SCHOOL IS OUT

God says to "walk by faith, not sight."  I believe those who are 'unemployed' find this a challenge.  It is important to realize that our Heavenly Father loves us and that He, by His word, spoke the world into existence.  He desires to bless us and do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).  That does not absolve us of our part in this walk of faith, but we can seek his leading.  To this end, I  believe He is leading me to teach more piano students.  While seeking out other job possibilities, the wait can be trying.  This is where we must see The Process of finding a job as an opportunity for us to grow stronger in our faith and thankfulness, rather than focus on The Problem; after all, Jehovah-Jireh is The Provider.  Cheryl

The Power of Prayer

Christ dwells in us!  He wants to give us an abundant life, to fill us with joy and peace.  He desires our fellowship.  His words to us say "pray always."  The challenge has been made for us to spend 30 minutes a day with God:  10 minutes-memorizing scriptures, 10 minutes in the study of God's word, and 10 minutes in prayer.  We have been asked to pray the ACTS prayer - A adoration   C  confession  T thanksgiving  and S supplication.  For supplication, we could use our hand as our guide:  Thumb-pray for those far away physically or spiritually, Pointer Finger-pray for those who lead the way, Tall Finger-pray for those in authority, Ring finger-pray for those dear or close spiritually or physically, Pinkie-pray for those weak or sick.    This has been such a blessing in my life.  His words are so rich.   To God be the glory.  From Cheryl

25 Days of Heaven

From David:  It is my unique privilege to begin a series of messages on "The Holy Spirit". He has been a close friend of mine since my salvation experience in 1964.  He has been misunderstood and misrepresented throughout the history of the church because He has been ignored and unknown. Yet, He has been active and alive in those who have trusted Christ as their personal Savior, and is really Christ's ascension gift to us.  It is the Holy Spirit who convicts sinners and convinces us of the reality of Christ's love. It is He who baptizes us into the body of Christ, gives us fruit and gifts, and is the one who helps us pray, learn, witness, and find comfort.  Why do we know so little about Him? Well, we teach about God and Jesus, and think that we have done our job. No! A million times, No! We must learn from the Holy Spirit, or we won't learn at all the truths of God.  I ask you to deeply consider "walking in the Spirit" so you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Let's learn more about this wonderful person the next few weeks.

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

My daily prayer this year is for God to continue to grant David and I wisdom (to know the difference between right and wrong), understanding (of what God's will is), knowledge (of God's holiness), and strength (to do his will).

For my children, I pray daily the words of the song "God Give Us Christian Homes".

My resolution this year was also to learn the words of hymns.  Besides the above hymn, I have memorized "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Take My Life, Let It Be", "More About Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision", "Great is Thy Faithfulness",  and "Search Me, O God".  WHAT A GREAT BLESSING it is to awaken in the night with these words.  Cheryl

Two Became One

42 years!  What a blessing to be together.  Togetherness to me means wanting the best for the other person and taking time to discover and make happen the best situations for the other person.  With Christ as our example of sacrificial love, we find a 'oneness' that is based on giving.   Giving entails ignoring 'me' sometimes, and thinking in terms of 'we'.  Seeing and listening--speaking and doing--learning: all are involved;  but bringing honor to God is our supreme goal.  With His help, His wisdom, we find the ability to walk together.   Cheryl