New Years Resolution?

Did you notice the 'question mark' at the end of the title?
What about you? Are you going to make another New Years Resolution that you will not keep? or maybe "can't " keep?

The Lord has been placing something on my heart over these past weeks; on this eve of a new year I find myself pondering its impact on my life and on the lives of those around me!

Here's is a 'doodle' I did a few days ago entitled "Wandering"... the doodle has a beginning and an end - but sometimes our "wandering" appears to be going nowhere! Just meandering around with no end in sight... reminds me of the Israelites who took years to make a short journey. I don't want to live like the Israelites did, do you?
I have decided that for this new year - 2010 - I am going to choose a word to build my life on.

That word is - INTENTION -

There are so many "words" one could choose .... I thought of balance; peace; resolve; and so on... but INTENTION kept coming back to me over and over - so - for me - 2010 will be a year of "intention"!

Webster's defines "intention" as "the act of determining upon some action"..... I like that!

It means I must make choices - and I must act upon those choices! I like that, too!

Whoa!!!!!

My mind just swirls with the possibilities of action related to this! And, of course, at the center of it all is Abba Father! His WORD is full of "intention"... and action! To grow us deeper in our faith and to become more like Him!

Father God,

May I be a blessing to You.

Thank you for the many gifts you have given to me... family, friends, talents... Your salvation and forgiveness. I am a grateful woman today!

This "intention" must begin here -
Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perect will.

Blessings on you at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010!!!
Here is another "doodle" - it amazes me how a doodle can be "intentional" - but it can!

Thanks so much for your continued support -
Leave a comment telling me what your "word' is for 2010 .... I'd love to hear from you!

In Him,
Ruthie

A Thankful Heart!

More notations in "One Thosand Gifts" -

130 . Providing coffee and sandwiches for the "staff" in the slaughterhouse.

131. Relaxing with friends.

132. Brewed coffee with cream - ummmmm.

133. "Bouncing" puppy in his first snowbank!

134. Energy, peace, joy

135. Spending time with hubby.

136. Discovery ......

137. "Christmas" - the love of God, come to earth - for me! Thank You, Lord!

138. Kids, grand-kids, family, friends

139. Snow-free roads - making for easy travel.

What a blessed and grateful woman I am!

May this ending of one year and the beginning of another find you reflecting

on the gifts HE has bestowed on you!

In Him, Ruthie

Merry Christmas - Blessings to you!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve - Hubby's 3 children will arrive sometime mid-afternoon.
Then on Boxing day we will all go to my daughter's in Sackville ... a busy few days.

I'm praying for travel mercies all around! for wonderful family memories to be made;

for God's Presence to be so REAL to us all!

I will return to posting here before the New Year - but until then - I leave you with a wish for Peace, Joy and Love to fill your hearts and homes this Christmas Season!

In Him, Ruthie

Living With Intention!

Do you live with intention?
Or does your day "just happen"?

What does it mean to "live with intention"? It means to have a fixed direction, goal, purpose.
Does this mean that we can never have a "lazy" day with no specific plans involved? Do we always have to be so focused that there is no room for spontaneity? or unexpected events?

The bottom line for me is that as a Christian woman I must live intentionally - according to God's Word! My ultimate goals are to "be like Christ"; to show HIS love to others; to be in an attitude of prayer; to practice HIS Presence; to show His grace; to clothe myself with HIS attributes daily! I pray this is your intention as well!

This is such a "crazy, stress-filled" time of year for most people... my intention this year was to not get caught in the hustle and bustle. And I haven't!

I did go for groceries on Saturday - once in the parking lot I wondered why I was there... parking spaces were at a minimum; and once inside there were 3 carts left in the holding area! Every checkout was open, people were lined up at each one! "Oh NO", I thought to myself. I began to pray for peace, for a smile; to ask for grace; to ask for pleasent words... It was kind of fun, actually! Thank You, Lord!

YES! It is possible to live with intention....
I pray that will become your way over these next few days!

1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.

May your hearts and homes be filled with Peace and Joy and Love ...
Ruthie

In The Snow Storm!

Here I sit - in the midst of a snow storm ... hubby is outside, trying to "catch" turkeys cuz slaughtering starts tomorrow! Then he has to do some plowing!
I sit inside - nice and warm and content.

I cannot see the snow coming down as it is today without thinking of my Savior - who washes our sins as white as snow!
Thank you, Lord .... for sending Your Son - as a babe - in a manger - with the whole intent of saving my soul!
Reader - for Saving your soul!
Praise You, Lord!

Here is the continuation of my One Thousand gifts - I'm excited to keep adding to them ... wonder how far I'll get before I meet Him face to face? I won't stop recording them - even once I reach one thousand. I hope you've started compiling your gifts in written form - what a leagcy to leave behind! Make that your New Year's resolution!

John 3:16

Blessings on you today!
Stay warm and cozy - and REST in the knowledge that you are loved and cherished!
Ruthie

Mary Praises God!

Spend some time today reflecting on Mary's hymn found in Luke 1:46-55...

46) My soul praises the Lord's greatness!

47) My spirit finds its joy in God, my Savior,

48) because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant.

I say Hallelujah! May these words be my words today!

Lord, I give you praise!

May they be YOUR words today to your faithful Father and Friend!

Blessings sweet ones!

Merry CHRIST-mas!

Ruthie

Do You Believe?

We watched a movie the other night - "The Polar Express"...

about a young boy who doesn't believe in Santa anymore and has lost the "spirit of Christmas". In his dreams on Christmas Eve he takes a crazy train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. He is given a gift of a sleigh bell but quickly loses it when it falls thru a hole in his pocket. However, under the tree on Christmas morning is a small gift for him - inside is the sleigh bell he had lost ... he hears it ring and believes! His parents don't hear the ring; over the years his sister loses the ability to hear the bell as well, but he continues to hear the bell ring and believes.

I couldn't help but think about the awesome gift we have been given - do we believe? Or do we "lose" the "spirit" over time? Does His gift continue to ring for us in such a way that we hang on tighter than ever? That we allow the gift to inspire our thoughts and actions daily?

God's gift is not a "sleigh bell". It is the gift of eternal life!

Will you accept it today?

Will you listen for the sound of His gift calling to you and respond by accepting Him into your life?

That is my prayer today for those who have not done this yet!

And for those who accepted the gift and have let the "bell" get rusty... take it out, shine it up and ring it every day! He will increase your faith as you journey along with Him!

Blessings on you today!

Ruthie

A Thankful Heart!

My physical body has been working against me these past few weeks it seems.... but my heart is steadfast in HIM! Thank You, Lord!

121. A rainbow stretched across the sky

122. PEACE - in the midst!

123. A "cuddly" puppy...

124. Four generations of family together for a celebration of life

125. Christmas music

126. FRIENDS!

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Love and hugs!
Ruthie

A Cheerful Heart!

Doesn't this guy make you chuckle? I hope so!

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

There's an old saying - "laughter is good medicine" - or something like that. Have you recently had a good bout of laughter? It does do the soul good, doesn't it? Sometimes, though, life seems too complicated or troubled for there to be much room for laughter.
I don't know about you - but for me - lately - it's been tough to laugh! However, I am seeking His Word and trying to stay focused on the positive things in my life!
I had a friend say one time that even in the midst of all the troubles and tribulations she was going thru she never lost the joy in her heart.... I could see that in her life but I found it a little hard to understand! I KNOW it now!
Wow!

JOY in Him is in my heart - the flame is buring brighter than ever and I am so grateful for that! Even "in the midst"! Thank you, Jesus!
And that gives me JOY for this awesome season we are in ... celebrating His birth! Even more than that though - I am so thankful for HIS life on earth, doing as the Father willed - and - for His New Life to me!

Praise you, Lord.
May this Christmas time be a time of reflection for you - a time of renewal and refreshment - please don't let the world slip in and steal your joy and your peace. Stay focused on Him - and choose to have a cheerful heart!

Blessings on you today, dear ones!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

Jesus - Laughing!

Click on the picture to make it bigger - this was sent to me this morning via email [Thanks Myra!] ... I just had to share it with you all! What a sight to behold! The Christ of Christmas - lavishing love and joy on people! Praise God for this Christmas season. These were found in a seminary in Florida - the author remains anonymous.... they are signed "Jesus Painter" Blessing on you today!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

A Precious Gift!

It's Sunday Morning and I'm not in church - that is so NOT the norm for me but health issues have kept me away today. I went to the book of Isaiah this morning ... and found this picture that I have carried with me since this precious little child was 9 months old! (She is now 7 years old!) I just love how we are looking at each other... she is so precious to me - to our family

But there is a gift even more precious - and that is the gift of our Lord's Son.... He came as a child in a manger; born of a virgin. He came to go to the cross for my sins - for your sins - so we wouldn't have to make the judgment payment. My life is so full with HIM! I can not imagine it being any other way!

Dear ones - if you don't know Him, or you're holding back from a full relationship with Him - this is the day! All you have to do is speak to Him with a humble heart and He will hear, He will listen, He will accept! He already loves you ... so much more than the grandmother in the picture! We can't understand His love for us! I am so thankful for it! Give it all to Him today!

Isaiah 9:6 ...... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Blessings and hugs! Ruthie

"Slow Down"

How has your morning gone?
Did you get some quiet time before you started your day?
Did you rush right into your day without time for anything except your agenda?

I showered and rushed down stairs to find the kitchen in a mess.... only because I didn't clean it up last night before I went to bed. :(
so I cleaned up the kitchen, and then put clothes in to wash.

Let the pooch out to do his duty and had to dry him off when he came in as it is pouring out!
Gave him some food and spilled the water dish all over the floor - had to clean that mess up.

Still didn't have the coffee on! Oh No!!!!
Proceeded to make coffee and hit the side of the pot with the coffee-filled scoop - I'll let you picture the rest... there's nothing any worse than coffee grains on the floor - have you ever slipped in them? Not nice!

Here I am - laughing at my antics - imagining God saying "Slow down, girl. You have all day to do these things. Come sit with me a while. Tell me what's on your heart and I'll tell you what's on mine."
So I do!

AHHHHH!
Peace.
Rest.
Quietness of spirit.

Thank You, Lord for once again reminding me of You; of Your Presence with me.
For speaking to me and nudging me into a place of rest and quiet.
Thank You, Lord for wanting to spend time with me; for hearing my heart's cry!

What a blessed woman I am!
What a grateful woman I am!
What a humbled woman I am!

Dear friends,
My prayer for you this day is that you will hear Him calling to you; asking you to come away and spend time with Him; and that you will do just that. Don't let this short devotional be your only time with Him... take time to think about the things you pour your life into; reflect on your journey and how important He is in that journey; be quiet before Him and listen for His voice!

Jeremiah 29: 13-14
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back from captivity."

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God;

Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband -
the Lord Almighty is his name -
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth.

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

I Surrender All!

"All to Jesus I surrender;

All to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live!"

...from the hymn "I Surrender All" by Judson W. Van DeVenter.

This hymn is rolling around in my mind this morning - it is my prayer and praise for today!

As the Christmas hustle and bustle approaches I find myself wanting to rest, relax, reflect, and not get caught in the craziness of it all! I find myself wanting to simplify my surroundings and my life. As I decorated our tree the other day I resolved to actually "get rid of" stuff...

I will donate some to a local school and some to a local thrift shop.

My "decorating" for the season is finished - so much more simply than ever before!

And I'm lovin' it!

I have been 'invited' to 4 different "functions" over the next 10 days - so I have decided to participate in 2 of the 4 .... attending all 4 would just be too much right now!

UMMMMMM......

I think He is trying to tell me something.

It is ALL about Him - I want this Christmas Season to be a relaxing time for my family - I must be the one to set that tone within our home!

Father,

My prayer today is for peace to reign -

Your Peace to reign -

in my heart and in my home!

And in the hearts of those around me!

Enable me, Lord, to reach out to others with Your Peace;

with your Love.

Keep me strong in you;

and fill me with Your Presence daily!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

The Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3: 16

Blessings and hugs!

Ruthie

Thank You, Lord!

I am a blessed woman!

112. Safety while travelling on a dark, rainy night.

113. Undisturbed sleep

114. Seeing "crystals" on the trees as the sun breaks thru after a rain storm

115. Laughter of young children

116. A "bear hug" from my granddaughter

117. Warm weather in November.

118. Being awoken at 6 a.m. by my granddaughter crawling into bed with me and saying, "I love you, Grammie."

119. Brothers and Sisters who love the Lord!

120. Homemade "gingersnaps" using my mom's recipie - I remember her making these when I was just a child.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Blessings on you today, sweet ones!

Ruthie

Guidance

Psalm 143:10

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God;

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground

The Sweetness of A Friend...

Proverbs 27: 9 (Gods Word Translation)
Perfume and incense make the heart glad,
but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.

Thank You, Lord,
For the sweetness of my friends...
For the fragrance of them in my life.
You have blessed me - and I am grateful.

My mind goes to one who does not have any friends - her words.
Father, change her heart to see you in every day - to see You in every person You bring her way! I know you desire to bless her as You have done me! May she open herself to You!

I think of those who do not recognize the sweetness of their friends... bring them to the place where they understand the value of people - not things!

I thank You again - for Your love, Your grace, Your mercy!
In Jesus name, Amen.

Dear ones -
May your day be blessed with the frangrance of a forest!
Blessings,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday!

Read Philippinas 4:8 and meditate on this verse today! Then, JUST DO IT! It is a choice!!!!
More things to be thankful for!!!

101. A caring, praying Pastor
102. Barn shavings on my floors!
103. Sleeping dogs
104. Snoring hubby
105. Candle light
106. Quiet moments filled with peace
107. Soft, gentle music
108. A night sky filled with stars
109. Madison reading her favorite book to me - one I gave her and read to her - many times!
110. His Presence in my stillness!
111. Hubby's smelly boots!

Blessings!
Ruthie

Seeking Him...

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you.

Jeremiah 29: 13-14

Today I am seeking YOU with all my heart;

I am asking YOU to move me aside and to let YOUR heart speak to me.

I am asking YOU to take all my opinions;

my judgments;

my desires;

my dreams;

move them away for a time so I can REALLY seek YOUR will!

So I can KNOW YOUR will!

I so want to hear from YOU!

I want there to be no doubt for me that it is from YOU!

Today - I pray for YOUR WILL to be done!

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

Gifts, Gifts, And More Gifts!

Today I am thankful for :
90. Seeing God at work in the children's lives

91. Unconditional human love - how awesome.

92. Sunshine on my arms in November.

93. Roses blooming in November.

94. Restful nights.

95. Playful puppy.

96. Patio doors open (November 12) allowing fresh air inside.

97. Loving friends

98. Laughter of my grand-daughter

99. Hearing Madison's voice in a message - saving it and listening to it again and again!

100. Hearing my daughter say, "I love you, mom."

God has so richly blessed my life and I am so grateful!
Thank You, Lord!

May you too, find many things to be grateful for today!
Blessings on each one!
Ruthie

"When He Came To Himself ...."

Have you thought about these words?
"When he came to himself"...
or "when he came to his senses"...
or "when he realized what he had done"...
or ....... you fill in the blank!
Have you ever been in a place where you finally "came to yourself"?
I'm sure you have! As have I!

Yesterday I looked out the window and this is what I saw!Buster was tied at his house; the pig had escaped from the little barn and come up to frolic with the dog. This is not the first time the pig has done this... these 2 are good friends! The pig escapes for "playtime" quite often! :)

Seeing this pig made me think about the prodigal son - how he squandered all he had been given by his father, ended up feeding the pigs, and wishing he could eat their food!
Then "he came to himself" .... and went home ... where he was forgiven and redeemed into the family.
Read Luke 15:11 - 32...

I am praying this morning for loved ones who need to "come to them selves"! For transformation and redemption for them!
Father - bring them to themselves - bring them home to You, I pray!

In Him,
Ruthie

Celebrate!

What does it take for you to "celebrate"?
Are you one who is reserved and quiet - doesn't show the joy outwardly?
or - are you one who lets it all out and dances with joy?

We have been doing the study ... "Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed" ... in our Ladies study group. This is a study of David, presented by 3 awesome women of God.

No matter the season; no matter the circumstance; we have reason for joy!
Reason to celebrate!

Yesterday we focused on the celebration of our anointing, transformation, and redemption.
Hallelujah!
We had a breakfast beyond description!
We danced - like David danced - with cymbals; and other musical instruments; with sounds of joy and singing His praises!
What fun we had!
What a picture we must have been for anyone looking in on us!
I am sure God smiled upon us and accepted our offerings to Him!

Will you celebrate today?
Know you are anointed and transformed and redeemed!
Tell Him how that makes you feel!
Thank Him for Loving you as He does!
And as you celebrate today, plead for those who don't know Him to find their way to him!
Let them see the joy on your face, in your speech, in your actions!

Blessings on you as you bless the Lord!
Ruthie

Praying Always!

Long story short -
Hubby's middle child fell on the weekend; has numerous broken bones; many surgeries ahead of her; decisions to make re. schooling and living arrangements; and so much more.... I so believe in the power of prayer! I have felt my spirt being lifted by the Holy Spirt in praise and supplication over these past few days! I am so thankful - because there have been times I've not known what to say! Even now - as I sit here typing - a part of me is in communion with our gracious Heavenly Father - how awesome is that!

Ephesians 3: 18
KJV -
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..

NIV -
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Praying for:
- safety on the road for all family members
- rest (for Jen and all of us)
- peace - God's peace - knowing that HE WILL bring good from tragedy
- vision - to see HIM everywhere - in the midst!
- healing - spiritual as well as physical!
- perseverance - to move forward according to His plan
- faith - to increase and overflow in our lives
- focus - on HIM - what He plans to do with each one of us thru this time!
- Praise - so many things at this moment to praise Him for

It is so hard to see her in such pain - but praise God that she can feel the pain - otherwise she would be paralyzed!
It is hard to hear her talk of returning to school soon - but praise God she will be able to do this at some point - but not soon.
Praise God she can talk and is not in a coma!

I am a thankful woman today! Even in the midst!
Please be in prayer for this precious young woman - she needs the Lord - may she find Him in this situation!

Ruthie

Armor Up!

We had a Veterans Service at church yesterday morning. It is so sad to see the number of veterans diminishing each year; as well as seeing some of our own young men and women heading off to war! One thing I know for sure - they need to be "amored up" if they have any chance for safey thru the battles they will face!

We too, are in a battle, friends!
A daily battle for our souls!
Last night someone said, "The devil is worried about you." to my husband.
Yes!
He is worried!
Worried that his (hubby's) witness will rise above the obstacles he faces on this farm evey day!
Worried that he will continue to keep his eyes on the Lord.
Worried that he will stand firm in God!
Worried that he will come out a winner - as he already is - God's words tells us we are victorious - we are more than overcomers!
Hallelujah!

All this means that satan loses - and if you've "read the end of the book" you know this to be true! Praise God!

We need to armor up for this spiritual battle that goes on daily!
We must have the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness firmly in place! The shoes of peace on our feet!
We must take up the shield of faith and put on the helmet of salvation if we have any hope of winning this battle!
We must pray at all times!
(Ephesians 6: 10-20)

Dear Ones, I pray you will
Armor up today!
Not let your guard down for a minute!
And stand strong in Him!
He is your protector and your safety!

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Gifts from the Master!

Today, I am thankful for:

85. Being able to make cards all day long! WoooooHooooo!

86. Hugs!

87. Peace - in the midst!

88. Fall days!

89. Clear, moonlit nights!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Blessings on you today!
May His Presence and Peace fill your hearts!

Ruthie

They're Everywhere!

Children!
Of all ages!
All sizes and shapes!
All hair colors!
Boys & girls!
All creations of God!

How precious!
Beautiful!
Handsome!
Innocent!
Inquisitive!
Free!

The other day I was in the grocery store; looking at all the selections of rice available to us; and I heard a little voice say, "Mommy." Mom said, "What David?" Little David replied "I love you, Mommy." Mom said, "I love you too, David." All I could do was smile! So precious! So innocent! I turned and smiled at the mom ... here she was pushing one of those grocery carts with the little truck or whatever in front of it and David was sitting in this and had turned to look at her! Melted my heart!

Sunday morning I watched families arrive at church... with 1 child; 2 children, 3 children, 4 children, and more; ranging in age from infancy to about 6 or 8! How awesome! And then - a baby's cry from somewhere in the sanctuary; and another; and another! How sweet the sound!

And the teens!
WOW!
They're everywhere too!

Matthew 18: 1-6
At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

May we see these children thru His eyes - and may we nurture them; love them and their families; may we emulate them in our attitudes of praise and worship!
Resting in HIM,

Does Your Heart Break?

Oh, God!
Does Your heart break when one of Yours turns their back on You?
Mine does!
Does Your heart break when one of Yours speaks of losing their faith?
Mine does!
Does Your heart break when fruit that used to be fresh and sweet has withered and died?
Mine does!
Does Your heart break when Your Word becomes a dust collector?
Mine does!
Does your heart break when Your child's heart turns to another master?
Mine does!

Does Your heart break when one of Your children wilfully sins?

Mine does!

Does your heart break when a son or daughter turns their back on their family?

Mine does!

Does Your heart break when Your children justify their behavior by the worlds standards instead of Your Word?

Mine does!

Dear Father,
I pray for these ones who have lost their way!

Who have allowed other things to get in the way of their relationship with You!

Father, show them Your grace, Your mercy, Your love, Your peace!

Minister to them, and return them to You,

I pray!

"the ONE who sees me"

Do you know Him?

The "One who sees" you?

The One who knows every hair on your head?

The One who knows your heart?

The One who created you?

Genesis 16:13

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Hagar, an Egyptian slave girl of Sarai and Abram, had met with the Lord.

She gave God a name -El Roi.

Hagar had been rejected and mistreated by her mistress and had fled to the desert! It was there in the desert that she met with the Lord!

I've been in the desert at times... How about you?

What has your desert experience been like?

Have you met with the Lord?

Have you met God in the midst of it?

Have you discovered that He is with you and knows all about you? That He sees you?

What name would you give Him?

Refelct on this today and give thanks to the One who has redeemed you for eternity!

Blessings on you, this beautiful day!

Ta Da!!!!!

Have you ever said this?
I know I have.
I was privileged to attend a conference this past weekend with Liz Curtis Higgs as the guest speaker! She is so inspirational, and funny to boot!

Three of us shared a room Friday night... in the morning we were primping - as women do - and when I finished I said, "There. You're beautiful!" I often look in the mirror and tell myself that God sees me as beautiful even if I don't!

Liz said that the mirror is the problem - we look in it and we don't see what we think we should see - primarily because we are using something other than God's standards to measure ourselves by!
Ummmmmm!
What do you think?
Is this true for you?

She told us that "TA" in England is a way of saying "thanks"; and that "DA" is a term for "father".... So! Every morning we should stand in front of the mirror and say "TA DA" with arms raised towards the heavens .... thanking our Heavenly Father for creating us as a unique woman of God! Who lavishes His love on us! (I John 3:1)

So here I am today!
I'm saying "TA DA" with arms spread wide!
What about you?

Thank You Lord, for making me in your image!
Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
Thank You, Lord for Your love and grace!
Praise You today!

Blessings on you, my sweet friends!
Ruthie

What Have You Done .....

Corrie Ten Boom asks - "What have you done today that only a Christian would do?"

I read this quote a few weeks ago and wrote it down - it's been beside my computer since then -

I am reminded to be different!

To not "fit in"!

To not conform to the world!

As I think back on yesterday I ponder "what did I do" .... was it conscious or unconscious?

Was it Christ-like?

Did whatever I did or said or didn't do or say, reflect Him to the world?

Did I show compassion, love, grace, humility, forgiveness, kindness to others - to my hubby?

Father God,

Help me to be aware of all that I do and say so that my life is an example of You to the world ... the world that so desperatley needs You.

May your lives be filled with His grace and peace today!
Blessings!
Ruthie

Salvation!

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

The angles are singing!

Another has been saved!

An answer to prayer!

She believes in Jesus Christ - says He is God - He died on a cross - the drink at communion resembles His blood; the bread His body; He is alive in heaven right now! He's in the car with us - right now! God is powerful and can do anything!

She says she asked him into her heart one time when she was all alone - and she said please!

My precious little grand-daughter - 6 years and 11 months old .....

We prayed together Sunday morning after we got home from church! We hugged and we cried!

She understands that if one doesn't have Jesus in their heart they won't go to heaven when they die. She understands that having Jesus in our heart helps us to do the right things; to live as He wants us to....

"the faith of a child" - how precious it is - how simple!

Thank you LORD - for saving her soul!

For giving me the privilege of praying with her!

How I praise you, Lord!

I am truly a thankful grandmother!

Give Thanks

Grace & Peace...

Grace and Peace be yours in abundance.
1 Peter 1:2

I have been reading 1 Peter - a letter of encouragement - in preparation for some Small Group lessons I'm preparing. This particular part of verse 2 has resonated with me a lot these past few days.
Oh how I need - how I desire - HIS Grace and Peace in abundance!

• driving in heavy rains in a vehicle I'm not used to driving


• constant interaction with an almost 7 year old - whom I love dearly! - and a 4 month old puppy!


• a hubby who raises free-range chickens and turkeys (among other animals) - the turkeys in preparation for Thanksgiving which is this weekend ...and he runs in the house at 9 a.m. needing his cash b/c there are people lined up at the shop to buy their turkeys and he's trying to "feed the farm" and ......


• drivers who don't know or don't adhere to the rules of the road!


• grocery shopping - one thing I don't like to do!


• a puppy who still doesn't know to do his duties outside.... (I guess that's my fault)


• a phone that never stops ringing (b/c people want their turkeys!) :)


• and on it goes!

So I stop - and ask for His grace and Peace in abundance... Fill me with Your Holy Spirit Lord so I can be gracious and peaceful in the midst! I ask for Him to fill my hubby - to give him grace and peace in abundance.

This is my prayer for you all as well! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend - and remember this - "There is always, always, always something to be thankful for!" Check out the label "one Thousand Gifts" - there you'll find the beginning of my list of 1000 things to be thankful for!

Grace and Peace,

MORE GIFTS!

So much to be thankful for!

80. Homemade pickles

81. Hubby cooking chicken wings

82. Food, fun, and fellowship with friends

83. Anticipation of a 5-day visit with Madison!

84. Seeing my husband smile!

Thank You, Lord... for blessing my life.

I pray that today will find each of you recalling and reflecting on your blessings... and giving thanks - even in the midst of the storm!

Newness In HIM!

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.

WHOA!
I am a new creation!
Hallelujah!
My old nature is gone!
The new has come!
Praise the Lord!

My old nature ----
Oh! You wouldn't have liked it!
I didn't like it!

Praise God! Neither did HE!
He gave His Son to take my sin upon the cross - to give me a new nature!
How thankful I am for this!
May I never take it for granted!

2 Corinthians 6:1
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.

UHMMMMM!
What does this mean? For me?
I looked up "in vain" ... it means empty; without content, without result; useless!

Father God,
May I never take Christ's Sacrifice; Your Grace - for granted.
Your Grace changed my life!
Thank You, Thank You! I praise You!

Dear Friends,
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior then you have been given a new nature! You are a new creation! A re-birth has occurred! Don't let this be in vain!
If you have not yet accepted Christ as Savior, I urge you to do that today! Ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit, confess and repent --- you WILL be saved. You will be a new creation! Tell someone what you've done!
Find some believers to fellowship with!
BLESS you, dear one

Thank You, Lord, for Your saving Grace!
Freely given to all who will receive it!
I feel to pray for those under the burden of sin - some so caught in Satan's snare that they can't ever see a way out.
YOU, LORD, are the way out!
Thank You, Jesus!
Praise You for that!

Have a blessed day! Filled with Peace and Joy!
Ruthie

Inspiration...

Last evening in church the Pastor asked these questions -
"Is your life an inspiration for others? Are you inspiring others to be more like Christ?"

According to Websters "To Inspire" means to infuse an animating, quickening, or exalting influence into....

With regards to our physical body, inspiration is to breathe in - to draw air into our lungs. Without inspiration and expiration (air out) we would not live!

Spiritually - without inspiration and expiration of the Holy Spirit we are not alive - we are dead!
To me that means we must allow Him to have full reign in us, and then allow Him out - to the world; to the lost; to those we come in contact with everyday!
There must be evidence in our lives that the Holy Spirit lives within!

Oh! I so want my life to be an inspiration to others!
To show people that Christ is alive!
To be a living example of the Holy Spirt led life!
Hallelujah!!!

Oh! How I fail at this sometimes!

So I claim this verse:
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!

He won't give up on me - He will continue to work in me! Thank You, Lord!

As He will for you! Don't allow the devil to steal your joy, your peace - he will try to, you know!
When you fail at inspiring others go to God! Let Him "fix" you! Tell Satan to "take a hike"! And KNOW that Philippians 1:6 applies to you!
Hallelujah and Amen!!!

Blessings on you this day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Our Special Place!

Ever since our precious grand-daughter could sit on the swing I have pushed her and sung to her there - under the apple tree.

I would sing my own rendition of "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" ... singing "Don't SWING under the apple tree with anyone else but me!" And I changed the words at the end telling her how much I loved her! This past month the apple tree that the swing was hanging from blew over... (the one next to it blew over a couple months before that)... Grampie has since cut them both down for firewood.

When I visited with Madison this past weekend I told her about the trees and the swing.

She said, "Oh, Grammie. That was our special place to go to." I told her not to worry - we'd find another "special place."

Do you have a "special place" you visit with a child, or grandchild? With your spouse? What about with God? Do you have a place where you meet Him everyday? Where your mind is drawn to Him and what He wants from you and for you? I guess I'd have to say that my "special place" is at my desk ... or at the kitchen table! There really is nothing extra ordinary about either of these places - except that HE meets me there! Praise God!

Another "special place" is in my car ... on a long drive... we truly commune in these times! I sing at the top of my lungs and give Him praise!

Dear Ones,

I hope you have a "special place" - where you meet with Him.

This relationship with Him is so precious... I can't imagine life any other way! I hope you can say the same.

Blessings on you today!

Ruthie

THUNDER!

An hour or so ago I looked out the windows that look out over the "back forty" and the sky was very dark "over there"; however, the sun was slightly shining here by the house. It was almost eerie - certainly knew that something was brewing in the air! Now it is pouring rain ... and thundering!

It is very quiet in the house - no music; just me and the pup; and he's sleeping; and the sound of thunder outside. I LOVE to hear it thunder - I'm not too crazy about the lightening but, hey, guess you can't have one without the other. To me Thunder & Lightening are an expression of God's power - He made a way for them both ...

Job 28:25-26 When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters,

when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm.....

Exodus 9:23

When Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightening flashed down to the ground.

John 12:28-29

"Father, glorify your name."

Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again." The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

The thunder is a reminder for me that God is All-Powerful!

He is Everywhere!

He is Mighty!

He is the Almighty!

May it be a reminder for you today as you face the trials life has brought your way!

Job 26:14 - Who then can understand the thunder of his power? Blessings on you today!

What Else Are You Wearing?

Are you wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience today? (Colossians 3:12) [see September 22/09 post]
I hope you are!

There is one more item you need though.
Verse 14 in Colossains 3 says "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect untiy!"

We are also told this in scripture:
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Father God,
May we put on love today. May we know that love covers all. May we rest in the truth of your Word - knowing that without love these other virtues are meaningless. HELP us Father , to see people with Your eyes and to love as You do!
Thank You, Lord, for loving each one as You do!
In Jesus name, Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

An Autumn "Thankful Tuesday"!

Thankfulness - IN all circumstances -

for me this means keeping my eyes on Jesus no matter the circumstances!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

76. Being able to offer quiet conversation and something to drink to a nervous lady awaiting a doctor's appointment.

77. NO humidity! A coolness in the air!

78. Sixty women Praising God / Praying together for a sister whose life has turned upside down!

79. Someone cleaning my bathrooms, floors, and dusting for me!

I am a grateful woman today!

I pray you are too!

Blessings!

What Are You Wearing Today?

What are you wearing today?
Did you just haul something out of your closet and throw it on without much thought?
Or did you have on 3 (or more) different outfits before you were satisfied that you looked OK?
ME - I've done both actually! Not today - but I sure have done this in the past!
It always amazes me how some things shrink if they hang in the closet for too long!
What's with that? :)

So I ask you again - "What are you wearing today?"

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV

This is how we are supposed to dress according to God's Word...

The King James Version says to "PUT ON" ....

Regardless - both "Put On" and Clothe Yourselves" require US to take an action - to make a choice!
- compassion
- kindness
- humility
- gentleness
- patience

I hope you will reflect on this today, and I pray that you will choose to wear God's clothes! If these attributes are not part of your wardrobe - or if parts are missing - HE will give you what you need to acquire them!
Hallelujah!

May you Seek Him today! Live in obedience! Show HIM to the world!
Bless you, loved ones!
Ruthie

Face to Face With God

Peniel - "face to face with God". Genesis 32: 22-32 Jacob meets God face to face and he names the place Peniel.

Next year will be the 50th year celebration of Camp Peniel ... over those years many people have come "face to face with God" in this awesome place!

Camp Peniel - a beautiful place!

Ladies Spa Weekend Retreat!

Sunshine! and Sunsets!

The lake - one day riled up by the wind, the next day still and calm.

Bella - gorgeous black-haired Labradoodle... has the run of the place! She has no idea how blessed she is!The COOK - She must be the best in the world! See how happy we all were - following a culinary treat! :)

FELLOWSHIP!

- with Our Lord!

- with Sisters in the Lord - and those seeking the Lord!

PRAISE and WORSHIP - sung to the Savior of our souls!

His WORD - alive and active!

PRAYER - connecting with God -

- knowing He is with us

- knowing He will never leave us nor forsake us!

- knowing He is at work in another sister's life even as we speak into it!

Thank you, Father!

We even had a visit from Elvis on Saturday night!!!

That was just tooooooo cool!

The most exciting thing of all .... 2 women gave their hearts to the Lord!!!!! Praise God!!! The angels are having a party!
"...there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:10

I pray your day will be blessed with the presence of God! May you meet Him face to face no matter where you might be today!

Blessings!
Ruthie

3 A.M.

Have you ever awoken at 3 a.m.?
I have ... I did ... last night!
Awake! Totally!
No noise!
No snoring from the other side of the bed!
No dogs whining or barking!
Not too warm!
Not too cold!
Just - awake!

Immediately my mind thought of this precious soul who is going thru a very difficult time right now ... I began to pray for her.
I just say thanks to God for filling my mind with her - it could have gone so many other places...
Things I have to do today - prepare for Club tonight; make a batch of pickles; run to town for a few things; get a fingernail fixed; all focused on ME.

Do you have sleepless nights or awaken with a start?
I suggest you spend time with God! Focus on HIM! and OTHERS!

I learned this lesson a long time ago:
- the more I focused on the things I had to do, or the pain, or whatever had awkened me, the wider awake I became, and the more jumbled my mind became!
- however, when I FOCUSED on God - His blessings on me; His hand in my life; where He's brought me from (even in the past week or so!); and TALKED to Him ... about anything! HE GAVE ME REST!

Thank You, LORD! for Your Rest and Your Peace!

Dear Ones,
Don't let the devil have your days - or your nights! He wants to keep your focus off your Heavenly Father - so be prepared! Stay in the Word! Commune with the Lord! - always!
May you have a blessed, peaceful day in the midst of all the busy-ness! And, may your nights be filled with HIS Rest!

Blessings on you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

For I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

The Blessings of God

God's Blessings on you are greater than anything the devil can give you!

Praise the LORD!

Jesus won the VICTORY over the evil one...

that Victory is ours as well!

Jesus exposed the enemy as a liar and an thief!

God's TRUTH is greatest!

Hallelujah!

Jesus broke the power of the devil so He could be LORD of your life!

Know this and Live it today...

Show the world that you have something they want;

something they need!

It is Jesus Christ!

Numbers 6:24-26

Resting in HIM

Ruthie

The Power of the Spirit!

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

You have the power - thru the Holy Spirit - to live a life pleasing to God; to live a life that reflects Jesus to the world; to deny the sinful nature!
Praise God!

Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Take some time today to study the passage in Galatians 5:16-26.

Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it possible for the spirit-led nature and the sinful nature to be simultaneously present in a person?
- What are the signs of the sinful nature?
- What is the evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit in ones life?
- How am I doing at living a life that is led by the spirit?
- What needs to change in my life?

Dear Ones,
I pray that today will be a time of Refreshment, Renewal and Rest in the Presence of our Holy God! Allow Him to speak to your heart and to show you how you can move closer to His ideal for your life! Blessings on you today!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Proclaim or Profane...

Proclaim - to announce publically.

Profane - to treat anything sacred with irreverance; not holy or hallowed.

Last Sunday our Pastor preached a message entitled "What Does Your Life Say About God?"

I know the Lord spoke to my heart - and I know He did others. I pray He will speak to you today!

Is my life (your life) proclaiming God or profaning God?

WOW!

That's a heavy question, isn't it? Sure made me stop and think hard about every minute of my days! I must confess that there are times when I don't proclaim Him - be it with my actions or my words, it's there! Father God, forgive me!

The other day I received an email that said (something like this) .... May you be the kind of woman that when you awake in the morning the devil says, "Oh NO! She's up again!"

I hope he said that this morning about me!

But more than that - I pray that God said this this morning, "Yes! There she is. My faithful servant. Ready to fight the battle again today! Ready to proclaim My Presence in her life!"

What about you? What does your life say?

1 John 2:6

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Whoa! If I (we) claim to live in Him then we must walk as Jesus did.... we HAVE the power... Scripture tells us we do! Do you believe this? I pray you do!

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Dear Friends,

May you go out into the world today and live thru the power of the Holy Spirit - Proclaiming Christ to the ends of the earth! Blessings upon you as you answer this question in your own life -

"Does my life PROCLAIM or PROFANE Christ?

Gratitude...

Oh! This morning my heart is filled with such thanks and gratitude to the awesome God I serve!

Thank You, Father, for blessing me so!

61. Walking on the waterfront with Madison and hearing her express appreciation for the smell of the ocean, the sound of the seagulls, and the sight of the sunset... thrills my heart!

62. A surprise visit from Ang and Paul, and Madison!

63. Safe and dry thru a storm of wind and rain.

64. An awesome worship experience - meeting my gracious God!

65. My God - and all He means to me!

66. Teddie - sleeping while "mom" crafts.

67. The "smell" of Fall in the air.

68. The "sound" of chimes in the breeze.

69. Pain-free days and sleep-filled nights!

70. An afternoon and evening spent away with hubby and friends.

71. Beauty in the beginning of a new day.

72. The energy to make BATCHES - yes, batches - of pickles.

73. A magnificent sunset!

74. Ice Cream!

75. God's Presence as I worship with my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

May your day - and week be filled with gratitude! May you see His Presence everywhere in all the "stuff" of day-to-day living!

Blessings on you, dear ones!

My Healer!

I heard a song for the first time the other day... the words resonated with my soul and I began to sing them in my heart daily. This may be an old song - it may not ... I heard it for the first time only recently.

HEALER!
sung by Kari Jobe

chorus :
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe...
I believe you're my portion
I believe you're more than enough for me
Jesus, you're all I need.

This is one of those worshipful songs that compels me to stop whatever I am doing and praise God! And tell Him that I DO believe with all my heart that He Is All I Need.
About 6 weeks ago I talked to you about the chronic pain I have had for over a year - and how I had a conversation with God one morning about increasing my faith and asking for healing.

I have not prayed every day for healing - but I have done so as I have felt led to do so!
And - I am saying PRAISE GOD!
For the past 2 - 3 weeks the pain has been so minimal that I hardly notice it most days! Hallelujah!!!!
I am sleeping better; have less wakeful nights; and have more energy daily; (hence 4 batches of pickles in 4 days, walking the dog, and some volunteer work in there as well!); am able to walk down the stairs in the morning without feeling like I'm 92 years old!
Thank You, Jesus!!!

He IS all I need... He is all any of us need!
May your hearts be turned towards Him today and over the weekend!
May He be a constant Presence in your life!
May His Peace fill your soul!

Here is a link to a video of Kari singing Healer - The pictures are awesome! I hope you will take a few moments, go there, and let God minister to your heart!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIEJ_PmqJ8

Blessings on yah!
Ruthie

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!"
John 3:16

Awed Worship!

I have been studying Revelation - not to focus on the end time events and all the symbolism but to focus on the awesome God I serve. Yesterday, as I was doing some picking up and throwing out, I came across a small book I had purchased about a year ago - a study book on Revelation.
I have to share with you what I read this morning....

Author Gladys Hunt tells the story of a Dutch man who was able to observe the Dutch sovereign Queen riding in the royal carriage with King George of England. He was so eager to see his Queen. The procession passed with 200 magnificent black horses stepping in precision before the royal carriage - AND - 200 pranced behind it. (my comment - can you picture this? WOW!) After the procession passed, someone asked the young Dutchman, "Did you see your Queen? And the King?" He replied, "No. Where were they?" He had been so overwhelmed by the horses that he had completely missed the royal carriage and never saw his sovereign.

Oh, My goodness!
I read this and all I could think was, "Please don't let me miss my Sovereign."
I pray I will be awed daily .... not by events or other things - but by my gracious, faithful, compassionate, loving, just God! May this be your prayer today as well!

If I (we) study Revelation - or any Book of the Bible - for some kind of spiritual greed or need - rather than meeting with our Heavenly Father and worshipping Him in awe - then I (we) have missed the mark!

Please don't "miss the mark" loved ones! His Word is full of His Glory - I pray that the awe I felt and knew at conversion never, ever goes away! That the more I learn, the more I grow - the more in awe I stand! Thank You, Jesus!

Blessings on you today, dear friends!!!
May you "stand in awe" today! Not at the "horses" but at your Sovereign!
Ruthie

My Blessings!

There is JOY in my heart today! As another busy week begins I want to take a few moments and reflect on my blessings! God is sooooooo good! I can't imagine my life without Him!

61. My God and all He means to me!

62. Walking on the watefront with my granddaughter - She says, "Oh. Smell the ocean. I love that smell. And listen to the seagulls. Look, Grammie, at the beautiful sunset." What a joy to hear her express such honest appreciation for God's creation!

63. A surprise visit from Ang, and Paul, and Madison!

64. Remaining safe and dry thru another storm!

65. An awesome worship experience - meeting my gracious God! I am so thankful!

May this day be filled with blessings from above! May you see them in the midst of the storm!
Love you all!
Ruthie

Privacy ...

Within the past month I have entered 2 different financial institutions to open bank accounts - one for the Farmer's Market; the other one personal. I was greeted with the information that I had to make an appointment to meet with someone to do this. I was told that because of privacy laws I was not able to just go to the wicket, give my info, and open an account - someone might overhear and gain some knowledge of me that they shouldn't have. So ... 4 days later I go meet with someone - behind closed doors - who fills out reams of paper and opens the account for me.

Then I see a News report on TV about teens sending pictures (nude) of themselves to each other... someone has chosen to distort some of those pics and made a spectacle of another person. I hear news about Facebook and privacy issues.... "How can Facebook be private?" I ask myself. This blows my mind!
Then I hear that employers are using Facebook, Twitter, My Space and who knows what else, to gather info regarding prospective employees... using that info to help them with their decision to hire - or not.
And then there's the guy and gal in the supermarket, restaurant, Tim Horton's, Dr. waiting room, etc - having a private - supposedly - conversation with someone which everyone around overhears!

We, as a world, have become very "hung up" on people knowing "private" things about us, and yet we have opened ourselves up - thru technology - to that privacy being invaded.

I was just venting as I started to write this and really didn't know what direction it would take. I see us being like the double-minded man the Bible speaks of - being tossed about in the wind. We want to"share" everything from nude photos to info re. our daily lives - yet we don't want anyone to know anything "private"! Doesn't that seem rather ludicrous to you? It sure does to me!!!

THIS I KNOW -
FOR A FACT -
GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING about us! He knows our coming and our going; the words we're going to speak before we've spoken them; He knows every hair on our head; He knows were I'll be an hour from now and who I'll be talking to ...
He knows the secrets of our hearts! The desires of our hearts!
He knows those things that we would never tell anyone - even the person closest to us.
He knows the lies and the deceit that is in us.
Our lives are an open book to Him.
If we ever think that we can run from Him, or hide from Him, we think wrong!

I feel a burden on my heart this morning for a couple of people in particular - but also for anyone who is running from God. He knows us - inside and out! There are no "privacy laws" in GOD'S KINGDOM!
HALLELUJAH!
I pray for His conviction to fall upon our world today! I pray for people to see the foolishness of their ways; to run to Him and accept His grace and forgiveness. Thank You, Father, that we can bear our souls to You and KNOW that you will use our all to Your glory!

I pray that these words from a rambling old woman will touch some hearts today!
May God's PEACE and PRESENCE be upon you!
Blessings
Ruthie

Blessed ...

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it,

because the time is near.

Revelation 1:3

Did you know that there are 7 beatitudes - blessings - in the Book of Revelation?

A few years ago I discovered this fact,

prepared a Small Group Study on these Blessings.

Sometimes I pick up my Bible and just read the 7 blessings found here.

Today I want to focus for a moment just on this first one!

Jesus has promised this blessing to us if we READ, HEAR, TAKE IT TO HEART...

We must READ -

all of the Word of God.

I talked with a gal the other day who doesn't like to read

the Old Testament - finds it too gory.

I know a lady whose husband only reads what is written in red letters;

some people don't read Revelation because of all the symbolism

and they don't understand it.

We MUST READ IT ALL!

We must HEAR - uhmmm.

In order to "hear" something it must be said aloud...

maybe this means we read the Word to each other;

or we read it aloud in our quiet time.

Whatever - we must HEAR - we can hear but not really listen to something.

I am sure we are to HEAR and LISTEN!

It is only then that understanding, or change may occur.

(Some mornings I sit at my computer and the radio is on and I'm "hearing" it but I can't tell you a thing they are saying or singing -

therefore I am not listening to it).

We must TAKE IT TO HEART -

this requires obedience from us!

BELIEVE every word of His Word!

It is the Truth for our lives!

We read and hear what He has said to us and we know

that we need to make some changes -

could be in the area of forgiveness, gossiping, grumbling, etc.

When He speaks we must listen and obey!

My Prayer today is for every reader of this blog to go to the Word -

to read it - to hear with your heartstrings what God is saying to you,

and to take it to heart -

put it into action ... live your lives for Him; with Him at the center!

Blessings on you dear ones!

Resting in Him,

Ruthie