Category Archives: Rejoice

God-Given Vision!!

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Recently, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me…

About the vision I received from God…

Concerning our “ALIVE! Worship service!

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/vision-from-go…-alive-worship/

He said to me,

“Your vision from God is not meant to be a one-man show!

God’s talking to other people at the same time…

Giving them a hunger to serve Him in other ways to fulfill His Plan…

Then He brings all aspects together in perfect harmony to complete His vision…

When it’s His vision…

It’s a beautiful thing…

Completely orchestrated by Him…

It’s no longer just your vision from Him…

It’s His vision for all of you…

A vision for His Kingdom!

Wow!

Now, it can LIVE…

And move as He gives it breath…

As He puts life into it!

Dry bones will come together and walk…

As He puts motion into nothing…

Something lifeless…

Comes ALIVE!

Let Jesus live in you!

Dream your vision…

‘Til it’s given back to Him…

He’ll create something from nothing!

Listen, Obey, Praise!

He dwells in the Praises of His people!

Let God’s vision go where it will go…

Let God take it to the heights…

You couldn’t take it on your own!

As it rises…

Let it soar…

And watch what God can do with it…

With you!

And the team God has placed around you for His glory!

He’s given these people to you to work with…

Help them catch God’s vision, too…

Encourage them…

Pray for them…

And let them soar…

Along with the vision of God!

Hand it all back to God…

He’ll entrust it back to you!!

Be His servant…

He’ll be your God!

Be His hands and feet in this world…

You are no longer a one-man show!

You’re reaching out…

With the power of the God of the Universe…

Leading you…

Cheering you on!

Rest in His Plans!!”

Amen!

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Recently, I’ve also read these powerful words by T.D. Jakes…

“God has moved on

You can’t plan your future…

If you’re hanging around the tomb!”

 

“Pray about moving into different dimensions…

Where you’ll grow…

Learn new things…

And be challenged again…

It’s time to move to the next level.”

 

“Your ceiling…

On this level…

Becomes your floor…

On the next level!!”

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I highly recommend his book…

Instinct:  The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive

by T.D. Jakes

Every Praise Is To Our God!!! Oh, Yeah!

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What else needs to be said???

Our God deserves it…

So…

Get to Praisin’

Amen!!!!!

1 Chronicles 16:8

“Give praise to the LORD,

proclaim His name;

make known among the  nations

what He has done.”

Revelation 7:12

“Amen!

Praise and glory

and 

wisdom and thanks

and

honor and power

and

strength

be to our God

for ever and ever.

Amen!”

Photo Album From Our “Cousins Family Reunion” in NJ

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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…

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Flying to NJ!!

Spirit Airlines to Atlantic City!!

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Pretty hassle-free, I must say…

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Cousin Phyllis’ house in Lavallette!

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Out for dinner…

For some good NJ Italian Sicilian Pizza!!

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Sea Side Beach and Boardwalk…

Still under construction after Hurricane Sandy!!

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Great memories of the Jersey Shore!!!

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All new rides!

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They still have Casey’s favorite Boardwalk games!!

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

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And to walk and take photos on the Lavallette Beach!

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Floridians, feel blessed…

New Jerseyans have to pay to get on their beaches!

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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!!!

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Beautiful sand dunes!!

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Phyllis and I at Bayside Cafe for lunch!!

Yum!

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Later, watched the sunset over Barnegat Bay!!

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On Friday, July 18th…

I conducted a grave site Memorial Service for  my Mom…

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

George & Phyllis spoke lovingly of Mom…

Casey prayed at the end…

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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.”

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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. 

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   Psalm 118:23 

“This is the LORD’S doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.” 

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

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Tina sang, “Worthy Is The Lamb”

Beautiful!!!

Psalm 118:1

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

His love endures forever.”

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Cousins Family Reunion…

Hilton Garden Inn in Lakewood, NJ…

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Cathy, Mary Kate, Connor, & Scott

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Ron, Judi, Deanna, & Nunzio

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Judi, Courtney, & Ellie

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

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Casey, Tina, Mary Kate, Phyllis, & Connor

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Courtney, Dave, Scott, & Cathy

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Pt. Pleasant Boardwalk!

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Brings back sooo many memories!

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Wall to wall people on the beach!!

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Lively place!!

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Tina & Denine

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Rick, Alycia, & Kyle 

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Dave, Ellie, Courtney, Celeste, & Patty

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Jennifer, and twins:  Maggie and Cate

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

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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!!

Vision From God: Prayers for “ALIVE! Worship”

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(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.

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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.

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(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! 

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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!!

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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!

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 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore,

if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old has gone,

the new is here!”

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“Brand New looks so good on you!!”

Amen! 

You’ve Got Mail!! Let’s Read God’s Love Letters!!

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Most of the books of the New Testament are actually letters…

These Epistles contain general Christian teaching…

 And specific instructions for the congregation to which they were addressed…

Paul’s Letters to the Churches:  

 Mail…Florida Style!!

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Romans 1:1-7

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus,

called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 

the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures 

regarding His Son,

who as to His earthly life

was a descendant of David,

and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power

by His resurrection from the dead: 

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 Through Him we received grace and apostleship

to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from

faith for His Name’s sake. 

And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Galatians 1:1-5

“Paul, an apostle—

sent not from men nor by a man, 

but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, 

who raised Him from the dead…

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 

who gave Himself for our sins 

to rescue us from the present evil age, 

according to the will of our God and Father, 

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.”

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Colossians 1:3-6

“We always thank God, 

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

when we pray for you,

because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus

and of the love you have for all God’s people—

the faith and love that spring from the Hope stored up for you in Heaven 

and about which you have already heard

in the true message of the Gospel that has come to you.

In the same way,

the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—

just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it

and truly understood God’s Grace.”

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1 Timothy 1:1-2

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus

by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our Hope,

To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“I always thank my God for you 

because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 

For in Him you have been enriched in every way—

with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 

God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift 

as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 

He will also keep you firm to the end,

so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

God is faithful, 

who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

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Ephesians 1:3-10

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world 

to be holy and blameless in His sight.

In love He predestined us for adoption to Sonship

through Jesus Christ,

in accordance with His pleasure and will—

to the praise of His glorious grace, 

which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, 

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 

that He lavished on us.

With all wisdom and understanding, 

He made known to us the mystery of His will

according to His good pleasure,

which He purposed in Christ, 

to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—

to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on earth under Christ.”

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1 Thessalonians 1:2-6

“We always thank God for all of you 

and continually mention you in our prayers. 

We remember before our God and Father 

your work produced by faith, 

your labor prompted by love, 

and your endurance inspired by hope 

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, 

that He has chosen you, 

because our Gospel came to you not simply with words

but also with power, 

with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

You know how we lived among you for your sake. 

You became imitators of us and of the Lord,

for you welcomed the message

in the midst of severe suffering 

with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

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Philemon 1:4-7

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 

because I hear about your love for all His holy people 

and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith

may be effective in deepening your understanding

of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, 

because you, brother,

have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

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Philippians 1:3-6

“I thank my God every time I remember you. 

In all my prayers for all of you,

I always pray with joy 

because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day 

until now,

being confident of this,

that He who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion 

until the day of Christ Jesus.”

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Titus 1:1-4

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ

to further the faith of God’s elect

and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 

in the hope of eternal life, 

which God,

who does not lie, 

promised before the beginning of time, 

and which now at His appointed season 

He has brought to light 

through the preaching entrusted to me 

by the command of God our Savior,

To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

Read your mail!!!

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!

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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!