The Best Gift

Good Morning Everyone,

At this time of year, many are sad. They are depressed,
lonely, and experiencing many other negative feelings. And
it is hard to carry and maintain those feelings. They drain you
and wear you down, till life seems joyless, and sometimes hopeless.

Something changed for me a few years ago. God delivered
me from depression. I had suffered from it for years. It
was heavy to my spirit, overwhelming, negative,
the never enjoying life kind of depression. I became
a very negative, unhappy person. It was a hard mindset to break!

I missed out on so much because I spent my time worrying,
and feeding that sorrow. I got professional help, and learned
new reasoning skills, and how to work out of depression,
and how to overcome panic attacks. Without medicine!
God was good to me indeed, to lead me to a counselor, that
not only listened, but talked with me, prayed with me, cried
with me, laughed with me and rejoiced with my successes.

This year, we have gone through so much, as I know many of
you have, and still are. This is the first year I did not feel well
enough to decorate the house. And this is the first year
we had no money to buy presents for our family. I am in
a fairly substantial amount of pain due to a degenerative spine
and arthritis. And my husband has rather severe heart problems,
but is one of the most persistent people I know about overcoming
them.

I imagine I could really feel sorry about some of this. I could be depressed. I am not.

This is one of the happiest Christmas times for
me. Why? No pressure. No stress. No depression. I have
learned to be content with what I have. I have a warm home,
food each day, a change of clothes, I have family who loves me,
even though some of them live far away, and each day God
gives me enough breath, strength and energy to enjoy my life.

I am truly blessed! You see, I am not going to feel sorry for myself,
no matter what we go through. I have learned, finally, that we
can overcome our circumstances with our thinking and the power
of prayer.

What good does feeling sorry for ourselves ever do anyway?
It is a thief.. it robs you of all joy.

Giving gifts does not Christmas make. Actually that part has gotten
out of hand. People are getting in debt that lasts them for years
just because they want to make each other happy at Christmas time.
Seems to me that might serve to make you more unhappy!

Maybe we should make this season more simple. Maybe it
should be less about shopping, and more about reflection and
enjoying each other. I would be willing to bet that many family
gatherings on Christmas are far less happy than people want.
Because of UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS, and the pressure
of finding the right gift, or not getting the right gift.

What if we didn't buy gifts, and just took time to sing carols,
eat a nice meal together, truly listen to each other, and just
enjoy life? What if we got back to a basic simple relationship
that wasn't built on what we can get or give but what we have
within our hands that very day that we can make positive and
beautiful?

No my friends, I am not poor, I am the richest woman in the world
today. I have a Savior who loves me, I have been saved by his
mercy and grace and atonement on the cross, and because I repented of
my sins and chose to follow Christ.

I am loved, forgiven, strengthened, hopeful, joyful, because I choose
to be, and because Christ came to give me life, and more abundant life,
just as He did you! Receive that.

I made the choice to be happy and to be content, no matter
what my circumstances are. You can too.

My friends, don't let your circumstances control you.
You control your mindset. Bring every thought captive. Look
around you, enjoy what you have. Invite people over who have
less than you for Christmas, share a meal with them, love others
and just make this a joyful holiday.

That is what God wants, and you will be happier for it, by far
more than many of you are now.

Christmas is not about gifts, or money, it is about Christ
loving us, about us loving others, and about the precious
gift of life we have. Savor every moment, these moments
are the memories of tomorrow.

Love always,

millie

´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°



Eight Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent ~


In the economy of the heart, these presents are priceless.
This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor

Everyday, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

~author unknown~

Imprint

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/17/07
Good Morning Everyone,

When you think about people who have been in your life
that made a impression on you which was positive
and inspiring, that you never forgot about, what did
they do to leave that impression? Of all the people
who have entered your life, what did they do that
left their imprint upon your heart?

Today as I was thinking about this, the word "imprint"
came to my heart. Below is the dictionary definition of
imprint:

1. To produce (a mark or pattern) on a surface by pressure.
2. To produce a mark on (a surface) by pressure.
3. To impart a strong or vivid impression of
4. To fix firmly, as in the mind

I thought about this in our relationships with others.
We make a imprint in the hearts and minds of every one we meet.
It would seem to me that as the years passed, and imprints
were built up in our memory that we would want to make
sure our imprint was one of love, compassion, forgiveness,
strength and hopefulness.

What will you be remembered for?

If you are not happy with that, well don't beat yourself up for it.
There is still time to change that! Make up with people you hold
grudges against, forgive them. Talk to people you have stopped
talking to. Say things to people you know you should have said
but never did. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is happening
around us while we are planning on what to do with it.

Don't neglect the present while you are planning for the
future, or dwelling on the past. What you have within your hands
is today. Make it count. Make your imprint upon this world
filled with the love of Christ. Shining with love, and gifted with compassion,
and seasoned with the wisdom of God sprinkled in your hearts, thoughts
and actions.

Go out and follow your dreams. Accomplish something.
Make a difference. One day at a time, one person at a time.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as
the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13

Use hospitality to one another without grudging. As every man
has received the gift, even so ministering the same to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:9-10

Do others see Jesus in you? If not, its not too late!
Today is a new day.. seek that which is good, and repent
from that which is fruitless and unkind or even sin. Just
ask forgiveness and start again. Life is passing by folks.
Don't wait.

My dad's poem once again rings in my heart:

Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done, for Christ shall last.

He Has Come, the Christ Child!

Copyright Millie Plastaras 12/2004
may not be reproduced without written permission
from the author. If you share, please forward
in it's entirety with disclaimer. Thanks :)

And the angel said to them, "Have no fear, for observe,
I announce to you the good news of great joy that shall
be for all people; for today there was born for you in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!
And this is a token for you. You will find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host, praising God and saying
"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace among
men of his favor."
Luke 2:9-14

And so the journey to the manger began. With Angels
singing and a bright Star set apart just by God
to light the way, so that all could know
Our Savior, Jesus is born!

Oh how this world needed a Savior, someone with
compassion that could understand the pain of
each individual. Some one who had the power
to transform lives... to give them hope that there
situation could change. Someone who could
heal them, and comfort them, and forgive their
sins and love them anyway.

Where could such a one be found?

In very humble circumstances. Not the normal
place you would expect a small baby to be born.
Especially the King of Kings. A humble bed
filled with hay and animals around. A warm
setting in a barn, yet the greatest Savior of
all mankind had just come to change the world
forever.

Let us take a journey to that precious manger,
and see what we can find.

The roads are dusty on the way, but there is a
star to light my way. It is a bright star, is this a sign
of the Light of the World, Jesus? He is the bright
and morning star. If I get there, will He know I
am there? I am not very important, and I am afraid.
Perhaps He will not find me good enough... yet I have
to make this journey. Something within my heart cries
out to see this tiny infant that brings such hope to the world.

I have heard He has the power to change lives,
and came to earth to set our spirit and heart free.

How will he be able to do this? Such a great task for a small one.

It is getting colder as I journey towards the light,
and I pull the coat closer to me, seeking comfort
somehow. I shiver with the cold, and wonder
once again, if perhaps I should have stayed home.
Perhaps this is a rumor. Perhaps I am making this
journey in vain.

Oh yet, there is this star. And the songs of Angels
in the heavens. The music is beyond anything I have heard,
it fills the soul, and brings such resounding peace. How could one ignore such blessed events? I have never seen anything so wondrous in my life.
The star seems to wink at me, inviting, encouraging
me to go on my journey.

I arrive in Bethlehem. The streets are full of people.
So many people.. all here for the census. How will
I ever find the baby? The Messiah, Emmanuel (God with us)... I will look again to the heaven and the light of the star will show me the way.

The star is shining directly over a stable. I walk towards it,
and see a family huddled over a manger. A small baby
lay within the folds of cloth in the manger. A light
seems to glow from its tiny face. I feel such peace
within this place. Suddenly I feel warmth spread through me
and the pain of the journey has left me.
Something draws me as I have never felt before.
I hesitate in walking in, but
the young couple sees me and come over and gathers
me in their arms and take me to see their little one.
They greet me as if they had always known me,
and understand exactly why I am here.
How can it be so warm in here, in a stable?
And all the animals are so peaceful... it is as if they
are smiling. Can even the animals know?

Mary shows me the tiny one, and I reach out to
touch His hand. I feel such peace flood through me.
Ah .. this then is the Christ Child. I can sense His life
is going to be so different. Something about Him
even as a baby stirs my soul. I fall upon my knees
seeking to know what it is about this little one
that makes me feel as if I am in the presence
of a King. How could this be... it is a manger,
a stable, could a King be born in such surroundings?

Yet when I look at His face, even as a baby,
He seems to know me, and I feel such peace
coming from Him. It seems as if He has
been expecting me. Could this Be?
Could this child know me?

I bow my head in prayer and thank God for leading
me to the Child of Light, the Hope of the world.
He is bringing Joy where we felt sorrow.
He is bringing salvation, where we felt our failure
in following the law.
He is bringing healing to those who are broken,
and ill.
His love is all encompassing. No one has ever
loved like this. The room is suddenly filled
with singing. And once again I hear the choir
of Angels.

Singing: Peace on earth, Good will to men.

I stay there and pray a while, reluctant to leave
this Holy place. But my life will never be the same
again. I know now, that the world will never be the
same. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away
the sins of the world.

My heart is yours Christ Child. I will follow your
light all the days of my life.
Your comfort sustains me.

I get up slowly from my knees, watching the little
child as He nods off to sleep. What a humble
beginning, what a glorious ending!
The King of Kings Has arrived.

I gather the hands of Mary and Joseph in mine,
and thank them for allowing me these moments.
My heart is overflowing with so many feelings,
I hardly know how to express them.
But it seems they understand.
They just smile at me. They know. They feel it
too. The day has finally arrived and
hope has been born within my soul.

As I walk off into the night... the sense of well being
never leaves. I truly have felt such comfort
and peace as I have never experienced before.
From now on, whenever I feel lonely, or in pain,
I will take my mind back to that manger, and
the beautiful child, that brought a light
into my life that I had never experienced before.
And I will find comfort in remembering
He knew me!
I will forever seek that child within my heart.
All will be well now.
God has heard the cries of my heart.

I hurry down the path. I must tell everyone I know,
to come worship the King.
WE will never be the same.

My heart rejoices and cries out:
Joy to the world, the Lord is Come!

He came for you and Me!

remember
Only one life
will soon be past
Only what is done
For Christ will last

The Nativity And The Winter Storm

The Nativity and the Winter Storm

by Millie Plastaras
Copyright December 21 2001
May not be reproduced without the Author's permission.


It became clear at once that this was no ordinary night.
The sky was becoming darker, and the snow flurries were building up quickly, till it was a cold blur outside. Cameron looked out the window watching the snow begin to fall harder and build up on the ground like piles of sand upon the beach. The snow glistened and grew into small hills of cold crystals glistening with the light of the moon.

She turned and faced the room, the chill beginning to reach her, she walked toward the fireplace gathering the wood sitting by it, and tossing in a log to add to the small fire she had started earlier.

As she gazed into the fire, she watched the fire grow and bring warmth to the room, but her heart felt cold within her. A coldness even the fire could not touch.

It was almost Christmas night, and she was alone in this cabin in the woods. She had come out here to get away from the cacophony of the city, the crowds, the loneliness and the problems. She just wanted to take time to get to relax, gather her thoughts, and perhaps this time, she could plan a future different from the life she was now living. Things had become so complicated, she didn't even feel like herself anymore.

The last few years had changed everything. She had built a company from the ground up, and worked endless hours to make it successful. It had taken all her time and energy. It had been more than she had hoped, and less than she had dreamed. It gave her all the financial security she had ever dreamed of, and none of the emotional security she seemed to need right now.

Why was this happening at this point in her life? Didn't she have all the financial security she ever needed? She was independent, and focused, successful to the eyes of most observers.

Yet, with all these accomplishments, it seemed so unfulfilling personally, something seemed like it was missing.

She sat on the couch gathering her coffee cup to her, and musing over the past. She remembered fondly so many Christmas times past with her parents. Both were gone now, and some of the memories had faded a bit. But the warmth and love they had showed her never faded. What a blessing they had been to her. The word blessing. That is what was missing!

This then is what was missing in her life, she had no spiritual life anymore! She had neglected the Christ Child. Now ... here she was stranded in the forest cabin, no way of getting out. Suddenly the success of her business didn't seem enough. She had forgotten a big part of her life. The part that sustains a person when times get rough. She felt drained, and weary.

Each Christmas her mother and Father had made a big ceremony of the nativity Scene. It started the first of December, and each night a new piece would come out of it's wrapping and take it's place on the table. They would sit and talk about the meaning of Christmas. And Mom would always make cookies or a new treat each day. What cozy times those were. Christmas day the final piece of the nativity scene was taken out and displayed, the small Christ child. The Christ Child was always the center of their celebration. And on Christmas day, they made a party of it. A cake to remember Jesus birthday, and songs to sing His praises.

This family celebration brought alive that story so old, that had forever changed the
world. The Christ Child, who bought hope to the world, that there is more to this life, than this life. That we all have a Father God who loved us enough to send his son to earth to bring the good news of his salvation and great love for us, and that the greatest gift of all, was found in that one Christ Child.

The lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

Cameron got up, suddenly feeling a great desire rose within her to celebrate like she once did with her precious parents. Someplace around here that nativity set was tucked away, she had brought it out here after her parents passed away, hoping to make this her Christmas retreat, and to decorate the cabin with the memories of her youth. She got up and walked towards the room that all the boxes were stored in. She rummaged until she found the box with all the dear images of the people from that beautiful Christmas night so long ago.

She took the box to the living room, set it down, and cleared a small table by the fireplace. One by one she pulled the pieces out, and set them up. The tiny lambs, the other animals, the angels, the shepherds, the visiting Kings, the small village buildings, the manger and the most important parts, Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus. Each piece became all the more precious as she drew them out.

She set back looking at the scene, and it bought a sense of peace to her spirit. Something she had not felt in a long time. She had been living totally for herself, focused on success and career goals. Nothing else. Now here it was Christmas Night, and once again she was alone. How had she ever allowed things to get this way? The tears started coursing down her cheeks. Her parents would be so surprised how she had changed, she had become hardened, and cold. She had conformed to the world.

Cameron picked up the Baby Jesus and held it tightly in her hands. She got down on her knees that cold night, and gave her heart to the Baby Jesus, asking forgiveness for her sins.

Her heart pouring forth countless thoughts, and pain that was inside. When finally she stopped. Everything somehow seemed different. She felt a sense of peace pervading her spirit that she had not felt in a very long time.

This then, was what Christmas was all about. The Baby Jesus. Nothing else. The quietness of this retreat and the pleasant memory of Godly parents drew her back to the truth of this life. Nothing is worthwhile, without a relationship with Jesus.

She got up and walked towards the window. The snow was slowing down, and she could see a star twinkling through the clouds that were scattered in the sky. The star seemed to be twinkling just at her. It seemed so hopeful now. All was right with her heart. She knew now what to do. And this night had changed everything. It had reminded her of a blessed night when a precious Baby came to earth, that she might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Now, she was going to seek the abundant life her parents had taught her about. And she was going to remember how to touch the lives of others. This felt much better to her. She knew that this was the reason she felt such a urge to get away. She turned towards the manger scene once again, placing the baby in it's manger. She walked towards the kitchen. Perhaps she could find the ingredients for a cake here. It could be a birthday party after all.

Jesus was here now.

Remember:

Only one life
will soon be past
Only what is done
For Christ will last

Be Of Good Cheer

Good Morning Everyone,

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted -- for I HAVE OVERCOME the world --
I have deprived it of power to harm, and conquered it for you.
John 16:33

There is a commercial on tv, that has struck me lately,
and given me pause for thought. There is a singer singing:


Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?

Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
written by Sammy Fain / Jack Yellin


I sat and thought about myself and others, who have seemed
at times to have forgotten how to have fun and enjoy life.
Every day is full of worries or fears, and really it just saps our
strength. Sometimes we are so weary with our problems
and dread of life, we cannot even give or receive love.

Is this what God intended life to be like?

What a great thing to laugh. To sit and watch a funny movie,
or listen to friends tell good stories, or just get out of the house
and do some volunteer work, that you see brings a smile to someone's
face.

As this Christmas season approaches, take time to refresh your spirit.
Have some fun, do something you enjoy. Laugh more, worry less,
things always worked out before, and they will now. Just enjoy life
while you have it! Don't plan on having fun later, don't think life
lasts forever, seize the moments you have each day and make
them special. Then you can look back with accumulated days
that were purposeful, and enjoyable.

There is a balance to this life. A season for everything. Sometimes
we work, sometimes we rest, sometimes we play.

What good is what you got, if you are not having any fun?

All the money in the world does not bring happiness,
all the possessions you could buy do not bring lasting happiness,
they are so momentary, that the thrill wears off.

Happiness is a choice!

My precious friend, your life is a gift. Look at it like that,
take a fresh look, a new perspective. Take time today
to laugh, and enjoy the beauty of life, it will refresh your spirit
and restore your joy. Don't let life pass you by and miss
out on some great experiences, because you chose to live
life in despair rather than breaking out of that mold and JUST LIVING!

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart
the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13

All the days of the desponding (despairing) afflicted are made
evil (by anxious thoughts and forboding), but he who HAS A GLAD
HEART, HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST!
Proverbs 15:15

A happy heart is a good medicine and cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Make a choice to be a cheerful person. This is a sign of true faith.
Just trusting in Christ to work out things, enjoying life, and bringing
cheer and joy to those you know. Don't you love being around
cheerful people? Be one. Be a blessing, for your own sake
and others.

Love
millie

ps..I used to suffer from severe depression. I remember once when
going through some very heavy things, that someone told a joke
and made me laugh so hard, and suddenly it was as if dark clouds
had lifted and the sun came out. It was such a stark contrast,
I realized how I had chosen to dwell in fear and depression
and that while I was doing that, there were still great things going
on in life I was missing by feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances.

What a waste of energy and time. Never let negative feelings control
your thinking. Take every thought captive, and enjoy the precious
life God has given you. Plan on making a difference in this world.
One for good, and not evil, One for joy and not despair, one for faith
and not fear. Be a Light!!

Comfort and Joy

copyright Millie Plastaras
9/1/2005

There is a wonderful Christmas song, that speaks of
comfort and joy.

As I was pondering on those words today God gave
me such a urge to write on it tonight.

Comfort and Joy are companions. We find one,
we should have the other.

Comfort does not totally depend on a comfortable
home, lots of possessions, money or even how many
people we know or what a great job we have.

Comfort depends on our state of mind.

Paul said:
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want,
for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the
point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever
state I am.
I know how to be abased and live humbly in
straitened circumstances, and I know how
to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned
in any and all circumstances, the secret of facing
every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry,
having a sufficiency and to spare or going without
and being in want.

I have strength for ALL things in Christ who EMPOWERS ME,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through
Him who infuses inner strength into me,
(that is, I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency)
Philippians 4:11-13

How powerful the concept of these verses are.
We should read them over and over and receive
the depth of truth and the depth of a spiritual heart
that is displayed in them.

How do we come to that state of mind where we
can be content no matter what hits? It is huge mental
discipline, bringing every thought captive to the things
of God. It is also realizing God is in control, and whatever
is ahead, we know above all else, He will not leave
us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

Basically.. our sufficiency, our total dependency and
hope is from him. Not from our circumstances,
not from our friends, nor family, not from what we own
or don't own. Our hope is From Jesus Christ who came
to take away the sins of the world. He said when He left
this world He would send another comforter, The Holy
Spirit to guide us and lead us into all truth.

So how do we access the Holy Spirit?
The minute we receive salvation through Jesus Christ
that Holy Spirit dwells within us.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you
another comforter (counselor, helper, intercessor,
advocate, strengthener and standby) that He may remain
with you forever.
The spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive
(welcome, take to heart) because it does not see Him,
nor know and recognize Him, for He lives with you constantly
and will be in you.
John 14:16 - 17

My friend, knowing almighty God has sent the great
comforter to dwell within us to lead us into all truth,
to guide and direct us, and tell us what to do,
should bring awesome praise from our lips..
How very blessed we are.

We must find our sufficiency in him.

As the world changes, and grows worse. WE will
see many things, floods, famines, earthquakes,
typhoons, hurricanes, floods, pestilences, disease.

We cannot allow a spirit of fear to take root.

Our Father is God, how then can we fear,
knowing He cares about our needs, and has
angels watching over us.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (cowardice,
of craven, cringing and fawning fear) but He has
given us a spirit of power and of love and
well balanced mind and discipline and self control.
2 Timothy 1:7

I can remember a time where my family was hit
with so many tragedies I was knocked to my knees.
I heard God speaking to my heart as clearly as could be.
You can either be full of fear or full of faith.

You can fall apart or you can believe everything you
have read about me. I am your sufficiency.. pray in
faith, cling to me, trust, do not let go of me, do not look
to the right or the left.. Rebuke the spirit of fear,
rebuke the spirit of death, walk in my way, walk in my
love, walk in My power and a sound mind, I am your
sufficiency, I am all you need.

I will never forget how that struck my heart,
it echoed within me, and I took it seriously,
and it forever changed me, and the life of my husband.
Because that very day, the prayers bought my husband
back from the grasp of death upon his heart.

From that day on, I learned to trust more consistently.
There are days where I fall apart, and God needs to remind me.. hey..
did you forget? I am on the throne, I am in control,
I am almighty God, I am the great I Am, I am all you need.

It is in that thought.. Joy returns.
Joy returns because our hope is in Jesus Christ.
We can rest in that.. He is driving, we are just taking
the trip. No matter what is ahead.. we will never
be alone. If we are not here on earth.. we will be
with him in heaven. There is nothing to fear.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

Shout Hallelujah!

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His
wings shall you trust. His trust shall be thy shield and thy
buckler, thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night,
nor for the arrow that flies by day, nor for the pestilence
that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that waits
at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand
at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.
Psalm 91:4-7

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall
give His angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalm 91:10-11

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation
of the wicked, when it comes. For the Lord shall be
thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being
taken. Proverbs 3:25-26

In righteousness shall you be established. You shall
be far from oppression, for you shall not fear, and from
terror, for it shall not come near thee.
Isaiah 54:14

Believe it and receive it and live in it.
Then God is your sufficiency.

Or reject it and live in that and fear.
Then comfort and joy will not enter your dwelling.
It is your choice.

What kind of God are you serving?

I am serving one who is all sufficient.
I need not be afraid.. and he has the same promises
for all who believe. We need never fear.

In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid what
man can do to me
Psalm 56:11

Just trust

Remember

Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

The Strength In Community

Good Morning Everyone,

Everything that was written in the past was written
to teach us. The Scriptures give us patience and
encouragement so that we can have hope. And I pray
that God will help you all agree with each other the way
Jesus wants.
Romans 15:4-5

This verse struck me this morning, as such a wake up
call for everyone, including myself, who often deals
with fear, or trepidation, or concern about what is
happening in the world around us. I hear many feel
that way.

Let me tell you what I see happening to people around the world.

1. They are going to church less.
This isolation creates a loneliness that can be overwhelming.
Any excuse that keeps you out of church denies you the fellowship,
strengthening power of a community seeking God, and loving
each other. As the world gets worse, this is more than
a necessity, it is vital, it is emergency, it is a must!
A Christian has to have like fellowship, good teaching,
encouragement and the accountability of a church.

2. People are becoming less friendly with each other.
Families are torn apart for many reasons. Sometimes by
distance, sometimes by anger. Friends are too busy for
friends anymore. This creates a sense of insecurity,
and isolation which leads to despair.

3. People are neglecting their spiritual life.
They either don't have time, or don't take it serious enough.
They somehow think listening to a preacher or priest,
or bishop is enough. It is not! It teaches us, but we
have to be in the word of God ourselves, it offers hope.
Something we need daily, not just on Sundays!
We are merely surface Christians, religious at best,
but lost at the worst. Not seeking God, but only
being religious enough to feel like we have done our duty.

4. People are forgetting to encourage one another.
They are so worn down from their own problems,
busy life, hurts, afraid of relationships, they have
forgotten the art of encouragement. They have
forgotten the great need to be encouraging.
Someone today needs your input and love!
Are you too busy?

5. People have forgotten how to work together.
It is every man for himself. MY opinion is better than yours.
If you think different from me you cannot be my friend.
How can we be a community of believers if we cannot
get along with each other because of petty thinking?
Who will do God's work if we cannot as a community join
together to accomplish greater things through the strength
of combined effort?

I am struck by this. Did Jesus teach any of this?
NOOOOOOOOO. So, why are we doing it? Are we not
his followers? Doesn't that imply following Him, and what
He taught?

I think a refresher course in what Jesus taught is a good
goal for everyone. Open the book of Matthew and read
the first few chapters tonite, and let those words sink in.
Underline the meaningful ones, and think upon it. There is
so much wisdom within those chapters, that it takes a lifetime
to absorb it all.

It is a needful thing. My precious friends, I know many of
you are in a rut. We all are in some form, but I desire,
and long to see you come out from among the world,
live a life Christ called you to, and be faithful to Him.
IN word, in deed, in faithfulness to a church, and in
faithfulness to others.

WE have to be about our Father's business. If we do not,
the world that is your little corner, will not hear the
gospel from you or see it in you. This is a huge responsibility.
Who will be lost without Christ, because we were not
faithful? Who will go without encouragement because
we were too busy? Who will not be sharpened in the word
of God because we took time to speak it and thus both
of us grow in Christ?

So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has
a great reward! You must hold on, so you can do what God wants
and receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36

Pray today, ask God to help you get right with Him. And
promise Him whatever door He opens for you to be of
service, that you will go through that door and be faithful.

love always
millie

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/03/07

The Sacredness of God

Good Morning Dear Friends,

This morning, as I sat and thought about what I should write,
one concept kept overpowering everything else. I am not
sure why, but there must be a need for it out there among you.

It is about the sacredness of God.
What does sacred mean?
It means worthy of high respect and honor,
Holy. This is a rare thing to think about. You do
not hear such terms spoken much. I think this is
very important.

One night when I was in a chat room, a guy came in
and was talking rather freely about his opinions about God.
Not uncommon in chat room, but the way He talked about
God was. He said God is my homey. I found this a odd
term to use for God. Homey means comfortable, homelike,
friendly. I do believe that we should feel at home with God,
and feel comfort in His presence, but we also need to
remember his position, and ours before Him.

We do not bring him down to our level, because
then we forget His holiness and our accountability.
We submit ourselves to Him, and honor Him,
and worship Him. He is above all and over all.

People tend to take God for granted. He is someone
they think of in emergencies, or when they attend church,
but during the week in their everyday life, he takes a back
seat in their thinking and life. He is irrelevant to what they
want to accomplish, say and do. They instead are seeking
their own will above God. This is pretending to be religious,
but neglecting God.

One of the profound things we find when we attend church
is a centralized move towards worship. We put God in
his correct position. Someone to be worshipped. He is above
us over us, Father of us, worthy of respect and honor. He
is not commonplace nor should he be taken for granted.
He is holy, pure, and He is not only a God of love
but a God of judgement.

When one neglects church, you find them getting away from
this reminder of the sacredness of God. We start thinking
about Him in different terms.

The Word of God says that the fear of God is the beginning
of wisdom. What does this mean? The healthy respect for
a living, all powerful God is the beginning of spiritual wisdom.
We remember He is our Father, we are the children, the servants.
We SUBMIT to Him. Daily, hourly, as often as we can.

We are bought with a price, no longer our own, the precious,
shed blood of Jesus purchased our salvation upon the cross.
Once we repent of our sins, and receive that great salvation
our life, mindset, and desires should change.

Think about this. Have you changed? What is your first priority?
Do you fear God? Do you respect Him? Do you honor
Him with your words and deeds? Do your actions speak
of Godliness to those around you or compromise?

To me, friends, one that loves God doesn't compromise.
If we make a mistake, or stumble and fall spiritually,
we repent of it (we turn away from it) confessing that sin,
and we seek to not do it again. We seek to grow and change.

These things are so vital. I feel they are urgent. If this
land where so many Christians dwell, would return to
the worship of God, and the sacredness of His presence,
remembering we are all accountable to him for every
word and deed, many things would be different here.

The same applies to our lives. If we truly mean what we
say and say what we mean, it should show. We are to be
a light. Not a dimly lit one, but one that even though flawed,
seeks God daily. To improve ourselves, to find forgiveness
and to grow.

Do you mean what you say? Do you really love God?
Do you recognize the awesomeness and power of God?
Have you made Him Lord? These answers will affect
not only this life but the next. Better take it seriously.

love always
millie


You have been given a sacred trust by the Almighty God
of the Universe. To receive the precious Salvation of
the son who sacrificed His life for you and to be a light
to the world. If you cannot keep this trust, I question whether
any other trust you try to keep will be successful.


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When Christ Waits
Copyright Annie Johnson Flint

What a wonderful thing is this
That man may choose as he will
To open the door and let Christ in,
Or make Him wait at the sill!

The Sovereign Lord of the Universe
Courteous, stands and knocks;
He will not batter the shut door down,
Nor break the bolts and locks.

For man has the power of choice,
He can lift the latch if he will,
There is no knob on the outer side,
And the Lord Christ waits at the sill.

He patiently knocks and patiently waits,
For man to open the door;
Beware the day when His patience ends,
And the pierced Hand knocks no more!

Annie Johnson Flint

Please do not remove the name from this poem.


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Our Comfort Zone

copyright Millie Plastaras
11/26/07

Good Morning Everyone,

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut?
Are you afraid to get out of it?
Is it your own self-invented comfort zone?

Each of us have one. A place where we feel safe,
and where we feel comfortable. A place with boundaries,
limits. Comfortable perhaps, binding, definitely!

What fun is this? Always the same ol same ol.
What if you had oatmeal every meal, every day for the
rest of your life? Ugh huh? Shall I say B O R I N G?

This is what you are doing if you have a self imposed
comfort zone that you are afraid to get out of.
You are eating oatmeal, when you could be out there
having a variety of friends and experiences, and a far
better menu of food to eat.

We have this one life. And we spend it hiding away,
bored, until life passes us by because we were afraid to
break out of that zone and try new things?

How sad is this?

Oh my precious friends, don't let life pass you by.
Don't let the hurts you go through, or the rejection, keep you
from experiencing and savoring life.

Don't spend your life fearing life. Go out and see
the possibilities, and enjoy it.

Set a short term goal. Find one new thing you have been afraid
to try, and go do it. Just keep it simple, but pursue that goal.

For those of you who always wanted to take a class, do it!
For those of you who wanted to take up painting, do it!
For those of you who wanted to play a instrument, do it!

Get involved, get out of your house, get out of your comfort zone.
Reach out to people, meet new friends, and join new groups.
Savor life, break free, and experience the beauty of everyday goals
and friendships. Look around you at the beauty and count your
blessings.

Don't limit your life by limited thinking. You are the one painting
yourself in the corner, don't do it. It is not a happy place to be.

You want to be happy right? Think about that, do you really
want to be happy? If you don't, it is like you are punishing
yourself, for some odd, unfathomable, sad reason.

Happiness starts by learning to be happy where we are,
but also by breaking free of preconceived notions that
have trapped us in this comfort zone of ours.
We then learn to try new adventures to spread our wings and fly
above the crowd, enjoying the things this life has to offer.

Kicking that comfort zone to the curb and experiencing life!
Leave that for a later time in life, when you need to relax,
you don't need a everyday comfort zone. Life is waiting!

I challenge you to set at least one goal a week to try something
new and take steps to accomplish it. And don't be discouraged
if it is hard, or isn't perfect. Just do it. Just try new things
and enjoy the activity of it. Even the failures can spur
us on to try, try again, and enjoy the adventure of the journey.

Let me know what you try and how it works for you.

Love,
millie


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Comfort Zone
Author: Unknown

I use to have a Comfort Zone
Where I knew I couldn't fail
The same four walls of busy work
Were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things
I'd never done before,
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone
And paced the same old floor

I said it didn't matter,
That I wasn't doing much
I said I didn't care for things
Like diamonds, furs and such

I claimed to be so busy
With the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for
Something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by,
Just watching others win.
I held my breath and stepped outside
And let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength
I'd never felt before,
I kissed my Comfort Zone "goodbye"
And closed and locked the door.

If you are in a Comfort Zone,
Afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were
At one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise,
Can make your dreams come true.
Greet your future with a smile,
Success is there for you!

Our Responsibility

If you were to diagram your life today, and try to
put a percentage on what part of your life and
time is spent on different tasks you do, it would probably
prove interesting to you. Most of us do not realize how
much time we spend on certain things, that really are
a waste of time. Then there are some that do not
realize how much time they spend away from their family.
Some do not realize how much time they spend away from God.

If you were to figure out how much time weekly you
spent in God's word, what percentage of time would that
be? Would it even show up as a percentage?

Why is this important?

As a mature child of God we have responsibilities.
We, first of all, are a witness, a light to the people around us.
How can we be a light for God, when we don't know what He
says? How can we know how to please God if we do not
read what He said pleases Him? How can we minister to
others if we are not really living a Godly life ourselves?

When do we get to the point we move past immaturity
and unreliability in our spiritual life, and start growing in Christ
and being useful to His Kingdom?

What exactly does the word of God do for us:

All scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing
people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for
teaching how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person who
serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do
every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

When you went to school, you had textbooks, and when you
studied these textbooks it organized your thinking on a particular
subject and taught you, through studying concepts on that subject.
If you had no textbook, it would have been difficult indeed to learn
much. But a book completely built around a subject such
as history or geography or math, brings order to learning.
It organizes our thinking and as we read it and APPLY it
we become learned in that subject.

This is how it is with Godly things. We have to open up
that door to God, and to His word to go through it,
and seek what He has said for us to do. We have to take
steps to mature in Christ. We cannot be content to do it
when it pleases us, or if we have time. We have to do it
because it is our duty as a mature child of the Living,
All Powerful God to seek Him first, and above all.

Oh friends, if we neglect this, what kind of spiritual life can
we have? At best, it is unorganized, uninformed and useless
for God's work. Each of us have a high priority to be
a witness for Him. It is our first and highest calling. If we
do not know what we believe, and why we believe it
and the urgency of what we believe, how then can we
be equipped to be a witness to anyone?

Here is our where our thinking should be:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2

We then must leave behind the old life, and daily seek God.
Above all remembering the souls that do not know Christ,
and that we are to be a light to the world. The salt that
seasons it with goodness and the beauty of Christ in us.

My child, pay attention to my words, listen closely to
what I say. Don't ever forget my Words, keep them
always in mind. They are the key to life for those who
find them; they bring health to the whole body.
Be careful what you think, because your thoughts RUN
your life. Don't use your mouth to tell lies; don't
ever say things that are not true. Keep your eyes
focused on what is right, and look straight ahead
to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do
what is right.
Proverbs 4:20-26

The Lord sees everything you do, and He watches where you go.
Proverbs 5:21

Oh my friends, take it seriously. People are watching.
If our gospel is hid, it is hid to those who are lost.
If we don't pray for them who will? If we are not a light
for Christ who will be? Can we neglect this? And if
we do, whose soul will be lost because of our neglect?

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last

A Time Of Refreshing and Thankfulness

Good Morning Everyone,

What are your plans for today?
I am sure there are as many different answers
as there are people reading this. Each of us
with varying degrees of busyness in our lives.

I often see as people go through life how
weary they can become by the cares of it.
And we get so utterly busy with our own thoughts
and activities that we rarely have time for great
fellowship with others.

When is one too busy?

I think perhaps the answer lies in: when you get weary,
you are not enjoying life and you do not feel refreshed.
You need to take time out for God, for yourself, and
for refreshing fellowship with others.

Don't expect people to fulfill all your needs. Just
enjoy them for who they are and enjoy the journey you have
been given. Try to find the good in each day. Learn
to be thankful for what you do have.

Did you know that praise to God is a sacrifice?
We do not do it because we feel joyful, or we are in a setting
where they do it and we feel we must, we do it because
He deserves it.

God watches over us daily, whether we acknowledge
that or not. He gave us our last heartbeat, our last breath.
He helped us wake up this morning. He watched over us as
we slept last night. Who else is providing this for you?
Who else loved you so much they sacrificed their son for your sins?

Remarkable love of Christ! How could we not take time to praise him.
Let me tell you what praise does. It lifts you out of your mind set, doldrums,
and weariness, into the presence of God. It takes your mind off
things that drain you and onto the powerful almighty God of the Universe.

Praise also chases away any darkness. I guarantee you, if you turn
on beautiful Christian music, whether it is praise music or hymns,
you will literally feel a difference in the atmosphere. Why don't we
do it more often? satan hates it. He doesn't want you to take time
to be refreshed. He doesn't want to hear how great God is.
He doesn't want to be defeated. He wants you to stay in
a whirlwind of activities and have no time for God. So that when
hard times hit you are so drained and so weary that despair takes over.

Even satan knows the power of praising God. And he despises it.

satan the loser wants your life to seem meaningless, overwhelming,
without hope, and without answers. He wants you down. Are you going
to recognize this and fight it?

Fight it with a sacrifice of praise. Be thankful. Tell the Lord thanks
every day, with a special time just for Him where you lift your hands
to Him and tell Him how very thankful you are for all you have.
Turn on beautiful music, let it lift your spirit and minister to you
and draw you closer to God. Let it heal your spirit as you worship
God. You do not need to be in a church setting to do this.

Just as you can have a prayer closet, you can have time to praise
God. You will find it so refreshing. Could you use refreshing today?

Don't forget these things. Take time for God. He wants to bring
hope to your heart. He wants to restore your soul. He wants
to tell you the plans He has for you. And He wants you to be fit,
ready, armed and prepared for the work He has just for you to do.

Go forth in His power, His strength, His refreshing, His name,
and reach the world for Jesus Christ, with a heart of thankfulness
and a heart turned towards God everyday.

Here on earth we do not have a city that lasts forever,
but we are looking for the city that we will have in the future.
So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming
from lips that speak His name.
Hebrews 13:14-15

Because your love is better than life, I will praise you.
I will praise you as long as I live. I will lift my hands in prayer to your
name. I will be content as if I had eaten the best foods. My lips
will sing, and my mouth will praise you.
Psalm 63: 3-5

I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I will be saved
from my enemies.
2 Samuel 22:4

Dearest Friends, don't neglect your spiritual life. It is all that will
stand the test of time. It is your Father God who will restore your
thinking, give you guidance for each day, rest for your weary
soul, and hope for your path, and strength for each day.

Praise is a duty. A sacrifice, and it also lifts your spirit into heavenly
places where God can talk to you one on one, and reveal
to you His love, forgiveness, healing and restoration.

Love always
millie

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I Thank God for My Shoes - They Fit

I woke up one day and I realized that there were many things about my life I was not satisfied with or better still, there were challenges that were threatening my soul. And I said to myself, "Why should anyone envy me and
want to be in my shoes." They don't know how far I've come, they don't know what lies ahead of me, and neither do they know how dissatisfied I get with myself from time to time.

People don't know the troubles that you've had or the price you had to get to where you are. All they want to know is that they wish they were like you.

Why should you wish you were in anybody's shoes when you hardly know how they fit?

When you've worn your shoes for a while, they take the shape of your feet and align to the way you walk.

If you were to wear my shoes, you will not be comfortable in them.

So I stopped wishing that I am in someone else shoes because it might not fit; rather I thank God for my shoes, because they fit!

Lord I thank you for my shoes, for they fit ME!!




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list or soliciting your mail, it is never through me)









When you reach the end of your rope
you will find the hem of His garment.

I have often felt that many things that bring us to our knees,
teach us while we are down there to learn to pray.





These possibilities are open to everyone.
Don't tell God you are not good enough, do what He asks.
Don't tell God to send someone else, He asked you.
Don't tell God you don't have time to pray, He said seek me first.
Don't neglect the things of God. He said we are to
pick up His cross daily and follow Him.
Don't tell God anything is bigger than His ability.
God is the Great I Am, I am whatever you need.

There is no pit so deep, God's love is not deeper still.

Not my will but thine oh Lord.

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Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God
X EVEN WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE HIM...GOD IS THERE! O
(run your mouse across the x to zero and highlight it )

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Fruit Picking

Good Morning Everyone,

A dear friend sent me this little devotion this week,
and I enjoyed reading it and wanted to share it with you.

Often when I am in chats someone who is really angry
will say, well we can judge people by their fruits,
and your fruit stinks. Usually the person saying it
has little control over their anger at the time and is
judging rather than looking through the eyes of Christ.

I am reminded how utterly flawed we all are, imperfect
on our best day. God is the fruit judger.. He sees
the truth about us all. While it may be true some
lights for Christ shine brighter than others, I cannot
imagine telling someone they have stinky fruit inspires
anyone to a greater and higher walk with Christ.

Indeed those hateful kinds of statements chase more
people out of church than draw them in.

Are you a fruit picker? Stop it. Work on your own fruit,
and pray for those who lack it. It works far better in the long
run for all of us. Let God be true and every man a liar.
For none of us know the full truth about anyone. And all
of us have room to grow and change and things we need
forgiveness for.

Just be a light.

Love
millie

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace to the hearers.
Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you with all malice;
And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has
forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:29, 31,32
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Is Life Just a Bowl of Cherries? - November 15, 2007

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law." Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

Have you ever thought of yourself as a piece of fruit? Now, stop
laughing and really think about it. In Gods eyes, we're just one big,
gigantic fruit bowl!

Paul speaks of the Fruit of the Spirit in the book of Galatians. He
makes it very clear that all of these great gifts of the Spirit are
pulled together to be just one Fruit, not individual section or
slices. In essence, you have all of them working in YOU at the same
time, none better than the other, they are given specifically to work
together always, in our hearts and in our lives.

So, what kind of fruit are you? I picture this huge, perfectly ripe
bowl of fruit laid out on a banquet table before our God. Each fruit
represents something very special. Lets revisit the Fruit above and
apply it to the abundance of goodness He gives us each day.

Love: Think of cherries; a whole bowlful of them, bursting with
luscious color and showing whole lot of love as each one is enjoyed.

Peace: How about a banana? When its perfectly ripe, it tastes so
wonderful and can bring a smile of peace and contentment to the
sourest of hearts.

Joy: Grapes! Lots and lots of grapes. An abundance of them, each
sweeter than the next, filled with joy. They come in many colors and
variety, just like the many joys in our own lives.

Patience: A huge watermelon; just think of how long it takes to grow
one and the reward when it is finally done growing. All of that
patience is worth waiting for!

Gentleness: Sweet Georgia Peaches here. On the outside they are a
little fuzzy and soft, and the inside is just as sweet and filled
with lots of tender flavor, gentle on the tatsebuds.

Kindness: Lets bring in a Kiwi, shall we? A funny little fruit, and
even though it is small, it packs a powerful taste; sort of how an
act of kindness does, especially when unexpected.

Self Control: A bright orange comes to mind. Think of how you sit and
peel, and peel, and peel the outside to finally receive the burst of
color and juiciness on the inside. This can be the most difficult
fruit of all to eat, but it's worth every second of waiting and self
control for the skin to be peeled away to receive the gift that awaits you.

Goodness: One of my favorites: Mango! When it's ripe with perfection,
you can just open it up and scoop out all of the goodness that awaits
you; luscious and filled with just a little tang.

Faithfulness: Couldn't resist throwing this one in: an apple. No
matter what the condition, it will grow. No matter how old or new the
tree, apples still grow. They grow strong and sturdy and are always
faithful to reproduce more apples year after year. Faith should
always continue on, no matter what the circumstances.

As you can see, there are no lemons or persimmons in this bunch. Each
fruit takes its own time to grow to perfection and the abundance,
flavors and taste can satisfy everyone. Fruit can only grow with
light and water provided from our Maker above. Prayer is needed to
make it complete and praise is offered when it is ready to be received.

God is our gardener and our bodies are the clay bowls He fashions in
which to serve His Fruit of the Spirit every day!

So, again I ask, what kind of fruit are you?

Contributed by Diane Check

What Is The Right Way?

copyright Millie Plastaras 11/18/07

For I am determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

The world pulls us a variety of different ways.
One person is sure that financial gain is the way to go,
earn, save and invest. One person is sure real estate
is the way to go, buy, sell, make profits. One person
is sure that education will solve all the worlds problems,
and spends their life promoting that.

The Bible says that every man thinks He is right
in his own eyes, but the Lord searches the heart.

How can we know the right way?
Is it a specific church? It is a specific teaching? Is it a
specific lifestyle or mind set? How can we, being human
and not fully understanding all there is to know discern what
is right?

For I am determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

It starts here. Right at the cross of Christ. Where we
find that we are all sinners, and all need to repent of those sins.
True repentance is recognizing our sinful and willful and
rebellious nature against God. We then confess those sins,
repent of them, turn away from them and turn to God.
We ask him to forgive us of those sins, and come into our
hearts and spirit and make us new in Him. To make Jesus
Lord of our lives, ruling and reigning in our spirit.

This is where being right starts.

Many distractions come along the way. We hear many
teachings and many doctrines, and many different ways to go,
but without that atoning shed blood of Jesus on the cross,
and our repentance of our sins, we cannot ever be right before
God. And therefore our thinking will not be right with God, or
in many other areas.

I can hear some laughing and saying, I am doing just fine without
God, look at all I have accomplished, look at all I have gained.
I am rich beyond imagination and you tell me my thinking is not
right? Can you accomplish what I have?

For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world yet
lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

If our soul is not turned towards God, and being a disciple
of Jesus Christ and if we have not repented of our sins,
there is no profit to this life. The only thing that will
stand eternally is how we treat others and what we have done for
God. 100 years from now, no one will remember how clean
you kept your house, how much money you earned,
how many things you did, but God will remember, and
He will reward us accordingly.

This being said, it reminds us daily our first focus
has to be on how to please God, and what He would have us do.

Our prayer should be:
Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew and steadfast
and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,
and He ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21

You see, nothing is hidden to God. What we have here
is a absolute accountability to God, where nothing we do
is hidden. He knows what you did yesterday, will see what
you do tomorrow, and knows all your past, your failures,
your successes, he knows you better than anyone ever will.

How then can we stand right before such a observant God?

By seeking Him first. By making Him first in our lives.
By surrendering to His will and seeking what He would
have us do daily. And then by following the concepts Jesus
taught, and the teachings throughout the Holy Bible.
Reading them, and applying them. Not just reading them
because we want to feel better or have the appearance
of being religious. But having a actual spiritual revival
in our hearts, a change, a determined, deliberate walk
with Christ.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, my strength and my
redeemer. Psalm 19:14

How?

Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105

By truly walking with God daily, by spending time praising Him,
by spending time talking to Him and by renewing our mind
with His precious word, that our spirit may be full of his
eternal and abiding concepts that clean, renew, forgive,
transform and heal.

This is a challenging devotion. I pray that you will print it out
and read it, and think daily. God create in me a right heart.
And focus first on Jesus Christ, him crucified and risen the
third day. He must increase, but we must decrease.

My love to you all,
millie

Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last

Hope In God, Keep Your Eyes On Him

Good Morning Everyone,

I truly believe that one of the most important things for
a Christian is never to lose hope. No matter what
circumstances come our way, no matter who hurts
us, no matter what illness hits, or what tragedy,
we never take our hands out of the Father's or
our face turned away from His.

We find He is the source of our strength:

God will strengthen you with His own GREAT power
so that you will not give up when troubles come,
but you will be patient. And you will joyfully give thanks
to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all
that He has prepared for His people in the kingdom of Light.
Colossians 1:11-12

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power
to those who are weak. Even children become tired and
need to rest, and the young people trip and fall.
But the people who trust in the Lord will become
strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky,
they will run and not need rest, they will walk and
not become tired.
Isaiah 40:29-31

You see, the secret to hope is peace, resting in God's ability,
and relying on it, clinging to it, and resting in it. Not letting
anything steal that from your mind, heart or grip.

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking,
because you were all called together in one body to
have peace. Always be thankful!
Colossians 3:15

I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only
you keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8

When something happens and you are afraid,
when someone dies or leaves and you feel alone and deserted,
when you find illness taking over your days, and you become
weary with the trials of life, you run to your Father God,
and let him restore your soul. You cry out, tell Him all
your troubles, and let him speak to you. Turn on
praise music, let that beautiful praise penetrate your
spirit and your thinking and lift your heart to a higher
plane of thinking.. out of the gloomies into the possibilities
of God working in your situation.

So even if you feel blind, even if you feel life is out of
control, even if you feel lost, even if you feel utterly alone,
there is no pit so deep, no storm so big, no tragedy so harsh
that God's love and strength and ability is not greater still.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God
for everything you need, always giving thanks.
And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand
it, will KEEP your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

So if you feel yourself getting run down or weak spiritually,
you will know you have not spent enough time alone with God,
and you have not filled your spirit up with God's word
to rebuild your faith, and you will know you have allowed
your spirit to become drained, and weary. Time to close
in with God. Never forget these symptoms.
Weariness, defeat, loneliness, overwhelmed feelings,
time to run to God.

love always
millie

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BUT WE SEE JESUS
BY Annie Johnson Flint

I don't look back, God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets,
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And mercifully forgives, and then forgets.

I don't look forward, God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long will lead me home,
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.

But I look up -- into the face of Jesus
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled,
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled.

Copyright Annie Johnson Flint.
Please respect her by not removing her name
from this precious poem





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JUST UP THE ROAD

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where he is trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom He places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.

Author Unknown



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The Highest Calling

copyright Millie Plastaras 11/09/07

Good Morning Everyone,

I came across this verse again this morning,
and as I read it, I thought about the implications of it,
and I wanted to discuss it with you.

Then he called the crowd to him, along with His
disciples and said: "If anyone would come after Me
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. For what
good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his
own soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous
and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of
him, when he comes in His Father's glory with the holy
angels. Mark 8:34-38

My dear friends, what is the implication of these sayings to us.

First, I have to say it is talking about denying ourselves. Not
dwelling on ourselves. How many can claim to do that even
to a small degree? It is very uncommon. People are too
caught up in THEIR wants and THEIR needs, and THEIR
problems. They have little time for God. If a man or woman
cannot dedicate time to God daily for prayer or reading His
word, how then can he be a disciple in any way?

We have to lay aside our desires and seek to follow Him.
We pick up our cross daily and follow Him. What does this mean?
It means a willingness to submit to God, set our own will aside
and follow Him even if it means to the death. That our life
is wholly dedicated and surrendered. Absolute surrender.

This is a high calling indeed.

What does it mean if someone wants to save his life He will lose it?
It means if someone is so caught up in themselves they cannot
take time for God, and they deny Jesus, they lose their soul over it.
But if one becomes a disciple of Jesus and dedicates their life
to Him, their soul gains eternal life through the precious blood
atonement of Jesus Christ.

What profit is there if a man gets everything he wants in life
and denies God? He cannot take a uhaul into eternity with him.
All his possessions, all he worked for in his lifetime goes to
someone else. What stands the test of eternity? A life surrendered
to Christ.

How many of you can truly say today.. that you are a disciple.
Not just one who goes to church, and knows the right words to say.
But one who sets aside their own selfish desires and looks to the
needs of others. One who sets aside time for God daily, and
one who is dedicated to God's word.

I see many people online fighting over God's word, fighting
about works, and fighting about churches. Is there time left for God?
What is it about? Is it about your church, or your doctrine, or is
it about Jesus Christ, him crucified and risen the third day,
and the decision we must make to repent of our sins, and make
Him Lord and Savior of our life?

If we do not get this right, nothing else in our spiritual life will be
right. Jesus said you must be born again. How? By his blood
sacrifice for your sins. Who else loved you enough to die for you?
Who else could bear our filthy sins upon the cross, and take all
of that upon himself for us?

How could we then freshly crucify him by not truly walking the
walk and talking the talk. Not just lip service, not just church
attendance, not just Bible knowledge, but a life surrendered
to Christ. Never ashamed, never seeking one's own desires
but saying first thing daily, God what would you have me to do?

Can you live this calling? You can if you get on your knees
each day and ask for God's help. And if you make a mistake,
or don't live up to it one day, ask forgiveness, and start again.
Pursue Godliness, leave that behind which is worldly.

This is a sign of a disciple.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13:34-35

So then we have learned today that we are a disciple,if we deny ourselves and follow Christ, and if we love others as Christ loved us. A lesson for us all.

Fighting Fear With Faith

Copyright Millie Plastaras 11/7/2007

He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7

Good Morning Everyone,

Do any of you ever fight a battle with fear?

I do. I fight it when I cannot get my breath.
Sometimes during the night my oxygen gets too low
I wake up and the world is fuzzy and I find myself
struggling for air. Its a very easy thing to fall into a
habit of letting fear walk in and set up shop.

I find myself controlled by it, and it is literally a battle
to overcome that spirit of fear, which is exactly what it is.
A spirit that wants to draw you away from God and make
you fear everything happening in your life and in the world.

The world situation breeds fear. If you watch
cable news any length of time, you would be hard pressed
to find a positive, uplifting story that gave you hope
the world might get better. The news thrives on bad news,
scandals, and wars and rumors of wars. If we allowed
that to be our thought life and focus, it drains us, and does
not inspire hope or even restore our belief that things
will always work out well.

What does one do to fight fear? I think first of all,
we have to literally recognize it is a spiritual battle, and
a mental battle. That being said, we have to fight it
with spiritual weapons and weapons that make our mind
stronger.

Self discipline comes to mind. We cannot just cave
into things just because they are trying to rule our thinking
We have the power to fight back spiritually and
mentally.

When your spirit gets drained and weary, where do you go
to fill it up? What do you do to restore your hope, your thinking?
What do you do to feel better about your situation, or about
things you see happening that make life seem out of control?

We HAVE to read the word of God. If you sit down for a few minutes
each morning, before you start your day, and read the word, you
will literally feel it restoring your spirit. You can feel the courage
and hope it brings. Because God is greater than any problems
the world can throw our way. God saw our yesterday, He sees
our tomorrow, and He is the only one that can do anything about
most situations.

When your spirit is empty, you have to refill it.
Don't fill it with hopeless things, fill it with the word of God.

You HAVE to spend time talking to God. He has things
to tell you, and He will give you strength for all situations,
and restore your hope. Hope restored, strengthens our faith.
He has the answers you need!

When fear comes in faith walks out.
When We plant God's word in our heart, faith comes back in.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God.

You have to build your faith. One verse at a time, one
building block at a time, one day at a time.

Fight your fear with faith.
When faith comes in fear cannot stay, it runs!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love,
power and a sound mind.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

We can discipline our own minds. We can choose to fight the
fear and speak God's word out loud to it. We can say,
I am not going to fear, talk to my heavenly Father, He
is in charge, and He is guarding me, and protecting me
from all harm and evil. I am not going to allow you in my
mind, in my thinking, in my heart, you have no place,
I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ.

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Isaiah 41:13

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help
in the time of trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you,
not as the world gives, give I unto you, let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

Let me ask you this? Do you want fear to be in your life?
Do you want it ruling your spirit and robbing you of your
joy and hope? Does it feel good? Does it enhance your life?

Let us join together in prayer and fight the good fight of faith.

Father God, today many of us are facing situations we don't
have answers to. And we feel hopeless, and depleted. Some
of us feel depressed, some need comfort, all need peace.
We need you Father God to restore our souls. To help us
keep our eyes on you and not our situation on the world.

Give us a spirit of joy inspite of our circumstances.
Help us to rise above them through the power of prayer,
and the word of God planted and rooted in our spirit
restoring our hope in Your Ability and Strength.

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Father God, forgive us for doubting you. For straying
from our focus on you. Forgive us for trying to control
everything, and then falling apart when we realize we cannot.

Give us strength for the day,
Light for the way,
Hope for each situation,
and abide with us. Help us feel your presence,
and even when we do not, we know you are there.

You said you would never leave us or forsake us.
We cling to that, and we hope in that, and we rely on that.
And God, thank you for loving us even though we are flawed,
or get frightened, or don't discipline our minds and hearts
as we should spiritually. You know we are just children sometimes,
and need a Father to set us straight.

Remind us oh Lord, that you love us and have plans for us,
for a future and a hope, and no one can stop your plans.
You are God and there is no greater.

We give you all the glory and honor and we rest
in you today Father and look to you as the author
and finisher of our faith. Fully able to perform what
you started in us, and to give us all the tools and
weapons we need for all the battles ahead. And
when we get too weary, we know we can run into your arms.
And find safety, security and restoration there.

We take a stand in Jesus name against the spirit of
fear and we discipline our minds in your word and with
your spiritual weapons.. and nothing that comes
against us will prosper.

In Jesus Precious Name We Pray
amen.

No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17

Are You Really Happy?

Are You Really Happy?
Copyright Millie Plastaras 11/4/2007


Good Morning Everyone,

A recent survey was taken of a cross section of people and 70
percent of the people who were asked if they were happy
said they were not. My guess is that those who said
they were not happy, also do not feel much peace.

One of the reasons behind the answers was that
people were too busy either watching tv, on the internet too much,
or did not have close interpersonal relationships they found
trustworthy and enjoyable. Truth be told, most people
don't have either the time or the inclination to do what
it takes to invest in long term friendships.

People were also fearful about the world, its events
so easily seen on the news networks, which offer no
hope or solution but constant bombardment of the
problems of the world. Creating a sense of insecurity
and hopelessness in people.

All this together means people are less connected,
feeling more lonely, more unhappy, and less satisfied,
and often more fearful.

What do they do to fill those gaps? Everything you can imagine.
From planning great vacations, to doing recreational drugs,
to drinking alcohol, sex, pornography, overspending money
they do not have, shopping for things that do not satisfy more than
temporarily. At the end of the day, they are no more
happy than they were the day before.

People spend more time thinking about how to satisfy
themselves than they do how to love others or please God.

This is the greatest problem. Selfishness. Me, me, me.
My rights, my life, my choices. No one can stop me, I owe
no one nothing, I can do as I choose and there are no
consequences. At the end of the day when everyone
has claimed their rights and everyone has done their
thing, I want to see a show of hands who feels better?

Happiness comes from several things.
It is a mental choice. It is how we choose to view the world and
face it with our emotions and mental abilities.
Happiness comes from giving not for looking out for what you can get.
Happiness comes from a life that is open to friends, to time
with friends, and that is invested in not only enjoying others
but making others happy also.

What does the Bible say?

I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live
when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at
any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat,
and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and
when I do not have enough. I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13

Paul had learned the secret of internal happiness. Learning
to be content with what you have. Learning to look on the
bright side. Learning to find peace in your situation because
you trust in God, not in men, not in possessions, not in
what you can accumulate, or activities you can do, but in
God.

Mankind cannot be happy without God. We have a place
within our hearts nothing else can satisfy. Look around you.
Look at what you see people doing to try to be happy.
Look how many people are in huge debt now because
they find the instant gratification of shopping a momentary
happiness ... until the bills start rolling in.

What are you doing today to satisfy your soul?
How are you viewing your situation? What are you going to do about
it? Each of us have different problems, different things to deal with,
but we all have the same choice on what to do with them.

We cast our burdens on the Lord. We do what we can to make
the best of our situation and we leave the rest in His hands
and we learn to be content with what we have.

Why spend your money on something that is not real food?
Why work for something that doesn't really satisfy you?
Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good;
your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.
Isaiah 55:2

Those who want to do right more than anything else
are happy, because God will fully satisfy them.
Matthew 5:6

Even lions may get weak and hungry, but those who
look to the Lord will have every good thing.
Psalm 34:10

The greatest happiness can be found in the arms of God.
It is blanket security. Something you cannot find from
any other source. No one person can satisfy all our needs,
it is impossible, and it isn't their job. We cannot make ourselves
happy if we choose not to. Circumstances should not be
controlling our thinking and our spirit and our outlook.

If we are living a life of faith, we should be faithful to that faith.

Jesus said:
Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me.
John 14:1

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything
you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace which is so
great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Let the peace that Christ gives CONTROL your thinking,
because you were all called together in ONE body to
have peace. Always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

You Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you,
because they trust IN you.
Isaiah 26:3

My friends, you have a choice today.. which sounds best?
A life of faith or a life of fear?
A life trusting God or a life trying to control it all yourself?
A life full of possessions that never satisfy, or learning to
share what you have and enjoying how it makes life more satisfying?

What kind of world are you creating around you with your attitude and
mindset? Do people see you as having a life of faith? Do they see
Jesus in your actions, deeds and when you have problems do they see
faith in your heart and how you handle your problems?

A man comes and goes, his ways and words recorded,
and God will reward each person according to what
they say and do.

Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.

love always
millie

ps. Share what you have with others, do not seek possessions
more than you do to love others. Seek a life that satisfies,
not one that is self seeking. But one that lives a life of faith
and love towards others. This is true religion and practical
religion, to love one another and give the best of what we
have to God and others.