Summer's End

Summer is quickly winding down. Lazy days and free time are drawing to a close. The evenings are cooler and the leaves are beginning to turn and fall. College/University students are preparing to begin a new semester and schools will be open for classes before we know it. This season is about to transition into the next. Time for reflection.

What is your answer to the question: "What did you do in the summer of 2007?" Have you accomplished your goals for this summer? Was it all you expected it to be? Did you take the time to enjoy the season? We are just over a week away from the Labour Day weekend, then we will be launched into the Fall schedule - ready or not!!

Take time to reflect before this season closes. There's still time to plan quiet days to enjoy God's creation in the beauty of summer, or a family get-away before the kids are back in school full time. Whatever you need to do - enjoy the final days of the "Summer of 2007"!!

Selah Y

Wordless Wednesday

Baby Beluga

Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea, Swim so wild and you swim so free.

Heaven above and the sea below, And a little white whale on the go.

from the song “Baby Beluga” by Raffi and Debi Pike

This song is in a book called “Baby Beluga” that is read to my 22-month-old grandson every night before he goes to bed (along with other good night books). I had to learn to sing the song to be part of the “good night bedtime tradition.” By consistently reading to him at bedtime, we have created a routine that is familiar to him. He can repeat the song and he often sings it to himself before going to sleep.

A few weeks ago, they traveled to BC for a family wedding. While in Vancouver, they visited the Vancouver Aquarium. It was an event to remember – my grandson saw his first – live & up close – for real – Baby Beluga. My son captured the moment in this awesome photo. You can feel the “WOW” as he watches the whale swim by the glass. There really are Baby Belugas!! They are not just make believe and they are more awesome than he ever imagined them to be. The little bedtime story book couldn’t fully prepare him for encountering a real, life-sized whale.

When I saw this photo, I thought of the scripture: Psalm 107: 24: “See the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep.” I saw the wonder of a little child as he realized that the character in his storybook was real – not just someone's imagination. It brings a whole new perspective. This event will forever change how he sees his book. He now has a reference point that brings new meaning to the story. Now when he sings the song, he will “see” Baby Beluga as he never could before this encounter.

Isn’t this also true for our experiences with God? We can read stories about God – whether in the Bible or someone’s testimony – but when we have an actual personal encounter with God, we are left in awe – forever changed!!

Remember the first time you realized that God was real? It changes how you see everything. When we really realize that God is always with us - wherever we go – that changes our perspective and brings a new awareness that can’t be understood until it is experienced. That is when we have our own “WOW” moment - just as my grandson did with Baby Beluga.

I remember the first Christmas when all of the Christmas Carols “came alive” for me. They were no longer just familiar, memorized lyrics – they were ALIVE with the Truth – the Gospel message proclaiming Jesus’ birth. I had a “WOW” moment as I realized what I had been singing without actually “hearing” the message. The hidden treasure in every song had been unlocked. The same is true with the Bible. It will no longer be a book of “Bible stories” – it becomes the Living Word of God to us.

Have you experienced the “wonder” of realizing that what God says is true – really is Truth? It WILL change your life and then change how you face each future situation. It brings things into perspective. It allows us to see them the way that God sees them.

How big is a whale? You don’t REALLY know until you see one close up. How big is God? Allow Him to reveal Himself to you and get ready to be “WOWED”!!

Selah Y

A Day by the Pool

Sum – Sum – Summer Time. Taking the time to relax and soak up the sun. :o)

We had a very relaxing day on Friday by enjoying my son’s in-law’s pool – taking a much needed break. This past weekend was a long weekend for us (4 days for me with having Fridays off in the summer). We made a mini-vacation of it, enjoying some "us time" and not checking the computer.

My Summer blog entries have been sparse and will probably remain so until the Fall and cooler weather. We have to enjoy the sunny days while they are here. Canadian summers are short, but certainly hot and humid here in Ontario.

God Bless you as you enjoy family time and vacations. God doesn’t take a vacation, but He doesn’t mind if we do – just not a vacation from Him!!

New Season / New Life

“Summer is finally here!!” was the cry of many people this past weekend. Whether you celebrated Canada Day or Independence Day, we have entered a new season. The school year is finished – graduations are complete. Many are in transition this summer before new educational adventures in September. Enjoy the break as you celebrate your accomplishments.

In the past 6 months, many in our family entered new seasons. We have mourned losses of family members and they will be greatly missed. On June 28, we had reason to celebrate LIFE again.

Timothée made his grand entrance – forever changing our family. My niece and her husband are brand new parents. My sister and brother-in-law are Grandpapa and Nana for the first time. Three nephews are now uncles. Grandparents are now great-grandparents with various new names. One event has changed family ties and positions. It will never be the same. In a few short weeks, we will not be able to imagine him not being part of our family. The next generation has arrived.

We knew he was coming. He was announced at Christmas while we celebrated another life-changing birth. The signs of his coming became clearer and clearer as each month and then week passed. Anticipation and excitement grew – would it be a boy or a girl? Who would guess the date? We prayed for a safe delivery and then rejoiced as the first photos were posted. We shared the “good news” with family and friends, and anyone who would listen.

A new season was launched by the arrival of a new life. What has God been wanting to “birth” in your life? What season is opening? Or is it a transition time between seasons? Just as with our four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, there are some things we KNOW are coming. They are expected and we can read the signs of their coming. However, some things can catch us unprepared.

We don’t have to enter the seasons blindly. In the natural, we know what to expect – snow in winter, falling leaves in autumn, hot summer days, new growth in the spring – seasons when we sow and seasons when we reap. Sunrise and sunset are calculated and accurate, but there are also unpredictable factors. The weather is one of those variables. The weather man can narrow down temperature and conditions in daily forecasts, but long range forecasts are more vague and change constantly. Storms can and do arise quickly and are usually not in our plans, but they are part of the seasons.

There is One who knows everything this season of your life will bring. You don’t have to enter it unaware.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

We cannot always easily read the signs. Even when we see the signs of changes, we don’t always know the interpretation of them on a deeper level. God does. Ask HIM and follow His direction. In many transitions, it is often NOT “vacation time” as we think. It may well be a time of rest, but usually only in order to prepare for our next assignment.

We moved several times while in the military. Once the posting notice arrived and was confirmed, there were LOTS of things to do, even before the actual day of the move. Then we traveled to the new base and set up for a new season of our life. It was not without preparation, not without support, not without purpose, and not without effects.

Everything changed. The last season was sealed and quickly passed into memories – you can’t keep living there. The new season was ripe with possibilities and promises as a fresh chapter opened with blank pages ready to be written on. The choice was ours.

As this new season unfolds, what will you write on its pages? Who will make the journey with you? What will be your focus? So many questions and only One who truly knows the answers. We LOVE to celebrate the birth of a new baby – and we should!! But it doesn’t stop there. There is sooo much more ahead.

God bless you as you walk through this season of your life. Listen closely for God’s voice and enjoy the journey.

Selah Y

Watoto

We had the honor of having the Watoto African Children's Choir at our church last night. They are all orphans from Uganda. They have been touring in Canada since January and will return to home in July. The Watoto Villages are raising these children to make a difference in their country of Uganda by preparing them to be future leaders. With God's help, they are turning tragedy into triumph.

Hear a sample of their concert:

Children of Watoto Choir:

I am NOT Forgotten:

We were so blessed to have some of them stay at our home last night. :o) God has not forgotten them and neither will we.

For more information, visit the Watoto web site.

Protected

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

"Because he/she loves Me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him/her; I will protect him/her, for he/she acknowledges My name. He/she will call upon Me, and I will answer him/her; I will be with him/her in trouble, I will deliver him/her and honor him/her. Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15

You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:7-8

I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. John 17:14-15

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Selah Y

Pansies

Hoping to get more flowers in soon. Waiting for the front garden to be finished. These are some of my beautiful Pansies on the back deck.

When is Enough ENOUGH?

I was so excited to finally be able to go and see the movie, AMAZING GRACE. I love historical films, especially when the topic really gets you thinking. It must be my teacher gifting coming out. I am a highly visual learner and God does speak to me through movies. I “see” a lot of spiritual symbolism as well as practical “lessons to be learned” in the stories. They did a good job on the movie - costuming and settings were great. Visit the Amazing Grace web site for more about this amazing story. I can’t wait for the DVD to watch all the extra features!! :o)

What is normal? It is amazing to watch how some people have so much accepted something as “normal” and ok that they don’t even see that there’s anything wrong. The process is so gradual because it is accepted at each point along the way where a red flag went up, but was dismissed and accepted – making the necessary adjustments to accommodate it. The abnormal becomes normal.

Slavery didn’t come suddenly. Working as a servant to another is not wrong. Dominating that person to the point of forcing them to do something against their will, stripping them of their freedoms, and dehumanizing them is surely wrong.

How did it go from servant to slave? When you consider yourself higher or better than another. When it is “beneath you” to do such a task! – Have someone else do it!! (Social class distinctions) That is different than not being able to do it and hiring someone who can. When evaluating one race better or superior to another. (WOW – that one is sure still around!) Although there can be noticeable strengths or weaknesses characteristic to certain people groups – remember, God created ALL of us. One does not have more worth than another. To Him ALL are valuable.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The trouble with servants is that you have to pay them! Workers want (and need!) to be paid – that’s why they are working. They accepted the job and agreed to a certain payment for their service.

But what if you can get the same thing for free? Isn’t it wonderful when something is given to you for free? It’s called “a gift”!! Usually the idea is from the other person. It’s not really a “gift” if you are demanding it from them for nothing. Volunteered means offered willingly as a sacrifice – not manipulated or forced (having no choice) – not intimidated or shamed into doing it for free. Please take note: Don’t expect Christian tradesmen to do everything for nothing. God’s gifts are free – people need to be paid. For example: hire the Christian plumber to give him work – not to try to get a discount rate – pay him fair wages for the work done. If anything, Christians should be more generous and want to bless their Christian business.

Once you start to fall into the trap of “cheating” the worker out of what they are due, and enjoying the extra $$ for yourself instead – watch out!! Greed is an ugly monster – ready to destroy and not even notice the pain of others. Your gain is their loss - the higher your gain, the greater their loss.

But it was far away – in that other country of Africa. They didn’t have to watch them being torn from their homes and families. They didn’t have to sail on the slave ships and see the horrible conditions. They didn’t have to experience the humiliation of slave auctions. They didn’t have to live in the same conditions. Slave quarters varied as did work conditions, but they were still treated as slaves.

It even became fashionable and a mark of prestige to own slaves. The economy so fully adjusted to free labor that when the abolitionists began to cry out for their freedom, it meant economic disaster “to let them go” free. Who would fill those positions? Who would pay for their work? Who would now hire the freed slaves so they could earn a living and support their families? Compensation had to be paid to slave owners for their “loss of property” because of new laws passed by the government. (Britain’s Abolition of Slavery Act allowed for £20 billion in compensation to be paid to British plantation owners who had to their free slaves.) All the slave trade workers were now out of work and looking for new occupations.

Such inconvenience to do what was right. There is a cost for walking in righteousness and putting things back in order to where they should be!! Remember the years of not having to pay? Accumulated debt now due all at once!.

How do you compensate the slaves? How do you compensate those who have been taken advantage of? Those who have been so abused and mistreated? How do they recover lost years and lost dignity? How do they now become part of the society that misused them and caused them so much pain? The cost is more than physical. Abuse is always costly and it always has far-reaching consequences.

Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or spiritual) begins by taking advantage of the vulnerable. Some scars are easy to see and identify. Others are hidden, often hidden on purpose. One person dominating another is NOT normal or acceptable behavior. “It ought not to be!” Some abuses are subtle, some are blatantly obvious. BOTH are unacceptable, no matter what the setting. Abuse should clearly be seen as wrong and every effort made to stop actively abusive situations. Be aware that it WILL cost something to do it – do it anyway. There comes a time to say, “Enough is enough.”

Whether it is popular to do so or not, do whatever is in your power to stop abuses wherever you see them. Not all of us will be called to a monumental task as William Wilberforce was, but we are all called to speak out against injustices. Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners. THEN He is able to comfort all those who mourn, bestowing on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (taken from Isaiah 61:1-3)

Let’s overturn the abnormal and let God’s Ways be the normal.

Selah Y

Purpose

WOW. This says so much!! I've been hearing a lot about purpose later and it has really got me thinking. What good is knowing your purpose if you aren't living with purpose? We have often heard, "God has a purpose for your life!" Cool!

Now what are you going to do with it? Pack it neatly away in a box and "treasure it"? Take it out once in awhile and admire it? Talk about it and show it off to others - before packing it away again!!

God purposed for us to have a purpose - to live a life of purpose - and He did it on purpose!! WOW. The word purpose can really be over used!

Purpose means: something that one hopes or intends to accomplish; the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists.

Today's "Daily Snippet" is: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

God really does have a purpose for us. Once we find out what it is, we need to be living our life for that purpose - co-operating with God - to accomplish the purpose God has designed for us. Otherwise - what's the purpose of having purpose?? Let's just do it!!

Selah Y

Hey this is my 50th post!!! I had to pick a butterfly to be in it. Something about transformation and maybe there being a purpose to having this blog?? :o)

Redeemed

What used to make us stumble,

God can use to make us stand.

What once made us bow our heads in shame,

He can use for His glory.

~ Janice Weaver ~

Having a Mary Spirit

God loves to redeem. He takes what is considered to be useless, worthless and of no further value and He makes it into something beautiful. Beauty from ashes. There are no "cast aways" with God. EVERY life is valuable. EVERY life is redeemable.

He makes all things new - this doesn't mean that He justs zaps us and makes us completely different. He didn't make a mistake when He created us as He did. Our characteristics are there for a reason - they have a specific purpose. But left to ourselves, we can really mess up. We look at the outward, God looks at our hearts. He knows whats inside.

My grandmother used to say, "We're not stubborn, we're determined!" A "strong-willed" person stands their ground - won't be moved - can't change their mind - can't budge them. Remember the expression "as stubborn as a mule"? We can be "stubborn" and "stiff-necked" - doing our own thing - doing it "my way." "NO ONE is going to tell ME what to do. I am FREE to do as I please." Wow. Can we ever get ourselves in a trouble. We are headed into rebellion.

The prodigal son could not be turned from his plan. He wanted his inheritance and he wanted it NOW. Then off he went. Money wasn't the answer. He made a huge mess. It sure didn't turn out the way he thought it would. But God!! God's plan for him never changed. When he "came to himself" - realized, "what am I doing??" - he returned home and his father restored him to his position in the family.

Stubborness redeemed becomes determination. Determination becomes perseverence, stedfastness, faithfulness. Look again: "stands their ground - won't be moved - can't change their mind - can't budge them." These same characteristics - when redeemed by God, when applied with our faith - bring a totally different result. When we have yielded our will to God, He uses those things for our GOOD. When we live by HIS ways, we will succeed and not make the same choices and mistakes as before.

Peter was like a loud-mouthed, strong-willed bully. God changed his heart as he yielded it to Him. It didn't happen all at once. He failed many times. He often "put his foot in his mouth." He acted impulsively. Many would have said, "Why choose him? How can anyone tame him? He's too far gone!" But God redeemed those same character qualities and shaped Peter into a strong leader. When he was restored, he could not be moved from his faith. He boldly spoke God's Word. He never backed down again. He could not be shaken, he could not be moved.

God uses our weaknesses to make us strong. He redeems them. He doesn't take away our ability to sin or make wrong choices. If WE allow Him to change our hearts and we choose to follow HIS ways, we will stand where we could not stand before.

We become a testimony to His Redeeming Power and bring glory to His Name. We no longer hang our heads in shame, wanting to hide our past mistakes. We say, "Look what the Lord has done in ME!!"

Then we are FREE - not to do as we please, but to live as God had planned for us to live. Free to walk out our destiny - God's plan for our lives. Free from past pitfalls - forgiven and restored. Free to be who God created us to be - REDEEMED!!

Allow God to redeem the areas of your life where you have stumbled. Don't let shame keep them hidden. When surrendered to God, He will redeem and give us the power to stand where we were weak. We will not hide in shame any longer.We will glorify our God.

Selah Y

This week's In Other Words is being hosted by Finding Joy in the Morning. Visit her site and read what this quote is saying to others.

Farewell Uncle Sterling

Sterling Clayton Publicover passed away very suddenly at his home in Nova Scotia on May 29, 2007 at the age of 77. Sterling is survived by his loving wife of 45 years; his daughter & her husband; 2 grandchildren; 3 sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Sterling was predeceased by his son; a sister; and 2 brothers-in-law. He was an active member of his church, where he served as a custodian for over 35 years. An autopsy revealed that he had cancer.

Uncle Sterling lived a full life and he enjoyed several trips in his retirement years, including one to Hawaii. Although he left us without warning, we are thankful that he did not have to suffer long months of painful treatments. He has touched our lives and he will not be forgotten. We have many, many happy memories and I can still hear his voice. Best of all, we know that he is now reunited with Craig (his son who was killed suddenly in a car accident at age 20).

We will miss you, Uncle Sterling. Have fun dancing before the King!

Farewell Aunt Emilie

Emilie Matilda (Boudreau) Gates passed away peacefully May 14, 2007 at the age of 84 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Emilie was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother and will be remembered for her homemade bread, rolls and mustard pickles. She and her husband traveled extensively with their camper throughout Canada and the United States.

She is survived by her husband; 2 sons & their wives; 4 grandchildren; a sister & a brother; a brother-in-law & his wife; a sister-in-law (my Mom); and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed and we are praying for God's comfort to our family through this grieving time.

She was my French-Canadian aunt. I loved her thick French accent (which she never lost). She was proud of her French Acadian background and she was able to share her heritage by teaching French in her community’s Elementary School for several years (she was the only French person in that small community). She could trace her family history back to 1605 and she found out that one of her ancestors participated in the famous “Order of Good Cheer” by Samuel Champlain. They were among the very first settlers of New France (Acadia) at the Port Royale Habitation. Her family later settled in northern New Brunswick.

I bought this little angel for Aunt Emilie three years ago during the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia. It was very special to her. The angel is holding the Acadian flag. A few years ago, I heard a prophetic word about Canada and how the French are our “elder sister” because they were part of our “Canadian family” before us. This little angel is a reminder to me of the Acadian people and to honor them and their part in developing God’s plan for our country of Canada.

On a personal note, I am originally from Nova Scotia and some of my ancestors were given livestock from the nearby Acadian farms when they were being expelled in 1756. Although we did not have a part in the expulsion, the Acadians had a direct connection to my family’s history (and a part in their survival). Some of my ancestors were French Hugenouts. I often wondered how they felt as the Acadians were sent away. They had escaped religious persecution in France and settled in NS with a commitment to be loyal to the British crown and a promise of freedom to worship God. Just a couple years later, they were witnessing others being sent away simply because of their ethnic origin (the same country of origin as theirs).

God wants us to live together - in harmony. He created each of us uniquely - beautifully. He loves variety (just look at how many different flowers there are!!!) One race/culture is not above another. Jesus died for ALL. History records many things that were done "in the name of God" that were not honorable. Let's not repeat their mistakes. We must honor each other in love. Celebrate God's plan to bring so many people uniquely together. He has a divine plan for Canada which WILL be fulfilled. Let's learn from each other and all do our part in His purpose for bringing us here.

Farewell Aunt Emilie. I will miss you. Y

Philippians 4:6

Prayer Warrior

Are you a "Prayer Warrior"? What does that mean? What is your definition? Sometimes we just like to use the latest catch phrase.

Prayer Warrior!! "Hey, that sounds cool - sure - where do I sign up?" Warrior implies someone who is involved in a war. Are you ready for the coming battle? It is coming whether you are ready for it or not.

We are told to "Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) That means to be in constant communication with God - like on a conference call. Don't break the connection. Don't "hang up" on Him!!! Ask God for guidance and He WILL show you what to do. In a real war situation, you would not think of doing anything without receiving new orders from your commander. You must hold your ground until your orders change. You would never just do what you thought should be the next move. God is the One who is in control, not us. We follow His commands. We submit our requests to Him.

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. (James 1:5-8)

God has 3 answers to our requests: "Yes", "No" and "WAIT". We are not to have plan B ready in case we don't like God's answer!! (We hate to wait!!) We are to believe in faith and then leave it with Him. He will not change His answer because of our pleading for Him to see it our way. God can not be manipulated or pushed into a corner to answer as we would like. And don't promise that God will do something unless you have heard directly from Him that He will do it that way. God WILL stand behind His word and His answer. Let's stand with Him to carry out HIS Plan, not to fulfill our own desires in a situation.

Pray with Simplicity: "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?

"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. (Matthew 6:5-8)

Seek God for HIS answer. When we seek His heart in a matter, we will begin to understand why He answers as He does. We learn to recognize His consistant characteristics and how to identify when something is out of character for God. We get to know Him through prayer and spending time with Him.

"Warriors" learn more about one another when they are fighting together in real battle situations (not just in training for them). They learn to fight as a team and they will form a tighter bond through the difficult times. They learn to trust their leader as well as one another. As we "battle" with and for God, we will develop a closer bond with Him - we will know Him more intimately.

God does want us to become Prayer Warriors for Him. Are you ready? He is looking for those who are willing to make a commitment to Him. Be sure you know what you are signing up for, but also be assured that it is God who will prepare you for every assignment He gives you. You won't fight alone, but only you can "volunteer" to be one of His Prayer Warriors.

Selah Y

Mothers

Consumed by God

I was brouwsing through some prophetic art and I found this awesome picture by David Costello. It was inspired by the song Sapphire Sea (on my new CD that I bought from Faytene's table at the conference). Being highly visual, this portrays so much!! During worship, we receive from God - Lord, let the "River of God" spill over me and consume me.

Here are some excerpts from Sapphire Sea
(from the CD: Temple Dance by JoAnn McFatter)

Sapphire Sea, spilling over me
O let me know holy ecstasy, holy ecstasy
Lapping waves of fire, answer my desire
Fill me with the knowledge of my God,
The knowledge of my God

I long to lay before the Throne,
To hear the sounds I’ve never known.
Sound of wings like the voice of great waters.
Cries, yes, even the song of the martyrs as they cry out,
“Worthy, Worthy, Worthy is this One to break the seal”

River of God that knows no bounds
Twenty-four elders as they cast their crowns
Open our eyes so we can see
I wanna know, I wanna know

The secrets and the mysteries
Hidden in Your waves,
Hidden in Your water,
Hidden in Your fire,
O come spill over me

Believe God and Watch What Happens

"When God is involved, anything can happen.

Be open and stay that way.
God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations

out of broken chords." ~ Chuck Swindoll~

My church, Desert Stream, has just hosted our “NO LIMITS” Prophetic Conference. Ephesians 3:20 was our theme verse. It flows right along with this week’s quote. (isn't it just like God to do this!!!)

We often put limits on God – what He can do, what we will allow Him to do in our lives – He wants to do SO MUCH MORE – more than we know of or know to ask Him for!! With God ALL things are possible – only believe. Our faith is so key to God moving. We really do need to keep our hearts (and minds!) open to what HE is doing and what He wants to do. Many times in scripture, Jesus could not do more “because of their unbelief.”

Lord, we want You to do ALL that You have planned for us – HELP OUR UNBELIEF!!

When we are hurt, offended, rejected, disappointed, etc., we tend to shut down or close our hearts. God wants to heal our broken places – our wounded hearts. It is out of our brokenness (our weaknesses) that HIS power is made perfect, giving us the strength we need (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He heals our hearts (as well as our minds and emotions); restores us to wholeness; and then sends us out, carrying His comfort to others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

He gives us "beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness or despair." (Isaiah 61:3) He gives us a new song in our hearts and with our lips, we give thanksgiving and praise to our God and King! He LOVES to use the broken and castaways – He restores them and their testimonies are music to HIS ears.

So get ready!! Allow God to heal your broken places. Then allow Him to use you as the instrument to bring His healing to others who are broken and surrounded by hopelessness. Let God be God and watch what He will do. It WILL be far above what you thought could be done.

Selah Y

Please visit this week's hostess, Finding Joy, for more “In Other Words” posts.

Amazing Grace Movie

At last I can go see it!! I have been soooo disappointed that the "Amazing Grace" movie did not come to our theater. UCB Christian radio station contacted the Empire Theater and they have brought it in. It will play at 7:30 pm nightly on Monday, May 7 - Friday, May 11 & Monday, May 14 - Tuesday, May 15. We plan to go see it Thursday night (the first free night we have this week!!)




The newest version of the Amazing Grace hymn is "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin, in which he used the original lyrics written by John Newton not in our modern day version.




God is Amazing!!