is Mine
I AM the Resurrection and the Life
Because I live you will live also
I will sit on the right hand of God
The Son of Man MUST be lifted up
The Son of Man MUST suffer many things
The Son of Man MUST be killed
The Son of Man MUST be raised the third day
Thus it is written...thus it was necessary
For the Christ to suffer and be raised the third day
That repentance and remission of sins be preached
In His Name to ALL nations.

A Journey with Jesus-Who I AM

Today I begin a journey, a walk with Jesus in the gospel written by His beloved disciple and friend John. Today I begin a personal, intimate journey, walk with Jesus. Today I will look and listen to Jesus. Today I will learn from and lean on Jesus. Today I will know Jesus and love Him with All my heart. Today I will live with Jesus and for Jesus. Today I join in the proclamation of William Booth (Founder of the Salvation Army), "Jesus Christ has All of me."
Today I will do All I do, with All my heart as unto Jesus.

Near the end of the Gospel of John, in John 20:31, he gives the reason, purpose for writing what he did, "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." Life abundant...life everlasting...in Him...in His Name...that is why Jesus came. Today Jesus is saying, "I want you to know Me, I want you to know Who I AM". Today the journey with Jesus begins in the first chapter of John.

JESUS is...
The Word...Eternal...God...Creator...The True Light...Giver of the right, power, authority, privilege to (miraculously) become children of God, something only Jesus can do...The only begotten of the Father...The glory of God...Full of grace and Truth...Declarer of God...Unfolder of the things of God.

What did others say...who did they say He was...who did He say He was?
Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!-John the Baptist
This is the Son of God.-John the Baptist
The One Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.-God's words, declaration to John the Baptist
Rabbi, Teacher-Disciples
The Messiah...The Christ-Andrew
The One of Whom Moses and the prophets wrote-Philip
Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel!-Nathanael
The Son of Man-Jesus

Thank You, Jesus, for All you are to me!
Thank You for being my All-in-All!

First Leap

As a child I remember playing "Leap Frog". I recall a story of a young lady kissing a frog that turned into a prince. I had a classmate who did not celebrate her fifth birthday until two years after we graduated from high school. Today, somewhere out there, she celebrates her eleventh birthday. Today I went to school with Froggy, A Frog in the Bog, and a fuzzy frog with floppy legs who doesn't leap and doesn't hop on my lap. Today little children gathered at my feet and listened to and sometimes interacted with the Frog stories. On occassion, with some help, the fuzzy frog with the floppy legs who doesn't leap and doesn't hop would let out a croak but otherwise he sat silently in his own chair. The children, too fun, sometimes silly frog stories, and a fuzzy frog with floppy legs who doesn't leap and doesn't hop on this special day. This extra day, this gift, this day that still leaves the shortest month of the year the shortest month of the year, this once every four years day, this last day of February, this February 29, 2008, this "Leap Day" of this "Leap Year". On the three years in between, February 28 is the last day of this month, but not this year, not this first year. This first year? You see, the fuzzy frog with the floppy legs who doesn't leap and doesn't hop and only croaks with help belonged to my Dad. It was given to him by someone very special (Bea) who had floppy legs that didn't leap and didn't hop, just like mine, just like the fuzzy frog. My Dad whose birthday is February 28. My Dad who wasn't here to celebrate his birthday this first year. This first year he celebrated in a far better place. This first year there was a far greater celebration, a heavenly celebration, and maybe some "Angel Food Cake"? A far sweeter, sweeter than we can begin to imagine celebration! I can picture him smiling and his arms with hands lifted high and singing joyous praises to the One Whose amazing grace made this all possible. For it was twenty one years ago this February when my Dad knelt down at an altar of prayer and humbly received God's gracious gift of eternal life. It was there and then that this man who lived from age nine without an earthly father was adopted into the family of his Heavenly Father. It was there and then that my earthly father became my eternal brother along with Jesus our Lord and Savior. It was there and then that the celebration started and now...exceedingly, abundantly, above all we could ask or think is what he is experiencing! So, on this day, this first leap, with the children and the fuzzy frog with floppy legs who couldn't leap and couldn't hop was where I belonged. So, on this day, this first leap, I have reason to celebrate the gift of life...abundant life and eternal life! So, on this day, this first leap, I have reason to celebrate for one day these floppy legs that cannot leap and cannot hop will leap and hop on streets of gold with my Dad and with Bea who gave him the fuzzy frog and with my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. So, on this day, this first leap, I remember and give thanks for the love of my earthly father! So, on this day, this first leap, I remember and give thanks for the love of my Heavenly Father! So, on this day, this first leap, I remember that you are both somehow always with me, always a part of me both now and forever and I rejoice! "This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Truly Love

Valentine’s Day…flowers will be given, sweets…little candy hearts, heart shaped boxes full of chocolates…sweets from and for a sweetheart…cards carefully chosen…in expression of love on this day. In schools children will give cute cards to their classmates…seems not so long ago I was one of those children, life and love were so simple and so innocent then…I belonged to a family, I had parents, a Dad and a Mom, who loved, cared for me, provided for me, were always there for me…there was a place called home, not just a house to live in, but a home…a place of belonging, safety, security, and love…I look back now and realize how blessed I was (I am), I realize how much I had (have) to be thankful for, I knew then that I was and I know now that I am loved.

So let us say“I love you”, for it needs to be said, however the true measure of love expresses itself, shows forth, in our actions, in the things we do, otherwise the word “love” rings hollow, is empty, for love is a verb, it is a doing, showing, taking action word, it is a decision we make, and it is to be demonstrated. I am thankful that this is the kind of love I have and do experience. Thank You Father and thank You Jesus for continuously demonstrating Your love for me and to me! Today I want to live a life demonstrating love to You and for You, loving You with all of my heart and loving others as You love me. So, on this day of giving sweets, there is nothing sweeter in my life than being in love with You. So, on this day of giving hearts, I give my heart anew to You…loving, trusting, seeking You with all my heart! So, on this day of giving flowers that look so pretty and smell so fragrant but soon fade away, I am thankful that there is no beauty more glorious or fragrant so pleasant as Your ever abiding presence in my life, than Your Holy Word, never fading, never failing, everlasting…sweeter, more fragrant, more glorious, more beautiful as time goes on. So, on this day as cards and love letters are given, I am thankful You have given a card, a love letter, Your Word, that is forever, there is nothing I possess that is sweeter, more precious or treasured. Today I am loved beyond measure…so I would love as You love…I would share Your love with ALL!

His Passion for You

There is One though unseen is always present with you (and me), the One Who knows your hurt, suffering, pain, the One Who knows your stress and the heavy burden on your heart…the One Who bids us to cast all our cares upon Him…all who labor and are heavy laden…and find rest, rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). The One Who is humble and lowly in Spirit and yet sits at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20) forever interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25). A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…despised and rejected…oppressed, afflicted, stricken…the One Who bore our grief and carried our sorrows…wounded, bruised, crushed, punished…the One Who poured out His very soul…all for us (Isaiah 53). The Man troubled, deeply distressed, “Exceedingly sorrowful…” (Mark 14:33-34) as He prayed. Today I beheld The Man…The Son of God…willingly suffering and laying down His life, demonstrating His love and His Father’s love (Romans 5:8)…for me, for you, for whosoever…for God so loved the world (John 3:16)! Today I beheld my Savior, my Lord, my Jesus, suffering beyond comprehension, dying, and resurrected! Today I beheld Jesus purchasing (1 Peter 1:18-19) the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23)! Wednesday, February 6 (nine months since my Dad passed on to his eternal home), Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of this season of Lent leading up to our glorious celebration of Jesus’ resurrection (just like He said) on Easter Sunday morning. I remember too His passion for me, I look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), I focus on Him, I seek to follow Him and His example (Philippians 2:5), I desire to love Him and love like Him, to share His love and love as He loved (John 15:12). So loved, so blessed, so thankful…through it all! Not always easy, not always enjoyable, through hurt, pain, difficulties, and trials…I know all too well but even more so does my Jesus, in the midst of it all, He knows, He understands, He is ever present, He whispers, “Peace be still, I AM with you” and I know everything is going to be alright, and there is peace surpassing understanding, and there is hope, eternal hope, and there are promises, eternal promises, and there is life, eternal life, and there is an eternal home where there will be no more suffering or pain. Hallelujah! These are His words…these are His promises…this is where I place my trust…this is where I place my faith…in the One Who is Faithful and True…in Jesus. So, I share this with you because I love you. Comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

The LORD-A Fortress in Adversity

Excerpted mainly from Psalm 31, A Psalm of David. “The LORD-A Fortress in Adversity.” As well as other select verses.

Place your trust in The LORD
The LORD sees you
The LORD knows you
The LORD hears you
The LORD listens to you
The LORD answers you
HE is your rock of refuge
HE is your fortress of protection
HE will lead and guide you
The LORD is your redeemer
The LORD is your deliverer
The LORD is your strength
HE is The LORD GOD of TRUTH
Commit your spirit into His hand
Place your trust in The LORD
Be glad and rejoice in His mercy
The LORD has considered your trouble
The LORD knows your soul in adversity
The LORD is with you
In the midst of your trouble
In the midst of your grief
In the midst of your sorrow
In the midst of your brokenness
In the midst of it ALL
The LORD is with you
Though your strength fail
The strength of The LORD Never fails
In the midst of your weakness
The LORD is your strength
The grace of The LORD is sufficient
The grace of The LORD is immeasurable
Call upon The LORD
Place your trust in The LORD
How great is the goodness of The LORD!
Which HE has prepared for you
Which HE has laid up for you
Which HE is prepared to pour out on you
Place your trust in The LORD
How marvelous is the kindness of The LORD!
Blessed be The LORD!
The LORD knows you
The LORD sees you
The LORD hears you
The LORD loves you!
Be of good courage
The LORD will strengthen your heart
Look to The LORD
Lean on The LORD
Love The LORD
Call upon The LORD
Hope in The LORD
Place your trust in The LORD.


"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Riding The Storm Out

  Scripture     Acts 27:20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would ...