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

Thankful for ....

#57. Awesome sunny days!

#58. A meal consisting of ALL fresh produce and "home-grown" chicken: salad- with Romain, red onion, small zucchini (green and yellow), cucumber, green pepper; steamed yellow beans; baked zucchini drizzled with balsamic vinegar; roast chicken; bread and butter pickles; homemade bead! Beautiful to look at ... delicious!!!!

#59. My little puppy growing like a weed... too cute!

#60. "church" in the foyer while the rains beat down outside!

What are you thankful for today? this week?
Praise Him for His bounty and His grace!
Blessings!
Ruthie

"For IF you forgive..."

When you read the post for Saturday you found that it was Scripture from Matthew 6: 9-13...

I must say that the next 2 verses changed my life ... as I reflect on this I know I will add them to my "life verse" file! I mentioned a few days ago about the "lay preacher" who spoke on forgiveness... he used this following Scripture and it spoke to my heart like nothing had before! Thank You, Jesus!!!!

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15

I cannot be in fellowship with a just, loving, compassionate, merciful, gracious Heavenly Father if I refuse to forgive others.... so I have a choice to make. What is more important to me? Not forgiving someone or having an awesome relationship with my Father. Well! to me there is only one answer to that question! I must forgive!!! I want it all with HIM! Therefore to hang on to unforgiveness would not be good! Not be good emotionally, mentally, physically - but especially Spiritually!

I've been doing some de-cluttering and cleaning ... as hubby would say - "getting my "nest" ready for winter!" :0

I found these 2 quotes on Saturday ...

"Forgiveness doesn't change the past but it does enlarge the furtue!" - author unknown

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.

In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller

Blessings on you dear ones! I pray God has spoken to you today through something said here! You are loved! and forgiven - be a forgiver!

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debt as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And led us not into tmeptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13

"Living in Forgiveness"

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:12-14

When Jesus taught us to pray He said to ask God to forgive us, just as we give forgiveness to others.

"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors".... Matthew 6:12

If we ask God to forgive us and don't in turn, forgive those who have hurt us, we will not enjoy the full benefits of our Lord's forgiveness to us! I so remember the full impact of that Scripture hitting my heart many years ago! I was experiencing the break-up of my marriage and was filled with anger and all the other "stuff" that such a situation brings into ones life. A lay-pastor in our church preached one Sunday evening and God's Word came alive to me! I knew what I had to do... I devoured His Word; read a book or two on 'forgiveness'; sought Godly counsel ... and made the choice to "live in forgiveness" ... He Changed My Heart!
HALLELUJAH!

"Living in forgiveness" is a CHOICE!
"How do I do that?" you might ask me... "Only through the strength of God", I answer.

"Living in Forgiveness" is releasing others to Him. When we DON'T do this we will not find release and relief for ourselves! "Not forgiving" will always hold us back! I don't want to be held back - do you?

Unforgiveness destoys us from the inside out - it's like a poison that seeps into everything we touch; every relationship; people will sense it in us.
Dear ones - I pray you will make the choice today to forgive - to free yourself for God's amazing work to occur in you! Don't let the enemy poison you and your life!

May today be the day that you CHOOSE TO LIVE IN FORGIVENESS!
Blessings on each of you today!
Ruthie

True Forgiveness

What does that mean - "true forgiveness"?

It means this - completely letting go of an offense AND refusing to hold it against the one who offended.

OHHHHHHHHH!

This kind of forgivenes is impossible without the Lord. We need HIM to help us forgive everyday - every moment of the day!

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

What does it mean to enable? It means "to make possible"; "to assist".

There is a difference between forgiveness and enabling!

Did you hear that?

There is a difference between forgiving and enabing!!!

A lot of the people I meet with have difficulty with this. They tend to think that if they repeatedly forgive someone for a repeated offense they are encouraging them to continue in their actions.

Hear this please! FORGIVENESS DOESN'T MAKE THE OTHER PERSON RIGHT; IT MAKES YOU FREE!!!

Hallelujah!!! Praise the Lord!!!

You need to confront the other person about changing; you need to pray about their changing BUT - if they don't change - you need to refuse to allow it to eat at you, to make you bitter and resentful.

Forgiveness doesn't give them freedom to repeat the offense (even though they might do this); nor does it mean you allow that person to walk all over you or continue to hurt you!

Sometimes we may think we've done the "forgiveness work" when we truly haven't - some where inside there is still resentment. We must take that to God - ask Him if there is any unforgiveness in our heart towards.....? He'll let you know.

Forgiveness is a choice you will make every day! You CHOOSE to live in forgiveness! It is not a feeling that you have - it is a decisioon!

I believe there is someone out there who needs these words today! Spend time with our loving , forgiving Lord and ask Him to help you to have a forgiving heart towards the people that have hurt you. Right now I am praying for all the readers - asking God to help you be free in Him; to help you forgive where that needs to occur! May He fill you with His grace and peace today! May you KNOW that He loves you and has forgiven you!

Blessings dear ones!

God's Footprints!

A couple weeks ago we had a singing group at our Sunday Morning Service - "Emmaus Road".

Beautiful music filled with the message of a saving God. I don't remember the name of the song or all of the words but this phrase has stuck with me - "God's footprints on your day"

As I reflect on these words I see His footprints - His hand - His presence - not only in my own life but everywhere!

- Carrying me [us] thru the ordeal of having my hubby's shop broken into and the sense of vulnerability that gives!

- Sunshine; beautiful days; beautiful sunsets; beach time; lake time... and so on.

- Harvest - Farmer's Market filled with fresh produce! (even with the very wet spring and summer we've had there is produce!)

- Spiritual Harvest - 5 children asked Jesus onto their hearts during last week's VBS! Hallelujah!

- Spirit promptings when I begin to grumble about something - He's wanting me to change this!

- Spirit-led preaching of the TRUTH of God's Word!

- I could go on - but I hope this has started you thinking about HIS Footprints on YOUR life - take some time today with our Lord and reflect on how He has left His footprints all over your life! And then Praise Him for it all!

Blessings on you precious ones!

DOXOLOGY

A doxology is an expression of praise to God -

especially a short hymn sung as part of a worship service.

I awoke with a doxology running thru my head...

When I was growing up I attended church every week -

this short hymn was sung at the beginning of every service -

strangely enough - it has remained a favorite of mine over the years

and today it was "right there" when I awoke ...

May it bless you!

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

These words were written in 1674! WOW!..

as part of a longer hymn -

in a time when it was believed that only the words of scripture should be sung!

Blessings on you today!

May this day be filled with thanksgiving and praise!

Ruthie

Whom Shall I Fear?

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation - whom shall I fear or dread?

The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Hubby has an abattoir (poultry slaughter facility) and retail shop in our side yard,

part of our driveway area. A couple nights ago we were broken into -

they took the cash register and the cash box...

approx. $200.00 in Toonies and Loonies (for those of you not in Canada,

a Toonie is a $2.00 coin and a Loonie is a $1.00 coin -

and that's another while story as to how they received their names! :o)

As always the bills and cheques were in the house.

We never heard a thing - our bedroom is on the driveway side of the house!

When he came in and told me what had happened my first thoughts were,

"Oh no! Lord , keep him - don't let this discourage him. Lord, I will not be afraid!

Satan you are not going to fill me with fear.

Lord, Please don't let the devil have this."

My dear hubby works full time at another job and in that job

he is required to work 6 overnight shifts per month -

this means I am here alone during those times.

I had to claim this verse a few years ago when he started these shifts -

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity

(of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear),

but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love

and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control

2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

I have been so blessed with rest and peace... as I lay my head on the pillow at night I give my night to Him and thank Him for keeping me! I Praise Him for doing just that over these last couple of days - I have a peace that is indescribable... His Peace!

The TRUTH for this Truth-filled Thursday is that He has promised to never leave

nor forsake us. He has not given us a spirit of fear -

but He has given us Himself! His Love!

His wisdom and reasoning if we but ask for it!

We are in a battle and the devil would like to destroy our faith, our witness.

Dear Friends - Don't let Satan have any sway over you!

Cling to the Word!

And KNOW that you are more than a conqueror...

even in the midst of trials!

... for I know whom I have beleived,

and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed

unto him against that day!

2 Timothy 1:12

Father God,

Bless these readers today!

May they know You are with them; that You are so very REAL!

Help each one, Lord, to give to You the fears they may be experiencing -

whatever form they may take!

May they allow You to work in them and to fill them with Your peace -

that peace that is indescribable -

But, Oh so aweswome!

Thank You Lord for what You are going to do today in each life!

Praise You and Thank you!

In the Precious Name of Jesus,

Amen & Amen

Peace and Joy,

Ruthie

Gifts Galore!

It's another Tuesday - a Thankful day!

#52. A "Cedar Waxwing" on the deck ... haven't seen one of them for a very long time! Here is a photo I found online ... isn't he beautiful?

#53. Hearing my grand-daughter pray at bedtime - thrills my heart!

#54. A beautiful beach to visit - to play and walk on. ("Footprints in the Sand" by Ruthie)

#55. A relaxing, restful day at the lake spent with a dear friend!

#56. Seeing my grand-daughter jump off the end of the dock! Awesome!

It thrilled me to see her having so much fun! (I caught her in mid-air in this photo!) I hope that you are keeping a record of the gifts God gives to you everyday! This keeps our mind focused on those things that are good and from Him! I am truly thankful for His Presence in my life - every moment of the day - and night!

Blessings on you today!

Ruthie

A New Day!

Today is a NEW day!

Make the following part of your day!

• Put on your armor - Ephesians 4: 13-17

• Pray! - Ephesians 4:18

• Remember that God loves you!

• Think good things! - Philippians 4:8

• Know that you can do all things in HIS strength - Philippians 4:13

• Consider it pure joy! - James 1:2-3

• Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry - James 1:19

• Know that you are who God says you are! - Romans 8:37

Have a wonderful NEW day - and remember - He has given you this day so rejoice and be glad in it!!!!!

Blessings on you today ------ Ruthie

30 Days Have Passed...

Esther 4:11 "....... But thirty days have passed since I was called to the King."

Queen Esther had to wait for a summons from her husband - the King -

before she could enter his presence without punishment.

How awesome it is that we do not have to wait for a summons from our KING.

We never have to say, "2 days have passed, 3o days have passed,

and He has not summoned me."

However, how often do we not enter His presence for 2 days, 10 days, 30 days

because "life" gets in the way?

This has nothing to do with Him and everything to do with us!

He patiently waits for us to call upon Him,

to seek Him in the morning and in the evening...

Won't you do that today?

Isaiah 40:28-29

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his uderstanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

May you find your Strength in Him today!

Blessings!

Ruthie

What A Blessing!

Today has been one of the
greatest days!

I had a chance to clean my craft room
and actually create a card!
Madison kept the puppy occupied -
or should I saw he kept her occupied? :)

Then this afternoon we went to a friends "cottage" - beautiful, peaceful spot!
The kids had a wonderful time -
Madison made a new friend.
She is like a little fish - loves the water -
and I took some awesome pics of her
jumping off the wharf with the rest of them!
We sat and watched the kids - surrounded by magnificent nature!
Unclaimed - untarnished - land!
So beautiful! I could just sense HIS presence with us!



In the beginning God
created the heavens and
the earth. Genesis 1:1

I encourage you to read and reflect
on the verses in between 1:1 and 2:1 -


Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in their vast array. Genesis 2:1

We had a very tasty supper outside and then watched the guys "play" on the 'seadoos'.

This natural world of ours is an incredible place!
How magnificent and glorious is our Lord!
Hallelujah!

Peace and Rest and Blessings,
Ruthie

So Much To Be Thankful For!

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

#46. A new puppy home to live with us!

#47. Walking on the beach.

#48. A beautiful sunset.

#49. Our grand-daughter come to visit for a few days!

#50. Corporate Worship!

#51. The sun shining at 7 a.m.

Father God, Thank You for blessing my life as You do! Thank You for showing me Your truths, for Your gifts, for You!

“A Peculiar People”

This is what Webster’s dictionary gives for the definition of “Peculiar”...
- to be distinguished in character or nature from others;
- belonging exclusively to some person, group or thing;
- distinctly strange or unusual

Now – I must tell you that when I hear the word “peculiar” I’ve always thought of it meaning “being a little strange or odd ... being different in one’s thinking or behaving” ... and I guess I would have to say that means “being distinguished in character or nature from others”...

As I write this I’m taken back to the days when I was “in training” (Nurse’s Training from 1967 -1970) ... I had 3 classmates in particular who definitely were “peculiar”... because of their faith! They went to church every Sunday; they never said anything unkind about anyone; they lived what they believed; they were the “good girls”; and I wanted to be like them.
They definitely fit this definition “belonging exclusively to some person, group or thing” ... they belonged to Jesus Christ.

Over the years I have met some “peculiar people” – another person stands out to me – she was instrumental in showing me what daily living for Christ looked like!
Her non-verbal spoke volumes to me... In those days a bunch of us did a lot of travelling and camping together - she didn’t criticize when the guys would start to tell an off-color joke – she would get up and wander down the road or head for her tent. I didn’t like the jokes anymore than she did but I didn’t know what to do then... she always bowed her head and silently said grace before every meal ... and so much more – but I watched her b/c she was “peculiar”!

How thankful I am that God placed her in my life when He did! Just another instance of how He works in the unsaved and leads them to Himself! What an awesome God we serve!

Titus 2:13-14 - KJV
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Verse 14 – NIV
Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good

1 Peter 2:9 – KJV
But ye are a chosen generation , a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Verse 9 – NIV
“a people belonging to God”

Uhmmmmmm.

My prayer today is that people will see that I – that those of us who belong to Christ – are a “peculiar people”; that I (we) are strange and/or unusual; that I (we) are distinguished in character from others; that I (we) belong to God; that I (we) are eager to do good works; that I (we) praise Him in everything.

Father, Thank you for redeeming me from the darkness and bringing me into your Light... may my life be a reflection of You and Your Saving Grace!

Blessings on you today dear friends!

"HOPE"

What is this thing called "hope"?
Think for a moment - what are you hoping for today?
Is it for fine weather b/c there is a family BBQ happening this afternoon?
Is it for safety as you travel today? or for friends or family as they travel?
Is it for everything to go just perfectly at the upcoming wedding?
Is it for surgery to go OK tomorrow morning?
Is it for the diagnosis to NOT be cancer?
Is it for the next round of tests to show that the treatments have worked when it is cancer?
Is it for the salavation of a loved one?
Is it for your family, your spouse, your marriage....?

I could go on and on couldn't I ...

Hope is an expectation of things to come; a feeling that what is wanted can be had, that events will turn out for the best; looking forward to something with confidence. At any given moment of any given day we are always hopeful about something.

Romans 8:20 & 21 - For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

As Christians our greatest hope lies in the return of our Savior and the uniting of ourselves with the Father in Heaven! Sometimes, though, it is difficult to focus on that ultimate hope when life throws curve balls at us... whatever they may be!

I talked with a gal yesterday who grew up in my neighbourhood - I haven't seen her for probably 3 years... she has a chronic health condition but to talk with her your would not see this in her face or in her words at all. She just 'lost her husband' (her words) - diagnosed in January and died in June. How devastating that must be to her! I KNOW she and he lived with HOPE for those 6 months... it reminded me once again that life is so uncertain!

Dear friends,
I encourage you today to read Romans 8 - this chapter is full of HOPE! Verse 1 tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [HALLELUJAH!] and Verse 39 tells us that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! {Praise the Lord}

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie