URGENT-Denounce Jesus.... Or Die!

This post is about an urgent need. For the last couple of months, we have been hearing of the atrocities being committed by ISIS... the hideous evil works they are using against people - especially against Christians, as satan seeks to destroy those who belong to Christ. The things being done are so terrible, we have hesitated to even speak of them and yet, it is a real part of our world now and we can't ignore it. Others are suffering horribly... and ignoring the issue isn't possible.


We have heard at church, just this weekend, from a friend who heard from a friend in another country....  this friend in another country is asking for urgent prayer. ISIS has gone to homes in the area and has given the CHILDREN of the families a choice... denounce Jesus.... or die. ISIS is systematically going from house to house giving these children a choice.... and then they are beheading the children. So far all of the children given the choice.... have chosen Jesus..... and they died by being beheaded.  

 The parents were not killed.... and yet their pain is huge - in fact, death would be far kinder than what they have to be enduring after witnessing such carnage against their precious children... or waiting for the emissaries of satan to arrive to take the children if their home hasn't yet been invaded.  The fear must be overwhelmingly powerful. This is being done NOW.... it is not something from weeks or months ago.... this horrible suffering is happening NOW. Children are being martyred... and adults also, but it seems that children are a big target right now as ISIS is determined to advance Islamic goals for mass conversion.... or death for Christians.
 
 As was pointed out at church, so many of our prayers tend to be quite petty.... we pray about aches and pains, or wanting a new article of clothing, that our ball team will win, that it won't rain for a special occasion and more. These are not necessarily bad things to pray about, but they are not critical either. We need to get outside ourselves and seriously stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ... those who are in the midst of horrendous conditions, needing to prepare themselves and their children to be ready to die a violent death immediately. 

We protect our children... we tell them we will protect them from the "monster" in the closet or under the bed... we know those fears are ungrounded and we set our children's minds at ease. What about those who cannot protect their children from the very real monsters in their world? 

  We can uphold these people, even from afar... prayer is powerful... will we choose to spend time in prayer? Will we care about those suffering so horribly?... or will we allow ourselves to be lulled into a sense of being desensitized to the horrors of our world by a media who exploits such news and helps us to become weary of the news and wanting to move on to better things?  We have brothers and sisters in Christ who would love to move on to better things, but are trapped in a nightmare from which they will not awake.  Some have talked with loved ones in the US or other places and talked with them for what they believe, will be the last time. They are sure their death is near. They are cut off... no human help is coming... those whose hearts are wicked and who are pawns of satan, are coming ever closer to kill and maim.

Will you please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Will you be a part of a group of Christians who will shower these people with a prayer cover?  We need to stand in the gap for our fellow Christians. This is happening in more than one place in the world, and if you know specifics like locations or names, please do not share them... we need to help protect our brothers and sisters, and part of doing that is by not giving out too much information.  We can certainly pray though. Here are some things I am praying: 

1. That God will give peace as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
2. That God will comfort those who have lost family members or will soon.
3. That these Christians will be brave and courageous in the face of such horror.
4. That God will stop the spread of this ugliness and will deliver these Christians.
5. That Christians throughout the world will be sensitive to the leading of God.. that hearts will be softened... that God will do a mighty work in our world.
6. That these persecutors will come to Christ in repentance.
7. That the apathy in our world would stop and Christians would draw close to God.

There are many more ways we can pray... If you think of some... please share them in the comments below.. I would appreciate seeing them... and it would help us as we pray. I would also love to know if you are praying for these who are so oppressed... or if you will. Thank you. God is more powerful than anyone or anything... He is able... He wants us to pray.

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
    Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."  2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Shared on:

Weekend Wind-Down Party
Saturday Soiree
Weekly Wrap Up
Hearts For Home
Paula's No Rules Weekend Party
Homeacre Hop
Thriving Thursday
The Homemaking Party
Wednesday's Prayer Girls
Soul Survival
A Little R & R
Winsome Wednesday
Works For Me Wednesday
Wise Woman Link Up
Turn It Up Tuesday
My Favorite Things
Hip Homeschool Hop
Women Helping Women

A Collection of Quotes....

I like quotes... I like sayings that pack a lot of thought into a few words.  For years, I have collected quotes... sometimes in the front of my Bible, sometimes in a notebook, sometimes on 3"x 5" cards or scraps of paper, and more. Someday, I would love to organize them or do more with them. For now, I just enjoy them. I pulled a few quotes from my files and paired them with some pictures. A quote can linger with us and make us think.....

I hope you also enjoy quotes.... and I am so glad you visited my blog today. I hope you have a wonderful day walking with the Lord. :)

Shared on:


The Last Art of Homemaking
Simple Saturdays
Scraptastic Saturdays
Encouraging Hearts and Home
Paula's No Rules Weekend Party
Thursday Favorite Things
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup
Wise Woman Link Up
Wednesday AIM Link Party
Tuesdays w/ a Twist
Inspire Me Tuesday
Modest Mom Monday
Art of Homemaking

Colors of Fall All Around!

We live where there are 4 distinct seasons of the year with very noticeable differences in the weather of each season.  I love each of the season... spring with its fresh new growth, warmer temperatures and storms, summer with its lush garden growth and even the heat, fall with its colors wherever we look, and winter with its cold temperatures, snow and barrenness. Each is different and each is lovely... in its own way.

 So many colors are present here - all in one leaf... and it is beautiful all by itself.... then when those colors are combined, glorious trees shine with wondrous colors and a simple drive through a regular city street becomes an adventure of discovery of another "pretty tree"! :)

 Even the less spectacular colors all blend into a wonderful quilt-like picture as the greens fade to pale or bright colors.

Color is everywhere... blue skies only highlight the colors.

 Some leaves turn to all one color... and others to several.

 The greens are by no means boring... and their presence adds to the array of colors that delight the eye.

 One color next to another... and next to a dark blue sky and white clouds... all works together to contrast with each other and make an appealing sight.

The ordinary look becomes special...

 A quiet bench... a carpet of leaves.... a view of color... and beautiful fall days become times of rejoicing and reflection.

My family enjoys hiking... and taking hikes this time of year is quite special as we see the clothes of autumn on the trees and countryside.

 Whether we look at the distant view....  or the view at our feet... color and beauty surround us.

 I know some of you love living where you only have 1 or 2 seasons and I am glad you like it... we each need to be thankful for what God blesses us with... but I would miss the 4 seasons...

If you don't have the beauty of the special colors of fall, I hope you have enjoyed seeing a glimpse of what we see. If you are where you have changing colors this time of year, I hope you are enjoying the show God is putting on for us. :) 

Thank you for visiting my blog today.... Every day is fresh and new and a chance to discover how God is blessing us. I hope you are also reminded to praise Him for His creation.... and especially for His sacrificial love for us. :)  We are truly blessed.

Shared on...........

Mama Moments Monday
Making Your Home Sing Monday
The Art of Homemaking
Homestead Barn Hop
Weekend Wind Down Party
Still Saturday
Saturday Soiree
Weekly Wrap Up
Essential Thing
Paula's No Rules Weekend Party
Winsome Wednesday
What You Wish Wednesday
Wholehearted Wednesday
Wise Woman Link Up
Fall Linky Party
Teach Me Tuesday
Women Helping Women
Making Your Home Sing Monday
The Art of Homemaking
Homestead Barn Hop

A Fun Surprise From God

We have china items and we enjoy them... at least the girls and I do. :)  

Recently we were at a church garage sale and there was a set of china that caught my attention.... I really liked it... and it was a great price... only $7.00 for the set. But like I said, I already have china and didn't need it, so I went on and shopped for what we needed and put the china out of my mind.... it wasn't meant for me and I was okay with that and I smiled that someone would get a beautiful set of china for a wonderful price. I was pleased that God helped me to totally let it go and not harbor any thoughts of possession of the items. I am trying to be careful not to develop an emotional attachment to items God does not intend for me to have... they aren't mine, so I need to just let them go... and I am getting better and better at it, thankfully. :)

  I went back to the garage sale two days later, which was half price day.

 The first day I went to the sale, three of my sons went with me and this time, the two girls did. Of course, the guys didn't care at all about the china... and they teased me about more china. :) They also carried the treasures God provided for us at the sale.

When the girls and I went two days later, we walked through the church, shopping for items we could use for half price. My oldest daughter and I both saw this beautiful set of china... I couldn't believe it was still there... and since it was half price... it was only $3.50 for the whole set! Wow.

 We would have loved having the guys there to carry our purchases that day....  and of course, we bought the china. :)

God also provided some clothes, bookshelves and other items. It was a good garage sale for our family... and you know I like garage sales. :)

 We finally washed these dishes up and reorganized the corner china cabinet...  These are some of another set that were in this cabinet. I don't have a lot of sets of china.. and wouldn't want to have them just sitting around... I am not a hoarder, but I do enjoy the pretty dishes. :)  Most of my "sets" of china have been collected here and there... from garage sales. Most are small "sets", but we do use them for teas or New Year's Eve Party or other occasions.

 These dishes made me think of Laura Ashley patterns... or calico fabrics. They held such an appeal for me... and the funny thing is that my oldest daughter was very drawn to them just as I was. :)

 I haven't had a cup of tea in one of these yet.... but I plan to soon... maybe even tomorrow. Tea just tastes better in a pretty china cup or mug.

 I really like that these dishes, though not an expensive set, are printed on the outside and the inside of the bowls. They are very attractive.

 The set is in great shape and we will really enjoy it.... and I know I will enjoy it even more because I had let it go. I had made the decision that I didn't need it and didn't need to spend $7.00 for it and figured God would bless someone else with it....... and then when it was still there two days later and was only $3.50, it seemed that He saved it for me and was surprising me with a special treat. I am so glad I waited and that HE gave it to me, rather than just justifying such a purchase on the first day.

This is such a little thing, especially in the light of eternity, but I do believe it was a gift for me from God.... and I am thankful. I didn't need it, but it is so fun to have and to enjoy.  God supplies all our needs.... and sometimes, He also supplies some of our wants. What fun. :)  By the way, I have been sorting some other china items I have... and plan to let them go.... I am glad to make room for such a pretty set. 

Thank you for visiting today.

 

         


 Shared on:



Vintage Charm Party

A New Look At Butterflies...

We seem to be seeing many butterflies and moths as we are in the early days of fall. There are many different kinds to enjoy. Some are so fast in their flower visitations that I have been unable to capture a photograph of them. Some of these butterflies are preparing for migrations. Whatever they are doing, they won't be here for long as cold weather is fast approaching.

The coloring of a butterfly has a specific purpose... and so does the design. Some butterflies have designs that look like an eye of a predator and will protect the butterfly from its own predators. Other designs can help it to blend in. We may not even know the reason for some design or color, but we can be sure that there is one.

The variations are wonderfully complex, especially considering the short life of a butterfly. Some only live in the adult stage of a butterfly for a week. Others can live longer. Regardless, they are very short lived compared to other creations of God... such as people, parrots, turtles and more.

 Since these brilliantly beautiful creatures will only live a short time, it is astounding that God has created them to be so colorful, so intricate, so beautiful.

 I know if I were making something that would only last days or weeks, I would be tempted to cut some corners and to not be quite as careful as I would be with something that will last longer.  I am so glad that God deliberately designs His creation without allowing time constraints to limit his creativity.

 We tend to just view the finished product... "Oh, look at the yellow butterfly." "There's an orange one."  But each part of the butterfly is quite amazing... from the scales that cover the wings or the tiny hairs that are barely visible ...to the proboscis that is specially made to curl up or stretch out to reach the nectar the butterfly drinks through the tube.

 I have seen pictures of different butterfly wings under a microscope... and it is even more amazing than our usual glimpse of the creature. The orderly rows of color... or of microscopically thin transparent "scales"... some of which reflect light, giving a glow to the butterfly are simply amazing.
  

  Then there is the whole transformation process... which no man can reproduce. It is all breathtaking and magnificent.  This is all done by God, the Creator of the Universe, who planned out every little detail... on every little or big creature. He makes no mistakes and His ways are perfect.

So... why are we tempted to not trust Him? Why do we doubt His plan for our lives? Do we assume that the God who so meticulously created the lowly butterfly, would "mess up" when He created us? That He would overlook some important detail in our life? That He would forget to consider some fact and our lives would be ruined forever?

He is a God to be trusted... to be praised.... to be glorified.  Are we doing that? He gives us so many opportunities to see the glory of His creation. May we be drawn to a closer walk with Him as we think about His attention to every detail... big or small... in a butterfly... or in our own life.

Shared on:



Scraptastic Saturdays
Friday Photo Journal
Friday at the Fire Station
Paula's No Rules Weekend Party
Vintage Charm Link Party
Home and Garden Thursday
Wise Woman Link Up
Outdoor Wednesday
Homestead Blog Hop
Tuesdays w/ a Twist
Modest Mom Monday
Art of Homemaking