Author Archives: Marie

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About Marie

Happily married to the same awesome guy for many years. Love God, reading, cats, and travel. Avid crafter especially counted cross stitch and crochet.

God Speaks

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Click on the picture to hear this beautiful song.

One question that often comes up in the small group I teach is, “How do you know God is speaking to you?”  There is no pat answer to that. Henry Blackaby, in Experiencing God, says He speaks to us through His word, in prayer, in worship, through other Christians, and in circumstances.

In my Bible Reading time today, I was made very aware of His nearness. I am really struggling with some tough decisions that I’ve been praying about for weeks and have begged Him to come alongside and help me through. I know He is standing beside me and basically ‘has my back’ through this.

ALL praise to You my One and Only, Almighty God!!!

Here’s what He said to me today, through His Word:

...preserve my life from dread of the enemy. Psalm 64:1

     Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him! Psalm 64:10

     When iniquities prevail against me, YOU atone for our transgressions. Psalm 65:3

     Blessed is the one You choose and bring near, to dwell in Your courts! Psalm 65:4a

Do you see what He did in these two Psalms?  He said, I have heard your prayer, Marie, about the enemy you are facing right now, I will preserve you. All you have to do is take refuge in Me. I have already forgiven your sins and made atonement for them. I have chosen you.

Thank YOU for breathing Your Word into my heart today. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Blessed or Happy?

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Carl Bloch – Sermon on the Mount 1877

Have you ever really thought about Jesus as a preacher?  It’s really not how I tend to see him.  I mean, He’s God. Every word He says is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy and good.  He sits on a throne and watches over His kingdom.  However, He really is and was a top-notch, tell-it-like-it-is preacher.

Over the next few weeks, since I can’t meet with my awesome Bible Study Group, the Spirit Sisters, we’re going to take a close-up look at one of the greatest sermons ever given by one of the greatest public speakers/teachers that ever lived.  The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus.  So let’s dig in.

Please read Matthew 5 – 7 and pray that God will give you the supernatural ability to understand and use His Word.

I’d like to ask that you use a translation that uses blessed instead of happy,  Why? Because blessed is the better translation of the Greek word makarios.  Happiness is about the conditions we exist in.  Happiness can be experienced in our jobs, our relationships, our homes…Blessings are about the benefits God extends to us.  Although God provides ALL for us the greatest is the Holy Spirit in us.

There are so many verses in these three chapters that absolutely make my heart sing and my mind soar.  Let’s look at some basic truths.

  • Jesus makes it really clear that what He values most and what will be valued in heaven is the opposite of what is important on Earth.
  • Success can be achieved through Godliness, faithfulness, and contentment.  Basically, we are to seek the approval of God. (see 2 Corinthians 10:18)
  • We will enter the Kingdom (of heaven) by working toward righteousness, through the narrow gate, (In other words, not the easy way.) and by doing the will of God.
  • In Chapter 6 He really wants us to understand the He knows what we need.  We are not to worry. We are not to pursue things like riches, fame, possessions, etc.  It’s not that He doesn’t want us to have those things, He simply wants us to focus on righteousness and the Kingdom.

So what does that mean for me? For you?  Here’s the thing, I know I spend way too much time watching TV, searching and socializing on the internet, fussing over my home, going out with friends, etc. Notice what I did there… In looking over those words I realized it was way more about me than it should be. Oh, dear!  I see some change in my future.

Abba, Father, hear my prayer in the precious and holy name of Jesus.  Open my heart and mind to what You need. Let priorities and responsibilities be what You want to further Your Kingdom. Guide and direct my words and paths.  Make it so!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Younique by Will Mancini — Book Review

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Are you curious as to what God put you on this earth for, at this particular time in history? Are you sensing God calling you to something new? Let me recommend a practical, basic, instrument all wrapped up in an incredible book titled Younique by Will Mancini.

This is not just another how-to that will make your life better manual.  It’s a life-changing, realistic set of tools to help you discover the person God created you to be and the purpose He intends for your life.  Utilizing the Word as the constant foundation of God’s plan for you permeates the pages of this work.

There are several resources, geared to additional study, mentioned in this book that can be found in his online store. (Some of these are quite pricey.)

All-in-all this book was worth the reading time. I highly recommend it.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Broadman & Holman Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Star of Persia — Book Review

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Yes, the story is the one we know and love.  The one about the beautiful Queen Ester, the Star of Persia.  There’s a bit more to it in this retelling. Along with palace intrigue, politics, and jealousy, add a king who can’t make decisions without others telling him what to do, a queen who wants a ‘normal’ married life, a father who finally comes to terms with who he really is, and you have an awesome, can’t put it down story.

Family relationships abound and add sometimes surprising twists. Personality traits of manipulation, arrogance, scheming, brutality, stubbornness,  and more, clash with strength, internal beauty, loyalty, and love.

Throughout the story the sense of God’s presence permeates. Might that be because of knowing the story so well? Perhaps.   The threads of the story, just like those of the Biblical portrayal, point to the fact that God always has a reason for everything that happens in the lives of His people.

Esther is portrayed as an obedient, loving, and caring person. I would love to have seen more of her internal qualities of strength, wisdom, and leadership.

All in all, this is a really good portrayal of the story of Esther, the Star of Persia.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell/Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Don’t

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Many years ago a former pastor gave me a piece of advice that I’ve kept in my mind and heart.  When in doubt…DON’T!  This four-word sentence has had a huge impact on my decision making.  When I’m even the least bit uncomfortable with a choice I ponder it carefully.  I question, will it have a positive or negative impact?  Will it support or tear down?  It’s amazing what an influence these four words have had on my life.

Here are a few more don’ts:

  • DON’T judge people for the choices they make when you DON’T know the options they had to choose from.
  • Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind DON’T matter and those who matter DON’T mind. ~ Dr. Seuss
  • DON’T give up! Great things take time.
  • DON’T talk about me until you have talked to me!
  • DON’T do it!

How about these from the Word:

  • DON’T worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
  • DON’T panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
  • Tell everyone who is discouraged, be strong and DON’T be afraid! God is coming to your rescue. Isaiah 35:4 (CEB)
  •  Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we DON’Tgive up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
  •  That is why we DON’T give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse about the word DON’T?  I’d love to add them to my collection.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie