HAPPY Birthday

Orchids
at the National Arboretum
in Washington, DC

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Tomorrow is my birthday.  Here is a bit of info about me:

- Birth weight - 9 lb. 12 oz.

- Sandra - derived from Alexander - means "defending men" - to defend, help/protector

- Middle name - Renee - derived from Renatus - means "born again," reborn

- Mother's name - Helen - means "torch"

- Great grandfather was a Cuban

- Blackfoot Indian in family "tree" 

Yesterday, our Lord gave me, from His Word, the theme word "HAPPY" as pertains to my birthday this year.

Here I share the "HAPPY" scriptures that He provided:

The Acts 26:2
I think myself happy,...

James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure....

Psalm 144:15
Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. 

Psalm 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Psalm 146:5
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

1 Peter 3:14
But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror neither be troubled;

1 Peter 4:14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 

Prayer for April 30th birthday folks:

Thank You, Lord, for your precious gift of another birthday.  My wish is that I become increasingly holy in accordance with 2 Corinthians 7:1, which states, "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  

Most high GOD, please save us from sinful habits, and from being earth focused.  Please teach us how to set our affections on things above where Christ sits on Your right hand - Colossians 3:1,2.  Teach us how to love and to cheerfully share.  Help us to yield to You in all of our affairs so that we can successfully stand against the wiles of the devil - Ephesians 6.  We need to steadfastly use the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  Teach us, please, how to walk in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16 - so that we can please You, and enter Your kingdom to hear You say, "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant:...enter thou into the joy of thy lord." - Matthew 25:21  

Thank You, Lord - Amen.

Note: For those who are inclined, please share your birthday month and day.  I would love to wish you a HAPPY Birthday!  Thank you.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY?

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Samuel 15:24
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Yesterday evening I watched a Christian program where a well-known pastor spoke some particular words.  What he said concerned me.  As I listened to him, I asked our Lord whether that pastor's spoken words were for me to heed relative to my ministry style.

Our Lord assured me that those particular words didn't apply to me.  There were things that the subject pastor spoke that did apply to me.  But our Lord was sure to make clear to me that not all that he expressed applied to me.

This morning I asked our Lord again about the matter.  It is important to examine ourselves to be sure that we are in league with our Lord.  My request of our Lord this a.m. was that He please reveal to me any areas in which I'm not in conformance with His Word.  Glory to GOD, not only did He assure me that all is well but He gave me numerous scriptures to evidence that all is well.  Thank you, Lord!

We all have ministries.  Our Lord has given each of us unique styles in which to glorify Him.  I admire the anointed styles of other Christians but it is vital that I be in my element as designed by our Lord for me.  I don't want to be like any other anointed Christian.  Our Lord has given us our own unique anointed ministry styles.  That is the case for all who are truth walkers in the kingdom of GOD.   

In the Holy Bible, we read of the various ministry styles.  There was only one Peter, John the Baptist, Elijah, Moses, Abraham and on and on it goes.  They each had specific assignments and our Lord "wired" them precisely to correspond with their ministry appointments.  In our times, our Lord has specific Christians who minister about the abortion issue, the same-sex marriage issue, and youth issues, etc.  Clearly, our Lord has NOT called me to those ministries, and, accordingly, I don't involve myself with them.  There is a saying, "Some were called, some were sent, and some just went."  We need to know what our Lord has specifically called us to do - stay in our lanes - wisely use our unique GOD given talents and refuse to allow others to define our holy missions.  
What is my job description as written with the holy hand of GOD?!

I firmly believe in sharing advice with others and being receptive to advice that is shared with me.  Sound advice can come from saints and sinners.  Also, unwise advice can come from saints and sinners.  There are instances when people offer well meaning advice but it is wrong for us to accept.  Then there are instances when people have wrong intentions/motives and are inclined to lead us wrong.  An example that readily comes to mind is Jim Jones who had his followers to drink poison liquid.  If those people had been following JESUS instead of Jim Jones, they would not have left the U.S. with Jim Jones and been deceived by that false prophet.  John 10:27 states, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

It isn't sensible to be resistant to all advice nor is it sensible to accept all advice - no matter who it comes from.  Satan will use anyone to attempt to deceive us, including fellow members of the body of Christ.   I was in a Christian bookstore once and the owner was urging me to make a particular purchase.  Our Lord told me NOT to make said purchase.  The owner persisted in his aim to have me to buy the product.  I obeyed our Lord and didn't make the purchase.  The owner registered a look of displeasure.  Certainly, I love him but He is not my GOD. 

Satan can be successful in his deceptive practices when we fail to consult our Lord who is the only SOURCE of correct advice - all else is resource related.  Yes, our Lord does use people to give and receive Words from Him, but we have a duty to consult GOD for confirmations and proof.  Sometimes when people give us information, it confirms what our Lord has already shared with us.  When all is said and done, our intimacy with our Lord is what we should consistently depend on for full gospel truth.  

Regularly, when I give people in my life Words, for them, from our Lord, I tell them to try the spirits, and to seek our Lord as to whether I'm right or whether I'm wrong in what has been expressed.  And I share with them that the ONLY ONE WHO IS NEVER WRONG IS GOD.    

Joshua 9 gives an account of GOD's people being deceived because they didn't consult the Lord.  Joshua 9:14 states, "And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.

We need to regularly ask, "What does GOD say?"

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Sandra

Written Wednesday April 27, 2011

Copyright 2011 

PART 7 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

This is Part 7.  Here is the link to Part 6 http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/part-6-tampa-times.html

Last paragraph from Part 6:

One of the officers placed me in the rear of the police car.  The other officer left the scene.  Just prior to being driven off to jail, all of a sudden, the Holy Spirit came mightily upon me.  Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me..."  I began to joyously sob and praise the Lord.  I was overcome in the Spirit.  I prayed, sang, quoted scriptures from the King James Bible, and praised our Lord for more than 25 minutes - all the way to jail!

PART 7 BEGINS:

Our Lord kept me in jail for about three days.  I went in on RESURRECTION SUNDAY and three days later - I was resurrected!

Hosea 6:2,3
...in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live...

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord:

The Acts 16:25
...Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Soon I will share more in detail about Part 7.

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!  CHRIST LIVES FOREVER!  GLORY TO HIS AWESOME NAME!   THERE IS POWER IN HIS NAME AND IN HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD.

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Note: Please click on the link below to view photos that I added on Good Friday and tonight.

http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your indulgence.

Sandra

Written Saturday April 23, 2011

NOTICE - REQUEST FOR FURTHER INDULGENCE

Greetings -

Please read the revisions to the topic that I posted yesterday, "PART 6 - THE TAMPA TIMES."  Two paragraphs there have additional word content.  Please note the revisions in -

The paragaph that begins, "The officers knew..."

The paragraph that begins, "On that RESURRECTION SUNDAY, my gratitude for our Lord heightened..."

Thank you for your consideration and indulgence.

PART 7 will be posted soon.

PART 6 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

This is Part 6.  Here is the link to Part 5 http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/part-5-tampa-times.html

Last paragraph from Part 5:

Before I moved from Doris', I had obtained a job as a telemarketer.  I worked there, and so disliked it that one day, I said to our Lord, "Lord, please get me out of here."  It wouldn't have been decent and in order for me to quit because I needed a job and nothing else had developed.  While I was there, I performed the best that I could but it, frankly, wasn't a good fit.  Well, after about a week, our Lord did get me out of there.  I went to jail.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

One RESURRECTION SUNDAY (Easter) day I went to the neighborhood Wendy's where, again, the customer service was poor.  Many people know, as I do, that customer service has considerably declined.  What makes it more poor is that now, in too many instances, managers behave just as poorly, if not more poorly, than those who they are charged to manage.  My experience has been that some managers have the title but not the managerial skills.  There are instances when they are not professional, personable, or competent.  Frankly, numerous unpleasant attitudes abound in customer service positions.  Overall, bad attitudes have increasingly become the case in much of society.  That said - whatever it is - it is NOT bigger than GOD.  The joy of the Lord continues to thrive in the souls of the righteous - Hallelujah!       

In the next paragraph, I will resume with THE TAMPA TIMES, but pause here to share a good report.  Last year, here in D.C., I encountered a young store manager who was superb.  It was so surprising because of his youth.  In this particular situation, a complaint had been addressed to the manager.  With admiration, I witnessed that young manager impressively manage the matter with professionalism, firmness, efficiency and effectiveness.  He controlled the entire situation.  His attitude and actions rendered me deeply affected by his managerial skills.   I shared with him how impressed I was with his conduct, and that I would contact the appropriate store office to commend him.  That same day I reached a store representative to express my profound appreciation for that manager and his superb skills.     

At the Tampa neighborhood Wendy's that particular day, I expressed concern to an employee about her poor customer service attitude.  She became belligerent.  A manager was present; he did nothing to reprimand the employee.  One thing led to another.  The manager threatened to call the police if I didn't leave.  I had not done anything wrong.  I was led of our Lord to remain there to wait for the police.  Some readers may believe that I should have just left to prevent more drama.  Our Lord told me to stay there.  I obeyed.

Two policewomen arrived.  They spoke to me and the manager.  His request to them was that I leave and not return there again.  I left with the officers and was instructed by them not to re-enter the store.  That Wendy's is located in an area that is situated very near other retail establishments.  There is a parking lot area there that is shared by Wendy's and the other establishments. 

Once I left the police officers, I walked over to a nearby bench and spent some time there.  The officers had not yet left the scene.  The police cars were parked in the parking lot.  As I walked to go home, I did as I usually did - cut through the shared parking lot to go home.  When I did that, the officers arrested me.  I asked them why because I hadn't disobeyed their request not to re-enter the store.  One of the officers informed me that I had walked on Wendy's property, the parking lot.  I informed the officers that they didn't tell me that I couldn't walk in the parking lot.  What they told me was that I was not to re-enter the store.  And I didn't even know that I was on Wendy's property in the parking lot.  The parking lot is shared.  How was I to know what part of the lot was the property of Wendy's?  

The officers knew that they had only informed me not to re-enter the store.  Regardless, they arrested me.  It was RESURRECTION SUNDAY in broad daylight.  There were numerous witnesses to this drama.  GOD showed on!  Glory to Him that I was in "whole  armour" mode, as instructed in Ephesians 6.  Verse 11 says, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  And I had oil in my lamp as instructed in Matthew 25.  Verse 2-4 says, "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps." 

On that RESURRECTION SUNDAY, my gratitude to our Lord was heightened because He had, numerous months prior, again stressed to me how important it is for me to memorize scriptures from the King James Bible.  How glad I am for my obedience to our Lord because on the day of my arrest, I  had plenty of KJV scriptures memorized and stored in my spiritual arsenal.  Those memorized scriptures were plentifully used during this drama.  Throughout the Bible, we are told to be ready because we don't always know what events are coming or when.  As the officer handcuffed me, I was spiritually ready.  I began to loudly praise the Lord and to sing to His glory.  Glory to GOD, I had no shame.

One of the officers placed me in the rear of the police car.  The other officer left the scene.  Just prior to being driven off to jail, all of a sudden, the Holy Spirit came mightily upon me.  Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me..."  I began to joyously sob and praise the Lord.  I was overcome in the Spirit.  I prayed, sang, quoted scriptures from the King James Bible,  and praised our Lord for more than 25 minutes -  all the way to jail!

To be continued 

NOTE: Please click on the link below to view photos.  Thank you for your indulgence.
http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/

Sandra

Written Friday April 22, 2011

Good Friday

Copyright 2011

FIRE WORKS NOTICE

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

1 Kings 18:38, 39
Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.

Greetings -

This post is inspired by Susie at http://lonely101.blogspot.com/.
Today I read a post on her blog titled, "The Old Paths." In the subject post Susie asks, "Why has the fire stopped?" 

I wonder how much we Christians are responsible for much of the cease fire and low burns.

After I finished reading the subject post on Susie's blog, I commented there about the fire matter, and informed that I would do a post.  I didn't know that it would be today as I had already posted a topic today.  Our Lord, though, quickened me to write it today.  This is what He spoke:

"Some have asked, 'Where is the fire?' 

"I AM the fire.  Hebrews 12:29 says, 'For our God is a consuming fire.' 

"Stoke your furnaces, and add solid fuel.  Blaze for Me.  Inspire Me.  Motivate Me -with your holiness.  Many say, 'God bless you.'  I say to more, 'Bless GOD.'  Seek more of My face and less from My hands.       

"Who is ready for My Holy Spirit fire that is poised to launch in blazing explosive glory?  Now is the time to gird up for the set time is now.   For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry - Habakkuk 2:3.

"Remember the ten virgins described in My gospel of Matthew.  It says in Matthew 25:2-4, 'And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.'
Exodus 32:26 asks, 'Who is on the Lord's side?'  1 Kings 18:21 says, '...How long halt ye between two opinions?  if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.'

"My eyes are upon all the earth.  Revelation 19:12,13 says, 'His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns;...  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.' 

"Right now I have people at the ready for My Holy Ghost fire revolution.  More are assigned to join.  I AM a pure holy fire that cannot be quenched.  Come blaze with Me - in holiness - forever!"

Isaiah 24:15
Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires, even the name of the Lord God of Israel...

Hebrews 1:7
..and his ministers a flame of fire.

Revelation 11:5
...fire proceedeth out of their mouth,...

Luke 12:35
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Ezekiel 37:10
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

1 Chronicles 12:8
...men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions,... 

Joel 2:3,5,7
A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth:...

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

Joel 2:11
And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Joel 3:16
The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 

PRAYER:

Glorious and holy Father, please help us to steadfastly be fully armored with what Your Word commands in Ephesians 6.  We need to be vessels of honor who live holy - otherwise we cannot be of the camp that is in league with You to generate Holy Spirit fireworks.      

You command us to be doers of Your Word.  Our beloved COMMANDER IN CHIEF, we report to You for orders and for Your divine guidance.  You never lead us wrong.  Let us continue, please, to abide under Your shadow, Almighty ONE.

Thank You, Lord - Amen .

Sandra

Written Monday April 18, 2011

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

WHO WILL CELEBRATE WITH ME?

Greetings -

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Sandra

Crowned in our
 LORD'S
gray glory

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Today our Lord gave me these definitions for those of us, in His body, who have matured in age:

1.) Wrinkles = Life paths

Psalm 23:3
...he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Also, wrinkles = Life maps

2.) Gray hair strands = glory crowns

Psalm 8:5
...and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

3.) The things on us that have "gone south" = southern hospitality

Song of Solomon 4:16
Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

The words "old age" are NOT, necessarily, bad terms - not according to GOD'S Word, the Holy Bible.  Isaiah 53:1 asks, "Who hath believed our report?..."

And remember that GOD is old, young, and
middle-aged.  We, His people, all gloriously fit.  Let us sing, rejoice, and celebrate, and do as instructed in Philippians 4:11, "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Well, I hope that you enjoyed my "southern" hospitality (laugh).

Sandra

Written Monday April 18, 2011

PART 5 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

This is Part 5 of "THE TAMPA TIMES."  Below are the links to the parts that preceded this one.

BEFORE TAMPA - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/before-tampa.html 

PART 1 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times.html

PART 2 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times-does-anybody-feel-me-on.html

PART 3 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/part-3-tampa-times.html

PART 4 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/part-4-tampa-times-and-public-praise.html

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

PART 5 BEGINS:

As mentioned in previous parts, I had seven days to find somewhere else to live - more on that a bit later.

My short time in Tampa, I had visited some churches.  At one church on a Sunday, as I sat in the sanctuary, the Holy Spirit so powerfully moved within me that I sat sobbing in joy and gratitude.  Then I went to my knees in worship and adoration to our Lord.  Visibly affected by the move of the Holy Spirit upon me, one of the church members came over to where I was in the sanctuary.  He asked something like "How did you learn to praise the Lord like that?!"  I forgot what I responded. 

On another Sunday, at the same church, a member walked up to me and discreetly placed money in my hand.  I graciously thanked him.

I visited another church that had anointed services and was regularly packed to capacity on Sundays.  And even on Wednesday Bible study nights, it was regularly well attended.  It was the first church that I had attended where the teacher/pastor was so anointed in holiness that people joyously shouted at Bible study.  My experience had been more sedate Bible studies.  The ones at this church were lively and anointed!  

In my various church visits, I had met and engaged with some church members.  I also met a Christian crossing guard who worked down the street from the boarding house where I lived.  It was to those few people that our Lord led me when I was faced with the urgency to move from the boarding house in seven days.

I had few options as I was still on a job search and collecting unemployment compensation.  Most property owners won't rent to applicants in such circumstances.  I wasn't worried though because I knew that our Lord had sent me to Tampa.  His word says in Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Our Lord had arranged for me to have three options.  Below only one real name is used, and that is Tabitha. 

Here are the options:

1.) Move in with Gail, who offered to rent me, in her apartment, her bedroom.  She would move into her living room.  That didn't appeal to me as I didn't want her to give up her bedroom.  She persisted and offered that I come to visit to decide.  One advantage was that she lived close to where I could conveniently get around on public transportation to job search. 

I had met Gail at the Wendy's where she worked.  She invited me to her church; that is the one that has the lively and anointed services.

Prior to this place-to-stay situation, one day, Gail had let me know that she was still in to fornication.  That deeply bothered me relative to living with her.  Our Lord hadn't given a clear answer about the living arrangement option - but I know His Word! 

Anyhow, I went over to Gail's place.  While there, my spirit became grieved.  It was now clear that I couldn't live there.  I didn't tell Gail that day.

2.) Lillian, an elderly retired lady who had an empty bedroom.  She offered that to me at a price that I could afford.  She attended the same church as Gail.  The concern was that she lived a good distance away with very limited public transportation options.

3.) Tabitha's recommendation, Doris.  I mentioned Tabitha in a previous post titled, "PUBLIC PRAISE - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html.
This is an excerpt from that post relative to Tabitha: "Tabitha and I began a rich friendship. We met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord."

Tabitha and Doris attended the same church.  I'm keeping it real here people - Doris had a cold spirit and I wasn't at all inclined to live with her.  She lived across the street from the boarding house.  Later...Tabitha told me that she knew about Doris' cold demeanor but didn't feel inclined to share that with me.  I guess because she knew that I urgently needed somewhere to live.

Tabitha gave me Doris' number.  I phoned her to inquire.  Her coldness was palpable.  She informed me, with reluctance in her voice, that I could stay there.  I thanked her.  When I got off the phone I pretty much told the Lord that I didn't want to stay there.

The next day I told Gail that my decision was not to stay at her place.  I again considered Lillian but couldn't get around the lack of transportation options - sigh.

Our Lord told me to call Doris again, and this time, to arrange a visit.  I reluctantly did as He instructed.  Doris and I talked and I informed her about the coldness matter and that I felt no Christian love from her.  She expressed shock.  She was slightly friendlier as we talked and I felt somewhat better.  She agreed to charge me a reasonable fee to rent there.  

Our Lord led me to volunteer once a week at a place called, The Trinity Cafe, a faith-based program that daily feeds the needy.  I love their program.  They feed the needy on tables with tablecloths, flower vase centerpieces and with real dishes and silverware (no plastic and paper).  And they have server volunteers to serve the guests just as happens in some restaurants.  I was a server and donned my apron and pleasantly said to the guests, "Welcome to The Trinity Cafe."  The cafe operators encourage the volunteer servers and staff members to engage the guests with small talk.  I didn't need such encouragement (smiles) but was pleased to know that they encourage it.

We, volunteers and staff members, prayed in a circle before the guests arrived.  The manager, a Christian backslider, asked me to pray one day.  I prayed a prayer that was less than a couple of minutes long.  Later on another day, an elderly Jewish volunteer told the manager not to let me pray because I prayed too long.  I went home and our Lord led me to this scripture in Luke 6:11 - KJV, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."  After assurances from our Lord, I didn't believe that my prayers were too long.  They were typically less than a couple of minutes in length.  Later one of the chief operators shared with me that the Jewish volunteer and his wife, also a volunteer there, had received complaints about their abrasive attitudes; she stated, though, that they faithfully came to volunteer.

The chief operators of the program are a husband and wife team.  The wife, I'll call her Dana, came to me one day and stated that another Christian volunteer had said to her, about me, that she had never met a Christian so enthusiastic about God.  Dana commended my enthusiasm.  One day, she shared with me that her daughter was soon to go on a missionary assignment to another country.  Our Lord led me to pray with her and to give her some scriptural content.  She cried in relief from the words of comfort and assurance from our Lord.  

Long story short, I lived with Doris for about two months.  Mostly, it was unpleasant.  Her coldness wore on me.  But I know that our Lord had me there for a reason - for me and for Doris.  One day, our Lord told me that I needed to get out of there before my birthday on April 30th.  With my circumstances, I had no idea where I would go.  One night, our Lord gave me a dream that Doris and her relatives were sitting in her living room talking negatively about me.   

Before I moved from Doris', I had obtained a job as a telemarketer.  I worked there, and so disliked it that one day, I said to our Lord, "Lord, please get me out of here."  It wouldn't have been decent and in order for me to quit because I needed a job and nothing else had developed.  While I was there, I performed the best that I could but it, frankly, wasn't a good fit.  Well, after about a week, our Lord did get me out of there.  I went to jail.  

To be continued...

Sandra

Written Sunday April 17, 2011

Copyright 2011          

NOTE: Please read the post directly below this one titled, "BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP."  Thank you for your indulgence.  

BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP

Greetings -

This post is primarily for more mature audiences; however, young bloods are welcome to partake.

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Joshua 14:10-13

And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day;...   

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb...for an inheritance.

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

A few days ago, I grew concerned as I viewed, on me, new signs of physical aging.  Quickly, our Lord dissolved my doubts when I went on someone's blog and read these words, "You are beautiful just as you are."  That particular blog is one that I don't recall ever visiting.  That made it all the more special that our Lord sent me to that post.  Update: Karen commented under this post that it was her blog that I visited http://www.hopefaithlife.blogspot.com/.  

About mid-week, the doubts crept in again.  Our Lord told me to search in His Scriptures for the word beautiful, and to write some of those subject citations.

Here are the ones that our Lord led me to write:

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy...

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...

Song of Solomon 6:4
Thou art beautiful, O my love,...comely as Jerusalem,...

Isaiah 4:2
In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely...

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

The Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which happened unto him.

Later that day, I went to Lidj's blog and our Lord led me to one of her older posts.  Guess what it is titled? - "Beautiful."  Tears welled in my eyes as I marveled at how our Lord so dearly met me where I was.  

A bit later, I went out and walked.  I had on earphones as I listened to a gospel selection.  Our Lord so moved upon me that, right there in public, I got demonstratively happy in the Holy Spirit.  Tears flowed down my cheeks in glorious gratitude to our Lord.  At one point, I was so filled that I stopped walking and lifted my arms in holy adoration.  I'm not ashamed to praise our Lord in public places.  For those who are inclined, here is a link to a post that I did called,

"PUBLIC PRAISE" 
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html

As I continued to walk and cry in love to our Father, repeatedly I sang these words, "We're beautiful."  I was overcome in the Spirit in a wondrous way.  Glory to GOD'S amazing name! 

American society, for the most part, does not promote love, respect and appreciation for those who are mature in age.  They label "old" as unappealing and unattractive.  That is NOT what GOD believes nor should we, HIS children.  Hey people, GOD'S Word says:

Psalm 74:12
For God is my King of old,...

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Luke 2:36,38
And there was one Anna, a prophetess,...she was of great age...

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Yes, when we get older, things do "go south," but hey folks, Florida is in the south.  It is called the "Sunshine state."  We older ones are in SONSHINE STATES.  We must purpose not to let the younger folks dismiss us.  We must refuse to believe that we are less attractive because of physical aging factors.  And we should not be obsessed with outward beauty.  That is worldly conduct.  Of course, we should do our best to look attractive and appealing but obsession is sin.  1 Samuel 16:7 says, "...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."   

About four years ago, I stopped coloring my hair.  Yes, I would look younger if I colored it.  I reached a point when I said, "It is what it is."  One of my then coworkers approached me about my gray hair.  She expressed concern that it wasn't attractive.  I kindly informed her that "It is what it is" and that I wasn't going to color it anymore.  I'm confidently satisfied that it's attractive to the Lord, as well as to me. 

Also, our Lord led me to streamline my possessions and to, overall, simplify my life.  He revealed that my time investments were too much focused on stuff.  I testify here that streamlining and simplifying has allowed me to put more emphasis on the more meaningful things in life - most especially - time with our Lord.   My gratitude is immense that our Lord shared that with me.  The benefits are priceless!

Each age category has benefits.  We are to be thankful to our Lord, regardless.  Since the focus of this post is primarily about the more mature in age, here I will share some benefits to remind us of our value.  The more mature oak trees provide shade.  The seeds and saplings haven't progressed to that level yet.  We more mature agers have wisdom chests - accumulated over years.  The saplings gain from our wisdom.  We, those who love and serve GOD, know more about who we are - for the most part, we have found ourselves.  We have loved and lost - been there done that - and are wiser for the experiences.  We are more apt to recognize and discern those who are up to no good.  We are typically not inclined to feel entitled - rather we are appreciative of the gifts from GOD.       

Below is a report that made me chuckle: 

This a.m. I saw a headline on http://www.cnn.com/ that said, "Man 81, 'went to work' on intruder - tough senior fights off intruder."  The man, Bobby Smith, a stroke victim, was interviewed on video.  He fought the attempted robber with a pan in which he was cooking potatoes when the intruder came into his kitchen.  Smith said, "I hit him upside the face...  He sank to his knees...I hit him with a #2 frying skillet and it was red hot..."  Smith then got a pitchfork.  He said, "...then I went to work on him."  Smith finished by saying, "Nobody is gonna scare me..."  

Here next I will share about outward image pressures.     

Particularly, in the entertainment industry there is a focus on outward beauty.  Entertainers, and celebrities are pressured to look good.  They do Botox, peels, and surgery in desperation to retain outward beauty.  It is such bondage to be obsessed with physical appearances.  I feel, particularly, for those in the entertainment industry because they are "forced" to engage in the outward beauty chase to continue to make their livings - at least, that is what they believe.  When JESUS is not Lord in lives, deception is a major presence.  

This made me smile:

I saw a woman with a t-shirt on that stated, "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy."  

The other day when I was out and about and walking, our Lord had me to approach people and address them as beautiful and handsome.  One question I asked some folks was "How long have you been beautiful?"  I approached men, some with numerous missing teeth, and said, "Hi handsome."  So many people smiled.  It was such a pleasure to express to them about their beauty.  

At one point, I came upon a man who was heavily drunk.  He was sitting on a step drooling, and he looked barely conscious.  There were a bunch of people yards away.  I walked up to the drunken man and said, "Hi handsome.  How long have you been handsome?"  He seemed to quicken a bit.  One thing that I know is that our Lord told me to say those words to that man.  I believe that the spirit in him heard what I spoke.  

As I walked away, two women looked at at me incredulously because of what I spoke to that drunken disheveled man.  I kindly said to them something like, "We can see his dysfunction but some of us are jacked up on the inside where it isn't outwardly visible."  Later our Lord shared with me that that man is somebody's son, somebody's father, somebody's loved one.  We don't know, he could be a future minister.  GOD called him handsome for a reason.  Romans 4:17 says, "...before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

1 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

We, as children of GOD'S kingdom, should not focus on the things of the world.  Our holy roles are not to subscribe to the world's standards.  Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."   

Colossians 3:1,2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Love, Sandra
your mature aged sister who is immensely glad to serve GOD, our "King of old" - Psalm 74:12.

GOD calls us beautiful.  His witness surpasses all others. 

1 John 5:9
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:...

Sandra

Written Saturday April 16, 2011

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

GOD SHUT THE DOOR...

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Early this a.m., during my devotions with our Lord, He gave me the title of this post.  He also gave me the following scriptures:

Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.  

Revelation 3:7, 8
And to the angel of the church in Philadlephia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Later today I shared the above with a sister in Christ.  Then tonight I went to another blogger's site and noticed that she had content relative to the "door" matter.  It was after that, that our Lord told me that it was ripe to post this topic that He gave me early this a.m.  Further, He shared that someone was waiting for this post.  I have no clue who, but in obedience to our Lord, it is here.  It could be more than one person so I will express in plural.

Our Lord says:

"Children, nothing happens that is not on My radar.  I am fully aware of your questions, challenges, and fears.  I have not forgotten You.  Rejection does manifest in your lives.  I allow it because I have better for you.  My Word says in Hebrews 12:11, 'Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.'"

"My cash flow has not ceased.  When you imagine that you don't have enough, that is not Me that You believe because My Word assures you that I shall supply all of your needs according to My riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  My schedule prevails. 

"You fret about job security.  Be secure in Me.  Nothing can occur without My clearance.  Whatever I allow, I rule.  Remember that I have preeminence over all.  Any doors that I shut in your lives, it is because better ones shall open.  Your challenge is the wait.  Your challenge is the unknown.  Rest in the truth that I know, and expect You to walk by faith, not by sight. 

"People have forsaken you.  Count it all joy.  They have been removed for beneficial purposes.  Their departure does not subtract from your value.  Consider their absence an asset.  If I needed them there for you, their departure would have been prevented.  Am I not GOD?!  

"What is yours is reserved for you.  I won't allow anyone to have what is reserved for you.  It is yours.  Sow to My Spirit and witness My moves, and developments.   

"Press in to Me - press in to My Word - press in to My truth.  Cleave to My promises - draw nigh to Me and I will draw nigh to you.  I know that you are tempted to faint, and to accept an Ishmael rather than an Isaac.  Don't settle.  Press on for your "child of promise" - your Isaac. 

"Rest in my arms - let go of your anxieties - rest in Me, saith GOD."

The Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

I Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Philippians 4:11

..for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Sandra 

Written Wednesday April 13, 2011

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW?

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

John 19:41
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;...

Matthew 26:30
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.  

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

My perspective of an ideal garden is one with abundant fragrances saturating the air space, and with colors that exhilarate with their stunning radiance.  And no garden is complete without the essential presence of people, and creature comfort animal assets.  Manifold flowers consume the environmental landscape.  Displayed are vivid views of lilies, gladiolas, peonies, orchids, gardenias, roses, violets, and blossoms galore. 

Spilling over the gateways are ivy leaves, and ferns.  Spread throughout are cherry blossom trees that bring gleeful delight.  Climbing philodendrons explode in green brilliance as they blanket the gold-trimmed gazebos.

Shrubs stand in glorious dignity - pruned to the hilt.  And yes, some pesky weeds are in residence, as well.  They remind me of Matthew 13:26, 30, "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

Grand trees soak up the scenery with strong branches aglow. Oh, such splendid shade provisions from these great rooted creations.  They feed the earth and the earth feeds them.  Their leaves speak and blow in the wind.  Trees of righteousness comes to my spiritual senses.  Isaiah 61:3, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

Twelve fruit trees are in the midst.  I partake of peaches, apples, and oranges - oh my!  What's this?!  A snake slithers next to me with crafty aim to seduce.  Our Lord leads me to tell him, "It is written...and I'm not Eve."  I whip out of my soul arsenal, and deliver to that reptile of wickedness these words spoken by GOD in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."   Be gone, devil!  He slithers away.      

Love for our Lord, and gratitude swells within me as I walk in the garden and sit in the shade of its resplendent environs.  Folks engage together in the varied delights of the garden places.  Creatures scurry, and some play with their "friends."  The diversity captivates and excites me.  I have grown in this garden.  The benefits are plentiful.  Glory to the Star of the garden - the true Vine, JESUS CHRIST - Numbers 24:17 and John 15:1.    

It delights to know that there was a garden where Christ was crucified.  Again, John 19:41, "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;..."  And it captured my heart to read that JESUS "sung an hymn" with his disciples.  Again Matthew 26:30, "...And when they had sung an hymn,..."  I wonder if JESUS sang in the garden where He was crucified.  And does He sing with us when we sing in worship to Him?!  

Prayer:

Our glorious Father GOD, we bless Your holy name.  Thank You for Your lush gardens.  We so appreciate Your love and care for us, and that we are heirs with You and joint heirs with JESUS.

Help us, please, to walk in Your "gardens" with love, and the other vital fruits of Your Spirit.  Let us please You, as we inhale and exhale Your generous air.  Help us to partake of Your fruits, and to be holy flowers grown in good ground to remain steadfastly rooted as branches in You, and in JESUS, the true vine.  Lord, You are the only true and living GOD.  Let us remain planted and immersed in Your will that gives LIFE abundantly!

Thank You, Lord - Amen

John 10:10
...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Sandra

Written Tuesday April 12, 2011

Photos are compliments of Sandra

Copyright 2011 on text and photos

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Peer through the blossoms
to view the Monument 

 

It's a bird
  It's a plane



Pretty in pink


GREETINGS -

Photos compliments of Sandra -  Copyright 2011

Please click on the link below to view more photos of the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/

Also, our Lord led me to add to the post that I placed yesterday, "HOLY BIBLE LITERACY."  He pleasantly surprised me when I watched Bishop T.D. Jakes' live streaming service today and his main three scriptures were the very same scriptures that I used yesterday in my comments in response to Clint!   

Please indulge by reading the subject topic that is posted directly below this one.  There you can read the additonal information that our Lord had me to include after viewing Bishop Jakes' service.

Thank you