Tag Archives: Love

You Carried Me…To The Table!

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“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,

all you who remain in Israel.

I have cared for you since you were born.

Yes, I carried you before you were born.”

Isaiah 46:3

(Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet.

He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel.

His nurse picked him up and fled,

but as she hurried to leave,

he fell and became crippled.

His name was Mephibosheth.)”

2 Samuel 4:4

2 Samuel 9
David and Mephibosheth

“David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’

Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’

‘Your servant,’ he replied.

The king asked, ‘Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?’

Ziba answered the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.’

‘Where is he?’ the king asked.

Ziba answered, ‘He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.’

 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.

When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’

 ‘Your servant,’ he replied.

‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.

 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’

Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, ‘I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.’

(Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Then Ziba said to the king, ‘Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.’

 So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all the members of Ziba’s household were servants of Mephibosheth.

And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was crippled in both feet.”

 

Wounded and forsaken…
I was shattered by the fall…
Broken and forgotten…
Feeling lost and all alone…

Summoned by the King!

Into the Master’s courts!
Lifted by the Savior!
And cradled in His arms!

Carried to the table!
Seated where I don’t belong!
Swept away by His love!

I don’t see my brokenness anymore!
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord!

Fighting thoughts of fear…
Wondering why He called my name…
Am I good enough to share this cup?
This world has left me lame…

Even in my weakness!
The Savior called my name!
In His Holy presence!
I’m healed and unashamed!

You carried me, my God!
You carried me!

I’ve been so busy, I missed the reasons…
I missed Your love, and I nearly missed it all…
Still You’ve loved me, and You’ve healed me…
You’ve given all and it brought me to Your Cross…
I stand only because You’ve given me grace to walk…
Only because…
You carried me!
You carried me through it all!

And I believe!
Yes, I believe!
You’ll carry me all the way home!
‘Cause mercy covers all!

I know the Scripture, I’ve known the songs…
I sang the words from my hollowed heart…
But You’ve spoken softly through the storm…
I’ve heard Your voice, and I’ve felt the calm…
I stand only because, You’ve given me faith to walk…

I know that you love me!
I’ll never doubt it, I can’t live without it!
Your mercy has found me!
I am astounded, I can’t live without it!

Trading Sorrow For Joy??? It’s A Great Trade!! Do It!!

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“Surely He took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows.”

Isaiah 53:4

“Why did Jesus live on earth as long as He did?

Why not step into our world just long enough

to die for our sins and then leave?

Why not a sinless year or week?

Why did He have to live a life?

To take on our sins is one thing,

but to take on our sunburns,

our sore throats?

To experience death,

yes —

but to put up with life?

To put up with long roads,

long days,

and short tempers?

Why did He do it?

Because He wants you to trust Him.” 

By Max Lucado

Trade your sorrow!

Trade your shame!

Lay them down for the Joy of the Lord!!

Trade your sickness!

Trade your pain!

Lay them down for the Joy of the Lord !!

Say,

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

Amen!”

You’re pressed…

But not crushed…

Persecuted…

Not abandoned…

Struck down…

But not destroyed …

You’re blessed beyond the curse…

For His promise will endure…

And His Joy’s gonna be your strength!!

Sorrow may last for the night…

But, His Joy comes with the morning!!

Amen!

Go ahead!  Make the Trade!!

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

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No one around here will let me think!!!

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If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8

I Caught God Coloring The River Again Tonight!!

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I’m going to let it carry me away!!

“Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink!

For the Scriptures declare,

‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'”

John 7:38

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Held in chains?

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The river is free!

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Covered in stains?

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The river is clean!

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Lost your way?

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The river found you!

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See the river?

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Feel the river?

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Let go of all you hold onto!

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Let it all wash away!

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Broken inside?

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The river is love!

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Thirsty and dry?

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He’s more than enough!

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Drowning in lies?

The river will save!

Dance in the river!

Stay forever!

Let go of everything…

But Jesus!!

Let Him carry you away!

Carry you away in the river!

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,

bright as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb…”

Revelation 22:1

Did You Hear The One About The Aspiring Comedians?

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Stage 2 Improv

Warming up!!

Improv

Photo/Info-Courtesy of:

http://www.naplesnews.com

http://stage2improv.net/

The cast of…

Stage 2 Improv

(From left) Michael Santos, Judith Gangi Santos,

Guy Glover, Kate Ebaugh, Steven Johnson, JamieLynn Bucci, Casey Debrowski (my son!!!), Nancy Swartz and Brad Goetz.

Take My Life…Please!

Locals with a funny bone are trying their skills at Improv.

The Naples Players school ends this week…

And the big test…

With a live audience…

Starts next week!

P.S.  See web-site for dates, times, and details, if you’re in the Naples area!!

Stage 2 improv…

Is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group…

Featuring scenes, games, and songs that are created right before your very eyes!

If you liked the television show “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”

And the improv troop, The Second City, you’ll love this!

The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show!

Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience…

Some games may even feature audience participation!

You never know what an evening will bring…

Which makes each show different from the next!!

Stage 2 Improv

Was founded in the winter of 2012…

By Judith Gangi Santos and Mike Santos…

(co-founders of the former comedy group Naples City Improv).

Here’s my son’s bio!!!

“Hi.

I’m Casey.

I like math and theater.

And improv.

I really like improv.

I like cheese too.

It’s good.

School = FGCU graduate.

I act there sometimes.

I improv there lots of times.

Work = Teaching.

Acting = Dog Sees God and Our Town.

I have a snake and a doggie.

They’re cool.

Thanks to all my friends and family for keeping me as insane as I am.”

The crazy family he speaks of…that’s us!  Ha!

Break a leg?!?!?

Why do they say that???

“Love you!”

And

“God Bless!”

Seems safer to me!!

“And so

He will make you happy

and give you something

to smile about.”

Job 8:21  CEV

Born Again!!

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John 3:3

“Jesus replied,

Very truly I tell you,

no one can see the kingdom of God

unless they are born again.'”

Searching all these years

Not at all who I thought I’d be…

Lost…

You found me here!

Broken beyond repair…

You came along…

You sang Your song over me!

Feels like I’m born again…

Living for the very first time in my life!

The love I feel is so much more real than anything!!

The life I have now is only the beginning!!!

Feels like I’m born again!!!!!

Feels like I’m breathing

Feels like I’m moving

You came to me…

Gave to me Life…

  A Love I’ve never known…

Love I’ve never felt before

Feels like I’m living…

For the very first time!!!

Look into the mirror…

Are you who you wanted to be??

Living the way you wanted??

Your eyes remind you you’re not free!

Are you tired of going solo??

Then, never go there again!!

This is what it is…

This is who I am!!!!

I finally take my stand!

I met the one with two scarred hands!!

Giving Him the best of…

Everything that’s left of…

The life inside of me…

I’ve been Born Again!!!

You’re living in fear…

Sick of people telling how you should be…

Where’d you get your info??

Let me tell you what I believe!

We are the ones He called by name…

We’re never gonna look back…

Let go of the guilt the shame…

This is who we are!!!

We’re Born Again!!

God Of Brilliant Lights!!

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(Only we will know His Brilliance!)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

Sing it out!

Shout it loud!!

Let the sound of the saints…

Be heard everywhere!

Praise the God who has come…

To cure every broken heart!

He is Lord over all…

His reign will never end…

He’s the Light of the World…

Brighter than the brightest star.

The God of Brilliant Lights…

Is shining down over us…

Breaking through the darkness…

Covering all the earth…

His love is like an ocean…

Forever overflowing…

The God of Brilliant Lights…

Is shining over us

Sinners come to the Cross!

Lay your troubles down…

At the feet of the One…

Whose mercy will abound…

He will never turn away!!

The God of Brilliant Lights is shining over us…

He’s shining over us!!

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Who Am I???

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Hallelujah!!!

I’m A Child Of The One True King!!

Hello…

My name’s no longer…

“Regret!”

“Defeat!”

I no longer believe the lies…

Hello, my name is…

Child Of The One True King

I’ve been saved…

I’ve been changed…

And I’ve been set free!

“Amazing Grace”

Is the song I sing!!

Hello, my name is now…

Child Of The One True King

I’m no longer defined…

By all the wreckage behind…

Jesus has made all things new…

It’s true…

Just take a look at my life!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”

1 John 3:1

Amen!!

I’m called His child!!

A Child Of The One True King

Walk in that promise from your Father!!!

You’re Beautiful!!

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In God’s Eyes!!

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“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;   

Your works are wonderful,   

I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:14

I wish that you could see what God sees…

Beauty is within your heart…

He made you with such care…

And thinks you’re perfect…

Just the way you are!

There could never be a more beautiful you…

Don’t buy the lies, disguises, and hoops…

They make you jump through…

You were made to fill a purpose…

That only you could do…

So there could never be a more beautiful you!

So turn around you’re not too far…

To back away…

Be who you are…

To change your path…

Go another way…

It’s not too late…

You can be saved…

If you feel depressed with past regrets…

The shameful nights hope to forget…

Can disappear…

They can all be washed away…

By the One who’s strong…

Can right your wrongs…

Can rid your fears…

Dry all your tears…

And change the way you look at this big world…

He will take your dark distorted view….

And with His light…

He will show you truth…

And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl!

To God…

There could never be a more beautiful you!!

You’re beautiful! You’re beautiful!

You are made for so much more than all of this…

You are treasured…

You are sacred..

You are His!!

All the lies you’ve held inside so long…

They are nothing in the shadow of the Cross!

You’re the one He madly loves…

Enough to die!!

Jesus, You’re My Superhero!! I’ll Tell The World!

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Hey, Kids!!

Any other superhero is made up…

Jesus is real!

Jesus, You’re my superhero…

You’re my star, my best friend…

You’re better than anyone!!

Job 9:4

“He is wise in heart and mighty in strength…”

Matthew 19:26

“But Jesus looked at them and said, 

‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

Jeremiah 10:12

“It is He who made the earth by His power,

who established the world by His wisdom,

and by His understanding stretched out the heavens.”

So…Tell the World!!

Shout His praise!

No one compares to Him!

Jesus, all I want in this whole world is You, You, You!

So, tell the world that Jesus lives…

Tell the world that He died for them…

Tell the world that He lives again

No longer I, but Christ in me …

Cause it’s the truth that set me free…

How could this world be a better place?

But by His mercy, and by His grace!

C’mon, c’mon go tell the world about Him!

Romans 10:14-15

“But how can they call on him to save them

unless they believe in him?

And how can they believe in him

if they have never heard about him?

And how can they hear about him

unless someone tells them?

And how will anyone go tell them

without being sent?

That is what the Scriptures mean

when they say,

‘How beautiful are the feet of those who

bring good news!’”

Go! 

Tell the Good News!!