Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

Verse of the Day ~ John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” ~John 11:25

🔳 • 🔲• 🔳 • 🔲• 🔳 • 🔲 • 🔳 • 🔲 • 🔳

Wow! Hearing those words ignited a flame in my soul, I hope it did yours as well. The story of Lazarus is one that I have heard on several occasions and each one varied in the lessons learned. I love that about the stories in the Bible, the many life applications they can teach us. The story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life after being dead and buried for four days is an incredible story of life, death and resurrection. Death is something we all must face at some point in our lives. The death of a friend, coworker, relative, parent, child or spouse to only name a few. Not only will we experience the death of others but the reality of our own impending death. As a believer in Jesus Christ, death is nothing to fear, it is the end of one journey, the earthly existence and the beginning of our life eternal, life everlasting.

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.” ~ C.S.Lewis

The greatest fear for many of us is death. Death brings to the surface a enormous amount of emotions that many of us just are not prepared to deal with. How does one rationally come to terms with the uncharted depths of death. Losing someone whether unexpectedly or an anticipated one, is never easy. Often those left behind are grief stricken; having many questions with few if any answers. In our verse for today, Jesus tells us; no in fact, He assures us that He is the RESURRECTION and the LIFE! Mary and Martha had suffered a great loss when their brother died from a severe illness. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been dead four days. Martha was upset, burdened with grief and said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21). In the following verse, Martha believed that Jesus could resurrect her brother, she is quoted saying, “God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22).

Martha had properly acknowledged the relationship of Jesus, with His Father, but failed to understand that Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life. The intricacies of the relationship of God and of Jesus is perfectly transparent and beautifully expressed in one of my favorite passages John 1:1-4. The power of life and death are in Jesus.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
— John 1:1-4 —

We DO NOT need to fear death, DEATH has been defeated by Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:54, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Resurrection is both a present and a future event. The current reality is those who believe in Jesus will ultimately never die, never die a spiritual death. There will be temporary physical death, our bodies will die and wither but our soul, our spirit will continue on its journey until Jesus’ return and His resurrection of all believers. On that day we shall say, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

Indeed, friends there is HOPE, hope for today and for the future. Death is defeated in Jesus as He transitions us from temporal life to life eternal. We live the lives of the resurrected.

🔺🔻 CHALLENGE 🔻🔺

• What does it mean to live like the resurrected?

We are to live the life that Jesus would want us to live, as believers in Christ we have thrown aside the old and put on a new, a great Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Each day is a new opportunity to live for Jesus and share His message. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is out of reach, seize the day…today!

• What implications does this mindset have on our relationships, jobs, finances, service, evangelism and pastimes?

Life and how we pursue it, sets the stage for our mindset. “Walk, the walk and Talk, the talk.” A question we need to ask ourselves is, “Does my actions speak the same language I’m vocabulary is speaking?” Similar to, WWJD [What Would Jesus Do]. Our God is a God of HOPE, Grace, Peace and Forgiveness. We are imperfect beings, we have sinful inclinations AND we are children of God. Do not let FEAR keep you from running towards God for redemption and forgiveness. Pride and arrogance and FEAR tell us to run away and hide from God, Adam & Eve story ring any bells(?). Do not FEAR disciple either, God disciplines the ones He loves. Hebrews 12:5-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:5-6&version=NIV

🛑 🤔 Today, pick one of these areas and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to engage in it as one for whom life is eternal. ✅

Prayer ~

Jesus, Lord and Savior, thank you for another day to praise you for defeating death. We know you are the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. Continue to watch over your world and your people, as we look forward in HOPE for the day when there will be no more death, no more sorrow and no more grief. Guide us to live a life pleasing to you, help us to live out your resurrection. May we be a sweet incense of life to a dying world so they too may have life eternal with you. ~ Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 139:13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20139:13&version=NIV

Luke 7:12-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%207:12-16&version=NIV

Luke 8:41-56 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%208:41-56&version=NIV

John 11:39-45 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2011:39-45&version=NIV

Acts 3:15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%203:15&version=NIV

Romans 8:18-25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:18-25&version=NIV

Ephesians 2:6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:6&version=NIV

Colossians 3:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Colossians%203:1&version=NIV

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:13-16&version=NIV

Revelation 1:18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%201:18&version=NIV

🔶 Something Extra — C. S. Lewis 🔶

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Monday, November 29th, 2021

Verse of the Day ~ Matthew 1:21

The Biblical baby name Jesus is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua and its meaning is savior, or Jehovah is my salvation. *

Wow, this is an exciting and new fact I never knew about the name of Jesus. Digging deeper into the names of Jesus and Joshua I found more fascinating details of the well documented and known Joshua of the Old Testament; and Jesus is a beautiful tapestry flowing throughout the Bible, from prophecy to fulfillment of the Law in the New Testament.

The name Jesus was a very common Jewish boys name when Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. From the very beginning God took hold of something commonplace to show us that there was something infinitely more than the common.

Here’s a few references to Joshua, son of Nun, in Deuteronomy 32:44 (Joshua leading the people of Israel out of Egypt with Moses), Nehemiah 8:17 (the gathering of the Feast of Tabernacles that was last performed in the times of Joshua), Acts 7:45 (the tabernacle in the wilderness brought to the Gentiles by Joshua), Hebrews 4:8 (Joshua speaking of another day ahead for God’s people), and in the books of First and Second Chronicles and Ezra. In the Hebrew text, Joshua is named “Yeshua bin-Nun” (Neh. 8:17) and “Yehoshua.” (1 Chron. 7:27). *

Joshua was a great leader to the Israelites, charging them into many epics battles and led them to the promised land. Jesus came to save people from their sins, He saved through an epic battle he fought alone, making the way for His people to enter the Promised Land of God’s presence.

The Israelites of Jesus’ day were looking for a leader much like Joshua. They looked for someone to free them from the Roman reign of oppression, to remove the heavy yoke that afflicted pain upon them but physically and emotionally, not to mention spiritually. They wanted someone to lead them like their forefathers. Someone to rescue them and they did not see Jesus being that person.

God’s plans are always better than our own. His perspective is bigger and wider than even our imaginations. The Creator of the entire universe had more than an earthly plan for the dilemma of sin. His answer was that of cosmic proportions, to save all who believe in Him from the yoke and bondage of soul-deadening sin and welcome all, Jew and Gentile a like into the family of God.

🔺🔻Challenge 🔺🔻

As we enter this season of Advent, do you have any expectation for yourself, what about of Jesus? Is there a list, perhaps checking it twice? Are there requests you have made in prayer? This I know to be true, prayers are answered! We may not like or want the answer we get and we may not understand the answers we receive, please know that God’s perspective is that of an advantage it is always in our best interest. A challenge that we can all accept is to open ourselves to God’s saving touch, the presence of the Holy Spirit, asking God what He wants to do in our lives. Let us begin with open hearts filled with HOPE, knowing Jesus is the Savior!

Prayer ~

Lord, Jesus, thank you for coming into this world to save me, and not just me but for all people. Please forgive me of my selfishness and my arrogance, teach me your ways. Soften my calloused heart so I can love as you do. Fill my heart with your hope and transform me into your image. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.“ – Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV). Amen.

➡️ • ➡️ • ➡️ • FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 139:1-24 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20139:1-24&version=NIV

Isaiah 53:1-12 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2053:1-12&version=NIV

Matthew 21:11 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2021:11&version=NIV

Luke 2:11 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%202:11&version=NIV

Romans 11:26 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2011:26&version=NIV

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

* Biblical reference for baby name Jesus:
The New Testament Strong’s Bible concordance G2424

* https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/yeshua-deliverer-savior.html?amp

• https://www.christianity.com/jesus/is-jesus-god/names-of-jesus/jesus-an-ordinary-name.html

• https://www.biblegateway.com/

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Dearest friends and visitors —

Welcome to Advent 2021, I am excited to share Jesus with you this holiday season. I will be utilizing an advent devotional written by Asheritah Ciuciu. The book is called “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.” I am excited to read this book with you. The author has a website where you can access additional resources at:

Essential Meaning of HOPE:

• to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true

• to cherish a desire with anticipation : to want something to happen or be true

• to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment

• to expect with confidence

• desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment

• someone or something on which hopes are centered

🟢 ▫️ 🔴 ▫️🟢 ▫️ 🔴 ▫️🟢 ▫️ 🔴 ▫️ 🟢

I thought I would start out with the most obvious, the dictionary meaning of “hope.” When and where have you experienced hope in your life? I think we often learn about things like hope at an early age that can become more defined as we grow and learn. I can remember hoping for Santa to bring me a particular gift at Christmas and unwrapping it on Christmas morning. I now know it was not Santa but my parents, but “hope” was still real, it was just delivered differently than I knew at the time. I hoped for many things growing up and still do today. Hope is not passive for me, it’s alive and is even energy driven at times. As one definition puts it, “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” Hope is not merely wishing, is it a desire and an expectation. The scriptures gives us hope, promises, prophecy and fulfillment. In a word, Jesus!

Sharing HOPE with you is my desire…

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to participate in Advent this year. Please bless the person(s) reading this and I humbly ask for your Holy Spirit to calm our hearts and minds so we may be open to your words. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture verse: John 8:12

Why do we light a candle?

— This candle reminds us of the promise that a Messiah would come, bringing peace and love to the world.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
— Isaiah 9:2 — (NIV)

Discussion Questions

1. God planned Jesus’ arrival thousands of years before it happened. What does that tell us about God?

God can be tough to explain or describe, I like to say that God is outside of our understanding of space and time. We are linear in our thinking, everything must start and end. The concept of God always being and never starting has some of us scratching our heads…

2. How does Jesus’ light in our world give us hope?

Our hope is Jesus, he has provided the blueprints to life everlasting. He is our guide and our example. He is the great teacher, the obedient son, a loyal friend, trusted companion, great healer and the Savior of the World. Jesus works in and through us to shine His light is the darkest corners of the world, in our cities, in our neighborhoods, in our families and most importantly within ourselves. 🌟

3. In what ways can we allow Jesus’ light to shine through us?

This is a favorite question of mine! I strive to share Jesus with others, I used to think in order to do God’s work one must be educated properly, be someone of importance, a pillar of the community… Seriously, I was so wrong! First, it’s nothing we can do on our own, we must surrender to Jesus, then just let his light shine. It’s not the big grandiose gestures and the loud voices…NO, NO, NO, it is the small still voices, the smiles we share, the noticing of people , looking them in the eye, not looking past or through them, it is in these moments that we allow God’s light to shine the brightest. You just might be the one person who makes the difference in someone’s life simply by being kind.

🎶 • 🎼 • 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼 • 🎵 • 🎶 • 🎼 • 🎵

I could not decide which version of Silent Night to pick, so here’s two that touched my heart. I hope at least one of them is comforting to you.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

http://unwrappingthenames.com

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.”
— Ephesians 1:16 — (NRSVA)

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Friday, November 26, 2021

Merriam-Webster Definition of Advent

NOUN
Ad·vent | \ ˈad-ˌvent , chiefly British -vənt \
Definition
1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting.

I have always celebrated Christmas as both the birth of Jesus and the arriving of Santa. I was well into my adult years before I truly understood Advent and it’s benefits. I truly hope you will consider joining me on my exploration of the season this year. I typically choose a book or booklet to read in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. This year I have chosen a book by an unfamiliar author by the name of Asheritah Ciuciu. The title of her devotional caught my attention right off. “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.” I love learning new things about my Lord and Savior, and this book seemed perfect. I began attending church at a very young age and have countless memories of attending Sunday school long before I began elementary school. I was privileged to attend summer vacation Bible school, along with several of my cousins and local friends. Right after I began seventh grade I started attending a Christian school K-12 and after graduating from high school I chose to attend a Christian College. My journey has been more of a winding road instead of a more straightforward road; is that not true for most of us? No matter where life has taken me, I always return to my center, my foundation of faith. God is someone I guess I’ve always known who He was, the Creator of all things, the beginning and the end but mostly at this time of year, the baby Jesus laying in a manger is a beautiful and deeply rooted memory.

So, Why Celebrate Advent?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. I celebrate Advent for two reasons; first it’s about bringing the birth of Jesus into the here and now. Preparing a way for Jesus. Just as Mary and Joseph prepared themselves to be Jesus’ earthly parents. The second reason is to grow closer to God, to prepare my heart for that which I was created to do. The past year and a half has had defining consequences from the pandemic. We have had to face challenges and changes that many of us were not prepared for and did not want. Relationships have been tested, life expectations changed, and it’s not over yet. The one constant has been God, He has not changed and He has never left us alone. As I prepare for Advent I am going to be intentional with my time, actions and words. I am going to be more diligent and structured in my living. I am going to “Unwrap the Names of Jesus,” as I wrap myself in His Word. Join me starting Sunday, November 28th, 2021 for the First Sunday of Advent.

The lighting of the Advent candles starts on the first Sunday of Advent and with each new week another candle is lit. “*Advent means “coming” from the Latin word adventus, and remarks a season of expectantly preparing to celebrate the first coming of Jesus.*”. We are now keenly awaiting His second coming when He will establish His kingdom, as we now celebrate Jesus’ presence with us through the Holy Spirit.

Credit: https://www.goodreads.com/

Some Bible verses to ponder as you and I prepare for Advent.

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“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.”
— 1 Peter 1:13 — (NRSVA)

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.”
— Galatians 4:4-5 — (NRSVA)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.”
— John 1:1-4 — (NRSVA)

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
— Isaiah 9:6 — (NRSVA)

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

* Denotes quote from the Author page 10.

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

https://www.goodreads.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

🍁 Thursday, November 25th, 2021 🍂

Hello friends and family —-

Wishing you a happy and healthy day!

I prepared a few favorites yesterday so I could take leftovers today because I’m working. It definitely was not my momma’s cooking but I tried. Turkey slices with gravy, sweet potatoes and dressing. 🦃🍽🧡. I’m thankful I was able to enjoy my momma’s cooking for forty-seven years of my life, she’s in Heaven now.

I am thankful for so many things, I could never do justice in listing them, I thank God for all the blessings in my life. And, YOU, yes you reading this I am thankful for your presence in my life. I pray for you and ask God to continue to watch over you. 🍁🧡🍂

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”
— Colossians 4:2 — (NRSVA)

🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:11 — (NRSVA)

🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.”
— 1 Timothy 4:4-5 — (NRSVA)

🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂🍁🧡🍂

“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever.”
— Psalm 106:1 — (NRSVA)

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Hello friends —-

Are you preparing for the holiday season?

Are you excited and ready?

Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day, my hope is no matter where you are in the world may your day be JOYFUL! You are an amazing individual that God created on purpose and with a plan. I am thankful for so many things in and around my life and it definitely includes YOU!

I don’t want to rush any of the holiday celebrations but I wanted to share with you my plans for Advent this year. I hope you can stop in and let me share Jesus with you.

I will be reading An Advent Devotional called, “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” by Asheritah Ciuciu during this season. The book is available through many mediums some are listed below:

• Kindle Store

• Branes & Noble

• Kobo

• Apple Books

• Amazon

• Google Play Books

• Scibd

• Target

• Walmart

• Local Libraries

You can also click this link for more information.

http://unwrappingthenames.com

I am so looking forward to digging deeper into the Names of Jesus through scripture and songs. I hope you stop by soon to share your advent journey with me.

🍁 ▪️ 🌻 ▪️ 🍂 ▪️ 🙏🏻 ▪️🍂 ▪️ 🌻 ▪️ 🍁

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 —

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
— James 1:17 —

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.”
— Philippians 1:3-4 —

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Friday, November 12th, 2021

Hello friends —

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.”
— Colossians 3:15 —

It has been far too long since I’ve shared words with you. I could provide you with all the usually excuses but I will spare you the details. I certainly have missed this community of support and common ground where words can indeed soothe an aching soul and be a place where words can transport you to new and exciting places. I follow several bloggers and they all contribute to my continued growth as a writer and in becoming a better human.

I follow a blogger that travels a lot, the places he shares with his audiences are glimpses into places many may never be able to physically visit. You can find him here: https://travelingpersecond.com

✈️ • 🚊 • 🚘

I follow a lady from Montana and she has such a beautiful spirit and promotes goodness in all she does. She can be found at: https://janbeek.blog

✝️ • 😁 • ⛰

There is another woman that I follow and she invites me to look deeply at life and to reflect upon it. I am intrigued by her writing abilities and her keen insight of bringing the reader front and center into her stories, poetry and photography. She can be found at: http://growingupsideways.blog

☀️• 🦋 • 🌼

One last blogger I would like to share with you is Sharvina.y and her blog is sharing with her audience, “tips to make your daily life easier!‘ (her tagline). There you’ll find tips on life, self-improvement, and self-care. She can be found at: https://tipsfromsharvi.com/

☕️ • 📚 • 📝

What is a ROUNDABOUT? ⚠️

• A roundabout is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction.

Source: Wikimedia

So where does “roundabouts” fit into this post(?) you might be asking…

I often feel like I am on a roundabout constantly going in a circle, never exiting. A never ending cycle of the same ole same. I know in my heart it is not true because every day is a new day with new and different experiences. I know it can be easy to fall for the traps we set for ourselves, thinking we are more robotic than human. It is this conditional world that misinforms us, the evil that resides here and wishes to claims our souls. I am a person who struggles with depression and I am fully aware of its impending gloom and grip it is capable of. I have been receiving services for my depression for over 3 decades. It has shown itself in many different ways through the years and I have learned and developed ways to deal with it. Just like other things in life, change in inevitable simply because we are always in a state of change. God’s Word provides a great passage for us in Ecclesiastes 3.

_{Ecclesiastes 3:1-8}

Life can seem cyclical, much like a roundabout going in a constant circular motion. We can exit where we like or simply get caught up in going round and round; in effect never going anywhere. That is no way to live life. Recently, I have been spending time evaluating/reminiscing my life (past/present/future) and my purpose. I have determined that life plain and simply is a gift as well as is a series of opportunities presented to us. I have to determined that I need to let go of things, specific things in order to move forward. I even need yo let go of people in order to more fully live into the person God has called me to be. The past has always been difficult for me to let go of, this will not be an easy task for me but I am going to try my very best. I’m learning that holding onto a memory is healthier than trying to maintain something that just isn’t there or growing. People change and that’s okay, when someone touches your heart in a special way embrace it do not suffocate it. Let it be free to do what it needs to do. I have friends from high school and college that touched my heart and for a season we were in constant contact but life happens and time passes. My fondest for them did not change, and they will forever be in my heart. I miss them and wish nothing but the very best for them. I’m thankful for the seasons of my life, they have taught me lessons that we help me navigate whatever season is yet to come. I do not have any mystical insights into what the future holds; however, I absolutely know that it will include CHANGE. I look forward to whatever “change” may happen. I trust God to show me the way. It’s not bravery that calls me into this unknown season of change, it is a desire to become more fully engaged in the life God has for me and the opportunities that will present themselves as I move forward in life.

I see “roundabouts” as exit opportunities to pursue God’s Will. It may be a path that leads to a other “roundabout” or simply a different path. No matter where they lead, God’s promise is to never leave us alone.

Deuteronomy 31:8

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

God speaks to each of us in very specific ways. I feel closest to God when I’m writing. I also feel His presence when I have lunch with my “JULIETS” women’s luncheon group from my church and with my “Esther’s Circle” women’s Bible study group from Church. I think and feel God’s presence in all things. Even in those times of anger and disappointments, God is present and indeed, there are times I wish to hide from God. It is the difference between being human and being the Divine. We, humans are sinful creatures and just as children like to hide and keep things from their parents to get out of consequences; we, God’s children have the same reaction to our Heaven Father. I’m not just a sinful human, I am also very stubborn human. It has taken a lot of years to figure out that punishment and consequences are not meant to hurt us but to help protect us from harm. The Bible gives us many examples of correctness and why it is important. Below are some references found in the Bible.

Sparing the Rod

https://www.openbible.info/topics/sparing_the_rod

Obedience to Parents

https://www.openbible.info/topics/obedience_to_parents

Obedience

https://www.openbible.info/topics/obedience

The Consequences of Sin

https://www.openbible.info/topics/the_consequences_of_sin

🔲 • 🔘 • 🔲 • 🔘 • 🔲 • 🔘 • 🔲 • 🔘 • 🔲

Thank you friends for all the support you give me. I appreciate you and this unique space using WordPress. God bless you today and always. 💜🙏🏻

“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.”
— Ephesians 1:16 —

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Support for Depression:

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depresssion-support

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20045943

https://www.top10.com/online-therapy/free-comparison

https://www.biblegateway.com (NRSVA)

https://www.openbible.info/

Friday, October 22, 2021

I had an opportunity to spend some time with nature recently and I would like to share my short journey with you. It is my hope that this virtual experience will fill you with peace, hope and renewal. The colors are not as vivid as I had hoped and I did not let the rain and drizzle detour me from my adventure.

“The autumn equinox is a time when the sun rests above the equator, and day and night are divided equally. It heralds a season filled with change, celebrates the harvest, and ushers in the brilliant beauty of death. Autumn is a season of transition, of continual movement.”

—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Sacred Seasons: A Yearlong Journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year – A Self-Study Online Retreat

Friends, thank you for stopping by today. I am truly blessed by your support.

“So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul — then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.”
— Deuteronomy 11:13-15 —

https://www.biblegateway.com

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The Autumn Morning

See! the pale autumn dawn

Is faint, upon the lawn

That lies in powdered white

Of hoar-frost dight

And now from tree to tree

The ghostly mist we see

Hung like a silver pall

To hallow all.

It wreathes the burdened air

So strangely everywhere

That I could almost fear

This silence drear

Where no one song-bird sings

And dream that wizard things

Mighty for hate or love

Were close above.

White as the fog and fair

Drifting through the middle air

In magic dances dread

Over my head.

Yet these should know me too

Lover and bondman true,

One that has honoured well

The mystic spell

Of earth’s most solemn hours

Wherein the ancient powers

Of dryad, elf, or faun

Or leprechaun

Oft have their faces shown

To me that walked alone

Seashore or haunted fen

Or mountain glen

Wherefore I will not fear

To walk the woodlands sere

Into this autumn day

Far, far away.

— C. S. Lewis

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Friday, October 15th, 2021

“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.” — C. S. Lewis

Wow! I love this for so many reasons. This reminds me of conversations I have had with a dear friend, “often when individuals accept/ask Jesus into their hearts, to be their Lord and Savior” one could easily take the credit for choosing God. When in reality, we (unknowingly) already know God because He created us. He chose us long before we were ever born. This process is not easily understood or conceivable until after one submits themselves to Christ, placing ones [Faith in Christ]. ***Disclaimer, this has been my personal experience, I am not a theologian and I would never assume my experiences mirror those of others.

Here’s a picture I grew up seeing every Sunday at church, it’s a familiar feeling to me. Feels like home.

The door/path to Jesus is found all along the human spectrum of life. Some find Jesus early in life while others come later in life; the most important is meeting Jesus. Meeting Jesus is like coming home, a place you never knew you missed until you are there…feels like home.

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As far as the “obeying” and “reward” of course I want to obey, but I fail often. The importance is the “wanting” and “striving” to obey, failing is part of our humanness, not an excuse by any means; it’s an opportunity to seek forgiveness and to try again. Jesus does not hold us to a standard of pass or fail. He loves us and wants only the very best for each of us. Heaven is our forever home, that’s where Jesus lives and He wants us to be there too.

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“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” — Matthew 7:7-8 (NRSVA)

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
— Luke 11:9-10 (NRSVA)

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“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” — John 10:9 (ESV)

Thank you friends for taking your precious time to stop by my blog, I’m am blessed by your support. May the Lord richly bless you today and always. 💙🙏🏻

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/c-s-lewis-daily-quotes-inspiration/id407107626

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://dribbble.com/alicehodgedesign/collections

https://www.warnersallman.com/collection/images/christ-at-hearts-door/