Recently I thought that the one way I can keep a journal is to keep my grocery receipts.
Living on a small budget, I like to look back and see if I made good choices.

My goodness! How did the same amount of income, generate so many presents at Christmas?
I still have a few to give away.
Getting out in this cold climate is difficult for me as I catch the cold.
Living in a warm climate for twenty-four years has made me a sunshine girl, who does not like the cold weather.

What did I buy? Many of the gifts I was able to give, were purchased
at a Pound Store (or dollar store)most items were £1 or 2 for £1.
I was truly blessed that all the ladies at my Christmas party for Mums (Moms) and
babies, enjoyed the homemade food, the simply gifts of hand cream and the photographs taken
of their precious babies, sitting on Santa’s knee.
None of them were frightened and only one cried due to teething.

I made some items I found in a second hand store, and have found how much I love doing crafts.
As a mother who raised her children in difficult times,
I am so grateful to have the time to knit, and make dolls clothes. I am knitting little blankets, for the babies
I hope to meet this year.

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.
I did receive many gifts this year and lovely warm clothes Yeah!
I was also able to help feed people who would not have had a Christmas meal.
On Christmas Eve, I had a phone call asking if I would like a free turkey.
It was at least 16lbs in weight.
I was delighted and around nine p.m. a friend from church brought me the turkey.
Only instead of one there were two.
So I filled them with apples and sage bread stuffing and cooked one in my house.
The other turkey went home with my friend and he cooked it in his oven. Too big for mine.

The next morning, I went early to one of our church campuses and opened up the freezing kitchen.
Making hot drinks and toast for the worship team.
I was very pleased to meet a new lady who wanted to help serve.
She had brought yet another turkey for us to eat.

We worked well together and served about 150 people.
We served crossiants, with Bavarian ham and cheese, Baggets- filled and Danish pastries,
together with hot turkey and gravy
Several platters of apple pies, mince pie and fruit cake.
A busy but fulfilling morning.
The gift I received was yet another turkey.
Now you have to understand I could not afford to buy a turkey so to be blessed with four in total was amazing. ( I did have to cook that one too.)
I also had a friend come and cook dinner for me and some guests, so I got to rest and be a guest in my own home
How cool is that!

How great is Our Father who knows all the days of our life.
He is never short of provision, and loves to give us good things to eat, and to share His love.
The Good News is still the same as it was 2000 + years ago.

So when you think you don’t have any resource you need – simply stop and pray
He knows already, so if you will trust Him and put him first in your life, you will have
more blessing than you can imagine or think.
Not only is God our provider, he has made us to look like Him and He is LOVE.

Not worldly distorted love, but pure and Holy love. He does not accuse, but is righteous in all His ways
His son Jesus came and told about His kingdom.
He loves YOU so much he took on all your sins and died as a criminal on a cross.
He gave you authority in His name, Above all names, Jesus, – that every knee will bow-
and every person confess He is Lord of all creation.

I pray as you live daily, you will remind yourself of the many blessings you have.
He will never leave you or forsake you.
No Matter what circumstances you are in today, they are temporary.
The best choice this New Year is to find a Bible believing church and join His family.
It is free, it will cost you everything and you will find-
joy, peace, love, laughter and friends to help you on this journey of life.

Your Sister in Christ.

Do you think these words encouraged Joshua? He was taking over the leadership
and bringing the people Israelites across the river Jordan to the long promised land.
God spoke to Joshua in person and told him he was with him for his whole life.

Today we see rumors of war, earthquakes, difficult financial global times, and famine.
Are you living in peace, joy and hope, or does the news make you
uncertain and unsettled.

Keeping our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith we live
and breath and have our being in him.
Be assured that whatever your present circumstances are in faith when
you pray AND DO NOT DOUBT, the Lord will guide and protect you.

I ask all prayer warriors, to pray for the mothers and children, the
world leaders, the persecuted church, and the land you are living in.
Pray for Israel, the middle East and world monetary leaders.

In James we read – the prayer’s of a righteous person – availeth much.
In Other words, believing and trusting that God hears us and will help
give us wisdom and courage to fight the powers of darkness.
Ephesians 6 11-17. Put on the whole armor of God.

Each day, thank the Lord for food, and shelter, and clothing.
A grateful heart, is content, working as for the Lord.
He knows everyday of your life, so read His word, work in His
Kingdom and build on the foundation and promises of Jesus.

I pray wherever you are today, you will live in confident hope,
if you LOVE the Lord and give Him first place in your life.
You will be changed, and live forever – What a promise.

Have a very Blessed and peaceful week.
In His Grace,
Your sister in Christ.

Here is Colossians 3 -12 – 14
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves
with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.
Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

17 – And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Each morning we get ready for the day by getting washed and dressed,
putting on clean clothes, and shoes.
This is an easy way to remember to put on Christ. You are very important
to the world of people, who are not yet aware of who God is
and how much he loves us. If we were living in the time of Christ
we would be wearing the same type of robes he wore.
Now we wear our armor of God.Esps. 6 11-17
The motto of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides is: Be prepared.

Prepare your day with prayer, and song, talk to Jesus, and he will guide your heart
and mind for all you have to do, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Be blessed, give and it will be given to you.
It is more blessed to give than receive.

I hope this encourages you to live in excellence,
growing in faith and trust. God is so gracious and kind.
Now you are called His friends.
Be a good friend and neighbor today.
In His peace, your sister in Christ.

This story is two verses, yet this, tells us that Jabez was more interested in honoring God.
He was living among dishonorable men, in his own family, and he knew his only hope was to trust in
God’s faithfulness. He knew the blessings which Moses had given to the Children of Israel, and believed
in God’s protection, provision and wanted a personal relationship with His God. Yaweh!

He was granted his request, so we can believe that he did expand his territory, (some versions say, the pegs
of my tent) that he was given FAVOR, and was free from trouble and pain.

Do you need a blessing today?
What is on your heart and mind?
Relationships, finances, employment, children, family, the place you worship. The world?

This is one of my favorite songs as it states the truth about how I love God and am grateful for his love and
blessings in my life. …..
“In everything I say and do let my life honor you, Here I am living for your glory,
Seeking first the Kingdom of my Lord. ……..

In this world of constant change, and uncertain weather, and earthquakes. Let us keep Jabez’s faith
and believe – the best is yet to be.
Talk to God, praise him, and have an attitude of gratitude. Serve in a Bible believing church, and grow
in Spirit and in truth. You will be called the children of God, his own precious possession.
At the end of each day count yourself blessed if you have had food, and shelter, and have clothes to wear.
If you are still a lost sheep, then seek your shepherd. Jesus (God’s only son) is the Good Shepherd who cares
for the sheep. If you seek him with all your heart you will find him and he will change your forever.

There are several books available about the prayer of Jabez. It is good to read spiritual books that help you
understand what the Bible is teaching.
To find Jabez read – Chapter 4 v 9-10 NLT. For a different translation the NASB. The blessings are found
in Dueteronomy 28: 1 – 14

Have a very blessed week, In Jesus love, peace, grace, and power.
Your sister in Christ.

I am writing this to help those of you who are not aware of the many things Jesus has said.
Solid Foundation for life.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house
on the rock.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house,
but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words
of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell,
and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the
fall of it.
Matt. 7: 24-27

Building your life on the Word of God is a strong foundation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
He knows all the days of your life already, and if you are wise you will study His word and gain not
only wisdom for this life, but eternal life in His presence.
“There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death.” proverbs 14:12 NASB
Which life will you choose? One of abundance and the true riches in Christ Jesus – or will you go
your own way!
Inscription written on the wall of the Rockefeller Center, New York City: “Man’s ultimate destiny depends
not on whether he can learn new lessons or make new discoveries and conquest, but on the acceptance
of the lesson taught him close upon 2000 years ago.”

The LORD is my rock…Psalm 18:2 NASB.
“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:11
James 1:22-23, Titus 1:16
“When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.”
Proverbs 10:25
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith….” 2 timothy 4:7

Read the verses for yourself and let God guide your path. It is a wonderful life for those who take
courage and live in faith.
Be blessed and continue to grow and excel in your faith and understanding.
Your sister in Christ.

To let go does not mean to stop caring;
It means I can’t do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off;
It’s a realization I can’t control another.
To let go is not to enable;
But allowing learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness;
Which means the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try and change or blame another;
It’s to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for;
But to care about.
To let go is not to fix;
But to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge;
But allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging the outcomes;
But to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective;
It’s to permit others to face reality.
To let go is not to deny;
But to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue;
But to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not adjust everything to my desires;
But to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticise or regulate anybody;
But to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past;
But to grow and live for the future.
To let go, is to fear less and love more. Remember: the time to love is short.

The Bible tells us – in Chronicles, that the Lord said “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves,
repent (ask forgiveness) for their sins, (against God’s Holy Commandments) then I will hear them from heaven and come and heal their land.”
This still applies today, and in the recent events locally and globally it is time to ask for Supernatural Help, Divine intervention, and access the promise of God’s covenant.

I am asking everyone who believes that God is a loving Father, who cares so much – he sent His only Son Jesus to die
on a cross and put an end to death and hell, and bring the Kingdom of heaven to earth.

Pray – and if each of you takes a specific time day or night, we can intercede on behalf of this mess,as reports around the world are being made known everyday. (Jesus said if two or more are gathered in my name I am with them. What a promise) The power of the Holy Spirit will guide you, and a written prayer can be a reminder of just how amazing is God’s love, mercy and grace. (divine provision and protection)

Pray -for wisdom for leaders.
For- Global events to be under God’s guidance and Divine will.
For – the peace of Israel and the entire middle east.
For- the dying children in East Africa, where there is a severe drought.
For- honest money management and accountability from everyone, the lowest paid worker to the board room.
For- families to be healed, and restored. That Father’s and Mothers and children will grow up in maturity and
respect, faithful, showing kindness and forgiveness, encouragement and creating a loving nuturing home.

Please take twenty minutes, and pray – your gratitude for your home, family, job, health, finance, and freedom.
Give the Lord first place on the throne room of your heart. We are to be priests, and Kings, and will reign with Jesus Christ when he returns.
Pray the psalms, 18 1-3 I love you oh Lord my Rock…….
As a mother, and a concerned citizen, I ask you focus on what you are passionate about.
Make sure your motives are pure. This is asking for a humility, and graciousness that we have
the confidence, to boldly go before His throne and ask for help. Believing God hears us, and we have
the petition/answers – we are asking for.
Faith is the hope of unseen and high and powerful things. With ~God all things are possible.

May the peace of God, keep your hearts, and minds under the blood of Jesus.
Please pray over the next few weeks. He needs to know you care enough to ask,
I care enough to believe faith can indeed move mountains, obstacles and troubles.
In Joel – we read that in the last days, God has promised to pour out His Spirit on all mankind.
Signs and wonders and dreams, and visions, miracles and healing will come to believers.
The tests of refiners fire, will prove the good works, God has planned for us to do from the
beginning.
In peace, love, and gratitude,
Your sister in Christ.

This is something we should all read at least once a week!
Make sure you read to the end.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Don’t audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come…
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Its estimated 93% won’t forward this.
If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title ’7%’.
I’m in the 7%. Friends are the family that we choose.

Some years ago,on a hot summer day in South Florida little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry into the cool water,he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water,not realizing that as he swam
toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming
toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear,he ran toward the water,yelling to his son as loudlyas he could.

Hearing his voice,the little boy became alarmed and
made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock,the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the
alligator snatched his legs….. That began an
incredible tug-of-war between the two.
The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was
much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams,raced from his
truck,took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital,the little boy
survived. His legs were extremely scarred by
the vicious attackof the animal. And- on his arms,were deep
scratches where his father’s fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the
boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his
scars.The boy lifted his pant legs.
And then, with obvious pride, he said to the
reporter,”But look at my arms. I have great
scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go.”

You and I can identify with that little boy.We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds,my friend,are because God has refused to let go.In the midst of your struggle,…..
He’s been there holding on to you…

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way.
But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life – is filled with peril -and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.
That’s when the tug-of-war begins – and if you have the scars of His
love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

Please pass this
on -to those you
love… God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others.
You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through. Never judge another person’s scars,because you don’t
know how they got them… Also,it is so important
that we are not selfish -to receive the
blessings of these messages,without forwarding
them -to someone else.

Right now, someone needs to know that God
loves them, and you love them, too- enough to not let them go. Always, Tell Your Family And Friends How Much You Love Them!!!
I just did!!

The paint was faded, the shine was gone …. the grass had grown so high ….
but they made their little feet move to see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door and it came to light ….
This must have been an old church house …. once upon a time.

Dirty, dusty wooden pews …. a pulpit that still stood ….
A Bible laid upon it …. though the pages weren’t too good.

An offering plate and song books too …. were laying on the floor.
They must have left this old church fast …. the day they closed
the doors.

And over in the corner …. a piano was still there.
It must have played a pretty tune …. but guess nobody cared no more.

So little Bill looked up at Tommy … and Tommy looked at Bill ….
“Why don’t we clean this old church up, and get these old pews filled?”

They took a rag and wiped the dust…. to try and make things shine ….
And then they took the offering plate …. and put in their last dime. (10p) 10cents.

They took a broom and swept the floor…. and picked up broken glass …
They got it all nice and neat …. and then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign …. and stood it by a tree ….right down
by that old dirt road where everyone could see.

They run back home, to find Daddy gone …. but their Momma was inside ….
Just to find her hurt again …. were Daddy had made her cry.
“Don’t cry, Momma, wipe those tears,” Little Bill and Tommy smiled ….
“Cause we have a big surprise for you …. just down the road a mile.”

Hand in hand they tugged at her …. until they made her run …. “What is it
Bill, oh Tommy, just what have you kids done?”
And then they came upon the house …. once hidden by the weeds …. and there
it stood a country church …. just like it used to be.

“But what is it , Mother? What’s with your tears? We thought this would bring you
joy.” “Yes but hush kids now and listen close …. my two sweet precious boys.”
They both got quiet and stood real still …. for the words they heard so true ….
was Daddy praying in the church …. with his head bowed on the pew.

“Forgive me Lord! Forgive me, Lord! though I’m not worthy of you love ….
Shine down on this sinner man …. sweet Salvation from above.”
“For I’ve been out in the world, You know …. living my life all wrong ….
until I came upon this church, the place where I belong.”

“I never noticed it before …. all those times I passed it up …. I guess I
wasn’t looking, Lord …. or maybe I was drunk.”
“Bless, oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord …. the one who made me see …. this
little church that used to hide …. behind all those tall weeds.”

And then he raised his had and stood …. with his hands high in the air ….
to find two dirty, tear-faced boys …. with Momma standing there.
They ran up to him, hugged him tight …. as their tears fell on the floor.
“Don’t worry, kids, I’m not the Dad, the one you’ve known before.”
“Things are different for us now …. so keep on those pretty smiles …. and
let’s go gather people in …. to walk down these church aisles.”

Then Bill looked up at Tommy …. and Tommy looked at Bill …. “Come on,
brother, let’s get to work …. to get these old pews filled.”
“For we need no special blessing …. for cleaning up this church …. ’cause
God gave us back our Daddy …. and that’s more than gold is worth.”

Sunday morning, pews all filled …. and smiles on every face …. especially
two little country boys …. one ones who found this place.
Though it was hid back in the weeds …. and so far out of sight ….
Nothing’s every hard to find if you’re walking toward God’s light.

1 John 1:7 “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

There are all kinds of “weeds” that hide our true purposes – let’s get rid of them!

This was written by an unknown author. May we have the love of these two little boys.