SOS ~ LIGHT of LIFE

Morning Dogwood  by Thomas Kinkade

Psalm 43:3 "Send me your light and your faithful care,     let them lead me;  let them bring me to your holy mountain,     to the place where you dwell."

Since Sharon shared this last time when I first had a painting by Thomas Kinkade of the "Dogwood" called "Afternoon Light" and it was new to me, some of you may have missed her comment so I've included it as a song this time and saved it for this Holy Week... to remind us of the
"Legend of the Dogwood"andJESUSThe Light of LIFEHis Lifegivenforussothatwe mayLIVEeternallywith HimLIVEeach dayof ourLIVESfor HimasLIGHTa reflection ofJesus
More of Psalm 43 what comes before and after verse 3:¹ Vindicate me, my God, 
   and plead my cause 
   against an unfaithful nation. 
Rescue me from those who are 
   deceitful and wicked. 
² You are God my stronghold. 
   Why have you rejected me? 
Why must I go about mourning, 
   oppressed by the enemy?  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX⁴ Then I will go to the altar of God, 
   to God, my joy and my delight. 
I will praise you with the lyre, 
   O God, my God.

 ⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast? 

   Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, 

   for I will yet praise Him, 

   my Savior and my God.

SOAKING On SON DAY

* NO MORE Linky for SOS 

see note here
but your links are always welcome in the comments (when they're open) it reminds me I need to visit you too(lol)

In fact, I won't even be calling my SONday posts SOS after Resurrection SONday... they will be LIGHT of... whatever I am soaking in... besides SOS stands for HELP also and my help comes from the Lord. But many of you have been a great source of help with your prayers, comments and emails. Thank you so very much! Until I am able to host properly... I must bid farewell to SOS as I SOAK ON SONDAYS without the internet connection. I miss you all! Think of you often. Pray for you frequently as God leads. Love you always,

Peggy

May this be a blessed, reflective week for you with Our Holy Savior as
our hearts are prepared to "live more fully in the Resurrection Life
promised when Christ rose from the dead..." 
[*source]

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

Every Friday I FOCUS my FAITH with claiming a Promise from 365 promises and PRAYing with others FEARLESSLY for the needs of others. There is nothing better than a day filled by His Holy Spirit, praying, interceding and building our faith through God's Word as we claim His Promises to us. I truly believe that turning His Word into prayer is the best way to do this.

This Week's FAITH PROMISES are Promises #84-90

1 Peter 5:6; Isaiah 49:16; Galatians 6:9;  1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Matthew 25:34; Psalm 116:15; Deuteronomy 4:31.

84MAR 25Humble yourself before Me and in time I will exalt you.1 Peter 5:6
85MAR 26I have carved your name in the palms of My hands.Isaiah 49:16
86MAR 27Never tire of doing good, for in time you will reap a harvest.Galatians 6:9
87MAR 28An eternal crown awaits you at the finish line, so keep running your race.1 Corinthians 9:24-25
88MAR 29I prepared a kingdom inheritance for you when I created the world.Matthew 25:34
89MAR 30It is precious for Me to see My faithful ones come home.Psalm 116:15
90MAR 31I will not forget My promises because I am a merciful God.Deuteronomy 4:31
I need to FOCUS on so many of these promises from God but I especially want to claim Promise #85 as we approach Holy Week, Palm Sunday and Our Precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who allowed His hands to be pierced with a nail, which carves my name and yours right there in the palm of His hand... to pierce the darkness of sin in our lives and rescue us for eternity. Yes, Lord, I thank You for carving my name in Your precious palm and making me Yours, cleansed in Your perfect, sacrificial blood... Thank You for Your mercy and grace! Your love poured out on us!

Now it's your turn to choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the above choices; share here in the comments or on your blog if you'd like to share more to keep you focused. Please add your link here in the comments.
Let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link. Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!
Which Promise of God do you choose this week?

1 Peter 5:6; Isaiah 49:16; Galatians 6:9;  1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Matthew 25:34; Psalm 116:15; Deuteronomy 4:31.

* next week we will not FOCUS our FAITH with God's Promises but FOCUS on Our Precious Lord Jesus and Calvary... Good Friday. So the April Promises will be given but not to choose any until the following Friday(April 13th)...

WOW ~ Wendy On Weds.

(*note: this was suppose to publish on Weds. sorry, it just didn't and I was unable to be at the cyber to check yesterday or make sure)

Wendy On Weds.Wendy Blight's"Cultivating A Heart of Prayer"

I so agree with so much that Wendy shares about prayer in these 4 weeks of her series from last year on "Cultivating a Heart of Prayer", most likely because prayer is such a passion of mine also. I have learned so much but the most valuable lesson for me has been in learning to pray God's Word, the power in this, and how it not only has transformed my prayer life but me also. It gives meaning to my prayers, God's answers, reading and memorizing God's Word. This is a great way to apply His Word, just as Jesus used the Word of God to combat satan, we too, have this authority in addition to claiming the many Promises of God. I strongly believe in the power and need for more prayer and MORE praying. It is a core factor in building your relationship with God and one another. This truly has been a blessing for me to review and do Wendy's study. It will remain a great reference for me to continue in God's Word and praying. This is the last in her series. I shared the others on my blog on Weds.also but the best place to get it all is directly at the source with  Wendy for the full study with questions and so much more from Wendy's heart!!! Plus this was just the beginning, Wendy follows this with a "30 day journey with Christ"

On this Blog

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

and this 

Week Four

Week 4

Wendy did not have a prayer for Week 4 so I went ahead in her journey with Christ and found this one on Resurrection Sunday... and I invite you to pray this prayer with me (and Wendy kinda') but I really would like you to read the rest of her post that precedes this, where Wendy answers "why did Jesus suffer and die for you?" followed by "what does Jesus death mean for you?" (I hope Wendy does not mind but I had to add what she wrote for this answer here also because I truly believe that this sums up in part why you too are a WOMAN Of WORTH (WOW) 

Today, Lord, I dedicate my heart, body, and mind as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. Father, let this be my spiritual act of worship to You. And, Lord, I do this not in my own strength but in the strength of Your Holy Spirit. You bought me with a price…the preciousness of your blood. You made me Your very own. Help me to honor and glorify You. I rejoice because You delivered me out of darkness and death and promised to love me with an everlasting love. Thank You that no matter what my circumstances look like today, You have a purpose for my life. You have given me gifts and talents to honor and glorify You. Help me discover and develop these, Lord. Help me to use them to let my light so shine before men that they may see You in me…not for my honor…but for the honor, praise, and glory of Your name. Help me to lovingly express TRUTH in whatever I say and do. No matter what I do in word or in deed, help me to do it all in Your name. Help me to work at whatever I do as if I was doing it unto You and not men. Father, thank You for loving me, forgiving, saving me, redeeming me, and filling me. I give myself to You this day. Fill me full and use me for Your Kingdom work. Lift my eyes off myself and open them to see where I can be Your hands and feet. I ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, my LORD.

"What does Jesus death mean for you?" by Wendy Blight

"You are LOVED… with an everlasting love.

You are VALUABLE… 

bought with a price.

You are PRECIOUS… 

your name engraved on the palm of His Hand.

You are WORTHY… 

made holy through the washing of His blood.

You are FORGIVEN… 

washed white as snow.

You are REDEEMED… 

the old is gone and the new has come.

You are SAVED… 

for a unique plan and purpose created only for you."

Spend special time with the Lord between now and Resurrection Sunday. Open your Bible, invite God in, and read what He has to speak to you. Discover the wonderful and marvelous plans He has for you and mostly the LOVE given freely for you to receive His Sacrifice paid for you and me, our sins, our failures, our wrong thoughts, actions and words covered by His aMazing Grace to deliver us from an eternity without Him and realize our true value, our true worth and purpose.

* no Bible Woman of Worth or clue today from Bible Gateway (you can go directly there) because for today and every day, you need to know, be and accept that

YOU ARE
a
 WOMAN Of WORTH

God is writing HIS STORY through your story, isn't it time you share Jesus Christ with others and ALL He has done and continues to do for you daily. Praying for YOU today.
Thinking of YOU often. Loving you in Christ always... Peggy

MONDAY MANNA MEMORY ~ G

ABC MEMORY VERSES

[source]

MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST JESUS 

tells me that 

I AM ...

A. Accepted in the Beloved

B. Blessed with all the spiritual blessings

C. Chosen in Him before the world's foundation

D. Delivered from the powers of darkness

E. Elevated to a heavenly position.

F. Forgiven from all my sins.

G. God's Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

"God's Masterpiece"song byChloe Agnew from Celtic Women
"Molding A Masterpiece"

Skit Guys"God's Chisel"This is so good! I could not help but add it.It struck such a cord in me ... Chisel away, God!

*... new verse every other week 

SOS ~ Still Water

"BESIDE STILL WATERS"

by Thomas Kinkade

"There is a wonderful hideaway I visit only in my art, bathed in a silvery light, ablaze with flowers of every hue and description, silent save for murmur of gently rushing waters. Beside Still Waters is my vision of what the Garden of Eden must have been like. As a Christian, I speculate on the mystery and wonder of God's creation, when nature was perfect, unspoiled. As an artist, I try to convey my own wonder at the richness and variety I still find in the natural world." — Thomas Kinkade

I'm listening for that still, quiet whisper as I gaze into this scene. I favor this painting of Thomas Kinkade, since our MN home is in the town of Still water (written as one word). 
It's known as the birthplace of MN (1848)(although I've heard of others that make this claim also) but our town is along the St. Croix River, which divides us from Wisconsin.Here's our historic draw bridge to cross into Wisconsin.

Stillwater was a Lumberjack town. In fact, that's an annual event for fun and brings many visitors each summer. I dare say that I'm sure Mr. Kinkade would find many intriguing sites to paint and enjoy around and along this river area, especially out in the country where we live or along the river itself towards Taylor Falls or even the other direction. Eagles soar and nature is ablazed in God's Light and the murmur of still waters; from lakes, to ponds, to streams, to babbling brooks and waterfalls along this gorgeous river and the cliffs/bluffs as it runs and joins the great Mississippi just south of the Twin Cities near Hastings, MN. Indeed, a picturesque haven for an artist.
And of course, the scripture for this is Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23
He restores my soul; 

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His names sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley 

of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil; 

For You are with me; 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; 

You anoint my head with oil; 

My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
All the days of my life; 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
(NKJV)

SOAKING On SON DAY

What about you?

I pray that you are
SOAKING
On this
SONday
in the arms of
Our Good Shepherd


Yes, Lord You are my shepherd; I shall not want.You make me to lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside the still waters.

You restore my soul; 

You lead me in the paths of righteousness

For Your names sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley 

of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil; 

For You are with me; 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; 

You anoint my head with oil; 

My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
All the days of my life; 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Hallelujah!

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

Every Friday I FOCUS my FAITH with claiming a Promise from 365 promises and PRAYing with others FEARLESSLY for the needs of others. There is nothing better than a day filled by His Holy Spirit, praying, interceding and building our faith through God's Word as we claim His Promises to us. I truly believe that turning His Word into prayer is the best way to do this.

This Week's FAITH PROMISES are Promises #77-83

Psalm 91:1; 2 Samuel 22:33-34; Psalm 91:7; Psalm 146:7; 2 Peter 1:3; James 2:13; Romans 8:28;

This is how the Paraphrased Bible Promisesread:

77MAR 18If you live in My secret place, you will find rest under My shadow.Psalm 91:1
78MAR 19I will give you My strength to help you stand in high places.2 Samuel 22:33-34
79MAR 20Thousands may fall around you, but you will not be harmed.Psalm 91:7
80MAR 21I provide food for the hungry and justice for the oppressed.Psalm 146:7
81MAR 22My divine power will give you all you need to live a good life.2 Peter 1:3
82MAR 23My mercy will overrule judgment.James 2:13
83MAR 24I will cause all things to ultimately work for your good.Romans 8:28
I had a difficult time choosing once again, and most definitely between the two from one of my favorite Psalm:91. I definitely need to FOCUS my faith on God's strength and even rest in Him more ... but I'm going with Promise #79 "Psalm 91 is a powerful declaration of the safety and shelter that you and I can live in knowing that we are living under the constant care of Almighty God. In today's promise, the psalmist tells us that we can live in a state of safety in even the most stressful of circumstances. Can you imagine living in such a place of security and protection that you could feel safe from harm though thousands were falling around you? I personally struggle at the thought of what it would feel like to be surrounded by such distress but yet feel completely protected. But, the psalmist tells us that those who live under the shadow of the Almighty can expect such safety. " ... continue reading more of this over at 365promises.com
But this is exactly how this Psalm encourages me and lifts me, and hallelujah for that "divine power" available in Promise #81 and ooooooo how I could write on each of these Promises and how I need them... isn't God's Word such good food for our soul and covering with promises to keep us going?

"May our God and Father strengthen you and give you the sure footing you need today, no matter what obstacles you face, so you can reach great heights in His loving care."

Now it's your turn to choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the above choices; share here in the comments or on your blog if you'd like to share more to keep you focused. Please add your link here in the comments.
Let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link. Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!
Which Promise of God do you choose this week?

Promises #77-83 Psalm 91:1; 2 Samuel 22:33-34; Psalm 91:7; Psalm 146:7; 2 Peter 1:3; James 2:13; Romans 8:28;

Father,
Thank You for that secret place where I can find rest under Your shadow, yet gloriously in Your Light... Hallelujah! I praise You every day for the strength You give me to help me stand in high places when I struggle to lift myself up out of tough spots, or low valleys or rocky roads or stormy waves, wherever I am below and weak, in need of Your hand, and the arms of others to hold me up or keep me up. When I am weak, You are strong. And this is what I need. Although a thousand may fall around me, You are my Protection that keeps me from all harm, a Shield around me. I exalt You for Your Provision daily and I'm ever so grateful how You provide food for the hungry and justice for the oppressed. My, Lord, how I need to see this for so many crying out to You... and I am asking on their behalf... please. I know You would like for me to declare this as done in Your Name, but the truth is, I'm not seeing the promises but I'm believing in them anyways. But when my faith is shaken or weak, Your Promises are here for me to grab hold of and declare the truth, even when I don't see that's when my faith needs to rise up and be stronger.
Pour out Your Divine power for all we need to live a good life. I thank You for Your Divine mercy... and that it over rules judgement. I praise You that You cause all things to ultimately work for good. Give me the endurance and patience to wait to see the good that comes out of each experience as my faith deepens and grows but help me to stand firm and believe the truth, even when it does not look good... I know You will turn it around. Praise God! I will build my thoughts around Your Truth of Your Word and accept who I am in Christ Jesus ... even when I hurt, or when I'm weak, or when I'm discouraged, or when I'm in the pit... You are there and You hold the keys to my eternity. You lift me up on eagle's wings to help me SOAR!
Hold us Lord, fill us with Your HOPE and power to be resurrected with You, in You and through You... we depend on You! We need You! We love You! Thank You!

WOW ~ WORD ON WEDNESDAY

[source:VERSADAY]

Matthew 5:14

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God -colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. ..." The Message

W.O.W.
Join Word Filled Wednesday over at theInternet Cafe Devotionsto shareMORE WORDwithothers
* source of photo is Versaday dot com, if you visit there they also share a brief devotion. This past Sunday for SOS, I shared this verse with a painting by Thomas Kinkade and a great new song from Casting Crown.
 
Now heeeeeeere's  WENDY on WEDS. 3rd in her series of "Cultivating a Heart of Prayer" If you want more, please visit Wendy's site

Lord, this week we dig into Your living and active Word. We invite You to speak in very personal and powerful ways as we seek hard after You. Listening is hard for us. Quieting our hearts, being still seems impossible in this busy world. We are driven to do and to go…to accomplish and to achieve. This week enable us through the power of Your Holy Spirit to REST…to BE STILL…to hear Your still small voice. Help us to be and not to do. We want to sit in the Light of Your Presence and soak up all that You have for us. Make us comfortable as we sit at Your feet. Teach us to pray, Lord. Teach us to pray!!  We ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

WEEK  THREE

The first two  from Wendy were HERE and last week here. She just has released her invitation to join her in her next online study of her own great book: "Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner". Also Melissa Taylor will be leading a study of Micca Campbell's book "An Untroubled Heart" starting March 25th. Women's Bible Cafe has so many great online studies also, but 2 new ones there are:"Surrendering the Secret: Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion" by Pat Layton and on April 30th:Fingerprints of God by Jennifer Rothschild. Find the right one for you...
anotherWOMAN of WORTHfrom the Biblefrom Bible Gatewaythat I gave clues to last weekis...(drumroll, please)

REBEKAH (Rebecca)[click on her name to readabout her at Bible Gateway]
Our Clues for the WOW for next week(then a break 'til after Easter):

• a NT woman 
• eldest daughter of a ruler 
• guilty of incestuous conduct
• described as the woman who vexed the church
• one of two most corrupt and shameless women in 
• Roman history
• many marriage relations and she became 
• a mistress of Vespasian

(sorry that most of these clues and the info I read, 

once again makes this woman not look like a

WOW, 

however, we must see that even with women like this,

God included her story in HIS STORY and why?)

Any guesses?

Ohh, in case, you heard about the 7.4 earthquake in Mexico,
it is not near me. 
I'M ALIVE! 





 I live...
Not along the border, but not in the south and not
on the Gulf of Mexico or Yucatan or Baja Ca. peninsulas.(on the map below, I'm up by the 'M of Mexico') The earthquake was east of Acapulco and south of Mexico City.
Tremors were felt in many places.

 
[source:CNN]

MAX ON MONDAY

OUTLIVE YOUR LIFEPart 2
Outlive Your Life #2 
Get in the Middle of Something & Pray
from UpWords Ministries on Vimeo.

“When Jesus was preparing to return to His father, He commissioned His friends to go—to astronomically expand the impact of their lives. He called them to action in Acts 1:8; to a mission that spanned the globe.  “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

* every other week

SOS ~ LAMPLIGHT

"LAMPLIGHT VILLAGE"

by Thomas Kinkade

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven..."

For me, Thomas Kinkade has painted a perfect little haven of lights in this "Lamplight Village". Lamp posts each giving light along the way.That is how I see each new encounter, through our blogs or the internet, and dare say I, in REAL life... a new lamp post to hopefully light my way and shine the love of Jesus, as so many of you do for me. Thank you sincerely for shining Jesus' light. That also is what our prayers for one another should be, little lights to keep us burning with the hope of Christ and keeping that LIGHT shining brightly as the world around us crashes and burns, that we may not be deceived or taken in or succumb. My, how I wish my "village" was painted like this and lit up with Jesus' LIGHT shining from every lamp post.

I must admit my light has not been shining very well in my REAL world. In fact, it has not just grown dim but has grown quite dark and dimly lit lights with only a flicker just don't shine Jesus very well. We need to glow with Jesus' light so others will see. Yes, in my time away, when I thought my relationship with God would deepen and be more intimate, I have been 'walled off' from His light so my attitude, thoughts toward others, words of my mouth have not been reflecting that precious light or a very spirit filled woman of God and I am responding from my old crucified nature, in my flesh... it has gotten the best of me this week. I am weak. So if God calls my name to your mind this next week, will you offer up a prayer for me for strength, patience, self control... you know all the fruit of the spirit as the "construction work" project continues that God would continue to protect me from any harm or retaliation(here's a glimpse how it's looks yesterday and today)

May I not hide my LIGHT but be a much brighter LIGHT in the world and neighborhood, in which I live, that God would have mercy upon me and forgive me. May we hold a candle to go light our world. May God continue to give us the power by His Spirit to shine no matter what is happening around us or being hurled at us in insults or "fighting" words. May our churches be places set aside as a "city on a hill" to bring glory to God, not self seeking but God seeking. Peace and LIGHT!... Peggy 


"City on the Hill"Casting Crown

SOAKING On SON DAY

a Blessed and wee late

Happy St. Patrick's Day, 
to all ye ole Irish!
Here's mi

Irish Blessing

My Song

2nd Favorite and Best Singer

shared in Friday's Focus also

[each of these are linked to You Tube songs]

* NO MORE Linky for SOS

see *note

sorry :0(

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

Every Friday I FOCUS my FAITH with claiming a Promise from 365 promises and PRAYing with others FEARLESSLY for the needs of others. There is nothing better than a day filled by His Holy Spirit, praying, interceding and building our faith through God's Word as we claim His Promises to us. I truly believe that turning His Word into prayer is the best way to do this.

This Week's FAITH PROMISES are Promises #70 to 76

Ephesians 1:3; Proverbs 16:3; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 31:7; Isaiah 43:2;  1 John 2:27;

Paraphrased Bible Promises
70MAR 11I have blessed you in Christ with every heavenly blessing.Ephesians 1:3
71MAR 12Commit all that you do to Me and your plans will be successful.Proverbs 16:372MAR 13I am with you and I will help you because I am your God.Isaiah 41:10
73MAR 14I will never abandon you.Hebrews 13:574MAR 15I see all your hardships and I care about your suffering.75MAR 16When you pass through turbulent waters, I will be close to you.Isaiah 43:2
76MAR 17My anointing will teach you all you need to know.1 John 2:27
Because this Saturday is St. Patrick's Day (and I'm 1/4th Irish)... I must choose the PROMISE for that day. Also, because just as Maewyn Succat ("St. Patrick") needed an anointing from the Holy Spirit, I find myself more than ever needing that fresh spirit filled anointing to rise up above any of my circumstances and declare God's Truth and Promises from His Word to a world that is hurting and perishing(dying). I need so much more of Christ in me to stand strong 




Now it's your turn to choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the above choices; share here in the comments or on your blog if you'd like to share more to keep you focused. Please add your link here in the comments.
Let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link. Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!
Which Promise of God do you choose this week?

Promises #70-76 Ephesians 1:3; Proverbs 16:3; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 31:7; Isaiah 43:2;  1 John 2:27;

*for some strange reason when I went into edit html to remove some white highlights that I never put there, Blogger would not allow me to open the COMPOSE to fix or write as I normally do... so hope it doesn't look too bad. I wanted to say that I have shared Angelina singing this song before but I just love it and the words are such a special blessing for St. Patrick's Day! So it is meant for each of you for a Paddy Day Blessing and prayer for you and yours for tomorrow, the 17th... HAPPY St. Patrick's DAY!