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Dealing With Grief

A friend of mine wrote this, just had to share :).

We all suffer from grief and loss at some time in our life, God can help us to deal with it.

“Once upon a time, a son visited his parents who still lived on the farm, which they had for many years. They talked with him how they had survived so far and a lot of people they had known and loved did not. They had lost friends, best friends, acquaintances, other farmer neighbors around them, grandparents, mother, father, relatives, teachers, mentors, and a host of other folks. They had even lost a child, the son’s older sister when she was very young, before the son was born. The son’s father had also lost a sister when she was very young. The son couldn’t imagine the pain it must be to lose a child.

The truth is one does not ever get used to people dying and shouldn’t. It tears a hole through you whenever somebody you love dies, no matter the circumstances. One should not ever say that it does “not matter” and be something that just passes.

Scars are a testament to the love and the relationship that you have for and with that person. And if the scar is deep, so was the love. So be it. Scars are a testament to life on earth. Scars are proof that one can love deeply and live deeply and be cut, or even gouged, and are able to heal and continue to live and continue to love.

The scar tissue is stronger than the original flesh ever was! Scars are only ugly to people who can not see. It was not very long, after the son’s visit with his parents, that God called his father to be Home with Him.

As for grief, you’ll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you’re drowning, with wreckage all around you. Everything floating around you reminds you of the beauty and magnificence of the ship that was, and is no more. All you can do is float.

You find some piece of the wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it’s some physical thing. Maybe it’s a happy memory or a photograph. Maybe it’s a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float and stay alive. In the beginning, the waves are 100 feet tall and crash over you without mercy. They come 10 seconds apart and don’t even give you time to catch your breath. All you can do is hang on and float.

After awhile, maybe weeks, maybe months, you’ll find the waves are still 100 feet tall, but they come further apart. When they come, they still crash all over you and wipe you out. But in between, you can breathe, you can function. You never know what’s going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, an intersection of paths crossed, or even a smell. It can be just about anything…and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there IS life.

Somewhere down the line, and it’s different for everybody, one finds that the waves are only 80 feet tall, or 50 feet tall. While they still come, they come further apart and you can see them coming. Could be an anniversary, a birthday, or Christmas, or a milestone. You see them coming, for the most part, and prepare yourself. When it washes over you, you know that somehow you will, again, come out the other side. Soaking wet, sputtering, still hanging on to some tiny piece of the wreckage, but you’ll come out.

My thoughts and prayers are that you know that the waves never stop coming, and some how you don’t really want them to. That you learn that you’ll survive them, just as your Heavenly Father survived the death and Resurrection of His Only Son, Jesus Christ, and the death of His Children, who are Home with Him now.

If you are blessed, you’ll have lots of scars from lots of loves….and lots of shipwrecks. That you trust in our Lord that He will NEVER leave you or forsake in times of grief or any other times. That you know His Joy and Peace, that only He can give, now and forever. In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace”

One thing I wanted to share with you as well my friends is that Life is for the Living. Never stop Living, for life is a Gift from God. Ask God to return to you The Joy of your Salvation 🙂

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:12

It may take some time, but God Will 🙂

Courage Comes From Walking With The Lord :)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9

There will come a day when life is not easy. Perhaps a day that seems downright frightening. Perhaps even overwhelming! We may be angry or scared.

But remember, “Courage comes from walking with the Lord”. And our Lord WILL BE WITH US ALWAYS!

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”-James 5:16

Prayer is our defense. It is our anchor. It is our peace. It is a place. And it is our Home away from Home…

If life becomes difficult, go to your “Home away from Home” and pray. Be with God 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

God’s Laws

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.“

So often, there are those who claim that God’s “rule” are too restrictive. That they are not “accepting or tolerant”. But the real truth is that because God made us, He knows what behaviors will make us happy and successful in life. If He makes “rules”, it’s because He loves us 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

God Is Always Fair!

“Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.” – Ezekiel 33:17

“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.” – Ezekiel 33:18-19

“Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” – Ezekiel 33:20

The New Testament does not replace the Old Testament. It is ALL true and it is ALL God’s Word 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Warning: The Occult In Today’s World

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”-Isaiah 8:19

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:31

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer ¹¹or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, ¹²for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.”-Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“As used in the Bible, “sorcery” is a broad term that would include hallucinogenic and poisonous drugs—even abortifacients—witchcraft, voodoo, palm reading, tarot cards, Oija boards, astrology, fortune telling, horoscopes, séances, and the like. God has forever frowned on sorcery. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 specifically forbade anyone from practicing divination, telling fortunes, interpreting omens, and from being a sorcerer, charmer, medium, wizard or necromancer”-Tennessee Bible College

Although “good witchcraft” has become popular among some, there is no such thing. ALL witchcraft is evil in the eyes of God! And although it’s hard to imagine, in today’s world, the occult has become increasingly popular.

But what about the even more popular psychics? Let me be clear, ALL power belongs to GOD ONLY! And all of these practices are forbidden by God! They are also a slippery slope! We worship God, not humans!

All of those who are involved in the occult and do not repent and accept Jesus and Follow Jesus before their death – go to Hell. Period.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”-Revelation 21:8

“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”- Revelation 22:15

Don’t wait, run to Jesus NOW!

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Why Does God Heal Or Not?

A good friend of mine sent this. It was so awesome; I just had to share 🙂

“In the midst of a crisis, you often ask, “Where is God?” You wonder, “Why is He allowing me to suffer?” or even “Why is He allowing my loved ones to suffer?”

Such questions may run through your mind in stressful and despairing moments when you or those you love face troubles, sickness, pain and even the possibility of death.

But maybe you are asking the wrong question. You should ask: Why does God heal or not? To understand healing, one must understand human life on earth. The Truth IS, life here IS very short! Compare that with God’s Life, and the difference IS HUGE! God has been alive from eternity past, and He will live on forever into the future. This IS difficult for human minds to grasp! His Promise IS that He IS preparing you to share in that never-ending life with Him, through the Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He Truly wants this for ALL His Children! You have an AMAZING choice and future available that you can only begin to understand!

Sometimes God mercifully lets a man or woman come Home, even to a righteous person, to be spared coming times of trouble or evil. This IS very important to know. Even SO, your Heavenly Father IS Merciful and Compassionate, who knows your physical weakness and how easily broken you can become. He knows ALL about you! He REALLY Loves you!!

Easy to say, “I have tried prayer but it does not work!” From whose view? IS prayer just about getting what you want or IS it about seeking God’s Will rather than your own? In God’s Word, Apostle Paul begged God three times to heal him of a “thorn in the flesh.” God appears to have answered “No!” Did Paul respond by losing his faith? Not at all! He accepted in faith, that God’s Will was Supreme: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.(2 Corinthians 12:10) So, why does God heal or not? To reveal Himself, to highlight His Work, and to test His Children. He heals because His sons and daughters ask Him in faith and obedience, and He heals out of His Mercy, Grace, and Unlimited Love! If you need divine healing, be sure NOT to blame God for problems. Instead, look to Him with gratitude for His Whole Plan. Knowing that He can see and does bring about His Will in your life, as you seek His Face! Trust Him, that even in your suffering on earth, you may know His Presence just by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. He WILL send His Helper to you, to Fill you, to Comfort you, to give you His Peace that no other can!

Sometimes God uses you and how you handle suffering as His Example to others! When others see His Joy, Peace and Faith in you, even during the worst the world can bombard you with, they want the same Joy and Peace. Their hearts open just a “crack” for His Holy Spirit to enter and STIR! Know that in your suffering, your Good Example in Christ, IS bringing others to Him that were lost!! You may not even be aware that they were watching you or paying attention! Your suffering IS allowing His Healing for others!! IS that not AWESOME or what!!! You are His Instrument, His Extended Arms to those He Loves, just as much as you! IS that not worth EVERYTHING, that your moments along with others are being used by God to enlarge His Kingdom!!

My thoughts and prayers are that you ask God to take away your doubts and fears, to Truly Trust Him with your life. That even in troubles, you accept His Will and Purpose and give Him thanks!! You are His Example to others!

Live in Joy, according to His Love for you!! In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace.“

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

God Is Merciful & Just!

“Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “In this too your fathers have blasphemed Me, by being unfaithful to Me.”- Ezekiel20:27

Let’s face it; Israel has a history of sin. One has only to read Ezekiel 20 to see that.

Now fast forward to America. Is our country not committing even worse sins? And yet, somehow some seem to think that there will be no consequences for those sins. But this is not true, our nation will face the consequences for our sins. And soon! God is Merciful, but He is also Just!

Heaven is our Home and we can’t wait to go there. And good thing! For earth may soon see it’s share of difficulties. But if we repent and hold onto Jesus’ Hand and Follow Him, we will enter Heaven and stay there for all eternity!

What matters on earth is so short and so temporary; we need not fear! For we will soon come Home to Heaven, forever 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Call On Jesus While You Can!

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” ¹⁸And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals.”1 Kings 18:18

“you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord”. Sadly, that pretty much describes much of our world today. Indeed, much of our country. In the Old Testament, they abandoned the commandments of the Lord in favor of Baals.

And today, many abandon the commandments of the Lord to follow their own desires, no matter how perverse they are. And sadly, the more they do so, the farther they fall…until they stop even hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.

It can be difficult for many to have faith. After all, we do not live in the days of Jesus. We don’t get to see Him first hand or the many miracles He performed.

Indeed, Jesus once said to St. Thomas, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”-John 20:28-29

But just because Faith can be a challenge today, does not mean it is not worthwhile. It’s not just that Jesus brings us to Heaven, it’s that He is with us right now. The path ahead will be dark and difficult. But Jesus will light that path and help us walk it. And we will need His help if we are to survive.

Heaven waits just ahead. As does the Help of our Lord.

Jesus loves us; grab His hand while you can 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Revelation 22: Jesus Said Come!

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”=Revelation 16

“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”-Revelation 17

So often, we think of the Book of Revelation as frightening. The world does its’ best to make it so. But it’s not really. At least not to those who truly Follow Jesus.

Take for example the above verse. In verse 16, Jesus is simply confirming that the Book of Revelation is True. As it is.

Revelation 17 is simply inviting us all to come to Jesus to be Saved. There is urgency in this invitation, for one day it will be too late and Jesus, who loves each person, wants us all to be Saved 🙂

In verse 12 it says “And, behold, I come quickly”. This is Jesus talking. But many ask, why hasn’t Jesus come yet. The answer may be more simple than we think.

The Ancient Greek translation of this word is not quite the same as our word quickly, it’s “suddenly”. Much of the Bible teaches us not to wait, to accept Jesus as our Savior NOW. To Follow Jesus NOW. To live as God instructs us NOW. This is why, we simply may not have time to make any changes if Jesus comes Suddenly!

Don’t let time run out on you! Accept Jesus and Follow Him NOW!

Before it is too late…

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready

Our God Is Not A God Of Confusion!

The Catholic church in July of 2023 appointed a new doctrinal chief that said Blessings for gay marriage should be studied. Let me be clear, this IS wrong. There can be NO Blessing of a gay wedding.

One has only to read the Bible to see just how wrong Blessing a gay wedding is. Our God is not a God of confusion. Any priest who dares to teach their parishioners this horrific wrong should remember this Bible verse:

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.”- Jeremiah 1-2

In 2021 a document was released from the Vatican’s orthodoxy office. It said, “Catholic clergy cannot bless same-sex unions because God “cannot bless sin.”. The Bible does not change!

So what do Catholics do if this occurs, considering the concept of the “infallibility of the pope”? The question if this occurs that needs to be asked is if a Pope truly leads the people against the Word of God, is he really the pope?

Mary, Our Blessed Mother said “a better vicar would come and then a good one”.

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!