He spread His wings and caught me, He carried me on His pinions!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Have you Entered the Storehouse?

Our trials are great opportunities, but all too often we simply see them as large obstacles. If only we would recognize every difficult situation as something God has chosen to prove His love to us, each obstacle would then become a place of shelter and rest, and a demonstration to others of His inexpressible power!

If we would look for the signs of His glorious handiwork, then every cloud would indeed become a rainbow, and every difficult mountain path would become one of ascension, transformation, and glorification.

If we would look at our past, most of us would realize that the times we endured the greater stress and felt that every path was blocked were the very times our heavenly Father chose to do the kindest things for us and bestow His richest blessings.

God's most beautiful jewels are often delivered in rough packages by very difficult people,
but within the package we will find the very treasures of the King's palace and the Bridegroom's love.
-A.B. Simpson

Are You Heaven Bound?

So how does one prepare for heaven while still living here on earth?

It’s important for one to keep their feet on the ground and yet, at times, one’s head is apt to be “in the clouds!” However, one need not be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. Actually it’s the reverse: When one is heavenly-minded, they are more useful to God here on earth! It’s all in perspective my friend, it’s all in perspective! So what changes our perspective from being worldly- minded to being heaven bound?
It’s that daily “gentle soaking” in God’s Word. As one soaks in His Word, the dark stains are slowly removed. His Word permeates into the dark recesses of the mind, training and preparing one for that next stop – heaven!

So where does one begin? The Book of John is a good place to begin to soak! Actually any of the Gospel books [Matthew, Mark, Luke and John] will lighten, even change that worldly-minded perspective. As one reads His powerful Word there seems to be only one perspective — eternity. According to Jesus, what we do here, with our attire [our earthly-mind perspective], counts in the world yet to come! This is our “Dress Rehearsal!”

As we embrace eternity and soak in His light – our earthly-minded perspective is radically transformed! People, places and things are seen in a whole different light – the light of heaven!

”The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." Psalm 19:7-10

Enjoy soaking in His Word today!

Warning!

This “gentle soaking” may change your perspective as well as your destination – forever!

Bound for Heaven – Good Times, nothing but Good Times, can’t wait – to see you there!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"His way is in the whirlwind and the storm." Nahum 1:3

I remember when I was a young girl attending elementary school, living in Talent, Oregon. It's not unusual to have thunder, lightning and stormy days! One day, I sat on the green grass watching the skies fill with dark stormy clouds, as the thunder began to clap! [I loved the excitement in the skies!] It seemed as though everything around, all of the landscape had changed. But then suddenly, the storm would pass by as soon as it had arrived. Hours later, as I sat on the green grass, I did not ask,  "Where did that storm and all the darkness go?" No two moments, let alone days are ever alike! Storms may come and storms may go but remember it's those "emotional storms" that produce the radiance in the moments and days that follow!



Have you ever asked God to make you beautiful, like Him?
Have you ever desired the fruits that come from spending time with Him - sweetness, gentleness - maybe even the tender brokenness of heart, healed? If so, then my friend, do not fear the storm that rolls into your life. It may be here for the moment and then be gone tomorrow. Storms bring blessings - wait quietly huddled beneath His Beloved pinions! Rich fruit comes after the storm. Hugs, one of His angels:)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Do I Have a Witness?

Pastor Rick, shared an interesting scripture this past Sunday…did you know we are surrounded by a cloud of heavenly witnesses? Because my son, Johnny, resides in heaven, I wanted to research this particular scripture reference more thoroughly;


The NLT interpretation says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…” Hebrews 12:1


The KJV interpretation says: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…” Hebrews 12:1
Have you ever thought about or pondered — who are these witnesses? Why are they watching us?

I love word pictures. It’s like we are in this Great Cosmic Olympic Race, with a cheering section, in heaven! The “cloud” in this passage is referring to those who have gone on before us and now reside in the heavenlies.
Feeling like you are in some fiery trial? Think of those who have gone on before us and been through their own trials…they now, are up there cheering us on! Wow! That’s exciting news!

I started recalling many Bible characters and their trials. Do you remember any of these people?
Remember when Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego were thrown into the flames of the furnace?

Remember Queen Esther – "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place...who knows whether you have attained to royalty for such a time as this?"

Remember Ruth – "Do not urge me to leave...For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God!"

Remember Joseph and all the trials he’d been through – "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."
[recall Joseph's brother’s threw him in a pit, to die?]



And what about King David? Remember his giant encounter? "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine [David was referring to Goliath, the giant], that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" and then later David says to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted...that all the earth may know that there is a God...for this battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hands!"

You know the rest of the story - Goliath landed in a face plant [rock between the eyes] on the ground - DEAD - by a rock in David's sling-shot! Next time I am up against some “giant” I will remember King David the “Giant slayer!”

For me it’s just amazing to think – these people of the Bible, and many more who have gone on to heaven, are now cheering us on in our own personal trials and tribulations!

“Does He not see our ways and number all our steps?” Job 31:4


“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows!” Luke 12:7

Such exciting and encouraging news! God has the scoop on every single detail of our life here on earth! He knows every breath we take!

Men will dwell again in his shade...He will flourish like a blossoming vine! Hosea 14:7

The day ended with heavy showers, and the plants in my garden were beaten down by the pelting storm. I looked at one plant I had previoously admired for its beauty and had loved for its delicate fragrance. After being exposed to the merciless storm, its flowers had drooped, all its petals were closed, and it appeared that its glory was gone.

I thought to myself, "I suppose I will have to wait till next year to see those beautiful flowers again."

Yet the night passed, the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to my favorite plant! The light looked at its flowers and the flowers looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flowers. They lifted their heads, opened their petals, regained their glory, and seemed more beautiful than before. I wondered how this took place - these fragile flowers coming into contact with something much stronger, and gaining strength!

I cannot explain exactly how we are able to receive the power to serve and to endure through communion with God, but I know it is a fact!

Are you in danger of being crushed by a heavy and difficult trial [situation/circumstance]?
Then seek communion with our Heavenly Father and you will receive strength and power,
for God promises us,

 "I will strengthen you." Isaiah 41:10

Monday, June 27, 2011

Your Grace Still Amazes Me...Your Love is still a mystery...each day, I fall on my knees!

Wounded Heart?


There is a legend of an artist who had found the secret of a wonderful red that no other artist could imitate. He never told the secret of the color, but after his death an old wound was discovered over his heart. It revealed the source of the matchless hue in his pictures.


The moral of the legend is that no great achievement can be made,
no lofty goal attained,
nor anything of great value to the world accomplished,
except at the cost of the heart's blood.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Longing for Home?!

Ever wonder about what heaven will be like? I do! My son is currently living there and holding a place for me, in, of all places - the kitchen!!!
"As it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'" 1 Corinthians 2:9
Heaven is more real than our earthly existence! It will far surpass anything we can imagine!
Revelation 21 describes the heavenly city--a city so magnificent and vast that we cannot comprehend it.

It shines with the glory of God, and its brilliance is like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. . . .
The walls are made of jasper, and the city is of pure gold, as pure as glass!

The foundations of the city walls are decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation is jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

The twelve gates are twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city is of pure gold, like transparent glass. . . .

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb [Jesus] is its lamp.

The walls are over 200 feet thick. Each of the four sides of the city are approximately 1,400 miles long!
Dr. Erwin Lutzer says, "I figured it out - it's about 396,000 stories high and one half the size of the United States!"
Read the entire chapter of Revelation 21 for more details!





Saturday, June 25, 2011

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Jeremiah 31:25




HEART HUGS

Heavenly Father, this is our prayer as we watch our children grow, That they'll learn to care for others, that tender compassion they will know. May they learn the importance that their "Heart Hugs" can bring. May they always know that caring is a very Special thing!

Song: This is where the light meets the dark - This is where the healing begins!!

http://youtu.be/kfaWRhRLrHM

In the day of trouble...

For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
Psalm 27:5

Friday, June 24, 2011

From one mother to another...

Our stories are each very different, but our pain - the same. We who are mothers will forever grieve the loss of our children. Yet, it is my deepest heart desire, that you will find hope for your troubled soul here on this page with the songs, pictures and carefully thought postings. May they bring a smile to your face:)

Yet I will Praise you...even when I can't see the reason

http://youtu.be/zUjjOaydQsM

If hurts can be my teacher, offer me the lesson...

where can I run?
who can I trust?

I cannot hide from life, though I try as hard as I can [in my moments of weakness].

I seek Your shelter Lord,
when the most difficult enemies begin to undermine the plans You have for me -
anger, sorrow, fatigue, fragility, stubborn pride -
they all seem so insurmountable, that is - until I run to You!

Lord, You are my FAVORITE hiding place!
When I am thirsty You quinch my thirst.
When I am weary You offer me a place to rest my head.
When I need protection Your Word gives me strength.

"Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you."
Psalm 143:9
The angels whispered to me this beautiful passage this early morning: "He encircled me, He cared for me, He guarded me as the pupil of His eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young. He spread His wings and caught us up and He carried us on His pinions!"
Deuteronomy 31:10-11

His GREAT Name...

Ahhh, at the sound of Your Great Name, the enemy He has to leave, at the sound of YOUR GREAT NAME! Jesus - Worthy is the Lamb!

http://youtu.be/T1usZBO_0fg

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Blinded by Trouble?

"Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord;
may Your love and Your truth always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me."
Psalm 40:11


The darkness of my struggle covers my eyes and my heart.
I reach out my hands to feel my way through the mire.
These troubles seem more numerous than the sands of Your beaches.

Protect me, LORD,
cover me with Your wings of mercy as I learn how to recover from these dark days.
My heart seems to beat more slowly...release me to your mercy.
http://youtu.be/IGm11cO9QLk

It's Raining Down Flowers!

A poet stands by the window watching a summer shower. It is a fierce downpour, beating and pounding the earth. But the poet, in his mind’s eye, sees more than a rain shower falling. He sees a myriad of lovely flowers raining down, soon breaking forth from the freshly watered earth, and filling it with their matchless beauty and fragrance. And so he sings;

It isn’t raining rain to me – it’s raining daffodils;
In every dripping drop I see wildflowers up the hills.
A cloud of gray engulfs the day, and overwhelms the town;
It isn’t raining to me – it’s raining roses down.

Perhaps you are undergoing some trial as God’s child, and you are saying to Him,

“O God, it is raining very hard on me tonight, and this test seems beyond my power to endure. Disappointments are pouring in, washing away and utterly defeating my chosen plans. My trembling heart is grieved and is cowering at the intensity of my suffering. Surely the rains of affliction are beating down upon my soul.”

Dear friend,
You are completely mistaken. God is not raining rain on you – He is raining blessings. If you will only believe your Father’s Word, you will realize that springing up beneath the pounding rain are spiritual flowers.  And they are more beautiful and fragrant than those that ever grew before in your storm less and suffering-free life.

You can see the rain, but can you also see the flowers?
You are suffering through these tests, but know that God sees sweet flowers of faith
Springing up in your like beneath these very trials. You try to escape the pain, yet God sees tender compassion for other sufferers finding birth in your soul. Your heart winces at the pain of heavy grief, but God sees the sorrow deepening and enriching your life.

No, my friend, it is not raining afflictions on you. It is raining tenderness, love, compassion, patience, and a thousand other flowers and fruits of the Holy Spirit!

And they are bringing to your life spiritual enrichment that all the prosperity and ease of this world could never produce in your innermost being.

J.M.M.

Do you see springing up
beneath the pounding rain there are spiritual flowers?


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

In The Arms of The Angels - Sing with me...

http://www.godvine.com/Beautiful-Live-Performance-of-Angel-by-Jackie-Evancho-513.html
Kisses Sweet Friend!
Chance has not brought this ill to me;
It's God's own hand, so let it be,
For He sees what I cannot see.

There is a purpose for each pain,
And He one day will make it plain
That earthly loss is heavenly gain.

Like as piece of tapestry
Viewed from the back appears to be
Only threads tangled hopelessly;

But in the front a picture fair
Rewards the worker for his care,
Proving his skill and patience rare.

You are the Workman, I the frame.
Lord, for the glory of Your Name,
Perfect Your image on the same.

selected

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Michael W. Smith Purified

One Day....

I still believe that a day of understanding will come for each of us, however far away it may be. We will understand as we see the tragedies that today darken and dampen the presence of heaven for us take their proper place in God's great plan - a plan so overwhelming, magnificent, and joyful, we will laugh with wonder and delight!
- Arthur Christopher Bacon
Friends are Kisses
Blown to us by Angels!

The Lord is full of compassion and His mercies endure forever. James 5:11


His purpose is always for our good,
let Him lift you out of the crisis!

Reflections of a mother - July 2009.

Overwhelmed I take in, yet another loss – the loss of my son, Johnny.
As I sit quietly, the sadness overtakes me… weeping, because no words can describe this pain.

So I go to God’s word and I read Genesis 37. An old familiar story – the story of Joseph.

I know, in my heart, that God allows crisis in our lives for His good purposes, but it’s hard to understand when one is in the crisis [test], so I return to a story I have heard as a child, and read as a young teenager, an adult and now a grandmother.

As I read, I reflect on how Joseph reacted to some very trying situations in his life – first the hatred of his brothers, where they throw him into a pit and leave him to die. Joseph takes this crisis [test] as an opportunity to grow. After, he gets bailed out of the pit and brought to Egypt, he again, is put in another crisis [test] situation. He learns about the Egyptian culture and language, as well as how to be a leader and then, again, is placed into another “situation” [test] when Potiphar’s wife makes a pass – so what happens with Joseph’s attitude this time? Joseph, again, remains faithful and loyal [aligned with God’s purposes] by running from her but this time he is falsely accused and placed into prison.

Oh, for Pete’s sake. I ask myself, how can one guy go through so many tests and remain so calm? Do you believe God can use your crisis [test] to demonstrate His power in your life? I do. Why?

I love the ending to this story. See Chapter 45 in Genesis.
Joseph said to his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So it was not you who sent me here, but God [Your purpose was for evil, but God’s purpose was for good, to save many lives]."

I believe God allows crisis in our lives to mature us.

No good thing does He withhold from those who love Him.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Is Today a Turning Point for You?

Today is the first day of summer, when, as the dictionary describes it, "the sun reaches its northern-most point on the celestial sphere" and heads back toward the middle.

Is today a turning point for you?

...feeling like a cat that's been thrown into a pool of cool water?
Cling to God's promises or find an inspirational book to lift you out of that cold water!


I LOVE Barbara Johnson.
She has so many inspiring messages! Like this one:

"WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD AND SHOUT: I'M DOWN AND OUT!"

Eventually, as you journey through life, you will begin to cycle back toward "normal."
Until then, take some time to read something fun and inspiring!

I like what Barbara Johnson says, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."

                          Reach out for a few of God's Promises to lift you up!


“You are Always on My Mind and on My Heart!”

One of my favorite guys to listen to on the radio is Jon Courson. Recently, I purchased his book, “A Future and a Hope.” Of course I did what I do with most books I purchase, I read the last chapter, first (bad idea, by the way – so if you don’t want to know the ending, DO NOT READ any further)!

Jon was with his wife Terry. They were traveling to Mt. Bachelor for a day of skiing. As he was telling his wife a joke and they were laughing, suddenly their car hit an ice bank, causing the car to spin out of control – then slamming them into a redwood tree. At age 29 Jon’s beautiful wife died next to him.

Jon reflects – He could hear that familiar still soft voice say to him,
“I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to bring you to a glorious end.” Jon, then, drifted into unconsciousness.

Later, in phone conversation Jon’s pastor repeated these same words.

Ever find yourself in an empty-place (no man’s land, the desert, Babylon)?
Do not be confused. God says,

“I want you to know that My thoughts towards you are not of evil,

but of Peace – to bring you to a certain end.”
Did you know, God’s thoughts toward you are more numerous than the sands on the seashore! Read Psalm 139:17-18

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.”
Jon’s book says that scientists estimate that there are 10 to the 22nd power – that is, a one with 22 zeros after it, one hundred billion times one hundred billion grains of sand! Wow, that’s pretty incredible – amazing actually – that God thinks of you and me that many times!

God says, “You are ALWAYS on My mind and on My heart!”
Dearest Friend,

If you are wondering what is happening in your marriage, at your workplace, or in your life – Embrace God’s Promises! You may not see it now, but God’s thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace (for your good) and to give you an expected end – to bring you to Himself.

12 years later, after the loss of Jon’s wife…to be continued.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

2 months after Johnny skated into heaven (2009 Journal entry)

more of my journal....
At the time, it seemed only normal to blame God and to be extremely angry at Him for the loss of my son, Johnny. But as my anger subsided, and I began to ease into the deep sadness and loss, I learned that God was, once again, assuring me that this loss would help me on the next leg of my own personal journey. It seemed terribly wrong, and then I remembered, God never wastes a hurt. I had forgotten that I live in a broken world, with broken people, not only was my heart broken but others’ hearts had been broken too. For me the realization that I would never see my son marry or have children, gripped me like carrying a heavy anchor over my shoulders. How unfair, how cruel, how crushing! But beneath my feelings of sorrow and pain, I could hear God’s still soft voice assure me that Johnny had lived his full life; nothing ever happens to us that has not passed over God’s desk first. Even more importantly, I had to hang on to my faith, knowing that God still loved me and my family; that He would help us through this grief together – even in our anger.

The rain falls on the just and the unjust….

Dear Lord, Help me to always remember that I will get more time, in Heaven, with Johnny than I ever had here on earth and that he has completed his journey here (lived his full life here on earth) and is now in the arms of Your mercy. In the meantime, help me to be a godly mom & gramma for my adult-children and grand-children! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

This is new to me!

Because I am just beginning to learn about blogging, if you would like to see more postings - go to my Facebook Page: Abiding Angels!

The Psalms


Ahhh, in the quietness of the morning, I am reminded through the Psalms of God’s compassionate mercies –

In Psalm 3:3, 5 You are a shield about me…in the night You sustain me.

In Psalm 5:12 You surround me with favor as with a shield.
...
In Psalm 6:8 You hear the voice of my weeping.
You instruct me and teach me in the way which I should go.

In Psalm 7:10 You are my shield.

In Psalm 8:4-5 What is man that You take thought of us?
You counsel me with Your eye on me.

In Psalm 9:9 You are my stronghold in times of trouble.

In Psalm 17:8 You keep me as the apple of Your eye.
You hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

In Psalm 23:4 You walk with me through the valley of the shadow of death.

In Psalm 28:7-8 You are my strength and my shield…You are my saving defense.

In Psalm 30:5 Weeping may last for the night [even many nights], but You will [once again], give me joy in the morning.

In Psalm 31:8 You set my feet in a large place.

In Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.

In Psalm 34:18 You are near to the brokenhearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit.

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