Category Archives: God is Good

Safe Passage….

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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!

What Do We Believe???

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The Newsboys are spreading the Good News!!

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Believe in the One Foundation…  

Believe in the One Salvation…

Believe in God the Father

Believe in Jesus Christ…

Believe in the Holy Spirit…

Believe He’s given us New Life…

Believe in the Crucifixion…

Believe that He conquered Death…

Believe in the Resurrection

Believe He’s coming back again…

Believe the lost are found, the dead are raised!

When Love invades!

Believe the gates of hell will not prevail!

Believe the Power of God, has torn the veil! 

Believe His Love will never fail!

Believe!

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Mark 1:15

The time has come,” he said.

“The kingdom of God has come near.

Repent and believe the good news!”

Lessons From Noah’s Ark!

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“Everything I Need To Know…I Learned From Noah’s Ark!”

(I saw this on e-mail today, author unknown, I added the Scriptures)

Genesis 5:32-10:1

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1.  Don’t miss the boat!  Find favor with the Lord! 

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

2.  Remember that we’re all in the same boat!  We need to walk faithfully with our Lord! 

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time,

and he walked faithfully with God.”

3.  Plan ahead!  Pay attention to God!  It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. 

So God said to Noah,

‘I am going to put an end to all people,

for the earth is filled with violence because of them.

I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth…. 

Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights,

and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.’”

4.  Stay fit and healthy! When you’re 60+ years old,  God may ask you to do something really big, too! 

So make yourself an ark of cypress wood...

I am going to bring flood waters on the earth

to destroy all life under the heavens,

every creature that has the breath of life in it. 

Everything on earth will perish.

5.  Don’t listen to critics!  Obey God!  Just get on with the job that He says needs to be done. 

Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

6.  Build your future on the higher ground of the Lord! 

“But I will establish My covenant with you,

and you will enter the ark—

you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you…” 

The Lord then said to Noah,

“Go into the ark,

you and your whole family,

because I have found you righteous in this generation.”

7.  For safety’s sake, travel in pairs. 

You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures,

male and female,

to keep them alive with you. 

Two of every kind of bird,

of every kind of animal

and of every kind of creature

that moves along the ground

will come to you to be kept alive.”

8.  Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

“Pairs of clean and unclean animals,

of birds and of all creatures

that move along the ground,

male and female,

came to Noah and entered the ark,

as God had commanded Noah.”

9.  When you’re stressed, float awhile. 

For forty days

the flood kept coming on the earth,

and as the waters increased

they lifted the ark high above the earth. 

The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth,

and the ark floated on the surface of the water.”

10.  Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.  Build your life according to God’s Plan! 

This is how you are to build it: 

The ark is to be three hundred cubits long,

fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. 

Make a roof for it,

leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. 

Put a door in the side of the ark

and make lower, middle and upper decks.”

11.  No matter the storm, when you’re with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting. 

And God said,

‘This is the sign of the covenant

I am making between Me and you

and every living creature with you,

a covenant for all generations to come: 

I have set my rainbow in the clouds,

and it will be the sign of the covenant

between Me and the earth.

Whenever I bring clouds over the earth

and the rainbow appears in the clouds,

I will remember My covenant between Me and you

and all living creatures of every kind. 

Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds,

I will see it

and remember the everlasting covenant

between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth…'”

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“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and,

taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds,

he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. 

The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma

and said in His heart:

‘Never again will I curse the ground because of humans,

even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.

And never again will I destroy all living creatures,

as I have done.

As long as the earth endures…'”

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Amen!

Thank You, Lord!!

Is 65 The New 45??? Gee, I Hope So!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!

I recently celebrated a BIG Birthday!

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                                            (Me with Sandy and Elle!)

And I now get to show my golden Medicare “ticket” everywhere..

But, now that I’m “mature,”  I forget to do it!!

Hubby’s already on it, so I know it’s fine…

I’ll get used to it!

We already had good insurance…

Thanks to the NJ Public Schools…

My plan after college was to get married,

Teach for two years,

Have 4 kids…

Done!

But, since my son took 14 years to arrive! 

I just kept on teaching…

And, as my sister-in-law advised,

“Stay in teaching long enough to get all the benefits you deserve!!”

So, I stayed!

After 26 years, I retired…

One kid, a pension, and my health insurance…

God is good!

Because of so many years…

Of being blessed with God’s wisdom…

My years of experience…

And my mistakes…

(Thank you for “redos,” Lord!)

I’m such a wealth of information! 

Ha!

So, what do you want to know about???

Growing up in a constantly fast-talking Italian family…

With lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins???

So much fun going to church together…

Everyone talking at the same time…

Very loudly!!

With lots and lots of food!!!

Growing up Pentecostal???

Lots of “You can’t do that!”

But, lots of faith, love, and strong trust in God, too!!

I learned to teach my son about all the things we can do in Christ!

And the joy we experience!

Growing up with an older brother???

“Stitches” in my side as he walked too fast on our way to school…

Joe always said my younger brother, John, and I had “piercing voices!”

Growing up with a younger brother???

Who, as I mentioned in another post…

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/oh-by-the-way-…have-any-gauze/

Slashed my lip with a snow shovel…

While  we were shoveling snow in NJ…

When I was in 6th grade!

But, we never wanted to be apart!

Praying for a sister???

My Mom was 38…

I had to have a sister…

Having two brothers was just too much…

I was eleven when Tina was born!

She went everywhere with me!

So special to me to this day!!

Amen!

God answers prayers!

Wanting to be a teacher since the first grade???

My cousin, Phyllis, who was three years older…

Lived next door…

And was always the teacher…

 I was the best student there ever was!

Dating????

Long term dating…

Too early, too intense…

I would not recommend it today!!

College and  Master’s  Education???

Let me just say…

The tassel is definitely worth the hassle…

Do your homework…

Get an education!!!

Then, ask God to give you a job you’re passionate about!

First Marriage???

Moved to Texas to live with my older brother and his wife…

Married two and a half years…

Divorced…

Came home to NJ!

Divorce???

Low, low point…

Feels like someone took a photo of the two of you…

Tore  it in two…

And ripped your heart out…

You’re deeply changed…

I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone!

Second Marriage

To my high school sweetheart…

Thirty-seven years…

Through the best of the best…

And the worst of the worst…

 The key is to go through it…

TOGETHER…

That’s what marriage is all about…

Even when “LOVE” is strong…

  But, “LIKE” is not!!

Amen!

Oh,Yes…

I am difficult to live with…

More than just sometimes!!

Good quote on Facebook:
“In every marriage more than a week old,
there are grounds for divorce…
the trick is to find, and continue to find,
the grounds for marriage!!” 
Thank you, Jesus!
Amen!!
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Ten years of Infertility???

Why me?

All my cousins and friends had kids…

But, God turned my attitude to…

“Why not me?”

And I received a miracle gift from God!

It was totally worth the huge cost and effort…

Of in-vitro…

To have our son!!!

Thank God for insurance!

Coming back to God???

Spent twenty years doing “my own thing!”

But could not fathom…

Raising my son without faith…

He loved Jesus…

Going to church…

Lively worship music…

And Veggie Tales…

And he led me back to Jesus!

Raising a great kid???

What a ministry…

To pour Jesus into your child!!!

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Life???

Yes, they’ll be trials…

But, always accept the Lord’s…

Joy!

Death???

So sad to lose loved ones…

But, we can celebrate their life…

Because of our Hope of Heaven…

And say, “See you soon!”

Parents???

We do our best…

So remember…

Your parents did their best, too!!

Forgive…

Don’t hold onto grudges…

Love!

4-11-14 to 4-13-14 Game, Outreach, RL 630

Friends and family???

While you can’t pick your family…

You can love, encourage, and minister to the family that God gave you!

Friends…

Chose wisely and love deeply!

Siberian Huskies???

Only God could make such a beautiful face…

My Crazy, Precious Little Girl…

Is lots of work…

And brings, oh, so much joy!!

See her Birthday post!

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/guess-whos-turning-seven/

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Seeing through God’s eyes???

Is beautiful…

And difficult…

Be prepared to listen…

Be prepared to obey!

Religion???

Faith is better than no faith…

Our relationship with Jesus  is everything!

Being retired???

Not HAVING to work is soooo good…

Retirement with a pension is the best!

Ministering to others???

Accountability…

Teaching others keeps you on your toes!

Keep on going for God!!

Eternal Life???

1 Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value,

but godliness has value for all things,

holding promise for both the present life

and the life to come.”

Amen!

 

When The Golf Course Is Closed To People…The Critters Come Out To Play!!

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Because God is watching over them!!

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High   

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

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I will say of the Lord,

“He is my refuge and my fortress,   

my God, in whom I trust.”

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Surely He will save you   

from the fowler’s snare   

and from the deadly pestilence.

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He will cover you with His feathers,   

and under His wings you will find refuge;   

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

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You will not fear the terror of night,   

nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,   

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

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A thousand may fall at your side,   

ten thousand at your right hand, 

but it will not come near you.

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You will only observe with your eyes   

and see the punishment of the wicked.

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If you say,

“The Lord is my refuge,”  

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and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,   

no disaster will come near your tent.

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For He will command His angels concerning you   

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands, 

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so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;   

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

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“Because he loves me,”

says the Lord,

“I will rescue him;  

I will protect him,

for he acknowledges My Name.

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He will call on Me, and I will answer him;   

I will be with him in trouble,   

I will deliver him and honor him.

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With long life I will satisfy him   

and show him My Salvation.”

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Amen!

See how well He watches over us, too!!

Be A Lighthouse! Go, Light Someone’s Way!

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We’re working on a human video to “Lighthouse” by Anthem Lights…

With our A.L.I.V.E. Drama Team…

Powerful song!

I’ll walk you through my choreography!!

We’re thinking of adding lights for each lighthouse

(cell phone, flashlight, etc.),

a big light behind Jesus,

a fog machine for the ship scene,

and perhaps a black light!)

“Many of the songs on the record

speak about being the light of Christ in this world,

to how essential His light is in this dark world.

“Lighthouse”

is a metaphor for we are in this world.

Ours is a brave task:

“Climb to the highest point,

scream in your loudest voice,

there’s a lifeline waiting for you…

Strike up the brightest fire,

fan the flames and let it burn,

let it burn…

the world is waiting.”

It’s up to us to be the lighthouse,

to tell hurting people that they’re not alone

and there is more for them”

–ALAN-Anthem Lights–

Scene 1:  Have 4-6 kids form the front of a ship by kneeling at an angle, so there’s a point, and linking arms, have them rock and shake when the waters get rough, and have the ship  “sail” (move) closer to rocks

Have 1 kid be the captain of the ship, loading his gear on board, and then standing inside ship, steering, reacting to danger, and seeing the lighthouse as a place of refuge & rescue

Have several kids kneeling with head & legs tucked in to form rocks in the water

Have kids on their backs with arms & legs moving, like pedaling a bicycle, to be rough waves in the water

Have 1 kid stand with hands touching over their head as a Lighthouse, add light, if desired, have them turn as the light would on a lighthouse

Have 1-2 kids kneeling with their palms together on their foreheads as the fins of sharks in the water

Like ships bound for shipwreck

Most people just simply drift along

And miss their destination without knowing anything is wrong

No direction and without a care

Feels so good and then you’re lost out there

Don’t you remember how it felt ’til someone showed you the way

Chorus:  Have Jesus come out to tell everyone to be a Lighthouse

It’s up to you, it’s up to me

To be the lighthouse

They should know they’re not alone

So shine so they can see the lighthouse

And find their way back home

Scene 2:  Have everyone leave their position…and reposition as a church setting

Have 1 kid be the preacher, waving a Bible

Have 2-3 kids kneel as church pews

Have 2-3 kids sit on the backs of kneeling kids to face the preacher, who is preaching passionately

The seated “congregation” while “numb” at first, gets the message, and praises the Lord in agreement

Have 1 kid off to the side be the Lighthouse that the preacher is talking about

Tragically we’ve forgotten

The reason we’re even here at all

Worst still, we remember it’s just that we feel so comfortable

Do we notice, do we even care

All the people that are lost out there

Don’t you remember how it felt ’til someone showed you the way

Chorus:  Have Jesus come out to tell everyone to be a Lighthouse

It’s up to you, it’s up to me

To be the lighthouse

They should know they’re not alone

So shine so they can see the lighthouse

And find their way back home

Scene 3:  Have your 2 strongest kids kneel next to each other, so your lightest kid can climb up on them, as if climbing up rocks, then act as if they’re screaming in their loudest voice

Transition to make a line of kids, pull as in a tug-of-war to make a Lifeline, preacher will pull them in

Have kids come together in a U-shape. and wave arms over their head as the flames of a fire

Have kids separate, and all become a separate Lighthouse,with hands touching over their head to look like a Lighthouse, add light, if desired, have them turn as the light would on a lighthouse

Have Jesus, come from the back, to touch and light each Lighthouse with His Presence, when He touches them they raise their hands higher, so we can see they are burning brighter with His Light to reach others

So climb to the highest point

Scream in your loudest voice

There’s a lifeline waiting for you

Strike up the brightest fire

Fan the flames and let it burn

Just let it burn, the world is waiting

Chorus:  Have Jesus come out to tell everyone in the audience to also be a Lighthouse

It’s up to you, it’s up to me

They should know they’re not alone

So shine so they can see the lighthouse

And find their way

It’s up to you, it’s up to me

To be the lighthouse

They should know they’re not alone

Scene 4 (Ending):  Have 2-3 kids wandering as lost, see the Lighthouses, and because of a Lighthouse, they are directed home to Jesus…then they kneel & praise Him

So shine so they can see the lighthouse

And find their way back home

Try the drama with your kids/teens!!! 

I know you can do it!!

Any questions???

Let me know!

When we minister with this, I’ll blog some photos!!

John 8:12

“When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said,

I Am the Light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the Light of Life.”

Psalm 43:3

Send out your light and your truth;
    
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    
and to your dwelling!”

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—   

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—   

of whom shall I be afraid?”

Matthew 5:14-16

 “You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Amen!

A previous post about a Lighthouse:  

Beach Blessing-The Lighthouse

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/the_lighthouse/

Oh, Yeah, Heaven Is For Real!!

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I’ve lost a lot of very special people over the last few years. I wrote this song for the ones who passed away in my life.
R.I.P my dear friends, well meet again..
Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/dancing-in-the-sky-lyrics-dani-lizzy.html#Qo4YfeZ4dFmBcZoJ.99

What does it look like in Heaven?

Is it peaceful?

Is it free like they say?

Is the sun shining brightly forever?

Have your fears and your pain gone away?

‘Cause here on earth it feels like everything good is missing,

Since you left

And here on earth everything is different,

There’s is an emptiness

Oh I, I hope you’re dancing in the sky

I hope you’re singing in the Angel’s choir

I hope the Angels, know what they have

I bet it’s so nice up in Heaven since you arrived

So tell me what, do you do up in Heaven?

Are your days filled with love and light?

Is there music?

Is there art and invention?

Tell me are you happy?

Are you more alive?

Yes!!

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Philippians 3:20-21

“But our citizenship is in Heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control,

will transform our lowly bodies

so that they will be like His Glorious Body.”

Amen!

Dancing in the Sky
by Dani & Lizzy


I’ve lost a lot of very special people over the last few years. I wrote this song for the ones who passed away in my life.
R.I.P my dear friends, well meet again..
-Sorry about the feedback I recorded on a mic :D-SONG LYRICS:
Dani and Lizzy – Dancing in the SkyVERSE 1:
What does it look like in heaven
is it peaceful and free like they say
does the sun shine bright forever
have your fears and your pain gone awayPRE HOOK:
cause Here on earth it feels like everything.. good is missing, since you left
here on earth everything is different, there is an emptinessHOOK:
I hope your dancing in the sky
I hope your singing with the angels choir
I hope the angels, know what they have
I bet it’s nice up in heaven since you arrivedVERSE 2:
Tell me, what do you do up in heaven
are you’re days filled with love and light
is there music? is there art and invention
tell me are you happy and more alive

PRE HOOK:
cause Here on earth it feels like everything.. good is missing, since you left
here on earth everything is different, there is an emptiness

HOOK:
I hope your dancing in the sky
I hope your singing with the angels choir
I hope the angels, know what they have
I bet it’s nice up in heaven since you arrived

Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/dancing-in-the-sky-lyrics-dani-lizzy.html#mEgUGPWu9bcAUfcw.99

Dancing in the Sky
by Dani & Lizzy


I’ve lost a lot of very special people over the last few years. I wrote this song for the ones who passed away in my life.
R.I.P my dear friends, well meet again..
-Sorry about the feedback I recorded on a mic :D-SONG LYRICS:
Dani and Lizzy – Dancing in the SkyVERSE 1:
What does it look like in heaven
is it peaceful and free like they say
does the sun shine bright forever
have your fears and your pain gone awayPRE HOOK:
cause Here on earth it feels like everything.. good is missing, since you left
here on earth everything is different, there is an emptinessHOOK:
I hope your dancing in the sky
I hope your singing with the angels choir
I hope the angels, know what they have
I bet it’s nice up in heaven since you arrivedVERSE 2:
Tell me, what do you do up in heaven
are you’re days filled with love and light
is there music? is there art and invention
tell me are you happy and more alive

PRE HOOK:
cause Here on earth it feels like everything.. good is missing, since you left
here on earth everything is different, there is an emptiness

HOOK:
I hope your dancing in the sky
I hope your singing with the angels choir
I hope the angels, know what they have
I bet it’s nice up in heaven since you arrived

Read more at http://www.lyrics.com/dancing-in-the-sky-lyrics-dani-lizzy.html#mEgUGPWu9bcAUfcw.99

What Hoops Are You Jumpin’ Through???

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Words From a Father to His Daughter

(From the Makeup Aisle)

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Reblogged from:  http://drkellyflanagan.com/?s=makeup+aisle&submit=Search

Dear Little One,

As I write this, I’m sitting in the makeup aisle of our local Target store. A friend recently texted me from a different makeup aisle and told me it felt like one of the most oppressive places in the world. I wanted to find out what he meant. And now that I’m sitting here, I’m beginning to agree with him. Words have power, and the words on display in this aisle have a deep power. Words and phrases like:

Affordably gorgeous,

Infallible,

Flawless finish,

Brilliant strength,

Liquid power,

Go nude,

Age defying,

Instant age rewind,

Choose your dream,

Nearly naked, and

Natural beauty.

When you have a daughter you start to realize she’s just as strong as everyone else in the house—a force to be reckoned with, a soul on fire with the same life and gifts and passions as any man. But sitting in this store aisle, you also begin to realize most people won’t see her that way. They’ll see her as a pretty face and a body to enjoy. And they’ll tell her she has to look a certain way to have any worth or influence.

But words do have power and maybe, just maybe, the words of a father can begin to compete with the words of the world. Maybe a father’s words can deliver his daughter through this gauntlet of institutionalized shame and into a deep, unshakeable sense of her own worthiness and beauty.

A father’s words aren’t different words, but they are words with a radically different meaning:

Brilliant strength. May your strength be not in your fingernails but in your heart. May you discern in your center who you are, and then may you fearfully but tenaciously live it out in the world.

Choose your dream. But not from a department store shelf. Find the still-quiet place within you. A real dream has been planted there. Discover what you want to do in the world. And when you have chosen, may you faithfully pursue it, with integrity and with hope.

Naked. The world wants you to take your clothes off. Please keep them on. But take your gloves off. Pull no punches. Say what is in your heart. Be vulnerable. Embrace risk. Love a world that barely knows what it means to love itself. Do so nakedly. Openly. With abandon.

Infallible. May you be constantly, infallibly aware that infallibility doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion created by people interested in your wallet. If you choose to seek perfection, may it be in an infallible grace—for yourself, and for everyone around you.

Age defying. Your skin will wrinkle and your youth will fade, but your soul is ageless. It will always know how to play and how to enjoy and how to revel in this one-chance life. May you always defiantly resist the aging of your spirit.

Flawless finish. Your finish has nothing to do with how your face looks today and everything to do with how your life looks on your last day. May your years be a preparation for that day. May you be aged by grace, may you grow in wisdom, and may your love become big enough to embrace all people. May your flawless finish be a peaceful embrace of the end and the unknown that follows, and may it thus be a gift to everyone who cherishes you.

Little One, you love everything pink and frilly and I will surely understand if someday makeup is important to you. But I pray three words will remain more important to you—the last three words you say every night, when I ask the question: “Where are you the most beautiful?” Three words so bright no concealer can cover them.

Where are you the most beautiful?

On the inside.

From my heart to yours,

Daddy

Like the last letter I wrote to my daughter, I wrote this first for her and the day I’ll eventually read it to her. But I also wrote it for every woman who needs to hear the words of a father. Women, no one else can define your beauty for you. But they’ll try.

My daughter is four years-old now. If her awakening to the makeup aisle comes at the typical age, I figure we have about five years to radically alter the arc of history and the subjugation-by-image of the female gender. We’ve got a lot of work to do. And it begins in the heart of each and every woman.

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Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing at Alliance Clinical Associates in Wheaton, IL. He is also a writer and blogs regularly about the redemption of our personal, relational, and communal lives. Kelly is married, has three children, and enjoys learning from them how to be a kid again. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

I agree…

So does God!!

Reinhard Bonnke, “America Shall Be Saved!!”

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I was very blessed this year…

To stay at Christian Retreat for two nights…

For our annual Global Christian Ministry Forum Convocation…

http://www.gcmf.org/

Global Christian Ministry Forum International (GCMF Int’l) is a spiritually focused overseeing international presbytery consisting of national leaders from around the world.  The presbytery provides oversight and guidance to GCMF national leaders, working in partnership for the cause of Christ. The mission of Global Christian Ministry Forum International is to link with national Christian leaders and network with them to establish effective ministry organizations in various parts of the world, whereby pastors and Christian leaders can be locally equipped, inspired, and motivated for their unique ministry.

Global Christian Ministry Forum International provides ministry credentials to qualified individuals.  Ministry credentials are issued in conjunction with a national leaders’ recommendation coupled with accountability and oversight at the national level.

I’m a licensed minister with GCMF and

I’ve also spent many weeks over the years at Christian Retreat with

 Kids-A-Fame Camp and

YEX Youth Camp!

Christian Retreat in Bradenton, FL, is certainly…

“an oasis of spiritual refreshment!”

They host conferences, retreats, camping, events, family church, and more…

The facility includes the conference center and church, with hotel style lodging, a cafeteria,

meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a youth center, and outdoor recreation.

As soon as you turn onto Glory Way Boulevard,

you sense the peace that permeates Christian Retreat

located on the banks of the beautiful Manatee River in East Manatee County.

Towering oaks dripping with Spanish moss shade the 110-acre property

that is home to year-round residents, overnight guests, and groups

who use the conference center to host events, meetings and camps.

http://www.christianretreat.org/

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The speakers at the morning and evening services were phenomenal…

Rev. Eugene Weaver, our GCMF President, Pastor Emmanuel Derry from Trinadad, Dr. Phil Derstine, Pastor of Christian Retreat Family Church, which was founded by his Father, Dr. Gerald Derstine.

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The worship/choir music was anointed, also…

Led by Worship Pastor, Rick Giannico, of Glad Tidings Assembly

God has raised Pastor Rick up in this fellowship

and has equipped him to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus

and to make “Melodies from the heart unto the Lord”.

The Lord has blessed Pastor Rick with an ability to write songs, such as;

“‘Indebted”, “‘Lord Of Everything”, “Glory, Glory To The Lamb”‘, “Rescue Me” and several others.

The songs God gives him are specific for a time and season for the ministry of the church.

Pastor Rick has an evident theme of his heart-

Psalm 66:1

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Wuue7UnFA

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On Wednesday evening, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke spoke…

“Don’t think generally,” he said, “As in the country of America will be saved…

Think specifically, as in my family, my friends, my neighbors, my city, my state will be saved!!

Salvation is for everyone…

Every nation…

Christ for all Nations…

Salvation includes all: 

Your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your acquaintances…

Our President?  Yes!!!

People you just met, people you’ve been praying for forever!

Your prayers are answered!

The Lord says, ‘Just like in Africa, America will be saved!

You do the preaching, God brings the people!

When Jesus is next to you, something is about to happen!'”

For the first time in his 35-year ministry history,

internationally known Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

announced that he will host crusades throughout the United States.

Through Good News crusades, Bonnke will travel from city-to-city

to inspire Americans to draw nearer to a relationship with Jesus.

“I’ve recently become a U.S. citizen, and I have come to love my country,

but my heart is burning

as I witness the staggering decline of morals and faith in this nation.

America needs the Gospel like never before.

Despite years of sharing God’s saving message abroad,

I believe God is now calling me to turn my ministry inward

to help America find renewal and revival.”

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Reinhard Bonnke

Evangelist and Founder of Christ For All Nations

http://www.cfan.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhard_Bonnke

http://reinhardbonnke.com/#&panel1-2

http://reinhardbonnke.com/video/americamissionsubtitles.mp4

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He is known as one with a burning passion for the Gospel,

a vision for Africa and a message for the world.

http://reinhardbonnke.com/author.html

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“God is a consuming fire and God is love.

His touch torches us.

He sets driftwood on fire and makes firebrands of us.

By His flame of love we become burning and shining witnesses of Jesus Christ.”

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“If we are not “fired-up”,

we cannot convey God’s nature to others.

Therefore, everything in this book, One Soul, is about the Bible God of fire,

who fire-baptizes us with his Spirit

and sends us to preach the Good News to all creation.

Anyone who is saved is called to save souls!”

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Live, Work and Pray in the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Millions of people all over the world have been introduced to Jesus

through the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke.

These essential works describe how we too can be an extension of God’s love

by partnering with the Holy Spirit.

With a firsthand account of the mighty manifestations of God at work today,

Bonnke takes a careful look at what Scripture teaches

about the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus lived, worked, and prayed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel of John

He says, “He who believes in ME,

the works that I do he will do also.”

With this same anointing, we can live this way as well.

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“There is urgency in my heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in America.

My team is now on two active Gospel fronts:

Africa and America.

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda,

http://www.bonnke.net/cfan/en/cfan/daniel-kolenda

Will take over for me in Africa…

He has the same anointing!

Anointing breaks the yoke!

Kick the devil, before you kick the bucket!

I have seen God in His omnipotence in Africa.

Over time our ministry saw 74 million people respond to the call of salvation.

Our God is an awesome God.

Thankfully, believers in America have enabled us financially to bring in this harvest of souls in Africa,

but now ‘the bread cast upon the waters shall return to you.’

God spoke to me that the time had come for a mighty wave of salvation to sweep the USA

from city to city, from state to state, and from coast to coast.

And since Jesus Christ is the same there and here,

I expect no small outcome.

Preach the ABC’s of the Gospel…

The simple message of the Gospel…

So they will understand and received God’s Word…

And be saved!

The key is to bring America to the foot of the Cross!

America shall be saved.”

http://whatgoodnews.com/

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“Reinhard Bonnke is one of the most passionate, faithful and effective evangelists of our generation.”
Joyce Meyer, President – Joyce Meyer Ministries

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“Africa is now being saved!

My work in Africa came paid for mostly by American Christians,

and I am so glad and thankful for their giving hearts,

But God spoke to me and said, ‘I did not send you to America

for the country to just be the offering plate for Africa.

I sent you to America for the sake of Americans.’

God will blow faith across America

In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, the Lord spoke suddently! 

It was no slight atmospheric change! 

It was like a hurricane!

Hold on for dear life!

A mighty, rushing wind came!

Before the fire!!!!

The human heart is a fireplace, made for the fire of God, made to hold it!

The wind’s purpose is to blow out the ash and get rid of the trash!

We are made for the Gospel, made for His fire!

Tongues of fire!

Which fell on each of the 120 in the upper room!

No super anointed, or double anointed…

One flame of fire on each person was enough, two will kill you!

Everyone, get your own flame!

Not enough to be educated, at the expense of the fire!

Less Holy Spirit, means more cake & coffee…

There’s no substitute for the fire of the Holy Spirit.

There are no copies, you are an original!

Get the flame and serve as you are!

God knew we needed to have power, so He sent the Holy Spirit!

Enjoy Christianity!!!!

It’s a joy to serve You, Lord!

One-hundred and twenty people’s throats announced the Holy Spirit’s arrival…

As He wrapped Himself in them!

Glory to God!

The Holy Spirit needs people!!

The crowd was listening!

Don’t be ashamed of the power of God!

The fire is for keeps!

Get the fire!

Then, once we have it, the fire keeps us burning!!

No stoking necessary…

Permanent, forever!

The Holy Spirit lands on you like on a landing strip…

He doesn’t take off ’til you reach Heaven!

Lord…

Choose me!

Use me!

There is no need for jealousy…

Get your own Holy Spirit…

There’s more than enough for everyone!”

http://reinhardbonnke.com/partners.html

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“In February 2013, we conducted our first crusade in Vero Beach, Florida,

and the Holy Spirit moved mightily.

Then, in September we had our second outreach in the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

There we saw some 20,000 in attendance,

and nearly 2000 people make a decision for Christ!

Now, we will continue across the nation,

Gospel crusade after Gospel crusade, from stadium to stadium.

This is not the day to join the choir of the despaired

but to ‘blow the trumpet of God in Zion.’

This day is the best day ever, because it is the day of salvation.

There will be a crop for God’s glory, not a flop.”

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“Evangelism must always lead into the church.

This is a central truth I have practiced everywhere.

I, the evangelist, bring my nets and borrow the boats of the local churches.

Together we will cast our nets into the human ocean

and pull them in to be emptied on the beach.

My promise to you is not to take a single fish

but to leave them all with the local churches.

Then I will dry and mend my nets and move to the next place.”

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“I am scanning the skies for men and women

who pray and weep for the salvation of America.

As Bill Bright used to say, ‘Let’s leave our logos and egos.’

Let’s rally at the foot of the Cross of Calvary

And preach the Gospel of salvation to the nation.

The Holy Spirit will cooperate.

God is pouring out His Spirit

With glorious indifference to our differences!

He said, ‘I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh.’

And it seems to me He pours Himself into the mold of any vessel.

Please determine how you and your church

can participate in any of these upcoming crusades.”

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“The primary truth about God is that He is the Deliverer, the Emancipator, and the Savior.

He is God only to the free.

Faith is a venture that turns life into an adventure.

Doubts get us nowhere.

They are mooring ropes.

Believing God means we cast off,

like ships designed for riding the high seas and going somewhere.

Faith inspires. Doubt paralyzes.

Faith says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Unbelief does nothing.

Faith in God is exciting. 

I’m an incurable believer, and I don’t want to be cured!

God bless you!” 

Rev. Reinhard Bonnke, Evangelist

hwww.facebook.com/evangelistreinhardbonnkettps://

I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry

Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I’m reminded
Every street in London in Yours, oh yes, it is

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope like the sun is fading
They’re waiting for a cure no one can find

And I hear children’s voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I’m reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything, it’s all Yours

And I walk the sidewalks of Nashville
Like Singapore, Manila and Shanghai
I brush by the beggar’s hand and the wealthy man
And everywhere I look I realize

That just like the streets of London
For every man and woman, boy and girl
All of creation
This is our Father’s world

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything

It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God

The glory is Yours, God
All the honor is Yours, God
The power is Yours, God
The glory is Yours, God
You’re the King of kings
And Lord of lords

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
All the greatness and power
The glory and splendor and majesty
Everything is Yours, yeah, it’s all Yours

It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours

It’s All Yours, Lord!

Amen!