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Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 542

August 31, 2021///

Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

In the midst of all the turmoil that is going on in our world, I want to share with you today a story.  This story is not original but has and amazing message we can all take to heart as we are navigating this thing called life!

My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister’s bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. “This” he said, ^“is not a slip. This is lingerie.” He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. “Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion”.

“Well, I guess this is the occasion”. He took theslip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me.

“Don^’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you’re alive is a special occasion.”

I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him, and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death.

I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sisters family lives. I thought about all the things she hadn’t seen or heard or done.

I thought about all the things she had done without realizing that they were special

I’m still thinking about his words, and they have changed my life.                          I’m reading more and dusting less. I’m sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I^’m spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I am not “saving” anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market if I like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one smelt bag of groceries without wincing. l^tm not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as those of my party-going friends.

“Someday” and “one of these days” are losing their grip on my vocabulary.

If it’s worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

l*m not sure what my sister would’ve done had she known that she wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food.

I’m guessing – I’ll never know!

It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with – someday. Angry because I hadn’t written certain letters that intended to write – one of these days.

Angry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them!  l^tm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.

And every morning I open my eyes, t tell myself that it is special!

EVERY DAY, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY BREATH TRULY IS A GIFT OF GOD.

Ephesians 5:16 (KJV)
Redeeming the time,

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Father, thank you for every moment you give us to enjoy each other and this beautiful world you have given us! May we realize what is really important and may we understand the life is short and help us live every day to its fullest with the Love of God ruling our lives! In Jesus name I pray! Amen

Love Me-maw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 541

August 24, 2021///

Psalm 119:130 (KJV)
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Today’s topic is how powerful it is when we know and speak God’s Word!

As I was reading Psalm 119 this morning, which is all about the word, this verse caught my attention and my heart!

Let us look at the beginning!  In Genesis 1, verses 3,6,9,11,14.20,24, God said, and it was so.  God created by His words!

If we have received Jesus as our Savior, the Spirit of the Living God lives inside us! Therefore, when we speak His Word, it is powerful and can cause people and circumstances in our lives to change!

Mark 11:23 (KJV)
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever SHALL SAY unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which HE SAITH shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever HE SAITH.

We can speak to mountains of fear, doubt, lack, distress, etc. 

Here are a few examples of Jesus speaking the word! There are many, many others!

Luke 13:12 (KJV)
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

Mark 5:41 (KJV)
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Luke 7:14 (KJV)
 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Matthew 8:13 (KJV)
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Sometimes Jesus touched or did other things, but He always said!

Peter said and things happened:

Acts 9:34 (KJV)
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Acts 9:40 (KJV)
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Please notice that Peter understood it was not in his power he was speaking but it was speaking in faith in Jesus Christ. It is never in our power that words work but in the power of the risen Lord!

When we speak the word or the truth of the word, even when we do not see things happening yet, things are being handle in the spirit realm.

May I tell you that our prayers and declarations should be speaking the word and praising God for moving on our behalf by quoting what He has promised or the truth of those promises and who He is!

The enemy of all that is good trembles when we speak the word.  Jesus showed us how to overcome every temptation when He was tempted in the wilderness!

Matthew 4:  4, 7,10 Jesus responds to each temptation with “IT IS WRITTEN”!

Whatever we face, we can face it with scripture of the promises of God that never fail.  Make the enemy shake and tremble by using the powerful, creative word!

Pray and Praise using the WORD and TRUTH OF THE WORD!!

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Father, in Jesus’ name I come! Thank you for your word that sets us free and gives us authority over the enemy and all his tricks.  Touch each person who reads this and give them a desire to “Hide Your Word” in their heart!  Amen

Love, Me-Maw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 540

August 17, 2021///

As I look around at all the different things we use every day, my mind goes to how they are designed to work.

I like my appliances, computer, car, phone, etc. to just work.  I do not think about how they were designed to work for me and make my life easier.

I want my house to be solid and protect me from the elements and be my home. I want to be able to look at my Fitbit and it have the information I need.

Oh, I know the concept and I appreciate those who use the mind God gave them to design time saving, protecting, and convenient things, but only the designers really understand how it is all put together and works together.

The designer understands every component and the reason it is needed and created.

May I tell you that you are created by a Loving Heavenly Father, and He is the only one who really knows how you are put together and for what purpose you were designed!

Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

To understand that we are created in the image of the God of the universe, and He knows us by name and knows how we are put together, every component, and for what purpose, is to begin to understand the life we are living is not a mistake or happenstance!

Isaiah 44:24 (KJV)
Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

To have real life, we must understand that the one who formed us it the one who understands us and can guide us.  As we follow His guidance, we can fulfill the purpose for which we were created.

Each of us were created on purpose for a purpose! No matter the circumstances of your birth, the Lord God Almighty has a wonderful purpose for your life!

As we let the one who knows us completely and Loves us without reservation fill us with His power and follow His direction, we can walk in the destiny we were put here on earth for.

Each person is uniquely created. We know every fingerprint is different.  May I tell you each of us are designed for a different purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Each of us is born with a deep desire inside to fellowship with our creator, whether we recognize it or not!

It is only when we acknowledge that and receive what Jesus did on the cross can we begin to walk in our purpose. 

God’s way and direction for our lives is the only way to satisfaction and fulfillment! Nothing the world has will satisfy. Gods’ way is a better way to live!

We can walk with Peace deep inside in a world of turmoil as we walk in the reason we were created.

Let the one who knows how and why you were designed, guide you to living a life of victory and effecting others for good!

Revelation 4:11 (KJV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

I invite you to join me in giving our creator and designer Praise and Glory!!!

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Father, what an amazing Love that created each of us unique and for a specific reason!  May each of us let you guide us as we walk in the destiny we are here for! There are lives we touch and places we are, and unique personalities that you use as we surrender all we are and all we are not to all you are and all you designed us to be!  In Jesus name I pray!  Amen

Walk in your design! 

Love, MeMaw!

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 539

August 10, 2021///

The day following last weeks Me-Maw Thoughts my husband and I were tested for Covid-19 and tested positive.  We are getting better but for today’s Me-Maw thoughts I am reprinting an early writing from 2011.  I pray that it Blesses you with the reality of a Loving Heavenly Father.

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ME-MAW THOUGHTS

NUMBER 17

MAY 3, 2011

As I was thinking about the places we all are in life, I started thinking about our choices and the paths we are on.

What if we had been born in another country?

What if we had been born in another city?

What if our parents had not married each other but someone else?

What if, as adults, we had not chosen to live in a certain place, go to a certain church or marry a certain person? 

What if we had chosen a different line of work or a different school or college?

What if we had sent our children to a different school or had them in a different neighborhood?

What if we had chosen a different set of friends or different recreational activities?

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What goes into making us what we are today?  We all know that we are a product of both parents, so each of their DNA flows through us.  But what makes up our drive, our likes and dislikes, our decisions.

We are definitely molded by our environment.  Those who were raised with alcohol in the house may have a tendency to drink and not think so much about it.  Those who were raised eating unhealthy foods, have to make the decision to change their eating habits.  Those who are raised with negative talk must work hard to be positive. 

But as we grow, we then begin to make our own decisions and follow a certain path. Who we will marry, where we will live, where we will attend church or if we will attend church, and what our work will look like.

Is it just chance decisions that have brought us to the place we are?  Are we the master of our destiny, based on what we do? I say not!!!

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I believe we are going down the road of life that has various twist and turns.  We must make decisions, but we are not alone. I see in my mind’s eye roads going in different directions and they are not all good for us, nor will they take us to the destiny we were created for.  But……I see up above us the all-seeing eyes, the Heavenly Fathers eyes.  I picture him kind of like someone in a helicopter that is above a traffic jam or a police chasing law breakers through the city or through the woods.  Since the person in the helicopter can see it all, the guidance and direction come from there.

Psalm 32:8  Says…    I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will guide you with My eye.

God has a plan and destiny for us. His eye is on us, and he will guide us as we allow him to.  Even when we don’t listen and take the wrong turn, from his view he can get us back on track from any detour we may have taken.  

What a comfort to know that my life and my decisions are not just made from my knowledge, emotions, or environment, but the God of the Universe see’s every move and will guide us with his eye on everything in our life.  I am so willing that the one who can see everything guides me and helps me make the right turns and choices.

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Father, in Jesus’ name, I lift up all who read this, to you.  Open our spiritual eyes and our spiritual ears to understand that you have a plan.  I release myself, my family, and my friends to your plan.  I commit to your way and your will. Thank you for incredible blessings on my family and my friends.  Thank you that your way is always the best.

Have a wonderful week,

Love

Me-Maw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 538

August 3, 2021///

Just when we thought the worst of Covid-19 was over, we are in the throws of a new wave of masks, closings, hospitals full, etc.

What we thought was just about over has raised its ugly head again.

May we be reminded this morning of this same situations the followers of Jesus went through when He was here on the earth He created.  He walked in human form with them.

Because of the prophesies of the Old Testament, they knew a Messiah was coming who would save people and be their Mighty God.  When Jesus came, they expected Him to overthrow Rome and set up His Kingdom on earth right then.

They rejoiced because that thought that Rome’s reign over them was about to end.

But that is for a future time still to come. First, He had to give His life for all the sin of mankind and was resurrected on the third day, to give us life everlasting and abundant life on earth.

His followers were devastated when He was arrested and most of them fled.

They hid, fearing for their life.  Wondering what to do now?

But……Sunday came.  Jesus came out of the grave victorious.  When we receive Him, we have life everlasting and a life on earth that is filled with Peace in our hearts no matter what is going on outside.

May I encourage you today that even though it looks like the problem of Covid-19 is back and it appears we are back fighting a battle that is getting worse:  Sunday is coming.

It looks like a cloudy stormy immediate future, but Sunday, or the victory over this is coming. 

Do not despair, do not worry, and do not operate in fear.  Have Faith in the one who Loves you most, your Creator God, that He will see you through whatever happens, and we will be able to look back and say, we overcame that hardship.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Luke 12:6-7 (KJV)
⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:31 (KJV)
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

There are some of you who are dealing with sickness yourself or know someone who is.  Whether it is Covid or something else may I encourage you just to know you are never alone. The one who created you and who knows you best will never leave you nor forsake you.

Whatever discouraging or devastating situation you find yourself in today, remember Sunday is coming.  The day of victory over whatever you are facing is ahead.

Walk in Faith not Fear.

As for this crazy Covid-19 insanity, do what you can to protect yourself the way you feel is right for you, but do not fear.  Fear has torment and fear will keep you from the life that God wants you to live.

Ask God for wisdom, follow His leading (those impression deep inside us), but do not walk in Fear. 

Walk in Faith, knowing God Loves you and Cares for you!

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Father, thank you that when the enemy of all that is good fills us with fear, we can pull down that fear with Faith in you.  You Love us and know all that is happening in our lives.  May each of us understand we can safely commit our way, our health, our families, and the outcome to you.  Fear drags us down.  Fill us with Faith as we honor you in all we do.  In Jesus Name!  Amen

Sunday’s Coming,

Love MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 537

July 27, 2021///

As I write this morning, I am thinking about how we see each other.

I know some of you have heard this but being raised in a pastor’s home I had seen my dad baptize people.  So as a little girl I baptized my paper dolls in a pan of water.  However, to my distress they fell apart!

Why? Because they were not real.  They were paper people.  Fake people!

What do people see when they look at you?  Do you act and perform they way you think will impress those around you or are you just completely you in every situation!

Of course, we are encouraged in the bible to do all things in Kindness and Love and that is true in all situations.  It is never right to be rude or ugly even to those who strongly come against us.  Our walk should always be one of Love and Forgiveness!

I am addressing what some would call, “putting on airs”, “being puffed up regarding yourself”, “pretending to be something you are not”, treating people different depending on their status in life or thinking more highly of yourself than you should.

Romans 12:3 (KJV)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

We are all created in the image of the creator God and should walk in the confidence of who He made us to be.  But it is our faith in Jesus Christ that allows us to be all that we need to be in this life, not our own goodness or achievements.

How many of you have ever heard the expression: “They think they are all that and a bag of chips!”. Of course, the person someone would refer to in that situation is thinking of themselves more highly than they should.

When Jesus walked here on earth in human flesh, it was the puffed-up religious leaders He had a problem with.   Look at what Jesus says to them!  

Luke 20:46 (KJV)
Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Matthew 23:27 (KJV)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

Why do we do what we do?  Is it to impress people or to show Jesus to them, Jesus who gives us a better way to live?  Are we living a life of love and caring or of self-promotion and exhalation?

Going back to the paper dolls I baptized.  They fell apart because they were not real!  If our walk with Jesus is not founded on a true change inside, we will fall apart when the storms of life come.  When the dreaded phone call comes, or the doctors report is bad, or we lose someone we love, to death!

When the hard things in life that we all face come our way, if we are not real in our trust in the God who made us and Loves us and is there with us, we will come apart!

If we are but a show to others on the outside of having a trust in God’s nature and Love, we will not stand strong in the midst of the storms of life.

The world we live in is more chaotic and different than we have ever faced, and we need to be founded upon the solid rock of trusting Jesus to be our savior by believing in His, death, burial, and resurrection, and asking Him to guide our lives and live through us!

His presence gives peace in turmoil and calmness in chaos. Our foundations must be sure! About our foundation, Jesus said the following:

Matthew 7:25 and 27 (KJV)
²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

We must be strong in our Faith and real in our actions to stand strong in the face of the realities of life.

Be encouraged to take a look at what people see and of the trust you have in God who made you and Loves you! Be real, be who He created you to be!

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Father, thank you for all who read this and show them how to be true to who you are and who you created them to be.  Touch each of us with the strength of the truth of your words and the power of walking in truth. Let each of us feel the real you as you fill us with Peace and Strength!  In Jesus name I pray!  Amen!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 536

July 20, 2021///

I have been writing Me-Maw Thoughts for a long time. The first one was on January 11, 2011.  Here is one I wrote in March of that year.  It just says how I feel today as I fellowship with the Lord God Almighty!

If you are not aware, I have two books on Amazon.  One is “Skydiving Me-Maw Thoughts” which is Sixty of the earlier Life-Lessons.  The other one is about my journey and growing up in a Preachers home and all God has done for me.  It is called “Journey”!  If you go to our church, you can also acquire these from me!  I pray you enjoy this throwback Tuesday!

ME-MAW THOUGHTS// NUMBER 11

 MARCH 22, 2011

“I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE, WHILE THE DEW IS STILL ON THE ROSES, AND THE VOICE I HEAR, FALLING ON MY EAR, THE SON OF GOD DISCLOSES.

AND HE WALKS WITH ME AND HE TALKS WITH ME, AND HE TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN AND THE JOYS WE SHARE, AS WE TARRY THERE. NONE OTHER HAS EVER KNOWN.”

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THOSE ARE THE WORDS TO A SONG THAT EXPRESSES HOW I FEEL THIS DAY AS I FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER GOD THIS MORING.

PSALM 139: VERSE 23 & 24 EXPRESS MY DESIRE…IT SAYS….

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

    ²⁴ And see if there is any wicked way in me,

 And lead me in the way everlasting.

 AS I FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, I DESIRE HIM TO SEARCH ME AND REVEAL TO ME IN MY INNERMOST BEING THE THINGS I NEED TO CHANGE IN MY LIFE TO BE ALL THAT I CAN BE IN HIM.  I OPEN ALL THE DOORS OF MY HEART TO HIS CLEANSING AND CHANGING, AND I PRAY THIS MORNING THAT EACH OF YOU WILL OPEN YOUR HEART TO HIS LEADING AND HIS CLEANSING.

GOD WILL SPEAK TO YOU THROUGH, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAY DOWN IN YOUR INNER BEING.  THE HOLY SPIRIT’S STILL SMALL VOICE DEEP DOWN INSIDE OF ME IS MORE REAL THAN THE VOICE OF SOMEONE SPEAKING TO ME IN THE NATURAL.

I ASK YOU THIS MORNING, WHOSE VOICE ARE YOU LISTENING TO.  THE NOISE OF THE WORLD IS SO LOUD THAT IF WE DO NOT MAKE TIME FOR SITTING IN THE PRESENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD, WE WILL NEVER HEAR HIS VOICE ABOVE THE NOISE OF THE THINGS ALL AROUND US.

PSALM 138, THE FIRST PART OF VERSE 8 SAYS…

    The Lord will perfect that which concerns me

MY PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY IS THAT GOD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNS YOU.  IF I COULD, I WOULD MAKE LIFE PERFECT FOR YOU.  I WOULD SEE THAT YOU NEVER HAD A PROBLEM AND THAT ALL YOUR NEEDS WERE MET AND YOU HAD EVERY DESIRE OF YOUR HEART.

BUT THAT IS NOT WITHIN MY POWER.  HOWEVER, I CAN PRAY FOR YOU AND AS YOU RELEASE EACH SITUATION AND CONCERN AND DESIRE TO THE FATHER, HE HAS THE POWER TO PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNS YOU.

AS YOU DRAW CLOSER TO THE FATHER AND SPEND TIME READING AND STUDYING HIS WRITTEN WORD, THE BIBLE, YOUR DESIRES WILL BEGIN TO LINE UP WITH WHAT HIS WILL IS FOR YOUR LIFE.

AS I THINK OF EACH OF YOU, GRATEFULNESS FILLS ME THAT I CANNOT EXPLAIN. I FEEL BLESSED ABOVE ALL PEOPLE.  YOU ARE ALL MORE PRECIOUS TO ME THAN I CAN EVER TELL YOU.  I ASK GOD THAT HE WILL SHOW ME HOW TO PASS ON LIFE LESSONS THAT I HAVE LEARNED SO THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO PASS THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEMS TO LEARN THEM.

ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD SAY TO YOU IS TO CULTIVATE THE PRACTICE OF RELEASING EVERY SITUATION AND CARE TO HIM. AS YOU LEARN TO DO THIS YOU CAN WALK EACH DAY WITH A JOYFUL AND LIGHT SPIRIT BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT GOD IS ……

“PERFECTING THAT WHICH CONCERNS YOU!”

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FATHER, I PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WILL READ THIS.  MAY THEY UNDERSTAND THAT YOU LOVE THEM AND YOU ARE ON THEIR SIDE.  YOU CARE ABOUT EACH LITTLE PROBLEM OR SITUATION THEY HAVE AND YOU CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND NOT JUST LIFE BUT LIFE ABUNDANTLY.   MY DESIRE FOR EACH OF THEM IS THAT THEY FIND THE ABUNDANT LIFE THAT IS IN YOUR PLAN FOR THEM.   I PRAY THIS IN JESUS NAME….AMEN

LOVE & HUGS, ME-MAW

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 535

July 13, 2021///

We have a green plant in one of the pots on our deck that we have no idea what it is.  It was not there last year and just started growing a while back and began to grow taller and taller. It is green and tall, and we have just left it alone.

Last week when some heavy wind and rain came through, this plant ended up bent totally down, looking like it was ready to be pulled up. However, the next day and the day following it began to straighten up as the sun came out.  The more the sun shone the straighter the plant got. After the second day of sun, it was as straight as ever!

This amazed me!  What looked like it was ready to trash, was well and whole again!

How like our lives, and situations in our lives. We may go through some storms and rain and feel like we are destroyed, washed up, help to no one, and ready to just be thrown away!

But the good news is when the SON OF GOD, JESUS the CHRIST, begins to shine upon our wounded self, we gain strength and can stand tall again, knowing we are not alone!  When we look into the Face of the Victorious Son by being in His presences, all things are righted and made new!

Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)
¹ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

When the cares of life have you bent low, when you are ready to give up, and when you have no hope, look up!  Look to Jesus who will give you strength to stand up tall, walk in victory and smile because the SON has made you whole!

Just put your eyes on Jesus and take your situation and heartbreaks to the one who was sinless and yet took the sins of the world on the Cross!  Can you trust Him? Absolutely, without any doubt.

Psalm 61:2 (KJV)
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

He can make the crooked place straight and the rough places smooth! He can open doors no man can shut, and He can invade you with life and joy and peace where there was worry and fear and despair!

Look up! Let Jesus walk into your situation, and He will make all things new!

In Mark Jesus has the blind man look up!

Mark 8:25 (KJV)
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

In Acts Peter had the lame man look up!

Acts 3:4-6 (KJV)
⁴ And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
⁵ And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
⁶ Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

May I suggest that you look to Jesus for the answer to all of your problems.  When we have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, He will guide us as we listen, and we can avoid many problems.

However, into each life comes some situations that are beyond our control and if we just Look Up and Trust we will come forth as Pure Gold.

Never give up, never throw in the towel and never drown in despair. Just look to Jesus the author and finisher of your Faith!!

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Father, I come in Jesus’ name and thank you that you are my help, my strength, and my ever-present help in time of trouble.  May all who read this look to you and let you restore, renew, and fix every situation in our lives.  Father, we are lost without you but when we sit in your presence through Faith in Jesus, you make all things new!  Lord we lift up our eyes!!   Amen

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 534

July 6, 2021///

Do you have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a bed to sleep in? 

Do you realize that in 2019 there were 690 million or 8.9% of the world population were undernourished? 35 million of those were in the United States.

There are approximately 100 million homeless people worldwide and 500,000 in the United States.

Those of us who are blessed with many choices of clothing never wear 50% of the clothes in our closets.

Why am I telling you this?  Because Jesus came to give Life and Life abundantly!

Luke 12:48 (KJV) says in part: For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:

1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

If you answered yes to the question at the beginning, you are Blessed more than many in the world!  What are we doing with our Blessings?

There are many amazing works of sharing food, clothing, housing and most importantly Jesus, around the world.

But as I was reading some of the things happening, it occurred to me how many of us take our Blessings for granted!

In the Tigray region of Ethiopia Solomon and his pregnant wife, and two children had to flee to another place because of the fighting that was getting closer and closer to their family.   In the place they fled to food was scarce and when Samaritan’s Purse came and gave them non-perishable nutritious food, Solomon made this statement:

“Now my children will eat until they are full, before they could only have one bite”. Can you imagine not being able to allow your kids to eat more than one bite, whether that is one bite a meal or one bite a day.

Operation shoe box is bringing to kids all across the world the first gift many of them have every received and they are receiving the truth of Jesus along with it.

An 18-month-old was given his health back through an operation by “Children’s Heart Project”, that Samaritan’s Purse has! Because of this an entire village who was steeped in witchcraft, was brought to Jesus!

Clean water access was brought to a village whose people got dirty water from a pond because that was all that was available.  This made the children sick, but they had no choice.  Then loving Christians moved in with the answer and now they have clean water and the good news of Jesus!

In Brooklyn New York is the headquarters of “Metro World Child”, that is now reaching children around the world!

250,000 children weekly are hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In the slums of New York this outreach has the largest Sunday School in the world.  They are reaching, feeding, and doing amazing things for the Lord Jesus!

There are amazing works of Jesus going on in our Nation and World. 

Our own church, Joshua’s Place in Jackson Georgia, feed the hungry, go to the homeless, minister to the prisoners, and help those who are overcoming addictions! We also send monetary help to ministries in Israel, the USA, and around the world.

As we just celebrated freedom in American on the 4^th of this month, I begin to think that I am blessed just to have been born in this amazing country.

The USA is not perfect, but it is the most amazing country in the world.  That is why so many are trying to get into this nation and yet many of us who were born here do not appreciate that Blessing.

 But may I ask you today what you are doing with the amazing Blessings you have. You are blessed to be a blessing. 

As I have said many times, we cannot do everything, and maybe we cannot do much, but we can do something.

I implore you today to ask Father God, what you can do to touch lives with the Gospel by first meeting their needs. 

Maybe someone in your sphere of influence needs food, clothes, shelter, school supplies, a Christmas gift, or maybe they just need a friend who will listen and love them unconditionally.

May we who are so Blessed and so spoiled begin to look outside ourselves, outside our selfish desires, and really see people as Jesus sees them: His creations, that have been brought down by the enemy.

Everything we possess or are able to do is from the Heavenly Father. What are we doing with the funds, possessions, talent, abilities, and people that God has made us stewards over? It is all His, we are to follow His instruction for its use!

______________________

Father, forgive us when we fall into the trap that it is all about us.  May each of us realize where our Blessing come from and that we are only Stewards or caretakers of it all.  May we follow your leading for use of provisions, talents and abilities and Love to touch others for you!  In Jesus name I pray! Amen

Use your Blessings! MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 533

June 29, 2021///

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

A merry heart comes from laughter.  We need to laugh.  Today I want to help you do that as you read!    Enjoy!!

^{Laughter has the following effects on our overall mental health:}

• Releases endorphins: Natural chemicals in the body, endorphins promote a sense of well-being and relieve stress.
• Decreases anger: When we are in a difficult situation or in a disagreement with another person, seeing the humor in it can help. Specifically, laughter defuses anger, conflict, and self-blame.
• Eases distressing emotions: Laughter counteracts feelings of anxiety and sadness. Moreover, it helps us release other intense emotions, such as grief.
• Relaxes and revitalizes: Along with reducing stress, laughter also increases our energy levels. Therefore, we can stay focused more easily.
• Changes your perspective: Laughter helps us access another point of view. Moreover, we begin to see something in a new, less scary way when we can laugh about it. …
• Reduces stress: When we laugh and smile, cortisol levels decrease. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone, so lower levels are better for our mental health. …

These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”

Ladies do not forget the rummage sale. It is a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Do not forget your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

For those of you who have children and do not know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

KIDS AND CHURCH:

One four-year-old prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets and we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.”       (Wow, truth in that)

A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. “How do you know what to say?” he asked.   “Why God tells me”, was the replied.   The boy looked at his father with this question “Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?”

KIDS:

Susan, 4, was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. “Please do not give me this juice again,” she said, “it makes my teeth cough.”

DJ., 4, stepped on the bathroom scale and asked: “How much do I cost?”

KIDS AND LOVE: (Smile and Tears) (ages 4 – 8)

“Love is what is in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.”

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name in different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.”

“Love is what makes you smile when you are tired,”

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.”

AND FINALLY, TO THINK ABOUT:

“Many people want to serve God, but only as advisers.”

“If God is your Co-Pilot, swap seats!”

“People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention!”

I pray these little things have brightened your day in the midst of a crazy and stressful world!

Laugh!!!  Love, MeMaw