Happy New Year to you all!
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars Reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, Please wipe away the tear. for I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare With the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description To hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart; But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear and be glad I'm spending Christmas
With JESUS CHRIST this year. I sent you each a special gift, From my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is a precious gift
More precious than pure gold; It was always most important In the stories JESUS told.
Please love and keep each other, As my FATHER said to do. For I can't count the blessings
Or love HE has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear...
Remember I'm spending Christmas with JESUS CHRIST this year.
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
I am posting this article from "The Voice of the Martyrs" in honor of a VOM worker known as "Alexander" and for others who willingly give of themselves to the point of death. GOD Bless you all as you walk in the midst of your mission field.
This article really touched my heart! I know it is lengthy, but worth the read! May it bless you as it has blessed me.
We hear the stories of those who have been killed for their faith and we can become angry. We want those responsible brought to justice, however, Matthew 5:44 says, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." What is the role of the church in winning our enemies to CHRIST? How do we practice this "LOVE"?
Our founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, always spoke of the need to love one's enemies. While speaking at a pro-life rally, Rev. Wurmbrand applauded those willing to stand up for the life of the unborn. He also asked if the protesters had invited the abortion doctors into their homes and cooked them a nice meal.
In Columbia, a VOM co-worker recently reached out a to a guerrilla commander with extreme kindness. His story may be controversial. Some may feel the mission worker is guilty of aiding and abetting a terrorist. His response would be that the BIBLE teaches us to "overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
"Alexander" has been called to reach out to the FARC guerrillas in Columbia. Along with his co-workers, he frequently travels to very dangerous areas to distribute Bibles and Christian books, including those by Rev. Wurmbrand. Alexander has been shot at, threatened with execution, and has had his workers kidnapped.
On a recent trip through a guerrilla camp, guerrillas told him, "Our commander can no longer walk and lives with unbearable pain. We have been carrying him on a stretcher for days. We would like for you to help him and return him to us."
It would have been easy for Alexander, who had been intimidated, harassed and threatened by guerrillas, to say, "Good, a commander cannot walk, that's great for me." But Alexander saw it another way. He agreed to take the commander , Leonardo, home with him. He took home a man who presided over dozens of guerrillas, who landed his top position by killing, kidnapping and causing general havoc. Alexander put this injured man in his son's room. He gave the commander food and clothes, and took him to Christian doctors.
Doctors discovered Leonardo had multiple hernias in his back that were cutting into his nervous system. A specialized surgery was required to relieve his pain. Alexander was determined to help Leonardo get well. Most people would struggle to help their friendly neighbor in such a way, yet Alexander was willing to help Leonardo. It was more than the guerrillas could ever do for him.
Abandoned by his single mom and forced to live with an uncle, Leonardo was known as a "troubled kid". At age 12, Leonardo burned down a neighbor's house with a young girl still inside. His uncle, also a guerrilla, thought giving Leonardo to the guerrillas was a good thing. The youngster seemed to have the aptitude for aggression required for a new recruit and the training might give him some discipline.
Leonardo proved to be ruthless. He had no issues with assassinations and kidnappings. And he knew how to obey orders no matter how violent or dangerous. At age 20, Leonardo became a guerrilla commander. A few years later, he was appointed to oversee an exclusive unit assigned to protect the top guerrilla leaders.
It took over a month for Alexander to get Leonardo the surgery, followed by five months of recovery. During that time Alexander's family took care of the ailing guerrilla commander. His wife cooked his meals, and his son showed him how to play video games. They all shared Christmas and their faith in Christ with him.
When Alexander gave him a present at their family Christmas gathering, Leonardo began to cry. "I have never been to a Christmas gathering, and no one has ever given me a present. And I have nothing to give you." Alexander told him, "Having you here as a part of our family is your gift to us."
Shortly after Christmas, it was time for Leonardo to go back to the guerrilla camp, but before going back, he set a three-day speaking tour for Alexander through a number of different guerrilla camps. These were camps Alexander would have never had access to without someone like Leonardo. With Leonardo now serving as his personal bodyguard, Alexander was free to enter these camps and preach as much as he wanted. Even if the other guerrillas were upset, they did not protest because of Leonardo.
Alexander was also able to pray with many of the guerrillas and distribute Bibles and VOM literature. Leonardo has not accepted CHRIST as of this writing, but has certainly been moved by the love of those often considered to be his enemy. Leonardo considered not returning to the guerrilla camps, but not returning risked Alexander's life and that of his family's.
Christians working in hostile and restricted nations face unique challenges, and it takes boldness and tenacity...an extreme devotion to build GOD'S KINGDOM among the persecutors. Some workers have been spared, while others have paid with the ultimate price. May we take courage in their boldness and share in their love of CHRIST.
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
'Twas the night before JESUS came and all through the house not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care in hopes that JESUS would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of HIS face made me cover my head. It was JESUS! returning just like HE had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw HIM in spite of myself.
In the BOOK OF LIFE which HE held in HIS hand was written the name of every saved man.
HE spoke not a word as HE searched for my name; When HE said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love HE gathered to take to HIS FATHER above.
With those who were ready HE rose without a sound, while all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; The coming of JESUS is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call we'll find that the Bible was true after all!
~Author Unknown~
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, sometimes we can forget to celebrate JESUS. Do you spend more time shopping for gifts, preparing dinners, going to parties, decorating your home, than you reflect on the hope that came into the world? If you do, then I have a list of idea's to help you truly celebrate CHRIST.
1. Give GOD one very special gift from you to HIM. (Give up something, forgive someone, spend time with GOD, etc.)
2. Set aside time to read the true Christmas story.
3. Set up a nativity scene in your home.
4. Plan a project of good will.
5. Send cards with a spiritual message.
6. Memorize Luke 2 as a family.
7. Take goodies to friends and neighbors with an invitation to a special service.
8. Invite someone who is alone for Christmas dinner.
9. Bake a birthday cake for JESUS and sing to HIM.
10. Have "Legend of the Candy Cane" candy canes in a basket by your front door to give to guests.
11. Have your children participate in a church play.
12. Read Luke 2 before opening gifts.
13. Hang a stocking for JESUS- have each family member put in a paper with their gift to JESUS written on it.
14. Give a special "Birthday Offering" for JESUS.
15. Participate in a charitable activity.
16. Play or sing Christmas music pertaining to JESUS.
Here are a few idea's, but I know you can come up with some yourself. Have fun this season, but remember to put JESUS first, and make this season about HIM.
GOD bless you all!
Hello Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things through CHRIST JESUS
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive my self'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
I believe these individuals are living for GOD no matter what. When the laws of the land cross that of GOD, Christians need to take a stand no matter what. PRAISE GOD for you all on the front lines, physically and spiritually.
I will be praying for you my brothers and sisters!
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Here is a cute video of my son, Brandon making bacon and dancing. He has lively personality. He is always making us laugh.
It is so hard to believe he is so big...big enough to learn to cook! It seems like yesterday that he was a baby. WAAA!!! WAAAA! I miss the baby stage!! WAAA! WAAA!! LOL! But, I love to see him growing into a wonderful young man. I am so blessed! I love being a mom! I love it!
Enjoy!
Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
This video says it all to the ones who are trying to take replace Christmas with "Happy Holidays". I love it!!! I hope you all will too. GOD bless you all.
Hello All, Grace and Peace be unto you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
I am sorry I have not been here much, but my family has been going through a rough patch. It all started in September, when my kids came down with the flu, and we were down for two weeks. We had a week of peace then I went into the hospital for emergency surgery due to my appendix. I was in the hospital for a week, then I was in bed at home for a week. I was still recovering when we had to go to Landstuhle Germany for my husbands ankle surgery. His surgery was planned, but mine was not.
We were in Germany for over a week. I had to take care of my kids while my husband was in the hospital and I was still very sore and not feeling well. I had no choice though, my kids needed me.
After our return, my husband was in need of constant care. He could not get up for anything. I had my kids to take care of, the house, shopping, and trying to be nurse for my darling. I love doing it all, but you all have to understand, I really did not have much energy at the time due to my own recovery.
Then, 2 weeks after being home from Germany, our alternator went out in our van, and there was oil on the engine. A friend who came to look at it for us said we needed a new alternator, a manifold intake something or another( I do not speak car...LOL) along with some other things. Car care service over here in Belgium is horrible. We do have auto garages, but most do not work on automatics, and if they do, they charge double to triple the cost in America.
To top it all off, my son is sick with the stomach junk and has been feverish since Sunday. He is still running a low grade fever and his little bottom is so sore from running to the restroom so much. I feel so sorry for him!
Currently my van is still down. We did however receive our car parts in the mail and a fellow we know is going to help us. PRAISE GOD!!! WOOT!!! My husband still can not be on his foot, but I am doing much better. PRAISE GOD!
Please understand me, I am not complaining, but just explaining my situation here lately. I really love and miss my blogging darlings, and I do try to post everyday, but my time is spread so thin.
I realize through all my trials lately that GOD has taken care of all of our needs. Nothing has gone undone. I love GOD very much and I know these trials draw us closer to the ONE who can see us through it all.
I do humbly ask you all to pray for our situation. I know GOD is working in our favor, it is evident, but extra prayers would not hurt.
Thank you my family and friends! GOD bless you all!
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