Stay In The Moment!

I awoke to a whole houseful of my grown boys...oops I mean men. It was one of those heart swelling, overflowing moments. But then I found myself counting how many days I had before Jullien goes back to New York (4) and Elijah heads back to school in Missouri (5). Then I thought, "Why do I do that? Why do I jump ahead instead of staying in the joy of the moment? I have them here right now and I'm dampening my mood by focusing on next week already."

Today, I'm thankful for recognizing a habit that I all too frequently fall into. I'm thankful that in the noticing I can "take captive every thought", submitting it to The LORD in prayer, asking for HIS help to keep me right where HE has me. A time of over-abundant blessings, happiness, love, and heart-filled joy with my boys...men (I have a hard time thinking of them that way😬). So today I will soak it in. I will let it pour over me. I will stay right here and enjoy the day I've been given. 

Friends, join me in remembering that right here and now is a gift from The LORD. It may be a gift of overflowing, growing, learning, resting or even trials that teach the importance of drawing closer to JESUS...your Helper, Savior and Redeemer.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."~2 Corinthians 10:5

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

Look It's Pokemon GO People!

Some days you just have to say *yes* to 12 mile beach boardwalk bike rides and hand holding!😍

We rested and had a picnic lunch at the waters edge. While relaxing the hubby, Anthony said, "Look, there's some of those Pokemon Go people. Let's watch and see if they chase Pokemon into the ocean."😂 They didn't...but all of a sudden they both took off running full speed down the beach. Meanwhile another group of boys were playing football in the ocean. And right there in front of us, the differences. Each person uniquely and wonderfully made for a purpose. We are all wired differently. GOD's plan. 

Friends, as the world seeks to divide and separate with violence and hate, I'm reminded that GOD is still Sovereign over all. HE created each of us. We are perfectly and wonderfully made. JESUS continually calls us back to HIS Love, Wisdom, Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace...re-setting our hearts and minds back to Truth. Let's remember to use the different gifts and talents GOD's Given us for a greater purpose. Shine the Light of CHRIST in you as HE leads you to the lost, hurting and broken. This world seems to be falling apart. Let's remember who we are in CHRIST. Love more. Judge less. 

I'm thankful for the reminder of the very differences that GOD has given each of us. We are all called for a purpose. Let's not shrink back or fall short in the face of it all. Let's you and I remember to walk closer to The LORD each day, allowing HIM to Strengthen us to be all HE's created us to be. Our differences united together for HIS Will.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."~Romans 12:2

"For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well"~Psalm 139:13-14

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."~Romans 12:6-9

Jump on the "Thankful Train"...what are you thankful for?

HE is Risen!

HE is Risen! 

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."~Matthew 28:6

On this day, Resurrection Day, I'm reminded of the gift of The Hope and Glory that JESUS CHRIST has given. A gift so insurmountable. New life. Eternal life for all who believe in and on HIM. Holy, Mighty and Powerful is HIS Name. The Name above all Names, JESUS CHRIST. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name"~Philippians 2:9

HE is Risen! I am forever thankful.

Friends, let's not forget the true reason we Celebrate this day. Don't take HIS Gift of New Resurrected Life, Eternal Life for granted. Don't let another day go by without asking HIM into or back into your heart and life. 

Climb aboard the "Thankful Train"...let's join in thanking JESUS together today!

GOD'S BLESSING

...and at just the right moment, as my finger pressed down freezing the view, he flew in, blurred wings, flight in motion, flared tail speed reduction and a boat called, "God's Blessing."

It was all too perfect. "God's Blessing." This old fishing boat that didn't appear to be much by today's standards of bigger, better, newer...provided a living, food; valuable in sustaining. 

I'm thankful for the reminder that The LORD'S Blessings, the very things HE'S given us are exactly what we need, *valuable in sustaining*...financially/physically/emotionally. HE'S Blessed each one of us, but all too often we're sitting in a place of discontentment, wanting, coveting, complaining...unable/unwilling/forgetting to focus on all we *do* have.

Today friends, pause, look around. Look at all that The LORD *has* Blessed you with. Take a moment to be grateful and Thank HIM. This small act will transform your day!

"For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life."~John 3:16

My Will vs. God's Will

The call came in. I've been putting off the very thing the Lord is telling me to do. My procrastination isn't for a lack of want on my part. Change is just plain scary. Change and commitment to forever leaves me feeling nervous. I don't know why. I know it's right. I knew it the minute we began to walk down this journey. God's will. God's purpose. God's timing. But I drag my feet in weariness. Sometimes I want things my way. My will. My timing. So I stop. I wait until I feel emotionally ready to move.

But what if in the waiting, I'm not being faithful?

What if, instead, I choose to say, "Okay Lord, it doesn't feel like I can do this right now, but I will trust YOU!" Isn't that what faith is...a trust when it looks to be too much? Faith in God...who's plans, will and way are opened in the impossible. If I wait for my timing; for things to be just perfect; for my emotions to be perfectly ready...is that faith?

Am I trying to control the very thing the Lord is asking me to give to Him? Can I lay it down completely and let Him take over?

My will vs. God's Will.

The ever present battle.

My prayer today is that I let go. I hand it over to Jesus and walk out the steps of faith, no matter how shaky, feeble or weak I may feel. I know my safety is found in Him and nothing else.

Lord, help me to trust You more and give You complete control over every area, every scary situation, every unsure step. For it is in the letting go that You are found. An ever present pillar. A light in the darkness. A hope to the hopeless. Thank you Lord. I sit in the loving embrace of Your arms as You carry me to my final destination, wherever that may be and whatever that may look like. Your perfect will be done in and through me.

"So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God." Mark 11:22

"My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment." Mark 12:30

"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He." Deuteronomy 32:4

STAY THE COURSE!

I’ve received so many miracles, one right after another. Faithful. Lord, You are Mighty to save. In whom can I put my trust but You alone.

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; “He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The mountains and hills pass away but Your Love is Eternal.

“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed, Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10

You are with me always. When I lie down, there You are. When I awake, there You are. When trouble comes, there You are. Your Mighty arm saves me and lifts me up.

“ teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen.” Matthew 28:20

No greater Love has thee than to lay down Your life for Me. Who am I that You should be mindful of me? That You should answer my call Mightily. That You would carry me safely through this earthly journey. No greater Love has ever been found. Jesus, my Lord, Savior, Deliverer. Jesus. Who gave His life for mine. No greater love.

“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10:18

 ^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 ^“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”   1 John 3:16

I sit in awestruck wonder at the mention of Your Name. Cancer-healed. Death-restored life. Accident-protected. Drowning-saved. You Lord are a God of Miracles. A God of Love. A God of the Impossible. A God of Trust. A God of unending Faith. My True Deliverer. Your Glory Abounds. You leave me speechless. I fall to my knees in awestruck wonder; to know that I’m never alone. Thank you Lord! You deliver the lost and broken back to peace and trust; carefully guiding...Your perfect timing. Healing the addicted; saving your children from the grasp of the enemy. Whom or what shall I fear? My Lord, my God, my Jesus is near to me always.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:25

Let the enemy tremble at the mention of Your name…JESUS. The enemy has been defeated. He has no more power over those who call on Your Holy and Mighty name…JESUS. Tremble oh you demons. My God is with me, destruction is yours. Jesus has Risen. He is Lord over all. He sits at the right hand of God interceding. Saving. Loving. Holding. Guiding. 

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34  

My Savior is my strong tower; an impenetrable fortress. The ground may shake, the oceans may rise, but I am safe in His Arms. Resistance may come, but my prayers rise up as love notes to the Lord. He turns His ear attentively to my cry. He rejoices in my trust in HIM. He extends His Loving arms, engulfing my emptiness; strengthening my heart.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“I am with you always. Even to the end. I am working all things out for My Good and Perfect Will. Call on My Name. Seek Me often. Stand and behold, I Am with you always. You are My Beloved child. I have many plans for you. Call on Me often. Do not shrink back. Through the trials, as iron sharpens iron, you are being strengthened in my love. You are being shown in Whom you can place your trust. Call on Me often. I Love you. You are Mine and are being restored for just such a time a this. Do not get distracted. Stay the course. WRITE. I Speak Words to you, share your stories. Let people know of MY Goodness and Faithfulness. You are never alone. Don’t shrink back my child. Stay the course. The straight and narrow path I’ve laid before you. Walk boldly forward and you will witness My Mighty Hand removing ALL OBSTACLES. FEED MY SHEEP. Share My Love. Jesus is your Savior. The battle is won. I have told you the end of the story. You know what will take place. Walk securely in this knowledge. I Am the Victory. I Am the Way, the Truth and the Light. Walk with Me. Stay close to Me. This battle is not yours but MINE. It is finished. Death is conquered. Jesus has Won. He is Risen. Walk in Victory daily. Stand and behold the workings of My Hand. Love conquers all!
 "But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Matthew 8:26

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
 "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

IS IT REALLY ON ME?

story by: lisa petrarca

I was sitting in church, oblivious to what was lurking directly above me. As we began singing, someone behind me gave me a sudden, hard, push to the side. Confused I turned around to see who was shoving me, when she pointed at a spider, dangling from a web, almost resting on my shoulder. My husband who turned to see what was going on, swatted it, swinging the web & spider directly in front of me, as it disappeared somewhere. The rest of the service, I found myself, squirming, itching, and inspecting, I felt like it was on me. I couldn't relax or feel comfortable.

The enemy is just like that spider...sneaking up on you while you are completely oblivious. Just like I thought the spider was still on me, the enemy's lies can trick you into thinking there's no hope. Putting thoughts in your head, making you feel insecure, scared, doubtful...leading you down paths that you shouldn't go, through his lies and manipulation. He began with Eve in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day. Eventually, you find yourself squirming, feeling as though you're unable to get the sin off of you. That's where he'd like you to stay...in self condemnation and sorrow, yet another way to control you. But what you need to remember is the enemy can't hold you in bondage unless you allow him to.

The Lord has promised you something more. A way to be completely forgiven, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He's promised to help you remove the "old man" and put on the "new man," freeing you, saving you, releasing you from the self made prison and lies the enemy has held you in. You need to be aware that you are free, you are forgiven. You are a new creation in Christ. Call out to the Lord today, allow him to show you HIS TRUTH.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them and he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105: 4

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." Psalm 107:13-14

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Hebrews 9:14

Hungry? Eat This Life Giving Bread

While reading John 6:35-51, I thought about how the people of Jesus' time were listening to Him talk about how He is the bread of life, sent down by the Father. He goes on to tell them that anyone who eats of this bread will live forever. "This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of this world."

At that time, Jesus knew that He would be giving His life for all of us to be saved and raised again on the third day, however, no one else knew this. I can't imagine what they were thinking? I'm sure many thought He was crazy. As they argued, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat." They were looking at the literal meaning of His words.

Jesus goes further saying, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you." (Read John 6:53-59) Even the disciples, His faithful, trusting followers had a hard time with this, saying, "This is hard teaching, who can accept it?" (John 6:60)

Jesus was aware of His disciples grumbling and said, "Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." (John 6:61-64)

Jesus knew which of His disciples did not believe and who would betray Him. Hearing this particular message would be difficult for anyone to truly understand. Many of His disciples turned from Him at that time, but the twelve did not.

Jesus went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father enables Him."

This new year, let's re-commit our lives to getting to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray daily and read the word so that the Father will enable you to see the truth on a deeper level. There is so much waiting for you. So much more the Lord has for you this coming year. He wants you to seek Him on a more intimate level. He wants to speak life into you. Feed your hurting, broken soul with the life giving, 'flesh and blood' of Jesus Christ. Eat of His bread this coming year and let the Lord fill you up so that you will no longer be hungry.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18-19

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Where's Your Joy?

By: Lisa Petrarca

Walking into class I noticed an older Asian lady standing near the back of the room. Her clothes were mix matched, black biker shorts, flowered green shirt over a red tank top and high yellow socks. It was a stark contrast to the stylish, younger crowd of dancers in the class.

As the class began the lady, tried to keep up with the complicated steps. Half way through however, she seemed to be dancing to her own music. Her arms flailed in the air, she jumped, kicked her feet up and then out to the side. I looked at her time and time again throughout the hour long class, each time smiling and actually giggling. I wasn't laughing at her. The lady radiated pure joy. She was beaming, cheeks flushed as she let out a laugh and then yelled, "Yaaay...ya...this is fun!" Others in the class were now smiling. She was infectious. Her happiness radiated and lifted the entire room.

What was it about her?

She was just one person. But...she decided to be happy no matter what. She knew that she couldn't keep up, yet she was still able to continue to find joy in what she was doing and shared her exuberance with everyone around her.

Be sure to look at the good things in your life, no matter what else is going on around you. Focus on the the blessings you've received from the Lord and change not only your circumstances, but others around you.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

This week I would like to challenge each of you to wake up in the morning and think of five blessings in your life. Start your day off looking for the good, instead of going over your endless "To Do List" the minute your feet hit the floor. I think you'll be amazed at how your day will be transformed and the difference your attitude will have on others around you.

A MUTT, A MARINE & A MIRACLE...A True Story

Major Brian Dennis of the United State Marine Corp. had a life changing experience while in Iraq. His troop was patrolling the Syrian border in October 2007 when they came across a group of stray dogs. This was very common in the desert where you would often find several packs of dogs and wolves roaming around.

They all got into their Humvee when a dog came running up. An Iraqi soldier had cut off the tops of the dogs ears to make him look tough. The Major bent down to pet him and said, “You got little nubs for ears.” They all began calling him Nubs.

Every couple of weeks they would return to the Border Fort and he would feed him food scraps and Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts. Each night Nubs would patrol the area with the Major, as if he too was on duty. When they would leave Nubs would run beside the Humvee, which was traveling at 40 mph, keeping up with them until he became worn out and would disappear into the dust.

One day when they returned to the area to patrol, they found Nubs badly wounded on his side from being stabbed with a screwdriver. The wound was badly infected so they pulled out some antiseptic from their kits and some antibiotics and fed it to him with some peanut butter. That night Nubs was in so much pain that he didn’t eat or drink and slept standing up because he could not lay down.

The next day Nubs was doing better, but once they left the Major couldn’t stop thinking about him, wondering if he would survive. Two weeks later when they returned they found Nubs alive & well. The Major said that he feels that was the turning point in their relationship.

This time when the Humvees left, Nubs continued to follow. He lost sight of them but somehow continued the two-day journey. Nubs traveled 70 miles in freezing temperature, without food or water, surviving attacks from several wild dogs and wolves. He fought and ran and fought and ran, until he eventually reached the camp, torn and chewed up. When the Major walked outside his tent, Nubs jumped up on him licking his face with joy and excitement. No one could believe that he had followed them so many miles and was able to survive the trip through the desert and find them.

The Major had found a very special friend but knew he wasn’t able to keep him at the camp. He decided to e-mail family & friends to try and raise money to have him shipped to his home in San Diego. They heard the incredibly touching story and were so inspired that they were able to raise $5,000.00 to have Nubs flown to CA. One month later the Major finished his tour and was reunited with Nubs. They have an incredible bond that was established through an act of kindness. He has written a children’s book titled, "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle," published by Little, Brown for Young Readers.

This story is a reminder that a simple act of kindness can have an incredible effect on not only animals, but people too. When you see someone who looks beaten down, sad, lonely, discouraged or hungry. Take a moment to stop and offer a kind word, smile, words of encouragement or a meal.

That one simple gesture may just help someone rise above their current circumstance and change their life. If a dog can travel over 70 miles, endure pain and the freezing elements, imagine what a human being can do with a little help!

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
John 13:14-17

"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."
John 14:16-18

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
John 14:26

It's Only 10 Minutes!

By: Lisa Petrarca

Everyday I start the morning out with a quick Bible study and prayer. At first this was difficult. Trying to add one more thing into my schedule was something I didn't want to do. But I needed to change my way of thinking. I wasn't adding one more thing...I was actually adding the ONLY thing that was important!

Everything else soon became easier because I turned my day, time, problems, decisions and safety over to my Heavenly Father each morning. My days became easier to deal with. I seemed to have more time, energy and patience throughout my day. That one simple decision to start my morning off by giving it to the Lord was a blessing on my life.

Priorities need to be analyzed and we need to remember that our life here is only temporary. We need to focus on what will bring us eternal happiness. By doing this, we actually can change our earthly situations.

Start today! Put your Bible on your night stand. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier than usual. As soon as it goes off, reach over, grab your Bible and see what the Lord wants to help you with today!

FEELING SHIPWRECKED?

SCRIPTURE:

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3

HE WILL RAISE YOUR SAILS & GET YOU BACK IN THE RACE TO WIN THE PRIZE FOR THAT WHICH HE HAS CALLED YOU!

His Timing's Always Right!

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
By: Joe Stowell

Why is being on time so challenging for some of us? Even when we start early, something inevitably gets in our way to make us late. But here's the good news: God is always on time! Speaking of the arrival of Jesus, Paul said, "When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son" (Gal. 4:4) The long-awaited, promised Savior came at just the right time.

Jesus' arrival during the Roman Empire's Pax Romana (the peace of Rome) was perfect timing. The known world was united by one language of commerce. A network of global trade routes provided open access to the whole world. All of this guaranteed that the gospel could move rapidly in one tongue. No visas. No impenetrable borders. Only unhindered access to help spread the news of the Savior whose crucifixion fulfilled the prophecy of the Lamb who would be slain for our sins (Isa. 53). All in God's perfect timing!

All of this should remind us that the Lord knows what time is best for us as well. If you're waiting for answered prayer or the fulfillment of one of His promises, don't give up. If you think He has forgotten you, think again. When the fullness of time is right for you, He'll show up---and you'll be amazed by His brilliant timing!

Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God's own time
To lift the cross we bear.~Anon.

GOD'S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT!