Happiness is a new Snow Day!

 Another Snow!

I saw her weeping across the room...

She was a young woman and I saw her embraced by a man as she wept. They were in the vegetable section of the grocery store.

My own heart ached for her. What sorrows was she grieving? What 'trigger' brought her tears?  What agony does she carry?

Some people shun tears. I do not know if it is a form of weakness to them.  It may symbolize emotional manipulation to them. Or____?

Tears are a healthy avenue.

Psalm126:5-6

..."Those who sow in tears 

shall harvest with joyful shouting.

One who goes here and there weeping, 

carrying his bag of seed,

Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, 

bringing his sheaves with him."

We are in such a fallen world.  Agonies and losses continually add up. It is good and right to acknowledge our grief.  Tears are a part of grieving as they give a relief, a release, a venting, and an expression through a liquid emotion.  Yes, there is a time for tears.

What Joy! A day will come and it will be a marvelous day when the LORD will wipe away all of our tears! 

Praises to Him for His plan! Glory to His Name!

Revelations 21:1-4

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; 

for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, 

and there is no longer any sea.

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, 

coming down out of heaven from God, 

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, 

and He will dwell among them, 

and they shall be His people, 

and God Himself will be among them,

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; 

and there will no longer be any death; 

there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; 

the first things have passed away.” ...

Majestic Things

Psalm 8

Lord, our Lord,


How majestic is Your name in all the earth,


You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

From the mouths of infants and nursing babies 

You have established strength


Because of Your enemies,


To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.

When I consider Your heavens, 

the work of Your fingers,


The moon and the stars, 

which You have set in place;

What is man that You think of him,


And a son of man that You are concerned about him?

Yet You have made him a little lower than God,


And You crown him with glory and majesty!

You have him rule over the works of Your hands;


You have put everything under his feet,

All sheep and oxen,


And also the animals of the field,

The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea,


Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

Lord, our Lord,


How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Lovely Things

The beautiful intricacies of flowers.

Incredible Things

Owl diving for its prey

Sweet Things

New Life!

Amazing Things

 Guttation: 

A plant expelling water due to positive root pressure. 

God's Amazing Creation!

Simple Things

 

A Fairy Land in the Midwest

 

Happiness is Pretty Snow

 

In a Cult Life? You can be free and free indeed!

If you are in any kind of Cult:

Salvation is FREE

You can be Saved by God's Grace

1 John 5:5-12

..."Who is the one who overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

If we receive the testimony of people, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life."...

*You do not have to make the leader happy. 

*You do not have to worry about the others members snitching on you.

You can be free and free indeed!

John 8:36

..."if the Son sets you free, you really will be free."... 

God is the same Yesterday, 

Today, and Forever.

For those caught in the Web of a Cult Life: FREEDOM!

 When leaving any kind of Cult:

"If you want to get free-

get free all the way!"

-Howard Mackert

When you are able to get free  

it is important to not just get "kind of free" 

because you are still "caught" in their web.

Be humble before the real God,

tell Him all, 

tell Him your desires to be truly set free!

The LORD hears your cries.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

... "For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, 

so that He may strongly support 

those whose heart is completely His."... 

Psalms 34:15-18

..."The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,

And His ears are toward their cry for help.

The face of the Lord is against evildoers,

To eliminate the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears

And rescues them from all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit."...

1 Peter 3:8-12

..."all of you be harmonious, 

sympathetic, 

loving, 

compassionate, 

and humble; 

not returning evil for evil 

or insult for insult, 

but giving a blessing instead; 

for you were called for the very purpose 

that you would inherit a blessing.

For,

“The one who desires life, 

to love and see good days,


Must keep his tongue from evil 

and his lips from speaking deceit.

He must turn away from evil 

and do good;


He must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,


And His ears attend to their prayer,


But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

*

Be Redeemed!

Galatians 4:1-7

"Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, 

he does not differ at all from a slave, 

although he is owner of everything,

but he is under guardians and managers 

until the date set by the father.

So we too, when we were children, 

were held in bondage 

under the elementary principles of the world.

But when the fullness of the time came, 

God sent His Son, 

born of a woman, born under the Law,

so that He might redeem those 

who were under the Law, 

that we might receive the adoption 

as sons and daughters.

Because you are sons, 

God has sent the Spirit of His Son 

into our hearts, crying out, 

“Abba! Father!”

Therefore you are no longer a slave, 

but a son; 

and if a son, 

then an heir through God."...

*

GLORY!

Denial as a Way of Life

 In cult-like peoples:

"You don't feel 

your feelings any more."

"Denial was my drug of choice."

--Mary Mackert

Philippians 4:4-9

..."Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is honorable, 

whatever is right, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, 

if there is any excellence 

and if anything worthy of praise, 

think about these things.

As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."...

*

"THEM CENTERED"

 Cult-like peoples are always:

"Them Centered"

Not 'you' centered.

You must become one of THEM 

in any Controlled, 

Manipulated, 

Abusive  

group.

* 

Hebrews 13:5-9

 ..."Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 

“I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” 

so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?”

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 

Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited."...

*

Cults and cult-like people have one major thing in common: Control, Manipulation, and Abuse.

 

"Abuse in a closed society

will always be propagated."

If you are wondering if you personally are caught in a web of abuse, control, and/or manipulation you should talk with someone outside your group.

You can be set free!

John 8:31-32

"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

*

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God,


a bulwark never failing;


our helper he, amid the flood


of mortal ills prevailing.


For still our ancient foe


does seek to work us woe;


his craft and power are great,


and armed with cruel hate,


on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,


our striving would be losing,


were not the right Man on our side,


the Man of God's own choosing.


You ask who that may be?


Christ Jesus, it is he;


Lord Sabaoth his name,


from age to age the same;


and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,


should threaten to undo us,


we will not fear, for God has willed


his truth to triumph through us.


The prince of darkness grim,


we tremble not for him;


his rage we can endure,


for lo! his doom is sure;


one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers


no thanks to them abideth;


the Spirit and the gifts are ours


through him who with us sideth.


Let goods and kindred go,


this mortal life also;


the body they may kill:


God's truth abideth still;


his kingdom is forever! 

-Martin Luther

Who knew he was this talented?!

 

Schulz

What a beautiful line-up!

A Birds and Bloom photo

The LORD's creation in full bloom on a snowy day!

Cardinals and a Slate Colored Junco

What's with the Filthy Rags? Is it you!?

Looking down this lovely street and wondering what beauty is beyond.

But maybe it is one of us? Another sinner! 

Yes, we are all sinners!

Isaiah 64:4-9

..."For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,
 

Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
 

Who acts in behalf of one who waits for Him.

You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness,


Who remembers You in Your ways.


Behold, You were angry, for we sinned,


We continued in our sins for a long time;


Yet shall we be saved?

For all of us have become like one who is unclean


And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;

And all of us wither like a leaf,


And our wrongdoings, like the wind, take us away.

There is no one who calls on Your name,


Who stirs himself to take hold of You;


For You have hidden Your face from us


And have surrendered us to the power of our wrongdoings.

But now, Lord, You are our Father;


We are the clay, and You our potter,


And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord,


Nor remember wrongdoing forever."...

*

So now look down the lovely street and what do you see?  

Is it you?  

Are you one of His?

This is how you become one of His: 

Romans 10:1-13. "Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 

For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 

For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

For Moses writes of the righteousness that is based on the Law, that the person who performs them will live by them. 

But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: 

“Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 

But what does it say? 

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 

for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 

For the Scripture says, 

“Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”...

*

Are you one of His?

Winter bouquet : lovely

 Skills from the Father's hand. 

Thankful for a friend whose talent can put a handful of flowers and sprigs together and make it look fantastic!

The Best and Worst of Times

 

Romans 1:8-23

..."First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world.

For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers requesting if perhaps now, at last by the will of God, I will succeed in coming to you. 

For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles.

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the uncultured, both to the wise and to the foolish. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: 

“But the righteous one will live by faith.”

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 

Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures."...

Following the right crowd is good and true.

 

There are many, many things people have accomplished in their lives through all times in which following others is good and right. If we need to do things correctly we must follow the rules, and with the group we are involved.

At work we are many different people, but we plan and work together to produce a good outcome for ourselves, the community, and our company.

In a band we play many different instruments, but we plan and work together to produce beautiful music to please ourselves and others.

In our sports we follow rules and work together as a team with the outcome "a well oiled machine."

These are just some examples which are good and right. 

Sometimes, though, certain peoples have evil desires. These evil people weave their own ideas together to control and manipulate others who unknowingly listen to the evil plans not realizing the ideas are used to control and manipulate them. 

Time goes by, listening to the wrong thinking becomes the norm, and these people who have unwittingly followed the evil people's plans no longer think rightly for themselves.  They are "caught" in a web of manipulation and control. They may or may not desire to escape, but seemingly can not leave.

There is always a way out. The LORD GOD is the Way.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

..."Therefore let the one who thinks he stands - watch out that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."...

Isaiah 5:20-21

..."Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;

Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes

And clever in their own sight!"...

Romans 1:16-17

..."For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “But the righteous one will live by faith.”...

*

If you are being "wined and dined" by anyone who you begin to feel that "Uh, Oh feeling" from  - just don't get involved, get away from them, find reasons to not be available, and encourage the others to also flee! !!Just Flee!!

*

1 Peter 3:10-17

...“The one who desires life, to love and see good days, 
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

He must turn away from evil and do good;
 He must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
 And His ears attend to their prayer,
 But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. 

And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong."...

Love  God

Love your Country

Think for yourself

Should we wear helmets? Definitely now!

 Yes, spiritually! and The Spiritual Armor also! 

Ephesians 6:10-17

..."be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able 

to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, 

but against the rulers, against the powers, against the 

world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces 

of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, 

so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, 

and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, 

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and having strapped on your feet the 

preparation of the gospel of peace;

in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith 

with which you will be able to extinguish all 

the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation and 

the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."...

Thankfulness: A Snowy Winter is Actually Good

"A snowy winter, a plentiful harvest."

Seasons: thankfulness

I have been in farm country most of my life. At the same time I have been in the towns nearby so I have heard both sides of the coin.

"Oh, no it is raining/snowing!"

or 

"Oh, my when will it rain/snow?"

I know how important our water situation is for every day and every year so I am thankful for the precipitation!

Matthew 5:43

...“You have heard that it was said, 

‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 

But I say to you, 

love your enemies and pray 

for those who persecute you, 

so that you may prove yourselves to be sons 

of your Father who is in heaven; 

for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, 

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

For if you love those who love you,

what reward do you have? 

Even the tax collectors, 

do they not do the same?

And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, 

what more are you doing than others? 

Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? 

Therefore you shall be perfect, 

as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Hosea 10:12

..."Sow for yourselves, 

with a view to righteousness;

Harvest in accordance with kindness.

Break up your uncultivated ground,

For it is time to seek the Lord

Until He comes 

and rains righteousness on you."...

Isaiah 45:6-8

..."So that people may know 

from the rising to the setting of the sun


That there is no one besides Me.


I am the Lord, and there is no one else,

The One forming light and creating darkness,


Causing well-being and creating disaster;


I am the Lord who does all these things.

“Drip down, heavens, from above,


And let the clouds pour down righteousness;


Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit,


And righteousness sprout with it.

I, the Lord, have created it."...

Isaiah 55:8-12

...“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it produce and sprout,

And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

For you will go out with joy

And be led in peace;

The mountains and the hills 

will break into shouts of joy before you,

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands."...

*

It snowed and my cold, grey world is beautifully covered

“Come now, and let us debate your case,”

Says the Lord,

“Though your sins are as scarlet,

They shall become as white as snow;

Though they are red like crimson,

They shall be like wool."

Isaiah 1:18

..."For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation."...

Romans 8:6-11

Jesus holds all things together!

 Colossians 1:13-20

..."He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."...

*

A Happy, Blessed New Year in Jesus ...to even the cats!