"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointedme to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me tobind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedomfor the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaimthe year of the LORD's favorand the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~fromISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog
APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it
On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on7/19/17as I'm still learning.
However, since God is ever-present, but not physically present in human form (any longer) on this earth {we did not do too well when He was} ... and even though we are to Love God first with our whole being (our heart, our soul, our mind) - the first & greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) (Mark 12:30) Jesus added a second (in Mark 12:31) "to love our neighbor as ourselves", a tangible way that we show God our love for Him is in how we love our neighbor (& self) expressed in ouraffinity for kindness, patience, gentleness etc.in relations with others (our neighbors & toward ourselves).
Because God is love, we should love each other, showing that love to others {as we would like it shown to us} also demonstrates that God lives in us, acknowledging that love that Jesus Christ came and was willing to be obedient to death to express His love. Now that kind of LOVE takes alot of STRENGTH. When another person is difficult to love, whatever our personal reason or difference is ... we all know it takes STRENGTH to continue to love or love them despite the personal conflict or difference. {I think you get my point} Easy to love God or at least say that we do, because it cannot be proven, except it is proven (shown) in how we obey & love one another {not just tolerate or avoid trying}- which takes "LOVING GOD with all our STRENGTH". Letting God live through us and His kind of LOVE - AGAPE {not the other kinds of love: philea (empathy bond), storge (friend bond), eros (romantic love)} - Agape love is unconditional "God" love (1 Corinthians 13 kind of love). Reading this passage over many years has recently caused me to ponder & question, have I ever really LOVED like this - doing so would require Godly STRENGTH {not my own}. A LOVE that shows God's transformation of me, a change in not only my perspective & attitude but in my daily actions.{ouch} LOVE is not a present under a Christmas tree, measured by how great it is or just what we wanted; it's His Presence in us, shown and expressed by our LOVE unconditionally given just as Jesus gave to us so we give to others through Jesus Christ in us, and also by LOVING God with all our STRENGTH.
So what does it really mean to do something with all your STRENGTH? According to Robert J. Morgan, in his book "The Strength You Need" after giving a "major sporting competition" example of athletes with all their strength, breaking records, their own & others, he states:
"To do something with all our strength implies intensity, sustained effort, and ongoing concentration." Robert J. Morgan, The Strength You Need
"THAT'S THE WAY We're to LOVE GOD ..."
which leads this circle right back to my beginning words
so if Jesus appeared as He did to Peter & asked you,
"Do you love Me?"
(3 times)
How might you respond?
He might look at you, how you're living, look around at your habits
or environment or priorities
or how you treat others
"Do you really love Me?"
(John 21:15-17)
[by the way, each time Jesus asked Peter, He told him "...then feed My sheep" - if I've got this right, so, in essence, that's what He is telling each of us this so once again how we do this is by showing love for others in tangible ways] I remember this vividly from our church's drama depiction for Easter/Resurrection "The Life Giver" in Jimmy & Carol Owens "The Witness" Musical in the Song "I Love You Lord"
God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us love and obey Him. If we LOVE GOD with all our STRENGTH, it more than likely will look like, we are on a mission to make God happy, please Him, show Him that we LOVE Him as He loved us, that we truly intend to do His will (not our own) with all our might - all our ability (that He has given us, within us) to the best of our individual capability, because HE is so worthy of ALL our undivided love! We must demonstrate our love for God by putting God first before everything and everyone else in life. And like us, He wants to be told often, "I love You!" so let Him know & say to Him daily how much you love Him! (Psalm 18:1). God wants us to acknowledge Him & His Name. By LOVING His Word, we are STRENGTHENED & nourished with the many promises He's given us & see that God blesses those who LOVE Him when we love God with all our STRENGTH.
This Christmas, we can simply LOVE God with all our heart ... and all our STRENGTH & return to that fresh "first LOVE" that we encountered when we met God through Jesus Christ & see how that babe in a manger came to show His LOVE completely, dependent on His Father, for every thing, every day until His last & teach us how to LOVE God & Love one another and the privilege we have to be so LOVED! Now that brings STRENGTH ... to our weary souls - to our weighted hearts - to our overwhelmed, worrisome minds! God is LOVE & "God so LOVED the world (or individualize this by putting your name or someone's name) that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) that whosoever (insert that name) BELIEVES in Him (God, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit as One) and trust in Him (AMP) as Savior [so that that person: YOU, ME or inserted name] will not perish {cease to exist * my own amplified} but have everlasting life." So much LOVE - undeserved - but by His aMazing Grace! "
We LOVE because He first LOVED us!
(1 John 4:19)
We can never LOVE God too much
but we can
LOVE
Him better
in our daily walk with Him
in our adoration and devotion to Him
in our obedience, in our daily conversations
with Him (and others)
by hating evil and helping other people
"to know, love & serve Him"
which in turn
will give us
STRENGTH
so that we can go from
"strength to strength"
(Psalm 84:7 & 89:17)
hopefully
EXTRA STRENGTH
In conclusion, there are many verses on LOVE and many on STRENGTH, but when I did a search for LOVE & STRENGTH the main one was this verse in Mark 12:30 & I would add 31 ... so as I LIGHT the CANDLE of LOVE on this 4th Week of Advent
I will only link to the List of Bible Verses found:
Lifelong Strength: your strength will equal your days (Deuteronomy 33:25)
Lasting Strength: they go from strength to strength (Psalm 84:5-7)
Imparted Strength: the eyes of The Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Joyful Strength: the joy of The Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
Timely Strength: God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1)
Tranquil Strength: in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15)
Renewed Strength: those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Recurring Strength: the Lord will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden (Isaiah 58:11)
Durable Strength: the Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights (Habakkuk 3:19)
Unwavering Strength: Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God (Romans 4:20)
Innermost Strength: I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16)
Riveting Strength: I can do all this through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)
{*I guess that}
LOVE encompasses all these STRENGTHS
for God's LOVE is
Lasting, Lifelong, Imparted, Joyful, Timely,
Tranquil, Renewed, Recurring, Durable
Unwavering, Innermost, Riveting
* I write "I guess", because I did not find Mark 12:30 verse in these 12,
yet it is one of the 12 chapters of the 12 strategies in his book
Inspirational! I chose this for my 365 day devotional
since my One Word Verse for 2021 is/was found in Isaiah 40
but your entire book continued to give me
STRENGTH
to soar with eagle's wings
through 2021
and encouraged me daily
in our Lord Jesus & the STRENGTH I have in Him!
May I ask at this time that you would join me in prayer for the many who need God's STRENGTH in this season; whether from the battle with Covid or other health issues; loss of loved ones or loss of home from the horrendous effects of climate change & other factors; and for my own Strength & also a dearly loved one (very close to me, who is very private) who's just exhausted & awaiting medical results; and I'm sure there are others also exhausted after these trying years that we've been through and the ones ahead of us, that the LORD would strengthen us & direct our steps, keep us close to Him & bring healing in so many areas throughout this nation & this world! In Jesus' name ... there is power in His Name! Thank you! God bless!
"... Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards"
by Jen Hatmaker
Being that this is the first time for me to read a book written by Jen Hatmaker, I just had to take a little longer soaking in "For the Love ..." to grasp all that "... Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards" might have to say and why Jen is so popular and so "loved" by many. It did not take long for me to discover that clearly her gift is her humor and frank honesty of being REAL in her writing and world. Jen Hatmaker, recent release of "For the Love", is filled with her passion and compassion for the loves in her life, her family and others. Distinguished and known even on the back cover of this book as ...
"The popular writer, blogger, and television personality reveals with humor and style how Jesus' extravagant grace is the key to dealing with life's biggest challenge: people. The majority of our joys, struggles, thrills, and heartbreaks relate to people, beginning first with ourselves and then the people we came from, married, birthed, live by, live for, go to church with, don't like, don't understand, fear, struggle with, compare ourselves to, and judge. People are the best and worst thing about the human life.Jen Hatmaker knows this all too well, and so she reveals how to practice kindness, grace, truthfulness, vision, and love to ourselves and those around us. By doing this, "For the Love" leads our generation to re-imagine Jesus' grace as a way of life, and it does it in a funny yet profound manner that Christian readers will love. Along the way, Hatmaker shows readers how to reclaim their prophetic voices and become Good News again to a hurting, polarized world."
Jen Hatmaker has raised the bar on "impossible standards", in my humble opinion. She clearly is a "people person" and she stretches herself to the limits in loving and invites us to do the same: "love others", yourself and God! She relates to the reader in a comfortable, conversational way with practical and spiritual truths without ever sounding preachy. Expanding throughout "For the Love" with GRACE: first for your very own self; next for "all these people who live in your house" (namely family); then going beyond to friends, neighbors, strangers and enemies and finally the Church: "Church people, Not church people, and God". Each of these 4 parts has 5-7 chapters and ends with hilarious "thanks you notes". "For the Love" covers a wide range of topics: from marriage, family issues, schooling to fashion, Haitian moms, supper clubs, poverty, even social media. Her 10 points of marital insights to "dear darling lamb wife" (new wives and moms) certainly had some endearing truths delivered with her wit.
I was pretty sure that the chapter on "Dear Kids" was my personal favorite ... until I read on and found each chapter more and more love-able! So then the one that spoke most to me had to be "Poverty Tourism". Oh my, what profound points and wisdom Jen Hatmaker makes as regards "short term missions", the church, the community, the outreach. She hits the nail on the head with her perceptive, excellent questions for every missional conversation, beginning with local leaders, local families, local perspectives ... "when the minority voices say the same things, those with privileges should listen." She bars no holds as she shares what she's learned from the mission field from missionaries and her own. I appreciate her direct words and insights that inspire us to "indeed help instead of hurt ... a noble, necessary work". Awesome, heartfelt expressions throughout even when surrounded by humor, Jen Hatmaker is sure to convict and deliver a real substance message of giving and receiving Grace. Jen has the capacity to deepen the conversation in minutes from humor to serious. You will laugh and love this best-selling author and understand much better how to:
"Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.
Learn to engage our culture’s controversial issues with a grace-first approach.
Be liberated to love and release the burden of always being right. Identify the tools you already have to develop real-life, all-in, know-my-junk-but-love-me-anyway friendships.
Escape our impossible standards for parenting and marriage by accepting the standard of “mostly good.” Laugh your butt off.
"For the Love ..." by Jen Hatmaker, will actually make you want to do better and stand up and shout as we press forward and "...fight for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards" where we can join Jen Hatmaker saying:
"I hope the world sees a community with wide-open arms, which comforts and welcomes and seems determined to build one another up. I hope they find us kind and generous, committed and loyal. The church raised me, held me tight, and continues to be my steadfast family; and I haven’t the slightest idea where I would be without her. May we show love in big and small ways, and may that love reach people accustomed to being shamed or ignored. The bright stars shouldn’t get all the attention; let’s search for those whose lights are dimmed, because we are not a tribe of supernovas but of steady, collective light. ... May the world see a thankful, committed family who loves their God, adores their Savior, and can’t get enough of one another. This is a story that saves, a story that heals, and the right story to tell. ... You are writing a good story for your children. Your community and church need you, your neighbors and family need you ... Our generation will cross the finish line having loved God and people with all our might. We’ll have imperfect lives to offer, sure, but I dream of heaven, seeing millions of folks loved by our hands, where hopefully we’ll hear: “Well done, good and faithful servants. You sure were fun to watch.” ... I hope our community is marked by grace and affirmation instead of defensiveness and exclusivity. Sure, some wander down paths we don’t understand, but there is room in the neighborhood for all of us."
So many wise quotes from my highlights of "For the Love...", which defines love through every facet of Jen's fabulous fight for Grace beyond her own life into the world. "...Let’s fulfill the good work we’ve been commissioned to. Silence any voice that whispers “not enough” and stand in truth as an approved worker. You are. Jesus made you so." More than enough encouragement and so much appreciation exemplified by Jen. If you love humor and God's truth, I highly recommend you add this as a finishing touch to your summer reads!
You'll laugh, learn and love so much more. Thanks Jen!
Thanks Book Look Bloggers for making this book available in ADE for me to read & review!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through their book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the: Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is a really long combination post of such a BIG CELEBRATION ANNIVERSARY-100 Posts...*** Blogiversary!
August 1st
Today is my Anniversary! It's a Double ANNIVERSARY!
On August 1st, 1976 I married in Las Vegas, Nevada.
[Boy, did we take a gamble!] So, in honor of that day, since I am here in Mexico and HE is home in Minnesota...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I am committed to 2 Challenges from Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss:
(1) 31 Days of Prayer Challenge (recommended that I start with this one)
(2) 30 Days of Encouragement
[HUBBY:I have more especially for YOU at the end! ]
===========================================
***THE OTHER part of MY ANNIVERSARY is for MY BLOG...
a "WHOLE NEW WORLD" has opened up to me since APRIL 2008.
THIS IS MY 100th POST!!!!
I have observed since starting how others CELEBRATE their 100th post or anniversary. I'm so sorry to disappoint YOU but I have NO GIVEAWAYS, PRIZES, EXCITING CELEBRITIES or CRUISES being given so you can come and join me in Mazatlan, Mexico ...but I have some BLESSINGS from me:
WANNA SEE?
YOU are more than welcome to copy any of this for yourself, after all THIS is YOURS with me...
IT GIVES ME GREAT JOY to celebrate this BLOGIVERSARY WITH YOU!
I.FIRST....... J= JESUS
II.SECOND... O=Others (that's ALL of YOU)
III.THIRD.... Y=Yours (that's me & hubby)
When I began my BLOG in April, I had no idea what was in store for me. I started my 1st blog with a breath and a short prayer: "O Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me, & speak through me!" And my post was titled WHAT'S IN A NAME? I wanted to proceed from there with the Names of GOD in the Bible: HIS WORD…but I did not get far. Soon I was off in another direction.
However, I continue to learn the Names of God, which are more than 600, and I have increased my understanding of the vastness of HIS CHARACTER and ATTIBUTES, deepened my faith and grown in my prayer life, praise and worship of WHO HE IS to me!
I.
So today I honor My Lord & Savior FIRST…and ALL HE is TO ME
through 100 Names & Verses
where HE has revealed HIMSELF to me
HIS WONDROUS CHARACTER & ATTRIBUTES!
HE IS…
ADONAI...... ………. Malachi 1:6 meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God. EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14 meaning "The most high God" EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31 meaning "The everlasting God" EL-ROI...................Genesis 16:13 meaning "The strong one who sees" EL-SHADDAI........Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1 meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty" ELOHIM................Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1 meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might. JEHOVAH-JIREH....Genesis 22:13-14 meaning "The Lord will provide" JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13 meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier" JEHOVAH-NISSI.....Exodus 17:15 meaning "The Lord our banner" JEHOVAH-RAPHA..Exodus 15:26 meaning "The Lord our healer" JEHOVAH-ROHI.....Psalm 23:1 meaning "The Lord my shepherd" JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH...Isaiah 6:1-3 meaning "The Lord of Hosts" JEHOVAH-SHALOM......Judges 6:24 meaning "The Lord is peace" JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH...Ezekiel 48:35 meaning "The Lord who is present" JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU.....Jeremiah 23:6 meaning "The Lord our righteousness" JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4 a reference to God's divine salvation. ABBA.............................Romans 8:15 ADVOCATE.....................I John 2:1 (KJV) ALMIGHTY.....................Genesis 17:1 ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13 ANOINTED ONE...............Psalm 2:2 AUTHOR OF LIFE..............Acts 3:15 BEGINNING.....................Revelation 21:6 BRANCH..........................Jeremiah 33:15 BREAD OF LIFE.................John 6:35 BRIDEGROOM..................Isaiah 62:56 BRIGHT MORNING STAR...Revelation 22:16 CHOSEN ONE...................Isaiah 42:1 CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42 COMFORTER....................John 14:26(KJV) COMMANDER..................Isaiah 55:4 CONSUMING FIRE............Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29 CORNERSTONE.................Isaiah 28:16 COUNSELOR.....................Isaiah 9:6 CREATOR.........................1 Peter 4:19 DELIVERER.......................Romans 11:26 EVERLASTING FATHER.......Isaiah 9:6 FAITHFUL & TRUE.............Revelation 19:11 FATHER...........................Matthew 6:9 FIRSTFRUITS....................1 Cor.15:20-23 FOUNDATION..................1 Cor. 3:11 GENTLE WHISPER.............1 Kings 19:12 GIFT OF GOD....................John 4:10 GLORY OF THE LORD........Isaiah 40:5 GOOD SHEPHERD.............John 10:11 GUIDE.............................Psalm 48:14 HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....Ephesians 5:23 HOLY ONE.......................Acts 2:27 HOPE..............................Titus 2:13 HORN OF SALVATION...........Luke 1:69 I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58 IMAGE OF GOD....................2 Cor. 4:4 IMMANUEL.........................Isaiah 7:14 JEHOVAH............................Psalm 83:18 (KJV) JESUS................................Matthew 1:21 JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.....Romans 6:23 JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42 KING.................................Zechariah 9:9 LAMB OF GOD..................John 1:29 LIFE..................................John 14:6 LIGHT OF THE WORLD.......John 8:12 LILY OF THE VALLEYS.........Song 2:1 LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.......Revelation 5:5 LIVING STONE...................1 Peter 2:4 LIVING WATER..................John 4:10 LOVE.................................1 John 4:8 MAN OF SORROWS............Isaiah 53:3 MASTER.............................Luke 5:5 MEDIATOR.........................1 Timothy 2:5 MESSIAH............................ John 4:25 MIGHTY GOD......................Isaiah 9:6 NAZARENE..........................Matthew 2:23 OMEGA...............................Revelation 22:13 ONLY BEGOTTEN SON..........John 1:18(kjv) OUR PASSOVER LAMB.........1 Cor. 5:7 OUR PEACE..........................Ephesians 2:14 POTTER................................Isaiah 64:8 PRINCE OF PEACE.................Isaiah 9:6 PROPHET..............................Acts 3:22 PURIFIER..............................Malachi 3:3 RABBONI (TEACHER).............John 20:16 REDEEMER...........................Job 19:25 REFINER'S FIRE.....................Malachi 3:2 ROCK....................................1 Cor.10:4 ROSE OF SHARON.................Song 2:1 SAVIOR.................................Luke 2:11 SERVANT...............................Isaiah 42:1 SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS.....1Peter 2:25 SHIELD..................................Genesis 15:1 SPIRIT OF GOD......................Genesis 1:2 SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.......Malachi 4:2 TEACHER...............................John 13:13 TRUE LIGHT...........................John 1:9 TRUE WITNESS......................Revelation 3:14 TRUTH..................................John 14:6 VINE.....................................John 15:5 WAY.....................................John 14:6 WITNESS...............................Isaiah 55:4 WONDERFUL........................Isaiah 9:6 WORD OF GOD.....................Revelation 19:13
My beloved My beloved Son (Jesus) My buckler My defense
My defense and refuge in the day of my trouble My deliverer
My exceeding joy My Father My father's God
My [God's] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth (Jesus)
My fortress My friend My glory My God My goodness
My help My hiding place
My hiding place and my shield My high tower My hope
My hope in the day of evil My judge My King My lampMy love
My portion for ever My portion in the land of the living
My praise My Redeemer My refuge
My refuge and my portion
My refuge in the day of affliction
My rock My salvation My Savior My [God's] servant (Jesus) My [God's] servant David (Jesus)
My shepherd My shield My song My stay My strength and power
My strength and song
My strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort
My strong refuge My strong rock
My trust from my youth
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My Project Playlist that plays the music when YOU enter my page is in my sidebar. It also has 100 songs!
Perhaps YOU always only hear the first but I have 99 more.Pop it out and listen on your own. Enjoy!
MY 100 SONGS:
Potter's Hand -- Hillsong
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) -- Chris Tomlin
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) -- Chris Tomlin
Miracle -- Darlene Zschech
Pray -- Darlene Zschech
Parent's Prayer -- Steven Curtis Chapman
On My Knees -- Jaci Velasquez
God Will Make A Way -- Don Moen
Lifted Higher -- Twila Paris
See With Your Heart -- Gloria Estefan
Breathe On Me/I Need Thee Every Hour -- Natalie Grant
Legacy -- Nicole Nordeman
Lord Let Your Glory Fall(Redman) -- Matt Redman
Face Down -- Matt Redman
Held -- Natalie Grant
Awaken -- Natalie Grant
It's the Thought -- Twila Paris
Bring The Rain -- Mercy Me
Bless The Broken Road -- Selah
It is Well (Africa)!!! -- Selah
There Is A Fountain -- Selah
You Raise Me Up -- Selah
All My Praise -- Selah
Was It A Morning Like This -- Sandi Patti
Via Dolorosa -- Sandi Patti
Tu Amor -- Danilo Montero
Fortaleza -- Danilo Montero
Tu Misericordia -- Danilo Montero
Tanto para darte -- Lilly Goodman
Ven te necesito (Dueto con Lilly Goodman) -- Jesus Adrian Romero
Renuevame -- Marcos Witt
Escucharte Hablar -- Marcos Witt
Anhelo tu Gloria -- Marcos Witt
America Sera Para Cristo -- Marcos Witt
Me Has Llamado A Conocerte -- Marcos Witt
Jesus, Eres Mi Buen Pastor -- Marcos Witt
Just A Prayer Away -- Jaci Velasquez
Look What Love Has Done -- Jaci Velasquez
In God We Trust -- Jaci Velasquez, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rachael Lampa, & many more Christian artists
Friends Are Friends Forever -- Michael W. Smith
I Will Carry You -- Michael W. Smith
Purified -- Michael W. Smith
Raging Sea -- Michael W. Smith
Everlasting God -- Chris Tomlin
Wonderful Maker -- Chris Tomlin
Unfailing Love -- Chris Tomlin
Your Grace Is Enough -- Chris Tomlin
I Know WHO I AM (Featuring Chris Tomlin) -- Israel & New Breed
Indescribable [Worshiptogether.com Songs] -- Chris Tomlin
Give Thanks -- Don Moen
Holy Ground -- Don Moen
Call Upon His Name -- Darlene Zschech
Dwell In Your House -- Darlene Zschech
I Live To Know You -- Darlene Zschech
I Will Never Be the Same Again -- Darlene Zschech
Let The Peace Of God Reign -- Darlene Zschech
Love You So Much, Jesus -- Darlene Zschech
This Is The Air I Breathe -- Hillsongs/ Darlene Zschech
Beautiful Savior -- Casting Crowns
East to West -- Casting Crowns
Set Me Free -- Casting Crowns
Voice Of Truth -- Casting Crowns
Who Am I -- Casting Crowns
The Great Divide -- Point of Grace
You Are Good -- Point of Grace
The Servant King -- Graham Kendrick
Deeper -- Israel & New Breed
If Not For Your Grace -- Israel & New Breed
New Season -- Israel Houghton & the New Breed
He Knows My Name -- Israel & New Breed
Moving Forward -- Ricardo Sanchez
Rebecca St James - Song of Love -- Rebecca St. James
Rebecca St. James/The Power Of Your Love -- Various
Feel the Nails -- Ray Boltz
The Hammer -- Ray Boltz
Thank You -- Ray Boltz
Watch the Lamb -- Ray Boltz
What Was I Supposed To Be? -- Ray Boltz
Isaiah 6 -- Todd Agnew
America Again -- Carman
Lazerus come forth -- Carman
The Prayer Anthem -- Carman
Satan Bite The Dust -- Carman
Run To You -- Whitney Houston
I Will Always Love You -- Whitney Houston
I Believe In You And Me -- Whitney Houston
When You Believe (From "The Prince Of Egypt") (With Whitney Houston) -- Mariah Carey
Father's Eyes -- Amy Grant
Thy Word -- Amy Grant
I Will Remember You -- Amy Grant
One Sweet Day -- Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Chiquitita -- ABBA
Because You Loved Me (Theme From 'Up Close & Personal') -- Celine Dion
The Impossible Dream -- Andy Williams
Fueron Tus Manos -- Julissa y Ricardo Rodriguez
No Puedo Callar -- Julissa & Don Misionero
Desde Mi Interior -- Hillsong
More Than Life -- Hillsong
None but Jesus -- Hillsong
Healer -- Hillsong
THANKS TO ALL of YOU !
II.
100 Blogs+ of Super Special Friends
and Memes of Interest or Participation, some that I have made part of my journey and others that I'm considering to start.
Some of you know me and that I visit your Blog, treasuring every morsel I read. Others of you may not even know that I visit you but at sometime I decided to add you in my Favorites, which I've divided into categories/ folders containing each of you.
However, there are so many of you and now new ones I'm discovering, that there is not sufficient room for this increase...so this is my new organization tool of you and my way to honor YOU because you are showing me My Lord Jesus through your "blog" and "blog friendship".
There truly are not enough words to THANK YOU or express all you have given me through this blog world on the internet...when you are away from "home", this is more than just words, it's a connection for me to Real, Authentic People (RAP) before the Rapture of Christ Jesus!
It helps me to know that I have not been Left Behind (lol) but still growing in my purpose driven life to know, love and serve Him MORE and less of me. There is UNITY in this body of Christ! There is sisterhood... brotherhood... a Life Message and Mission for each of us!
Recently I received my first blog award and was humbled three times by three dear friends: Tracy, Cheryl and Paulette (remember whatever is underlined means you can click on it & be linked which means you are transported to that place...I pray they all work)
A week ago, I received this one from Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders, which I am passing to ALL 100 of YOU and anyone NOW Reading this, if YOU have never received it,
IT IS YOURS…SHARE THE LOVE...Pass it on!
I was so moved by its originator Crystal at Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of Noah and the donor of his sweet little heart who ENCOURAGES me to SHARE THE LOVE !
[Click on Memoirs of a Mommy to learn and read this special love story!]
The rules for this award are to pass it along to some people whose blogs you love. They make you laugh, smile, leave encouraging comments on your blog. You would like to share some love with because they have uplifted, inspired, encouraged or prayed for you.
Z
~Zany 1 Peter 3 Living Yahoo Group
Too many to name but many blogs in this GREAT group! (see note~)
[NOTE:~ZANY is not part of the Yahoo Group name- just 1 Peter 3 Living! But, to me, they are ZANY & since their name starts with a number and I needed a" Z", I put them here...so as not to be forgotten! It was better than calling them Zealots...or ZooKeepers!]
DID YOU NOTICE that the ONLY ONE MISSING is YOU....."U"?
(actually one of the 1 Peter 3 Living Yahoo Group has a blog that starts with U)
So, if "U" visit me, or I visit "U" than U are included and that brings More "U NITY!!!
MANY PEOPLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE GROUPS but THEY ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL BLOGS (some are listed above & some are not)so here are their names:
Prayers & promises Encouragement of God Gifts of His Spirit YOU ……...YIPPEE!
7 Random things you may not yet know about me! I chose 7 instead of 6!
1) I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and have a home in Stillwater, MN But for the last 12 years I have been finally living my purpose and calling on my life as a volunteer missionary in Mexico. Only have my older sister & brother still living. My mom, youngest brother & dad are waiting in heaven.
2) I attended the College of St. Catherine and almost became a nun, religious sister…woman who dedicates her life to being single and serving God(like Mother Teresa). I have a BA in Elementary Education, Spanish & Library.
3) I married my Spanish high school teacher 6 years after I met him after working with him as a teacher assistant in many programs teaching English or Spanish.
4) I am over 50, never had my own biological children, but I'm a grandma to 2 grand daughters and 1 very special grand son, who was diagnosed as Autistic when he was 2 years old from our daughter (Tracy) and son, Vinny (siblings adopted).
5) I love God and passionate about prayer, praise, worship. I dance with flags and/or tambourine. I love creative drama, expressive dance, choreography and much MUSIC!
6) I love dogs and horses! I owned 3 very special horses in MN: Tano, Missy & Star.
I currently have 5 dogs in Mexico and 2 at home in MN: Bravo, Chimi, Chiquitita, Toby, Chispita, Lucky and Tano! When I came to Mexico, I had a Dachshund named Champion and a mixed breed Bailey. They are my family!
*7) I was raised in the Catholic church, left to an Evangelical church and became a spirit filled Christian of a Pentecostal church, Assembly of God in 1989…my home church in MN is Redeeming Love Church with the best Pastors and Church Family anyone could ask for and I would drive 20 miles or 3,000 miles just to be blessed by worshipping, serving, participating, celebrating with them. I learned much from them and the ministries I participated in as I continue doing here also with the church families that have taken me under their wings or allowed me the great privilege of their extended family…the body of Christ in Mexico!
Sharon from Quiet Reflections and Tania from Faith Prints tagged me past weekend and though I DO NOT do "tags" I felt that this was harmless and easy enough to share with YOU!
Here are the rules of tag
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.
I'm going to TAG any of YOU that want to do this one for my BLOGIVERSARY, if you are not too busy with the AWARD! So ALL 100 + GROUPS consider yourselves TAGGED! It's up to YOU!
================================================================ Official Dedication Prayer of Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace / My Mission Statement was given here and then here during Angela's Blog Mission Tour! You are welcome to read mine, visit others on the Tour & write your own.
LORD, I invite You into Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace blog as I would my home…"Mi casa es Tu casa"…Spanish for "My house is your house" I desire for Your Presence always to be with me and anyone who visits here. Please come and fill these posts with Your Love, every corner with Your Peace, each thought with Your inspiration and each moment here with Your JOY!
May this be a place where we are aMazed by Your Grace! May all who enter here BE BLESSED by You in a special way. I commit my Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace BlogSpot and Mission to YOU! I ask that You truly make my thoughts Your thoughts and make it a home
To anyone searching for YOU or more of YOU from the journey we have shared
together to the journey yet to be…may this be used to bring YOU
Glory and humble me as I learn from YOU where YOU have led me and to
Where YOU will lead me…be my Guide each day as I live, laugh and love
YOU and MY SPECIAL FRIENDS YOU send this way! In Jesus Name…
SEÑOR, Te invito a este lugar…haga Tu Voluntad…sea Tu Hogar de alcanzar otros para Ti y para Tu Gloria…sea Tu Presencia por mis palabras humildes…bendiga a las personas que vengan a este lugar!
31 Days of Prayer Challenge and Encouragement from Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Revive Our Hearts
Combination I have done from her Challenges. My personal prayers for my spouse will be posted later for this first week and then daily hopefully. The PRAYERS were not meant to go along with the ENCOURAGEMENT. Nancy offers them as separate CHALLENGES.
WEEK ONE________________________
Day BIBLE Verse
1 "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12
ENCOURAGEMENT
…have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you.
Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Pet. 3:18; Prov. 4:23)
2 "...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
ENCOURAGEMENT
…find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first?
Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength. PRAYER Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7,9:10; Ps. 112:1) 3 "...love suffers long, and is kind... 1 Cor. 13:4 "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 ENCOURAGEMENT …If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender. Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. PRAYER Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8) 4 "...let him labor, working with his hands what is good.." Eph. 4:28
ENCOURAGEMENT …Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others. If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, ananalytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)
5 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29
ENCOURAGEMENT
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.
…Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)
6
"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
ENCOURAGEMENT
Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.
Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.
If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you have noticed.
Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13
7
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches
certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."
Proverbs 8:21
ENCOURAGEMENT
Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.
Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.
If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14) For the rest of this Challenge, you need to go to Nancy Leigh DeMoss' website; Revive Our Hearts ======================================================================
DEAR HUSBAND ... THIS PART is FOR YOU
HISTORIA DE UN AMOR
(history of a love)
Eydie Gorme and Los Panchos
One of his favorites in the past: El Reloj
This is the music genre that he played and loves
MY PRAYERS for MY HUSBAND from the CHALLENGESso far
Day 1 Spiritual growth and accountability before the Lord.
Lord, I pray that my husband will grow to know You soon and realize that You are the Only Way,You are the Truth and You are His Light. Protect his heart from the darts and lies of the enemy and the world. He has lived too long in this humanitarian outlook. Change his will to Your will for him. Guard in his heart spiritual disciplines. Help Him to begin reading Your Word for insights not for jokes but for truth. Allow him to hunger and thirst to study what I find in Your Word so very priceless. Teach him how to pray through Your Word not just out of needs or saying thanks (though that is nice and a step in the right direction).
Lord, I know the prayers of this challenge are intended for believers but I believe that I can profess my husband as You see him saved by Your grace and see him that way also. So Lord it doesn't seem right for me to ask you to deepen his spiritual disciplines to mediate and memorize scriptures yet, because You have yet to reach him though many have planted seeds in him that has been non-existent in his life thus far, but it is my earnest prayer that he would be given a chance to begin to read your Word and soak in the Truths. There are plenty of Bibles around our home, so just draw him to begin reading the Bible as he reads so many other things that do not feed his spirit. May he replace some of that with spending time in Your Word. Lord, forgive him for the many years he has not been accountable to the reading of the Bible for himself. Break off those past generational curses and religious spirits that have kept him from you! Set him free from the spiritual bondages from his childhood that have hardened his heart for all these years from Your Truth getting in. Break off lies from his early religious training and racism that drove him away from you! Soften his heart and help him to be receptive to hearing the Truth in the Bible shared by many that you place in his life on purpose. We all love him and care for his eternal life. But Father, if we who know him and love him here want that for him...how much more You His Creator and You, Lord Jesus, His Savior desire. Draw his heart to want to know You and Your Word. For he has gained much worldly knowledge but needs Your Wisdom my Lord. Bring him a desire to hunger and thirst for You! In Jesus Name, I pray.
Day 2
Relationship with God & bearing fruit
Lord, Today I ask You to meet my husband where he is at...He knows You exist, draw him closer in his personal relationship with You!
This plea is the MOST important prayer I have for my spouse, to accept Jesus Christ as His Lord and personal Savior.Reveal yourself to him as JESUS the ONLY Way, the Truth and the Light for him.There is NO other way Lord.Help him to understand and see this truth soon. His life does bear much external fruit Lord...through years of his own effort. Allow that fruit that he has to now go down deep within and cause an internal change. Allow Your fruits of the Spirit to increase in his life:love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, goodness. I pray Lord that all the wisdom he now has will be matched by the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.May his understanding be increased. Give him a fear of the Lord enough to draw him to want more of God in His life than the things or ways of this world. Help him to develop the fruits of Your Holy Spirit. Bring him more love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness,gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.May these fruits bear increase in me, so that he will notice the life changing power of knowing You! I ask You according to Your will that none would perish but come to a saving grace in You. In Jesus Name.
Day 3 ...to be continued..... daily....
HOPEFULLY YOU DID NOT MISS THE PART I'M SHARING WITH YOU!
FROM MY HEART...WITH MUCH THANKS...
In Christ,
Peggy
[if I missed you or have some part incorrect please forgive me]
BTW-by the way- I do LOVE reading Dr. Seuss books aloud to kids but as you can tell there is
no Dr. Seuss here...
no Horton Hears A Who
no Green Eggs and Ham
no Cat in the Hat
no One Fish, Two Fish...
but GOD has many fishes in this NET that still need to hear HIS story!
in fact, the world is counting on YOU to tell of HIS Love...
