"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointedme to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me tobind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedomfor the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaimthe year of the LORD's favorand the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow 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."~fromISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog
APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it
On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on7/19/17as I'm still learning.
Though it's been 18 years in November, since you left me here and went home to be with the Lord, I can't help but still miss you a great deal! I thought it may help to write you this letter to let you know how much I love you and have needed you here to share like we use to do! I can hardly believe that it's been this long because it seems like yesterday! I don't have any photo of you in my computer but I have some from the last Christmas we shared at our sister Carol's home. However, this is not how you looked your last days!
You looked so peaceful as you laid there in a coma! I shared all your favorite music with you that week and read the Word to you! I know that your spirit received all that I was sharing! I will never forget the last visit from Renee that day, the radiance of joy on her face as she spoke to you about being in heaven and holding her baby daughter and giving her a hug from her and her daddy. She was such a special friend to you and that's why she chose you as her baby's godparent! As you listened to her talk, you seemed to be smiling. She asked me about an angel pin that she had sent you with a recent card, so we looked for it in your mail. She wanted you to put it on as a reminder. It was my privilege to attach that angel as I told you that I was giving you this "angel" to accompany your spirit into heaven and in that moment, you took a deep breath as I grabbed dad's hand and placed it in yours, I saw your spirit leave and rejoiced with tears and much heartache. I will always treasure those moments with you and having grown up with you as my baby brother. I can hardly wait to see you again with mom & dad!
I have thought of you often and your mission trip to Haiti. They are in the path of many hurricanes and tropical storms these last few years. I wish I had your pictures with me! I think of those smiling children from Haiti and Jamaica often from your trips there. I hope many know Jesus because of the love of Jesus that you shared. I'm praying for them!
I cannot believe how old you would be today! 48 WOW! How the years have gone by, but not the pain...it saddens me that you were robbed of living all these years but I am filled with the HOPE and COMFORT that you are in a much better place! I'm sure celebrations of your earthly birth are nothing compared to your heavenly celebrations!
It is as if YOU, Gary were speaking to me today to encourage my heavy spirit!
So after reading this today, I know that you and I, Gary are not that far apart because I often think of you and know you are in my heart!
These words give me great hope!
"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." Matthew 5:12a
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16a
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. " John 14:1-3
"There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another ..." 1 Corinthians 15:40
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away ..." Revelations 21:1-4
IN ALL OF THIS, I FIND MY HOPE in CHRIST JESUS, the author and finisher of my FAITH!
My eyes are fixed on Jesus!
"Heaven is a wonderful place
Filled with Glory and Grace
I want to see My Savior's Face
'Cuz Heaven is a Wonderful Place"
(i wanna go there)
[words from a kid's song my kids sang when my mom was dying in '86]
My name is Chiminito. My mom is Mazmagi, better known as "Peggy". I'm a Chihuahua/ Bull Terrier mix. Some say that I look like a Jack Russel. But there's no Jack in me! Oh, that's not entirely true, I jump or leap like a jack rabbit. I understand English and Spanish! Aye Caramba
Anyways, I was born in 2003. My mom says I'm a miracle baby. I shouldn't have lived. But I did! I'm here and in great health - thanks to my mom! My real mom died and so did my sister! My mom lived on a roof top and no one really took care of her. We were all infested with all kinds of parasites: fleas, ticks "garapatas"...some very small and some very venemous! My body was filled with them. That is until this mom saw me and tended to me! I even had one in my ear thatshe got out!
Ouch! I still fight her when she's taking them off me, even though I wear a collar and do all the right things. It just can't be escaped here in Mexico. [They say "that's life in Mexico for a dog" or pet. I tell them not in my house.]
Well, my mom cleaned me up, dipped me, cleaned me again, but the day I remember her most was when she sat with me on a curb, at my first owner's house, Lizbeth. She was just a little girl back then. Lizbeth loved my dad, I've watched them running on videos.
I had been crying night after night because of the little critters all over me. No one even knew how bad! But my mom did. One by one she picked those little buggers off of me, even the microscopic ones. Then she dipped and bathed me until I was well. She took me to her place to take better care of me. Lizbeth came and visited and stayed once in awhile. Lizbeth loved me so much that she let me stay with my new mom, so I could get well and stay well. I love Lizbeth!
My dad's name was Chimino. I'm named after him. I'm a little piece of Chimino...the -ito in my name is endearing and means little one. I saw those videos of my dad but we don't have any photos. My dad ate something bad and died too! But that's how I ended up with my mom and Bravo.(You'll met him last time). He became my BIG BROTHER! Kinda surrogate dad. We use to play together, but he's gotten too old now...so I play with my daughters. You'll meet them another time.
Years have past, and I have lots of tales to tell but the greatest was 2 years ago when I became the proud father of 6: 5 girls and 1 son. Now, I shouldn't have done that so that's why my mom took me to the vet so it never happens again. Just like Bravo!(the mother had to go, too). But now we live together with 2 of our daughters. One lives in Minnesota. 3 found new homes but sadly 2 of them died; my only son was one of them. I guess that's why my mom kept the others.
That reminds me, I have to tell this GREAT tale of when I was so tiny and my mom left me alone with Bravo! This is why she says I'm a miracle too!
Our home was on the second floor and she thought I was safe on the patio. She had it pretty well blocked off. But curiosity got the best of me. I had to go snooping around, looking for where she went. She hardly ever leaves me alone, so she couldn't have gone too far. Well, I found this tube, I thought I'd check it out. (Mom says it wasn't a tube and it wasn't where I should have gone, it was a rain gutter).
When she came home, I heard her and started crying. She was looking everywhere for me, upstairs in our home. She wasn't even close. So I kept crying! Finally, she looked over the balcony in total disbelief toward my yelps for help and saw me, down in the basement. It was quite the ride or slide! She was down the stairs, two flights, almost as quick as I got down there. She was loving me, and checking me and so worried, but I was fine. I'M A MIRACLE! The angels were watching over me. That's why I'm the favorite!
That's a bit of my tales!
I've got lots more 'cause I'm the trouble maker!
These are my daughter's fighting. If you notice the one who looks like me, except her color, is winning! Like father, like ... daughter! And she was the runt! I say she's the real trouble maker!
My mom showed me all kinds of new friends over there and human friends that love DOGS! Tell me how much you love me ... I otta have more comments then BRAVO ... he thinks HE'S the BEST just cuz he's BIGGER!
for people who love their dogs and want to talk about them once a week!
The bad thing is this should have been my 2nd post and I did not have one posted on Thursday and they were welcoming me! Thanks a bunch for the welcome! As DOT says it best
Be tuff! The "dog days" of summer can be wuff!
I have had bad Internet Explorer 7 connections, much rainy weather and no batteries for photo taking. Since I introduced all 5 last week, and don't have many photos in my laptop of my family...not many choices! I should have known this would happen and paced my photos one each week. So I will feature my big boy:
BRAVO'S TALE
In 1998, when I was living in Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico...a booming town in the Sonoran desert, I was driving through the sandy roads, short cut to the beach...and saw this litter of puppies on the side of the road with their mother dog and small children. I asked them if the puppies were theirs and would they sell me one...and who couldn't fall in love with this precious face and glorious coat of colors (I learned it's called "brindle"). So they did and I was delighted. A day later, I went passed this place and their home to get more information about him, when he was born, etc. and they were gone. Everyone...every pup! I did the next best thing, brought him to the vet and give him all the necessary puppy shots, worming, etc. and asked his age...which was guessed to be about 6 weeks.I was living in a very small shelter that use to be a place to sell water and snacks. It was very important that he learn to go outside to potty and he would and did very well. The first time that he did so I was totally delighted and impressed but wanted him to come back inside so I clapped excitedly and said "bravo" meaning good job and he came running it. I repeatedly did this each time and no name was working for him. But when he went and did potty, I would say "bravo" and he would come.Thus, Bravo became his name. Here in Mexico, "bravo" is a warning to people to watch out that the dog is vicious...so kids and people heard me call him this and they would stay away. Bravo was a good name and helpful since he became my protector on many trips. He is brave and playful. He still believes he is little but since he is now 10 years old, he looks like this:
Who can believe this is the same little boy...now so big!?!
My baby Bravo, now Mr. Big Boy, guarding my rental home in Mazatlan!!! actually he's waiting for his chance to go for a walk in the park across the street, so he can really yell at those other dogs :(Sorry Bravo, no way!
I've wanted to share in the FUN every Thursday but I've been doing THANKFUL THURSDAY. So today while visiting Thankful Thursday friends, I came across something very special for the umteenth time this week from Serendipity and Happy@ http://serendipitypark.blogspot.com/the light went on..." Hey, I can do BOTH..." After all I'm so Thankful for these friends I call family...they are what occupies the rest of my time when I'm not busy in MINISTRY or on the dear old laptop...It's only fair to give them more than a place on the sidebar...very far down that no one hardly ever sees. Since we ALL 5 and I made a trip of 1,500 miles...I owe them this! By 5 that means, Toby, Chiminito, Bravo Chiquitita, and Chispita. Lucky lives in Minnesota... and sweet little Tobito is my Heavenly Pup...he died the summer that this litter of 6 was born to Toby and Chimi...certainly not a match meant to be...or a Heavenly Match these two! There were two more puppies : Jai Li and Pi Li...Jai Li is with her brother in Heaven and Pi Li is roaming the streets but belongs to the family of Jai Li. Pi Li looks like a small labrador. Jai Li looked like the "Target" dog...she was special and such a sweetie, she died first! I would like to share what HAPPY and Serendipityshared on their Thankful Thursday though I should have asked permission, it did not orginate with them because I've read each elsewhere:
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and 'wag' your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Serendipity also shared this story about Shane and A Dog's Purpose. It made me reflect on my Tobito and Jai Li (originally named Target than Apache) as well as so many dogs that have been such a blessing on my life...
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old) Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." We dread this day and never want to think of it coming or happening to our loved ones but as sure as life there is death...I'm not sure if Serendipity shared this or HAPPY but the advice was wise ( it may have been part of the original)
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Make every day count!!! Make each day just the beginning of ETERNITY! Learn as much as you can from Our Master...and then treat those you are master over with a LOVE and understanding like you are blessed to share this day with them! Show R-E-S-P-E-C-T to creatures and humans alike: RESPECTFUL ENCOURAGING SENSITIVE & SYMPATHETIC PRAISE-filled & PEACEFUL ENTHUSIASTIC COMPASSIONATE TENDER, TENACIOUS, and TRAINABLE as you TEACH others
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If you LOVE DOGS or just want to see some special FRIENDS or would like to join
This is a really long combination post of such a BIG CELEBRATION ANNIVERSARY-100 Posts...*** Blogiversary!
August 1st
Today is my Anniversary! It's a Double ANNIVERSARY!
On August 1st, 1976 I married in Las Vegas, Nevada.
[Boy, did we take a gamble!] So, in honor of that day, since I am here in Mexico and HE is home in Minnesota...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I am committed to 2 Challenges from Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss:
(1) 31 Days of Prayer Challenge (recommended that I start with this one)
(2) 30 Days of Encouragement
[HUBBY:I have more especially for YOU at the end! ]
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***THE OTHER part of MY ANNIVERSARY is for MY BLOG...
a "WHOLE NEW WORLD" has opened up to me since APRIL 2008.
THIS IS MY 100th POST!!!!
I have observed since starting how others CELEBRATE their 100th post or anniversary. I'm so sorry to disappoint YOU but I have NO GIVEAWAYS, PRIZES, EXCITING CELEBRITIES or CRUISES being given so you can come and join me in Mazatlan, Mexico ...but I have some BLESSINGS from me:
WANNA SEE?
YOU are more than welcome to copy any of this for yourself, after all THIS is YOURS with me...
IT GIVES ME GREAT JOY to celebrate this BLOGIVERSARY WITH YOU!
I.FIRST....... J= JESUS
II.SECOND... O=Others (that's ALL of YOU)
III.THIRD.... Y=Yours (that's me & hubby)
When I began my BLOG in April, I had no idea what was in store for me. I started my 1st blog with a breath and a short prayer: "O Holy Spirit, lead me, guide me, & speak through me!" And my post was titled WHAT'S IN A NAME? I wanted to proceed from there with the Names of GOD in the Bible: HIS WORD…but I did not get far. Soon I was off in another direction.
However, I continue to learn the Names of God, which are more than 600, and I have increased my understanding of the vastness of HIS CHARACTER and ATTIBUTES, deepened my faith and grown in my prayer life, praise and worship of WHO HE IS to me!
I.
So today I honor My Lord & Savior FIRST…and ALL HE is TO ME
through 100 Names & Verses
where HE has revealed HIMSELF to me
HIS WONDROUS CHARACTER & ATTRIBUTES!
HE IS…
ADONAI...... ………. Malachi 1:6 meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God. EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14 meaning "The most high God" EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31 meaning "The everlasting God" EL-ROI...................Genesis 16:13 meaning "The strong one who sees" EL-SHADDAI........Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1 meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty" ELOHIM................Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1 meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might. JEHOVAH-JIREH....Genesis 22:13-14 meaning "The Lord will provide" JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13 meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier" JEHOVAH-NISSI.....Exodus 17:15 meaning "The Lord our banner" JEHOVAH-RAPHA..Exodus 15:26 meaning "The Lord our healer" JEHOVAH-ROHI.....Psalm 23:1 meaning "The Lord my shepherd" JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH...Isaiah 6:1-3 meaning "The Lord of Hosts" JEHOVAH-SHALOM......Judges 6:24 meaning "The Lord is peace" JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH...Ezekiel 48:35 meaning "The Lord who is present" JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU.....Jeremiah 23:6 meaning "The Lord our righteousness" JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4 a reference to God's divine salvation. ABBA.............................Romans 8:15 ADVOCATE.....................I John 2:1 (KJV) ALMIGHTY.....................Genesis 17:1 ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13 ANOINTED ONE...............Psalm 2:2 AUTHOR OF LIFE..............Acts 3:15 BEGINNING.....................Revelation 21:6 BRANCH..........................Jeremiah 33:15 BREAD OF LIFE.................John 6:35 BRIDEGROOM..................Isaiah 62:56 BRIGHT MORNING STAR...Revelation 22:16 CHOSEN ONE...................Isaiah 42:1 CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42 COMFORTER....................John 14:26(KJV) COMMANDER..................Isaiah 55:4 CONSUMING FIRE............Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29 CORNERSTONE.................Isaiah 28:16 COUNSELOR.....................Isaiah 9:6 CREATOR.........................1 Peter 4:19 DELIVERER.......................Romans 11:26 EVERLASTING FATHER.......Isaiah 9:6 FAITHFUL & TRUE.............Revelation 19:11 FATHER...........................Matthew 6:9 FIRSTFRUITS....................1 Cor.15:20-23 FOUNDATION..................1 Cor. 3:11 GENTLE WHISPER.............1 Kings 19:12 GIFT OF GOD....................John 4:10 GLORY OF THE LORD........Isaiah 40:5 GOOD SHEPHERD.............John 10:11 GUIDE.............................Psalm 48:14 HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....Ephesians 5:23 HOLY ONE.......................Acts 2:27 HOPE..............................Titus 2:13 HORN OF SALVATION...........Luke 1:69 I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58 IMAGE OF GOD....................2 Cor. 4:4 IMMANUEL.........................Isaiah 7:14 JEHOVAH............................Psalm 83:18 (KJV) JESUS................................Matthew 1:21 JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.....Romans 6:23 JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42 KING.................................Zechariah 9:9 LAMB OF GOD..................John 1:29 LIFE..................................John 14:6 LIGHT OF THE WORLD.......John 8:12 LILY OF THE VALLEYS.........Song 2:1 LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.......Revelation 5:5 LIVING STONE...................1 Peter 2:4 LIVING WATER..................John 4:10 LOVE.................................1 John 4:8 MAN OF SORROWS............Isaiah 53:3 MASTER.............................Luke 5:5 MEDIATOR.........................1 Timothy 2:5 MESSIAH............................ John 4:25 MIGHTY GOD......................Isaiah 9:6 NAZARENE..........................Matthew 2:23 OMEGA...............................Revelation 22:13 ONLY BEGOTTEN SON..........John 1:18(kjv) OUR PASSOVER LAMB.........1 Cor. 5:7 OUR PEACE..........................Ephesians 2:14 POTTER................................Isaiah 64:8 PRINCE OF PEACE.................Isaiah 9:6 PROPHET..............................Acts 3:22 PURIFIER..............................Malachi 3:3 RABBONI (TEACHER).............John 20:16 REDEEMER...........................Job 19:25 REFINER'S FIRE.....................Malachi 3:2 ROCK....................................1 Cor.10:4 ROSE OF SHARON.................Song 2:1 SAVIOR.................................Luke 2:11 SERVANT...............................Isaiah 42:1 SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS.....1Peter 2:25 SHIELD..................................Genesis 15:1 SPIRIT OF GOD......................Genesis 1:2 SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.......Malachi 4:2 TEACHER...............................John 13:13 TRUE LIGHT...........................John 1:9 TRUE WITNESS......................Revelation 3:14 TRUTH..................................John 14:6 VINE.....................................John 15:5 WAY.....................................John 14:6 WITNESS...............................Isaiah 55:4 WONDERFUL........................Isaiah 9:6 WORD OF GOD.....................Revelation 19:13
My beloved My beloved Son (Jesus) My buckler My defense
My defense and refuge in the day of my trouble My deliverer
My exceeding joy My Father My father's God
My [God's] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth (Jesus)
My fortress My friend My glory My God My goodness
My help My hiding place
My hiding place and my shield My high tower My hope
My hope in the day of evil My judge My King My lampMy love
My portion for ever My portion in the land of the living
My praise My Redeemer My refuge
My refuge and my portion
My refuge in the day of affliction
My rock My salvation My Savior My [God's] servant (Jesus) My [God's] servant David (Jesus)
My shepherd My shield My song My stay My strength and power
My strength and song
My strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort
My strong refuge My strong rock
My trust from my youth
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My Project Playlist that plays the music when YOU enter my page is in my sidebar. It also has 100 songs!
Perhaps YOU always only hear the first but I have 99 more.Pop it out and listen on your own. Enjoy!
MY 100 SONGS:
Potter's Hand -- Hillsong
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) -- Chris Tomlin
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) -- Chris Tomlin
Miracle -- Darlene Zschech
Pray -- Darlene Zschech
Parent's Prayer -- Steven Curtis Chapman
On My Knees -- Jaci Velasquez
God Will Make A Way -- Don Moen
Lifted Higher -- Twila Paris
See With Your Heart -- Gloria Estefan
Breathe On Me/I Need Thee Every Hour -- Natalie Grant
Legacy -- Nicole Nordeman
Lord Let Your Glory Fall(Redman) -- Matt Redman
Face Down -- Matt Redman
Held -- Natalie Grant
Awaken -- Natalie Grant
It's the Thought -- Twila Paris
Bring The Rain -- Mercy Me
Bless The Broken Road -- Selah
It is Well (Africa)!!! -- Selah
There Is A Fountain -- Selah
You Raise Me Up -- Selah
All My Praise -- Selah
Was It A Morning Like This -- Sandi Patti
Via Dolorosa -- Sandi Patti
Tu Amor -- Danilo Montero
Fortaleza -- Danilo Montero
Tu Misericordia -- Danilo Montero
Tanto para darte -- Lilly Goodman
Ven te necesito (Dueto con Lilly Goodman) -- Jesus Adrian Romero
Renuevame -- Marcos Witt
Escucharte Hablar -- Marcos Witt
Anhelo tu Gloria -- Marcos Witt
America Sera Para Cristo -- Marcos Witt
Me Has Llamado A Conocerte -- Marcos Witt
Jesus, Eres Mi Buen Pastor -- Marcos Witt
Just A Prayer Away -- Jaci Velasquez
Look What Love Has Done -- Jaci Velasquez
In God We Trust -- Jaci Velasquez, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rachael Lampa, & many more Christian artists
Friends Are Friends Forever -- Michael W. Smith
I Will Carry You -- Michael W. Smith
Purified -- Michael W. Smith
Raging Sea -- Michael W. Smith
Everlasting God -- Chris Tomlin
Wonderful Maker -- Chris Tomlin
Unfailing Love -- Chris Tomlin
Your Grace Is Enough -- Chris Tomlin
I Know WHO I AM (Featuring Chris Tomlin) -- Israel & New Breed
Indescribable [Worshiptogether.com Songs] -- Chris Tomlin
Give Thanks -- Don Moen
Holy Ground -- Don Moen
Call Upon His Name -- Darlene Zschech
Dwell In Your House -- Darlene Zschech
I Live To Know You -- Darlene Zschech
I Will Never Be the Same Again -- Darlene Zschech
Let The Peace Of God Reign -- Darlene Zschech
Love You So Much, Jesus -- Darlene Zschech
This Is The Air I Breathe -- Hillsongs/ Darlene Zschech
Beautiful Savior -- Casting Crowns
East to West -- Casting Crowns
Set Me Free -- Casting Crowns
Voice Of Truth -- Casting Crowns
Who Am I -- Casting Crowns
The Great Divide -- Point of Grace
You Are Good -- Point of Grace
The Servant King -- Graham Kendrick
Deeper -- Israel & New Breed
If Not For Your Grace -- Israel & New Breed
New Season -- Israel Houghton & the New Breed
He Knows My Name -- Israel & New Breed
Moving Forward -- Ricardo Sanchez
Rebecca St James - Song of Love -- Rebecca St. James
Rebecca St. James/The Power Of Your Love -- Various
Feel the Nails -- Ray Boltz
The Hammer -- Ray Boltz
Thank You -- Ray Boltz
Watch the Lamb -- Ray Boltz
What Was I Supposed To Be? -- Ray Boltz
Isaiah 6 -- Todd Agnew
America Again -- Carman
Lazerus come forth -- Carman
The Prayer Anthem -- Carman
Satan Bite The Dust -- Carman
Run To You -- Whitney Houston
I Will Always Love You -- Whitney Houston
I Believe In You And Me -- Whitney Houston
When You Believe (From "The Prince Of Egypt") (With Whitney Houston) -- Mariah Carey
Father's Eyes -- Amy Grant
Thy Word -- Amy Grant
I Will Remember You -- Amy Grant
One Sweet Day -- Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Chiquitita -- ABBA
Because You Loved Me (Theme From 'Up Close & Personal') -- Celine Dion
The Impossible Dream -- Andy Williams
Fueron Tus Manos -- Julissa y Ricardo Rodriguez
No Puedo Callar -- Julissa & Don Misionero
Desde Mi Interior -- Hillsong
More Than Life -- Hillsong
None but Jesus -- Hillsong
Healer -- Hillsong
THANKS TO ALL of YOU !
II.
100 Blogs+ of Super Special Friends
and Memes of Interest or Participation, some that I have made part of my journey and others that I'm considering to start.
Some of you know me and that I visit your Blog, treasuring every morsel I read. Others of you may not even know that I visit you but at sometime I decided to add you in my Favorites, which I've divided into categories/ folders containing each of you.
However, there are so many of you and now new ones I'm discovering, that there is not sufficient room for this increase...so this is my new organization tool of you and my way to honor YOU because you are showing me My Lord Jesus through your "blog" and "blog friendship".
There truly are not enough words to THANK YOU or express all you have given me through this blog world on the internet...when you are away from "home", this is more than just words, it's a connection for me to Real, Authentic People (RAP) before the Rapture of Christ Jesus!
It helps me to know that I have not been Left Behind (lol) but still growing in my purpose driven life to know, love and serve Him MORE and less of me. There is UNITY in this body of Christ! There is sisterhood... brotherhood... a Life Message and Mission for each of us!
Recently I received my first blog award and was humbled three times by three dear friends: Tracy, Cheryl and Paulette (remember whatever is underlined means you can click on it & be linked which means you are transported to that place...I pray they all work)
A week ago, I received this one from Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders, which I am passing to ALL 100 of YOU and anyone NOW Reading this, if YOU have never received it,
IT IS YOURS…SHARE THE LOVE...Pass it on!
I was so moved by its originator Crystal at Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of Noah and the donor of his sweet little heart who ENCOURAGES me to SHARE THE LOVE !
[Click on Memoirs of a Mommy to learn and read this special love story!]
The rules for this award are to pass it along to some people whose blogs you love. They make you laugh, smile, leave encouraging comments on your blog. You would like to share some love with because they have uplifted, inspired, encouraged or prayed for you.
Z
~Zany 1 Peter 3 Living Yahoo Group
Too many to name but many blogs in this GREAT group! (see note~)
[NOTE:~ZANY is not part of the Yahoo Group name- just 1 Peter 3 Living! But, to me, they are ZANY & since their name starts with a number and I needed a" Z", I put them here...so as not to be forgotten! It was better than calling them Zealots...or ZooKeepers!]
DID YOU NOTICE that the ONLY ONE MISSING is YOU....."U"?
(actually one of the 1 Peter 3 Living Yahoo Group has a blog that starts with U)
So, if "U" visit me, or I visit "U" than U are included and that brings More "U NITY!!!
MANY PEOPLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE GROUPS but THEY ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL BLOGS (some are listed above & some are not)so here are their names:
Prayers & promises Encouragement of God Gifts of His Spirit YOU ……...YIPPEE!
7 Random things you may not yet know about me! I chose 7 instead of 6!
1) I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and have a home in Stillwater, MN But for the last 12 years I have been finally living my purpose and calling on my life as a volunteer missionary in Mexico. Only have my older sister & brother still living. My mom, youngest brother & dad are waiting in heaven.
2) I attended the College of St. Catherine and almost became a nun, religious sister…woman who dedicates her life to being single and serving God(like Mother Teresa). I have a BA in Elementary Education, Spanish & Library.
3) I married my Spanish high school teacher 6 years after I met him after working with him as a teacher assistant in many programs teaching English or Spanish.
4) I am over 50, never had my own biological children, but I'm a grandma to 2 grand daughters and 1 very special grand son, who was diagnosed as Autistic when he was 2 years old from our daughter (Tracy) and son, Vinny (siblings adopted).
5) I love God and passionate about prayer, praise, worship. I dance with flags and/or tambourine. I love creative drama, expressive dance, choreography and much MUSIC!
6) I love dogs and horses! I owned 3 very special horses in MN: Tano, Missy & Star.
I currently have 5 dogs in Mexico and 2 at home in MN: Bravo, Chimi, Chiquitita, Toby, Chispita, Lucky and Tano! When I came to Mexico, I had a Dachshund named Champion and a mixed breed Bailey. They are my family!
*7) I was raised in the Catholic church, left to an Evangelical church and became a spirit filled Christian of a Pentecostal church, Assembly of God in 1989…my home church in MN is Redeeming Love Church with the best Pastors and Church Family anyone could ask for and I would drive 20 miles or 3,000 miles just to be blessed by worshipping, serving, participating, celebrating with them. I learned much from them and the ministries I participated in as I continue doing here also with the church families that have taken me under their wings or allowed me the great privilege of their extended family…the body of Christ in Mexico!
Sharon from Quiet Reflections and Tania from Faith Prints tagged me past weekend and though I DO NOT do "tags" I felt that this was harmless and easy enough to share with YOU!
Here are the rules of tag
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.
I'm going to TAG any of YOU that want to do this one for my BLOGIVERSARY, if you are not too busy with the AWARD! So ALL 100 + GROUPS consider yourselves TAGGED! It's up to YOU!
================================================================ Official Dedication Prayer of Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace / My Mission Statement was given here and then here during Angela's Blog Mission Tour! You are welcome to read mine, visit others on the Tour & write your own.
LORD, I invite You into Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace blog as I would my home…"Mi casa es Tu casa"…Spanish for "My house is your house" I desire for Your Presence always to be with me and anyone who visits here. Please come and fill these posts with Your Love, every corner with Your Peace, each thought with Your inspiration and each moment here with Your JOY!
May this be a place where we are aMazed by Your Grace! May all who enter here BE BLESSED by You in a special way. I commit my Mazes, Messes, Miracles…aMazing Grace BlogSpot and Mission to YOU! I ask that You truly make my thoughts Your thoughts and make it a home
To anyone searching for YOU or more of YOU from the journey we have shared
together to the journey yet to be…may this be used to bring YOU
Glory and humble me as I learn from YOU where YOU have led me and to
Where YOU will lead me…be my Guide each day as I live, laugh and love
YOU and MY SPECIAL FRIENDS YOU send this way! In Jesus Name…
SEÑOR, Te invito a este lugar…haga Tu Voluntad…sea Tu Hogar de alcanzar otros para Ti y para Tu Gloria…sea Tu Presencia por mis palabras humildes…bendiga a las personas que vengan a este lugar!
31 Days of Prayer Challenge and Encouragement from Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Revive Our Hearts
Combination I have done from her Challenges. My personal prayers for my spouse will be posted later for this first week and then daily hopefully. The PRAYERS were not meant to go along with the ENCOURAGEMENT. Nancy offers them as separate CHALLENGES.
WEEK ONE________________________
Day BIBLE Verse
1 "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12
ENCOURAGEMENT
…have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you.
Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Pet. 3:18; Prov. 4:23)
2 "...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
ENCOURAGEMENT
…find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first?
Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength. PRAYER Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7,9:10; Ps. 112:1) 3 "...love suffers long, and is kind... 1 Cor. 13:4 "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 ENCOURAGEMENT …If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender. Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. PRAYER Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8) 4 "...let him labor, working with his hands what is good.." Eph. 4:28
ENCOURAGEMENT …Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others. If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, ananalytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)
5 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29
ENCOURAGEMENT
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.
…Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)
6
"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
ENCOURAGEMENT
Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.
Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.
If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you have noticed.
Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13
7
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches
certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."
Proverbs 8:21
ENCOURAGEMENT
Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.
Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.
If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.
PRAYER
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14) For the rest of this Challenge, you need to go to Nancy Leigh DeMoss' website; Revive Our Hearts ======================================================================
DEAR HUSBAND ... THIS PART is FOR YOU
HISTORIA DE UN AMOR
(history of a love)
Eydie Gorme and Los Panchos
One of his favorites in the past: El Reloj
This is the music genre that he played and loves
MY PRAYERS for MY HUSBAND from the CHALLENGESso far
Day 1 Spiritual growth and accountability before the Lord.
Lord, I pray that my husband will grow to know You soon and realize that You are the Only Way,You are the Truth and You are His Light. Protect his heart from the darts and lies of the enemy and the world. He has lived too long in this humanitarian outlook. Change his will to Your will for him. Guard in his heart spiritual disciplines. Help Him to begin reading Your Word for insights not for jokes but for truth. Allow him to hunger and thirst to study what I find in Your Word so very priceless. Teach him how to pray through Your Word not just out of needs or saying thanks (though that is nice and a step in the right direction).
Lord, I know the prayers of this challenge are intended for believers but I believe that I can profess my husband as You see him saved by Your grace and see him that way also. So Lord it doesn't seem right for me to ask you to deepen his spiritual disciplines to mediate and memorize scriptures yet, because You have yet to reach him though many have planted seeds in him that has been non-existent in his life thus far, but it is my earnest prayer that he would be given a chance to begin to read your Word and soak in the Truths. There are plenty of Bibles around our home, so just draw him to begin reading the Bible as he reads so many other things that do not feed his spirit. May he replace some of that with spending time in Your Word. Lord, forgive him for the many years he has not been accountable to the reading of the Bible for himself. Break off those past generational curses and religious spirits that have kept him from you! Set him free from the spiritual bondages from his childhood that have hardened his heart for all these years from Your Truth getting in. Break off lies from his early religious training and racism that drove him away from you! Soften his heart and help him to be receptive to hearing the Truth in the Bible shared by many that you place in his life on purpose. We all love him and care for his eternal life. But Father, if we who know him and love him here want that for him...how much more You His Creator and You, Lord Jesus, His Savior desire. Draw his heart to want to know You and Your Word. For he has gained much worldly knowledge but needs Your Wisdom my Lord. Bring him a desire to hunger and thirst for You! In Jesus Name, I pray.
Day 2
Relationship with God & bearing fruit
Lord, Today I ask You to meet my husband where he is at...He knows You exist, draw him closer in his personal relationship with You!
This plea is the MOST important prayer I have for my spouse, to accept Jesus Christ as His Lord and personal Savior.Reveal yourself to him as JESUS the ONLY Way, the Truth and the Light for him.There is NO other way Lord.Help him to understand and see this truth soon. His life does bear much external fruit Lord...through years of his own effort. Allow that fruit that he has to now go down deep within and cause an internal change. Allow Your fruits of the Spirit to increase in his life:love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, goodness. I pray Lord that all the wisdom he now has will be matched by the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.May his understanding be increased. Give him a fear of the Lord enough to draw him to want more of God in His life than the things or ways of this world. Help him to develop the fruits of Your Holy Spirit. Bring him more love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness,gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.May these fruits bear increase in me, so that he will notice the life changing power of knowing You! I ask You according to Your will that none would perish but come to a saving grace in You. In Jesus Name.
Day 3 ...to be continued..... daily....
HOPEFULLY YOU DID NOT MISS THE PART I'M SHARING WITH YOU!
FROM MY HEART...WITH MUCH THANKS...
In Christ,
Peggy
[if I missed you or have some part incorrect please forgive me]
BTW-by the way- I do LOVE reading Dr. Seuss books aloud to kids but as you can tell there is
no Dr. Seuss here...
no Horton Hears A Who
no Green Eggs and Ham
no Cat in the Hat
no One Fish, Two Fish...
but GOD has many fishes in this NET that still need to hear HIS story!
in fact, the world is counting on YOU to tell of HIS Love...
Though it's been 18 years in November, since you left me here and went home to be with the Lord, I can't help but still miss you a great deal! I thought it may help to write you this letter to let you know how much I love you and have needed you here to share like we use to do! I can hardly believe that it's been this long because it seems like yesterday! I don't have any photo of you in my computer but I have some from the last Christmas we shared at our sister Carol's home. However, this is not how you looked your last days!
You looked so peaceful as you laid there in a coma! I shared all your favorite music with you that week and read the Word to you! I know that your spirit received all that I was sharing! I will never forget the last visit from Renee that day, the radiance of joy on her face as she spoke to you about being in heaven and holding her baby daughter and giving her a hug from her and her daddy. She was such a special friend to you and that's why she chose you as her baby's godparent! As you listened to her talk, you seemed to be smiling. She asked me about an angel pin that she had sent you with a recent card, so we looked for it in your mail. She wanted you to put it on as a reminder. It was my privilege to attach that angel as I told you that I was giving you this "angel" to accompany your spirit into heaven and in that moment, you took a deep breath as I grabbed dad's hand and placed it in yours, I saw your spirit leave and rejoiced with tears and much heartache. I will always treasure those moments with you and having grown up with you as my baby brother. I can hardly wait to see you again with mom & dad!
I have thought of you often and your mission trip to Haiti. They are in the path of many hurricanes and tropical storms these last few years. I wish I had your pictures with me! I think of those smiling children from Haiti and Jamaica often from your trips there. I hope many know Jesus because of the love of Jesus that you shared. I'm praying for them!
I cannot believe how old you would be today! 48 WOW! How the years have gone by, but not the pain...it saddens me that you were robbed of living all these years but I am filled with the HOPE and COMFORT that you are in a much better place! I'm sure celebrations of your earthly birth are nothing compared to your heavenly celebrations!
