❀ Harvest time

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"Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe...'' Joel 3:13 KJV
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In a couple of days, it will be all over. Whatever didn't come to pass in 2008, this new year holds all promises for fulfillment of God given dreams and prophecies.

We have reached out to the poor and the needy, and they came.
We went to the children's home, and they came.

We sent cards and e-mails to the sick, and they were touched.

We called the backsliders and prayed for them, and they were touched.

We had visitors, new ones, returning ones, neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members...

And Jesus was pleased.

We had great picnics, camp outs, bonfires, plays, dramas, activities, outreaches, fellowship meetings, pot lucks, kid stuff, youth stuff, formal deals, informal deals, same things, new things...

We invested our time and money, we worshiped, we prayed, we fasted...

And Jesus was watching.

Did we forget something? Did we not see what was right there? Did we miss something?

There is a hunger and a desperation in my soul to see new faces, faces of new babes in Christ, planting their feet deep.

New babes drinking at the springs of Living Water.

I believe that Revival is ours, it is God's will, and it is high time.

I believe that 2009 can be the greatest year for the church, for the harvest is ready.

But we must look deep inside and see what God sees.

There is a cost, I must count it. There is a Divine plan, I must know it.

If not here, where? If not now, when? If not me, who?

The year of the harvest... I want to be a laborer... will You send me?

❀ A time to weep...

Driving down the hill in the night, thousands of lights shine in the darkness, homes... families... souls... I weep...
Our God wept too...

Driving thru the city, people on the sidewalks, crowds crossing at the light, mothers and children... I weep...
Our God wept too...

Walking in the store, voices around me, babies crying, mothers scolding, fathers shouting, stress... I weep...
Our God wept too...

America the beautiful, America the great, America land of the free, America in the balance... I weep...
For our Nation, for our children, for our young people, for our families, for our seniors, for our churches... I weep...

Jesus, what do you see?
It is not Your will that any should suffer - be hungry - be lonely and cold... You weep...

Wake up Church! Rise up to the challenge! Get under the burden! Can you feel the Lord's heartbeat? It's almost midnight, darkness is falling! Let your light shine high and bright! And weep... for the children... the old man was once a child... the old woman was a baby... And God's plan was good... Heavenly Father... I weep.

❀ Circuit breaker check

When the outlet for the fan didn't work, we plugged it somewhere else.
When the washer didn't come on, we used the next outlet.
When the dryer didn't respond and the cord was too short for the next outlet, we used a power strip to reach it and Voilà!
When the heater's blower didn't turn on, we used the portable heater. It's not really cold, only in the early morning, so it will do.

The neighbor came to check the circuit breaker box. We had been fiddling with it, resetting it here and there. Now it is of no avail. Sounds like the main fuse box - whatever that is. It needs serious fixing by a professional before we loose all power!

Isn't it what we do sometimes?
Go around instead of dealing with the problem?
Make do with what ever instead of getting the real thing?

When something is wrong with the main fuse box, we can try to plug in, but there is no power.
When something is wrong with the main fuse box, there is One who specializes in internal problems. He's got x-ray vision and know exactly what, where and how.

I need to plug into a "live" outlet!
I need you Jesus to check my fuses!
I need that Power, fresh everyday!

"...the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:16 KJV

❀ Pieces of my heart

Over the years, trials and disappointments came my way. It seemed that my dreams were only that - dreams. My hopes were almost shattered. Goals looked impossible to attain.
Thru God's Grace I remained.

At times my heart was so broken, I felt like as if I was dying inside. Jesus didn't leave me there. He picked me up and carried me, then He helped me grow. Thru God's Grace I remained.

Tears are a language God understand - I speak it. My heart is broken, but thru God's Grace I shall remain.

He has not brought me this far to leave me now. There is a purpose and a deep calling in my soul. So be it, let my heart be broken.

In the breaking I can get a glimpse of His sufferings. The Alabaster Box was broken for the precious ointment to be released. Have thine own way my Lord. Do as You please. For who am I to know the way that I should go? "Your Word is a Lamp Unto my Feet and a Light Unto my Path" (Psalm 119:105 KJV).

"The breaking is not over" - this was spoken to my in the Holy Ghost by my Pastor. It was only the beginning.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17 KJV).

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In the state of brokenness I hunger for the Arms of God - He gives me strength - He loves me - He cares for me.
Now I can go on and remain - in His love.

❀ Confidence

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "I am the Lord that healeth thee." Ex 15:26 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This Scripture is a sure foundation. He can, He wants to, He will take care of me! When I came out of Egypt, God gave me His Word!
But there was a requirement at the beginning of the same verse- "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight..."

Chapter 16 tells us what happened when His children decided to do "their own thing". I don't know what's best for me, but He does! "... How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" EX 16:28

I've made a lot of mistakes along the way. But Calvary is a familiar place. I have confidence, not in me, but in God, in the Blood of Jesus, in the Holy Bible.

❀ Speak to me Lord...

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"... the Lord was not in the wind... the Lord was not in the earthquake... the Lord was not in the fire... " 1 Kings 19:11-12 KJV
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Monday morning was an amazing morning. It was one of those times when hands are busy with the mundane tasks of house keeping, washing, wiping, straightening. And just like that - God.
It happened at the bathroom sink. I looked up and saw my face with rivers pouring from my eyes as I heard my voice say " I won't pull back". I cannot explain in words exactly what happened, but I know it was the Spirit of the Lord speaking to my soul. Something happened. I changed. A door opened and I went thru it. I will not be afraid, I will not pull back. I did before... almost 10 years ago. Not this time. Oh, I know it won't be easy. But Jesus will be with me - that's all I need to know.
It's a funny thing, I was going over a mental list of "must haves" if I should go without all that I have right now. The list was actually quite short and it surprised me. That's when I felt the Potter's Hand.
I took my time with the Lord. He let me. Me and Jesus.

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"Lead me Lord! I'll follow, anywhere You open up the door
Let me know your wisdom, show me things I've never seen before
Lord I want to be Your witness, You can take what's wrong and make it right
Daystar shine down on me, let Your love shine thru me in the night.

Lord I see a world that's dying, wounded by the Master of deceit
Groping in the darkness, haunted by the years of past defeat
Then I see you standing near Lord, shining with compassion in Your eyes
Jesus, shine down on me, let Your love shine through me in the night."

❀ Sweet scent

Ahhh! The smell of freshly mowed grass! I don't know about you, but I love it.

It brings me back to my tender childhood years in Switzerland. My mother's parents and everyone in the family had yards, gardens, lawns - some lived right next to parks, school grounds and what-have-you. In those days everything was well kept and trash free. Push lawnmowers and fresh cut grass were part of our summer days. In the effervescence of the post-war days, life was at its best because we survived and it was over.

I was watching my grandson work the machine, keeping a bottle of water handy for him. It was hot, the small lawn slightly uphill - hard work for a young boy. Memories flooded my mind but instantaneously my thoughts were on the condition of my heart. It must stay clean and "freshly mowed" for my spirit to be right and a sweet savor to rise up in worship.

Sometimes an overgrown lawn has to be cut so short that it looks brown and half dead. But it'll come back with enough water. Why is it that we are reluctant to be trimmed way down by the Master? He knows not to cut too low and kill us! The Living Water will flow and lush growth will occur!

I think that God loves the smell of freshly mowed grass...

❀ First word...

This picture was taken Mother's Day 2007. These boys and girls have grown much in stature. Much has happened in their lives also. Too old for their years.
(The handsome little fellow on the left is Sister Philana's son Anthony)

When a little one is just babbling away, we wait for the first clear word. Sometimes it's "mama", sometimes it's "papa".
Is there anything sweeter that the first time it falls upon our ears? Our hearts are so full and nearly bursting at that moment, the whole world's got to know! Well, at least the whole family!

Do you know that God loves to hear babbling? I cannot begin to imagine how much He anticipates the first clear words of a new babe... Abba Father...

I've had this written down for several weeks now, just didn't post it. But as the Preacher preached on Sunday morning and children went to the altar, I remembered the draft.

❀ The field

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"But the wisdom that is from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." JAMES 3:17 KJV
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It happened again. Eyes filled with tears because of children.
My daughter was talking to me about her day at work - Head Start Program in the Irvine School District. The little ones that come are so young - and spend so much time away from home. She was relating to me about this particular small boy - in her class only sporadically. His mother is a good mom. He is always very clean - his food is carefully packed and home made. But mom works and goes to school - single mom. That little one needs hugs and kisses and love. He has some difficulties and simply needs a soft touch and encouragement.
You will meet people who will need hugs and kisses, a gentle touch and a lot of love. They are the outcast ones, the hurting ones, the ones with horrible, dark secrets.
I remember the young girl who wouldn't let anyone love her. Then in a powerful service, God showed me her pain. Like a burn victim, the slightest touch brought her excruciating pain... I cried and felt so helpless and inadequate.
Without godly wisdom, godly love and the leading of the Spirit, it is impossible to minister to such as these. And they will come, they are here.

❀ Bees, honey and manna

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"And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
Man did eat angels food..."Psalm 79:24-25 KJV
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Bees are marvelous. While they buzz from bloom to bloom for their own needs and survival, they assure part of ours through pollination. Without pollination, fruit trees would remain barren. From the pollen of flowers mixed with nectar and through a divinely designed process, bees give us honey.

Honey is nature's perfect food.

Honey is a great sweetener for all kinds of drinks besides hot tea, a sugar substitute for baked goods or cereals - delicious on buttered bread - a dip for fruits of all sorts or meats ( I like it with chicken tenders or ham) - and is used widely in ethnic dishes.
Honey has wonderful medicinal values for the relief of sore throat. As a topical application for wounds, it is antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic. It's also a fantastic beauty mask.

Honey has been a staple of man's diet for thousands of years. John the Baptist lived on locusts and honey.
In ancient history, it could be used instead of gold to pay taxes and ranked high on the trading list - 100 jars exchanged for an ox - that's very valuable stuff!
Small amounts of edible honey have been found in the pharaoh's tombs - amazingly preserved.
Yet it can be altered, even become spoiled by improper care. Absorption of outside elements like moisture, even in minute amounts, have a direct effect on the quality and potency of honey.

Manna from above, perfect food.
My soul hungers for the deep things of God - I cannot afford to let "junk food" creep in and spoil my diet.
Unadulterated - the only way to remain strong and effective.
That's how I see the church, each one of it's member adding to the whole, striving to keep it pure.

❀ The right time, in the right place

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"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt. 18:20 KJV
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The hostess lead us to an empty booth. We choose another one, next to a lively group. It quickly appeared clear that it was grandma, great-grandma and three small children. My back was turned to them, but I could hear them - lovely children's voices. Crystal faced in their direction. Lots of smiles were exchanged between her and the little kids. We were talking about the children in her class. She loves them. Precious little ones.
We lingered long after dinner was finished. Then, the little group next to us started to gather up to leave. As the children stood close by, waiting for great-grandma to get up, I said a few words, asked their names. Oh, how they could talk!!! So we all introduced ourselves. We invited them to church - sunday school for the kids - we gave invite cards. Great-grandma now stood next to me. I extended my hand, she took it. I expressed how I would love to bring her to church. She mentioned a medical test coming up very soon - she is worried. I asked if she would like me to pray and motion for her to sit next to me. She agreed and bowed her head. I put my arm around her shoulders and held her hand. Crystal reached over and joined us.
And the Lord touched her, right there, at Denny's. His peace was there. His love was speaking to her soul.

❀ Just one touch...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgives all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."
Psalm 103 2-3 KJV
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In less time than it takes to tell about it, the sky changed from ugly to...


A marvelous display! One sunset's unique grand finale! An absolute delight!

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In less time than it takes to tell about it, the body is freed from pain and sickness, the mind delivered from torment and the heart filled with peace.
Just one touch from the Master's Hand. How wonderful is our God!!!

❀ Seasons

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This is the season for rain. And rain we are having. I love the way hills look in the rain. I drive quite a bit back and forth on the 15. Today, the clouds hung low, caught on every hill top, and it rained. I found myself transported back decades ago - Switzerland. It was another time, another season in my life. While on this grand adventure - doing my best to walk following God's map ( His Word is a lamp... and a light...) I find myself in a new season.
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"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Eccl. 6:1 KJV
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All at once it seems, the road I'm walking on took a sharp turn, and I can't see around the corner. That's when I need to remember Lord how You took care of me in the seasons of my life.

And then, just as quickly as the rain came, there will be a rainbow...
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • "In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?" Psalm 11:1 KJV

❀ Forecast

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The sky changed quickly at sundown - Catalina island from Crystal Cove

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Farmers look to the sky to plan for the morrow. What will tomorrow be like, looking at the "sky" thru the eyes of the Spirit?
God help us to live according to the signs given to us.
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"... ye discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do no discern this time?" Luke 12:56 KJV
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The fields are white with harvest, we are the laborers. Someone will reap what is ripe - send us, not a few.
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❀ Buses full of children

≈ • ≈ Some of of the children who bless us - Christmas banquet ≈ •  ≈

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"Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 19:14 KJV
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Something has been on my mind for months now. I can't get away from it. I don't want to get away from it. I want it to become reality. Buses. At least one to start. 15 passenger van? It will be full before we drive out of the cul-de-sac.
We need a bus!!! Why not 2 buses? I need a bus!!!
See, for over a year, we've been bringing kids to Sunday School and stuff. Sometimes, it takes 3 cars, Crystal and I can take 7 and Bro Don-André takes the others. At times, their parents have dropped them off at church if we cannot take them all. Besides our regulars, several of their friends came but I'm finding out that they know we do not have enough room. Would they all come if we had a bus? I believe so, and more with them.
At prayer meeting last night, something happened. My heart was so heavy as I wept for the children in my area. I know that there are thousands who have never been in the presence of God and felt His love through human arms. I want to bring them, a dozen at a time, a bus full at a time.
I spoke my burden to my daughter - I've got a driver. I'll ride too. Let's go - I'm ready.

❀ Adam's rib - wedding pictures

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"And the Lord said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him" Gen. 2:18 KJV
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It made me think of the Church - the Bride - without spots or wrinkles - waiting on the soon coming of the Groom. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, I want to sit at that table, it will be glorious, my mind cannot imagine the beauty. But I know that it will last for ever.

❀ From me

No picture today. I am "technically challenged". Hopefully this will be remedied soon.

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"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children" Proverbs 12:22 KJV
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It must be the perspective of another birthday soon or maybe just the general feeling all around me, but I am thinking about heritage, legacy.
I have in my possession a ladies watch that belong to my grandfather's grandmother... plates from the early 1800's... several pieces of furniture from the same era... all part of who I am. The table where I am sitting now speaks to me of my roots - hand made in the mid-1800's - used by my mother's grandparents.

No one walked with the Lord before me in my family (that I know of).
How different everything would have been if God had been part of our heritage.

For my great grand children, will it be pictures? Certainly. Letters, cards? Yes. Hand knitted or crocheted pretties? Yes. Dolls, china, crystal, books... ? Some.
What about my walk with God?
Last night we heard about the Bible, my Bible, as the most precious heritage. Funny how the Lord speaks to us to make sure that we get it clear. I got it. I'm thinking. Speak Master, help me to hear and heed.