Writing and Art From A Life Redeemed by Jesus Christ

The most important thing we will ever do is respond to God's offer of eternal life with Him. This life is a passing moment that will decide an eternity. ABC's of Salvation A dmit your need-"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). B elieve in Christ-"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). C ommit yourself to Christ-"Yet to all who received Him … He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12) Think about the three scriptures and say them in your own way back to God. I do not remember the exact way that I said this prayer for salvation but the following prayer is my example of what I said. God, I realize I am a sinner, I have followed my own way. With my understanding I have realized that Jesus Christ is indeed your only begotten Son and that His shed blood has made a way for me to appear before you sinless. I accept His sacrifice, Jesus shed blood at Calvary as final paym...

When my three children were small they would make the statement...but I need that. It did not take me long to realize that need was not the issue but " I want " was making itself heard loud and clear. Our flesh always insists quite persistently. One of the joys of motherhood is that through watching these little ones grow up, I was allowed the privilege of growing up with them. I could hear their persistent whine of "but I need that", not realizing that a candy bar instead of supper would not be beneficial to their nutritional needs. After awhile I saw how I would insist to the Lord " but I need that "and He would assure me through His word in the Bible that it was an " I want that " and was not in my best interest. If we examine these two words: need vs. want in our everyday life exchanges, it does not take long to see a pattern emerging. The next time you hear yourself or others say " but I need that " examine it thoughtfully and se...

Do you need anything? I do. It almost appears selfish, yet I have need of many things. So I apply myself to what I need. Therefore, if I am depressed, I seek to make someone else cheered. If I am in need of affirmation, I try to build up someones self esteem. If in need of affection, kindness, etc....well then that is what I try to give another. This method does not always make me feel better but it is conducive to making me put others first and temporarily forget about myself and my needs or more likely my wants! And yes, there is a definite difference between what I need and what I want. So today I am encouraging you to GIVE what you need. Debbie Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

I want to encourage myself and you to walk in integrity in the midst of a constantly changing world. One of the characteristics of God that blesses me is that He changeth not. I do not have to wonder from moment to moment if He will keep His word. He will. In the big picture of life I want to leave a legacy of integrity. We have daily opportunities to keep our word, in season and out. In other words whether it is convenient or not. Trust is developed by the sure experience of someone who knows that you will keep your word even to your own hurt. Let us determine together to be people of integrity. I am walking through this life ever learning, as I am sure you are also. So remember...walk in love with one another. We are all apt to fail, even with the best intentions. It is not only the first impression but every impression that leaves a legacy of who we are becoming. We have all made promises that have fallen by the side of the road. If there is a situation or person that comes to min...

Obtaining the big picture. Life runs at warp speed on most days. There never seems to be enough time to do the multitude of tasks that need to be accomplished. Yet we all are given a 24 hour day to prioritize what is truly necessary. The majority of people run through life as if they are on a hamster wheel. Stop . Focus. You can gain control of your life, more simply, your day. Over the years I have learned to FOCUS! Without a purposeful FOCUS I usually accomplish very little on my constant to do list. Even when I run errands I chose the destination that is the furthest from my home and work my way back home. This saves time, energy, and money. Focus..Focus is an amazing thing. Think of a pin point of light focused and you have a fire. What area of your life do you need to Focus on? Time management? Your health? Yourself? Marriage? Children? Relaxing? Anything you focus on can become a lit fire for the good or the bad. Therefore choose wisely. Being focused seems to come natural to so...

Did you know there is greatness on the inside of you? You have been gifted to share something with the rest of us that no one else can. You are unique and your gifting is unique to you. There have been times when I have listened to a defeated voice that saps my strength and resolve. But no more! Do you recognize when that defeated voice is talking to you? The words or thoughts that invade your best intentions and slow you or stop you from your intended action. A defeated voice is different from the small still voice of the Lord that encourages you to believe the best in yourself and others. His voice instills a sense of certainty that You Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens You. Remember. Today is a new day and a new opportunity awaits you. Be sensitive to the thoughts that invade your everyday thinking. Take charge of your thoughts. Do not allow a defeated voice to be the one you listen too. God is speaking clearly through His word. Listen up! You can do all things throug...

Have you ever had a time where you felt as though you were constantly being corrected or experienced someone being so rude it brought you to tears? Well, I have and recently. It is never easy to accept criticism, especially if you believe the other person is at fault. Yet, if we want to grow spiritually , it is required learning to..."Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. "(James 1:19) I am fairly reflective after my initial unbelief about the situation. I ask myself questions...based on the scripture above. Did I not listen? Did I misunderstand? Did I speak before I knew the entire situation? Or did I blaze quickly at my perceived injustice? Honestly, sometimes it is none of the above...and the other person is at fault. And yet, God would still have us learn from the situation, learn to the point that it will not matter who was at fault but we will be peaceful and settled in His Love anyway. So... here goes.. I am listening, trying not to speak to quickly...