He's Alive --Inspiration 3

Jesus Made It Possible to Live Again

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  --John 3:16

JESUS is the Name above all names. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Jesus is the Christ, the holy Son of God. When I was a child I was taught the New Testament stories with Jesus as its main character. I learned of His miracles as Jesus turned water into wine, healed the sick, made the dead come back to life, cast out demons, and multiplied a boy's lunch to feed five thousand people. My teachers told me about Jesus' last supper in the upper room, Jesus praying "Not My will but Thine be done" in the Garden of Gethsemane while His disciples slumbered. Then we heard about the trial with trumped up charges, Pilot washing his hands of the unjust affair, Jesus being whipped, crowned with thorns, taking up His cross, being scorned, mocked, blasphemed, and then crucified. With relief, we came to Christ's glorious resurrection, the empty tomb, Mary worshiping her risen Lord, and the men talking with Jesus as they walked to Emmaeus. It was a good story, but as a child I had not realized its significance nor its lasting impact on humanity from that time forward. Life for the soul was purchased by Jesus' obedient surrender and pure, sinless submission to His father's will, His death, burial, and resurrection that changed everything for humankind. Humanity is eternally indebted to Christ and I am forever grateful for the cross.

Father, Son, and Spirit, the Three in One God, we behold You, appreciate You, and love You. Amen.

To God be the Glory

The Light --Inspiration 2

The Light of the World is Jesus.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." --John 8:12 NIV

JESUS PROMISES His light to the world. In Him is no darkness at all. In fact, He shines His brightest when in the darkness. He exposes sin, unrighteousness, and evil. He makes wise the simple. Jesus Christ purifies those who trust in Him with their stuff. Jesus is the redemptive mystery in Whom we embrace. His love reaches around the world, to all people, countries, and nations. Jesus' grace is free and sufficient for all who believe. He cares about you, your family, your past, present, and future. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." He is the light of life.

Father in Heaven, we are honored to partake of the blessings you've given to the world. Thank you for Your dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the world and our light. Amen.

To God be the Glory

God's Grace - Inspiration 1

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.

THIS DAY is to be lived with God in mind. Give it to God and ask for His blessing on it. Rejoice that He made you and cares for you in all of it. Whatever happens today will be touched by His grace. The hard parts especially need His care. Trust Him. Loving kindness is His way.

Thank you, Father God for being here; for loving and caring, and helping. Amen.

To God be the Glory

The New Year Starts Well

2019

What's New, 2019

My word for last year was "structure."  2018 ended up being anything but structured. I had high hopes of finishing my various writing projects. Nada. I did get a couple new manuscripts completed though not fully edited. But I did learn something. I learned to go with the flow.

This year? Not so sure. I'm considering a couple of words but not settled on either one. I have one New Year's Resolution, though.  I will keep it to myself for the time being. It's a spiritual discipline, which I intend to be vigilant in keeping regardless of circumstances, Lord willing.

I want to enjoy 2019. I choose to be on the happy side. I 'will' myself to be positive in spirit. The rest will take care of itself. With a cheerful attitude and a 'giving' mindset, and with God's intervention and enabling, it's going to be a good year. 

 

2018, Year in Review

One big positive happened in 2018. I lost 20# last year. I am going for another 20# in 2019. Starting to wear some of the clothing I wore as a teacher back in 2012. Becoming less active physically as a writer was not good for me. I was ignoring my overall physical health.

Changes were needed. Health improvement and its maintenance are becoming a priority with me. It feels pretty nice to be losing weight instead of gaining it.

We also lost Mom. She is with her heavenly family now. I especially missed her during the holidays. I was sensitive to her missing presence as I cooked and prepared the dishes and decor. My mother was at her happiest when entertaining family. I'm glad she is now at peace. Rest In Peace, dear Mama.

Northern California's fires made for suffering and loss. I drove in the dark cloud of ash that day. It was scary around here. In 2018, national crises were playing out as they did, which also caused pain and unpleasantness. The good that came in response was from people helping each other, 'The Helpers' as Mr. Rogers liked to call them. Kind and resilent, we overcame and went forth.

 

And Now What?

I like fresh starts and new beginnings. The beginning of a new year is all that. These days I'm helping my dad a fair amount. I call myself Dad's Personal Assistant. This role keeps me in balance and not so self-focused.

In addition, my friends and I drink a lot of coffee while having one-on-one conversations at one of our homes, or New Earth Market, Starbucks, Maple Garden. I'm thankful they want to meet with me. Our conversations are meaty. Sharing our hearts with each other brings out the best in us.

 

Life is Good. 

You all are wonderful. Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you are well. I can't complain. Now, on to more to be discovered. I'm ready.

How about you?