Our Father Knows What Is Best

Good Morning Everyone,

Some of life's lessons can be very difficult.
People react differently to the same trials,
and it is often a study in psychology to see
how they work their way through it. Spiritually
we can learn from the journey of others.

Recently in a chat room, I was discussing
what suffering taught us. Some one wanted
me to clarify about suffering, they didn't get
where I would come up with such a concept.

I told them that suffering reminded us we
we're not in control. Suffering reminds us our
life will not be forever. Suffering reminds us that
our Lord Jesus must be our focus daily so
we can infuse our spirit with his strength, his hope,
his resurrecting power within us.

How do I know? For the last few years,
my health has changed dramatically. I am in
constant pain, and the level has increased to
such a degree it has become a challenge
not to let it get me down. Then my breathing
became more difficult because of copd.
This week after many tests on both my lungs
and spine, I got the diagnosis back. It seemed
rather grim, and could easily have made
me depressed, or want to give up. I chose
not to follow the path of defeat.

So ... what do we do with these things? Do
they control us? Someplace along the line
no matter how bad my day is, I had to make
a decision that I would not let my illness
rule my thinking. That I would find the
good in each day and focus on it. That I
would have a spirit of thankfulness for what I
do have and not what I do not have.

Now.. I have gone to stage 2. I want
to ask those of you who know how to
do spiritual warfare, to write to me personally,
and agree with me in prayer. You see, I am
seeking healing. I have seen it happen
and I know God is still able. I have work to
do for him, and I need his help to do it.

I know God is able to provide me the health
for the tasks He has set aside for me to accomplish
for His kingdom.

My friends, no matter what battle you fight,
whether it is devastating physically, emotionally,
or psychologically. God is greater than your
problems. He created all things, he understands
how they work. He knows your mind, your past,
he has seen every tear you have shed.

Take your burdens to the Lord and leave
them there. And whatever state you find yourself
in, learn to be content as Paul taught. Your
sufficiency is of Christ, not of your own strength.
Rely on, trust in, cling to Him, for He alone
has the power to strengthen, hold you up,
deliver you, and make you well. And if in this
life you have to suffer, let the glory be to
God who gave His precious son who suffered
greatly, sacrificed, and gave himself for us, when we
were so utterly unworthy.

He gave His all for us, how then can we
do less for Him?

For I consider that the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

What then shall we say to these things? If God
is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him
also freely give us all things?
Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine or nakedness or peril, or sword?
Yet in all these things we are MORE than
conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8: 32,35,37

My friends, we can make it. WE can win
this battle, it takes praying together,
fighting the good fight of faith. Forgetting
about nagging doubts, laying aside useless
worry and focusing on the attributes and
abilities of God.

Emptying ourselves out before Him, and
allowing Him to rule and reign in us so that
we may be pleasing to Him, and overcomers
of this world. Never give up my friends,
God will not leave you or forsake you.

Love
millie

ps.. please those of you that know how
to do spiritual warfare, and are willing to
interceed, please write to me.



Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain.

We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.

Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow.
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us with tomorrow.

For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of a chisel
Gives the marble grace and form.

God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us
Is followed by rich gain.

And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament,

For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain.

So whenever we are troubled
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirits strong.



Helen Steiner Rice

The Truth About Faithfulness - Can You Face It?

Is There Any Faithful?

My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land. That they may
dwell with me, He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.
He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
Psalm 101:6-7

Is there any faithful among you? Let He who is faithful
not grow weary in well doing, but consecrate himself
to me daily. For I am God, thy Father, my anointing
dwells upon you, do not neglect the things of my house.
I have called you by name, and watch to see if you do
the work which I have given unto your hands.

Is there any that would leave the world behind, to leave
their possessions, their money their families and follow me
to the work I have called them to?

Is there any that follows me and does not depart from me?
Is there any that are faithful to my word and do not depart
from It's wisdom?

Is there any that seeks good and does not evil?

Can you not tarry a night with me in prayer?
Why have you not sought me? Why have you walked
away to pleasures that do not please me, and why have
you left your first love?

I have looked upon the hearts of men, I know the intentions
of your heart. I see beyond your words, I see beyond your
actions, I know the intent of your heart. There is nothing hidden
to me.

Rise up, repent of your wicked ways, return to me, and I will
heal you and your land. Repent of the times you turned from
me and turned to the lust of your eyes, the lust of the flesh,
the greediness of this world. Repent of the faithlessness to
me, where you doubted me everyday and walked in
sorrow rather than in my anointing.

Repent and turn again to me and I will restore all that
satan has stolen. I will restore that which is lost,
and I will lead you into the paths
of righteousness. I restore to you the hope that comes
from the anointing presence of the Holy Spirit.

Walk in my light, let me
renew a right spirit in you. My word and My
presence shall not fail you but shall accomplish whatever
I choose. I am the Lord Thy God and there is none
beside me.

Leave all you have, follow me quickly, the world is lost
and dying, the time is short, I am calling you by name
into a life of holiness. I am calling you apart.

Do not be conformed to the world, be transformed by
the renewing of your mind that you may prove what
is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Do not turn to the right or left.. Do not wait to say long
good-byes, go forth, do as I bid you. There are lost and dying,
there are those that are crying for healing. Go out in my
anointing lay hands on the sick and they shall be healed.
Go out among the lost and the weary, tell them the
good news of Jesus Christ, tell them I love them, and will
forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

If the faithless do not return to me, I will raise a generation
who will follow me and be faithful, I can even make the rocks
cry out that I am king of Kings and Lord of Lords.. I will
lift up those who follow me and destroy those who come
against me. I am the Lord thy God, and I will send my
word forth, and it will accomplish my will, and nothing
can stop it. I am Jehovah, I have spoken, receive my
words.. and seek me, that you may find peace and
rest for your soul and restoration for the things the wicked
has stolen from your life. I will not fail nor shall any defeat me.

Whatever I call into being is declared and forever sealed.
I am Jehovah God, the great I Am, nothing is impossible to me.

Is there any that will hear my calling and follow me?
Is there any that have heard my voice and follow me?
Let him take up his cross daily and follow me, and let
nothing prevail except for my will, and I shall bless you
and you shall enter into my peace.

I am the Lord thy God, I know thy needs, I have seen the tears
of thy heart, and I will return to you those things that you have lost, things which you cried for in the night hours. I shall cause those things to prosper which please me and prosper you, and lift my kingdom. But you must return
to me what you have withheld, and you must not dwell
in deceit, I know your heart, you must give all to me.

Let me raise you into heavenly places, let me be your
sufficiency, your hope, your Savior. Let me dwell in
your house, in your spirit and in your thinking. Let me
be the King of your heart. Let nothing come between me
and thee. For all I am, is sufficient for all you need.
Trust and do not be afraid, I have not forgotten you my child.
I will lead you into the land of promise, Hold my hand
and let us go forth together and accomplish my will.

The Spirit and the Lord say come and all the earth
is shaken, and the ones who are faithful are drawn out
and those who are not turn away unto their sins, and
depart from the presence of God.

Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself,
The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and
shall not return. That to me every knee shall bow.
Isaiah 45:22-23

Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him
while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let Him return to
the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him. And to
our God for He will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7


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

Knowing Where To Turn

Good Morning Everyone,

This is the day the Lord has made, I will
rejoice and be glad in it.

David wrote many lovely Psalms.
Many of them were heart wrenching and agonizing,
he was suffering, often questioning the suffering,
and trying to come to terms with it.
Many were full of glorious praise to God,
extolling the benefits and attributes of a Holy,
powerful, loving God.
Some of the Psalms were repentance for
David (like the rest of us) was at times a wretched
sinner and often failed.

But... David recognized that, and it changed the
way he looked at things. He recognized
he had fallen, but could be forgiven. And he
recognized his poverty of spirit and resolved to
do something about it.

That was the secret of David's success,
and why God said David was a man after
God's own heart. David knew God was his source,
and even if he failed, he always repented and returned.

He looked God in the eyes and said, forgive me
Father, and sought God constantly.

Do you? Who is in control? Are you?
Where are you driving yourself to? Will you be
happy there?

My friends, no matter where you are today,
what you are going through, what losses or grief
you have suffered, no matter your situation,
you are never alone. You are never without
resources or hope. There is one who loves
you beyond reason. Someone who cares for
you even on the days you are unlovely.

The secret is, we must turn to him, repent
and seek His ways above our own.
God knows what is best, he saw our yesterday,
He sees tomorrow, He knows what is perfect
and needful for each of us.

And he looks past your faults to your needs.

Oh, if only we had that heart for each other.
And could recognize the flaws, but just go pray for
those who are hurting, lonely, lost, gone astray.

Oh to have a heart that cries out to God,
redeem me, forgive me, use me, I surrender all.

Seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you
seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
When you are in distress, and all these things
come upon you in the latter days, when you
turn to the Lord God and obey His voice.
For the Lord God is a merciful God; He will not
forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the
covenant of your fathers which he swore to them.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31

God is a promise keeper. Are you?
Who are you really serving today? How will that
work for you eternally?

Never forget what my dad taught me,
it is forever embedded in my spirit.

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

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

love
millie


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Below is a poem from a book my dad gave me in the
summer of 1975. It is a reminder not only of his
life well lived, and laid open before Christ, but
of my strong desire to follow his leading and make
Christ my daily focus. For a life without Christ,
is a life without hope. He is our only source of hope,
strength and wisdom, all else will fail.

But God.

I know not, but God knows,
Oh, blessed rest from fear!
All my unfolding days
To Him are plain and clear.
Each anxious, puzzled "why?"
From doubt or dread that grows,
Finds answer in this thought;
I know not, but HE knows!


I cannot, but God can;
Oh, balm for all my care!
The burden that I drop
His hand will lift and bear.
Though eagle pinions tire,
I walk where once I ran,
This is my strength to know
I cannot, but He can!

I see not, but God sees;
Oh, all sufficient light!
My dark and hidden way
To Him is always bright.
My strained and peering eyes
May close in restful ease,
And I in peace may sleep;
I see not, but He sees!

Written By Annie Johnson Flint

A Clear and Right Focused Vision

Good Morning Everyone,

Several years ago, God really dealt with my heart
about a specific concept, as He always does.  I think
we should always be in a state of spiritual growth.
That comes from time spent in His presence,
asking God to show you what you need to correct or
change, and what He would have you to do.

God reminded me at that time to notice what I was
focusing on.  I even wrote down what my main
focuses were each day, and putting them on paper
organized my thinking unbelievably.

I found I was focusing on a lot of negative things.
Those were clouding my vision.  I was allowing them
to rule my spirit and thinking.  They were affecting
my moods, mindset, and relationships.

It had to become a mental choice for me to do otherwise.
And I chose to go a new way.  I chose to reorganize my
thinking and let God be my focus.

So even when hard times hit, I run to Him first.
And if someone hurts me, I run to him first.
If I need money (and that is often the case) I run to
Him, and trust him, I do not panic about it.
Whatever comes, I recognize HE is my SOURCE FIRST.

Peace is never underrated.  We need that.
When we have peace our minds work so much
more efficiently.  We are not caught up in the cares
of the world we are free from them.

Is this possible you ask?  Yes... take the word of
a former constant worrier, we can be free of this!!!
But it takes practice, dedication and a willingness to change.

I like to close in with God in prayer until the world fades out.
Until I feel that utter quiet in my spirit.  Till I can release
my worries, and just sit there quietly in His presence.
I spend the time telling him my concerns, even if they
are small, and then I tell Him how much I love Him,
and I ask Him to lead me.  My focus is on Him first
each morning.  That time is invaluable spiritually, it
will alter and refresh you before your day begins!

Then I like to fill up with the Word of God.  It is fuel for
my spiritual gas tank.  Without it life seems so much more
hopeless, dreary, hard, and sometimes frightening.

Lately, my husband and I have had a few challenges,
some of them spiritually, some financially, and many
physically.  If I allowed them to become my focus,
and it took my eyes off of God, off of hope, off of His
strength, off of His input and wisdom, I would feel
overwhelmed, and feel there were no answers.

People question God, why me?  I question God,
what would you have me do?  Teach me your ways
oh Lord.  This is what we need.  He will take care of
the rest. Just trust in, rely on, cling to, talk to and rest
in God, He can do the driving, you can do the things He is
calling you too, and let God be God.

Love,
millie

******************************************

The Lord is my shepherd (to feed, guide and shield me);
I shall not lack.

He makes me to lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He REFRESHES and RESTORES my life -- my self;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
(uprightness and right standing
with Him -- not for my earning it, but) for His names sake.
Yes, though I walk through the (deep, sunless) vally of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil; for
YOU are with me; Your rod (to protect) and
Your staff (to guide), they COMFORT me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies (wow, what protection)
You anoint my head with oil; my (brimming) cup
runs over!

Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love,
shall follow me all the days of my life; and
through the length of days the house of the Lord
(and His Holy presence) shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 23 (Amplified Version)


***********************************************



See My Eyes?
Author: Lillian Hinds

My mother was lots of fun and often teased and played with my brothers and me. And there were times when we weren't quite sure whether she was just teasing or really serious.

When she would give us "the look" and say, "See my eyes?" then we would know she was serious!

Mother played the organ at church and the three of us kids sat on the front row. Since Daddy was preaching, he could not discipline us or really pay attention to us during the service. But like most women, my mother could do several things at one time, especially when it came to her children.

She would glance at us there on the front row, and if we were not behaving in church, we would get that "See my eyes?" look and know that this matter would be taken care of when we got home. I immediately straightened up!

No matter what was going on during the service--whether I was listening or singing, shaking hands or passing the offering plate--my eyes often wandered back to my mother to see if everything was okay.

And it so happens that this is all, that God wants from us. To keep our eyes on him.

"But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute." Psalm 141:8

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Over my lifetime, like most everyone, I've had hard times, frustrating times, times when I had no idea what to do next. What to say, how to act, where to turn. Sometimes I didn't even know what to pray.

My mother taught me that if I kept my eyes on her, I wouldn't get in trouble in church. And she also taught me that if I kept my eyes on Jesus, he would be my refuge so that I wouldn't "grow weary or lose heart."

No matter what else is going on around you ... whether you're in the middle of a terrible storm or everything is running smoothly ... whether you are sitting or standing, singing or listening, crying or laughing ... fix your eyes on Jesus so you will not grow weary or lose heart.

Always be where you can "see His eyes."


"Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" - Mark 8:18

The Pick And Choose Bible

copyright Millie Plastaras 10/31/04

The Pick and Choose Bible

ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16

As I visit chat rooms on the internet or converse with people
that write in, I see a growing tendency and mindset to
change God's word to suit people's sensibilities or lifestyle.
People want to make God into who they feel comfortable with,
rather than accepting Him for who He is and thereby
striving to please Him by being in line with His word.

Let us look at some examples.

I meet people who say that there is no virgin birth.
They say this, so they can deny the sonship of Jesus Christ.
If they deny that Jesus is the son of God, and holy in
everyway.. they do not see the need for personal salvation.
Yet the word tells us: In Isaiah it was prophesied

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and the government will be upon his shoulder, and His
name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God,
everlasting Father, the prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6
This verse was predicting the child (messiah) that would
be born to reign forever.
Jesus had the power to forgive sins. In each of the gospels
he, when He lays hands upon people says thy sins are forgiven thee. Only God can forgive sins.
Jesus was one with his Father.

Jesus said in John 8:58: Jesus said unto them,
"Most assuredly, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM.

In other words, He was without beginning the ever present one. God in the flesh.

So for those who want to deny the virgin birth.. they deny
the sonship of God, who came to take away the sins of the
world. Until people accept the virgin birth, the sonship of
God, and his gift of salvation, they cannot enter the kingdom
of God.

In 1 John 1:7-9 it says: But if we walk in the light as He is in
the light, we have fellowship with one another and the BLOOD
of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of all
sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Truth is, once we become Christians we are to be separate
from this world. We are called by God to live a life of
righteousness and holiness. This is something that takes
surrender of our will, and seeking His will. It is reading His
word and learning how to live as Christ calls. We must
leave the love of the world behind, we have a new
mindset, new habits, that are pleasing to God.

How long since you heard the word holy?
Or Sin?
Or Hell?

Why not?
Because people are changing the Bible to what
fits them, not what God says.

Do not love the world or the things in this world. If anyone
loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15

A lot of people don't want to hear that. Because they
want to do this sin, or that sin, so they find reasons
to justify it, and deny God entry into that part of their lives.
But the word tells us if we are guilty of one sin, we are guilty of
all. For whoever shall keep the whole law yet stumble in
one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10

Some people get the mistaken idea that once we become
a Christian, we don't need to do anything else. Yes, we do,
we learn little by little to surrender parts of our thinking, our
lives, our habits, and grow in Christ daily. We do sin after
we become Christians, we are all flawed, that is why Jesus
came. But he said if we confess our sins he is faithful and
just to forgive sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Let me tell you the most important thing of all.
If you change the gospel to suit your thinking or your
lifestyle.. it is a curse unto you. But even if we or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what
we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8

God left His Holy Book as a guidebook to us. It will outlive
us all. It is never changing. We are accountable unto the
Lord for the words spoken in His word.
John 1:1. In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word, our guidebook from God,
then teaches us how to live and
find salvation in Christ. It is alive and powerful because the word is God. The neglect of it is spiritual death.

There is no feel good religion that will save. Only by
the blood of the lamb, the confession and repentance
of our sins, and by following Jesus Christ, can we be redeemed.

Once we receive that salvation, we must leave the world
behind, and live by God's standards ... no longer the
standards of a lost and dying world.

Remember it is God that is the Author and Finisher
of Our Faith,
It is He who makes the rules.
We are the child, the servant, the sheep of His pasture.

We are to pick up the cross daily and follow Him,
not tell Him what to do!


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

The Power to Hurt or Heal

Good Morning Everyone,

Did you know you have great power within your hands?

You do. You have the power to bless or hurt with your hands.

A touch upon the back of someone in need, a whispered
prayer can revive a broken spirit and bring hope.

A hug for those who never get affection can lift a person's
spirit until they want to get up and live ... and do things again.

If you go up to a person who is looking sad, distraught, or
depressed, and lay your hands on their shoulder, and say
I do not know what you are going through, and I may not
have the answers for you, but I know the God who does,
and I will be praying for you today. Wow ... what a powerful
impact that has on someone who is really hurting.

They think... wow... someone cares... about me?
Many people feel unworthy to be cared about... do you
realize what a wonderful impact someone showing
kindness to them can make?

My friends, there is power in one person reaching out
in love and taking time to bless someone else.

You can make a difference. Just do it.
Don't wait for someone to encourage you to do it,
the person in need, may need you right now.. not
when you feel like it. Just do it.

Do it in the name of Jesus, a cup of cold water
for the thirsty, a warm reminder of God's great love
and mercy towards us. Be His Hand extended!

love always
millie

Give and (gifts) will be given to you,
good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over will they pour into you. For with
the measure you deal out -- that is with the measure
you use when you give benefits to others -- it will
be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38

This not only means out giving of our finances to God,
but also of our time, love and whatever we have
within our hands and means to give.

When we give out, we have room left to receive back.
If our cup is always full and we never empty it out to
share, we have no room to receive, we have become
greedy and self complacent. Don't ever allow yourself
to be that way. Take stock of your spiritual life daily
and renew yourself in Christ, for his honor and glory
and for the work he has for you to do.

****************************************

The Pit

A man fell into a pit and could not get out.

A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you,
down there."

An objective person came along and said, "It's logical
that someone would fall down there."

A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into a pit."

A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.

A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on his experience.

An IRS man asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.

A self-pitying person said, " You haven't seen anything
until you have seen my pit."

A faith healer said, "Just confess you are not in the pit."

An Optimist said, "Things could be worse."

A pessimist said, "Things will get worse."

Jesus seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted
him out of the pit.

Hallelujah.. The One who died for you and me.. cares
enough to lift us up daily. How very blessed we are!


***********************************


ONE SMILE can warm a heart
ONE PRAYER can reach God
ONE SERMON can change a life

ONE WORSHIP SONG can bring glory to God
ONE TITHE can open the doors of heaven
ONE FAST can break bondage

ONE GIFT can bless a friendship
ONE EXAMPLE can inspire a life
ONE coin as an ALMS can release hope

"One with God is a majority"

Billy Graham

Today is a Day The Lord Has Made

Good Morning Everyone,

Today is a day that the Lord has made,
I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I am truly loved, and valuable to God,
a child of the King. I am unique, a special
creation, my life is a gift.
I am protected by the army of God.

No weapon that is formed against me shall
prosper, this is the heritage of those
who love thy name.

Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose
mind is stayed on thee, because He trusts thee.
Isaiah 26:3

I will look unto the hills from whence comes my
help, my help comes from the Lord, who made heaven
and earth.
He who keeps you will not slumber,
behold, He who keeps ISRAEL shall
neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade at your
right hand, the sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
(24 hour protection)
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil.
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out
and your coming in from this time forth,
and even forevermore.
Psalm 121

WE are so blessed.
This is the day the Lord has made,
I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Love,
millie





I Have Glorious Plans For You

"I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says
the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.
I will give you hope and a good future."
Jeremiah 29:11

God knew them before he made the
world, and he decided that they would be
like his Son so that Jesus would be the
firstborn of many brothers.
Romans 8:29







Dear child of mine,


Today the future may look bleak or shadowy to you. But, oh, if you could only see what glorious plans I have for you, you would be rejoicing! These are the plans to prosper you and bring you joy, not to hurt you nor humiliate you. All that I have planned has been motivated by my deep love for you.
Do not fret nor worry every little detail of my plans right now. They will not be revealed to you today. But as you trust and walk with me one step at a time, I will reveal them to you. Each day you will know what you need to know. And this much I can tell you today: The purpose of my plans is that you will be shaped and molded into the very image of my Son. That is the high calling of your life. So hold on through the darkness and trust me. I hold you in the hollow of my hand. Nothing comes to you without passing through the strong right hand of my righteousness. All is well.



Your faithful Father,
God

The Garden of Our Heart

Good Morning Everyone.

My husband and I love
gardening. Our back yard has become a retreat for us.
I love all the birdhouses, and windchimes, and flowers
and birdies, all if it is so refreshing. Matter of fact,
my husband just spent a couple of weeks planting
our vegetable garden.

Just to think ... if he had never planted the seeds,
this garden would not have been possible. It would
be far less attractive, and certainly unused, untapped
resources for beauty.

Do you have untapped territory in your heart?

If we never enter that garden we could not know
the beauty of it. If we never planted, we could not
receive the rewards of our garden.

I feel this is what love is like. When we love those around
us we plant seeds in their hearts. Those seeds when
they sprout either reflect the heart of God or the heart
of men.

God cannot plant seeds in a stony heart, full of pride,
self justification and stubbornness and unforgiveness.

We need to allow God to rule the garden of our heart
and plant seeds in it that are fruitful for his work
and His glory. This takes surrender. A word that
is not commonly heard. To surrender to your
heavenly Father, is the beginning of wisdom.

Pride can really prevent
people from humbling themselves to love others
no matter what differences we may have.

Pride ruling us or our words means God is not
ruling our spirit, we have allowed ourselves to close
the garden of our heart to his still small voice.

My friends, we are so very accountable for what we do,
because we know the truth. Plant seeds of love, kindness,
unforgiveness... this is a servants heart ... and it is what Jesus
said was proof we were his disciples.

When God plants the garden of your heart, the seeds
will become a thing of beauty to all who see Christ
growing in you.They are seeds,
once planted that continually bring
joy and feast to our spirit.

The garden of your heart is an important place
to visit each day. Let Christ dwell there,
nothing will ever be the same! With him,
we move and have our being, with him we have
mercy, forgiveness and hope. What wonderful
things to have planted in our spirit!

love always
millie

Ps. This is a battle we all fight, for control of
our tongue and our thinking. I think if we start
each morning submitting ourselves to Christ,
and laying aside our fleshly desires and asking God
what would you have me do today. Then listen for
that voice, it really helps us win this battle daily.


***************************************************

The Emperor's Seeds

Author: Unknown


An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose
His successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children,
he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom
together one day.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I
have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor
continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today, one very
special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one
year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then
judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next
emperor!"

One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a
seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him
get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it
carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their
seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his
seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still
nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a
plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by; still nothing in
Ling's pot.

He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall
plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends,
however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their
plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't
going to take an empty pot but his Mother said he must be honest about what
happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his Mother was right.
He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the
other youths. They were beautiful-in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his
empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him.

A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try." When the emperor
arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just
tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you
have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the
next emperor!"

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his
Empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was
terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling,"
he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor
asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the
crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe
it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I
told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me
today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you,
except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found
that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I
gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a
pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles

But if you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness

If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.

So be careful what you plant now, it will determine what you will reap
tomorrow.

The seeds you now scatter will make life worse or better, for your life or
the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or
you will pay for the choices you plant today.





"It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his
garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air
lodged in the branches of it." - Luke 13:19


****************************************************

I Come to the Garden Alone
Written by C. Austin Myles 1913


I come to the garden alone
while the dew is still on the roses,
and the voice I hear falling on my ear,
the Son of God discloses.


Refrain:
And he walks with me, and he talks with me,
and he tells me I am his own;
and the joy we share as we tary there,
none other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of his voice
is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
and the melody that he gave to me
within my heart is ringing.

Refrain:
And he walks with me, and he talks with me,
and he tells me I am his own;
and the joy we share as we tary there,
none other has ever known.

I'd stay in the garden with him
though the night around me be falling,
but he bids me go; thru the voice of woe
his voice to me is calling.

Refrain

And he walks with me, and he talks with me,
and he tells me I am his own;
and the joy we share as we tary there,
none other has ever known.

He is Our Sufficiency - We can do all things with his help

Good morning Everyone,

God loves you so much today.
He wants you to know that wherever you go, He will be
walking with you.

He is sufficient for whatever you face, and beyond
his sufficient care, is his overwhelming love.
When all of the world goes away, and leaves you alone,
He is holding out his arms, longing to comfort your soul,
and heal you from your hurt, and to heal you from
your past.

No one will ever love you like Jesus, or be so available,
so trustworthy, that you can relax, and rely on Him,
for all your needs.

Walk with God, talk with Him, read his powerful word,
full of life and hope, and receive what He has just for you today!

Love always
Millie
Proverbs 3:5-6

He'll never leave me or fail me (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 13:5)
He always listens (Psalm 116:1-2)
He always forgives (Psalm 86:5; 1 John 1:9)
He knows my limits (1 Corinthians 10:13)
He knows the smallest details of my life (Matthew 10:29-30)
He guides me (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6)
He has good things planned for me (Jeremiah 29:11)
He cares about me (1 Peter 5:7)
He counts my tears (Psalm 56:8)
He provides peace in any circumstance (Philippians 4:6-7)
He'll meet all my needs (Philippians 4:19)


******************************************
SPIRITUAL VITAMINS

Anxious?

Take Vitamin A...."All things work together for
good for those who love God,
who are called according to His purpose."
(Romans 8:28)

Blue?
Take Vitamin B..."Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1)


Crushed?
Take Vitamin C..."Cast all your anxiety on Him,
because He cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:7)


Depressed?
Take Vitamin D..."Draw near to God,
and He will draw near to you."
(James 4:8)


Empty?
Take Vitamin E..."Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name."
(Psalm 100:4)


Fearful?
Take Vitamin F..."Fear not, for I am with you,
do not be afraid for I am your God."
(Isaiah 41:10)


Greedy?
Take Vitamin G..."Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
running over, will be put unto your lap;
for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
(Luke 6:38)


Hesitant?
Take Vitamin H..."How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation,
who says to Zion,'Your God reigns.'"
(Isaiah 52:7)


Insecure?
Take Vitamin I..."I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me."
(Philippians 4:13)


Jittery?
Take Vitamin J..."Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever."
(Hebrews 13:8)


Know nothing?
Take Vitamin K..."Know this, that the Lord is God,
it is He that made us and not we ourselves."
(Psalm 100:3)


Lonely?
Take Vitamin L..."Lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age."
(Matthew 28:20)


Mortgaged?
Take Vitamin M..."My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Corinthians 12:9)


Nervous?
Take Vitamin N..."Never, no never will I leave you
nor forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)


Overwhelmed?
Take Vitamin O..."Overcome evil with good."
(Romans 12:21)


Perplexed or puzzled?
Take Vitamin P...."Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be trouble,
and do not let them be afraid."
(John 14:27)


Quitting?
Take Vitamin Q ... "quit you like men and women,
be strong."
(1Corinthians 16:13)


Restless?
Take Vitamin R..."Rest in the Lord,
and wait patiently for Him."
(Psalm 37:7)


Scared?
Take Vitamin S..."Stay with me, and do not be afraid;
for the one who seeks my life seeks your life;
you will be safe with me."
(1 Samuel 22:23)


Tired?
Take Vitamin T..."Those who wait for the Lord
shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31)


Uncertain?
Take Vitamin U..."Understand that I am the Lord.
Before Me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after Me."
(Isaiah 43:10)


Vain?
Take Vitamin V..."Vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed every one.
(Acts 5:16)


Wondering what to do?
Take Vitamin W..."What does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God."
(Micah 6:8)


Exhausted?
Take Vitamin X..."eXercise thyself rather unto godliness."
(1Timothy 4:7)


Yearning for hope?
Take Vitamin Y..."Yes, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me."
(Psalm 23:4)


Zapped?
Take Vitamin Z..."Zealous for good deeds"
(Titus 2:14)
(borrowed from Christian article)

One Step At A Time

Good Morning Everyone,

As I read the article below this morning about
uncluttered faith, it blessed me so much.

How many of you are good housekeepers?
I would venture to guess there are a few of you
out there, who maintain a rather messy,
cluttered living area. I guess we all do from time
to time, but some more than others.

Once that clutter builds up, it can seem overwhelming.
You don't know where to start to make sense of
it or put it in order.

I learned a few years back, you start simply.
You pick one place, organize it, and if you can do more
with another small area that day. Or just take one
drawer each day, and clean it, and organize it.
Just start!

This is the way we should be about our lives. Most
of us carry a lot of baggage, emotional turmoil,
inner pain, hurts from the past, unforgiveness,
and sometimes feelings of abandonment and rejection.

Wow ... that's a lot isn't it? If you could view that
baggage in literal piles of luggage it might fill your
whole house! It would seem overwhelming to deal
with wouldn't it?

Well, as a whole it might be. But taken in small pieces
it is manageable and changeable. The desire has to
start in your heart to let go of all that is clinging to you
that is unnecessary and heavy. Then you have to
take positive steps to do it. One small step at a time.
If need be, get professional counseling, it can make
all the difference in the world. It sure did for me!

I still deal with issues, but now I know how to deal with
them, not ignore them and let them pile up or overwhelm
me or be hidden and uncontrolled, or darkening my path.

I do not want a cluttered spirit, or a cluttered emotional life.
So Daily, I go to the Lord in prayer about it.

Father God,
there are many people reading this today
who feel overwhelmed with their circumstances,
relationships or lack of relationships.

Father you see our hearts, you see our pain. This
morning we lift it to you, as a token of our faith in
your ability to show us how to change, and to release
these burdens that are to heavy for us.

I ask you Father to show us how to change. One
thing at a time, so we can be free of the past,
free of constant internal pain and struggle, and
make each day uncluttered and filled with faith.

Father you are able to do exceedingly abundantly
above that which we ask or think. Show us then
how to live. Lead us in paths of righteousness.
Show us our needs and show us your path and plan.

We lay our hands in yours Father, guide us.

We lay our burdens at your feet Lord, release us.

We lay our unforgiveness down and let go of it and
forgive everyone, even if they never ask us to.

We realize pain is not our friend and we give it to you
asking you to fill us instead with your joy and purpose.

We walk in faith Father, not in fear. Because you
are here leading us, one step at a time.

We release these burdens, the past and our pain
to you today and ask you to help us get a new
attitude, a new life in you, fresh new hope every
morning, and a purpose driven life that is pleasing
to you and clutter free for us.

One step at a time, lead us, and we will follow.
In Jesus Precious and Holy Name,
amen


Love always
millie


UNCLUTTERED FAITH -------
by Max Lucado

Bedtime is a bad time for kids. No child understands the logic of going
to bed while there is energy left in the body or hours left in the day.

My children were no exception. One night years ago, after many
objections and countless groans, the girls were finally in their gowns,
in their beds, and on their pillows. I slipped into the room to give
them a final kiss. Andrea, the five-year-old was still awake, just
barely, but awake. After I kissed her, she lifted her eyelids one final
time and said, "I can't wait until I wake up."

Oh, for the attitude of a five-year-old! That simple uncluttered
passion for living that can't wait for tomorrow. A philosophy of life
that reads, "Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your
father." A bottomless well of optimism flooded by a perpetual spring of
faith. Is it any wonder Jesus said we must have the heart of a child
before we can enter the kingdom of heaven?

I like the way J. B. Phillips renders Jesus' call to childlikeness:
"Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the
middle of them all. 'Believe me,' he said, 'unless you change your
whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the
kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 18:2-3)
_________________________________
From "And the Angels Were Silent"
Copyright 1992, Max Lucado
http://maxlucado.com/shop/detail.php?pid=B108H

Forgetting and Letting Go

Good Morning Everyone

How many of you have trouble letting go of grudges?
How many of you have a hard time stopping yourself
from worrying about everything?

It is curious to me as to why we CLING to that which
WE DO NOT NEED, yet SEEK NOT that which would RELIEVE
our anxiety and internal pain.

Why would we cling to something that is destructive
or painful? Does it makes sense to you?

I mean I full well recognize that internal pain,
worry and care can come from actual things we have
to deal with, but isn't there a better way to deal with it?

Can our attitude make a difference?
How about our perspective? Can we change these things?

Listen, I am a classic example of a person who worries.
But the secret is, I have learned how to get rid of
them quicker than I used to. And I have learned
how they only weigh me down and steal my joy,
and make me lose time I could be spending on
enjoying others, or doing something fun or useful.

Do you all relate to this?

While we are out stewing over what someone did to us,
and how dare they, and look at what is wrong with them,
they are going on with their lives! Here we are in a little
mud puddle of self pity and they are out enjoying themselves.

How dare they? Think again. How dare WE cling to that
which is destructive and painful and not receive healing
and go out and enjoy the life we have been given?

This makes sense my friends. And it is a mental discipline.
We have to choose to let go. We have to choose to forget.
Once that choice has been made when these things
return to our thinking we have to remind ourselves
we have chosen to let go. It is a discipline.

If you could form the habit of worry you can form
a new habit of letting go. It really is that simple.

I have fought this battle most of my life, and I can tell
you I know I have learned to change, and I love life
a lot more when I am not carrying around unnecessary
baggage. I bet you would like to be free too.

Even if it returns, you know now, how to let go.
Just do it again.

Just do it!

love
millie

We pray that you may be invigorated and strengthened
with all power, according to the might of His glory,
(to exercise) every kind of endurance and patience
(perseverance and forbearance) with JOY.
Giving thanks to the Father Who has qualified and made
us FIT to share the portion which is the inheritance of
the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
The Father has DELIVERED and drawn us to Himself
OUT OF the control and the dominion of darkness
and has transferred us into the kingdom of the
Son of His love.
Colossians 1:11-13

**********************************


THINGS TO FORGET

Forget each kindness that you do,
As soon as you have done it.
Forget the praise that falls to you,
The moment you have won it.

Forget the slander that you hear,
Before you can repeat it.
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer,
Whenever you may meet it.

Remember every promise made,
And keep it to the letter.
Remember those who lend you aid,
And be a grateful debtor.

Remember all the happiness
That comes your way in living.
Forget each worry and distress,
Be hopeful and forgiving.

Remember good, remember truth,
Remember heaven is above you.
And you will find, through age and youth,
That many will come to love you.

- Author Unknown

*******************************************************


To "let go" takes love

by Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph. D.

To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.

To "let go" is not to cut myself off, it is the realization I can't control another.

To "let go" is to acknowledge that which I cannot change, and pursue that which I can.

To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is out of my hands.

To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself.

To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.

To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "let go" is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality.

To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.

To "let go" is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can be.

To "let go" is not regret the past nor fear the future, but to grow and live in the present.

To "let go" is to forgive, not to condone.

To "let go" is to free myself of my collection of past hurts and resentments.

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring, it means to accept that I can't do it for someone else.

To "let go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from the natural consequences of the choices we make.

To "let go" is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.

To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my own desires, but to take each day as it comes, and to cherish myself in it.

To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to effect their own destinies.

Perhaps each one of us could use a little more practice at letting go.

10 Reasons To Hope

Good Morning Everyone,

Are any of you hurting out there this morning?
I would be willing to bet, almost everyone reading
this is, in one form or another. Whether internal pain,
emotional, or even physical. It takes courage to face
these things, and wisdom to deal with them.

But one of the greatest gifts of all, is to deal with
them, with a spirit of peace. Can you say you have peace
in the storms of your life?

The older I get, the more I realize right away when things
happen to go to the Lord first. It is so easy to run around
in circles mentally, and wring your hands and feel the
great stress of the moment, and the heartache, or
even the despair. But what does it prosper you?

Does it solve the problem?

Does it make you feel better?

Can you change things by giving up?

There is a old saying that has great wisdom.
When the going gets tough,
the tough get going.

What does this mean? From a Christian perspective:

Problems hit
We run to God immediately
We trust in Him for the outcome
and we get busy doing something useful.

Don't sit back and cry and give up.
Get up and praise God and receive his peace.

He is still on the throne, and Hope is still yours,
and Provision is still available, and you are Truly Loved
and Never Alone.

I hope you enjoy the message below.. it is great. It is
along the theme of almost everything I write, and I found
it a blessing this morning.

God bless each of you and keep you safe.

Love
millie



TEN REASONS TO HOPE WHEN YOU'RE HURTING

by Steve Arterburn and Mike Marino

1. God is truly in control.
If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission.

While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times. "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:8, 9)

2. There is an eternal life to come.
"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later." (Romans 8:18) "He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus
Christ returns." (1 Corinthians 1:8)

3. The story isn't finished yet.
Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit. "But
Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of
many people.'" (Genesis 50:19, 20)

4. God has not given up on you! Don't give up on him.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. There is likely purpose in your pain.
Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance. "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your
faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." (James 1:2-4)

6. You are loved!
Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you. "He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and
prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory." (Isaiah
61:1-3)

7. Your prayers are heard.
"You parents - if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those
who ask Him?" (Matt. 7:9, 10)

8. You are not facing this alone.
"For God himself has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.' That is why we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5, 6)

9. Others have made it through - you can too.
Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength and encouragement. "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes
4:12)

10. Reach out to someone else who's struggling.
Place your focus on someone else and invest your life in him or her. You may discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. "All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we
will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." (2 Corinthians
1:3, 4)

About Those Sheep

About Those Sheep

copyright Millie Plastaras 9/02/04

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to
lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still
waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of
righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
You prepare a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

We often hear in this modern society that people that follow
a certain way of life, are just sheep. They are brainwashed
and have no mind of their own. They are led about by
their nose, following the leading of those who have
brainwashed them. They seem to think being a sheep
is a bad thing.

I am here to proclaim to you today the good news of Jesus
Christ:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward Him, and said,
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

Jesus was called the lamb (sheep) of God. His gentle
loving nature was one that set an example that forever
would ring of truth, nurturing love, great strength, and hope.

When someone calls me a sheep, I say hallelujah.
I know God, I know His provision and I have met His son.
I am a sheep in the flock of the Lamb of God who takes away
the sins of the world. What a Great Cause to Rejoice!

Psalm 23 is a very interesting and hopeful part of the Bible.
People should speak this out loud at least 3 times a day. It
has such meaning. A lot of it not known to modern society.

Let me try to explain to you a lesson I heard many years ago
about this Psalm that forever changed my thinking about
the provision of our Great God.

The Lord is my shepherd... I shall not want.
A shepherd knows the needs of his sheep and provides those
needs before they are even spoken. They are anticipated
by the shepherd and provided for in advance.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
A sheep is very careful where they lay down. And a shepherd
prepares the ground they lay on. So that no thorns or thistles
will get in their wool. A shepherd prepares a place for His
sheep to rest that is perfect and comfortable and safe.

He leads me besides still waters.
A sheep will not drink from moving water. A shepherd makes
a dam with rocks or whatever is available so when the
sheep goes to drink, the waters they so desperately need
are calm and soothe the sheep. The shepherd knows
how to calm the greatest disturbance and what the solution is.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.
The shepherd knows just the perfect path. This is one thing
the sheep don't need to concern themselves with. The
shepherd knows the path, what to look for and how to get
there. All the sheep have to do is move, and trust. They
will be led in safety and peace to their destination.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear
no evil, for You are with me! Your rod and your staff will
comfort me.
A shepherd knows that there will be dangers along his
chosen path. There will be predators who long to kill the sheep,
there will be rocks, and detours, and storms and many things
yet to face. But the shepherd has made provisions for them.
His rod will hold off any powers of darkness, or enemies, or
predators or storms of life. His staff will draw us to him when
we start to stray and bring us back into the fold where we
are safe, and within His will.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies.
When the sheep need to eat, the shepherd prepares that
place, just as he does their resting place. He knows there
will be enemies around, but he chooses a place where
he can watch over the whole flock. He makes sure that
any poison thistles or dangerous plants are removed.
And he makes sure it is a place where the sheep feel
peaceful enough to relax and eat. The provision
of the shepherd makes the meal even more precious
and joyful.

You anoint my head with oil.A sheep often gets cuts or skin problems. A shepherd
will put soothing oil upon them to heal the sheep. The oil
that heals and sustains and brings restoration. The shepherd
knows exactly physical needs of each sheep. He knows
them all by name, and knows each of their individual
needs, and habits.

My cup runs over.
A sheep likes the water where it is easy to get to. So the water
at an easy vantage point where it is easy to partake of
reassures the sheep. The shepherd knows how to fill that
sheep with the living water that will nurture its body and bring
health. The shepherd is always aware of the depth of the
water and any surroundings and dangers. He knows the
sheep needs water to sustains it, and has great mercy
towards that sheep, providing the water that will attract it
most and make it feel comforted. Water that
fills that thirst of a sheep on a long journey, till it is
overflowing and sustaining in His body.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my lifeFor as long as that sheep is alive, the shepherd will
give it good care and show mercy and love to it.
The Bible says that those that follow the Lord will find
mercy and strength. And that all the promises of the Lord's
are their inheritance. His goodness and mercies are new
every morning. His provision unlimited. His compassion
never ending. His solutions and power all encompassing.
All He is, is all we will ever need.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.The sheep knows the voice of His master. And when that
sheep listens to the soothing comforting voice of the master,
and follows his leading. He will make it home. He will find
a path set before Him known by the shepherd. And he will
find peace and comfort for his soul.

And the oil of the shepherd heals, and restores what
has been bruised or broken.

The sheep only need to learn to trust. And rest in
the provision of the Shepherd. And to be obedient,
and listen to the powerful lessons the shepherd teaches it.

This then is a life of hope, victory, and a life lived well.
A life with the Shepherd of our souls. Who will lead us all
home.

Oh if we could only keep that in our hearts and minds
daily and let it sustain us. Never again to worry or fear.
But to cling to that Shepherd and know our sufficiency is
from Him, not from anyone else. That our circumstances will
not defeat us, our losses will not destroy us, our illness will not
keep us down, our enemies will not be victorious and no
one can take us out of the Shepherds care.

How truly blessed we are.

I am the Good Shepherd, The good Shepherd gives His life
for His sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I and my Father are One.
John 10:11, 27-30

The Lord is my Shepherd.... I shall not want.

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

Chores

Hi Everyone,

How many of you out there like chores?

I know there are a few dear souls who seem to.
My husband does. He delights in being busy.
He says it makes him feel better. Even on days
when his heart is bothering him, he gets on that
treadmill and walks three miles and afterwards
talks about how glorious it makes him feel,
refreshed and perky.

I admire that spirit in him. The fighting spirit,
that works hard, and doesn't give up.

I shall never forget the visit we had with my
husbands new doctor last month. When we
told him my husbands cardiac history his face
was positively shocked. He stood up and said
My God man, do you know how lucky you are to
be alive. Yes.. we do. It was a gift from God
and a testimony to the fighting spirit of my husband.

I wish we could all be that way in our spiritual life.

Where we persist in doing good,
we persist in reading Gods word
we persist in faith not in fear
we persist in worshipping God
we persist in entering his presence.

In other words, we are progressing and growing
in Christ.

All these things refresh us,
they bring us hope,
strength,
wisdom,
endurance,
guidance for the day.

Don't we all desperately need this?

Is this world not increasingly scary? Do we not
all have more problems than you can shake a stick at?
I mean, come on, why are we not refreshing our spirit?
Are we gluttons for punishment?

My friends, nothing is sweeter than the presence of God.
Nothing more refreshing, than spending time with him
and receiving his word in our spirit. It carries us all day
long when we take time for God first thing each day.

I find myself saying little prayers all day.

Today as my grandaughter and I were sitting out in
the backyard with her little dolly in the stroller
and the sun shining upon us. I just felt such a sense
of joy at the beauty of nature, the joy of a little child
being near me, and thankfulness for what I do have.
My husband was in the house lying down, having
really bad chest pains. So I asked my little grandaughter,
age 18 months to pray with me for Grandpa.

She folded her little hands over her face and said
Jesus, and we prayed for John and his chest pains
eventually subsided. I thought about how precious
it was to nurture her soul with the knowledge of Jesus
help and concern for every situation.
I want to teach her early, so that it will carry
her all her life, and draw her to Him daily.

But you have been taught too! Are you doing it?
Why not? Is it working well for you?

My friends, I love you dearly. Just do it. Thats all I can say.
You need it, I need it.. let us do what is needful for our
own soul's sake and for the peace that passes all
understanding that is only available through God.

love
always
millie


************************************************

Chores
Author: Unknown

Monday - Wash Day Lord, help me to wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day Dear Lord, help me to iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day O God, help me to mend my ways so I will not set bad example for others.

Thursday - Cleaning Day Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday - Shopping Day O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday - Cooking Day Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday - The Lord's Day O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honored guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." - Revelation 21:3

------------------

Just walk it.
Just talk it.
Just preach it.
Just teach it.
Just tell it.
Just live it.
Just give it.
Just wear it.
Just share it.
Just shout it.
Just sing it.
Just proclaim it.
Just prove it.
JUST DO IT.
Live For Jesus!

Your Words, Harm or Heal?

Your Words - Harm or Heal?

copyright Millie Plastaras 9/20/2003
may not be reproduced without permission of author.

The beginning of strife is like releasing water.
Therefore stop contention before it starts.
Proverbs 17:14

There is such a fine line between need to know information
and gossip. There is a kind of communication between
friends, or acquaintances that can be so destructive.
It is strife. Strife according to Webster's dictionary is lack
of harmony, discord. The more I thought about this,
the more I realized such a clear picture of strife.

Harmony is a symphony in our heart, uplifting, kind,
gentle, safe. A well spring of life.

Strife, is disharmony, the breakdown of communication,
the release of the spirit of offense, the spirit of lies,
and is destructive. It comes from the Father of lies
who wants to steal, kill and destroy all of us.

Once those words of unkindness, judgment or gossip
are released, there is no retrieving them. They go forth
and hurt and wound and destroy. And we have lost our
testimony. We have basically shown others we have no
rule over our spirit, or tongue.

This is such a battle for all of us. It is so easy to say the
first thing that comes to mind. I think we should learn to
count to 10 before we speak. Especially if we find we
have a problem with strife.

Some people are so deliberate and wise in what they say.
I have a friend, and every word she speaks is full of grace,
and mercy towards everyone she knows.
I have never heard her speak one unkind word, one
unloving thing, one negative approach to life. I have never
met another woman like her. She has rule over her spirit, and
her heart is full of God.

Did you ever hear that old saying, better to keep your
mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open your mouth
and remove all doubt?

Oh boy, I have. I have had to work at this all my life.
God has helped me.. but there were many times I said
things and came home and kicked myself around
mentally all night for opening my mouth. Over the
years, I have learned just to be quiet. It can be the
biggest gift of all.

If someone says something unkind or hurtful to you,
why talk back to them? Why not pray for them?
Why try to prove your point, prove you are superior,
or prove how smart you are? It is all pride and vanity.
Why not just pray for them?

The Bible has many strong words to say about it,
and to be honest when you read them, they strike home.
We really need to be praying about this. We as Christians
should be growing in the grace and knowledge of
Jesus Christ. Our life should be a silent sermon of
grace and wisdom to all who meet us!

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not
bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's
religion is useless!
James 1:26

The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (sin). The tongue
is so set among our members (body) that it defiles
the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature,
and it is set on fire by hell.
James 3:6

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brethren, this should not be so.
James 3:10

Wow.. strong verses. Vital concepts. A absolute must
in the life of a Christian. If you cannot control your
tongue, chances are not much else in your life is under
control!

If you have been talking about others, if you have
been talking unkindly, if you have been sitting on
a self appointed throne looking down on others, or
speaking negative unkind words into their life
you need to repent. This is all so very destructive for
those who know you, and for you. We have to
be made perfect in Christ. This requires sacrifice,
and learning to practice righteous habits.

What are you willing to sacrifice for Christ?
Your need to be right?
Your need to set people straight?
Your desire to talk about others?
Can you give this up for him?

We need to change our way of life, and leaving behind the
fleshly desires to act and communicate like the world does.

Remember, you are also a living example to those
around you, especially your children. Are you passing
this problem on to them? How are you teaching your
children to speak?

For we all stumble in many things.
If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man,
able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2

This should be a real goal for us. Some words destroy,
some build. We need to be builders of the kingdom of God.
Ask God to show you the areas of your life that need
changing. Don't be afraid. All of us need an attitude
adjustment. That is why Jesus came. To show us a new
way, and to help us find forgiveness from sins.

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

Quality Quiet

Good Morning Everyone!

Have you ever read something and it just seemed
routine, and you forgot about it shortly, and then
later you read it, and wow, it popped off the page
to you, and seemed so meaningful?

I mean we often are so busy, that things just don't sink
in, because our mind is going so many different
directions.

I often think this could be part of the problem
not only with our relationships but with our
spiritual life. We get wrapped up in everything
except something that profits our soul.

Suppose for a minute we could clear our mind
of the clutter. Suppose we shut off the problems
filling our heads and worrying us, suppose we shut off
the thinking about things we need to do, suppose
we shut off thinking about others, or how upset
we are or what they did, or what they should have done.
Suppose we held up a mental stop sign and said
Quiet everyone... Im cleaning house.

Sudden quiet.

Now... I can take time to listen for God.

Nothing else.

Just Him.

If we did this each morning, even for a brief time
we would see immediate results in the way
we deal with life, others, and most certainly it
would give God time to impart peace into our spirit.
And hope, and inspiration. And.. reassurance.

What if you made this your goal this week?
Just a quiet time with God every day. Where
you raised a stop sign and quieted everything
in the world, but meditation upon God.
And listen for that precious still small voice.
Oh how we need this my friend.

Think about it, don't you need refreshing in
your spirit? Don't you need fresh hope?
Don't you need encouragement?
Well what are you waiting for? Don't neglect
the One who loves you more than anyone
else does, and has the answers to all you
need. Take time for God!

God bless each of you today and keep you safe.

Love
millie

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord;
be brave and of good courage, and let
your heart be stout and enduring. Yes,
wait and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

But those who wait for the Lord -- who expect,
look for and hope in Him -- shall change and
RENEW their strength and power; they shall
lift their wings and mount up (close to God)
as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run
and not be weary and walk and not faint or become
tired.
Isaiah 40:31

Remember your source of strength is Christ,
you cannot run the race of life successfully
without a close, enduring, daily, ongoing
vital relationship with Him.

With our God we shall do valiantly!


****************************************************


Hello God,

I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!

************************************

For all the negative things we
have to say to ourselves,
God has a positive answer for it.

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith
(Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 13:34)