Daughter

Parents hold their children’s hands for a while… and their hearts forever. — An Old Proverb

I want you to appreciate your uniqueness.
Acknowledge your talents and abilities.
Realize what a beautiful soul you have.
Understand the wonder within.

You impress me with all the things you have learned,
all the things you care about, and all the things you understand.

If I were given a chance to be anything I wanted to become, there is nothing I would rather be than your parent. And there is no one I would rather have as my daughter. We have shared so much together, you and I. I have spent more moments than you will ever know hoping, praying, worrying, wondering, reminiscing about the past, projecting into the future, and always feeling incredibly privileged that the gift of being your parent was given to someone as thankful as me. You are on my mind so often. I think about our joys, our tears, our talks, our hugs… our bond that has been with us from the very beginning and that continues on, loving and strong, to this day. I am thinking of you now, and remembering you back then, with wonder in my heart.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I want you to know that I would gladly drop whatever I’m doing, at any time of the day, just to have a chance to give you a hug, and to say how much I care, and to share a few moments with you. I take comfort in knowing that the caring and closeness between us will never change, and that you will always be in my heart.

I am amazed at how the seasons have flown by, how you grew so quickly, right before my very eyes. When I look at you, I see someone I cherish. I see someone I love with every heartbeat, every remembered smile, every hope, every prayer, and every treasured memory. When I look at you, I also see someone who has so many paths yet to walk, opportunities to explore, and stars to keep reaching for. As the years go by, my prayers will travel beside you on all your journeys.

I love you so much. I want you to remember that every single day. I want you to know that these are the things I will always pray:
That the world will treat you fairly.
That God will give you favor in the eyes of those you meet and work with.
That you will be safe and smart and sure.
That you will make good choices on your journey through life.
That opportunities will come your way.
That your blessings will be many.
That life will be generous to you.
That you will always be patient with the problems of life.
Happiness. Whatever direction your path may take.
Serenity.
Wisdom.
Courage.
Strength.
Success.
Close and caring friends. The kind that keep getting better & better
Love that never ends. The kind that blesses you forever.
Present moments and Special memories.
A thankful heart.
May you hold on to your sense of humor.
May you brighten the lives of those who know you.
May you go beyond the ordinary steps and discover extraordinary results.
May you keep on trying.
May you meet every challenge
May you recognize every opportunity.
May you be blessed with the knowledge that you have the ability to make every day special.
May your needs be met.
Dreams. Strong enough to keep them alive.
Peace. Deep down in your soul.
Joy.
May you never lose that sense of wonder.
New beginnings.
May you always be gentle enough to understand.
Understanding.
The Abundant Life.

Your are a tremendously extraordinary person. All the different facets of your life—the ones you reveal to the rest of the world, and the ones known only to those you are close to—are precious and rare. As people look even deeper, I know they cannot help but see how intrinsically beautiful you are.

There are gifts that are far above priceless.
There are memories that are made of pure love.
There are special miracles that really do come true.

All my life, you will always be a wonderful gift, a treasure of memories, and an amazing miracle. What an honor it has been to watch you grow and then blossom into someone I admire and adore with all my heart. Thank you for enriching my life beyond imaginings. Thank you for the grace and the goodness, the hopes, the memories, and the joy. Thank you for bringing so many priceless gifts to me.

Love well

Let’s Talk About Love

Do you love?
Do you love well?

The Bible instructs us to LOVE:
God (Mt 22:37),
one another (1 Pet 4:8),
our neighbors (Rm 13:9),
our enemies (Lk 6:27),
our husbands (Tit 2:4), and
our wives (Eph 5:25,33).

We are commanded NOT to love
recognition (Lk 11:43),
money (Heb 13:5), or the
world (1 Jn 2:15).

So what IS love?

The dictionary defines love as tenderness, affection, passion, warm feelings, etc.
There are 20-30 definitions, depending upon the dictionary.

The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8 and 16 that “God is love” — HE is the definition of love. We also see in Galatians 5:22 that love is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God—a fruit that we can bear when we abide in Christ.

The Bible further defines what love is, where it comes from, and what it is not:
Love is kind. (1 Col 13:4)
Love is not rude. (1 Col 13:5)
Love comes from a pure heart. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love does not boast and is not proud. (1 Col 13:4)
Love is humble. (Eph 4:2)
Love builds up, edifies, and encourages. (1 Col 8:1)
Love is gentle. (Eph 4:2)
Love is not self-seeking. (1 Col 13:5)
Love is sincere. (Rom 12:9)
Love does not envy. (1 Col 13:4)
Love binds us together in perfect unity. (Col 3:14)
Love trusts. (1 Col 13:7)
Love is not easily provoked or angered. (1 Col 13:5)
Love comes from a good conscience. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love is patient. (1 Col 13:4)
Love keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Col 13:5)
Love hopes. (1 Col 13:7)
Love is better than life. (Ps 63:3)
Love comes from a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love protects. (1 Col 13:7)
Love perseveres. (1 Col 13:7)
Love never fails. (1 Col 13:8)
“There is no fear in love.” (1 Jn 4:18)

God’s love is made complete in Jesus Christ. (1 Jn 2:5)
“This is love: …that He [God the Father]…sent His Son [Jesus] as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn 4:10)

Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. …This is my command: Love each other.” (Jn 15:9,17)

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19)
“Live a life of love.” (Eph 5:2)
“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more.” (Phil 1:9)

Love well.

Ella Kate

My first grandchild was born today. An amazing miracle from God; we are so very thankful. Everyone keeps telling me that having grandchildren is better than having your own children. The verdict is still out on that for me. I do not see how it could be better than having my own... for that was and is truly amazing.

Engagement

David Kasperson & Shannon Watson

Simply Living the Christian Life

KEEP IT SIMPLE:

Stop living for yourself – Live for Him

Die to yourself – Let Him live in you

Clothe yourself with the Spirit –

Let the Spirit clothe Himself with you

Don’t copy Jesus – Live Him

Don’t imitate Jesus – Reproduce Him

Let the Spirit possess you and transform you


The Spirit of God does not work IN our lives
He lives in us AS our life
He IS our very Life


“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:30

If Tomorrow Never Comes

"If Tomorrow Never Comes"

If I knew it would be the last time
That I would see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
And pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
That I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
And call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted to pray,
I would listen more intently
To remember another day.

If I knew it would be the last time
I could spare a minute or two,
To stop and say "I love you"
Instead of assuming you know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day...
But I'm sure you'll have many more
So I can let this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
To make up for my oversights,
And I'll always get a second chance
To make all things between us right.

There will always be another day
To say to you that "I love you"
And certainly there's another chance
To say "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong
And today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
And I hope you never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to us:
The young and old alike,
And today may be the last chance
I get to hold you, my loved one, tight.

~anonymous~

*** From what I have been able to find out, the basis of this poem was written in the 1930s or 1940s by one of two authors – two ladies claim credit for it.
(I intentionally made changes and deleted the last 4 stanzas.)

REVELATION: an overview

REVELATION: an overview

A revelation OF Jesus Christ; not a revelation BY Jesus Christ.
Revelations REVEALS Jesus Christ: who He is and what He has done and what He will do.

FIVE SECTIONS:
1) introduction (1:1–8)
2) things seen 1:9–20) 7 Lamp Stands; Son of Man; 7 stars
3) things present (2:1–3:22) 7 Churches
4) things to come (4:1–22:5) 4–11: general view; 12–21: details on the general view
5) conclusion (22:6–21)

24 THRONES – 24 ELDERS:
could be: 12 tribes + 12 apostles;
could be: 24 that represent the company of believer; but is most likely: an exalted angelic order assigned to worship and serve God around the throne.

7 LAMPSTANDS = 7 SPIRITS OF GOD = 7 CHURCHES OF JESUS CHRIST
7 churches: the differences in the 7 churches are all negative. They are similar in that they are all golden (divine) lamp stands (holders or containers of the lamp which is Jesus, containing oil which is the Spirit); this is the positive aspect.

It is not a denomination that is a divine shining lamp stand to the world – it is the Church of Jesus Christ: the body of believers – the body of Christ

The Church is the expression of Christ, the witness of Christ, the testimony of Christ.
The Church is the reproduction of the testimony, the expression of God in Christ.

The lamp stand is gold – representing divinity.
A lamp must contain oil – which represents the Spirit

7 STARS = 7 MESSENGERS (ANGELS) TO THE CHURCHES

4 CREATURES = 4 ANGELS (look like: lion, ox, man, eagle)
6 wings: 7 eyes: see everything

LAMB: 7 horns; 7 eyes = 7 spirits

BOWLS OF INCENSE = the prayers of the saints

SEVEN SEALS: SEALS are secret – "something that is sealed"

1st SEAL WHITE HORSE: gospel or gospel preaching – "conqueror bent on conquering"

2nd SEAL RED HORSE: war or "remove peace" this began with the Roman Empire
and has continued to this day

3rd SEAL BLACK HORSE: "scales" or famine famine follows or is a result of war

4th SEAL PALE HORSE: death
death is a result of war and famine "killed 1/3 by sword, famine, plague, and beast"

The first 4 seals have been happening continuously since Christ's death on the cross.

5th SEAL MARTYRS CRY OUT – the beginning of the Great Tribulation occurs at the end of this age – cumulative martyrs from throughout time will finally rise up and ask for revenge

6th SEAL TRIBULATION – EARTH JUDGED – part of the Great Tribulation earthquake; sun blocked; moon red; stars fall; wind; mountains & rocks fall this is to show and prove who really is God

7th SEAL 7 ANGELS / 7 TRUMPETS are the content of the 7th Seal parts of the 7th SEAL will last for eternity

SEVEN TRUMPETS:
TRUMPETS are proclaimed for all to hear – public declarations

1st TRUMPET hail & fire mixed with blood – 1/3 of earth burned

2nd TRUMPET mountain thrown into the sea – 1/3 of sea dies

3rd TRUMPET star (wormwood) falls into the rivers – 1/3 of water turns bitter; people die

4th TRUMPET sun, moon & stars turn dark – 1/3 of day is dark

The earth will no longer be habitable as a result of the first 4 trumpets.

5th TRUMPET abyss is opened; locust (this is the FIRST WOE)

This is the beginning of the 7-yr tribulation.

6th TRUMPET 4 angels released to kill 1/3 of mankind (this is the SECOND WOE)

This is part of the 7-yr tribulation period.

7th TRUMPET 1st part (7 thunders) is sealed
2nd part, the THIRD WOE consists of: 7 bowls = the judgment of the dead; the reward of the saints; and the destruction of earth's destroyers: Satan, Antichrist, & the False Prophet
This is the Great Tribulation.

SEVEN BOWLS:

THE SCROLL:
It is impossible to tell how long a scroll is… it will last for eternity

SYMBOLS:

TWO OLIVE TREES: represents the king and the priest with a continuous supply of oil

DRAGON: represents political persecution

BEAST: represents religious persecution

WOMAN: represents God's people – Jews & Gentile believers (some say weaker believers)

MAN-CHILD: represents Jesus Christ (some say represents strong believers)

GREAT BABYLON: Apostate Christiandom

Gospel of JOHN – teachings on the imparting of life
Epistles of JOHN – fellowship for the growth of life (life grows by fellowship)
Revelations – reveals the reaping of life

GOSPELS – sowing the seed of LIFE

ACTS – reproduction of LIFE

EPISTLES – growth of LIFE

REVELATION – harvest of LIFE (Rev. 14:15)
1) A book of Christ – reveals Christ: the High Priest; the Judge; the Lion (deals with Satan); the Lamb (deals with sin); the Mighty Angel; a Warrior (with a sword in His mouth)

2) A book of the Church – the Church is called: a lamp stand (Ch 1); a multitude (Ch 7); a woman (Ch 12); the harvest (Ch 14); overcomers (Ch 15; the Bride (Ch 19); an army (Ch 19); and the New Jerusalem (21–22)

3) A book of God's Order