Lately, I have been listening to the preaching of Joseph Prince. His ministry sends daily devotional encouragements. I like to encourage others in their life and their walk with God. So one of the things I do in my own life is to seek encouragement from God, His word, and the encouragement given by others in these areas. I really like how Joseph broke apart the different designations of gifting in today's encouragement. I am enclosing a link below to read it for yourself.
This particular encouragement reminded me of Psalm 139. For indeed God has designed each of us in particular. There is no detail about us that was overlooked. For we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God fashioned each of us as His wondrous masterpiece. I pray that we will see ourselves as His masterpiece and reflect His bestowed goodness toward one another. Today, lift up your eyes and look unto Him, He is well able to meet your every need. You are loved. Shine.
~Debbie
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Psalm 139
Click here to read Joseph Prince's devotional for today.
All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/. Want to listen to a bible story? Click here.
Word Parables and Art Parables - Writing Encouragement, Poetry, and Art from the study of God’s Word ~DebbieTurner Chavers
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Forgive And Let God Do The Rest
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
People like to say, “I can forgive, but I cannot forget.” Have you heard that before? Now, in the first place, nowhere in the Bible does God tell you to forgive and then to forget. It is not in the Bible! The devil is adding something here to make the whole thing burdensome.
God only tells us to forgive because God in Christ has forgiven us a debt we cannot pay. When we do this, we do ourselves a favor because harboring bitterness and unforgiveness can sometimes destroy our health!
So just forgive and let God take care of the rest. When you really forgive, sometimes, He makes you forget. But sometimes, you still remember the incident because it was a major thing in your life. Yet, when you look back at it, the pain is no more there. The sting is gone and you are not bitter.
Joseph had forgiven his brothers before they came and bowed before him. He remembered what they did to him, but he did not remember it with bitterness. (Genesis 50:15–21) So you may remember the incident, but the bitterness is gone because you have put the cross in the picture — “God in Christ forgave me. Daddy, I forgive you. Mama, I forgive you. My cousin, I forgive you.”
When you forgive, forgive by faith, not by your feelings. We walk by faith, not feelings. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Some people are waiting for feelings — “I am waiting, Father, for the right emotion to come on me to forgive that person.” That “right emotion” may never come!
No, forgive by faith, and do it once and for all. Spend time in prayer. Take out your diary and write it down: “Father, I bring this person before you. You know what he did to me. Father, as You forgave me through Jesus’ cross, even though I did not deserve it, by faith, I now forgive this person and I let my anger against him go in Jesus’ name. Amen!”
Once you forgive by faith, you will see the sting of bitterness removed from your heart. You will experience the peace and joy of God filling your mind, and see a greater measure of wholeness in your body!
*Above encouragement is a repost of Daily Grace Inspirations from Joseph Prince Ministries-10-26-2011
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ .
Check out www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers to listen to a bible story.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
People like to say, “I can forgive, but I cannot forget.” Have you heard that before? Now, in the first place, nowhere in the Bible does God tell you to forgive and then to forget. It is not in the Bible! The devil is adding something here to make the whole thing burdensome.
God only tells us to forgive because God in Christ has forgiven us a debt we cannot pay. When we do this, we do ourselves a favor because harboring bitterness and unforgiveness can sometimes destroy our health!
So just forgive and let God take care of the rest. When you really forgive, sometimes, He makes you forget. But sometimes, you still remember the incident because it was a major thing in your life. Yet, when you look back at it, the pain is no more there. The sting is gone and you are not bitter.
Joseph had forgiven his brothers before they came and bowed before him. He remembered what they did to him, but he did not remember it with bitterness. (Genesis 50:15–21) So you may remember the incident, but the bitterness is gone because you have put the cross in the picture — “God in Christ forgave me. Daddy, I forgive you. Mama, I forgive you. My cousin, I forgive you.”
When you forgive, forgive by faith, not by your feelings. We walk by faith, not feelings. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Some people are waiting for feelings — “I am waiting, Father, for the right emotion to come on me to forgive that person.” That “right emotion” may never come!
No, forgive by faith, and do it once and for all. Spend time in prayer. Take out your diary and write it down: “Father, I bring this person before you. You know what he did to me. Father, as You forgave me through Jesus’ cross, even though I did not deserve it, by faith, I now forgive this person and I let my anger against him go in Jesus’ name. Amen!”
Once you forgive by faith, you will see the sting of bitterness removed from your heart. You will experience the peace and joy of God filling your mind, and see a greater measure of wholeness in your body!
*Above encouragement is a repost of Daily Grace Inspirations from Joseph Prince Ministries-10-26-2011
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ .
Check out www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers to listen to a bible story.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Burden of Disobedience
Last month I realized that part of the reason I retreat from some situations is a refusal to take on someone else's "burden of disobedience". When you know that another has the knowledge and the ability to do God's word, yet refuses to obey, it is a burden.
Their refusal and poor lifestyle becomes a burden to you if you allow yourself to be sucked into a whirl wind of rebellion. This is a choice. Yours and theirs. God has enabled us to make the right choice in all instances.
Rebellion causes people to be miserable and blame others for their choices. Do not become a victim of their choice or their sin.
We are to lift up the name of Jesus by our fruit. By confessing His word, by lending physical help when needed and prayerful help always. Yet, the wicked one is never satisfied with_______ (you can fill in that blank).
Do not allow the choice of someone else to serve the devil make you a victim with them.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit of God in your response and prayer, in all things, with all people.
The burden of disobedience becomes a grief of spirit and mind when you try to do for the other person,what they are not willing to do in agreement with God's word for their well being.
The burden of disobedience is a choice. A wrong choice. But everyone has a choice and is responsible for the choice that is made.
Stay in agreement with God's word on every subject. God will require each mans choice. He has already chosen us.
The disobedient will try to tell you that you are self-righteous, wrong, haughty, full of yourself, responsible for them, to them, and their choice. Wrong.
Yet, no one says these thing to a STOP sign on the road. Yet, this an be an indicator of caution, observation, and thoughtful response.
Ignore it to your own peril.
God gives you a choice. Choose life.
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Join me, as I declare,"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
~Debbie
Deuteronomy 19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light
New book review of The Blessing posted under book review tab.
The Burden of Disobedience is a repost from LOLO, April, 2011.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright notice© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Want to hear a bible story? Click on my channel on to listen or click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ to see what I am currently painting.
 |
| Choices ©1999 Debbie Turner Chavers |
Their refusal and poor lifestyle becomes a burden to you if you allow yourself to be sucked into a whirl wind of rebellion. This is a choice. Yours and theirs. God has enabled us to make the right choice in all instances.
Rebellion causes people to be miserable and blame others for their choices. Do not become a victim of their choice or their sin.
We are to lift up the name of Jesus by our fruit. By confessing His word, by lending physical help when needed and prayerful help always. Yet, the wicked one is never satisfied with_______ (you can fill in that blank).
Do not allow the choice of someone else to serve the devil make you a victim with them.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit of God in your response and prayer, in all things, with all people.
The burden of disobedience becomes a grief of spirit and mind when you try to do for the other person,what they are not willing to do in agreement with God's word for their well being.
The burden of disobedience is a choice. A wrong choice. But everyone has a choice and is responsible for the choice that is made.
Stay in agreement with God's word on every subject. God will require each mans choice. He has already chosen us.
The disobedient will try to tell you that you are self-righteous, wrong, haughty, full of yourself, responsible for them, to them, and their choice. Wrong.
Yet, no one says these thing to a STOP sign on the road. Yet, this an be an indicator of caution, observation, and thoughtful response.
Ignore it to your own peril.
God gives you a choice. Choose life.
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Join me, as I declare,"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
~Debbie
Deuteronomy 19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light
New book review of The Blessing posted under book review tab.
The Burden of Disobedience is a repost from LOLO, April, 2011.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright notice© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Want to hear a bible story? Click on my channel on to listen or click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ to see what I am currently painting.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Alone
You can have your own way, always, when you are alone.
There is always a cost.
Are you willing to pay?
Most things seem shiny and new when we first receive them.
But humans overall quickly tire of newness.
For after all there really is nothing new under the sun.
The relationship,the job, the car, the house, the children...all things eventually equal work.
Day in day out...work.
Life is a continual adjustment to the other people and things in your life.
This is not necessary if you are alone.
Alone,you can have just what you want...no consideration of another persons feelings, needs,or wants.
ALONE.
Do you want to be alone?
Every path has a destination.
Are you headed in a right direction? Wrong direction? Your direction?
Do you need to change course?
Start over?
You alone make the decision that charts the course for your life.
Simply and profoundly God loves you.
It is your choice.
You never have to be alone.
~Debbie
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
*You can read more about the painting by clicking on the title of the painting.
** I saw a great video other day by Ryan Shook concerning salvation. The video is entitled "Empty".
click here to see the video.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
 |
| Because No Man Is An Island copyright © 1997 Debbie Turner Chavers |
There is always a cost.
Are you willing to pay?
Most things seem shiny and new when we first receive them.
But humans overall quickly tire of newness.
For after all there really is nothing new under the sun.
The relationship,the job, the car, the house, the children...all things eventually equal work.
Day in day out...work.
This is not necessary if you are alone.
Alone,you can have just what you want...no consideration of another persons feelings, needs,or wants.
ALONE.
Do you want to be alone?
Every path has a destination.
Are you headed in a right direction? Wrong direction? Your direction?
Do you need to change course?
Start over?
You alone make the decision that charts the course for your life.
Simply and profoundly God loves you.
It is your choice.
You never have to be alone.
~Debbie
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
*You can read more about the painting by clicking on the title of the painting.
** I saw a great video other day by Ryan Shook concerning salvation. The video is entitled "Empty".
click here to see the video.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Friday, September 16, 2011
Cross Road
Daily I meet people who are at a cross road in life.
A cross road.
The place where two paths intersect at a given point.
At the corner of my world
I linger, looking for direction
At times I give direction
To those I meet
Sometimes
We meet briefly.
Nod politely.
At times we speak.
t
And cross.
Sometimes walking on the same path.
At times headed in a different direction.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
A cross road.
The place where two paths intersect at a given point.
At the corner of my world
I linger, looking for direction
At times I give direction
To those I meet
Sometimes
We meet briefly.
Nod politely.
At times we speak.
t
And cross.
Sometimes walking on the same path.
At times headed in a different direction.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Eight Recovery Principles
Based on the BEATITUDES by Rick Warren
1. Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable. "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.” Matthew 5:3
2. Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
3. Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. "Happy are the meek.” Matthew 5:5
4. Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself and to another person whom I trust. "Happy are the pure in heart.” Matthew 5:8
5. Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life. "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” Matthew 5:6
6. Evaluate all my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when doing so would harm them or others. "Happy are the merciful” Matthew 5:7 "Happy are the peacemakers” Matthew 5:9
7. Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His work for my life and gain the power to follow His will.
8. Yield myself to be used by God to bring this good news to others, both by my example and by my words. "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.” Matthew 5:10
Reprint of an article.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
1. Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable. "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.” Matthew 5:3
2. Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
3. Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. "Happy are the meek.” Matthew 5:5
4. Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself and to another person whom I trust. "Happy are the pure in heart.” Matthew 5:8
5. Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life. "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” Matthew 5:6
6. Evaluate all my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when doing so would harm them or others. "Happy are the merciful” Matthew 5:7 "Happy are the peacemakers” Matthew 5:9
7. Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His work for my life and gain the power to follow His will.
8. Yield myself to be used by God to bring this good news to others, both by my example and by my words. "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.” Matthew 5:10
Reprint of an article.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, August 15, 2011
30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, What You Say (and Don't Say) Will Improve Your Relationships by Deborah Smith Pegues
I enjoyed the presentation of scripture and a chapter for each day dealing with a different aspect of speaking...or not speaking. There are 30 readings for 30 days. Good common sense in the area of taming the tongue can be beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their relationships.
There are checklists to go over in the back of the book for the continued discipline of taming your tongue.
There is an additional work book available also.
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
~Debbie
All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Marriage
This picture reminded me of marriage. Two individuals united under His care, a couple sheltered under God's wings. Marriage.
Consider the verses below.
Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Jesus did His first public miracle at a wedding. He was invited, He was called to be there. Have you invited Jesus to your marriage? The Lord cares about your marriage. He does all things well. It is a very wise thing to call Jesus to your marriage.
The first step to the marriage miracle was...He was invited, and His instructions were followed fully.
John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].
How wonderfully simple. God says it..we do it.
~Debbie
*Book review will be posted under the book review tab later today...30 Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don't Say) Will Improve Your Relationships by Deborah Smith Peques
**Photography credit for the bird picture in this post is unknown by author.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
 |
| Marriage |
Consider the verses below.
Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
Jesus did His first public miracle at a wedding. He was invited, He was called to be there. Have you invited Jesus to your marriage? The Lord cares about your marriage. He does all things well. It is a very wise thing to call Jesus to your marriage.
The first step to the marriage miracle was...He was invited, and His instructions were followed fully.
John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].
How wonderfully simple. God says it..we do it.
~Debbie
*Book review will be posted under the book review tab later today...30 Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don't Say) Will Improve Your Relationships by Deborah Smith Peques
**Photography credit for the bird picture in this post is unknown by author.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
My Sin is Prettier than your Sin
My Sin is Prettier than your Sin. Can you see the absurdity of this statement? I did.
Read John chapter 8 and consider. Drop your stones. What is Jesus writing?
"My sin is prettier than your sin".
This sentence was given to me as I lay upon my bed the other night. I was trying to pray, yet I kept thinking of the flood of information, that had been delivered by several people to me over a period of days.
I sorted through the different emotions that were trying to gain ground in my thought process.
"Nothing doing", I thought. We are called to have the mind of Christ.
That settles it, I will have the mind of Christ.
I was being asked to consider how I view someone else's sin versus my sins. I am asking you, encouraging you to do the same.
Have you ever considered how easy it is to think self righteously about your sin versus the sin of others?
Daily we are given an opportunity to view others and ourselves through the Word of God.
On a personal level, I have had to consider my response to sin.
It is never easy to deal with sin.
Thank God, Jesus has already made a Way.
Therefore, I am to commit myself unto His tender care. To use His word to admonish myself in this earthly walk of love.
To not view myself better than others.
To recognize that my sin is not prettier than your sin. We have all sinned.
Yet God has made a Way and invites us to come clean. Literally.
To be real with one another.
To drop our stones and for each of us to go and sin no more. John 8
Sin is not pretty. Regardless of the degree of perceived sinfulness, ALL sin is wrong, and we have all been wrong.
In consideration of 1 Corinthians 13, I would like you to consider the statement.
My sin is prettier than your sin.
Humans tend to categorize their sin by their personal perception. Such as....little sin, little lies, small offenses, big offenses...the "But I am a good person" defense.
But God, who is righteous, sees the Truth, and He only, is good.
~Debbie
Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.
Romans 3:9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
.
All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Read John chapter 8 and consider. Drop your stones. What is Jesus writing?
"My sin is prettier than your sin".
This sentence was given to me as I lay upon my bed the other night. I was trying to pray, yet I kept thinking of the flood of information, that had been delivered by several people to me over a period of days.
I sorted through the different emotions that were trying to gain ground in my thought process.
"Nothing doing", I thought. We are called to have the mind of Christ.
That settles it, I will have the mind of Christ.
I was being asked to consider how I view someone else's sin versus my sins. I am asking you, encouraging you to do the same.
Have you ever considered how easy it is to think self righteously about your sin versus the sin of others?
Daily we are given an opportunity to view others and ourselves through the Word of God.
On a personal level, I have had to consider my response to sin.
It is never easy to deal with sin.
Thank God, Jesus has already made a Way.
Therefore, I am to commit myself unto His tender care. To use His word to admonish myself in this earthly walk of love.
To not view myself better than others.
To recognize that my sin is not prettier than your sin. We have all sinned.
Yet God has made a Way and invites us to come clean. Literally.
To be real with one another.
To drop our stones and for each of us to go and sin no more. John 8
Sin is not pretty. Regardless of the degree of perceived sinfulness, ALL sin is wrong, and we have all been wrong.
In consideration of 1 Corinthians 13, I would like you to consider the statement.
My sin is prettier than your sin.
Humans tend to categorize their sin by their personal perception. Such as....little sin, little lies, small offenses, big offenses...the "But I am a good person" defense.
But God, who is righteous, sees the Truth, and He only, is good.
~Debbie
Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.
Romans 3:9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
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All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Shotgun Gospel
Daily I realize the gift that God has given mankind, the gift of choice, the ability to come to Him freely.
He has invited ALL to come to Him. God is an equal opportunity Lord of All.
If your choice is wrong there are consequences. Right or wrong choice, a consequence. But you always have a choice. God will not force you into a shotgun gospel relationship. Those who come to Him must come willingly. He wants you to gladly come to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.
But I ask, "How long will you halt between two opinions? Today is the day. He is knocking at your hearts door asking you to be in an eternal relationship with Him. Marry him. Give yourself and your will completely, wholly to Him. He will in no wise cast you out. He will not divorce you, reject you, or look away when you are less than lovely.
He will behold you and say MINE.
Will you say YES to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Will you? If yes. There will be rejoicing.
As with any wedding there will be rejoicing. Angels will rejoice and it will be recorded in the Lambs Book of Life.
A forever commitment.
Jesus, He will never leave you or forsake you.
~ Debbie
Acts 10:36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
All writing, poetry, posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
He has invited ALL to come to Him. God is an equal opportunity Lord of All.
If your choice is wrong there are consequences. Right or wrong choice, a consequence. But you always have a choice. God will not force you into a shotgun gospel relationship. Those who come to Him must come willingly. He wants you to gladly come to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.
But I ask, "How long will you halt between two opinions? Today is the day. He is knocking at your hearts door asking you to be in an eternal relationship with Him. Marry him. Give yourself and your will completely, wholly to Him. He will in no wise cast you out. He will not divorce you, reject you, or look away when you are less than lovely.
He will behold you and say MINE.
Will you say YES to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Will you? If yes. There will be rejoicing.
As with any wedding there will be rejoicing. Angels will rejoice and it will be recorded in the Lambs Book of Life.
A forever commitment.
Jesus, He will never leave you or forsake you.
~ Debbie
Acts 10:36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
All writing, poetry, posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Blood
The beauty of communion. I do not like pictures of a suffering Christ, yet I find great comfort in partaking in the Lord's Supper.
I celebrate His victory, His obedience, that bought our freedom from sin and death.
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
The shedding of His blood bought you and I the beauty of salvation. Jesus has invited us to accept his offer of salvation and afterwards to remember his gift to us through the taking of Communion. We have been entrusted with the privilege of eating with the Lamb of God here on earth and in Heaven.
To eat, drink and remember His sacrifice, therefore I take communion on a regular basis to remember Him as He said.
If you do a study of the word blood in scripture, you will see that God is quite specific about its importance.
There are 447 listings of the word blood in the bible.
As you read John 6, you will see how blood and its application became a decision point. Jesus was very specific, some would not receive His word.
John 6:66 states that " From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
Even today, there are disciples that are walking away.
As for me I will repeat what Simon Peter told the Lord in the book of John.
John 6:68,69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
The world has taken an ungodly interest in blood. Not the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, but the consumption of real blood and those that drink it. As you study the Word of God, you can see why the god of this world desires to pervert people's understanding about blood, specifically the drinking of blood by vampires.
There is no redemption in this.
The only drinking of blood that God approves is the remembrance of celebrating Jesus Christ sacrifice through taking Communion. Physically partaking of actual bread and wine, spiritually partaking of the remembrance of His shed blood at Calvary
Luke 22:19,20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Will you also walk away from the truth, back into darkness? Have no fellowship with darkness. Walk in the light, as He is in the light.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Worthy is the Lamb of God
Revelation 5:9,10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Revelation 5: 11,12 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
~Debbie
.
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts,art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
I celebrate His victory, His obedience, that bought our freedom from sin and death.
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
The shedding of His blood bought you and I the beauty of salvation. Jesus has invited us to accept his offer of salvation and afterwards to remember his gift to us through the taking of Communion. We have been entrusted with the privilege of eating with the Lamb of God here on earth and in Heaven.
To eat, drink and remember His sacrifice, therefore I take communion on a regular basis to remember Him as He said.
If you do a study of the word blood in scripture, you will see that God is quite specific about its importance.
There are 447 listings of the word blood in the bible.
As you read John 6, you will see how blood and its application became a decision point. Jesus was very specific, some would not receive His word.
John 6:66 states that " From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
Even today, there are disciples that are walking away.
As for me I will repeat what Simon Peter told the Lord in the book of John.
John 6:68,69 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
The world has taken an ungodly interest in blood. Not the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, but the consumption of real blood and those that drink it. As you study the Word of God, you can see why the god of this world desires to pervert people's understanding about blood, specifically the drinking of blood by vampires.
There is no redemption in this.
The only drinking of blood that God approves is the remembrance of celebrating Jesus Christ sacrifice through taking Communion. Physically partaking of actual bread and wine, spiritually partaking of the remembrance of His shed blood at Calvary
Luke 22:19,20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Will you also walk away from the truth, back into darkness? Have no fellowship with darkness. Walk in the light, as He is in the light.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Worthy is the Lamb of God
Revelation 5:9,10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Revelation 5: 11,12 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
~Debbie
.
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts,art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Friday, July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
Today
I saw you for the first time
A small blip
A bud of a child, complete in Him
Yet growing daily stronger
Today
I saw you for the first time
In the belly of your mother,
on a screen that showed the tiniest heart beat
Almost imperceptible, yet beating in time with His plan
His word has declared that you are wonderfully and fearfully made.
I am grateful.
Today
I saw you for the first time.
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Today
I saw you for the first time
A small blip
A bud of a child, complete in Him
Yet growing daily stronger
Today
I saw you for the first time
In the belly of your mother,
on a screen that showed the tiniest heart beat
Almost imperceptible, yet beating in time with His plan
His word has declared that you are wonderfully and fearfully made.
I am grateful.
Today
I saw you for the first time.
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker
The budget secrets were common sense tips. I was raised by a thrifty mom who re-purposed before it became the "In" thing to do, or "Going Green" etc... She was creative in her financial sensibilities in most areas of our home life.
Ms. Craker's discusses new ways to share gift giving joy in Christmas gift giving. This is an area of spending that a lot of people fall into a debt trap. She shares many tips on how to avoid this money pit.
A quote from the chapter titled, Rethinking Gifts, " I don't know if I'm prepared to receive only a light bulb for Christmas...but I think we could all stand to dial it down about ten notches."
I heartily agree! My best gifts have always been those that were simple and spoke to me of the givers thoughtfulness not necessarily their abundant bank account.
I liked the book. It was an easy read and a doable process for most anyone. There is a list of bartering websites that would be helpful to most. After 14 chapters, you are likely to have picked up something that will help you in your quest to save money and enjoy the simple pleasure of saving more money and sharing with others.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Ms. Craker's discusses new ways to share gift giving joy in Christmas gift giving. This is an area of spending that a lot of people fall into a debt trap. She shares many tips on how to avoid this money pit.
A quote from the chapter titled, Rethinking Gifts, " I don't know if I'm prepared to receive only a light bulb for Christmas...but I think we could all stand to dial it down about ten notches."
I heartily agree! My best gifts have always been those that were simple and spoke to me of the givers thoughtfulness not necessarily their abundant bank account.
I liked the book. It was an easy read and a doable process for most anyone. There is a list of bartering websites that would be helpful to most. After 14 chapters, you are likely to have picked up something that will help you in your quest to save money and enjoy the simple pleasure of saving more money and sharing with others.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Reboot- Rest
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| Original water color painting " The Sabbath Man?" copyright © 1998 Debbie Turner Chavers |
Time to reboot! I want to encourage you to take at least 24 uninterrupted hours of rest. Notice I said take. This will require a determination and action on your part. Turn off phone, computer, etc.... and just chill out. I have begun to really appreciate the value of unplugging. Life still happens around you but even with all that you will be amazed at how much more you get done afterwards.....after the unplug! Being still to the best of your ability...a Sabbath rest from life. The suitcase, the laundry, the email..etc...can wait. Yes, wait. But an airing out of your temple can not. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Resting from our life gives the Holy Spirit time to clear cobwebs, open windows, renovate our rooms. Give Him place, rest.
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
~Debbie
All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
~Debbie
All writing, poetry, posts, art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, June 13, 2011
Extravagant Giver
Do you have a generous spirit? Are you looking for ways to be a blessing? Will you encourage and help others along the path towards God and His goodness? I want to encourage you to be extravagant in praise. A giver of good things, like your Father in heaven. God is a giver. It is absolutely amazing what a little encouragement can do. Your smile, your word of encouragement, praise, or help can make a true life difference. Don't dismiss your ability to minister the love of God to those in your life and your sphere of influence.
~Debbie
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
~Debbie
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Prayer for You
May God richly bless you today and may you arise in your God given anointing to do that which has been prepared for you. That you may walk in the light of His word and fulfill His will in your daily life today and always.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Countless hugs for each of you :-) because God has loved you with an everlasting love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Take a moment and rejoice with me...this is indeed very GOOD NEWS.
~Debbie
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Countless hugs for each of you :-) because God has loved you with an everlasting love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Take a moment and rejoice with me...this is indeed very GOOD NEWS.
~Debbie
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Once Saved. Always Saved?
Questions and answers. From the very first days of my salvation I have been asked about and told of other peoples concept of once saved, always saved.
So I decided to write a few of my thoughts on this question. ..once saved, always saved?
From my perspective it has never been about whether Jesus changed His mind about my salvation, but did I? At any point in my walk with God, past, present or future, did I change my mind?
Am I walking away from Him or toward Him?
He has promised to never leave or forsake me. Did He mean it? Yes.
Did I mean it? Am I backing it up with my obedience? Am I applying myself to the study of His word to show myself approved?
So, I ask myself, "Have I applied it"? Am I applying it? His word, am I actively participating in my relationship with Christ?
Once saved? Yes, I was once saved.
And since I am in a relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ, I have committed myself to the nurturing of this relationship. Not of works, lest I boast, but an active relationship with the one who shed His blood to set me free from all that would hinder me.
The relationship of salvation.
~Debbie
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
So I decided to write a few of my thoughts on this question. ..once saved, always saved?
From my perspective it has never been about whether Jesus changed His mind about my salvation, but did I? At any point in my walk with God, past, present or future, did I change my mind?
Am I walking away from Him or toward Him?
He has promised to never leave or forsake me. Did He mean it? Yes.
Did I mean it? Am I backing it up with my obedience? Am I applying myself to the study of His word to show myself approved?
So, I ask myself, "Have I applied it"? Am I applying it? His word, am I actively participating in my relationship with Christ?
Once saved? Yes, I was once saved.
And since I am in a relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ, I have committed myself to the nurturing of this relationship. Not of works, lest I boast, but an active relationship with the one who shed His blood to set me free from all that would hinder me.
The relationship of salvation.
~Debbie
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
All writing, poetry, posts,art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
National Day of Prayer-TODAY and Everyday
God loves us very much and desires for us to walk in His blessing and protective covenant.
Today is a declared National Day of Prayer, but as a people and as a nation, God declares TODAY if you will hear His voice do not harden your hearts.
*Hebrews 3:7-13
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
*Deuteronomy 18:10-14
There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].
With so much confusion that exists amongst Christians on the subject of horoscopes, tarot cards, etc... I wanted to post an excerpt from a book I am reading right now titled ---
Purging Your House, Pruning Your Family Tree, by Perry Stone.
Pages 29-30:
copyrighted material below © Perry Stone
Christians in covenant with God are also forbidden to consult witches, sorcerers, and those operating through familiar spirits ( Deut. 18:10-12). This includes consulting astrologers who believe your life cycles are patterned after the position of your star charts. Your life is not directed by the stars but by the Creator! The reason God forbids contract with familiar spirits is a simple one --the adversary is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Any prediction made by a familiar spirit involves sorrow, death, suffering and trouble. Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10)
The Holy Spirit can show you things to come, and His revelation will always be accurate and always point you to Christ. (John 16:13)
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Today is a declared National Day of Prayer, but as a people and as a nation, God declares TODAY if you will hear His voice do not harden your hearts.
*Hebrews 3:7-13
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
*Deuteronomy 18:10-14
There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].
With so much confusion that exists amongst Christians on the subject of horoscopes, tarot cards, etc... I wanted to post an excerpt from a book I am reading right now titled ---
Purging Your House, Pruning Your Family Tree, by Perry Stone.
Pages 29-30:
copyrighted material below © Perry Stone
Christians in covenant with God are also forbidden to consult witches, sorcerers, and those operating through familiar spirits ( Deut. 18:10-12). This includes consulting astrologers who believe your life cycles are patterned after the position of your star charts. Your life is not directed by the stars but by the Creator! The reason God forbids contract with familiar spirits is a simple one --the adversary is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Any prediction made by a familiar spirit involves sorrow, death, suffering and trouble. Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10)
The Holy Spirit can show you things to come, and His revelation will always be accurate and always point you to Christ. (John 16:13)
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A Mother, A Proverbs 31 Woman
A Mother,
Quiet strength, that absorbs the repercussions of a family.
Grace and wisdom
that flows ribbon like through the family tree.
Peace
that finds comfort through the study and application of God's word in the landscape of everyday life.
A Gardener
planting trees of righteousness in her generations.
Toiling and sunning in life's field
Pulling strength from the vine, as the Sun of righteousness arises with healing in His wings.
"Arise children and give Him praise"
A Mother said at the beginning and the end of the day.
A Mother
Proverbs 31 woman, her generations will arise and called her blessed.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
***Excerpt from my book "Proverbs 31, Verse by Verse "
© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers
Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Click here to read my book review of 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Quiet strength, that absorbs the repercussions of a family.
Grace and wisdom
that flows ribbon like through the family tree.
Peace
that finds comfort through the study and application of God's word in the landscape of everyday life.
A Gardener
planting trees of righteousness in her generations.
Toiling and sunning in life's field
Pulling strength from the vine, as the Sun of righteousness arises with healing in His wings.
"Arise children and give Him praise"
A Mother said at the beginning and the end of the day.
A Mother
Proverbs 31 woman, her generations will arise and called her blessed.
~Debbie
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers
***Excerpt from my book "Proverbs 31, Verse by Verse "
© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers
Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Click here to read my book review of 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Friday, April 29, 2011
Because He Said So
Because He said so, I can dream and see the reality of my dream. What dream do you have that is waiting to hit daylight?
The sweet dream of success is followed by work.
We all have dreams.
Reclined may be the posture of a dreamer, but up and at them is the stance of those who succeed.
What do you need to do to awake and see the tangible result of your dream?
Just as the world would be flat without music...so the dark of night would be gloomy without dreams.
Awake and Arise to your possibility.
~Debbie
Prayer: Father God help me to apply myself to my possibilities. Grant me the courage to step out and do what I can not do in my own strength.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
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| The World Can Seem to Bb Flat Without Music © Debbie Turner Chavers |
The sweet dream of success is followed by work.
We all have dreams.
Reclined may be the posture of a dreamer, but up and at them is the stance of those who succeed.
What do you need to do to awake and see the tangible result of your dream?
Just as the world would be flat without music...so the dark of night would be gloomy without dreams.
Awake and Arise to your possibility.
~Debbie
Prayer: Father God help me to apply myself to my possibilities. Grant me the courage to step out and do what I can not do in my own strength.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Burden of Disobedience
Last month I realized that part of the reason I retreat from some situations is a refusal to take on someone else's"burden of disobedience". When you know that another has the knowledge and the ability to do God's word, yet refuses to obey, it is a burden.
Their refusal and poor lifestyle becomes a burden to you if you allow yourself to be sucked into a whirl wind of rebellion. This is a choice. Yours and theirs. God has enabled us to make the right choice in all instances.
Rebellion causes people to be miserable and blame others for their choices. Do not become a victim of their choice or their sin.
We are to lift up the name of Jesus by our fruit. By confessing His word, by lending physical help when needed and prayerful help always. Yet, the wicked one is never satisfied with_______ (you can fill in that blank).
Do not allow someone else's choice to serve the devil make you a victim with them.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit of God in your response and prayer, in all things, with all people.
The burden of disobedience becomes a grief of spirit and mind when you try to do for the other person,what they are not willing to do in agreement with God's word for their well being.
The burden of disobedience is a choice. A wrong choice. But everyone has a choice and is responsible for the choice that is made.
Stay in agreement with God's word on every subject. God will require each mans choice. He has already chosen us.
The disobedient will try to tell you that you are self-righteous, wrong, haughty, full of yourself, responsible for them, to them, and their choice. Wrong.
Yet, no one says these thing to a STOP sign on the road. Yet, this an be an indicator of caution, observation, and thoughtful response.
Ignore it to your own peril.
God gives you a choice. Choose life.
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Join me, as I declare,
"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
~Debbie
Deuteronomy 19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
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| Choices © 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers |
Their refusal and poor lifestyle becomes a burden to you if you allow yourself to be sucked into a whirl wind of rebellion. This is a choice. Yours and theirs. God has enabled us to make the right choice in all instances.
Rebellion causes people to be miserable and blame others for their choices. Do not become a victim of their choice or their sin.
We are to lift up the name of Jesus by our fruit. By confessing His word, by lending physical help when needed and prayerful help always. Yet, the wicked one is never satisfied with_______ (you can fill in that blank).
Do not allow someone else's choice to serve the devil make you a victim with them.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit of God in your response and prayer, in all things, with all people.
The burden of disobedience becomes a grief of spirit and mind when you try to do for the other person,what they are not willing to do in agreement with God's word for their well being.
The burden of disobedience is a choice. A wrong choice. But everyone has a choice and is responsible for the choice that is made.
Stay in agreement with God's word on every subject. God will require each mans choice. He has already chosen us.
The disobedient will try to tell you that you are self-righteous, wrong, haughty, full of yourself, responsible for them, to them, and their choice. Wrong.
Yet, no one says these thing to a STOP sign on the road. Yet, this an be an indicator of caution, observation, and thoughtful response.
Ignore it to your own peril.
God gives you a choice. Choose life.
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Join me, as I declare,
"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
~Debbie
Deuteronomy 19-20 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, April 21, 2011
God Loves YOU!
God, Creator of heaven and the earth, LOVES YOU. You can trust Him. He called all things into being, including you. Trust Him, He loves you. He will not forsake you, He will never leave you.. You are not hidden from His eyes. Look up.
~Debbie
Isaiah 40:25-31
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [things], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth.
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
~Debbie
Isaiah 40:25-31
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [things], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth.
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
All writing,poetry,posts,art,and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Water
The beginning of warmer weather has brought an amazing display of song birds, robins, and assorted woodland creatures to my yard. The water color painting above is an example of a bird bath that I have in my back yard that we try to keep filled for the birds in my area. Recently, I witnessed several birds landing on the empty bird bath in my back yard. Due to extra activity I had been remiss in keeping their watering hole, filled with water.
It was sadly comical to watch the birds reactions when they landed on the dry bird bath. Most would land on the edge, stop, lean forward and peer into the bowl for several seconds and then hop into the bowl and walk around slowly, usually dipping and coming up dry. A few then hopped back on the rim and continued to look in the bowl as though they thought the water would appear. After a moment, they would then fly away. It was impossible to know whether these were the regular birds that use this bird bath often, but judging from their reaction I think it is possible.
My husband and I receive a lot of enjoyment from watching these small winged creatures take their small sips of refreshment as they journey. But watching the birds reaction to an empty bird bath, caused me to think about keeping myself overflowing with God's word. It is easy to become busy with life's demands and forget to refill yourself with the water of God's word.
When I saw the birds and their expectation of finding water, the Lord reminded me, that there are people in our own lives who come and expect to find the living water of God in us.
Daily we have opportunity to share the water of life, through God's word and our actions. Let's be diligent to keep ourselves filled with the knowledge of God, so no one will leave us thirsty.
~Debbie
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:37, 38 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
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| Green Door © Debbie Turner Chavers |
The beginning of warmer weather has brought an amazing display of song birds, robins, and assorted woodland creatures to my yard. The water color painting above is an example of a bird bath that I have in my back yard that we try to keep filled for the birds in my area. Recently, I witnessed several birds landing on the empty bird bath in my back yard. Due to extra activity I had been remiss in keeping their watering hole, filled with water.
It was sadly comical to watch the birds reactions when they landed on the dry bird bath. Most would land on the edge, stop, lean forward and peer into the bowl for several seconds and then hop into the bowl and walk around slowly, usually dipping and coming up dry. A few then hopped back on the rim and continued to look in the bowl as though they thought the water would appear. After a moment, they would then fly away. It was impossible to know whether these were the regular birds that use this bird bath often, but judging from their reaction I think it is possible.
My husband and I receive a lot of enjoyment from watching these small winged creatures take their small sips of refreshment as they journey. But watching the birds reaction to an empty bird bath, caused me to think about keeping myself overflowing with God's word. It is easy to become busy with life's demands and forget to refill yourself with the water of God's word.
When I saw the birds and their expectation of finding water, the Lord reminded me, that there are people in our own lives who come and expect to find the living water of God in us.
Daily we have opportunity to share the water of life, through God's word and our actions. Let's be diligent to keep ourselves filled with the knowledge of God, so no one will leave us thirsty.
~Debbie
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:37, 38 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, March 14, 2011
Our Hands
Some things in life defy logic, which can cause me to throw up my hands. Have you ever thrown up your hands in disgust or aggravation? Our expressive hands can tell the world our immediate thoughts. With hands that declare, "I can not believe they did that!", "I give up!", "Are you kidding me?"
I must admit I have not always used my hands to say the nicest reply, so today, I am encouraging all of us to throw up our hands in a holy, wonder filled way, without wrath. Titus 1 warns us not to lift up our hands in an unworthy way. To be mindful, for we are speaking with our hands. Let us say something worthy.
~ Debbie
1 Titus 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
I must admit I have not always used my hands to say the nicest reply, so today, I am encouraging all of us to throw up our hands in a holy, wonder filled way, without wrath. Titus 1 warns us not to lift up our hands in an unworthy way. To be mindful, for we are speaking with our hands. Let us say something worthy.
~ Debbie
1 Titus 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, March 7, 2011
Religion vs Reality
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| Original water color painting "Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone " copyright © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers |
Jesus submitted to His Father's will. Our acceptance of the shed blood of Jesus Christ should bring about our own obedience to God's word as well.
The seed of our new birth has been planted in us and manifests itself in the light of God's word working in and through us.
How can we know that the love of God is at work within us, unless there is the manifested fruit of a changed heart by word as well as deed?
We have need to be hearers of His word as well as doers of His word.
I am addressing the day in day out change that should be evidenced in our over all daily behaviour.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Our walk with Christ should be evidenced by fruit, the evidence of a changed heart followed by our actions.
An example in nature.
As a seed grows, it expands out of its shell. In first grade my teacher had the class perform a science experiment to view a growth cycle.We brought a seed from home, a bean seed. The seed was cocooned in a moist napkin until the shell was softened. Then we removed the seed and planted it in a small milk carton containing soil. Before it was planted we could see evidence of the new growth. There was a small green shoot emerging from the seed. Without moisture, no growth will happen. The Holy Spirit of God supplies the moisture needed for our growth through our application of God's word in our everyday life. The water of His word begins to soften our spiritual shell and prepares us for growth. As we apply ourselves to doing His word, we become rooted and grounded in our faith.
Do not allow the cares of this life to uproot you. As a new creation in Christ Jesus you need to receive the needed moisture and the life giving warmth from the Son through the study and application of God's written Word, the bible.
~Debbie
Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Deuteronomy 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
All of John 5 and Galatians 5 for your consideration.
Galatians 5: 19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography,
copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Proverbs 1
I try to read proverbs daily. It is an easy way to read the Bible and gain wisdom. Today is the first day of March therefore I will read Proverbs 1. I read and as I read I receive a nudge of understanding. A moment of clarity regarding my own walk with God or a situation may be shown in a new light. I love Proverbs.
I like to study from the King James bible. The headers on Proverbs 1 have the verses broke down into 4 sections. A quick summary of the given information or a preview of the menu.
As I read and digest the food of God's word I can consider the meal set before me.
The first header for Proverbs 1:1-6 states
A Wise Man Will Hear.
Jesus said to take heed what we hear. So listening to the right thing is important. We need to guard our hearing. If I have time to chew on this precept/concept, it will lead me to thinking about what I hear, who I hear it from, and if I should be listening to them! Our minds and spirits become conditioned to the verbal atmosphere we surround ourselves with daily.
Proverbs 1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
The word hear in this sentence means obey. This shows that we have a tendency to obey what we hear. So listen up! Be careful what you hear.
The Beginning of Knowledge
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Verse 7 clearly says fools despise wisdom and instruction. I will not be a fool. I will study, hear, and obey God's word to me. Will you?
Walk Not in the Way of Sinners
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Peer pressure at its worst! How often are we tempted to go along with the crowd around us. Be the voice of reason. Speak, someone is waiting to hear the obvious.
Proverbs 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Lead by example.
Wisdom Cries in the Streets
Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets. In our everyday, day in day out life, in the market place and beyond, the wisdom of God cries for attention. There is a severe warning for all who ignore her. Wisdom will not be ignored. The fruit of her presence is manifested in those who take heed and obey.
Verse 31 warns
Proverbs 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
We need Godly wisdom to live this life of ours successfully. This was a quick summation of my own study today. Sometimes I have the luxury of a leisurely meal at the table of God's word. Sometimes a snack. I am always fed and fueled for the next step in the journey. Do not try to accomplish your day on an empty stomach. The table is set and He has prepared a wonder filled meal for us.
Bon Appetit
~Debbie
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts,art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
I like to study from the King James bible. The headers on Proverbs 1 have the verses broke down into 4 sections. A quick summary of the given information or a preview of the menu.
As I read and digest the food of God's word I can consider the meal set before me.
The first header for Proverbs 1:1-6 states
A Wise Man Will Hear.
Jesus said to take heed what we hear. So listening to the right thing is important. We need to guard our hearing. If I have time to chew on this precept/concept, it will lead me to thinking about what I hear, who I hear it from, and if I should be listening to them! Our minds and spirits become conditioned to the verbal atmosphere we surround ourselves with daily.
Proverbs 1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
The word hear in this sentence means obey. This shows that we have a tendency to obey what we hear. So listen up! Be careful what you hear.
The Beginning of Knowledge
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Verse 7 clearly says fools despise wisdom and instruction. I will not be a fool. I will study, hear, and obey God's word to me. Will you?
Walk Not in the Way of Sinners
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Peer pressure at its worst! How often are we tempted to go along with the crowd around us. Be the voice of reason. Speak, someone is waiting to hear the obvious.
Proverbs 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Lead by example.
Wisdom Cries in the Streets
Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets. In our everyday, day in day out life, in the market place and beyond, the wisdom of God cries for attention. There is a severe warning for all who ignore her. Wisdom will not be ignored. The fruit of her presence is manifested in those who take heed and obey.
Verse 31 warns
Proverbs 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
We need Godly wisdom to live this life of ours successfully. This was a quick summation of my own study today. Sometimes I have the luxury of a leisurely meal at the table of God's word. Sometimes a snack. I am always fed and fueled for the next step in the journey. Do not try to accomplish your day on an empty stomach. The table is set and He has prepared a wonder filled meal for us.
Bon Appetit
~Debbie
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts,art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, February 7, 2011
Meek is not Weak
There is an assumption that to be meek one must be weak. Not so! There is great strength in the ability to maintain your peace without becoming a doormat for others to tread upon. A studied balance is needed.
The need to take a stand without placing your foot in your mouth!
As you walk out your everyday life you will be challenged. You will be challenged to walk in meekness and yet retain your integrity, focus, strength and peace of mind. To walk steadfastly in an uneasy world.
Daily we face the foe of unrest. Whether the foe appears on the battlefield of our mind in inner struggle or presents itself as a situation or person who seeks to jab at our resolve to walk in peace. Life happens and with the best intention it is easy to become aggressive in our stance and reply.
There is a battle and you are a warrior.
So summon your warrior's heart as you approach this battle, but appear on the battlefield dressed properly.
Ephesians 6:10,11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
You can find the list on garments in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Remember the goal of any enemy is to steal your peace, to change your mind, to convince you of your weakness. Yet if you have surrendered your heart to God, you have become a meek warrior. Not a weak warrior.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
1 Peter 3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
God is well aware that it is hard as a human to cultivate a meek and quiet spirit. When I looked up the word spirit in 1 Peter 3:4, it referenced wind. The Vines dictionary stated it as " primarily denotes "the wind" (akin to pneo, "to breathe, blow"); also "breath;" then, especially "the spirit," which, like the wind, is invisible, immaterial and powerful.
So my understanding is this, a quiet spirit in practical application would be presented as a quiet wind. To speak with authority and quietly. When our emotions are stirred we tend to become loud and louder. Speaking louder as though this will cause us to be heard more efficiently. Therefore, tempers flare. Words ignite and the battle rages. In this case there is a need to be gentle or meek but never weak.
You are not to be a tea bag of slightly brewed strength spiritually.
But a strong cup of resolve presented in a gentle manner.
Fight the good fight of faith warrior for meek is not weak.
~Debbie
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing,poetry, posts,art,and photography, copyright
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
The need to take a stand without placing your foot in your mouth!
As you walk out your everyday life you will be challenged. You will be challenged to walk in meekness and yet retain your integrity, focus, strength and peace of mind. To walk steadfastly in an uneasy world.
Daily we face the foe of unrest. Whether the foe appears on the battlefield of our mind in inner struggle or presents itself as a situation or person who seeks to jab at our resolve to walk in peace. Life happens and with the best intention it is easy to become aggressive in our stance and reply.
There is a battle and you are a warrior.
So summon your warrior's heart as you approach this battle, but appear on the battlefield dressed properly.
Ephesians 6:10,11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
You can find the list on garments in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Remember the goal of any enemy is to steal your peace, to change your mind, to convince you of your weakness. Yet if you have surrendered your heart to God, you have become a meek warrior. Not a weak warrior.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
1 Peter 3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
God is well aware that it is hard as a human to cultivate a meek and quiet spirit. When I looked up the word spirit in 1 Peter 3:4, it referenced wind. The Vines dictionary stated it as " primarily denotes "the wind" (akin to pneo, "to breathe, blow"); also "breath;" then, especially "the spirit," which, like the wind, is invisible, immaterial and powerful.
So my understanding is this, a quiet spirit in practical application would be presented as a quiet wind. To speak with authority and quietly. When our emotions are stirred we tend to become loud and louder. Speaking louder as though this will cause us to be heard more efficiently. Therefore, tempers flare. Words ignite and the battle rages. In this case there is a need to be gentle or meek but never weak.
You are not to be a tea bag of slightly brewed strength spiritually.
But a strong cup of resolve presented in a gentle manner.
Fight the good fight of faith warrior for meek is not weak.
~Debbie
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing,poetry, posts,art,and photography, copyright
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Monday, January 31, 2011
Just as I am
 |
| Going Home © Debbie Turner Chavers |
I was impressed this morning with the remembrance of a hymn that has always ministered to me since receiving Jesus Christ as my Saviour. The hymn is Just as I Am, Without One Plea.
As humans we tend to make the gospel message difficult, but the fact is, God wants you. He wants you just as you are. Sins and all. You see HE has made a provision for that. He has made a way for that. His son, Jesus Christ and His shed blood at Calvary. Come to Him just as you are. You will leave the old you at His cross and rise in Christ as a new creature. Click here for a simple salvation prayer to start your new life in Christ.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
John 14:16 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galations 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
~Debbie
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing,poetry, posts,art,and photography, copyright
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hymn
JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PLEA
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
~Charlotte Elliott
Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting some friends in the West End of London, and there met the eminent minister, César Malan. While seated at supper, the minister said he hoped that she was a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather not discuss that question. Dr. Malan said that he was sorry if had offended her, that he always liked to speak a word for his Master, and that he hoped that the young lady would some day become a worker for Christ. When they met again at the home of a mutual friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the minister that ever since he had spoken to her she had been trying to find her Saviour, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to him as you are,” Dr. Malan said. This she did, and went away rejoicing. Shortly afterward she wrote this hymn.
Charlotte Elliot wrote this song about how to find salvation through Christ. It has been used by many as the call to the altar at the close of services, as it brings a quiet simple message of sin, forgiveness, and salvation to all that turn from sin and trust in Jesus.
Quoted from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justasam.htm
Friday, January 7, 2011
To Persevere
This is the beginning of a new year and my encouragement for you is to persevere. We have each been allotted a specific time here on this earth to accomplish our calling in Christ Jesus. Not all call Jesus, Lord, but each person has been gifted by God with a specific purpose. Our first purpose is to worship God and then to serve Him and each other with His gifting in and through us.
Persevere- to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
What is important to you? What are you doing about it?
Pray and ask God to help you discern what you need to persevere at during your time here on earth. Now do it and keep doing it until God tells you to stop.
I am reprinting a newsletter that I received from the Starfish Foster Home from Amanda de Lange. Visit the website, marvel at the miracle of love and care that God bestows through willing hands and hearts and the difference that it makes.
I highlighted the text about perseverance in Amanda's newsletter below. Obviously, it is difficult to raise a child and this is a home for many children.
I love the banner for Starfish that states "For this child, I will make a difference."
You can make a difference. The difference you make while on this earth at times will be obvious, but truly the eternal difference will only be seen when this life is over.
Persevere.
Do what you can and do it well. I know you can.
~Debbie
1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. NIV
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
KJV
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Article below is reprinted with permission from Amanda.
End of Year Letter, 2010
On September 13th, 2010 we celebrated 5 years of Starfish. I think of it as one of the greatest tutorials of my life. There is no way to fully explain the things I have learned and the adversity I have overcome and the life lessons that are being taught every day. It is an experience like no other I have ever had. The unbridled joy, the pain personified heartache, the overwhelming gratitude, the intense hard work and unrelenting stress. For the first time I understood this year why it is so. I asked my assistant to count the time the babies have been at Starfish and then to add it all up and would you believe it came to 125 YEARS and some months. So at Starfish every day is like five days other wise. Now I get why it is so hard to do. You have to be incredibly strong and very focused on your mission. You have to be flexible and able to adapt really fast and with a minimum amount of complaint. At the same time to have a very clear vision of where you are going and what needs to be done to get there. You cannot be swayed by any opinions and unsolicited advice. About this aspect I can write books because there are so many people who have something to say, without knowing much of anything that happens at Starfish. Your decisions need to be swift and right and so I pray for guidance all the time.
Recently, I read about three women and the money that they spent on their unsuccessful political campaigns in the US. It turned out to be US$217 million. What an incredible waste! I found out too, that Obama raised US$500 million through microphilantropy, where many people gave small amounts and he spent it all on becoming the president of the US. When I looked at that amount my heart wept because I thought about the 143 million orphans that are estimated to be in the world and like winning the lottery, I thought of what I would do with that money to help those kids be adopted and to get surgeries. I thought of the adoption funds that I would create to allow the families a donation to allow them to defray the enormous cost of adopting. I would have enough money to continue helping like this for years. Reverend Billy Graham once said: "Show me your check book (credit card etc) and I will show you were your heart is."
I watched the movie Schindler's List many years ago. There were so many lessons from that movie, but one that stayed with me. Oscar Schindler who was by all accounts a womanizer, a gambler, an alcoholic and a member of the Nazi Party, but in those golden years he saved more than 1 200 Jewish people's lives, in giving everything he owned, even his wife's jewelry to help them. After that time, he was not to be successful again at anything and he faded into oblivion except to the people whom he saved and who never forgot him. He requested to be buried in Jerusalem because according to him: My children are there. The lesson to me was, you do not have to perfect to be able to do good deeds. If we waited for the perfect people to turn up, there would be no-one to do the work. So for me, in spite of my foibles, I get to save babies lives and in my own way I am writing my Amanda's List with each baby that comes to Starfish and some who do not. I might sound egotistical but true none the less.
I am so grateful for the chance that I have to be able to help the babies when they are so medically fragile such a critical stage of their lives. I am so grateful for the love that is poured out on them by the nannies and the volunteers. I love being the keeper of their hearts at such an important time and to teach the what it means to be loved and how they are to love back.
I am so grateful for all the donations that we receive and for the ability that it gives me to help a child in desperate need. We have had 124 babies at Starfish and they are all little teachers. I am so grateful for the lessons they have taught me and for the change they have brought into my life. I am grateful for the 52 families who have received our children and for offering them something that we could not do for them at Starfish, a family of their very own. There are more families going to have the blessings of having a Starfish baby in the future. This year we did a phenomenal 28 adoptions. More than the four previous years combined!
I am also so grateful to the volunteers who come to Starfish from far and wide and around the corner here in Xian, to offer up their time, talents and their love to the babies. Thank you for your service on behalf of the children. It really is a team effort which has such excellent results.
I am also so grateful for all the medical help we receive from skilled surgeons and medical staff, who with their training heal so many children. I cannot express my gratitude enough for what they do. We did 53 surgeries this year. Think of all the lives that have been impacted by that.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to be entrusted with the lives of these children . I love hearing how well the babies are doing and I love writing about what our adventures at Starfish.
My heart and my thoughts also go to the children who never got the chance to know the love of a family, the children who we were not able to heal. It is hard to accept that not everyone can be helped, in spite of your best efforts. These lessons of life are some of the hardest to learn and come to terms with. May I never forget them.
Thank you for your love and support of Starfish. We thank you for your generosity and concern for children you might never meet.
Life, love and laughter,
Amanda
At Starfish, we have taken care of 124 children to date, arranged more than 100 surgeries and had 51 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and in China. Our latest adoptions are to Washington State and New Mexico, Georgia and to Southern California. We currently have 45 babies under the age of 3 and three foster homes. Preparing to move to our new "castle" hopefully before the end of the year.
Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China
http://www.thestarfishfosterhome.org/
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com/
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com/
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847
Persevere- to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
What is important to you? What are you doing about it?
Pray and ask God to help you discern what you need to persevere at during your time here on earth. Now do it and keep doing it until God tells you to stop.
I am reprinting a newsletter that I received from the Starfish Foster Home from Amanda de Lange. Visit the website, marvel at the miracle of love and care that God bestows through willing hands and hearts and the difference that it makes.
I highlighted the text about perseverance in Amanda's newsletter below. Obviously, it is difficult to raise a child and this is a home for many children.
I love the banner for Starfish that states "For this child, I will make a difference."
You can make a difference. The difference you make while on this earth at times will be obvious, but truly the eternal difference will only be seen when this life is over.
Persevere.
Do what you can and do it well. I know you can.
~Debbie
1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. NIV
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
KJV
Unless otherwise attributed, all writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright
© 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Article below is reprinted with permission from Amanda.
End of Year Letter, 2010
On September 13th, 2010 we celebrated 5 years of Starfish. I think of it as one of the greatest tutorials of my life. There is no way to fully explain the things I have learned and the adversity I have overcome and the life lessons that are being taught every day. It is an experience like no other I have ever had. The unbridled joy, the pain personified heartache, the overwhelming gratitude, the intense hard work and unrelenting stress. For the first time I understood this year why it is so. I asked my assistant to count the time the babies have been at Starfish and then to add it all up and would you believe it came to 125 YEARS and some months. So at Starfish every day is like five days other wise. Now I get why it is so hard to do. You have to be incredibly strong and very focused on your mission. You have to be flexible and able to adapt really fast and with a minimum amount of complaint. At the same time to have a very clear vision of where you are going and what needs to be done to get there. You cannot be swayed by any opinions and unsolicited advice. About this aspect I can write books because there are so many people who have something to say, without knowing much of anything that happens at Starfish. Your decisions need to be swift and right and so I pray for guidance all the time.
Recently, I read about three women and the money that they spent on their unsuccessful political campaigns in the US. It turned out to be US$217 million. What an incredible waste! I found out too, that Obama raised US$500 million through microphilantropy, where many people gave small amounts and he spent it all on becoming the president of the US. When I looked at that amount my heart wept because I thought about the 143 million orphans that are estimated to be in the world and like winning the lottery, I thought of what I would do with that money to help those kids be adopted and to get surgeries. I thought of the adoption funds that I would create to allow the families a donation to allow them to defray the enormous cost of adopting. I would have enough money to continue helping like this for years. Reverend Billy Graham once said: "Show me your check book (credit card etc) and I will show you were your heart is."
I watched the movie Schindler's List many years ago. There were so many lessons from that movie, but one that stayed with me. Oscar Schindler who was by all accounts a womanizer, a gambler, an alcoholic and a member of the Nazi Party, but in those golden years he saved more than 1 200 Jewish people's lives, in giving everything he owned, even his wife's jewelry to help them. After that time, he was not to be successful again at anything and he faded into oblivion except to the people whom he saved and who never forgot him. He requested to be buried in Jerusalem because according to him: My children are there. The lesson to me was, you do not have to perfect to be able to do good deeds. If we waited for the perfect people to turn up, there would be no-one to do the work. So for me, in spite of my foibles, I get to save babies lives and in my own way I am writing my Amanda's List with each baby that comes to Starfish and some who do not. I might sound egotistical but true none the less.
I am so grateful for the chance that I have to be able to help the babies when they are so medically fragile such a critical stage of their lives. I am so grateful for the love that is poured out on them by the nannies and the volunteers. I love being the keeper of their hearts at such an important time and to teach the what it means to be loved and how they are to love back.
I am so grateful for all the donations that we receive and for the ability that it gives me to help a child in desperate need. We have had 124 babies at Starfish and they are all little teachers. I am so grateful for the lessons they have taught me and for the change they have brought into my life. I am grateful for the 52 families who have received our children and for offering them something that we could not do for them at Starfish, a family of their very own. There are more families going to have the blessings of having a Starfish baby in the future. This year we did a phenomenal 28 adoptions. More than the four previous years combined!
I am also so grateful to the volunteers who come to Starfish from far and wide and around the corner here in Xian, to offer up their time, talents and their love to the babies. Thank you for your service on behalf of the children. It really is a team effort which has such excellent results.
I am also so grateful for all the medical help we receive from skilled surgeons and medical staff, who with their training heal so many children. I cannot express my gratitude enough for what they do. We did 53 surgeries this year. Think of all the lives that have been impacted by that.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to be entrusted with the lives of these children . I love hearing how well the babies are doing and I love writing about what our adventures at Starfish.
My heart and my thoughts also go to the children who never got the chance to know the love of a family, the children who we were not able to heal. It is hard to accept that not everyone can be helped, in spite of your best efforts. These lessons of life are some of the hardest to learn and come to terms with. May I never forget them.
Thank you for your love and support of Starfish. We thank you for your generosity and concern for children you might never meet.
Life, love and laughter,
Amanda
At Starfish, we have taken care of 124 children to date, arranged more than 100 surgeries and had 51 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and in China. Our latest adoptions are to Washington State and New Mexico, Georgia and to Southern California. We currently have 45 babies under the age of 3 and three foster homes. Preparing to move to our new "castle" hopefully before the end of the year.
Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China
http://www.thestarfishfosterhome.org/
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com/
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com/
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847
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