THINKIN' 'INSIDE THE BOX'

Nowadays, the common phrase is, "THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX"- YET, as I sit in our warm, lovingly Christmas decorated living room, I see all the newly wrapped gifts around our tree. This makes me wonder.. Would anyone EVER NOT open one that has their name on it? If they did refuse to do so, could it possibly be they feared it would be empty, thus they'd be extremely hurt, disappointed, and/or humiliated? IF 'human nature' is as strong as I know it to be, we can rest assured most anyone would 'shelve' those fears so they could get to what is intended for them...
SO, WHAT IS the REASON FOR SO MANY OF US HUMAN BEINGS NOT being willing to open THE ULTIMATE GIFT who is THE REASON for the SEASON? I'm thinking, "What happens if I pray to invite the Lord into my life, and He's NOT REALLY THERE?" may be a primary cause.. Even more than pride, I am convinced that fear of possible disappointment if God is not truly 'there,' and willing become involved with me personally, keeps many from even opening their present of eternal life and the true PEACE, HOPE, AND JOY contained within a relationship to the LORD. Thus, my message to any who read this is simply, GOD IS THERE and HE IS FOR YOU TO KNOW PERSONALLY- PLEASE, DO open your heart and soul to HIM since HE took human form over 2,000 years ago, then sacrificed his life so the wages of your sin are paid, thus reconciling you to HIM forever!
LAY aside the lie of PRIDE which says, "I can do it myself!" Truth is, you can't provide eternal security for yourself or provide the relief found only through the mercy and grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.. HE IS SO WONDROUSLY FAITHFUL-- Let HIM show you just how much!!! HE TREASURES you and DESIRES your fellowship with HIM directly... 'Blessed wishes' to all who read this!

OUR PRESENTS or HIS PRESENCE?

SIMPLY PUT, MY THOUGHTS TODAY ARE ASKING WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT? The title says it all.... MY SOUL YEARNS FOR MORE OF THE LORD'S PRESENCE TO BE RESPONDED TO BY ME... HE'S TRULY, ALWAYS HERE WITH, AND IN, ME.. SOMEHOW, THE gifts under the tree have lost most all of their appeal.... (except for the joy of allowing others the pleasure of giving... Hey! That's like our Lord's joy in giving!!)
Basically though, the gifts I pray for anyone reading this are TRUE PEACE, HOPE, and JOY resulting from receiving the LORD'S mercy, grace, and righteousness-- only possible through THE ULTIMATE GIFT! This, of course, is the arrival of the LORD of ALL in human form, followed by the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE of HIS life so we could receive full and true LIFE!!! JESUS did say, 'I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE!' I trust YOU will all rejoice in the PRESENCE of our LORD this year and forever!!

ETERNAL LIFE BEGINS ON EARTH!

AS I SIT HERE EARLY THIS MORNING, MY SOUL CRIES OUT TO HELP ANY WHO MAY READ THIS REALIZE HOW TRUE LIFE IS MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED DAILY WHILE WE ARE STILL ON EARTH, AS WELL AS AFTER OUR BODIES EXPIRE... JESUS CAME TO GIVE 'LIFE ABUNDANT,' AND TOLD US HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE! ANYONE WHO CHOOSES TO FOLLOW HIM, YIELDING THEIR WELFARE TO HIS CARE, WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE TRUE PEACE, HOPE, JOY, PURPOSE , AND SO MUCH MORE, FOR HE IS FAITHFUL IN HIS MERCY, GRACE, AND FORGIVENESS. HE DESIRES TRUE COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP WITH US SO HE LIVES WITHIN THOSE WHO WILL WELCOME HIM INTO THEIR HEARTS (SOULS- minds, emotions, and wills).... HAVE YOU DONE SO? IF NOT, WHY NOT? ETERNAL LIFE (the security of knowing you can/do live in a right relationship to the LORD ALMIGHTY) is for you NOW and FOREVER! JUST PRAY, 'THANK YOU JESUS FOR DYING FOR MY SINS SO I CAN BE RECONCILED TO YOU, MY LORD, AND LEARN TO GROW IN YOUR LOVE and LIFE, FOR AND THROUGH ME! I WELCOME YOU NOW! IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN! BY THE WAY, passages from the Gospel of JOHN, chapters 8 and 10 are referred to in this message... Truths from several other scriptures are also here... If you'd like to, read the Gospel of JOHN, especially the mentioned chapters along with chapter 3! Let the Word of God speak more directly to you!

I WONDERED, 'JUST WHAT IS A MUMMER?'

As I found myself with some time I COULD use to write a new post, I noticed something which distracted me.... Seeing the term, Mummer, I realized I didn't quite know what it meant! I guess since I lived all of my childhood and early adult years in southern California, my affections on New Year's Day go to the Rose Parade.. My husband's birth in Philadelphia left NO attachment to the Mummer's culture whatsoever! Well, for those like me who don't know, Mummers are members of clubs in the Philadelphia area who spend all their year preparing for a lavish parade... They devote themselves to 'eating, drinking, and sleeping' this Mummer culture. It seems many individuals derive their purpose for/satisfaction in life from their identities being based on being a member of a Mummer organization.. (There is much more than 'just the parade' to focus on when one is a member.) Well, none of this surprises me because we all know we need to have a purpose for living...(or, as a co-producer of the movie, AMAZING GRACE said, 'a purpose in life that is worth dying for.') My reaction to a Mummer's passion for their involvement is, "That's nice but, then again, it could be a 'Bummer' to be a Mummer since you can't 'take it with you' when your body expires."
Now, just WHAT can we live, and even die for, that can be taken 'with us' when we no longer exist on Earth? As a Christian author of this blog, I get to introduce you to the promise of purpose through an eternal relationship to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who desires to call you "Friend." Living in a personal, deepening companionship with my Lord, gives me plenty of purpose as I grow in my desire to please and delight in HIM! (This is all made possible by the shed blood of my LORD JESUS CHRIST who loved me enough to take my sins, and the resulting alienation from my LORD upon himself at Calvary, so I CAN have this individual access to the LORD all the time!) I am reminded of a statement of beliefs of a certain 'flavor' of Christianity, which states, 'THE CHIEF PURPOSE OF MANKIND IS TO GLORIFY AND TO ENJOY THE LORD GOD.' Take note of "Friend" in this message... Can you begin to 'wrap your mind around the fact that the ALMIGHTY ONE wants YOU to know HIM as a FRIEND? - THE ULTIMATE FRIEND, if you ask me! He created us with his hands, then breathed his breath into us.. (We were not just spoken into being as all else was!) The giving of his breath was the establishment of mankind as spiritual beings who are intended for communion and fellowship with HIM! Well, I could go 'on and on,' waxing eloquently as my husband has infected me with the ability to do, but I'll close with this thought.... Can you imagine what your life is meant to be like as one who delights in ENJOYING GOD, and subsequently, GLORIFIES HIM? Some of you 'out there' already KNOW that it's not a matter of simply imagining, but can be reality for us! Dear reader, if you don't enjoy God, call 1-888-NEED HIM so someone can share more with you... Blessings from above are headed your way!

BLESSED or, A BLESSING?

AS this Christmas season is fast approaching, may we remember to do as the stickers on the rear window of my car say... "AMERICA, BLESS GOD.." It is all too easy to be swept away in all the doings and demands (hopes/expectation imposed upon us by ourselves or others), while not taking time to truly BLESS our LORD.. Consider HOW you feel when someone tells you that you are a blessing to them? (refreshed, sort of 'tingly?', or encouraged?) WELL, have you given much thought to how our LORD welcomes our thankfulness, obedience, trust, and 'SO MUCH MORE?' Of course, this coming week holds the set-aside day for us USA citizens to pause and say 'THANK YOU' to HIM officially but, can't we do any better than that? How about daily seeking new ways to 'Bless the LORD, O my soul.' (as my last post spoke of..) The well loved hymn says a lot... "TRUST and OBEY, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey..." I don't know about you, but I am truly HAPPY when I know I am walking in ways which BLESS my LORD. I am light-hearted and, as a result, I trust the HIS light shines brightly through my eyes and countenance.. I'd encourage each of us to 'tune in' to opportunities to BLESS the LORD more often each day... May the LORD bless and keep you as you do..... Until next post, Sheila

How About A 'FAITHLIFT?'

Each time I sit down to write 'a little something' here, I have ample ideas about what to share.. But, I desire to write what the Lord God Almighty is desiring me to convey.. This morning, PSALM 103 blessed me SO much that I am confident it's what I need to speak about... The title I've chosen for today says it all!! --"Praise the Lord, O my soul-all my inmost being, praise his holy name!"-Don't forget his benefits-- FORGIVENESS, HEALING, REDEMPTION, COMPASSION, SATISFACTION, YOUTHFULNESS, JUSTICE, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS--- for starters! Please take time to read and digest just some of how the Lord tells us about more of his true nature through all HE does for us! In fact, I am reminded of JEREMIAH 9:23-24 in which He declares He delights in exercising kindness, justice, and righteousness! Today, may we all relish more of his character as we welcome HIM to express more and more of his nature in/through/to us!!

CHOOSE SIN or, CHOOSE HIM!

HELLO to all who have time to read this! Please join me as I consider just what a responsibility we each have... It is simply the oppotunity to choose life within the intentions and desires the LORD has for us or, not to do so. Not much discussion or deliberation is needed. We have been given the privilege of determining how our days, weeks, months, years, and lives will be lived out. The LORD states his intention to bless us as we welcome and yield to HIM but somehow, most of us find ourselves 'forgetting,' or neglecting? to ask Him how we can best honor his presence here on Earth with/through us.. UGH! For now, let's just know HE has plans to prosper us - to give us hope and a future as He also desires us to truly KNOW Him personally.. For, He takes delight in being the God who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness. (paraphrases from JEREMIAH 29:11 and 9:23-24) I'll close with a saying I saw recently.. Basically it says the length of our life is not as important as the amount of LIFE we live in the days we do have here..Any Christian reading this knows JESUS is The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE!

To the PHONE or, to the THRONE?

BLESSINGS TO ALL WHO MAY READ THIS- Much has happened since my last post so I am choosing between several titles which have 'come to mind,' during my recent events. Basically, all of the 'happenings,' present me with the choice to go to 'phone' or, to the THRONE! I trust many of you can identify with our innate desire to 'tell someone' almost any time something seems uncomfortable, intimidating, or otherwise threatening to our 'comfort zone' in life.. Those of us who have my temperament seem to do 'best,' if we 'talk it out,' almost immediately. Others of you out there are likely to 'shelve it,' at least for awhile.... Well- recently, I heard a speaker propose we be more ready to take it to HIS THRONE of GRACE, than to any person at first. Oh, how true that is! In fact, I am writing this today to solidify my commitment to doing so more readily. How about any of you 'out there?' I just read a comment in Reader's Digest that goes along with this topic... It confirmed the point that FAITH is better than mere BELIEF since a belief is acquired when one accepts something someone else has thought about. Those of us who know the JOY of direct access to the throne of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, rejoice in approaching the KING of KINGS without fear of rejection or pain. We live lives which confirm how Forsaking All, I Take Him (FAITH) lifts us out of all disconcerting moments in our lives. In fact, we rejoice in having our feet set upon a rock, giving us a firm place to stand after He has delivered us from muck and mire!(of emotions, etc.) (PSALM 40:1-2)
I could go on and on, but I'll close with a 'funny' I heard in a recent theatrical production.. My referring to those moments in life which can cause us some discomfort, reminded me of a character who said, "I'm not afflicted with any denomination," when, she was really wanting to say, "affiliated!" Of course, the script was intentionally written the way it was delivered! It takes a lot to get me to 'belly laugh,' and this playwright succeeded! May none of us find ourselves afflicted by 'religianity,' but find ourselves to be more yielded to HIS love for/through us each day as we boldly approach His throne of grace, mercy, justice, righteousness, and SO MUCH MORE! Blessings to all!

Delight in 'De' LIGHT!

I don't know why it's taken me so long to realize this poignant pun, except to know the LORD was saving it for 'such a time as this!' As I led a group of 'senior saints' through Bible passages about experiencing the radiance of the LORD recently, I finally stated, 'We get to 'delight in de'LIGHT!' As Moses descended off Mt. Sinai, his face shone brightly and he didn't even know it --- Why did it? He HAD SPOKEN with the LORD! WOW!(Exodus 34:29) Later, we saw how JESUS was transfigured before Peter, James, and John! His face shone like the SUN and his clothes were white as light! Oh, how I'd loved to have been there in person!(Matthew 17:2) Finally, for now, I will refer to John 17:22 where Jesus prays for us about how the GLORY he'd received from his FATHER would now be received by us as He's given it to us so we may dwell together in unity!
I don't know about any of you 'out there' in cyber-space (some of you are known by me personally and I do treasure each of you!), but as I covered the other passages related to the radiance of our LORD being available and intended for/through each of us, I became more DELIGHTED and 'my' seniors loved watching as HE expressed himself through me.. In fact, 'EXHILLERATED', might be a more accurate adjective for my state of being at that point.. We are empowered to be the light this world needs to see as they stumble without our Lord in their beings! We are to be visibly spreading the hope we have in Jesus so they can be attracted to HIM and to the glory HE wants to show to them as they can receive deliverance from despair and so much more... I'd like to close with Psalm 37:4 which reminds us we get to 'DELIGHT OURSELVES IN THE LORD SO HE CAN GRANT US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART...' When he is on the throne of our lives, our desires will correspond with his desires for/through us! Blessing to all who read this!!

Presence of Illness/ Absence of God?

While spending 5 hours traveling on a bus with many teenagers today, I was struck by the thought that people just might think God is not where illness is. Something I was saying to another chaperone caused me to think about this. Quite readily, I thought of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh,' (probably of a physical nature), as well as Job with all his boils! Of course, our Lord was with them both in spite of their 'illnesses!' Much more pleasantly though, I recalled a statement made by someone at the assisted living facility where an extremely dear friend of mine spent her last couple of cancer-ridden years--"When Sandra moved in, PEACE moved in with her!" I cannot think of any more 'telling' fact to substantiate my convictions about the presence of our Lord, even in the presence of conditions of any sort. My message to anyone of you 'out there' is one of hope and assurance -- Please don't feel forsaken or threatened when/if some sort of malady or condition comes upon you... The LORD loves to be glorified as we are carried by HIM, allowing others to see HIM through us. Afterall, we ARE the body of Christ as well as the temple in which the LORD dwells. What wondrous realities and reasons for living! I trust someone will say of me one day, "When Sheila entered the room, PEACE came in with her." SOLI DEO GLORIA or, TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!

TWICE INVITED or, CHRISTLESS=CRISIS

As I've begun to study the book of ISAIAH in the Bible this year, I've been blessed to discover how the LORD issues a wonderful invitation to his people 'right off the bat!' How wonderful it is to know He wants us to reason with Him.. 'Come, let us reason together- Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow...If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land, but if you resist and rebel...' ( taken from ISAIAH 1:18-20 "). HE lays out our options! Not only that, but a chapter later, his people are told, 'HE will teach us his ways so we may walk in his paths.' Isaiah then invites the Lord's people, 'Come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.' I don't know about any of you 'out there' in cyber-space, but I am absolutely thrilled to be invited to choose a life living in a personal, growing relationship to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For over 42 years now, I've been welcoming his teaching as I desire to walk in the LIGHT of HIM... I choose a life that is not CHRISTLESS, so it is not CRISIS living. Anyone missing out on the joy of knowing and walking with the LORD in an intentional manner, is truly in a crisis of their soul. (deprived of all HE intends mankind to know of his grace, mercy, compassion, patience, and, SO MUCH MORE!) The choice is yours, because HE wants us to choose to welcome HIM within. 'Blessed' wishes to all who read this! Call 1-888-NEED HIM A real person will speak with you!

SINFESTED

Today's title came to me recently while considering just how easily we seem to be 'duped' into tolerating increasing, imposing, sinful attitudes and actions. I am speaking of this on a very GRAND scale from within our own individual self to nationally and even all across humanity. The Bible states in Jeremiah 17:9- "The heart is deceitful and beyond cure." Then later in Jeremiah 35:15, it tells us we must each turn from our wicked ways and reform our actions." This sounds quite strong to any of you who might not be in a personal, loving, LORDSHIP relationship to HIM, but, IT is the truth... Unfortunately, most all of humanity is 'content?' to simply become accustomed to life as it is sinfested with much that deprives them of God's intended best. Currently, I am watching as marriages of 20 and 30 years are 'on the rocks.' I am also very aware of just how easily our living conditions can become all too cluttered with undesirable 'stuff.' How does this happen? What is causing the relationships to collapse or the accumulation of the 'stuff' of life to become intolerable? Frankly, it is our refusal to acknowledge how easily we become infested with something we are blissfully 'unaware' of .. Sin's nature is to 'wish away' possible problems.. (Just like us homeowners when we begin to suspect unwanted 'critters' in/near our home, etc.. Or, like those who ignore physical issues which really need to be addressed, etc..) Dear readers- I urge you all to look around and within (a conscious act of your will) as you invest some time guarding against SINFESTATION.... Gotta go for now-- Blessings to all!

WHOSE TURN TO TURN?

IN my last post, I mentioned the song, "I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS." The lyrics continue by saying, 'No turning back, no turning back.' I can attach myself to these fairly easily because, since I met the Lord personally in 1968, I have not found myself 'turning my back' on HIM because HE has endeared himself to me through his faithfulness, mercy, grace, majesty, and SO MUCH MORE... I am NOT 'perfect' by any means so I am sure there are moments when I do turn away from the POWER He wants to provide me with to refuse temptation's call, etc.. But, overall, I can honestly say that I've not gone through any 'dry spells' or times of turning away from my growing relationship to my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Recently, my husband and I joined nearly 200 others as we listened to teaching from the life of JONAH.... I was amused when I realized it was really him who needed to turn away from his own sinfulness even more than that of the Ninevites.. Not only did he blatantly refuse God's call/assignment for him, but he also complained when the Lord showed compassion on the 'originally doomed ones!' It makes me wonder just whose turn it was to turn!!! The Ninevites certainly didn't hesitate to listen to the news from God, so they 'turned' effectively, but I'm not sure about JONAH.. The story closes with him rationalizing his reasons for not going to Ninevah in the first place and with him griping about God's choice to withdraw (withhold?) the blessing of a shade tree from him... What DO you think? What about you and the LORD? Are you letting yourself grow deeper in love with our HIM? HOPE SO! If not, call 1-888-NEED HIM

GOTTA WONDER! or, GOD OF WONDER!

My husband and I were talking about the huge rally recently held by a certain, well-known, conservative, talk-show host in Washington D.C... While we spoke, today's title came to mind.. (At least the 'GOTTA WONDER!' part).. because the song, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," came on the radio. It made me wonder just how many people who think they are Christians, would be willing and able to sing, "I have decided to follow Jesus- I have decided to follow Jesus- I have decided to follow Jesus-- No turning back- NO TURNING BACK." Unfortunately, many today are enticed into believing that simply 'following rules and/or doing the things I'm expected to do religiously,' makes one a Christian. This is a cause for great concern since millions of sincere, God-fearing individuals are being robbed of what the LORD truly intends for them.They don't even realize they are clinging to worthless idols parading as the 'right religious thing to do.'- Thus, they forfeit the grace that could be theirs as JONAH 2:8 says.
Blessedly though, millions have accepted the truth that through the sacrifice of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, we can be, and are intended to be, living in an exhilerating, personal relationship to the LORD. We are the ones who have recognized the 'Prince of this world,' as a master of deception, who manages to disguise his 'versions' (the 'You need to do this, or that-- and, read books other than the Bible, etc. sort of 'Christianity') of being a 'Christian' as acceptable.(ARG!) Therefore- My question for each of you today is, "ARE you willing and able to truly sing, 'I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS,' as opposed to doing WHAT other religious leaders or groups may impose upon you as they offer the hope you'll have been 'good enough,' or have 'done enough,' to live forever in God's goodness and presence (or become a god yourself.. UGH!)
When one does decide to focus on, and commit to, following JESUS only, the discovery and revelation of the GOD OF WONDERS will delight and endear them forever! I speak from experience!! You can too!

Are We Believin' We'll Be Leavin'?

Hello, and blessings to all who may read this- This past few weeks has been sending myself and others around me one key question-- ARE WE living as if we are believing we could be leaving this planet Earth at any moment? It is so nice to be able to say I am assured that if I do, I KNOW for certain I'll be truly 'home' in the presence of my blessed CREATOR... After all- He created me to live in fellowship and communion with HIM.. YES! Direct, personal, intimate friendship with the LORD is what I already know while 'down here,' but I am fascinated by the prospect of JOY beyond measure when it's time for me to 'be leavin!' Hey! I just realized my assurance of this is because I AM believin! I don't believe based on feelings or wishes, but based on the facts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If any of you readers doesn't know the ONE of whom I speak, use your phone to call 1-888-NEED HIM... A 'real' person is there to speak of my LORD to you.. Blessed wishes! Sheila

IT'S ALMOST A RELIEF--

CURRENTLY, WE ARE SHARING IN THE GRIEF DUE TO THE LOSS OF A MAN IN OUR CONGREGATION.. HE WAS 'ONLY' 53 YEARS OLD. BELIEVE ME- IT'S NOT 'ALMOST A RELIEF' TO HAVE HIM GONE FROM OUR MIDST!... BUT, THE FACT THAT MANY HAVE LEARNED TO NOT TRY TO MAKE GOD ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'WHY?', BUT WILL INSTEAD ASK HIM, 'WHAT will you do as a result of this?' OR 'HOW can You be glorified through this?' IS THE RELIEF... YOU SEE- IT IS A PEACE-FILLED FEELING WHEN WE CAN TRUST THE LORD ENOUGH TO NOT NEED TO REQUEST THAT HE EXPLAIN HIMSELF TO US.. HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS AND HIS THOUGHTS ARE NOT OUR THOUGHTS.. BUT, HE DOES PROMISE TO KEEP US IN PERFECT PEACE WHEN OUR MINDS ARE 'STAYED ON HIM.' HE HAS SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WHAT'S BEST FOR US AND FOR HIS GLORY OVERALL IN THE LONG RUN, THAT WE CAN REST ASSURED HE WILL BRING IT ABOUT IF WE WANT HIM TO... RELIEF FROM FRUSTRATION AND ANXIETY IS AVAILABLE TO US IF WE CHOOSE TO RECEIVE IT.. BLESSINGS TO ALL!

SUCH A DELIGHT!

I'd like to praise God for the joy I know as I am listening to my grandson's account of his youth group's mission trip to Twisp, WA. What a blessing to hear how the LORD is working in him as he approaches his junior year of high school. I am so glad to be his grandma as well as a prayer warrior for him and his family. The Lord loves to encourage me and HE has chosen this particular way today! May our Lord bless you all! Sheila Oh! In contrast, I am now listening to our daughter's account of how totally goofed up everything was today in the bookkeeping system where she works! Not a lot of delight there, except she seems to have taken it well... Thank you, Jesus!

WHAT IF YOU KNEW...?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pray over/for a lady whose body was just about finished living here on Earth.. This gal had no family present and had seemed to be very bitter during the time I was aware of her. You just 'gotta wonder' if she knew her days were coming to an end... (Her mind has been gone for over 3 years now.) I am sitting here wondering if I would change anything if I knew for certain that I'd 'pass on' within the next 48 hours or so... What about you? I am at peace with the LORD so I guess I'd just try to let others know I would be seeing them 'later' in the presence of Jesus! Other than that, I might take care of a little housework or call a few people I've not contacted recently.. And, of course, I'd spend a lot of time in my hubby's arms! Blessings for now!

Hello out there! Just in case anyone has time to read this, I am asking if you know how I can transfer my documents to these blog posts.. I'd love to eventually get all of my previous writings onto this blog so that I can just meet new people and give them this address so they can access whatever they'd like to read.. Is there any hope of being able to do this? Let me know what you know... Because He Loves You and Me! Sheila Dean

HIS GRACE STILL AMAZES ME!

Hello to all- As I learn to use this more and as I spread the word about this way to make the materials I write and have written available to more readers, I trust you will bear with me.. I've just returned from 10 glorious nights/days up at Deception Pass (renamed Reception Pass by us last year since the Lord always has something for us to 'receive' when we are up there.) Well.... I guess the 'best' thing HE sent us this time was the joy of the assurance of His grace and presence in our lives constantly. Several opportunities arose for Him to just let us enjoy being His children! I trust that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will vitalize each of you day by day! I Corinthians 15:10 essentially says, "It is by the grace of God I am what I am- May that grace not be ineffectual.." Blessings to all! Sheila

Hello to all- I am just sitting here wondering how in the world someone who doesn't know the Lord could even begin to comprehend what Chuck Swindoll entitled his message today.. It was DYING TO LIVE... To anyone who might read this, I'd simply say that when we say "no" to our 'self,' and say 'yes' to the life of Christ which wants to live within us, we will never lack for peace, hope, and joy! 'For me to live is Christ and to die is to gain.' I love living life in communion and fellowship with the LORD GOD CREATOR of the vast cosmos as well as of me! What a thrill to know that HE calls me FRIEND!

In Love with the Lord

This is my very first attempt at this, thanks to a new-found friend! Thank you, R.H.! There is a current contemporary Christian song which captures well the essence of truly being a Christian... The lyrics refer to the lives of those who are experiencing what the Lord intends for us as being lived 'in love with the Lord.' AMEN to this, I say! I will be posting the FAMILY DEVOTIONALS I have been writing for over 2.5 years on this blog from now on.. I believe I am writing #169 tomorrow.. I will be entitled, ON TOP OF .....??? I have fun with the titles of these... The messages are meant to encourage, and enhance the reader's peace, hope, and joy they have tasted of, or downright been immersed in, as they have been getting to know the Lord also. Blessed wishes to all who read this! PEACEHOPEANDJOYR4U2!