JESUS AT THE CLUB WITH THE EAGLE SQUAD

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

This is fiction with true possibilities.

(NOTE: I don't encourage Christians to frequent clubs.  What I do encourage is for Christians to be ABSOLUTELY sure of what our Lord leads to do...)

JESUS AT THE CLUB WITH THE EAGLE SQUAD:

Three spiritually proven mature happily married Christian couples, after counsel with their pastor, decided to, once a month, go to Club Bliss to glow for the glory of GOD.  The couples worship at Great Grace Tabernacle.  They are a diverse group – two Caucasians, Michael and Jennifer – two Native Americans – Pedro and Carla – and two Black Americans – Robert and Lisa.  Each of them has been in Christ for more than 15 years and they all have received intense training in love demonstrations and spiritual warfare.  Their group is called Eagle Squad.

The Lord has spoken to the Eagle Squad about the need for more Christians to be relevant to those who are in the world.  The Eagle Squad’s mission that they chose to accept is to, monthly, be present at Club Bliss – inside for 20 minutes and right outside the club for two hours with the Eagle Squad’s red van called, Love Lifted.  Those words, Love Lifted, are stenciled on the van’s exterior sides.

The Eagle Squad shows up at Club Bliss faithfully every month dressed modestly but attractively (no dowdy attire.)  And they are “armed” with love, compassion, and heart-shaped mints to offer the club clientele.  In Love Lifted, the Eagle Squad members read their Bibles and pray before entry to Club Bliss and after they leave the club, they read their Bibles and pray in Love Lifted, as well.  They keep their Bibles with them in the club but not where they are visible to the patrons of the establishment.

The couples order soft drinks on the rocks, sit and converse among themselves - sensitive to the club atmosphere.  They stay at their table but the glory of the Lord upon them is dominant.  People walk by them, some pause, and look puzzled.  The Eagle Squad members smile glowingly and offer the heart-shaped mints.  People accept, give thanks and move on.

Three months pass.  The Eagle Squad continues to sit in Club Bliss for 20 minutes and afterward to remain right outside the club for two hours with Love Lifted.

One night, a young woman, Amy, walks up to the Eagle Squad table in tears.  Her boyfriend has just entered Club Bliss with another woman.  Amy is crushed.  In the club, none in the Eagle Squad has ever preached or declared Christ.  They have been a presence that has habitually glowed, sat, ordered their soft drinks on the rocks, and talked among themselves.  They have also consistently given warm smiles, and offered and handed out heart-shaped mints to the club patrons.  Some patrons engage in small talk with the Eagle Squad, and walk away feeling uplifted but not understanding why.  The group is amused at how people cannot figure the presence of GOD that flows from within them.

Somehow Amy is compelled to approach the Eagle Squad table.  She knows that there is something pleasantly different about these people.  Though she doesn't know what it is, she feels secure in confiding in the Eagle Squad members.  They don't mention Christ to Amy.  Carla and Lisa invite her out to the Love Lifted.  Amy accompanies them.  Carla and Lisa listen to her pour out her sorrow as tears flood from her eyes.  They comfort Amy and invite her to sit there with them while she regains her composure.  While there, Amy comments on why she felt led, in the club, to approach the Eagle Squad.

“You all glowed with an energy that I couldn't resist,” Amy remarked.

Carla smiled and gently replied, “Our glow energy is from JESUS.”

Amy looked surprised.  She asked, “What are you all doing in the club?!”

Carla and Lisa laugh that Amy wonders.

“Spreading GOD’s love,” answers Lisa.

“Yes,” chimes in Carla, we wait on the Lord.  He sent you to us.”

Amy smiles. “Yes He did.  I thank GOD, and you for being here.”

Lisa joyfully tells her, “We're glad to help.”

Amy asks if she may have their numbers. 

Lisa hands her a card with the Eagle Squad contact information. 

Amy thanks them and leaves for home. 

Carla and Lisa re-enter the club. 

The Eagle Squad sits a few minutes more, pause to observe the bartender, hand out more mints and then depart to be outside for the time that they have left to remain right outside the club.

A drunken man, Walter, comes out of Club Bliss and stumbles near Love Lifted. 

Pedro helps him to balance. 

Walter curses Pedro and the rest of the Eagle Squad.

Pedro, undisturbed, says, “We love you, man.”

Walter looks startled.  He staggers away but he doesn't curse anymore.

The Eagle Squad quietly prays for him.

More months go by and the Eagle Squad club mission has indeed bore fruit.  By now most of the club patrons know that the Eagle Squad are in service for GOD.  They get some respect because they don't force the gospel on anyone.  Naturally, some folks are hateful toward them, but the hatred cannot quench the glow of the glory of GOD.

One night Teddy, the bartender, walks over to the Eagle Squad in front of Love Lifted.  He shares with them that he is a backslidden Christian who is tired of his life in sin. 

They listen and converse with Teddy.  They ask him if he desires prayer. 

Teddy answers yes. 

Together they pray.

Teddy joyfully exclaims, “I clearly felt the Lord tug at my heart.”  He confidently states, “I know I’ll be back, people, in fellowship with the Lord.”

Robert shouts, “Hallelujah!”

The group praises the Lord.

Michael eagerly tells Teddy, “You are welcome to join us for services at Great Grace.”

Teddy is not ready.  “Maybe I’ll come.”

One month, as the Eagle Squad was about to leave Club Bliss, a sober Walter approaches them and apologizes for his drunken conduct that night outside the club near Love Lifted.  He tells them that he has been sober for three months. 

They congratulate Walter and warmly assure him that all is forgiven.

Michael steps forward and shares with Walter, “I was an alcoholic until JESUS saved me and made me a whole man.”

Walter looks hesitant, mumbles a few words and rushes away.  He wasn't at all feeling the episode of the CHRIST testimonial.

The group is NOT discouraged.  They keep Walter in prayer and keep to their monthly mission at Club Bliss.

A few more months went by and lo, one Sunday in church, Pedro looks up and in walks Walter with a big smile on his face and twinkles in his eyes.  And seated on the other side of the church on the center aisle is Teddy, the bartender, with his hands lifted in praise.

For weeks, Amy has been mentored by Lisa and Carla in their homes.  Praise the Lord; they succeeded in loving the hell out of her.  Subsequently, she accepted Christ as Savior. 

One Wednesday night Amy attended Great Grace Tabernacle for Bible study. 

Lisa encouraged her to sign up for the newly developed class called Eagle Squad 101.  Amy was delighted to do so.

Two Sundays in a row, Club Bliss patrons came to Great Grace.  Some became Christians and some fell away.  Those who remained got serious about GOD.  They left Club Bliss so GOD they wouldn’t miss.

They came to know and understand that CHRIST lives and glows in glory.  Now that is authentic BLISS!

As months go on, meanwhile back at the club…the Eagle Squad continues with Love Lifted…

Scriptures from the King James Bible:

The Acts 4:33
…and great grace was upon them all.

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  

Exodus 19:4
…and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

Sandra

Written Monday September 27, 2010

© Copyright 2010

NOTE: This is from the Archive Ark.  The original post dates were  September 27th and 28th of 2010.  

HAIL! THERE'S A LION IN THE LAMB





Isaiah 42:13 - KJV

The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man,
he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war:
he shall cry, yea, roar;
he shall prevail against his enemies.

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible, except 1 Corinthians 13:2, which is from the Amplified Bible.

John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Revelation 5:5
..behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda,...  

Proverbs 30:30
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

1 Corinthians 13:2 - AMP
...but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing...

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, ...

Isaiah 49:2
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword;

Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing...

Recently, our Lord emphasized to me that JESUS is a Lamb, and a Lion - both are representative of His character.  The composition of our characters should reflect the attributes of both, as well.  

Typically, in many circles, including religious ones, emphasis is placed on the lamb characteristics of JESUS.  I obtained from The New Oxford American Dictionary, Second Edition, the following definitions:

- Lamb - figurative - used as the epitome of meekness, gentleness, or innocence

- Lionhearted - brave and determined

People who desire to continue in their sin habits favor the lamb qualities of JESUS, and His followers.  Seldom do they desire the lion qualities.  The Lion roars, and is bold, brave and determined.  Many folks are just not feeling the jungle fever.  They'd rather camp in the pastures where gentleness strokes them.  In extreme, neither represents the balance of life. 

It is absolute that GOD is love.  The depth of His love motions is beyond our finite ability to comprehend.  But this much I KNOW - GOD's love is not confined to whispers, blessings, and gentle strokes.  GOD also warns, shouts, roars, and renders punishment for evil sinful actions.  He is not mocked.  If we sow to the Spirit, we reap life.  If we sow to death, that is what we reap.  To be spiritually minded is life and peace.  The proof is in the Holy Bible where we can read about the FULL gospel.  This earth is full of walking "dead" people.  We must thrive in GOD to witness life to them.  

Let's visit Luke where it describes John the Baptist.  It states in Luke 1:80 that he "was in the deserts till the day of his shewing."  When John came out of the deserts, he was not timid.  He was lionhearted.  This is just some of what he said, Luke 3:7-9, when he came out, "...O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance,...  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."

What was the response to John's fiery rhetoric?  Luke 3:10,12,14 answers that.  Verse 10, "And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?  Verse 12, Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?  Verse 14, And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?"   As we go further, we read in verse 19 that John reproved King Herod for having his brother's wife, and "for all the evils which Herod had done."  Wow!  John came out in full blast, didn't he?  His utterances sound like lion roar "speak" to me. 

Now let's visit the book of The Acts.  This is what Peter had to say to a man in The Acts 8:21,22, "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."  And in The Acts 13:10, Paul had this to say, "...O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"  When the magistrates sent to let Paul and Silas out of prison "privily," Paul spoke these words in The Acts 16:37, "...They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily, but let them come themselves and fetch us out."  What did the magistrates do?  The Acts 16:39 answers that question.  It states, "And they came and besought them, and brought them out,..."

Here I will share several of my experiences.  We need to watch the company that we keep.  Years ago, when I was backslidden, a dear Christian mentor of mine informed me that, due to my spiritual condition, she could not engage with me anymore.  As long as I was outside of our Lord's will, we couldn't be friends.  I respected her for her choice to choose GOD'S will.  Romans 16:17 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them."  I must mention here that our Lord does expect us to engage, as He leads, with those who need to be exposed to our lights for purposes of the gospel.  But we must watch to practice, as well, what it states in 1 Corinthians 5:11, "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."  

During my last shelter experience, one night I was in jungle fever mode when I was talking to some people there.  The lion in me was in motion.  Well, at one point, I said more than the Lion of Juda deemed acceptable.  As soon as I got to my assigned room, the Holy Spirit convicted me, and told me that I had to go to those people to seek forgiveness.  Immediately, I did as He instructed.  Another day, some months ago, again, I was wearing my lion's "mane," though not on a high energy level.  I was on the bus and was engaged in a pleasant conversation with a Christian woman who I had never seen before.  Before she boarded, I had been engaged in conversation with the bus driver about something.  I had disengaged with him and began to talk with her.  A few minutes later, I  resumed communication with the bus driver.  At a certain point, I got out of order in my communication with him.  The Christian woman rebuked me.  I cannot recall what she said but I do remember that it was only a few short quick words spoken with authority.  Right away, I  knew that GOD had spoke through her mouth to my ears.  Immediately, after she uttered those words of rebuke, I shifted gears and got back into holy formation.  Thank GOD for people who do lion duties.      

Last week I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes make a statement that had a profound impact on me.  He stated, "JESUS had one Judas out of 12 disciples.  Many pastors today have 11 Judas' out of 12 disciples."  Also recently I read this phrase, "...new levels of cruelty and intimidation."  When I read that, our Lord quickened my spirit.  He reminded me of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."  He also alerted me to the scripture that follows that one.  It says, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;"

Our Lord encouraged me with His truth that though evil people shall become colder and colder for their father, the devil - holy people shall become hotter and hotter for our Father, GOD, and His worthy righteous causes.  Thank you, Lord!  As I mentioned earlier this week in another post, we can be surrounded by "polar bears."  The Lion in our hearts can keep us warm, determined and assured.  The heat that burns in us will cause some of those polar bears to come in from the cold.  They will be drawn to the Son shine that glows from the SOURCE - CREATOR, Almighty GOD!

Some of us have come out of the deserts for our shewing.  Thanks be unto GOD for our seasons with Him "in the trenches."  We have no intentions of being on the ropes while Satan pummels us
with his viciousness.  No, we are not pushovers for the kingdom of darkness.  We choose not to "buy" what he is "selling."  The devil shall not bully us into submission for engagement in his dark deeds.  

Our Lord has pinned on me my revenger badge.  He has done the same for others, as well.  2 Corinthians 10:6 says, "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."  Romans 13:4 says, "...But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."  And in 1 Corinthians 4:21, Paul asks this question, "What will ye?  shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"  GOD issues His revenger badges to those who have sufficiently learned to love, and that includes love for those who oppose GOD.  But of course, we know that GOD, in His sovereignty, can use any means for His revenge purposes.  Back in the day, I rebuked people from a posture of self-righteousness.  Love was NOT in the mix.  GOD did NOT give me a revenger badge until He had humbled me.  He taught me to love to an extent that He can trust me to use said badge in holy ways.  Certainly, GOD trusts His faithful that are in every part of His blessed earth.  Life is a journey and we must continue to learn and to teach.

Of course, we all have our flesh "moments" and need to repent and forsake that which displeases our Lord.  But if we routinely walk with JESUS, He trusts us with His best.  1 Corinthians 2:14,15 says, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."

There is much that I don't understand about the matter of Lamb and Lion.  GOD "wired" some of His children to have more lamb characteristics than lion, and some to have more lion characteristics than lamb.  But I do believe that none of us should have an extreme of one or the other.  May GOD help us all to know wisely that "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1.      

As for me, our Lord has made it abundantly clear - I am, mostly, in the jungle with the rest of the feline creations.  But we deeply love those who our Lord has wired to, mostly, be in lamb mode.  Only GOD knows precisely where we all belong, and how we fit into His MASTER plan.  None of GOD's missions are in vain.  All of His followers perform vital assignments.  When our Lord "marshals His troops" there is a formidable formation against the powers of darkness.      

This is my roar out:

GOD wound us up and "jack is out of the box" to set it off in the name of JESUS!  Squeeze us and out comes JESUS juice.  This is how we roll, people.  Oh yes, this is how we roll!

2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. 

Sandra

Written Wednesday February 23, 2011 

Copyright 2012

Notes:

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OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! HOW DARE THEY THINK WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST.

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Sound and wise counsel is something that we all need.  We need to receive it and we need to give it.  But it is vital to seek our Lord for His infinite counsel.  The counsel of GOD trumps all other advice.

For the most part, from the outset, our Lord "wired" me as one who doesn't "go along to get along."  That was my M.O. in the world and it is my M.O. now as I walk with JESUS.  I have often challenged the status quo and questioned obvious abuses, especially in the area of authority.  Abuses of authority have, for as long as I can remember, deeply disturbed me.  In one of my previous places of employment, my supervisor teasingly nicknamed me D.A. - short for District Attorney.  I steadfastly hungered for justice - still do.  Our Lord has taught me more about how to feed that hunger in righteous ways.

My time spent "in the trenches" with our Lord has progressed to where He has situated me such that I am rarely fazed by what people think of me relative to my earnest aim to please our Lord.  He does lead me to seek and heed counsel but mostly, I hear directly from our Lord as to what actions to pursue.  Daily I am in His Word, and in prayer, and communion with Him.  It is in those times that I gain the bulk of my instructions and revelations from our Lord.  Sermons and Christian programs are helpful aids, as well.  I'm sure that others can relate that, often, our Lord provides confirmations, from His elected resources, of what He has shared with us.         

It can be to our detriment to heed the counsel of man above the counsel of GOD.  We can worry, "What will people think?"  What people think shouldn't intimidate us if we KNOW that we have sure directions from GOD.

We all have drama, issues and foolish actions that we engage in.  We miss the marks but praise GOD that we can repent and forsake our wicked ways and receive forgiveness from our merciful Lord.  We all have matters that we haven't conquered.  GOD knows our hearts.  He expects us to love righteousness and to hate iniquity.  When we do our best to overcome, GOD honors our steps.

We cannot afford, spiritually or otherwise, to waste energy on the foolish judgmental conduct of others.  And we don't always owe people explanations about why we obey GOD.  If our Lord leads us to explain, that is reasonable.  It helps to be mindful that those who are unrighteous in their judgments are not doing that which is acceptable to GOD.  Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."  There is no win if GOD is displeased.     

In Hosea 1:2, GOD told Hosea "Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms..."  What do you think people thought about that?

In Judges 11, Jephthah, "the son of an harlot," was "thrust out."  Later those who thrust him out called upon him to be their captain.  GOD thought enough of Jephthah to appoint him a judge.  Judge Jephthah went on to subdue the enemy.  Initially, what did people think?  They thought that Jephthah was inferior because his mother was "an harlot."  Eventually, what did people think?  He was a "mighty man of valour" who they needed to be their captain.  GOD'S thoughts always trump our thoughts.  

I once heard Pastor Fred testify that a significant financial church investment opportunity came up for a vote among him and his board members.  Pastor Fred stated that he received from our Lord a "no" on the investment opportunity.  The board majority voted yes.  Pastor shared that he didn't feel comfortable using his pastoral authority to go against the board majority so he went along with their choice.  The investment was unwise and resulted in the loss of the entire financial investment.  Pastor Fred said something like, "I had to get up BY MYSELF in front of the church body to tell them that we had lost that significant amount of money."

Years ago, I was the hold-out juror in a criminal case.  Fellow jurors became angry at me because they were ready to leave.  I believe that Mother's Day or some holiday was approaching.  I refused to cave under their anger.  It got "cold" in that room because of my hold-out status.

I informed the other jurors that, according to the judge's instructions, I wasn't convinced that I should change my position.  Further, I said that I was prepared to remain firm in my position unless evidentiary revelations and reasonable arguments were presented by them to convince otherwise.  Also, I said something like, "I plan to be here until..."  The jury foreman glumly responded, "I believe you."  By then, the room was in "freeze mode."  I was surrounded by "polar bears."  The lion in my heart kept me warm, determined, and assured.  Anyway, I cannot recall precisely, but it was at least another day or two before I was convinced.  What did the people think of me?  My choice was not "embraced."  Did I have any regrets? - Not at all.

Relative to the Little Rock Nine, in 1957, a white woman, Grace Lorch, rescued one of the Nine, Elizabeth, from an angry white mob.  Grace stepped out ALONE to help that terrified black child.  It was a dangerous act executed by a brave woman.  I have another post forthcoming that shares more about that event in history.  Did Grace wonder what people would think?  Perhaps - but we know what she did - she acted courageously, regardless of what people thought.  Also, Grace clearly had awareness that her actions could have further incited the crowd.  Her valor froze the mob, and she and Elizabeth made it safely away from there.

In Galatians 2, we read where Peter was eating with the Gentiles until his fellow Jews arrived.  Peter then withdrew and separated from the Gentiles for fear of what the Jews would think.  Galatians 2:13 says, "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;..."

When Paul saw that they "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel," he rebuked Peter "before them all."  Paul withstood Peter "to the face."   What Peter did affected others as they followed his "lead."  And certainly, those unrighteous actions affected the Gentiles from whom they withdrew.  What a mess - all because Peter and his "crew" were intimidated by what the Jews would think.  Paul took holy authority over that nonsense.  What did GOD think?  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:21.

JESUS walked on this earth in flesh form and did our Father's business.  Did he unreasonably concern himself with what people thought - above the desires of our Father?  No, our innocent Savior allowed Himself to be crucified so that we could be saved from our sins, and have life more abundantly.  What did GOD think?  "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:17.    

Sandra

Written Monday February 21, 2011    

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Please read the post directly below this one, "PART 3 - GOD'S ADVENTURE FOR ME IN CHARLESTON..."

Thank you for your indulgence.

PART 3 - GOD'S ADVENTURE FOR ME IN CHARLESTON...

Greetings -

This is Part 3.  If you are inclined to read Parts 1 and 2, please click on these two links http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/01/gods-adventure-for-me-in-charleston.html and http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/01/gods-adventure-for-me-in-charleston_17.html

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

PREFACE

2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.

Before I proceed with Part 3, it is reasonable for me to express about the receipt of government welfare assistance, housing included.  The most important thing to express here is Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  

It is clearly wrong to abuse government assistance.  The use of deceptive means to benefit from government aid is absolutely wrong.  

There are people, such as me, who legitimately need such assistance.  Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey of the 6th District of California is the first former welfare recipient in Congress (Source: The Almanac of American Politics - 2010 Edition.)    

Our Lord told me that, for years, as a taxpayer and employee, I had put into the "system."  Now was the time for the system to put into me.  Again, the government is upon HIS shoulder.  It is GOD'S government.  Everything that they give comes from GOD.  He is the SOURCE - they are the resource. 

Based on the revelations shared with me by our Lord, I haven't had one bit of shame because of my need for government aid.  My earnest aim is to please GOD in steadfast obedience to Him.  He hasn't told me how long I will live, in the natural, at poverty level.
He has assured me that I am rich in Him.  Also, our Lord did share with me that my poverty is a temporary status.  He moved me into home based business status aptly named, Solid Journey.  By faith, I believe that our Lord will use that as a means to prosper me spiritually and financially - in His due time.  In this journey, I have learned that success is pleasing GOD.  

I had worked gainfully since I was seventeen with only short bouts of unemployment - until our Lord orchestrated a job dismissal for me that subsequently led to my lengthiest unemployment period.  I sought, in earnest, for jobs.  When I lived in Florida, and didn't know better, I told a Christian woman that the Devil was keeping me from getting another job.  She said something that strongly bore witness with my spirit.  She said that it could be the Lord who was keeping me from getting a job.  She reminded me that it was the Lord who had hardened Pharaoh's heart.  She further mentioned that our Lord could be hardening the hearts of potential employers.  Her statements made a deep impact on me.  Still, I continued to seek employment because I didn't sense that our Lord desired that I discontinue my search.  But He didn't open any doors - until...  I'll share more on that on another post.

My character had been to give to others.  I wasn't of the type to ask others for financial help.  It was just not me.  When I reached a point in my life when I had to seek the help of others, my oldest sister told me that she said to her grown daughter that she knew that it "killed" me to ask for assistance.  Our Lord revealed to me that I needed to be humbled in that area so, in the journey, He arranged that I would need to ask for help.  I will share more about that later in the Tampa, Florida aspect of my journey.       

Excerpt from Part 1 of CHARLESTON...:

It gets stranger.  Jesse and I sat on that bench and talked for about an hour.  He informed me that he was waiting for the Greyhound to open the next morning, as he had plans to go to D.C.  This was about, I believe, 9:00 at night.  The station would not reopen until the following morning.  I asked Jesse if he planned to wait there until the next morning.  He responded yes.  I believed that Jesse was in a “homeless” state.  As I sat there with him, he told me spiritual things about me that the Lord had previously told me.  Jesse gave me confirmations of what the Lord had shared.  Also, he was full of the Word of GOD.  He said that he was a military vet.  I asked him his military specialty.  He responded, “Intelligence.”  I was stunned about this stranger that the Lord had sent me to “meet.”  Jesse and I were in intense communication engagement.  I had never experienced such.

Excerpt from Part 2 of CHARLESTON...:

By the end of service, Stealth Lion hadn’t returned.  When we got ready to leave in the van, he was nowhere to be found.  We had to go.  I never saw Stealth Lion again.

PART 3 BEGINS:

One day, at the Charleston motel where I was staying, I heard one of the desk clerks say loudly, purposely for me to hear, "You don't belong here."  When she said those words, it registered in my spirit.  I knew that our Lord had told me to come to Charleston but what the desk clerk said stuck with me. 

The few days that I had been in Charleston, I had met Jesse, Stealth Lion, a Christian desk clerk, a young man reading his Bible at the Greyhound, a desk clerk who agreed to allow me to pray for her, a Christian who volunteered to get me familiar with Charleston, and a man at a drugstore who was inclined to accept my prayer for him.  Also, while in Charleston, I attended a church service where the pastor confirmed that I was in the right place in our Lord.  The sermon  was precisely what was fitting for my anointed assignment designed by our Lord. 

I had phoned a shelter in Charleston and was informed by someone there that I needed some necessary official documents before I could be able to enter.  I could have phoned the necessary person to have the subject documents mailed to me but our Lord told me to go back to Washington to get what was necessary.     

While I was still in Charleston, I called one of my relatives who informed me that I had a cousin in Tampa, Florida.  Tampa is where our Lord had initially told me to go before He put me on "detour" in Charleston.  I knew that I had a cousin in Florida but now discovered that she was in Tampa.  She and I hadn't been in regular contact for years.  My relative gave me my cousin's phone number.

That Monday morning when I got to the Charleston bus station, Jesse was there!  Remember he was to have been gone to D.C. days before that Monday.  He gave me the reason why he was still there (...no need for me to go into that.)  To this day, I don't know what Jesse told me that was truth about his story, and what may have been fiction.  Perhaps it was all truth.  What I do know is that certainly there was some truth in his story, and indeed definite truth about what he shared with me that our Lord had previously shared with me.  Our Lord did use Jesse as confirmation.  For more in depth about my Jesse experiences, please link to Part 2 of this topic.

Anyway, Jesse and I rode to D.C. together and it was a fruitful journey indeed.  Most of the way, we did Bible study, and I must say, it was one of the most satisfying Bible sessions that I have ever experienced.  It was rich, people - yes, rich in satisfaction!  

When Jesse and I reached Washington, we said our good-byes.  I haven't seen or heard from him again.  Praise GOD for what He did in our brief engagement. 

There are some other Greyhound bus travel experiences that I will share on another post.

While I was in Washington for about two days, our Lord told me that I was not going back to Charleston.  He brought back to my remembrance what the desk clerk had said, "You don't belong here."  My mission in Charleston was over.  Our Lord told me to go to Tampa.  The original plan was a go.

Soon I will post about Tampa. 

Previews of the Tampa experience:

The "Christian" eye-openers.

Our Lord sends me to jail for about three days.  

Sandra

Written Sunday February 20, 2011

Copyright 2011

PART 2 - HEAVEN BOUND PAUL, AND MY "ROOTS" DISCOVERY...

Greetings -

This is Part 2.  If you didn't read Part 1, and are inclined to do so, here is the link http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/heaven-bound-paul-and-my-root-discovery.html

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Psalm 40:17
But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Last paragraphs of Part 1:

I made calls to various shelters and they stated that they didn't have vacancies.   The last shelter that I contacted, named Harriet Tubman, was the one that our Lord had for me.  What I found out later about the Harriet Tubman building made me laugh then, and causes me to smile now.  Harriet Tubman is on the campus of a former full service hospital.  I knew that, and I also knew that I was born in the subject hospital.  What I discovered one day as I sat in the hallway of the shelter was that that precise building was the OB-GYN the many years ago when I was born there!  I cracked up in laughter when another shelter resident shared the OB-GYN information with me.  Later I observed the OB-GYN signage that was still on the wall in the building.

I know that our Lord didn't allow vacancies for me at the other shelters because He specifically wanted me back where I began.  The last shelter I contacted, Harriet Tubman, was a return to my "roots!"  The full spiritual implications aren't clear to me.

PART 2 BEGINS:

My financial status qualified me to apply for Section 8 (government subsidized) housing.  I applied and was informed that the waiting list was long.  The wait could be more than two years.  I wasn't disturbed.  My joy was in our Lord and His will.  I went to Sunday school, Bible studies, and regular church services.  I never asked the Lord to deliver me from shelter living.  Instead, I prayed for His will to be done.  My contentment was in being friends with my Lord.

My private daily Bible study, praise, and worship continued in the shelter environment.  I had a Sony portable CD player that I would turn on to gospel music.  Dancing before our Lord was in that process, as well.  I danced to the Lord inside and outside the shelter, on the shelter grounds and on public space.  Hey!  In the Bible, David danced in public before the Lord - 2 Samuel 6:14-16.  His wife, Michal, "despised him in her heart."  Regardless, David let her know that He was glad to dance before Almighty GOD!   Later we learn this about Michal, "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death." - 2 Samuel 6:23.  The Bible says in Galatians 6:7, "...God is not mocked:.."  Michal mocked GOD and HE rendered her barren for life! 

One backslidden Christian shelter resident told me how she was deeply blessed, and affected as she observed me in the building dancing to the Lord.  Others called me crazy.  My response, "I'm crazy about GOD!"  His words tell us to pray, praise, worship, sing, and dance in service to Him.  That is what I do because it is gospel truth conduct.

I continued to search for work and worked with a job assistance specialist there at the shelter.  They had an excellent life skills instructor who had a superb knack for engaging participants.  Her meetings were a joy to attend.

One day, a shelter resident (I'll call her Clara), who is also a homeless advocate, informed me about a survey that was available to complete for escalated housing opportunities.  The Lord had Clara there to inform me because, often, the shelter staff was not good about sharing pertinent information with residents or they had their "favorites" who were privy to more.  The Lord told me to pursue the survey matter with staff even though before I had moved into the shelter, I had been to the appropriate government building to place my name on the list for housing.  I met with staff  management member (I'll call her Kay) and filled out the survey.

The conditions for the escalated (survey) priority housing process was that it was for those who had been chronically homeless for more than a year, and/or those with mental illness issues, "qualified"   physical infirmities and those of older age.  I didn't fit any of those criteria but was content that I had obeyed our Lord, and completed the survey.  Kay assisted me and it was done and submitted.    

Less than two weeks later, a man called me on my cell phone and told me that he was my case manager to assist me in getting my apartment unit.  I didn't get excited which rather surprised him.  I didn't get excited because so many times, in the relevant months of my life journey transition, people proved to be less than credible with their words.  In the interest of fair disclosure, "Christians" are included in the "lot."

Fast forward...

My case manager told me that there were two unit choices for me to select from for consideration.  The Lord told me which one to select.  The other city location was unfamiliar to me and I found out later that it was in a less desirable area.  But before I became aware of that, I simply obeyed our Lord.  And get this - my unit is on the same block as my previous unit where I lived with Paul for more than about seven years.  Paul is still there.  Paul is my neighbor, people!  Only GOD...

When I got my unit, to my pleasant surprise, the government sponsor had developed a program, PSH, which fully furnishes the apartment units with quality status new furniture.  In addition, they provide a $300.00 Target gift card for the purchase of household items.  And Paul was generous to give me some of what I had left there with him.  When my move to Charleston and Florida occurred, I left Paul with the fully furnished unit.  Also, a lot of my personal belongings remained there.  My family came for some things while I was in Charleston.  When I settled in, bit by bit, Paul gave me some of my "previously owned" items.  Some of it I requested and some of it, he just brought down here.  The Lord laid it on Paul's heart to give me a $100.00 "donation," and he assembled a large piece of furniture for me.  Thank GOD because furniture assembly strikes me with, "Huh?!"  Other people, including family, added helpful items, as well.  

The man who owns my four-unit building is the same man who years ago was crew chief for a home improvement project in the unit that I lived in with Paul.  He is a born-again Christian.  One born-again Christian lives downstairs from me, and across the hall, my neighbor has some awareness of Christianity.  Her mother is a member of a church that I have attended.

When I moved in, my unemployment was still in flow so I was required to pay a third of that in rent.  When no job manifested, and my unemployment expired, I reached a place where the government pays my entire rent.

I lived at Harriet Tubman for about eight months.  It is interesting that I lived (more than ten years ago) at the shelter where I met Paul for about eight months, as well.  One major difference in my two shelter experiences is that at the first shelter I went in walking with JESUS, and left backslidden with Paul.  This time, I went in on fire for GOD, and left on fire for GOD!  I will write more later, on another post, about my shelter experiences. 

For many years, writing has been a passion of mine.  Both of my parents were writers.  GOD put it in our blood line.  My writing has been published in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet.  Publication of my writing began somewhere back in the 90's.  Payment was never offered, and my love of it didn't give me cause for concern that I never got paid to write.  Also, I had my "good government" job so monetary compensation for writing wasn't a need or desire.  I did it for love - until our Lord told me that He desired that I stop giving away all of my writing.  Also, years ago, some people had told me, family included, that I should pursue writing for some monetary compensation.  

The Lord pressed upon me to pursue a home-based business as a writer, editor, and consultant.  My savings had, for the most part, been exhausted and my unemployment compensation had, by then, expired.  I wasn't worried about the fee, in excess of $400.00, that I needed to become licensed.  GOD told me to do it and He is the SOURCE and PROVIDER.  Recently, I heard a Christian say, "The Lord does NOT order anything that He does NOT pay for."  Also, recently, I heard another Christian say something like, "If it's GOD's choice, He'll pay the invoice."  

Who did the Lord send to my rescue?  One of my sisters provided generously from her heart.  I didn't ask her.  Obviously, the Lord told her to finance my fee costs.  She had told me that she was tired of me writing entirely without compensation.  She voluntarily paid the entire fee, in excess of $400.00!  I cooked, and invited her to a thank you dinner.  

So people, thanks be unto GOD for favor.  I am official as President of Solid Journey.  Praise God that He sent me clients who were fully satisfied.  I received glowing letters of reference, and a number of referrals.  At present, finances are slim but faith is high.  For those who are so inclined, here are the links to Solid Journey
business concerns, http://www.solidjourney.webs.com/ and http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/.

Excerpt from above:

The conditions for the escalated (survey) priority housing process was that it was for those who had been chronically homeless for more than a year, and/or those with mental illness issues, "qualified" physical infirmities and those of older age.  I didn't fit any of those criteria but was content that I had obeyed our Lord, and completed the survey.  Kay assisted me and it was done and submitted.

Note: The excerpt shown above is to remind that I didn't meet any of the criteria for escalated housing assistance.  I found out just a few months ago, from one of the facilitators of the program, that the reason I was moved in so fast is because Kay had checked the mentally ill block on the survey for me.  Some of the people at the shelter did call me crazy.  And some folks still believe that I'm crazy.  Again, my response, "I'm crazy about GOD." 

Kay is staff management.  She marked me as mentally ill, I guess, because of me publicly dancing and praising the Lord on the regular there at the shelter.  The bottom line was that she/they wanted me up out of there.  When the facilitator told me how I got escalated, I roared with laughter.  Do you think that GOD laughed, too?

Note: My next post will pick up from my Part 2 - Charleston, South Carolina adventure,
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/01/gods-adventure-for-me-in-charleston_17.html and move into my adventure in Tampa, Florida, including when our Lord sent me to jail for about three days. 

Sandra

Written Thursday February 17, 2011

Copyright 2011     

HEAVEN BOUND PAUL, AND MY "ROOT" DISCOVERY...

Greetings -

After the Paul, Dee and me drama, some months later, Paul got seriously ill.  He was living elsewhere with a platonic female acquaintance in much less than ideal conditions.  I continued to reside at the apartment unit that Paul and I had moved into after our departure from the shelter.

Paul became so ill that by the time he went to the emergency room for treatment, his condition was dire and they kept him.  Only GOD kept Paul alive.  My heart went out to him.  We remained in deep care for one another.   After Dee, Paul didn't get another steady girlfriend, and to date, he still hasn't engaged in another committed relationship.  It has been more than five years.  That is unusual for him, but GOD...

Anyhow, I felt led of our Lord to invite Paul to move in with me as a roommate.  People would believe otherwise, but I knew that our Lord told me to do it, mainly because of Paul's health.  All of his family is in Connecticut. 

I have no romantic inclinations relative to Paul.  He is, in my heart, a family member.  We do not now live together nor do we communicate frequently because he is not walking with our Lord.  But when our Lord leads me, I phone him and on occasion, he phones me.  Paul is not particularly receptive to hearing about our Lord, and eventually the Lord told me to stop preaching to Paul.  The Lord told me that I can feed him on occasion so when I cook, he comes to get a plate sometimes.  Every now and then, the Lord will release me to discuss the gospel with Paul but only in brief comments.  There are "moments" when Paul is receptive.  

Over the years, on numerous occasions, the Lord has promised me that Paul shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.  The Lord also told me that Paul shall preach.  I don't get the sense that it will be in a pulpit setting.  I told Paul.  And imagine my surprise when PMQ commented here on February 9th under the post topic, "Part 4 - ...HE LEFT ME AND MOVED IN WITH THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR..."  PMQ commented, "...I surmise that Paul became a Pastor?"  PMQ had no idea that I had been told by our Lord more than a year ago that Paul would preach.  I later shared that with Paul and asked him if he remembered the time that I told him that he was going to preach.  He stated that he remembered.   

Paul even told me one day that he knows that GOD will get him in right relationship with HIM.  Paul shared with me some months ago that when he was about fourteen, he was in church on the regular and that he got "happy" in the Lord.  All the years that I was with Paul, I never knew about that.  I thought that he had had his first real church experiences when he attended church during my time with him when I was backslidden. 

I had a dream last year that Paul and I were in the same church service seated in different areas.  In the dream, Paul got happy in the Lord and was sincerely into the service.  I phoned and told Paul about the dream.  He didn't give much of a response, but we know that our Lord does things in hearts that we don't know.  I hold onto the promise that our Lord gave me that Paul shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.    

Back tracking...

Initially, Paul refused my offer to move in as my roommate.  Some weeks later he returned to the unit.  He lived in one room and I lived in another.  This went on for about two years.  We both continued in our government jobs - until, after more than five years,
my term was not renewed. 

I was out of a job - me, one of the employees who had received a "Customer Service Excellence Award" from Mayor Williams, written and verbal commendations from citizens, and numerous written commendations from management.  How could that be?!  I was in league with our Lord, and daily in His Word, and in prayer.

The situation rocked me hugely.  My depression was major.  For more in detail about that season, please click the link here
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/01/bonus-in-pink.html.  It tells of the love and power of our Lord in my deliverance from the pain of the transition.  Deep gratitude is what I now have for that journey.

Thanks be unto GOD for His gentle and tender care during that season of despair.  There were days that I was so pained that all I could do was whisper, "JESUS."  For weeks I went through motions in a detached frame of heart and mind.  

I clearly remember how our Lord told me that He was not expecting me to be strong in Him but to trust Him - day by day.  Our Lord didn't ask much of me except to hold on to Him and to trust Him.  GOD knew that I didn't have much to give Him.  He so lovingly understood, and assured me that He did.

Paul helped as he could but as one who was not walking with GOD, he was limited.  My grief was prolonged.  Paul expressed to me his inability to understand as he had always known me to be "strong" (for the most part) and driven.  He couldn't comprehend the deflated, shell of a person, Sandra.        

For awhile, I wouldn't even go outside.  Eventually, our Lord strengthened me.  He gave my "wind" back to me, people.  As I write this, I cry with gratitude because only GOD knows how He brought me back to life.  Glory to His awesome name!  NOBODY can convince me that GOD is not a soul restorer, a heart healer, a mind renewer, and a very present help in times of trouble.  Many of you have your stories that surely attest to what GOD can do!  Yes, indeed, His goodness and mercy follows... - Psalm 23:6.

After awhile, our Lord sent me to Charleston, South Carolina.  If you are inclined to read details about that, please click on this link http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/01/gods-adventure-for-me-in-charleston.html.  After Charleston, I was led to Tampa, Florida (I will write more about Florida on another post soon.)

After Florida, I detoured again to the house of one of my sisters.  Again, suffice it to say that her husband and I did not "gel."  My job searches didn't result in work.  Unemployment compensation was my source of income.  It wasn't enough for independent living so off I went again to shelter dwelling.  I wasn't depressed, as our Lord had strengthened me and given me firm confidence in Him.  He always has a MASTER plan. 

I made calls to various shelters and they stated that they didn't have vacancies.  The last shelter that I contacted, named Harriet Tubman, was the one that our Lord had for me.  What I found out later about the Harriet Tubman building made me laugh then, and causes me to smile now.  Harriet Tubman is on the campus of a former full service hospital.  I knew that, and I also knew that I was born in the subject hospital.  What I discovered one day as I sat in the hallway of the shelter was that that precise building was the OB-GYN the many years ago when I was born there!  I cracked up in laughter when another shelter resident shared the OB-GYN information with me.  Later I observed the OB-GYN signage that was still on the wall in the building.  

I know that our Lord didn't allow vacancies for me at the other shelters because He specifically wanted me back where I began.  The last shelter I contacted, Harriet Tubman, was a return to my "roots!"  The full spiritual implications are not clear to me.    

To be continued...

Sandra

Written Wednesday February 16, 2011

Copyright 2011

Below are links to the four part post titled, "...HE LEFT ME AND MOVED IN WITH THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR..."

Part 1 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/he-left-me-and-moved-in-with-woman-next.html

Part 2 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-2-of-he-left-me-and-moved-in-with.html

Part 3 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-3-he-left-me-and-moved-in-with.html

Part 4 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-4-he-left-me-and-moved-in-with.html

CREATURE URGES

Greetings -

This is fiction.

Jasper, a white Persian house cat is delighted to have faithfully received loving care and adoration from Melody, his owner.

Melody is a tall stunning red head with a contagious laugh.  She is single and works as a caretaker contractor for Jubilee Charter.  A few months ago, she moved to Bishop, Kansas, away from her family and friends in Pasture, Ohio.  She is grateful for her friendly neighbors, Charlie and Agnes Weston.  They have been especially kind to her.

Jasper has a grand idea to surprise Melody with an event of appreciation to express gratitude for the years of fine goodness extended from her generous heart.  Jasper has a network of feline and dog friends.  He taps into his resource pool to enlist two of his most devoted friends for this happy caper.  Those friends are Winner, a tan feisty collie, and Lady, a black Bombay cat with piercing green eyes and a penchant for playfulness.  They live across the street with their owners, the Weston’s.

Jasper goes through his cat door on over to visit Winner and Lady.  He spots them sunning on the deck.

Lady is sprawled comfortably near the elm tree while Winner is perched on the deck ledge.

Lady yawns and stretches.  “Here comes Jasper,” she meows to Winner.

Winner looks up and barks his welcome to Jasper.

“Hi ya’ll,” greets Jasper.

“What’s up, friend,” barks Winner.

Jasper shares his plan to surprise Melody.

Winner and Lady agree that they are in.

“Let’s get this party started,” exclaims Lady with feline glee.

Together the trio excitedly makes plans.

Of course, human involvement is necessary to pull off this caper.

The friends agree that the Weston’s will be inclined to get in motion to bring this surprise plan to a place of reality.

Later, Charlie comes to the kitchen and finds a note on the fridge.  It says, “Get gifts, food, drinks, and music for Melody’s Saturday surprise event.”

Lady saunters into the kitchen.

Charlie catches her piercing eyes.

Winner enters, hangs back, and eagerly wags his tail.

Lady rubs on Charlie’s pants leg.

Charlie is overcome with a strong urge.  He sits down and writes what to purchase for Melody’s event.

Agnes enters the kitchen.  “What are you doing,” she asks.

“I got your note from the fridge.  I am writing what to buy.”

“What note?  I didn’t leave a note on the fridge.”

He shows her the note.

“Charlie, I did not leave that note.”

Gleefully, the "agents," their two furry creatures, exchange secret looks.

Charlie and Agnes are both beyond quizzical.  Mysteriously, together they feel a strong urge to go shopping for Melody’s event.  As they proceed to exit their home, Winner and Lady stand near the front door.

The Weston’s feel a strong urge to take their precious creatures along for the ride.

Winner and Lady joyfully leap in the van.

Meanwhile, Melody grows homesick.  She phones her mom, Lillian.

Lillian answers.

“Hi Mom.”

“Hi sweetheart, how are you?”

“A little homesick.”

“We miss you too, sweetheart.”

Melody knew that the sound of Lillian’s voice would lift her up.

They talk awhile longer.

“I’m so glad I called you, mom.  I feel so much better.”

“The best is yet to come, Melody.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have this strong urge to tell you that a pleasant surprise is in your very near future.”

Melody laughs – “O mom.”

“Really, Melody – it is a strong urge.”

Melody smiles.  “Thank you, mom for the love and encouragement.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.  We’ll talk soon.”

Jasper appears.  He jumps on Melody’s lap.

Melody thinks, This cat has been such a comfort to me.  I cherish Jasper – his love is so real.

Jasper purrs.

It is Saturday afternoon.

The door bell rings at Melody’s home.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Charlie and Agnes,” Charlie responds.

Melody opens the door to the Weston’s who stand there beaming, laden with food, drinks, and gifts.

Alongside them are Winner and Lady who rush in to greet Melody and Jasper who is happily in place.

“Agnes exclaims, “Surprise, Melody, all this is for an appreciation event for you.”

Melody is visibly moved by the thoughtfulness of her kind neighbors.  “My mom just told me yesterday that she had a strong urge that the best was yet to come.  Now here you are today with these surprises for me.”

Charlie and Agnes look slightly startled as they recall their recent strong urges to surprise Melody.  They look at each other after Melody shares of her mother’s strong urge.  They share with Melody their odd urges as they came together to get her event done.

There is a pause.

They all look up – heavenward.

They are thankful.

The three creature friends, Lady, Jasper, and Winner exchange satisfied looks.

The “party” gets started.  The first song they play is “Walking in Sunshine.”

Much fun is had by all.

The Weston’s had a strong urge to buy gourmet pet food for the precious furry creatures.

Lady, Jasper, and Winner indulge with pleasure.

The creatures resourcefully heard and obeyed – the urges - which led to the transmission of the urges to Charlie and Agnes who followed the urges all the way to completion at the home of Melody where they all joined to enjoy.

How about those strong urges?!

Sandra

© Copyright 2010

Wednesday May 5, 2010

NOTE: This piece is from the ARCHIVE ARK - a blast from the past.

EVERY DAY IS LOVE DAY



LOVE

Greetings -

Happy Valentine's Day

Every day is LOVE Day!

Scripture from the King James Bible:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.


FAITH


Scriptures from the Amplified Bible:

1 Corinthians 13:1, 2

If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).

1 Corinthians 13:13
And so faith, hope, love abide [faith-conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope-joyful and confident expection of eternal salvation; love-true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. 


HOPE

BEE IN CENTER OF FLOWER
REPRESENTATIVE OF GOD
AS THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES


Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for being the PREMIER LOVER of our souls.  We so appreciate Your heartbeats.  Please help us to steadfastly love YOU as our FIRST LOVE, and to love others as Your precious Word so righteously commands.  And give us particular grace, and compassion to love those who oppose the gospel of the kingdom of GOD. 

Thank you, Lord - Amen

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2010/2011

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

This is fiction with true realities:

Pep woke up this morning with Dove on his mind.  He did a Bounce out of bed and followed his Joy to his daily dose of Purex, the Word of GOD.  Pep got enough Gain and proceeded to go on with his day.

Pep got out the Mr. Clean and that reminded him of the marvelous holiness of the Son.  Pep made anew a Pledge to serve only GOD.  Pep knows that he needs to Safeguard his soul.  He knows that Satan has him on Scope but Pep is contained in the Ivory tower of pure power.  Hallelujah!  Pep has prospered from his
Miracle-Gro. 

Satan has a stockpile of Downy but Pep determines to ride this righteous Crest all the way through eternity.  He uses his Wisk, and keeps on trekking for JESUS.

Pep steps outside and a Comet streaks through the sky.  It gives him a Fantastic soul boost.  Yeh!  The Tide has risen.  No way will Pep keep this a Secret.

Pep yells loudly, "JESUS is the resurrection, the way, the truth, and the life!  And He is the Captain in the Crunch."

Pep feels a sponge coming on - time for him to go soak in GOD'S Word - the PREMIER BRAND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT of all!      

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  

The Acts 16:15
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.  And she constrained us.