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

Did You Forget To Eat?

It's hard to remember to set aside a certain time each day and go to that "quiet place" and spend time reading the Bible & praying, but it's necessary, it's food for your soul. Just as you remember to take time to eat & nourish your body, set aside a certain time every day to feed your spirit.

The following is a scripture reference from:"AllAboutPrayer.Org" The Lord has shown us through several scriptures how prayer changes ALL things. The power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2 Kings 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14-15), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom (James 1:5).

DON'T FORGET TO FEED YOUR SOUL TODAY-Start by reading the scripture stories above!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

"I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in you presence."
Acts 2:42-47

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

NEED A CHANGE?

Story By: Lisa Petrarca

I think most people feel that they know how to pray, I know I did. But lately I've learned that prayer needs to be accompanied by faith. The two together enable the Lord to answer & bless your life.

I often refer back to Peter, recklessly stepping out of the boat. Focusing solely on Jesus Christ. He took the steps of faith. Not fearing, thinking, worrying or doubting...he went for it! He trusted as an innocent child and walked on water. But we all know what happened, He took his eyes off of Jesus & started focusing on his surroundings. First his eyes wandered, then quickly his mind followed...he rapidly began to sink.

Now if we relate this example to our prayer life, we see how quickly we also let go of faith. We pray & in the moment think, "This is actually possible, the Lord can heal, repair, fix and accomplish all things, (our eyes are on him), all things are possible."

We finish praying, so full of hope, slowly we open our eyes, and start to look around, our mind follows; "How is He going to fix this mess? I'm sure He could but nothings changed in the past. I'm too old to change my ways. That person will never change. My financial problems are so bad that nothing can help me. My illness is too bad, it's just too late for me.

I think you get the picture, just fill in your lines. We all have them, they may as well be on a never ending recorder that plays over & over again in our minds. This is exactly what needs to change. If you want to have a real break through, you need to re-train your mind. Replace those old "recordings."

I Can't = HE CAN
It Never = HE WILL
There's No Hope = THERE'S HOPE IN THE LORD
I Give Up = HE WONT GIVE UP ON ME
Why Me = HE HAS A PURPOSE FOR ME
My Problems Too Big = NOTHING'S TO BIG FOR GOD
Why Would He Help Me = WHY WOULDN'T HE HELP ME!

You know your phrases, fill in yours.

Be conscious of what your saying to yourself. Post the positive versions of your normal "recordings" on your mirrors, fridge, car, everywhere until you start to change your negative thoughts to FAITH THOUGHTS.

Prayer is Powerful
Faith is Life Changing

Put the two together and you have "A POWERFUL LIFE CHANGING GIFT FROM GOD!"

"For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help."
Psalm 22:24

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes."
Psalm 17:6-7

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

GOD CAN YOU HEAR ME I NEED YOU

TRUE STORY & Pictures By: Lisa Petrarca
Yesterday on a brisk, windy, sunny day we took our dog Allie to the beach. This is always a very special, joyous day for her. She is a Siberian Husky. When you own a husky you're told to never let them off their leash. They have a natural inborn instinct to run. Over the years we have slowly trained her. On our beach visits we let her off the leash. She runs a little ways, jumping, sniffing and playing and then always stops, looks back and waits for us to catch up to her.

This particular day seemed no different than others before it. We strolled along the white, long stretch of sand. The chill of the wind was stinging our faces, as Allie frolicked in the water, chasing dogs and birds. Allie stopped and waited every so often just as she had been trained.

The sun was lowering behind a low patch of fluffy, cotton white clouds, signaling an end to our day. Approaching the part of the beach that we attach Allie to her leash, she abruptly turned and began running the opposite direction. We cried out, "Allie, Allie...STOP, come back here!" She continued to run, farther and farther. Our cries soon becoming muffled, lost in the pounding crash of the waves, beating against the sand.

We continued to walk in the direction she was running. We were certain she would eventually stop, look back and dash towards us. She began to appear as though she was a mirage, to far away to tell if it was really her. I began to run, worried that she might scale the steep cliff and run into the heavy, rush hour traffic on Pacific Coast Highway.

She had slowed down, but was still very far ahead. She now started to approach the few people on the beach, a woman at first, and then a couple. Each time she would walk away. She appeared to realize that she was lost. Walking away from the couple, with no one else around, she stood alone in the middle of the beach, a long isolated view in front of her. I began to get closer as she stood in one place. Her head was faced up towards the orange, red & yellow sky of the setting sun. She was howling, loud piercing cries, crying out because she was scared and lost. She had gone too far and now realized her mistake.



Out of breath, I started to walk, passing a couple that was staring at Allie. The wife looked at me with large, concerned eyes, "Oh, she's crying...she thinks she's lost." Finally close enough for her to hear me I shouted, "Allie, come here, I'm right here!" She quickly stopped her howl, snapped her head down, stared frozen for a moment and sprinted towards me. Her eyes squinting through the blowing wind, tongue hanging out of her mouth, tail wagging, and wait a minute...is that a smile? Can dogs smile? It sure looked like it to me. Reaching me, she jumped up on me and kissed me.

This story sadly represents our walk with the Lord. We are safely beside him, protected, loved and happy. All of a sudden something catches our attention. It looks fun, challenging, exciting...our mind starts to run. Next our body begins to chase after it also. We are going full speed in the wrong direction. Getting caught up in the moment, enjoying our fleshly, worldly desires.

The Lord is calling us to come back. He wants to protect us. We have gotten too far away. We no longer hear his cries. They are drowned out by the loud crashing waves of this world. Pride, vanity, money, pornography, sex, drugs and alcohol...we are trapped in the middle of their false allure.

Never finding the happiness we had hoped for, our life begins to fall apart around us. We stand alone on the long, lonely, isolated stretch of sand. Crying, calling out to the Lord, "Where are you Heavenly Father? I need you. I'm so scared and alone. Please come and help me."

He is there…waiting for you to invite Him back into your life. Waiting…to call you to the safety of his loving and forgiving protection. Just call out to him, He will hear you. You are never out of his sight. He is waiting for you to stop running. Just like huskies, we have a natural instinct to run after the things of this world. These things only give us fleeting, momentary pleasure. Followed by our guilt, unhappiness and self-loathing. Stop running and look to the Lord for peace, shelter, comfort, love and complete happiness. He is waiting for you.

"Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines, then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest of silver for you. Surely you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. When men are brought low and you say, "Lift them up!" then he will save the downcast. He will deliver even one who is not innocent, through the cleanness of your hands."
Job 22:21-30