We are all winners.....

Just look at that sweet face!  And that smile!  All of a sudden, Anna looks so old.  I guess that might be because (as she will tell you....) she is "two and half" years old!  I needed that smile today and all those hugs from all four kids!  It is prime time allergy season for me - a fate that happens each fall when we open the windows and shut off the air conditioning.  My head doesn't like this wonderful  fall like weather that is cool and crisp. I seem to have a constant pressure vise around my head and my eyes feel like they are going to pop out of my head!   So I needed those smiles and hugs to get me through this day.  Anna is so ready to be as grown up as her brother and sisters.  She wants to do everything that they do and she is willing to try it all!  The driveway has a slight downward slant - just enough to get a riding toy going at a good clip.  The kids love to have "races" down the drive.  Today it was Zeke and Anna on the track.  Anna had just managed to "lose" her helmet (by saying that she was done on her bike) and before I knew it she was off to the races - without her helmet!  I managed to snap the picture above after I had pointed out that she needed her helmet!   Don't you love that grin?  She knew exactly what she was doing.  And before I could pick up the helmet and get it back on her head... they were off......... 

Anna started the race  "Six, seven eight, GO!" and they were down the driveway.  I snapped the picture with her helmet in my hand.  Fortunately the "race" was pretty tame and she actually stopped about half way down and let me put that helmet on her head!  And the best thing was that Zeke announced that they were both winners!  

In the last few weeks, Ellie and Zeke have been learning about knights in their home school curriculum.  Both have made wonderful books with all things castles and coat of arms and shields.  And on the way home I was thinking about my favorite armor verses - Ephesians 6:10-18.  I was thinking about how many times, like Anna, I don't put on my helmet in what could be a dangerous situation.You know what I mean don't you?  I've let those thoughts fill my head that are not the truth.  I have entertained some very old lie about myself or others.  I've let the enemy distract my thinking. Don't we all do this from time to time?  After I got home, I looked at these verses in my favorite Passion Translation and I was stunned at the clarity that this translation gives to these verses.  I just need to share them with.

Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Passion Translation

Now finally, my beloved ones, be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus.   Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.  Put on the full suit of armor that God wears when he goes into battle, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!  Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.  For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.  Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you're protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.  Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph.  Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart.  Stand on your feet alert, then you'll always be ready to share the blessings of peace as you subdue your enemies.  In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one!  Embrace the power of salvation's full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies.  And take the mighty Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times.  Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.  

Man, I will take that tonight!  I need to be infused with that strength!  I love that this entire passage begins with the ultimate ending - who wins!  Notice that in the first two lines it is clear that we are victorious!  Yep, we are winners because of the power - the explosive power (Isn't that just an amazing word picture?) flowing in and through us.  We are the winners!  In the daily battles that we all fight we need to hold on to and know this truth.  Even before the battle begins, we are the winner!  And that is all because of Jesus' work on the cross.  He finished the battle for us.  I know that I needed this reminder today.  No matter what we face, we know that, in the end, we are the winners.  We are destined and will rise victorious!

I just love that Zeke was sharing this truth - even though he didn't even realize the importance of it. He and Anna were both winners.  We are all winners! When we are in this battle called life with Jesus.  My head seems a bit clearer now and I feel much more ready to fight the battle again tomorrow.  Thanks to this wonderful, living piece of the Word of God!

Jesus, thank you for Brian Simmons and The Passion Translation.  Continue to bless his work and all of his travels.  Thank you for the reminder today of the power of the Words of scripture to carry us through each day.   Holy Spirit, you help and guide us by bringing to our mind verses when we most need them.  Thank you for showing us all tonight that we are winners!  Amen

Sometimes you just have to stop.......

Okay, it is Thursday.  And what a Thursday it has been.  I really didn't have much on my calendar for today, so it seemed like it was just going to be a slow day.  Then I started to get a flood of text messages from my prayer group.  It started early this morning.  Lots of prayer needs.  Lots of specific devotions and/or thoughts from my friends.  And this trend lasted for most of the day!  Every couple of minutes it seemed that I was getting another text with another prayer request.  And Facebook was no different!  So my Thursday became a day of prayer.  Which is never a bad thing!

During my minutes between texts and prayers, I have been trying to straighten out a few boxes of pictures that are not filed properly in my Scrap room.  I found this picture of Gwen at two and a half and could not stop looking at it.

I couldn't find a really good picture of Anna, but let me tell you that Anna looks so much like Gwen it is unreal!   

Anna makes that same face as Gwen in the picture, but I couldn't find a recent picture of her doing it. It is already the grandma/mothers curse that I manage to call all of the kids by the wrong name.  But I have found myself called Anna -Gwen quite often!   And notice in the picture of Gwen she is wearing a necklace.  She insisted on wearing one of mine to have her picture taken.  On Monday Anna had found a necklace of Ellie's and she insisted on putting it on.  I was really sorry that I didn't take her picture on Monday.  Just take my word for it, Anna looks an awful lot like her mom. These pictures sure helped me into a place of great thanksgiving and praise, during a time when I was flooded with so many great needs.  And it was just what my heart needed.  

At some point during the texting that was happening, I realized that all of my dear prayer friends seem to be having some prayer need pop up today.  We had a marvelous time together yesterday in worship and prayer and sharing.  And then today, each of us is slammed back in the world with some kind of trouble.  And in the midst of this, I saw this post from The Passion Translation..........

I hear His whisper … “I give you strength as you give Me time”

The moments that you spend with Me and listen to Me are moments filled with eternity. There is no weakness, no wavering, no doubting in My presence. This is where I energize your being. Many influences have affected your life and your thoughts, but as you come into My glory I lavish upon you what you need the most: My love and My strength. You are so easily distracted and disturbed, so you must faithfully come and be with Me.

The peace I bring to you is not comparable to the peace known on earth. It transcends your mortal life and streams to you from My river of tranquility that pours forth from My throne of grace. Peace like a river will subdue your soul and wash away the words of hopelessness and pain. Come into My river of peace and float on My promises. There you will never be disappointed. Listen to Me and peace will be your pillow on which to rest your anxious thoughts. In My love you are able to do all things, for I strengthen you with My love.

People will make demands on your time and your thoughts, but I wait for you to come and draw you closer when you choose Me above your friends and family. Come as My dearest one, and I will give you grace for your dearest ones on earth, so you may show them My love.

When you give Me your time, I give you My strength. Are you feeling weak today? Then come before Me until you are bathed in power. No human being can empower you, for their weapons are puny and helpless. Trust in My strength, not in the affirmation of others. Watch Me work in your heart as you “waste” your time in My presence. I will pour you out upon the earth as My gift and My treasure, full of My love.

Psalm 27:4, 8
"Here’s the one thing I crave from God,
the one thing I seek above all else:
I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house,
finding the sweet loveliness of his face,
filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace.
I want to live my life so close to him
that he takes pleasure in my every prayer. …
Lord, when you said to me, “Seek my face,”
my inner being responded:
I’m seeking your face with all my heart."

I am so glad that I spent this day the way that I did!  It is so good to know that Jesus hears our prayers and he cares about all those needs.  If you are feeling overwhelmed and weighed down by your own concerns or those of other people, come away with me and spend time with Jesus.  It will not be time wasted!  If you are feeling weak, know that Jesus has strength for it all.  Rest in that assurance.  Won't you join me today and just stop... and seek Him?

Jesus, thank you for this day of prayer and praise.  Thank you for knowing that I needed time away from the concerns to turn to thankfulness and praise.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that we need to seek Jesus when things seem difficult and heavy.  Thank you for friends that stand with us in prayer.  Amen

When a billboard almost makes you stop in your tracks.........

I really needed to read and re-read this post above from the Passion Translation after seeing a large billboard while I was running some errands the other day.  I actually took a picture of the billboard so that I could share it on this blog.  But I really didn't want that sign to be the "advertisement" for my blog post.  So in contemplating what message needed to cover over the entire post about the sign, I decided that this message from John 1:1 was just perfect.   Here is the billboard I saw....

I could not believe the message of this sign.  This is not MY God!  Yes, I worship the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus.....but it ends there!  My God - Yahweh- is not the god of Muhammad.  And the idea that there will be any way to "gain peace" when you acknowledge this LIE that the god of Islam is Yahweh, is just crazy.   I was most offended by the placement of the name JESUS on this billboard.  I know that this is just an attempt to confuse and blind the eyes of people who don't understand how false this is.  It is just using Jesus to gain acceptance.  And it is so wrong.  I was reminded of this while I was "ranting" about the billboard.......

And when you KNOW Jesus, you don't add anything to that.  There is no "newer revelation" - no Muhammad, no Buddha, no special angel, no other thing.  Jesus is ALL that we need.  Not only for peace but for hope and joy and love and life.  Yes, I made the right decision in choosing the quote that began this blog.  Jesus - the Living Expression - was with God!  

Okay,  I believe that I am through with my rant for the day.  Please join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will speak TRUTH into everyone who sees and considers that billboard.  Pray for all those who follow Mohammad to have an encounter with Jesus that changes their life.  And if you are reading this blog, and you don't know the truth about Jesus, I encourage you to ask Jesus to show you who he is.  Your life will never be the same and I can guarantee that you WILL know peace - the peace that passes all understanding!  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you reign over this world and that includes that billboard.  You are the way, the truth and the life and your truth will be revealed!  Thank you for peace, even during rants!  Amen

Leaving behind the reasoning of the world.........

You know, some day Ellie and Lia and Zeke and Anna might be upset with me for sharing how much they have touched my life.  But, this blog is all about truth telling, and this is simply the truth!  On Tuesday, Ellie was home sick from school.  She had a cold and that "croupy cough" that all moms (and grandmas) know so well.  So instead of just Zeke and Anna during the morning, I got to supervise Ellie also.  For most of the morning she just reclined on the couch and watched a bit of Disney Junior.  But after lunch, she perked up and while I was feeding Anna, she was busy cutting and taping and coloring at the kids picnic table.  I love listening to her as she is busy "creating".
She proudly brought this to me after carefully drawing shapes, cutting them out, and then taping them together.  She told me it was me!  And then she said I could tell by the feet (????) and the "Boy hair" (which is any short hair). How can you not just love this?  I love that I have a really big smile!  And I love that I have red, yellow and orange (which Ellie told me were "happy colors") all over me.  She signed the back and then put this by my purse so I would be sure to take it home with me.  She even left some of the tape sticky on the back, so that I could just stick it up if I wanted to!  Gotta love that girl!

This morning this was on my Facebook wall thanks to the Passion Translation.

Did you hear Him Whisper this to you today?

"I am calling you to leave behind the reasoning of this world, the opinions and traditions of men, and come into true life with Me. You have lived in your mind, now live in My Spirit. The realm of the Holy Spirit is opened by My grace so that you can know me not in your mind but with your spirit. My Spirit will give to you gifts, fruit, wisdom and power. Live in My Spirit and you will find your true destiny."

Now I know that I have been doing quite a bit of sharing from the Passion Translation.  I would encourage everyone to find their page and like it.  You will be blessed.  So today I was thinking about Ellie's wonderful person/gift.  Reasoning of the world would not appreciate this at all.  But I the am constantly seeing the gifts and destiny in each of my grandchildren.  Ellie is filled with compassion and mercy and it already is expressed in so many ways.  She will give you her favorite toy if she finds out that you really want it.  One time she offered to give me her ticket to see Disney on Ice when she found out I had never seen it!  That is so Ellie!  Yes, she is that "Warrior of the Lord" that will be praying and interceding for others.  She is going to effect her world in amazing ways.  And I can't wait to see what is ahead for her.  I think I will be doing a bit more quiet time, just being with Jesus so that I can move closer to leaving behind my mind and living in His Spirit!

Jesus, thank you for Ellie and all that you are doing in her and through her.  Holy Spirit, continue to draw her closer to Jesus.  Thank you for her creative and artistic nature and for her great compassion. Thank you for the reminder to put away the things of the world and to come closer to you.  Help us all to take steps forward in this each day.  Amen

Peace from the Passion Translation......

Today I opened my mailbox to this simply amazing book.  I have used quotes from the Passion Translation in this blog several times.  All I can say is if you haven't seen or read from these amazing books, I encourage you to check out these translations by Dr. Brian Simmons.  Reading each word just brings Scriptures to life in new ways and really gives you more to think about and chew on.

Today this showed up on the Passion Translation Facebook page.....

I love this! And I especially liked that the post also encouraged people to save this image, to print it and to share it!  How great is that?

And yesterday, on 9/11, this was on their Facebook page....

¹Look! Yahweh now reigns as King!

He has covered himself with majesty and strength,

Wearing them as his splendor-garments!

Regal power surrounds him

As he sits securely on his throne.

He’s in charge of it all, the entire world,

And he knows what he’s doing!

Psalm 93:1 The Passion Translation

Ken and I watched a special on TV last night that was all about the construction of the "new" World Trade Center.  I was surprised by my reaction to this program.  The show profiled many of the construction workers who spent YEARS working on the memorial and the buildings on this site.  I was overwhelmed by the end of the program, as we watched the placement of the spire that tops the building.  The spire, which climbs 370 feet above the roof of the building, contains a beacon light so everyone who sees the building, knows that the USA has rebuilt.  It was clear that this was a kind of symbol to show the world that we might have taken a hit, but we have come back.  It came as kind of a shock to me that at the end of the program, I really want to visit that place.  Quite honestly, this is a new feeling for me.  In the last 13 years I have never wanted to walk where the awful events of that day happened.  I have never been to New York City and every time that Ken and I talk about visiting, we make a list of "must see" places.  Until last night, the 9/11 site was not on the list.  After that program last night, I can't imagine being in New York City without seeing that place.  I saw the events of 9/11 on television, as it happened.  I watched the buildings fall.  I did not have anyone close to me, personally effected by a lose on that day.  But, we all felt the trauma and fear.  I remember opening my Bible and looking for a verse that might settle my spirit.  And I ended up in Psalms.  I wish I had had the above translation on that day.  What comfort and peace there is in knowing that God is in charge of IT ALL - THE ENTIRE WORLD and He knows what he is doing.  

So tonight I am so thankful for Dr. Brian Simmons and the Passion Translation.  I am grateful for the producers of the program I saw on the construction of the new World Trade Center.  And I am thankful for Facebook that brings me these amazing words each day (AND keeps me in touch with so many friends and family).  

Jesus, thank you for the reminder yesterday and today that YOU are reigning over the entire world! Holy Spirit, keep us all in peace as we remember the events of 9/11.   Help us all to stay grounded in your Word as we watch events in the world.  Please bless Dr. Simmons and bring him encouragement and strength as he walks out his destiny.  Amen