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.

Whisper

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prayerI’ve heard Him whisper my name…

I’ve heard Him say no more shame….

I’ve heard Him whisper be brave…

I’ve heard Him say you’re saved…

I know His voice whether whisper or shout

He Has a plan that covers my life

He knows my name and calls me His own

He gave His all with all that He had

I’ve heard Him whisper my name……………………

Click on the picture and you’ll get to here a delightful old hymn.  Sing along if you like the words are printed there.  Blessings to you and yours!

 

I’ve written this with a flash mob of other bloggers for 5-Minute Friday.  If you would like to join the group just head on over to Heading Home and have fun!

Reach

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When I saw the word ‘reach’ for this weeks 5-Minute Friday I immediately thought of Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, “God and Adam”.   Often, only the hands are shown but if one looks and gives some thought to what he was trying to say it’s not hard to understand that the artist is depicting the relationship of God and Man.

Hands_of_God_and_Adam

 

Notice that God is reaching down with His right hand while Adam is reaching up with his left.  The right hand is often a symbol of strength while the left is one of weakness.  That is exactly what is portrayed in this painting.  God’s hand (on the right) shows great strength as it strains to touch the weak left hand of Adam.  Paul speaks of this concept in 1 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.  My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”  

Mighty God, let me know Your touch!  Let me reach out to You and know the grace that passes all understanding.  Give me the strength to reach out to those around me.  Make it so in the Precious and Holy name of Jesus!

 

All For A Sister–Book Review

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All for A SisterA 12 year old in jail for a crime she didn’t commit…a mentally ill mother…a beautiful ingenue…questionable justice… mystery and intrigue…lies and secrets…the weak and strong…joy and sorrow…new life and death…this book has it all and more.

The story is set in the Roaring 2o’s.  A decade in American history that changed the country forever.  Social, cultural, and artistic dynamics of the time are woven into this very believable story.  The beginning of color films, clothing, convertibles, the opulence of the new rich as a result of World War 1, give this book a delightful sense of reality.

Imagine, if that’s possible, what it would be like to be jailed at 12…have absolutely no contact with the outside word…knowing you did not commit the crime you were accused of…not given a fair trial, actually no trial at all…released at 32 into a world that was far different that the one you knew as a child…  Allison Pittman, the author, writes so powerfully that it is not hard to become part of the story and live the action and drama along with the characters.

This twisting tale, written in past, present, and future is a delightful way to spend a warm, quiet, summer afternoon.  There are many thought provoking situations presented so be sure to give yourself enough to read then set back and reflect on the content.

Federal Trade Commission Compliance…I was provided a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers for the sole purpose of reviewing the content.  No other compensation was received or is expected.

Where Are You?

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Oh, Jesus, where are you…

z1…when the violence in this world is creating fear and chaos all around?

 

z2…when my heart is aching from yet another stab in the back?

 

z3…when I recognize my sin is more than I can bear?

 

 

z4…when a child is so sick?

 

z5…when the love of my life is losing strength?

 

 

z6…when loneliness is pressing in like the darkness of night?

 

z7…when leadership is not showing faith in You?

 

 

z8…when resources are running low?

 

z9…when there’s no joy or delight in the day?

 

 

 

And He answered…

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:16

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.  John 14:14 

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.  People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works.  Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry.  Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes, without missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matthew 6:31-34  MSG

Heavenly Father, let your Word be constantly on my mind.  Draw me closer and closer to You.  Give me strength, courage and wisdom for all that happens.  Make it so in Jesus name.

5 – Minute Friday TELL

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Before I actually start the 5 minute writing segment I have to say I had what I thought was the entire piece written and ready to post yesterday.  For some reason I thought the word was ‘fill’ and even though I knew it was almost the same as ‘filled’ from the week before I thought OK here goes.  I even wrote a poem for the 5 minutes.  But guess what?  That was not the word (But, of course, you already know that.)  I really apologize to those who clicked on the post, before I took it down.  It took you into la-la land, I’ve been told.   Alright.  Enough.  Here’s the real post…

Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law by artist Rembrandt

Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law by artist Rembrandt

Any time I hear the word tell my mind goes to an Adult Sunday School lesson I did on the commands of the New Testament.  We all know there are are 10 Commandments in the Old but I wanted to discover what the New said.  So here it is…When asked what the greatest Commandment is Jesus clearly gave two, love God and love others.  But I just knew there had to be more…

In Matthew 28:16-20 we find the Great Commission.  In it, while telling the disciples how to teach new disciples He clearly says, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…”  Along with the commands to love God and love others there are two more in this passage.  Go and tell.

STOP

Now I have to finish because there’s a bit more that needs to be said past the five minutes.

Mark 16:15-18 gives the same  command.  Go into all the world.  Tell them the Story.  And, so, the 4 Commandments of the New Testament are; 1-Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37) 2-Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39) 3-Go and make disciple of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) 4-Tell the Good News to everyone. (Mark 16:15)

Ah, Lord, God, You have given such a simple set of commands.  Father, help me to love You, love others, go and tell.  Stop me from procrastinating on this issue.  Give me strength and courage to do what only You can do through me.  Make it so in Jesus Precious Name.