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Viewing 1 - 9 out of 69 Blogs.
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To all my JCF friends! I am in such a new transistion stage of life!! I miss all of you, and will eventually be able to sit down and write long stories of our adventures in our cross country move! For now, I am back in Flagstaff doing the absolute final house clean out! My husband's work orders have been slow in finalizing, so he will stay here until they come through...only God knows for sure the final date! in the meantime, our house goods are in several locations in two states! I will be driving back to Florida towards the end of the week, the Lord willing. I would appreciate prayers for travel. I am without internet service unless I use the library which I will do a few times a week. Please know I appreciate all the new friendships and invites and my prayers are lifted for each and everyone of you! My heartfelt regards, love and prayers. Sissy
Stippling - Stippling is a common form of "filler" quilting It creates a pattern of closely-sewn, roaming lines that fill background spaces on a quilt. God’s Quilting
While flying from Phoenix to Dallas recently, I was observing the ground below me from the plane windows. I marveled at the gorgeous scenery below with the squares of land in varying shades of green and brown. The earth was decorated like a crazy quilt with lots of dots and dashes of homes and buildings, trees and water. While reflecting on the lines of earth creatively laid out by Engineers and farmers, I took note of the meandering lines of rivers and streams created by God His self. Twisting here and curving there only to suddenly straighten out in short and abrupt paths, sometimes circling back on themselves like a fox hunting a scent, laid the design. In this delight of my eyes, I lifted up a silent prayer of praise from my heart to the Mighty Creator for His wonderful work below me.
I sat there and wondered, “Did God sit one day in His Temple with a pencil, doodling out His thoughts much like I sit and doodle out my quilt designs? And suppose these doodles became His design for the rivers, streams and bodies of water that crisscross over our magnificent country?" I believe so! As a quilter, I try to quilt using a stippling design because there is no way I will ever be able to sew in a straight and precise manner. With a stippling stitch, I start “here” and I continue sewing, creatively, never stuck on which way to go, because any way is good and correct! I don’t have to worry about “sewing off the line, or going astray in my stitching”. Looking out that window at the earth below me, I know I will forever hold in my thoughts the doodling of God upon this quilted, patchwork of earth outside that plane window. I know that He joyously, unbounded and unfettered, stippled out our rivers and streams to bring us pleasure.
"... I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him..." Phillipians 3:8-9a (NIV)
I just sat there with my mouth hanging open. Surely that woman didn't say what I thought she said. My friend, Luann, had just asked the Ecuadorian mother of 7 what her greatest need was. We wanted to be able to pray for her when we returned to the United States. The woman replied without hesitation. "I want to be able to teach my children about Jesus so that they will follow the Lord all of their lives," she requested.
Looking around her tiny three room house, I could see lots of things that she needed. She needed more beds so that every family member could sleep without rolling into someone else all night long. She needed a refrigerator so that food would keep between visits to the far away market. She needed some carpet on that dirt floor to keep the family's feet warm during the cold nights in the mountains. She needed a four-wheel-drive that could make it through the dirt track that led to her house. The reality was that even some of her most basic needs were not being met.
All of my basic needs are met, and many of my wants are met with abundance. The fact is, though, that sometimes I have my priorities all mixed up. This mother knew the most important thing that her family needed. She knew that they all needed Jesus. He came first on her list for herself and for her children. Her physical surroundings may have been grim, but Jesus still came first. I walked out of her house with tears in my eyes.
David expressed his desire for knowing the Lord this way, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (Psalm 84: 1-2,10, NIV) In essence, our Ecuadorian friend had said the same thing. She wanted to spend her life in the Lord's dwelling place more than having a spacious, beautiful home. She wanted to be in His courts more than having a powerful position. She wanted to know the fullness of Jesus more than she wanted to leave her dire situation.
I'm sorry to say that I wondered what my response would be to the questions, "What is your greatest need? How can I pray for you?" I do love the Lord, but sometimes He falls to less than first place on my list of perceived needs. A woman with limited education but tremendous wisdom had reminded me of a great truth. She gave my "wanter" a major adjustment, and I walked away with something far greater than the bag of groceries that I had brought in.
Lord, I am surrounded by so much stuff. All my physical needs are met, but sometimes my spirit is starving to death. Will you change my "wanter"? Help me to want you above everything else. Help me to seek you for direction, to feed my spirit on your Word and to want you more than anything else, In Jesus' Name, Amen.
By Amy Carroll
Ah, to have a video camera continually following me around! The monies I could make! Or, for the very least, the laughter I could generate!
Take this morning for instance. It was a chilly 27 degrees out, and I had just come in from milking the goat. My hands were frosty and my nose was dripping icicles. I was all geared up and ready for a hot steamy shower. Off came the clothes, and into the tub I stepped. Emmm, the luxury of hot water streaming over my cold limbs was heaven! As per the norm of the last four months, I hear the shower curtain rustle and feel the warm wet nose of my Golden Retriever, Maggie. Maggie is my best friend. Truly! She is just wonderful. She doesn’t care if I have fibromyalgia, or that some days leave me flat on my back, or that other days I can walk her down the street. She doesn’t ask if I will share my treats with her, because it is just a common knowledge that I will. So it is with the shower. It is our daily routine for me to shower and to have her large gentle head and upper shoulders in there with me, snuffling around in the spray and trying to lick the soap bubbles off my legs. She loves the smell and taste of Rain Valley Bath Gel!
This morning was no different, except for the fact that I could smell Maggie!! Yep, she was a dirty dog. So, here I was, already wet, and there she was, with the most of her upper body in the shower, so I did what any good doggie mom would do, and coaxed her in further. Hm, not bad she says, as she licks soap bubbles off my legs. I get her nice and wet and pour some Pantene into her lovely amber coat; Ok, I know Pantene is expensive, but did I tell you already that we share everything?? About this time, she is becoming a little concerned about all this business and decides she needs to check out the other side of the shower curtain. I gently grab her shoulders and ease her back into the spray of the shower, adding yet more shampoo and causing more slippery bubbles to froth all around our feet. Well, enough was enough! Without warning, Maggie bolted right through the shower curtain!! I of course, of great response and wit, duh!, grabbed ahold of her neck, (need I mention “slippery neck”?) and we both take this slow motion, movie production dive through two shower curtains and across the bathroom floor. I swear! It was in slow motion, how does that happen anyway???
Crashing to the floor, with the wet shower curtains wrapped around and across my naked body, bubbles floating and careening off the air, the shower continued to spray its glorious stream of steaming water across the bathroom floor. As I lay there, with this wet soapy dog laying beside me, a great guffaw of giggles began springing forth from my belly. Maggie lays her head across my face and does this “auruff?” sound (You know, like Scooby Doo!) and licks me across my nose which sent me into peals of laughter!! I swear, where is that darn camera anyway??
I disentangle ourselves, haul her and myself back into the shower for a rinse. And so, begins my day with my friend Maggie.
You may not know me, but I know everything about you...Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up...Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways...Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered...Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image...Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being...Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring...Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived...Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation...Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book...Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live...Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made...Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb...Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born...Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me...John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love...1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you...1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father...1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could...Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father...Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand...James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs...Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope...Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love...Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore...Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing...Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you...Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession...Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul...Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things...Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me...Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart...Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires...Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine...Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager...2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles...2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you...Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart...Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes...Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth...Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus...John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed...John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being...Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you...Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins...2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled...2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you...1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love...Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me...1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again...Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen...Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father...Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...Will you be my child?...John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you...Luke 15:11-32 Love,
Your Dad.
Almighty God
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He Is!
Posted On 08/26/2007 11:29:55
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He is the First and Last,
the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation
and the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the Universe
and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is,
and He always will be . . .
Unmoved,
Unchanged,
Undefeated,
and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
and the leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
and non-believers can't explain Him away! He is Light,
Love,
Longevity,
and Lord. He is Goodness,
Kindness,
Gentleness,
and God. He is Holy,
Righteous,
Mighty,
Powerful,
and Pure. His ways are right,
His Word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,
and His mind is on me! He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and
He is my Peace! He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the wise,
the Power of the powerful, the Ancient of Days,
the Ruler of rulers,
the Leader of leaders,
the Overseer of the overcomers,
and the Sovereign Lord of all that was, and is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size . . . His goal is a relationship with me! He will NEVER leave me,
NEVER forsake me,
NEVER mislead me,
NEVER forget me,
NEVER overlook me,
and NEVER cancel my appointment in His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is God!
He is Faithful.
I am His,
and He is mine! My Father in Heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this . . .
He said it and that settles it. God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! May Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you.
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He Is!
Posted On 08/17/2007 11:32:44
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He is the First and Last,
the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation
and the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the Universe
and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is,
and He always will be . . .
Unmoved,
Unchanged,
Undefeated,
and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
and the leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
and non-believers can't explain Him away! He is Light,
Love,
Longevity,
and Lord. He is Goodness,
Kindness,
Gentleness,
and God. He is Holy,
Righteous,
Mighty,
Powerful,
and Pure. His ways are right,
His Word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,
and His mind is on me! He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and
He is my Peace! He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the wise,
the Power of the powerful, the Ancient of Days,
the Ruler of rulers,
the Leader of leaders,
the Overseer of the overcomers,
and the Sovereign Lord of all that was, and is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size . . . His goal is a relationship with me! He will NEVER leave me,
NEVER forsake me,
NEVER mislead me,
NEVER forget me,
NEVER overlook me,
and NEVER cancel my appointment in His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is God!
He is Faithful.
I am His,
and He is mine! My Father in Heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this . . .
He said it and that settles it. God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! May Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you.
(Author Unknown)
Many years ago, while home watching TV on Sunday morning, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years...... He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church had asked the old gentleman to preach. After a warm welcome and introduction of this speaker, as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak...... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... "Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." When all is said and done, all our theology can be boiled down to Jesus loving us so much that He died for us. Oh, the simplicity of it all! Now, for those who have white hair, or no hair at all - those over middle-age - check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". Read, sing and enjoy:
"JESUS LOVES ME" Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him. (CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
YES, JESUS LOVES ME,
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way. (CHORUS) Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile (CHORUS) When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near." (CHORUS) When my work on earth is done,
The curtain closed, the race been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love (CHORUS)
An eight-year-old boy was being raised by his parents on the family farm. Like all farming families, each member of the household had chores to perform to contribute to the family life. He was no different. Each morning and afternoon, he had chores to perform as a part of his family. He would normally do them before and after school. In October, after the clocks had been turned back, he came home one afternoon to find that it had already turned dark when it was time to do his chores. His dad prompted him that it was time to get to them, and the boy stepped out on the front porch to make his way to the barn. While standing on the porch, he became scared. The night was dark, and he could not see where the barn was. He went back inside the house and told his dad how he felt. His dad was wise, and said, "You are becoming a big boy now. We can trust you to carry a lantern to the barn and do your chores." He lit the lantern, and sent his son out onto the porch carrying the light into the darkness. He stood on the porch holding the lantern up but was unable to see more than a few feet in front of his face. He was definitely not able to see the barn across the yard. He was still scared. He went back inside and told his dad how he felt. His dad said, "Son, do you trust me?" "Yes," said the boy said. The dad said, "Do you believe me when I tell you that the barn is still out there across the yard?" "Yes," said the boy said. The dad said, "Then I want you to go back outside and take a step off the porch toward the direction of the barn. Take one step at a time and work toward the edge of your light, and I promise you the barn is still there." What insightful words--"work toward the edge of your light.". That holds a powerful lesson for us. God calls us to take life and faith one step at a time. God rarely tells us the whole plan before we take a step in faith. We would like that, but the journey of faith is most often lived taking one step at a time, working toward the edge of our light, trusting that God's purpose and destination will be our end. Work toward the edge of your light and God will be faithful. by Dr. Jeffrey E. Greenway
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