Monthly Archives: July 2014

Photo Album From Our “Cousins Family Reunion” in NJ

Standard

We haven’t been back up to NJ in a number of years…

So a cousins reunion was planned…

Somehow, we’re the old folks in the family now…

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 032

Flying to NJ!!

Spirit Airlines to Atlantic City!!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 287

Pretty hassle-free, I must say…

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 040

Cousin Phyllis’ house in Lavallette!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 050

Out for dinner…

For some good NJ Italian Sicilian Pizza!!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 052

Sea Side Beach and Boardwalk…

Still under construction after Hurricane Sandy!!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 072

Great memories of the Jersey Shore!!!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 077

All new rides!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 093

They still have Casey’s favorite Boardwalk games!!

7-16-14 NJ-Sea Side 102

Time to sit and chat on Phyllis’ front porch!!

7-17-14 Lavallette 007

And to walk and take photos on the Lavallette Beach!

7-17-14 Lavallette 016

Floridians, feel blessed…

New Jerseyans have to pay to get on their beaches!

7-17-14 Lavallette 023

Walked to Ortley Beach…

The beach was packed…

High Season…

Weather: cloudy 72 to 82 degrees…

NO  HUMIDITY!!!!

The beautiful weather in NJ spoiled me…

When I came back to FL…

I couldn’t breathe!!!

7-17-14 Lavallette 142

Beautiful sand dunes!!

7-17-14 Lavallette 192

Phyllis and I at Bayside Cafe for lunch!!

Yum!

7-17-14 Lavallette 222

Later, watched the sunset over Barnegat Bay!!

7-17-14 Lavallette 273

On Friday, July 18th…

I conducted a grave site Memorial Service for  my Mom…

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 005

I read beautiful letters from my brothers, Joe & John…

George & Phyllis spoke lovingly of Mom…

Casey prayed at the end…

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 006

I read Mom’s favorite Bible passage…

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 008

We can be glad and rejoice…

Because of the blessings of grace, peace, pardon…

Righteousness, and salvation…

That we have through Christ…

And the everlasting Gospel. 

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 011

   Psalm 118:23 

“This is the LORD’S doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.” 

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 013

Delight!  Be Full!  Be Glad!  Have Joy!  Rejoice!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 030

Tina sang, “Worthy Is The Lamb”

Beautiful!!!

Psalm 118:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.”

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 039

Cousins Family Reunion…

Hilton Garden Inn in Lakewood, NJ…

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 044

Cathy, Mary Kate, Connor, & Scott

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 045

Ron, Judi, Deanna, & Nunzio

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 065

Judi, Courtney, & Ellie

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 068

Cathy, Mary Kate, Casey, Scott, Dave, Kyle, Tina, Me, & Celeste

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 156

Casey, Tina, Mary Kate, Phyllis, & Connor

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 157

Courtney, Dave, Scott, & Cathy

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 166

Pt. Pleasant Boardwalk!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 171

Brings back sooo many memories!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 210

Wall to wall people on the beach!!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 236

Lively place!!

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 263

Tina & Denine

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 270

Rick, Alycia, & Kyle 

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 271

Dave, Ellie, Courtney, Celeste, & Patty

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 274

Jennifer, and twins:  Maggie and Cate

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 281

Alice, Denine, George, John, Ron, Carol, Celeste, Phyllis, Casey, Rick, Deanna

7-18-14 pick up Aunt Tee-Memorial 285

Maggie, Ellie, & Cate…

The three princesses that I just got to meet this weekend!!

Psalm 103:17

“But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him,

and His righteousness with their children’s children–

To those who keep His covenant

And remember His precepts to do them.”

This is something we can hold on to…

We can have life and love in our hearts…

Joy and gladness in our souls…

Because the Lord is our salvation!

Amen!!

Lord, Give Me One More Hour With My Loved One…

Standard

My friend, Amy…

Lost her 10 year-old son, Kaleb recently…

See my post at:

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/grief-are-you-in-the-club/

She posted this question on Facebook…

Amy

I responded…

“Tell me what you would say to Kaleb in that hour…”

Her heartfelt answer…

“I’d mostly hold him…

Tell him how much I love him…

Make sure he knows I always have and will…

I would just listen to all the things he would tell me…

I miss listening to him…

We talked so much more than I realized…

And just listening to the joy that came out of his constant laugh…

I miss him so very much!”

I found a great blog about “Thoughts On Grief And Loss”

“Keep the positive memories alive…”

http://elliesway.org/thoughtsongrief/

 The God Of All Comfort…

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion

and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort

we ourselves

have received from God.

Amen!

When you receive comfort from God…

Give it to others!!

Lay It Down…

Standard

At the Cross where your Freedom’s found!!!!

7-13-14 VBS-Golf Course-Walk 003

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me,

all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.”

Problems???

Sorrows???

Hit rock bottom???

Smile! 

Pray!!! 

Stand up straight! 

Breathe!

Problems…

Can’t keep you from living now!

Shake ‘em off!

Lay ‘em down!

7-13-14 VBS-Golf Course-Walk 112

At the Cross where your Freedom’s found!!! 

Stand up!

March on! 

Be strong!

Don’t give up! 

Don’t get caught up in your feelings!

Time for laughter!

Time for pain!

Time for doubt!

Time for faith! 

Believe you can find the strength…

To get back up on your feet! 

Lay it down!

Don’t hold on so tight! 

Freedom’s found… 

When you let God take over the fight!

 Surrender!

You’re free again!

7-13-14 VBS-Golf Course-Walk 116

This is a sermon in a song!!  

Amen!!

Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the LORD

and He will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Vision From God: Prayers for “ALIVE! Worship”

Standard

10-19-13 Outreach 113

(Photo:  Tikaya and Casey-“Set Me Free” by Casting Crowns)

I’d appreciate your prayers!!

My son and I have been directing our A.L.I.V.E. Drama Team for 10 years now.  

I’ve been a licensed minister for 2 and a half years.

I’ve been praying for God’s will

in what He wants to accomplish in our lives,

and with our drama team.

I have a heart to encourage everyone to use and develop their gifts and talents for the Lord,

and to raise them up as leaders.

10-19-13 Outreach 152

Photo:  Tikaya and Casey-“Set Me Free” by Casting Crowns)

One Saturday morning, several months ago, God gave me a vision for a worship service.

I am to pastor an outreach ministry, for all ages, called,

“ALIVE!  Worship.”

It should consist of dynamic preaching and teaching,

contemporary Christian music,

relevant drama, anointed dance, skits, Improv, anointed art,

prayer time, altar time,

and from time to time, we’re to host guest worship leaders,

preachers, teachers, dancers, etc.

Included in worship time/altar time, there should be anointing with oil,

for all those needing a touch from God.

10-19-13 Outreach 154

(Photo:  Tikaya and Casey-“Set Me Free” by Casting Crowns)

My son and I are to direct this ministry through our existing

A.L.I.V.E. Drama Team Ministry

of kids, teens, young adults, parents, and also other church workers.

We will design “ALIVE!  Worship” t-shirts.

To start out, we’re to use the last Friday of each month for this ministry

starting on September 26, 2014,

from 6 pm to 8 pm, at our church.

Then, we’re to wait for God to enlarge it!

“ALIVE!  Worship”

will lift up the Name of Jesus

and will be used by the Lord in any of the following outreach areas where He leads: 

Kids Church, Youth Groups, Church Services, Schools, Conferences,

Competitions, Camps, Community Outreaches, etc.

We will actively seek out venues for “ALIVE!   Worship”

to serve the Lord in our community,

and we will be obedient when He opens those doors.

The criteria for workers to be included in “ALIVE!  Worship” is:

1-A Godly attitude of worship to Jesus Christ our Lord

2-A heart that desires to outreach to lost souls

3-A willingness to work and cooperate as a team

4-A willingness to pray for our goal to glorify our Lord

5-All ages welcome

6-Participants will be viewed as “leaders and ambassadors” for the Lord,

and behavior, speech, and attire must reflect that.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to enthusiastically worship with us!!!

We declare that we have prayed about this ministry vision from the Lord,

and feel the Lord will equip us to step out in faith at this time. 

We pledge to continually pray for His wisdom and guidance

as He shows us His will

and the way we can glorify His Name

and serve in His Kingdom. 

The Lord has given me a vision of

“ALIVE!  Worship”

becoming an

Awesome, Mighty, Outreach Force for the Lord! 

Amen! 

5-23-14 Talent show 214 

Photo:  A.L.I.V.E. Drama Team

Please pray with us

and for us!

Thank you!!!

1 John 5:14

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

that if we ask anything according to His will,

He hears us.”

            

You’re Brand New Now…Ya Gotta Let Go Of Your Past!!

Standard

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past. 

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the dessert

and streams in the wasteland.”

Brand new!!

Is that person in the mirror looking back at you?

It’s true!

But, you can’t see it…

‘Cause you’re stuck on what you’ve been through…

You got that white knuckle, red faced…

Kung fu grip on all your chains..

But, that’s not who are…

I’m here to let you know…

You gotta let it go…

You were made for something more…

So, come on…

And let it go!!

Tell me why…

You’d think that you deserve a life of just getting by…

You are alive!!!

Stop taking flowers to the grave of the old you that died…

If God can take your sin and free ya…

Forget, just like amnesia…

Why are you holding on?

I’m here to let you know…

You gotta let it go…

You were made for something more…

So, come on…

And let it go!!

Let it go!

7-7-14 Walk 017

 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore,

if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old has gone,

the new is here!”

7-7-14 Walk 013

“Brand New looks so good on you!!”

Amen! 

Lord, In You Alone, I’m Satisfied!!

Standard

7-7-14 Walk 030

Isaiah 58:11

“The LORD will guide you always;

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.”

7-7-14 Walk 060

“About  A Mile

 is a trio band of three brothers

Adam, Luke and Levi Klutinoty,

the band’s name originates from the belief

that Jesus carried his cross “about a mile.”

Birthed out of adversity that saw frontman Adam nearly dying,

and coupled with the chemistry and accomplished artistry

 that comes from the bond of brotherhood,

About A Mile

hopes to reach everyone with the message of suffering,

then triumph, of a crucified and risen Christ.”

http://micernest.com/introducing-about-a-mile-band-videos/

7-7-14 Walk 071

Proverbs 19:23

“The fear of the Lord 

leads to life,

and whoever has it

rests satisfied;

he will not be visited by harm.”

7-7-14 Walk 082

7-7-14 Walk 144

Psalm 145:16

“You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

7-7-14 Walk 169

Psalm 107:9

“For He satisfies the longing soul,

And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

Amen!

Come On, Lord, Write Your Story On My Heart!

Standard

The world asks…

Is your story still unwritten???

Yes…

But, it’s not my story…

It’s Your story, Lord…

 I want written on my heart!

Don’t write your own story…

Let Him write His story on your heart…

His story is better!!

2013-09-25 19.26.13

Photo by Kenneth Swett

“Write Your Story”

 is a song about being a blank slate

and letting your life be open to whatever story God wants to write.

I think for so many of us

it’s easy to feel like we have to come up with this great plan

for how we’re going to use the gifts God gives us for Him,

but I really feel like He just wants our willingness to be used however He sees fit.

I’ve always tried to live my life with an open hand,

trusting God to take me where He wants to go.

Hopefully this song encourages others to hand God the pen of their lives.” 

-Francesca Battistelli-

http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=17302

2013-09-25 19.26.21 HDR

Photo by Kenneth Swett

They say You’re the King of everything The One who taught the wind to sing The Source of the rhythm my heart keeps beating

They say You can give the blind their sight And You can bring the dead to life You can be the hope my soul’s been seekin’

I wanna tell You now that I believe it I wanna tell You now that I believe it I do, that You can make me new, oh

I’m an empty page I’m an open book Write Your story on my heart Come on and make Your mark

Author of my hope Maker of the stars Let me be Your work of art Won’t You write Your story on my heart

Write Your story, write Your story Come on and write Your story, write Your story Won’t You write Your story on my heart

My Life I know it’s never really been mine So do with it whatever You like I don’t know what Your plan is But I know it’s good, yeah

I want my history To be Your legacy Go ahead and show this world What You’ve done in me And when the music fades I want my life to say

I let You write your story, write Your story Write Your story, write Your story

Amen!

6-29-14 CLC-Painting 087

God speaks clearly…

He’s always speaking to us…

Through everything we see, hear, and touch…

Everywhere we go…

He’s given us His book…

The Bible…

The story of who we are…

And the enormous lengths He’s been willing to go through…

To bring us back home!

Slow down and look around you…

God is calling your name!

He’s ready to write your story!!

6-29-14 CLC-Painting 088

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.”

Safe Passage….

Standard

100_1238

100_1240

Photos by Cheryl Madasz Butler

“The message relates to many and never gets old.

It speaks out to those that are hurting, those that are going through tough things.

It’s a reminder that the God who brought sight to the blind and brought the lame to their feet

is the same God who holds you in His arms today.

It’s my sincere prayer that the simple message of this song

would resonate in people’s hearts.

I wrote it after a moving conversation I had with a man who told me his story.

It was a story of God’s faithfulness during a struggling time.

How God can turn things that seem so grim into things that give Him glory.

Think of all those that Jesus healed and saved

while He was on earth

from great tragedy and sickness and even death.

It gave people all the more reason to praise Him!”

—Phil Wickham
Kevin Davis, from Christian Music Review writes, 
Safe 
“serves to encourage, strengthen and remind listeners
that they are not alone,
‘You will be safe in His arms,
You will be safe in His arms,
The hands that hold the world
Are holding your heart,
This is the promise He made
He will be with you always,
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms.'”

Your dreams have fallen all apart?

Left you with a tired and broken heart?

You think you’re on your own?

No, you’re not alone!

Heard of the One who can calm the raging sea?

Gives sight to the blind, pulls the lame up to their feet?

Love so strong, He never lets you go?

No, you’re not alone!

His Voice brings the dead back to life…

The very same Voice that calls you now to rise…

Hear Him now, He’s calling you home…

You’ll never be alone!

You will be safe in His arms…

These are the hands that built the mountains…

The hands that calmed the sea…

These are the arms that hold the heavens…

They are holding you & me…

These are the hands that healed the leper…

Pulled the lame up to their feet…

These are the arms that were nailed to a cross…

To break our chains and set us free!

You will be safe in His arms…

Proverbs 18:10

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe.”

Amen!