Within

A heart of Promises

A heart of Hope

A heart of Emotions

A heart of warmth

A heart of friendship

A heart of love

Within

A heart that is mysterious,

A heart that is softly tender

A heart that no one can see

A heart that will forever grow

Within

A heart that has endured it all

A heart that loves unconditionally

A heart devoid of hate

A heart that will cherish

A heart that will hold you

Within

A heart that loves all

A heart that gives His All

Jesus Christ!



“Holiday Despair”

The Season is upon us, for some there is joy and comfort in knowing that they will get to spend some time with their families. However for most, The season brings along pain and stress, the worries of the extra expense, cooking for many and just the thought of being around people they do not care for.  For some it is bittersweet, it can be a season of despair, and often, a dreaded time. For some of these people, the mindset is, ‘everyone is happy but me.’ They do not realize that many others like them are suffering during the holidays. They do not realize that is does not have to be this way.

People rushing around shopping for the ingredients for the turkey dinner for the family, laughing and singing those silly Christmas tunes, you know the ones that make you sick that you have heard them your entire life. If this sounds all too familiar to you then it is very evident that you have forgotten the full meaning of the holidays.


Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.


But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."


All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—, which means, "God with us."


When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (KJV)

This is the reason for the Holiday Season, The birth of Jesus Christ. Gifts should be given out of love, not fear of how you will put the next meal on the table. The best gift one can give is time, love, understanding and caring. The Lord is aware of the trials and tribulations that you are going through and He does not want you to suffer because of His birth. His birth was meant to be to show you just how much He loves you. He was born so that He could die for us so that we could have a future with Him.

The spirit of being around your family and friends is meant to be joyous, if you feel you are alone and have no family or friends, please take a minute and ask Jesus to be your friend, He will not let you down. Trust and have faith in who He is, for Christmas to come is about His birthday.

The holiday’s leading up to Christmas are a time of gathering with friends and family, if you have none, find a Christian ministry, a homeless shelter, and volunteer your time and be with others who may be going through what you are, but do not let Satan control this time. God is love…If presents and wrapping paper, mistletoe and Santa Clause are all stealing your vision away from the true reason for this season, take a few minutes to pray. These next few weeks should be a time of cheer, even with the difficult economic times where most of us will not be able to buy elaborate gifts, we can still spread the news of Christ’ birth. Let us celebrate this thanksgiving and Christmas by showing our love for others and for the Love of our Heavenly Father. God bless you my friends…

“A Day of Thanksgiving”

Thanksgiving is approaching us and I wanted to take time to remind all the importance of this day. From back in 1782 when President Hanson declared Thursday November 28th a time to celebrate God and a time to give thanks to Him in a declaration. To this day we still celebrate Thursday as a day of thanks, however for many it’s a day to prepare for what we call Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Tears come to my eyes as I type that.



Thanksgiving should be daily; God takes care of us every day, why would some just give thanks once a year? In fact, God commands us to be thankful. Psalms 50:14 14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: Psalms 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.


The Bible is full of scripture and stories of thanksgiving. What is not full of thanksgiving is the world we live in. Thank him daily. Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits... I Thessalonians, chapter five, verse eighteen say, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." And in Ephesians, chapter five, where Paul is telling new Christians how they should live, it says: Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

As I was studying for this today, I came across a story that touched my heart and made me realize how I would feel as well. I hope it touches you as well. One afternoon a shopper at the local mall felt the need for a coffee break. She bought herself a little bag of cookies and put them in her shopping bag. She then got in line for coffee, found a place to sit at one of the crowded tables, and then taking the lid off her coffee and taking out a magazine she began to sip her coffee and read. Across the table from her a man sat reading a newspaper. After a minute or two, she reached out and took a cookie. As she did, the man seated across the table reached out and took one too. This put her off, but she did not say anything. A few moments later, she took another cookie. Once again, the man did so too. Now she was getting a bit upset, but still she did not say anything. After having a couple of sips of coffee, she once again took another cookie. So did the man. She was really upset by this - especially since now only one cookie was left. Apparently, the man also realized that only one Cookie was left. Before she could say anything he took it, broke it in half, offered half to her, and proceeded to eat the other half himself. Then he smiled at her and, putting the paper under his arm, rose and walked off. Was she steamed? Her coffee break ruined, already thinking ahead of how she would tell this offense to her family, she folded her magazine, opened her shopping bag, and there discovered her own unopened bag of cookies.

I like that story - it makes me think about how well God treats me even when I am not treating him well or thinking all that kindly about him. I can imagine what must have gone through her mind, how embarrassed she was. We are all so selfish at times in our life, instead of being thankful for what we have and for those in our life, we complain and find what is wrong. This day I give Thanks to God, for all that, He has given to me in my life and I thank Him for all those who are in my life. Most importantly, I give thanks to Him for loving me and giving me life daily.

Take this day, give Thanks, no matter your situation in life, Give Thanks, and ask for deliverance from the pain and suffering and all your sins.

God bless each of you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Upwards to Heaven

There was pain I could not bear
When the flood of tears fell
Where was my friend?
I looked to the sky,
Searched thru the stars above
For this pain I could not bear

The mind wanders upwards
As the end of the day draws, near
Where is my friend?
Searched thru the light of the moon
To the Heavens above
For this pain I cannot bear

Shall I mount upon the wings of the eagles?
In search of my friend
To seek from the Heavens above
To stand on His Promises
For this pain I cannot bear

Walking in obedience
In search of my friend
To do my best and not fear
Waiting on my friend,
For this pain I can bear

Looking upwards
During this storm of pain
I found my friend,
For He (Jesus) was always near,
This pain I did bear.

We can't Fathom God's Love

God's mind is so far beyond our own that it is far, far beyond our imagining.

I have been asked how God hears all of us at once... It is just the same as how did He create Heaven and Earth in a week. HE IS GOD! First of all we aren’t suppose to understand, it’s up to us to TRUST and BELIEVE in all that God has shown us already and to believe in what is to come.

Do you know why God answers my prayers, I can tell you, it is very simple, I BELIEVE IN HIM. Do all prayers get answered the way I want, of course not, and later I am always so appreciate, cause see God knows the future for me, He knows that maybe what I ask for at the time, just wouldn’t fit in with what His plans are for me. I already know He loves me and wants the best for me, so I trust that the choices He makes for me are the correct ones.

I so often hear from people, I been praying but God has not answered, He does not love me. Impatient is what I say, or they got the answer and just did not want to hear it. Probably because it was not exactly what they asked for, or to be blunt it may be because they do not have a relationship with God. They may know that God exists, and they might even worship God from time to time.

However, those who never seem to have their prayers answered probably do not have a relationship with him. Further, they have never received from God complete forgiveness for their sin. What does that have to do with it you ask? Here is an explanation. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. However, your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." When you belong to God, he knows you and hears your prayers. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me...my sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."

If you find yourself feeling alone and your prayers unheard ask yourself, do I know God, if you answer that with an “I am not sure” then get on your hands and knees and cry out to Jesus? Lay your sins down before Him and ask for His divine forgiveness. It is very easy to be neglectful and live a life of sin until we need help. We tend to forget to say thank you and remember that God wants to hear from us, we are not burdens to Him; He loves us and the cross proved that already.

“The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God may provide solutions, to the problem way beyond what you imagined possible. However, if the circumstances do not improve, God can still give us his peace in the midst of it. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

 My friends remember all you have to do is love Him and let Him love you back. Give all your worries and trials over to Him. Accept Jesus into your life before it is too late. He is God! He is Love! He is Truth! He is ETERNITY! Is He yours today?

“Holiday Despair”

The Season is upon us, for some there is joy and comfort in knowing that they will get to spend some time with their families. However for most, The season brings along pain and stress, the worries of the extra expense, cooking for many and just the thought of being around people they do not care for.  For some it is bittersweet, it can be a season of despair, and often, a dreaded time. For some of these people, the mindset is, ‘everyone is happy but me.’ They do not realize that many others like them are suffering during the holidays. They do not realize that is does not have to be this way.  People rushing around shopping for the ingredients for the turkey dinner for 15, laughing and singing those silly Christmas tunes, you know the ones that make you sick that you have heard them your entire life. If this sounds all too familiar to you then it is very evident that you have forgotten the full meaning of the holidays.
Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—, which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (KJV)

This is the reason for the Holiday Season, The birth of Jesus Christ. Gifts should be given out of love, not fear of how you will put the next meal on the table. The best gift one can give is time, love, understanding and caring. The Lord is aware of the trials and tribulations that you are going through and He does not want you to suffer because of His birth. His birth was meant to be to show you just how much He loves you. He was born so that He could die for us so that we could have a future with Him.
The spirit of being around your family and friends is meant to be joyous, if you feel you are alone and have no family or friends, please take a minute and ask Jesus to be your friend, He will not let you down. Trust and have faith in who He is, for Christmas to come is about His birthday.
The holiday’s leading up to Christmas are a time of gathering with friends and family, if you have none, fine a Christian ministry, a homeless shelter, and volunteer your time and be with others who may be going through what you are, but do not let Satan control this time. God is love…If presents and wrapping paper, mistletoe and Santa Clause are all stealing your vision away from the true reason for this season, take a few minutes to pray. These next few weeks should be a time of cheer, even with the difficult economic times where most of us will not be able to buy elaborate gifts, we can still spread the news of Christ’ birth. Let us celebrate this thanksgiving and Christmas by showing our love for others and for the Love of our Heavenly Father. God bless you my friends…

“Who Received the Blessing?”

Peter responds immediately, and his journey is significant. It is a twelve-mile walk to Joppa. The journey is a reflection of his inner journey, as he moves away from Judaism towards a new understanding of his mission.

Peter is taken to Tabitha's body, laid out in the upper room of her house. Her friends have gathered around her body. They show Peter the garments she has made for the poor. The evidence for a well-lived life is there for all to see.Peter is moved by their grief, but he puts them outside so that the room becomes peaceful and quiet again. There is only him and the body of Dorcas.

He kneels and prays, facing away from the body - perhaps to focus his entire mind on God. Then he turns to Dorcas' body. Using her Jewish name, Tabitha, and drawing on the same source of power that Jesus had, he commands her to get up. The dead body responds. She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up. He extends his hand to her and raises her up into a standing position. Then he asks for her friends from outside to come back in, so they can see with their own eyes what just happened. Amazed does not explain the looks on their faces. It simply shows that because of them believing in the Lord she is restored to life. She rises and returns to her friends and family. Acts 10 reports he had a dream and realized that 'God shows no partiality' (Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons). From this moment, Peter knows he must convert Gentiles as well as Jews to belief in Jesus Christ. Please check out the full story of Dorcas (Tabitha), and Peter’s journey to use God to heal her.
This story serves many purposes for all of us. We need to come together and help each other out during lives trials and tribulations. We must have the faith necessary for God’s will to be done in our lives, and we must bring all lost sheep to God, no matter what their religion or belief. Sometimes it is all about how you act, how you let others see you during hard times. Do you give up? Do you trust God to bring you thru? God does respect all; He created us all, so remember that when you speak ill will of anyone, pray for all.

God bless you my friends!

Let your “Sunshine” out

I am still the SON shine that is watching over you. I give you the laughter within to make you happy. I can just hear Jesus telling us this. As winter approaches; so does fatigue, and depression for us. We have limited sunlight each day. I know that for me I could not possibly get through a full day without having my Heavenly Father to talk with. I ask His Son Jesus to shine on me and help me get through each day.


As winter approaches, some will begin to feel sluggish and gloomy. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. All this can get started because of the lack of sun. I like to believe it starts because of the lack of SON (Jesus).


The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of His Son Jesus Christ.


It starts with accepting Jesus into our hearts, all thru prayer we can find that sun that is within us again. Winter doesn’t have to be without SON, it is your choice. Start with faith by recognizing Gods voice when He talks to you, Trust in Him to take care of your needs and believe in receiving joy and happiness back into your life.

Psalm 97 11Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. 12Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

                             

                                             My Son shine

Jesus Christ!

“The First Snow of 2010”

Job37:6 For He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

Here in the North Carolina Mountains we received our first snow for the 2010 season on November 4. Ski slopes opened, and many people climbed the mountain to get in their first skiing of the season. I looked up at the snow-laden trees; I saw their branches spread out in praise to God. As I looked out at the bushes, I saw that they were bent over under the weight of the snow and they looked as if they were kneeling before almighty God. As I looked up at the hilltops, I saw the stony faces of the mountains, which were silently singing their praises to God. In that moment, I began praising God.

     

 On the wings of a snow white dove comes to mind when I think of snow and the Lord. Jesus washes us clean not only a little...but completely. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Jesus wants our souls to be pure; He gives us opportunities throughout our life to make ourselves right with Him. As I was listening to the radio and watching the news about all those that were out heading to the slopes or higher elevations just to see the snow, I wondered just how many had taken a minute to thank the Lord for the beautiful snow. It was just such a beautiful day to give thanks. God gives us so much beauty and we just forget to thank Him. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater" (Isaiah 55:9)

God planned everything when He created earth, including the elements. Snow is just one of those that we get to enjoy.


Mrk9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

Ps148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:


Never take for granted what God gives you, He loves us so much. God bless you my friends!

When does two wrongs make a right

Romans 12:9

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Nothing in life would make us happier at times than to turn and make someone else suffer for what they have done to us. I will use myself as an example here. Life is hard, complicated and even unbearable at times without a feeling of being bullied, harassed, or even crucified. In my workplace I was told I am to not go to certain areas without letting my boss know I am going, when I should laugh I can’t I just cry. The reason I cry is simple, I am lucky if I take time and go to the women’s room each day for right now due to some health issues I am only working part-time hours. However, the real reason cannot be said to me for it will hurt someone else, so I get abused as I have been for quite a few months now. When I say anything, I just am told I am making more of it than it is. Easy for them to say, they do not have to report their every move to a warden. I am being imprisoned and treated like a 5 year old. I would love to see this person be treated the same, however I know that’s not possible and I know with thoughts like that God gets angry with me. Even angrier with me because of the thoughts I had on my way home today. I have cried for approximately five hours now, and soaked away some of the ache knawing in my chest. I have asked Jesus to intercede on my behalf. I cannot handle any more disappointments right now. Dealing with health issues already has me in a bad place. Therefore, I went seeking His word, and I found Romans 12:9. I do not want anyone to go to Hell, I pray for his or her soul. I am telling you all this so that you can see that I also have everyday problems, and I almost let Satan win this battle just with the thoughts I had and let them ruin any opportunity that I might have of getting into heaven. Of course, there are always going to be people in our lives that think they are mightier than God Himself, but us Christians know better.

When Jesus was arrested, Peter was disturbed to the point of cutting off the ear of a slave of the high priest. Jesus quickly responded by healing the slashed ear and said, Stop! No more of this." (Luke 22:51) Jesus taught His disciples, in word and deed, that two wrongs never make a right.

Because of sins, mistakes, and errors in judgment, we, too, are often forced to learn the hard way. If this has been your experience, do not be discouraged. Remember that God loves you and can use any learning experience to make your life rich and more useful in His work.


So, confess your mistakes and sins, and seek God's will for your life.


I love you Jesus and ask for your love, understanding, and forgiveness of my sins. God Bless you my friends.

Are you a Samaritan?

The story about the ten lepers occurred when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. The men met him, but stayed a distance away. (The law said a leper must not come near and must call out "Unclean!" so people would know he had leprosy.)

These men called out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" They knew he had healed others. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they were going, a wonderful thing happened. Their skin became clean and free from leprosy! We can just imagine the joy they felt. Nine of the men continued on to go see the priest, but one man turned back and came to Jesus. He was praising God with a loud voice, and he fell at Jesus' feet and thanked him. This man was a Samaritan, a man from the region of Samaria. The Jews hated the Samaritans. Jesus asked where the other nine men were. Ten were healed, but only one came back to say "Thank you", and he was a foreigner. Jesus told the man, "Rise and go. Your faith has made you well

Where are you in your healing? Do you have the faith the Samaritan had? It is important that we all take time and thank God immediately for His divine healing.

Do you have a thankful heart, a heart after God? When was the last time you stepped out of your box and told someone what God has done for you? Sometimes that is all someone needs to hear, an encouraging word, faith to believe for him or her that they too can receive healing just as you did. Do not ever sit back and think why would I want to tell anyone what I been through, you never know when it may be you that saves someone’s life.


Knowing that God is in control and that he has a purpose for our lives is another reason to be thankful. God blesses us in so many ways and sometimes we fail to see or recognize His handiwork in our lives. Think about all the wonderful things in your life such as family and friends.


Be thankful that when you or someone you care about is ill, you can pray for God's healing power.
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Gratitude is an attitude of being thankful for what He has done for me! When we fully recognize that our greatest problem has been solved, our indebtedness of sin, we can feel and know gratitude and thus honor God, by leading a life of response to whom and what He has done! I have told you so many times over this past year just how much God loves you, so I ask of you today to take some time and Thank God for getting you thru these past 10 months of 2010. He loves us all. I love you Jesus!

May God love and Bless you my friends~

“Election Day"

Vote for God to Run this Country

                                                                 

 Today around the United States people are going out to the polls to elect who they think will be right in the White House to serve this Nation. Many will be elected in, that are of Satan, and few will be elected in that know God our Father of all Nations. We each get to make that decision. Some investigate it and make just decisions, others vote straight party. What ever decision you make, stop first and ask for Gods anointing on whom you are voting for, ask for His advice before making such an important decision.

In the Bible you will find many discussions about elections and their different meanings. God elected many, and many went against Him. Don’t make that decision, vote with God.

God elected Saul to be King over Israel and to save His people from the Philistines, but King Saul turned against God in disobedience. 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, 16 "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to me." 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, "There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people."1 Samuel 10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that [there] [is] no one like him among all the people?" So all the people shouted and said, "Long live the king!"

This my friends is what will happen in today’s election as well, many running for office will turn against God and take their free will and try to run this country as they see fit. It is each of our responsibilities to do our very best to get God fearing men and women into office. I hope that as you made your decisions today, you put God first.

Jesus Christ was elected by God to take away the sin of the world. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Isaiah 42:1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One [in] [whom] My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise [His] [voice], Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. 4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law."

Jesus loves us and want us to live in a sin free world as He knows it. Unfortunately earth is corrupt as many of the officials that we allow to run it. I took God with me to the polls today and ask for His will to be done. We are blessed to live in a country that is united by God, let’s keep it that way. Most importantly is that if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, today is the time to make that decision and make Him your Leader.


God bless you my friends!