Mary was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
probably with a pen in one hand and a paintbrush in
the other. The desire to create art has been with her
throughout her life and for as long as she can
remember, she was drawing. Over the years, Mary has
extended her creativity in words as well. But for now, her focus is primarily on her artwork.
While in college, Mary studied and almost minored in
art and art history. She continues to create and has
explored every medium especially in the last year
where she has worked primarily in watercolor and
pastel. Her minor was in theology, but both work together in her creations.
As you look at her art work, know that before each
piece, she reflects on the gift that God has given her and
is guided by her faith in God and Jesus Christ her
savior.
It is Mary's hope that her creativity is a reflection of
her faith and that through her, one may learn that
each of us has a gift to give one another whether in art
or through friendship.
Mary is also a member of the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League.
Mary has a website Mary - Artist and she also has an online store where she sells items such as note cards, t-shirts and coffee mugs at God's Glory . The items are very nice and reasonably priced.
If you live in the Pittsburgh area, stop by my art exhibit during the month of July.
Years ago, I worked at major utility company in Pittsburgh as a "Technical Fieldman". Right there should tell you something as the title was never gender sensitive. Needless to say, it was the beginning of a long line of horrible jobs. What made this...
(login or sign up to read more)
6 views
-
0 replies
I made the cover
3/19/2008 - 7:46 PM
Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com
Discount Magazine Subscriptions - Save big!
(login or sign up to read more)
AS I WAS LISTENING THIS MORNING ON MY WAY OUT TO WORK, GOOD MORNING AMERICA HAD A GROUP OF 4 MEN ON FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRYS SINGING AMAZING GRACE. THEY ARE CALLED IIDIVO...ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL...
I MARVELED AT THE POWER OF THEIR VOICES, THE SENSE OF UNITY I FELT, THE PERFECT HARMONY AND RANGE OF EACH MAN'S VOICE, THE BAGPIPES AND THE OUTSTANDING VOICE AT THE END. MY HUSBAND AND I STOOD IN AWE AS WE LISTENED TO ONE OF THE GREATEST HYMNS EVER WRITTEN.
AMAZING GRACE! and IT IS AMAZING. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE.......
GRACE......SO FREE, SO FULL OF MERCY.........
I DON'T THINK WE CAN REALLY GRASP JUST HOW POWERFUL, HOW FAR REACHING, HOW AMAZING IS THAT WORD!!! I THINK ITS ACTUAL MEANING IS SO FAR ABOVE US THAT WE CAN'T REALLY EVEN, IN OUR LITTLE FINITE MINDS, UNDERSTAND JUST WHAT OUR FATHER DID FOR US. WE WERE LOST, DOOMED TO AN ETERNAL HELL, GOING OUR OWN WAY, NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING HIM, LIVING OUR OWN LIVES........
BUT GOD....... IN HIS "AMAZING" LOVE, CALLED US, BID US COME AND DINE AND HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. HE LOVED US WHILE WE WERE STILL UNLOVELY..BOUND BY SIN, BUT YET, HE REACHED INTO OUR HEARTS DRAWING US TO HIMSELF......THAT IS AMAZING ENOUGH...... HUMAN LOVE, PHILEO LOVE, SAYS, I WILL LOVE YOU IF YOU LOVE ME, AND AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME....
BUT GOD SAYS, I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.... AND WITH ARMS OPEN WIDE, HE INVITES US IN.........READY TO FORGIVE, READY TO HEAL OUR HURTS, READY TO BLESS US BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS......
AND IN THAT GREAT LOVE, WE FIND FORGIVENESS, HEALING, RESTORATION, PARDON, FULFILLMENT...HIS LOVE IS SO AMAZING, HE GIVES US FREE CHOICE STILL!! TO CHOOSE TO RECIEVE HIS GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE. HE LONGS TO WRAP HIS ARMS OF LOVE AROUND US.....AMAZING ISN'T IT?
THAT LOVE TRANSFORMS US, REPLACES THE OLD WITH THE NEW,CREATES IN US A NEW HEART, A RIGHT SPIRIT, ALL BECAUSE OF HIS AMAZING LOVE FOR MANKIND. HE CALLS US HIS CHILDREN....
HOW CAN WE NEGLECT SO GREAT A SALVATION....
SENDING HIS SON, JESUS, WHO WITHOUT SPOT OR BLEMISH, NO SIN WHATSOEVER, CAME TO GIVE UP HIS LIFE FREELY, TAKING ALL OUR SIN AND SHAME UPON HIMSELF ON AN OLD RUGGED CROSS, THAT WE MIGHT EXPERIENCE THIS...
AMAZING LOVE!! AMAZING GRACE!!!!
I WAS ONCE BLIND, BUT NOW I DO SEE....... THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING GRACE AND THAT I UNDERSTAND JUST A SMALL PART......THAT I WAS LOST BUT NOW I AM FOUND.........
SEEING THESE MEN FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES SINGING SUCH A POWERFUL SONG.......
AMERICA, AMERICA, STAND STRONG IN THE AMAZING GRACE THAT GOD HAS SO FREEDLY BESTOWED UPON US. TOGETHER, AS A PEOPLE, AS A NATION, LET US STAND UNIFIED TOGETHER, PRAYING AND LIFTING UP ONE ANOTHER, HAVING A SERVANT'S HEART TO OUR FELLOWMEN....REMEMBERING OUR CHRISTIAN HERITAGE, THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR FAITH, THE VALUE OF A HUMAN LIFE......AND LET US LIVE EACH DAY TO SHARE THIS AMAZING LOVE, GOD'S GRACE, HIS FORGIVENESS WITH OUR FELLOWMEN......AND THEN,
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED BY GOD, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE,
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE COVERED IN HIS AMAZING GRACE.......
WHAT A SONG! WHAT A TRUTH!!! DO CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE...YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY HIS GRACE OVER AND OVER AGAIN...
BLESSINGS, TISHA
FOR YOU THAT DOESN'T ALLOW IMAGES GO TO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVxzEueJ6A
OKAY NOW!!!! YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYINGS, "ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER" OR..................................
"OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND!!!!" HA... OKAY! WHICH IS IT???????????? 'LOL
IT SEEMS LIKE FOREVER THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SNEAK IN AND CHECK OUT ALL THE NEWS, THE LIFTER-UPPERS OF MY SPIRIT, THE LAUGHTER AND THE JOY FROM FRIENDS, THE WISDOM I GLEAN FROM EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
I WILL TRY AND POST PICS THIS WEEK SOMETIME, BUT AT THE STORE WE ARE SO BUSY, BUT IN THE LAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD A WEDDING AT OUR HOUSE, COMPANY FROM OUT OF TOWN, MERCHANDISE COMING IN AT THE STORE THAT HAS TO BE LOGGED AND PUT UP, PLUS, WE TRAVELED 500 MILES YESTERDAY TO WOODWARD, OKLA, AND BACK. STOPPED BY ONE OF MY DEAR FRIENDS IN CARNEGIE AND VISITED FOR A FEW MINUTES GOING OVER OLD TIMES AND HIT ADA ABOUT 9:00 LAST NIGHT. THE DAY BEFORE THAT GOT UP AT 5:00 AND GOT READY TO TAKE 7 WOMEN TO THE WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE IN OKLAHOMA CITY. WE WERE THERE FOR 8 HOURS, GOT ON THE WRONG ROAD COMING HOME, BUT EVENTUALLY FOUND MY WAY OUT OF THE CONCRETE JUNGLE!!!! ANYWAY, GOT HOME LATE THAT NIGHT.
I AM TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!BUT I AM BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOT SOME NEAT PICTURES OF NICOLE C. MULLEN. SHE WAS THERE AND SUCH A BLESSING, AS WELL AS MANDISA, SANDI PATTI, MARILYN MEBERG, PATSY CLAIRMONT, LUCI SWINDOLL, SHEILA WALSH AND ALLISON ALLEN.....
WHAT A HALLELUAH TIME WE ALL HAD. CAME HOME ENCOURAGED, MINISTERED TO, AND PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPEFULLY, I WILL POST NEW PICS THIS WEEK.
OKAY, THAT'S IT FOR NOW. WHAT????????????? SO SHORT???????????????
YEP, BUT I WILL SNEAK IN HERE AGAIN BEFORE THE WEEK IS OUT....
LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU GUYS. WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME WHEN WE WILL ALL MEET ONE DAY GATHERED AROUND THE GREAT STAGE OF THE LORD... WHAT SINGING, SHARING AND TESTIFYING WE CAN HAVE~~!!!
HAVE A BLESSED TUESDAY...(IT IS TUESDAY ISN'T IT????:)
NEED A GOOD DOSE OF LAUGHTER??????? GOT THIS LITTLE STORY IN AN EMAIL TODAY FROM A FRIEND....."REMEMBER, A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!"
PREGNANT TURKEY STORY
One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my
Sister's' house for the traditional feast. Knowing
How gullible my sister is, my mom decided to
Play a trick. She told my sister that she needed
Something from the store.
When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of
The oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen,
And inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the
Turkey . She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the
Turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the
Stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something,
She reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother
Exclaimed, 'Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant
Bird!'At the reality of this horrifying news,
My sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that
Turkeys lay eggs!
Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
OKAY GUYS!!!! I'm on the floor~~~~!!!! This sounds like my baby daughter, Tammy.. she is so gullable.. She would believe this story!!!.......It brings to my memory the first turkey I fixed for Thanksgiving one year... My family was coming to visit. I was going to do the dinner and surprise everyone, because the kitchen isn't my gift! Ha....(Harold is always saying if you can get it at Burger King, it's good) That's not nice! :)
Anyway, I had forgot to thaw the turkey and when it came time to get it ready, you're right. couldn't get the giblets and all that stuff inside of that bird out!!! Hubby and I both pulled and pulled. There was just no budging that bird!!! I was near panic. Thanksgiving was the next day. So about midnight after that poor turkey had been on the floor, in the sink,in the trash, me pulling at one end, and Harold holding the other, his wings were flopping around and the neck was hanging clear to his legs!!!! And I'm not exaggerating a bit. A frozen turkey is hard to hold in your hands so he found himself slidding across the kitchen floor several times. I'd grab him, wash him off and we'd try again. Finally, my friend came to my rescue!! When she came in, Harold and I had propped that poor old turkey up in the corner on the kitchen cabinet top, crossed his legs and pulled out his wings.His long old neck was just dangling by his side!!!! Can't you picture it?????? At first glance he looked like he was saying, "rescue me from these nuts!!!" My friend walked in, turned to go into the kitchen and let out the biggest laugh you ever heard.
After we gained our composure and she'd heard my sob story, she washed him off, got all his insides out, put him in the oven and the next day.......well, no one would have ever believed that old turkey had been where he'd been. It was good and I was forever grateful to my friend. IN fact, 20 years later, Thanksgiving eve, I was starting to get things ready, picked up the phone to make a call and asked the voice on the other end, "can you come help me with this turkey!????" We had moved away and hadn't talked to her in 20 years. But she still remembered the young housewife and her first turkey!!!! We again had a good life and spent some time remembering our time together. She has since gone to be with the Lord but I always think of Donna, when I get the turkey out.
I am a little better now....We will have 38 in our home this next weekend......and I promise the turkey will not be in the floor.....
Laughter does do good like a medicine. I was really tired tonight, but after remembering this story, reading my email from a friend, I am wide awake!!! Ha......... Be blessed tomorrow, and be a blessing!!!! love & hugs, tisha
Hey there my precious spiritual sibling! I am doing better. Praise the Lord!!! I treasure your Prayers. Thank you so much.
The hour is getting late. Our Lord is at the door beaconing us to prepare for the journey which is ahead of us.
How beautiful are the feet and hearts of those who bring good news in the middle of chaos. Who sing praises to their King at the anticipation of victorious living right in the middle of the pandemonium, financial, and political upheaval which is rapidly closing ranks and encroach upon the world. Awe! Our God is good! Give Him glory and stand tall among those who have no hope so they may see Jesus in you.
Just got a call from my Texas daughter, Stacy. She finished walking the 60 miles in the cancer manathon Sunday afternoon. Her feet had blisters,she was tired and sore and one of her team mates stepped in a hole the first day and broke her ankle but after being attended to, that team mate took part in the cheering section....... 4,500 people participated and raised seven million dollars for cancer research.....
What a picture. We are in a race and there are those that need encouragement, those that need cheering on, those that need to STAY in the race. There are many out there that need someone to walk along side of them and say, "You can do it, you are special, the race is almost over, you can make it........" Encouragers!!!! That's what Jesus is doing for us!!
You know Satan is the ACCUSER, but we are the ENCOURAGERS!!!! WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!
~~~~~~~
Thank you Stacy for having that little compassionate heart, a servant's heart, a heart that wants to ENCOURAGE, LIFT UP, HELP THE HURTING......You are a gift from above LOVE YOU,
Loved this story so wanted to share it with my Shoutlife family... My co-laborers in the gospel.
You will be moved, perhaps more motivated, but definitely blessed!!! Have a great week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sue had fairly serious health problems. An invalid since childhood, she had a birth defect that left a hole in one of the chambers of her heart. The births of five children, a number of surgeries and weight gain all took their toll. She lived in almost constant pain. Then she decided that one of the things she wanted to do most in life was to run a marathon, a feat her friends and husband thought was totally unrealistic. She became comitted to her goal, and began running slowly in the subdivision where they lived. Each day she ran just a little further. Soon she was running one mile, then three, then five. Finally, Sue registered to run her first marathon.
Sue ran a smart race, stopping regularly to stretch, drinking plenty of water and pacing herself. The race was run mostly in the rain, and when the race was almost over and no more runners were crossing the finish line, Sue's family became concerned and went in search for her. There she was a couple of miles from the finish, encouraging a group of friends with whom she was running. She crossed the finish line five hours after starting the race, but she finished! Her goal had been reached ! Goals change us. Working toward them develops us. Reaching them establishes us~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I'm busy today my shoutlife friends, but do have a good day and remember He walks along side of us..... We are never alone.
OH, I AM SO SORRY!!! IT'S NOT MONDAY! IT'S, IT'S???? WHAT DAY IS THIS?
SEEMS LIKE THIS PAST WEEK WE HAVE BEEN CAUGHT UP IN A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS, QUESTIONS, TENSION, FEARS, UNREST, WONDERINGS. I AM OFF TRACK A LITTLE.....
ARE WE GOING TO FAST TO REMEMBER THAT GOD........
GOD IS IN CONTROL! I NEED TO KEEP MY EYES FOCUSED ON HIM. HE IS IN CHARGE. HE REMOVES, HE REPLACES, HE REBUILDS, HE KNOWS WHERE WE ARE AND HIS PLAN FOR OUR LIVES HAS NOT GONE OUT OF CONTROL......HALLELUAH!
YESTERDAY I HAD SHARED THAT WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, PRAYING ABOUT THE DAY, ABOUT THE AGENDA "HE" HAD FOR ME THAT DAY, INSIDE MY SPIRIT I HEARD THESE WORDS,
"I AM THE GOD THAT CHANGES NOT, I AM THE SAME YESTERDAY AND FOREVER, I NEITHER SLEEP NOR SLUMBER. IS NOT ARM SO SHORT THAT IT CANNOT SAVE? REMEMBER THAT MY WAYS ARE NOT YOUR WAYS, NEITHER MY THOUGHTS YOUR THOUGHTS, BUT I AM THAT I AM...... ALL IS WELL... AND MY PLAN FOR YOU CONTINUES ON... I AM ON THE THRONE...I REIGN!"
IMMEDIATELY AFTER, I REACHED OVER, TURNED UP THE RADIO AND THE SONG "HE REIGNS" WAS PLAYING... YOU'VE HEARD IT.....
.....Even before there was a drop in the ocean
even before there was a star in the sky
even before the world was put in motion
You were on Your throne... You were on Your throne.
You reign
glory in the highest You reign
let creation testify
by Your name every knee will bow
and every tongue proclaim that JESUS REIGNS!!!
Even before Your hand made the heavens
even before the breath of all mankind
even before we had to be forgiven
You were on Your throne ....You were on Your throne.
Yesterday, today and forever Your are God who was, and is and is to come".........
THEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT SONG WAS PLAYED, ANOTHER SONG STARTED, "THERE'S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR YOU, FOR YOU!!!"
TALK ABOUT HEARING FROM THE LORD!!! PRAISE GOD!!!
SO, LET'S KEEP OUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS WHO IS SEATED ON THE THRONE, NOT WRINGING HIS HANDS, BUT FIRMLY IN CHARGE, AND HE IS PRAYING FOR YOU AND ME THAT WHAT???? OUR FAITH FAIL NOT!!
AND LET'S KEEP OUR THOUGHTS FIXED ON HIM FOR HE IS THE AUTHOR, THE FINISHER, THE CREATOR, THE I AM, THE ONE AND THE ONLY. NOTHING GETS BY HIM.... HE HAS A PLAN.... SO, AS CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH, LET'S BE UNITED AS HIS BODY, FOR UNITY BRINGS POWER, WE ARE HIS CHURCH. WE ARE FIGURED IN TO THESE DAYS! HE REIGNS!!
LOVE AND BLESSINGS, TISHA.
MY PRAYER: KEEP ME ON-TRACK LORD!!! NEITHER LOOKING TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT, BUT MY EYES ARE FIXED UPON YOU.....ONE DAY AT A TIME! NOT GOING IN FRONT OF YOU, OR LAGGING BEHIND, BUT WALKING WITH YOU DAY BY DAY, LISTENING FOR MY ORDERS....... YOU ARE THE ENGINEER ON THIS TRAIN, SO I WILL REST AND ENJOY MY RIDE! DESTINATION.....HEAVEN!!!
A friend sent this to me today. It reminded me of a pic I have of my grandmother, my mother, my daughter and my granddaughter. Four Generations of my family.
Should Jesus delay His return in MY day, (and I really look for Him anytime and would love His appearing. I don't see how this old world can stand much longer) BUT if He hasn't returned by the time my granddaughters are married with children, I hope they will get a picture of my hands, their mother's hands, their hands and their baby daughter's hands....
Until I read this, I never even thought about it. What stories the hands capture....
When you look at your hands, what do you see?...When I look down at mine, I see my mother's and my grandmother's hands. My kids are always telling me my hands look like my mothers. Well, that's probably right, because remembering back, my mom's hands reminded me of Grandma's. My little grandmother was a seamtress for most all her life. She was the rock in our family. She had so much wisdom and understanding. To us, grandma just had all the answers... I remember seeing her little crooked fingers, and how on top of her little hands, the veins were so vivid, like a roadmap. I remember seeing her fit dresses to ladies, and watching her sew in the wee hours of morning by her sewing machine light,finishing up a dress for someone. I was so blessed to have her make my wedding gown. I still have it today....
She was a godly woman, a smart and shrewd businesswoman, a wonderful wife and mother and a woman that loved the Lord God with all her heart. What a legacy she passed down. I knew when Grandma prayed, heaven moved, things happened and well, WHAT MY GRANDMA SAID WAS GOSPEL!!!!! :) I know you had a grandma like that too.... I watched her at 72 years old pour a concrete patio by herself. She was a woman that was so gifted and strong. She had to be. Grandpa did all the cooking but Grandma made the living. That's just the way it was back then.
Grandpa took care of the bees, milked the cows, went to town to buy the groceries, would rock us kids to sleep when we were just real little. I stayed with them a lot when my Dad and Mom moved around in the oil fields before Dad started teaching school. Grandma and Grandpa always encouraged me to sing. Grandma would make me little western clothes and so many of my school clothes. What memories....What a childhood. What memories am I leaving for my grandkids by the looks of my hands?
My prayer is that they peeked in sometime, or stood somewhere in the shadows and saw my hands lifted in prayer and praise toward heaven interceding for my family and loved ones. Did they see hands that held a microphone as songs were sung to share the love of the Lord over and over? Will they remember the times I knelt in prayer, wrapped my arms around them and held their little faces in my hands and told them they were special that Jesus loved them and had a plan for them? Would they remember the hands that held the Word of God as I tried to glean direction and truth to pass on to them? How about all the fun times when my hands could outshoot them in a game of basketball!!!! I pray that they remember the times when these hands would reach out to them when they were hurt or dissapointed and wipe away tears, or gently bandage a cut or scrape. You know, sometimes, meme's and grandma's are just the special ones they run to after Mother. She already knows the hurts, but Grandma or Meme's just know how to put the final kiss on a hurting little head or heart.....I can remember my girls running to their grandmother "telling on their mother!"
There's just something about grandparents...
The Scripture from 1 Corinthians adds to the affect: "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Enjoy this and remember, "your hands tell your story"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hand and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
Hypocrisy In The House of God. Halloween
Devotional
AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE
WE SHALL SERVE THE LORD.
Today a revelation hit me, about Halloween.
We as Christians, know, that is a day we should not have anything to do with since its a pagan thing and called the day of the dead.
People like to sugar coat the evil, by saying its ok to carve a pumpkin and put it on your door step, saying that GOD has taken all the bad out, by taking the seeds out of the pumpkin, and lighting a candle, saying its the Spirit within.
Well it SOUNDS good in theory, however, its sugar coating evil just the same, and making it palatable for Christians to take part in even a minute part of what pagans call Halloween.
Now before anyone gets upset with me using a word to describe some of the things people do, let me remind you, I am against the SIN, not the person! I love everyone! I just hate SIN!
Why do Christians want to put a beacon out for the devil to follow right into their homes? Because lighting a pumpkin, and carving faces out of it, and placing it there, is saying to the enemy, that the house is fair game, is safe, and a place they can go!!! Its putting out a welcome mat folks!
Its sending out the WRONG signals ESPECIALLY if its a CHRISTIAN HOME!
The nice pretty pumpkins we see lighting the homes porches around us, as we drive by are sending out beacons in the night, to the enemy to invade, and to attack, and to dwell as there is nothing saying NO! to them in those homes.
So lets not sugar coat Halloween practices, and do things the world does.
Remember we need to HATE what GOD HATES, and LOVE what GOD LOVES!
We need to HATE witchcraft, SIN, Halloween rituals, and any other thing that is contrary to GOD and to HIS WORD!
We cant sit on both sides of the fence on this one folks!
Its either we are FOR GOD, or Against HIM!
We need to take a stand, and say NO! To evil! Of ALL kind!
This came to me today, while driving by a daycare centre, and it had Halloween pumpkins grinning into the night...........
what are we teaching our children?
The Origin of Halloween
author unknown
Halloween, also known as the witches' new year, originated among the ancient Druid priests from Britain and France. It commemorated the end of summer and the beginning of the Celtic year. The celebration was considered the highest festival of the year called Samhain (sah-ween). It was named after Saman, the god of the dead.
The Druids not only believed that the dead came back to mingle among the living on this night, but that demons, witches and hobgoblins were also released in droves to harass and oppress the living. The Celts also believed that the sinful souls of those who had died during the year had been transferred to the bodies of animals. Through gifts and sacrifices their sins were atoned for and their souls were set free. Samon judged the souls and decreed whether they would continue as a human or an animal.
Bonfires, animal and human sacrifices and ritualistic offerings to the dead were common during this Feast of Samhain. It was believed that human blood opened up the gates of the dead and released the spirits for the night. To protect themselves, many Druids would dress up as devils, witches and ghouls and would even involve themselves in demonic activities to ward off an attack.
In a bold evangelistic move designed to demonstrate that only the power of Jesus Christ could protect men and women from the fiery darts of Satan, the early church moved a festive celebration of their own called "All Saints Day" from the month of May to November 1st. They renamed it "All Hallows' Eve", from which we get the name Halloween. The evening before November 1 (October 31) was set aside as a HOLY EVENING in remembrance of those who had suffered martyrdom for their belief and faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, this Holy Evening has become anything but holy. There has been little or no effort on the part of the "church" (us) to renew the original purpose for which this day was intended. On the contrary, many churches and Christians today are compromising their faith on Halloween just so their children don't feel left out of the festivities. I believe we have allowed things in our homes and churches that are an abomination to God.
TRICK OR TREAT - This modern custom of going door to door begging for candy while masked and dressed in costumes goes back to the pagan New Year's Feast. It was thought as long as the living set out bowls of fruit and other treats for the demons, witches and ghosts to partake of, then they might leave that home untouched. When your child goes door to door yelling "trick or treat" he is re-enacting that ancient superstition.
JACK-O-LANTERN - in America it's a pumpkin but in Europe it was usually a turnip that had the fact of a demonic spirit carved in it. The smiling face was symbolic of the mocking spirit that laughed at the fate of it's victims. Candle-lit Jack-O-Lantern or skull's heads also symbolized that the occupants of that house were sympathetic to the evil spirits and would hope to receive mercy and favor.
We can ill-afford to sit around any longer and remain ignorant about Halloween. Our children need to be taught that there is nothing cute in pretending to be a friend of the enemy for a few hours. It only took one apple for Adam and Eve to be deceived. Who are we to think that going to strangers houses or a haunted house or a school Halloween party is any less appealing to a young mind.
If I had a child in grade school, you can bet they'd miss school the last day of October. Why! Ask any school administrator which holiday receives the most money, time, energy and bulletin boards and I guarantee it won't be Christmas, Easter or Martin Luther King Day. Halloween wins hands down. For those who think that's a coincidence, think again. Hitler wasn't the only one who knew that those who have the youth have the future.
At this point many will argue, "Come on. It's just Halloween, I'm not worshipping anyone. It's just harmless fun." Is it? Our children are already growing up in such a contradictory society, do we have to add to it? Can't we at least give them the stability of worshipping the one true God, only?
The popular teen magazine "Sassy", printed an article last year entitled "Witchcraft is a Religion", subtitled "And a very cool one at that" (March 1992). The author praised witchcraft for it's environmentalist and self-esteem building features. She explained why Halloween was important to witches and some of the meaning of the evening. The magazine article concluded by quoting a witch named Laurie: "Witchcraft is a connectedness to everything, so you can center yourself and feel as if you can control some of your environment a little more. I think teenagers today need their own power."
I also agree that teenagers today need more power, but it sure isn't the power she's talking about. It's the power of the Holy Spirit that enables a young person to stand up and boldly and unashamedly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That starts when parents care enough to not just let anyone deceive or give candy to their babies.
Bible-believing Christians cringe and shudder at the thought of Satan worship and occult rites. But, how many of these same people will dress their children as witches, ghosts, skeletons or devils and send them out to "trick-or-treat"? How many smile approvingly at the church or Sunday School and youth organizations that have Halloween parties and sponsor "haunted house" activities?
Can any Christian give any scriptural - or even logical- reason for participating in, or approving of, that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil-worship and witchcraft?
Deuteronomy 18: 10--13 explicitly forbids Christians to have anything to do with witchcraft, spiritism or the demonic. 1 Thesalonians 5:22 tells us to abstain from all appearance of evil.
You may say, "I don't let my child dress as demonic characters, only Biblical ones. Our church has a 'Harvest Party' and my kids go to it instead of going out to 'Trick or Treat'. So, we're not taking part in the demonic Halloween stuff." Well, this may be true. But, we are told in God's Word that we are not to love the things of this world. (1 John 2:15) (James 4:4) Though we are in it, we are not to be part of it. How is it that different to have a "Harvest Party" with costume or to have a "Halloween Party" with costume. This is still copying after the world.
I have seen small children, even babies, dressed for Halloween. You can't say that the children are the ones who want this. They don't even know what it is. It is the parents who are teaching them about these things. Deuteronomy 6 tells us what we are to teach our children, and it has nothing to do with demonism or demonic "Holy days."
Finally, let me just say that this is not a time to simply curse the darkness. It's also a time to turn on the "Light". Teach your children that Satan isn't some character running around in red tights with horns and a pitchfork. They need to know that he is very real and his goal is to steal, kill and destroy. Reassure them, however, that "you are of God, little children, and have overcome them (evil spirits) because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
Bible verses to ponder
Deu 18:9-14 (KJV)
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,
thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
{10} There shall not be found among you any one that
maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire,
or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
{11} Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits,
or a wizard, or a necromancer.
{12} For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD:
and because of these abominations
the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
{13} Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
{14} For these nations, which thou shalt possess,
hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners:
but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
1 Th 5:21-23 (KJV)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
{22} Abstain from all appearance of evil.
{23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
{16} For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world.
{17} And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
James 4:4 (KJV)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses,
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Deu 6:5-9 (KJV)
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
{6} And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
{7} And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
{8} And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand,
and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
{9} And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Deu 6:13-16a (KJV)
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. {14} Ye shall not go after other gods,
of the gods of the people which are round about you;
{15} (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you)
lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee,
and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
{16} Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God...
Rev. Sheila
End Of The Age Harvesters Ministry
Halloween should not be in our churches,
In our daycares, or anywhere else that professes Christ! We are here to be a light in the darkness! Not join in, and think it harmless fun!
Its not harmless fun! There is a price attached! Are you willing to pay it?
Halleluah! It seems like forever that I have been able to sit down and just pour out my heart.
We have been on the road all day long. My mother-in-laws brother, who was 95 years old, passed away this week, so we took her to the funeral about 2 1/2 hrs. away. Right now, hubby is asleep on the sofa, Fox news is on and I just couldn't take anymore of the heated discussions, so I retreated to a place of peace!!! ha...
You know, just seeing everybody today brought home the truth of 'life is a vapor'. Some of the families we havent seen for a while and some of the kids, are not kids anymore. They are grown with grandkids. My, my!! I guess that means I am getting older too! :)
My husbands mom has a sister still living that is 99, one 97, one brother that is 96, another brother, 87 and mom, who will be 93 this coming January. They have lost a sister and 2 brothers..... I would say, they have longevity and are blessed! Most of them are in good health. Even mom doesn't have to take any medicine of any kind, still drives her car, takes care of a large home, works in her yard, very active in her church. Plus, when I call and ask if she'd like to go shopping, her reply, "sure, come get me!!!"
I just hope when I get her age, that I have as much vigor and vitality that she does. She is blessed and a blessing. G.T. is what the kids nicknamed her (Grandma Todd)
Time??? It goes to fast, so make each day count, redeem it for the Lord, use it wisely, make a memory, laugh a lot and praise even more!! Make good times with your family.... I thought one thing that was shared at the funeral was so sweet and I got a little teary eyed about it. It was Bill's last wish to have communion with his son, his grandson and his great grandson. So the pastor saw that it took place. Four generations and on the way out, He wanted to break bread with his kids.... How wonderful is that? What a memory for those boys......We will miss him a lot..
another "cute" thing mom said to probably lighten the separation of a loved one was when she walked up to the casket, looked down at this brother that she shared many times and holds many memories close to her,,,she outs with this remark....."Look at him, he doesn't have any wrinkles?!!!! He lookes so good, not a wrinkle one, and just look at me, my face is full of them~ Makes me so mad~! and then she just smiled........
A large family, a close family, a loving family......It was a sweet day...what a day~ I think I may be just a little tired too. :)
This morning as I was drinking my morning cup, trying to get awake, I was blessed by this story. Been in any battles lately, had circumstances facing you that you just didn't know if you could handle them? Has fear kept you from God's best? I will sometime share about fear and how it gripped me in my life. The bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind...
Read this and see if you identify..
Where are you in it?
The story speaks about Napoleon calling a fellow soldier the bravest man he ever knew. Yet, as this "bravest soldier" donned his horse one moring before a battle, his knees were shaking so badly, he had difficulty mounting his horse. But once on top of the mighty steed, he shouted down at his trembling knees, "Shake away, you would shake worse than that if you knew where I am going to take you."
Courage is not a matter of being afraid. It is taking action even when you are afraid... It is more that saying "I can do this! or doing it because you were given the "dare", but courage is when you or I choose to take a difficult or dangerous course of action because IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Courage is looking beyond youself to what is best for others.
The source of all courage is the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. It is His nature to remain at our side and help us. Jesus told us, He would not leave us comfortless, but would send the HOly Spirit to us. He would teach us, and lead and guide us into all truth.
When we welcome Him into our lives and He moves in our hearts to do something, we can confidently trust Him to be right there, helping us to get the job done.
In the day and time that we live, when it seems that everything is haywire, morals are thrown out the window, there are so many ungodly things being flaunted in our face...our faith is being challenged.........the economy is reeling and rocking, everything is uncertain.......
take heart....don't lose courage. Stand up for what is right, don't buckle under the pressure, but keep your eyes firmly fixed on what is truth. Look neither to the left or right but keep your eyes focusedon Him who is seated on the throne, step out, step up, and go forward! WE ARE MORE THAN VICTORIOUS THRU HIM WHO LOVES US........
PUT ON YOUR ARMOR SOLDIER...YOU MAY BE IN THE HEAT OF A BATTLE, BUT WE DO WIN THE WAR!!!
Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.....
Ephesians 16:13-14
Good quote,"courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."
Greetings beloved of the Lord! We are winning! My health is improving. Not there yet but certainly improving. Thank you for bearing this burden with me. May your reward be great here on earth and in Heaven.
No sunshine here today! :-( The cold of winter is coming closer each day. The jackets are out and it's time to start simmer the chili to enjoy along with the flying snow, which will soon arrive for those of us who live in a cold climate. For those blessed with year round warmth and sunshine what can I say, except I do hope the invitation is in the mail! LOL. :-))))))))
FACING THE DRAGON
Lose in the spiritual realm, lose in the earthly realm!
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it. Proverbs 10:22. May you be blessed each day with all that pertains to life and godliness, by the knowledge of Him who called you by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3 And may you be always filled with the joy of the Lord!
Love and spirit lifting hugssssss to you, my treasured friend, as the rays of God's glory lights up your life.
Sylvia :-)))))))))
Important read ... letter from a minister of 29 years ...
October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,
In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life - - a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I'm now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.
You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God's choice: Roberts and Alito.
These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation - - the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage?has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate. The reality in America is that you don't need to control Congress or the White Hose to rule the nation. You only need 5 people - - 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control!
In Bush's two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of one judge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.
In Obama's own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He's right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable.
Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.
Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction. Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"?most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.)
I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:
1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.
But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you've never prayed for any in the past. Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace. We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election?talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.
But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia'" (Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel's day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.
In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn't sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse?if ever. Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking?in mass?we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don't intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals - - pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of Satan's kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occult powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ's Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.
Don't be deceived and don't lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don't need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this - - only a praying remnant. We can do it!
Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession - - worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy - - He will!
In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
~~~
Matthew 16:18-19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
~~~
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
~~~
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
~~~
