Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 22nd, 2020

Ephesians 5:8-11

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

RELEASE: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude

• to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses

• relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble

Rev. Sam writes on page 27, “Our lives are a delicate balance of darkness and light.” She had references how this process is very much like developing photos via a dark room. Old school film developing.

My own personal experiences of light and darkness have evolved as I have grown and accepted certain truths.

• Light chases darkness away

• Darkness and fear are not the same thing.

When I was a very young child, I experienced fear and darkness together in a single moment that haunted me into adulthood. I allowed that one incident to permanently join fear and darkness together. That singularity of mind caused me a lot of grief through the years. It wasn’t until I was forced to face this obstacle straight-on that I discovered it wasn’t the darkness I feared but the lack of light. That was the simple truth, the light was missing. This is equally applicable in my Christian life; when I begin to feel scared, fearful and afraid I take a look at what I’m doing and what I’m not doing. The questions are: am I reading my Bible; am I getting enough rest; am I eating healthy; am I getting exercise; am I getting outside and soaking up some sunlight.

Best advice:

Spend time in the Sun!

Spend time with the Son!

Practice:

1. Where is the darkness in your life?

2. How has this darkness shaped you?

• Now find a way into the light.

• Sit in the sun or light a candle.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

The Photo-a-Day Challenge word for today is:

CELEBRATE

This photo was taken at Walt Disney World in Florida in September 2019. It brings back wonderful memories of a vacation I shared with three coworkers. It is such a blessing to be able to look at photos or even recall from memory the fun we shared. With the current situation going on in the world and lots of things on lockdown or closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m thankful to have these things to celebrate.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” ~Psalm 118:24

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

• 

I was nominated by Beverley at becomingtheoilandwine

Published by Beverley

Beverley has been serving the Lord since she was a child. At an early age, she recognized that God had a special plan for her life, but it was not until in her adulthood that she surrendered her total life to God and accepted the mandate that God placed on her life. The Lord called her into His Kingdom to be an encourager, intercessor, teacher, scribe, priest, and to proclaim the Word of God. Since then, Beverly has established a blog to teach us to become the oil and wine. The oil and wine are purified and mature products, which is the advanced level that the Lord expected of us. In 2017, Beverley published her first book, Harm Not The Oil And Wine. In it, she described her trials and how God helped her to overcome them, and to live more victoriously. The book also exposed the enemy of our souls with detailed information about his past defeats and future extinction. Wright spents most of her time studying the Bible to know the truth of God’s Word. She believes that only God’s truth can expose the deception of the enemy, and uproot and tear down spiritual strongholds. You can learn more about Beverley’s life and testimony on her website becomingtheoilandwine.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Google+ under the name of her blog, and on Twitter as @Theoilandwine.View all posts by Beverley

The Sunshine Blogger Award Rules

Beverley’s Questions To Me:

1. Do you consider yourself a people person?
2. What is the best thing that you like about yourself?
3. How do you spend your free time?
4. Have you read through the Bible and can you memorize scripture verses?
5. What is your opinion about the coronavirus pandemic?

My Answers to Beverley’s Questions:

1. Yes, I enjoy my quiet time alone but I need people. Socially engaging with my family and friends helps me emotionally and spiritually.
2. I like my eagerness to learn..
3. I love taking pictures of nature, I like to read, I like to write, I love eating out in restaurants, driving my car in remote places seeing the beauty of God’s creation.
4. I have not read the Bible cover to cover in chronological order. I have read portions of each book of the Bible but not in it’s entirety. I would like to accomplish this in the future. I memorized many verses as a kid in Sunday School and while attending a Christian High School as well as a Christian College/University. Many are still easy to recall.
5. COVID-19 has disrupted the entire globe and affected so many people. I am cautious in stating a personal opinion because I do not want to sway anyone in any one direction. I will say that we have a real opportunity to renew/refresh ourselves and how we treat others through this pandemic. People matter and Words matter! We should see this as a way to unite as humans, no one is exempt from this disease, no one person is more important than another. We are all God’s children and we should starting treating one another as siblings and not enemies.

Thank you Beverley for this nomination and award, I am honored for the recognition. I am so thankful for my dear friend, JJ who encouraged me and prayed for me as I began this new journey. I am continually astonished at the individuals around the world reading my blog, living in places that I can only wish to visiting some day. This is the work of God, I am blessed to be a messenger and vessel to share the love and promises of God to the world.

~Peace, Charlotte

Hello friends! I wanted to let you know that I updated my Inspirational Photos Page on my Blog. Simply click the the words “Inspirational Photos” on the Home Page. Thank you all for your continued support. I hope you find encouragement, comfort and reassurance of God’s enduring, unfailing LOVE. The world is facing a common enemy in COVID-19 and my heart breaks for all who are affected. Stay strong in your faith. Trust in the PROMISES of God!

~Peace Charlotte

Saturday, March 21st, 2020

The Photo-a-Day Challenge for today is:

LISTEN

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: LISTEN

• to pay attention to sound

• to hear something with thoughtful attention

• to be alert to catch an expected sound

The Bible gives us many examples of listening. It is when we quiet ourselves that we can hear God speaking to us. I love the sounds of nature, birds singing, the wind blowing, ocean water as it crashing into the shore, the thunder during a storm, all these and many more. All of these are gifts from our Heavenly Father.

What are ways you listen for God’s small still voice in your life?

Here’s a few verses that teach us about listening:

“Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” ~Mark 9:7

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will.” ~John 9:31

“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.” ~Proverbs 25:12

“They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” ~1 John 4:5-6

“Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” ~Luke 9:35

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/able

Saturday, March 21st, 2020

Words Matter! I have a friend that uses that phrase from time to time. Each time I hear it, it’s truth rings loud. I use words too quickly and often find myself backpedaling my way out of a situation that could have been avoided. Speaking before giving thought to words usually does not end well especially when emotions are in play. I have tried to practice another phrase that my wise friend uses; area of concern and area of control! Sounds easy enough doesn’t it? It makes total sense to me in theory it’s the practical application that gets me into trouble. Simply put, each of us have countless things we are concerned about; however, we are actual only in control of very few.

Indeed, the words we use are very powerful, they can bless and curse. It is the smallest of things in life that can make the biggest difference such as, the size of the rudder in comparison to the size of the ship it moves or how the slightest little spark can cause a raging fire. Our tongue or as James describes it in verse 8 of chapter 3, “but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Rev. Sam says on page 26 of the pamphlet, we should listen more and speak less and the best way to be full of blessing is to place ourselves before God.

There are times when we need to seek forgiveness for the words we speak. Sometimes, we seek refuge from cursing we did not ask for. A lesson I’ve learned and continue to learn is we are all sinners and need forgiveness. Just as God forgives, grants mercy and grace we must do the same for others. Forgiveness does not mean you condone or excuse someone’s offenses, you release your resentment of the actions. “…since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:23-24

The tongue and the words it can produce can be used or good or great evil.

Practice:

As you examine your words in the quiet, where has this restless evil hurt you?

How have you hurt others?

If there is someone you have wronged with your words, can you reach out and ask for grace?

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Friday, March 20th, 2020

Today is turning out to be a day of celebration(s)!

And, I am also celebrating 15 Years Federal Service!

God is good, GOD IS ALWAYS SO VERY, VERY GOOD!

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

Reference:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

Friday, March 20th, 2020

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

Reference:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

Friday, March 20th, 2020

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

How do you sabbath?

Rev. Sam shares her story of sabbath on page 25 of the pamphlet, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2020.” She shares a story of how her world and how her sabbath changed after having a child. Everything changed. The Bible tells us to keep the sabbath holy.

Do you have a routine or an activity that helps you celebrate “sabbath?” Rev. Sam explains that cooking and doing meal prep while listening to music is critical to her being. She is able to hear all the noises, from slicing food to the lyrics of songs to feel her spirit and soul. She’s able to recognize her pains and her joys. In doing these things she is able to feed her body, mind and soul, gain nourishment and a renewed spirit.

How do I sabbath?

• I write and share on this blog site. It is relaxing and stimulating all wrapped up together.

• I worship with my friends and family on Sunday’s and share in communion.

• I spend quality time my Esther’s Circle Women’s group at church.

• I engage in interesting conversations with my coworkers with about religion and politics.

• I stay connected with friends through texting.

• I take pictures of nature: trees, flowers, ponds, lakes, birds…lots of things.

• I go for a drive on roads less traveled sometimes with the radio on and sometimes in silence.

• I spend time with my family.

• I pray.

As you can tell, I try to stay connected but it is also good to spend time alone with God. Sit in the silence and listen for God’s voice. He speaks in a small still voice. When we sabbath, we admit we need God’s help.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Friday, March 20th, 2020

The Photo-a-Day Challenge word for today is: SEE

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: SEE

• to perceive by the eye

• to perceive or detect as if by sight

• to form a mental picture of

• to come to know

1 Corinthians 13:12

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

Have you ever found yourself squinting to see something more clearly? I wear glasses and often I ind myself squinting or taking my glasses off to change my point of view, hoping for an improvement. 1 Corinthians 13:12, is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. From early in my childhood I heard stories of Jesus and of Heaven, this stories helped me imagine what places and people looked like. It wasn’t until I was older and discovered if you read a book your imagination gets to create all the visuals of places and people based upon what the writer tells you. Then, someone decides to make that book into a movie and the producer gets it all wrong, lol! Our imaginations create things that are personal and hold great meaning to us, that’s the beauty of reading, at least for me. The Bible offers glimpses of Heaven and just in my span of life so far my image of Heaven has changed because my knowledge of the Bible and my personal relationship with Jesus has grown stronger. My vision has improved but still remains a bit out of focus.

As I began writing this I was drawn to the word faith and the importance it is in the lives of believers. As I was thinking about the word, “SEE,” I began to see the connection it has with faith, faith helps us SEE. We each SEE Jesus in our own way, our experiences have molded an image of who Jesus is to us and that’s why it’s called a personal relationship. It’s different but the same, Jesus is Jesus our visual image in our minds may look different, but He is indeed JESUS to us all! Do you remember a few years ago the dress color debate circling the internet, some said black while others said it was black & blue and white & gold? Turns out it was actually blue & black. *https://www.nhpr.org/post/what-color-dress-debate-broke-internet#stream/0

No matter your visual images of Jesus and Heaven, this I know…One day we will SEE face to face.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~ Matthew 5:8

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.nhpr.org/post/what-color-dress-debate-broke-internet#stream/0