Are You Causing Ripples?

 I've always found the ripple effect of water fascinating. It starts with a small disruption, causing motion to take shape throughout the entire body of water, often small, barely detectable movement. If you're not pay attention, you might miss it. However, if you pause for a moment by a pond or lake...you see it, leaves dropping, the wind blowing, a fish swimming, a duck paddling...motioning the water to move.

 We too can cause a ripple effect in the lives of others. One prayer at a time. One kind act of unselfish love...going out of your way to comfort or help someone. A simple smile at a stranger, a hug, a kind gesture, something as small as allowing someone behind you in the grocery store to go in front of you. 

It causes a ripple. 

It shows Christ's unconditional love in a small way. Just enough to stir movement. To brighten the life of another. We may not see it, but acts of unselfish kindness, reveal the love of Christ that is in us. Allowing Him to move in their life through a simple ripple.

 

 Today, pause, look for opportunities to cause a ripple in someone's life.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else,  just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,  just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

1 Thessalonians: 1:2-5

Reach Above Your Fear

Story by: Lisa Petrarca

Certain situations can bring fear; fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of being out of control, fear of feelings, fear of love, fear of never being loved, fear of something real or imagined.

Life can throw things at you. Unexpectedly, you find yourself thrust into a situation that has you asking, "How did I get here?"

We all have this feeling at one time or another...no one is immune to it, you can however, learn to move in the face of your fear. It's not easy...it's actually kept me immobile for years, wallowing in self doubt, afraid of failure and/or how I might be perceived by others. I didn't take the steps towards my dreams. I stopped writing. I let my dream fester inside, shoving it down, letting my fear control me instead of walking in the face of it.

I'm learning to turn to the Lord for help. Allowing Him to guide me through daily prayer & scripture study. When I am overwhelmed and frozen, I pray for His help. Sometimes I'm only able to take baby steps, learning each day to lay down my fear, and put my Faith in Him. To rise above it, to look at Jesus' example. Asking each morning to be filled up with Love, Peace, Faith, Wisdom, Guidance and Strength in the face of my fear.

Seek each day to finish the task He has put on your heart...seek the Lord and overcome your fear.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:11

"So do not fear, for I am with you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"Have Faith in God," Jesus answered.
Mark 11:22

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31

What Is My Purpose?

story by: lisa petrarca

When I think about my life and all the things that have happened over the years, I remember wondering over and over again, "Why am I here? What is my purpose?

I always hoped to make a grand contribution...make a difference that matters, be a person that others would say, "She did something great with her life!"

Imagine my surprise when at 44 years old, I realized that I have made a difference, I have a purpose, I can help others.

Each day I'm given opportunities to reach out and either encourage or discourage people. I have a choice. I can make a conscious decision on how I will treat people. I can be a person of great Godly character by making a right choice each step of the way. I can push through my difficulties and reach out to the Lord for help. I can pray for others and be a source of strength and comfort when they need a shoulder to lean on.

I am here for a purpose, I've been assigned a task that is very important. A job not for the faint of heart or the weary.

I can complete my hours each day and know that I've run the race, I've sailed my sea, I've climbed my mountain, I've conquered my fears.

All this has been possible through the Lords loving guidance each morning.

He assigns special people to cross my path. He fills me with His spirit of unconditional love so that I can then go out and be a blessing. That is our purpose, our job, to show the unconditional love of Jesus Christ to everyone we come in contact with.

It's that simple!

Then out of that love will flow your individual gifts and talents. Start at the beginning, start with love and then you'll know you're on the right road to finding your true life purpose.

Love conquers all!

LOVE

And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self -seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 & 13

QUILT HOLES

author unkown

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me . Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up
their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame . I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Father, bless all my family & friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

"In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."
Psalm 71:1-8

WHAT YOU SAY MATTERS!

Do you ever feel like this some days?

I know that WE ALL have mood swings and often think, "I can't control them." But think about the times that you were mad and arguing with your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parents, siblings etc. & you run into someone you know. Almost immediately, you can change the tone of your voice, controlling the anger and bitterness into the nice, kind, fun person that you want the outside world to see.

Do you have the bad habit of allowing negative, self defeating thoughts enter your mind? This often sets the tone for your entire day. I want to remind you to start your day off with prayer & a few minutes of studying God's word, watch your day be transformed.

YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

Work on how you talk to your loved ones & yourself this week. Work on your anger, negative attitude and negative self talk.

Here's a few positive quotes to think on:

1. Pray & read the word of God today & He will set you free!

2. Courage is progress in the presence of fear...push through your fear to reach your goals!

3. A thankful heart = a powerful person. What are you thankful for today?

4. The world is full of two kinds of people, the givers and the takers. Takers eat well but givers sleep well!

5. God's word coming out of your mouth is one of the most powerful forces on heaven & earth!

6. God's giving is inseparably connected with our asking...PRAY today!

7. God never gives you anything to do that's beyond your ability with Him by your side!

8. Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life!

9. What virtues can you find today in the people close to you? Look for the good & see your relationship change!

10. Good words are worth much & cost little...think about what you say today!

11. Don't wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it!

12. It is challenging to say the right thing...let wisdom rise above emotions!

13. Think about the words you speak & you will learn a lot about yourself! Speak POSITIVE today!

14. Prayer does not change God but changes him who prays!

15. He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how!

16. Give God your problems & allow Him to give you solutions!

17. Trust God when He says no & when He says yes!

18. The value of persistent prayer is not that He will hear us...but that we will finally hear Him!

19. Learn to take steps of faith each day...it gets easier along the way!

20. Jesus Christ died so that you will be set free...take His life giving sacrifice!

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you, declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29:11-14

The Man Child

by: Lisa Petrarca

The man stumbled toward me, all of his teeth were missing except a few broken, protruding yellow nubs. He smiled and told me he was on his lunch break. He had just started a job at the theatre down the street. He asked for some coffee to help him "sober up," before he went back so that he wouldn't lose his job.

I ran in the house, grabbed a hot cup of coffee, pushed open the door, and to my surprise, heading towards me was a large group of people from church with their arms full of food.

Spotting the man, they invited him to come and eat lunch with us.

Everyone was so warm and friendly. They ate, talked, laughed and included this man in their lives.

Right before my eyes, the man suddenly became a young child. He began to cry, worrying that he would be fired from his job if he was late getting back. Everyone gathered around to hug this small, scared child. Through his sobs, he told us that he needed this job to help feed his family.

Hearing this, I scooped up the young child in my arms & ran, carrying him, running as fast as I could so he wouldn't be late.

As I woke up, I tried to make sense of this dream. It wasn't until later that day when I spotted a homeless man, hidden from immediate sight, lying between two buildings, that it hit me. Our Heavenly Father sees these hurting, broken people as His children. Children who are in need of unconditional love. When one of His children crosses your path, are you reaching out and showing the love of our Savior Jesus Christ?

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Isaiah 63:9

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own.
2 Corinthians 8:2-3

The Crow

story by Lisa Petrarca

While on our evening walk, we noticed a crow perched on the back of a chair, dangerously close to a mans face. We watched, worried that the man, who appeared to be enjoying the crow in such close proximity to him, might be hurt.

Our concern wasn't without merit. At our old house, there were several crows nests in the common area by the pool. These particular crows were very aggressive, actually dive bombing several people & children (including mine). This caused many people to be fearful as they headed to the pool. They frantically looked up, waiting for a re-enactment of the Alfred Hitchcock horror film, "The Birds."

Next, to our astonishment, the man leaned his face close to the black, pointy, razor sharp beak. The Crow leaned slowly toward him and............

gave him a kiss?

Then the bird happily jumped onto the mans shoulder & gave him another kiss. We were shocked!

A pet crow?

Who ever heard of such a thing?

We were on the opposite side of the street and asked some boys who were playing, "Is that his pet?" The boys joyfully replied, "Ya, and he has three more! He fixes their broken wings and stuff and they love him. They play with us sometimes too!"

We were completely amazed!

It appears that even a wild, aggressive, pesky crow, when shown a little love and kindness can in return become a grateful, loving friend and companion.

Is there someone in your life who is broken, difficult to deal with, mean, aggressive, angry and hurting? It may be time to show unconditional love. Pray for patience, understanding and wisdom from the Lord. Ask for His help to soften your heart as well as the difficult persons.

Remember, the enemy cannot battle love. Christ showed us by example how to love others unconditionally. Pray for the nature of Christ and watch Him work miracles in your life and relationships.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35

Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
John 12:44-46

"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:12-17.

He Wasn't Afraid

Pictures & Story By: Lisa Petrarca


Once you become more diligent in prayer, your desire to read the scriptures and understand Gods word becomes stronger. The things that used to be important are no longer the main focus. Your transformation starts to take place.

Standing stoically, alone in the middle of the Huntington Beach pier was one man, holding a large wooden cross, stretched high above his head, reaching towards the sky. On the cross was carved, "Jesus, Lamb, God my Redeemer, Grace, Wonder working power."

He was handing out a paper with a Bible verse to all who walked by. He was one man, standing alone in a sea of people. Standing for faith, for Jesus Christ, Proclaiming the life saving message to anyone willing to reach out their hand and take what he offered.


As always, there were those who scoffed at him, laughed and thought he was crazy. The man didn't seem to mind, actually, he didn't seem to notice those who were taunting him. He was standing for the Lord.


In the United States, people are afraid to talk about our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, they're afraid of being ridiculed. In other countries people are actually getting killed for their faith.

How deep are you willing to go?

Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means others will laugh at you, think you're crazy or, as in other countries, seek to take your life? Are you willing to stand alone in a sea of people? When everyone around you is living for themselves, are you willing to deny yourself, take up your cross, (whatever the Lord has put on your heart) and stand alone for Jesus Christ?

In our human nature, this would be impossible, but when we have been filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can stand up, stand out, face our adversaries, knowing that we have a purpose. Go deeper in your prayer life, pray throughout the day, let go and let God take control.

As I walked back by the man, I noticed a peace, marked with a complete love for his Savior. He stood for Jesus Christ, whom so many years ago sacrificed himself for him.

Are you willing to stand?

But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a child." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth.
Jeremiah 1:7-9

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. But I am full of the wrath of the Lord, and I cannot hold it in.
Jeremiah 6:10-11

Where's the Water?

by: Lisa Petrarca

The following passage shows us that our life and problems are like seeds waiting to be watered.

Water them with the word of God, prayer, patience and love, soon you will see new growth sprout up within you. The spirit of the Lord begins to take root.

Deprive them of these key necessary nutrients and you begin to wither inside.

Then Jesus said to them, "Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Mark 4:13-20


"What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." Mark 4:30-32




HE SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES "WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID? DO YOU STILL HAVE NO FAITH?"
Mark 4:40

Ingredients of Life

Author Unknown

A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong...school, family problems, severe health problems, etc. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks the child if he would like a snack, which of course he does.

"Here. Have some cooking oil."

"Yuck," says the boy.

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, Grandma."

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

To which the Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

" God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times, but, God knows that, when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually they will all make something wonderful!"

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13

The Miracle of a Brother's Song

TRUE STORY~as told by Karen Simmons Knapp (Grandmother)

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?

Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.

Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an over sized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated.

Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began tossing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away. "As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart."

"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..."

The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.

NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 10:39