tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64649945810956691602024-02-19T10:05:19.500-05:00OHIOLILI'S VIEWOhiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-46217839987955467782019-01-19T12:38:00.001-05:002019-01-19T12:38:10.427-05:00MY SATURDAYS...HOW I LOVE THEM!<b>Today is Saturday. Yeah, like you, I have been waiting all week for this day. MY day!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Not always! Many of my Saturdays belong to other people, other purposes, other responsibilities. And truly, this Saturday, today, is not actually just for my enjoyment...there is still laundry, housework, dishes, dogs....you get it, right? The things that we usually wait until Saturday to do, but when you are a busy person, you find yourself doing laundry at midnight on Tuesday night, or washing dishes before you go to work on Thursday morning.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>But today is a mix. I had expected family from another state in yesterday, but due to weather concerns their trip was rescheduled for two weeks later. So while much preparation was done in some areas for my family's arrival, now that it's on hold I am finding other things that also need done. However...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>When it's this kind of Saturday, an hour of extra sleep, plenty of hot coffee, and no place to be anytime soon, that is when I feel the peace that I lack most of the week. It's quiet, it's comfy, I feel cozy. But when I am fully awake and start to do this and that, that and that other thing over there, and don't forget to get to this thing later today too...I am still not rushing, not feeling pushed, not feeling uncomfortable in the least. I do the things that are needed while enjoying my coffee, my dogs, my hubs, my granddaughter. It is a perfect day, to just rest when I want to, play on my notebook when I want to, and again, drink my coffee when I want to! The 'things' will get done...but I will not be worn out, stressed, or unhappy with the result of my work. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>One of the reasons for all of this...is God. He is the one who brings the real peace. And even though I spend time with Him every single day of the week, there is something extra special about these special Saturdays, which I really do believe He makes sure I get every once in a while. They are refreshing and pleasant. And time spent with Him on a day like today makes a whole lot of difference in my attitude, my treatment of others, in my...dare I say it again? My peace.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>So I am praying that you are enjoying your Saturday as well. If you are not, find a way to pull something super wonderful into it, even if it is just a bowl of ice cream. You can start by thanking God that you are alive, and that you have a Saturday to enjoy, no matter how you spend it. Many people don't, so be joyful in it!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Blessings!</b><br />
<b>Lili</b>Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-6423532530155765882017-07-04T09:45:00.001-04:002017-07-04T09:48:41.915-04:00HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!<b>Today is the day we give thanks for our freedoms. Freedom to live our lives they way we choose to, freedom to come and go as we please, freedom to believe the way we wish.</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Many of our freedoms come from our forefathers, who established our country. They used the Word of God, the Christian-Judeo beliefs, as their basis when creating our land and our government. They knew that the goodness of those beliefs would endure, and create a place to live that would honor all peoples, and all beliefs.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>So, in essence, ALL of our freedoms come from our God, the Father. He is the <i>real </i>forefather. He and only He can guarantee freedoms. He and only He can ensure our safety. He and only He can and will guarantee our successes. He is God and He is our independence.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Our pastor this past Sunday taught on John 8. The actual text is in verse 1. Simple conversation between Jesus and His disciples, which is actually a power packed message of how to live and live free!</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, 'If you will abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' "</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b>Imagine Jesus speaking to you, these very words! What would you walk away from that conversation with? I pray it would be the realization that the only true freedom in this old wicked world is through your relationship with Christ. He holds the key to everything that affects us, day in and day out. Therefore, He is the only One who has the power to bring us true freedom, freedom of the spirit. When we abide in Him, we are with Him. </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>The apostle Paul was the perfect example of a human being living in total freedom. Even when imprisoned, in chains and guarded every minute, he knew he was free. Why? Because he knew his soul was free. He knew no man could take from him what Jesus had given. Freedom of the spirit is inside of us, once we have made the choice to follow Jesus. And what resides inside cannot be removed, ever. </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>So today give thanks to all those in our past who have made our freedoms secure, here in the good old U. S. of A. But also remember that God is the real giver of our freedoms, even those that are given by our country. Without Him, without His love and His grace, we would have no freedom. Praise Him for loving us this much, to make us free, even as we serve Him, and willingly so.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Enjoy your family and friends, and your day, but remember to enjoy your Savior most of all!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Blessings!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-53808003440279548052017-06-03T15:36:00.000-04:002017-06-03T15:36:38.347-04:00RIGHTS AND CONSEQUENCES'Live in harmony with one another.' Romans 12:16<br />
<br />
Kathy Griffin has been in the news this past week a lot. I mean <b>A LOT!</b> It seems it does not matter what channel I switch my TV to, or my radio station, or even when listening to conversations, I am either seeing her face, hearing her voice, or listening to rants either for or against her.<br />
<br />
While I am appalled at what she did, and what she has said, this is nothing knew. This girl has been doing this kind of thing for years, and has had a complete pass, at least from those who are in agreement with her. But all of a sudden, she is not getting this pass. She is finding out that not everyone is on her side, not everyone has her sense of humor, and not everyone is going to defend her.<br />
<br />
I saw a Twitter post today where the gentleman commenting about the issue said she was on the offense...and yes, she WAS offensive. While this is funny, it is also sad at the same time. She has in the past couple of days issued apologies for her recent behavior concerning our president, but as much as she makes a sad face and uses a whiny voice, it has no impact on most people who have a moral compass, who know what is right and what is wrong, what is acceptable and what is not.<br />
<br />
We hear the liberal majority spouting off about the fact that they have the right to freedom of speech. And this is true, due to the wisdom of our forefathers. Even though many liberals believe that only THEY have that right, it is a true right of all Americans. We have many rights. Some are in the constitution, we have the Bill of Rights, and many rights exist for us simply because we are a free society.<br />
<br />
But having rights does not mean we should just up and do whatever we want to do, simply because we have the right to do it. With rights comes responsibility. If you choose to do something you have been asked not to do, or that you know is not advisable, and then choose to do it, you will have a consequence. You will either hurt some one's feelings, or make them angry, or ruin their opinion of you, or any number of things. Our moral compass should always be turned on, and our judgment and common sense should rule. We should never do anything just because it is our right to do so. We should look beyond, and take time to be aware of any repercussions that may come from our choice.<br />
<br />
God has commanded us to be kind. To be compassionate. To be loving and good. To be fair. Kathy Griffin did none of these things. She staged a horrible picture of a dead presidents bleeding head held in her hand, and thought it was funny. She did not care that the presidents 11 year old son saw the pic, and reacted in horror. His wife too saw it, and while she could see what the situation was, she would have been horrified as well. How is this funny? Was the impact of it worth Miss Griffin's right to do it? If you or I had done it, would we not have been arrested right away? You betcha'! But it was her right.<br />
<br />
Something has gone terribly wrong in our society when cruel and senseless actions are applauded. Kathy Griffin is now paying the price for her thoughtlessness. But I must say, in a wee bit of defense of her, she has been prepared to have no boundaries by our society, by her followers, by those who have no sense of right and wrong, except for their personal rights.<br />
<br />
Let us forgive her for this terrible act, but let God allow her to experience consequences like many of us face for doing things far less horrendous than what she has done. It was her choice, her 'funny', her right.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-91995800024927301272017-05-29T16:30:00.000-04:002017-05-29T20:25:21.793-04:00Memorial Day 2017<b>'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.' -- Nehemiah 9:17</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have an America that we can be proud of, despite all the social issues, the crime and the financial woes. We have not only our history, but our present, and our future ahead of us. We who believe in the original tenants of the founding fathers will continue to do so. And we will stand for what we believe to be right and good.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We have a military that no other country can rival. Oh, there may be some pomp and circumstance in uniforms and marching that may show us up now and then, but in the things that matter, no. No one can match it. Our men and women in uniform are dedicated, they love their country, and they will die to defend it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>That is why we have Memorial Day. It is the day set aside to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who went to war or simply to serve and did not return the way they went. Many have never returned, but lie in unmarked graves in countries far away. But the memories remain, the heartaches are still present, along with the great pride in those that have been lost.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>In some neighborhoods, and even cities and towns, flying our flag is prohibited or restricted. This is a travesty. Our flag should be flown by whoever wants to fly it, wherever they wish to do so, and on any day, week, month, year they wish to display it. It is our right to do so. People have died for our flag, for all it represents. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I am honored to be a military mom. I will not ever be ashamed of that. I will ever be proud of my two boys, and the freedoms they both have fought for. While none of us like war, and do not ever want to take someone else's life, it is sometimes necessary to preserve our way of life, our very freedoms that make our country a place people want to be. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So today, do like me, and remember those who gave everything for our freedom. They gave because they believed in the cause. I am proud of each and every one of them. And my prayer is that their families understand the honor each man and woman is afforded by Americans who understand that freedom is not free, a price must be paid, and their loved ones who paid it are appreciated and honored forevermore. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>In Nehemiah's day, he was distressed because of the damage caused by the fall of Jerusalem. He believed in and loved his home, and he trusted God to restore it. This took faith on his part, to trust God, to ask his king to allow him to travel to Jerusalem to look into the situation, and to take a stand, and encourage others to do so as well, as enemies came against them continually. But the city was rebuilt, the walls were erected, and the people were protected once again. Because God is a gracious God. Always.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Enjoy your Memorial Day. And remember...always remember.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Blessings!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-55320465594601673942017-03-05T19:35:00.001-05:002017-03-05T19:35:17.339-05:00The State of Our Nation - In God We TrustI am disappointed. I am dismayed. I am annoyed. I am sad.<br />
<br />
I know, it's not about me, but it is! I am an American citizen, born, tried, and true. I believe this is the most wonderful country on the planet, and while I want to visit every other country, I don't want to live anywhere but here. I am proud of my heritage, my people, and my land.<br />
<br />
I am.<br />
<br />
But I have a grieving heart as well. I often find myself feeling sad. If it were not for my faith in God, and knowing He is in total control, I would find myself on social media blasting about my issues with the current state of affairs in our government. Thank goodness I don't do that! I may make comments, but I don't attack, embarrass, or belittle. I was not raised to act that way. I trust God to keep me from treating others in this way.<br />
<br />
One of the things that bothers me is the stark lack of decorum, of decent language, and respecting other's rights to their beliefs. When did it become a 'left thingy' to use totally indecent language? I mean, some of the words used over and over again in the same sentence are terribly offensive. Most of the people I see using this type of language are very well educated. Does that mean they have a pass to use these filthy words? What happened to the pride of writing and speaking eloquently, properly, without offense? Do we really want our children to grow to speak and write this way, not having an appreciation of good and decent language?<br />
<br />
And the respect? Non-existent. It just is not present, obviously not even an option when I see folks blatantly slamming others over and over again just because they view an issue a bit differently. People who I have always thought to be loving and kind I might just not feel safe turning my back to now. Isn't that sad? Hate has overcome love, and slam-dunking a person's beliefs and morals is the new national past-time.<br />
<br />
I want to love and respect everyone. But these people are destroying our culture, our reputation as the greatest country in the world, and have brought us to recognize the USA is not indestructible. It has become apparent to many that our homeland could become the next Rome. Why? Because they are trying to destroy all that is what has made and continues to make this country great. God, people with diversity coupled with tolerance (which means no demeaning, no violence), respect for each other and our land, and love. If you are filled with hate for anything not in your 'wish basket', then there is no room for real love. And that is the saddest part of all. The loss of love, caring, and working together.<br />
<br />
We voted for a new president. Yes, I voted for President Trump. But even if I had not, he is now my president. And he should be afforded all rights to the office as each president before him has been. Instead, he is being undermined, and encumbered in so many ways, resulting in a situation that has never, ever occurred in the USA before...he does not have his cabinet, which he needs to efficiently run this nation. Shame on those who are inhibiting his right to what he was elected to. Shame on those who think only of their own personal agenda instead of the rights of others, and the right of this country to survive.<br />
<br />
Have I given up? No, of course not. This nation has faced these issues before, though not on as great a scale as now. Not with the threats and dangers that now exist across the globe. Not with so much at stake. I believe we can turn it around, make it great again, a safe place to work, play, raise our children in, and live happily in. Where there is life, there is hope. And where there is hope, there is God. And In God We Trust!<br />
<br />
Blessings!Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-47248069670149969672017-03-05T18:55:00.002-05:002017-03-05T18:55:10.728-05:00The State of Our NationOhiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-79987039700154582482017-01-08T17:39:00.001-05:002017-01-09T07:40:43.664-05:00Introducing: My New Blog Journey: Walking With God Through CancerThis past year has brought many changes in my life. In late February, it was discovered that I might have uterine cancer. Turns out, that was indeed a fact.<br />
<br />
The whirlwind of surgeries, and radiation treatment, have left me with issues I never imagined I would ever face. But then, who does? Who says, 'I think I might have cancer someday.'?<br />
<br />
But when it does indeed happen to you, a whole other world begins to develop, and very quickly.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to let you know, since I have been absent for some time, that I am actively writing again, and will be writing on this blog once again, as well as the new one above. It is located at WalkingWithGodThroughCancer.blogspot.com. I will be adding that address on the sidebar, and making some other updates to the blog site as well. Let's just say, lots of things have changed in my life, and I need to make everything as updated as I can.<br />
<br />
God is still in control, and still on the throne, and I, for one, am very thankful!!!<br />
<br />
God Bless!<br />
<br />
LiliOhiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-44489561210286384022015-11-04T07:48:00.001-05:002015-11-04T07:53:45.965-05:00A Thought For Today, Nov 4, 2015<span class="mbs fwn fcg" data-ft="{"tn":"C"}" style="background-color: white; color: #9197a3; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span class="fwb" data-ft="{"tn":"k"}" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/athoughtfortodaybyliliricheywillard/posts/990963704279333?fref=nf" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">A Thought For Today</a></span></span><br />
<div class="_5pcp" style="background-color: white; color: #9197a3; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; position: relative;">
<span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="_5pcq" href="https://www.facebook.com/athoughtfortodaybyliliricheywillard/posts/990963704279333" style="color: #9197a3; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="">6 mins</a></span><span aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"> · </span><a ajaxify="/ajax/edits/browser/post/?content_token=990963704279333" aria-label="Show edit history" class="uiLinkSubtle" data-ft="{"tn":"+E"}" data-hover="tooltip" href="https://www.facebook.com/lili.r.willard#" id="js_r" rel="dialog" role="button" style="color: #9197a3; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Edited</a><span aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"> · </span><a aria-label="Public" class="uiStreamPrivacy inlineBlock fbStreamPrivacy fbPrivacyAudienceIndicator _5pcq" data-hover="tooltip" href="https://www.facebook.com/lili.r.willard#" id="js_q" role="button" style="color: #9197a3; cursor: default; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><i class="lock img sp_wMQsPMI8ZWM sx_788f1d" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yG/r/MfCtn-jsrrJ.png); background-position: -13px -51px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; bottom: -1px; display: inline-block; height: 12px; margin-bottom: -5px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; width: 12px;"></i></a></div>
<div class="mtm _5pco" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5639fd12ac5736964791813" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
"We come up to the truth of God, we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; until we learn that we have no business t<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">o go back." Excerpt, 'My Utmost for His Highest', by Oswald Chambers, November 4th.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
We are human, and though we may be saved, we still fall short, and we still sin. We think we are on the right path, walking close with the Lord. But suddenly we find ourselves over in left field somewhere we know we do not belong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Thankfully, we can always 'come back' to Him. His grace allows us to confess and crawl back into His arms. They are always ready to receive us home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
'Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.' James 4:8</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Blessings!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-58553595576178989632015-10-31T19:27:00.001-04:002015-10-31T19:27:26.963-04:00Halloween: A Chance to Be HospitableIt's Halloween, and I am under attack by all the scary, beautiful, and definitely <i>interesting</i> creatures gracing my front porch. It is only I and my trusty Boston Terrier, Peanut, serving up candy delights to the swarms of children heading up and down our street.<br />
<br />
It takes me back to when I was a child, and my parents and parents of our neighbors and friends would take a group of us out when we were small, traveling together in a pack, and scoring big! The porches we stepped onto were familiar porches, the folks answering the door and handing out candy and apples were also. We did not worry about straight pins or needles in our treats. Never was there a care of dangerous substances either. No, we had absolute trust in our neighbors, and so did our parents.<br />
<br />
We also, in our tight and sweet community, did not worry about traffic. People were not always out and about in the evenings as they are now. And it seemed like they had the added sense to know that kids and pets lived on the streets of our neighborhood. Some of us lived on Shannon Ave, and others lived on May and Marietta. Then there were kids we knew on South Shannon Ave. It was a super nice neighborhood filled with super nice people. No, we never knew a worry or a care. Only excitement for Trick or Treating!<br />
<br />
Things are different now. I could go back to that same neighborhood, and while I would recognize the houses, some of the trees, and all the streets, I think it's a fair bet to say I would not know a single person. If I had a child who wanted to go Trick or Treating, I would not feel safe allowing them to step on those porches. I would have to inspect any candy, and I would worry frightfully that they would dart away from me into traffic. Yes, it's quite different now.<br />
<br />
Of course, I certainly could be wrong about the new people living in the old houses. But still, they are an unknown. There is definitely great benefit to belong to a neighborhood where every house is a safe house, every person is known, and where it is a certainty you will return home safe and sound at the end of the evening.<br />
<br />
I watch the kids and the parents in my 'grown up' neighborhood, and I am impressed that they are all polite, the kids are well behaved and remember their manners, and the parents stay close by, and then wave and call out 'Thank you!' as they collect their children to move on to the next house. I am counting my blessings that the neighborhood I live in now is like the one from my childhood in many ways.<br />
<br />
While we do not believe in Halloween as a holiday, as its beginnings are not the things we believe in as Christians, we do enjoy these kids, and their parents, and give thanks that we are able to step out on our porch and welcome them there to stand with us and spend a bit of time with us. It is a form of hospitality, which can be a rare commodity to find these days!<br />
<br />
<b>"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)</b>Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-38435254551680689362015-10-24T21:11:00.001-04:002015-10-24T21:11:14.779-04:00TRAGEDY DURING A TIME OF CELEBRATIONToday is a sad day in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and for North America. Whether we follow football or not, we do know that to us it is a time honored tradition in our colleges and universities to experience Homecoming Weekend. This is a time when current students and families, and previous graduates, attendees, staff, townies, come together to join in the excitement of the 'BIG GAME'. There is often a parade in the morning, the game in the afternoon, and then a dance, or prom, in the evening.<br />
<br />
But today's celebratory atmosphere during the parade at Oklahoma State University (OSU) was marked by tragedy. A car plowed into an unmanned police motorcycle, and then proceeded on into the crowd of celebrants. At the time of this writing, there are 3 dead, at least 34 injured, and 8 victims were airlifted to area hospitals.<br />
<br />
The game, of course, was not cancelled. When it began, the players and coaches held a moment of silence in the center of the field. The bodies of the deceased were still laying where they landed less than 3 blocks away. Many will ask why the game was not cancelled. They will wonder if this means that the lives lost and those harmed were not of enough importance to focus on that tragic event, instead of a sports event.<br />
<br />
I say, whether they played the game against Kansas or not, nothing would have been changed by cancelling the game. It would not have brought the dead back to life. It would not really have brought comfort to those who were injured, or to the families of all of the victims. They are not paying attention to the fact that the game was played. They are grieving, clinging to one another, mourning the losses and the injured lives. I can tell you, if it was anyone close to me, I would not have cared one way or another about whether the game was played or not.<br />
<br />
Also, many people traveled many miles, and spent quite a bit of money to be there. Would that be fair, to cancel the game? If this had been an ongoing crime scene, with events still occurring, then yes, it might have been the wise thing to do to cancel. But it was not. The woman who was driving had already been subdued and arrested. Those injured were receiving care. Those who were shaken up just because they were there were recovering from the terror of that moment.<br />
<br />
It is indeed a day of tragedy. We must pray that the survivors do just that...survive. We also must pray for peace, for any assistance the victims and families need to be provided, and that answers will be given as soon as possible. This tragedy is not just for today. It will continue as people try to make sense of the accident, as the victims recover from their injuries and put their lives back together, and as the families and friends of those who died today lay their loved ones to rest, and mourn. And there is another person, and another family, who will have a road to travel as well, the driver of the car and her loved ones. We are called to remember them and pray for them as well. <br />
<br />
It is a sad day in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I don't know who won the game, and I don't care. I care only that people remember, and learn from this. I pray for forgiveness and healing, by the grace of the Lord Jesus.<br />
<br />
Blessings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-21888552448642780092015-10-16T12:33:00.000-04:002015-10-16T12:33:53.119-04:00I WILL NOT LIVE IN FEAREarly this morning, my husband and I were awakened by persistent and loud pounding on our kitchen door, which is our main entrance from our driveway. This was at about 2 am. Our dogs began barking, and we were shocked out of sleep by the whole thing.<br />
<br />
My husband did what I knew he would do...he grabbed his shotgun out of his gun cabinet, made me stay behind him, and made his way to the door. Our dogs stayed behind me. Safe, huh?<br />
<br />
The knocking had stopped, and we both saw a policeman walking towards a big police SUV that was parked sideways on our street, right at the entrance to the side street. Our driveway is on that side street. So hubs went outside, and approached the policeman. They talked for several moments and then both came to our porch, where the policeman explained to me what had happened.<br />
<br />
Our neighborhood has been kind of under siege the past few months. We have lived here for nearly 8 years and have had no problems of any kind. We love our house, our neighbors, our location. We are very happy here. Oh, sure there has been the occasional break in, or cars having change stolen, but none of it on a regular basis. But for the past 5 to 6 months, the instance of crime or criminal intent has been skyrocketing. We have a neighborhood Facebook Page, where we learn of these things, and share our stories. So this morning, I was able to add ours to the mix.<br />
<br />
The policeman was very kind, and explained that someone had seen a man looking in and around our cars. Now, they are parked very close to our entrance, yet our dogs heard nothing. Anyway, the person who witnessed this called the police, and they came right out. As they pulled around the corner, they saw the man leaving the area of our cars and walking down the driveway. They apprehended him and placed him under arrest.<br />
<br />
The officer asked both my husband and I to examine our cars to make sure nothing was missing or damaged. Since we have a habit of never leaving anything of value in our vehicles, we were not overly concerned. Yes, I have a couple of CD's in there, but they are copies, just in case. And yes, I have a favorite pair of sunglasses in the space behind my seat, but I have more besides. Nothing was missing, and nothing was damaged.<br />
<br />
The officer and my husband then walked around our property, just to make sure there was no attempt at breaking in, or any other damage, which thankfully there was not.<br />
<br />
So today, we are giving thanks. It could have been a different story. It may have been a tragic one, or one that I would not be able to tell. My husband and I discussed installing sensor lighting outside our house, which would quickly discourage prowlers. And a new fence that would conceal our back yard, and make our dogs safer as well. I told my neighbor/friend, and she is investigating the possibility of our neighborhood buying them in bulk, at a discount. The installation of many sensor lights would certainly be a problem for those with evil intent.<br />
<br />
I refuse to be afraid in my own home, in my own neighborhood. We have an alarm, and we use it. Many homes here do, but some of those have still been broken into. One woman and her dog, earlier this week, was targeted by a driver, who appeared to deliberately be trying to hit her. That driver went on to destroy mailboxes and recycling bins all throughout the neighborhood. So you see, I very easily <i>could choose to be afraid!</i> But I will not live in fear.<br />
<br />
God is my refuge, my protector, my source. He lives in our home, as well as our hearts, and He gives us the peace that only He can give. Jesus has promised to deliver us from all harm. We choose to trust Him, and I will not back down. He will help us take our home and our neighborhood back, and may He be glorified in the process.<br />
<br />
I am going to pray for this man, that he will find Jesus, and his life will be filled with good intent rather than evil. After all, Jesus loves him too.<br />
<br />
<b><i>'I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.' Psalm 4:8 (NIV)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-34398747884413285562015-10-11T13:28:00.002-04:002015-10-11T13:33:46.337-04:00IT WAS JUST A SMILE!Early yesterday morning, I was rushing to pick up my friend, to meet another friend for breakfast. It was a celebration of my friend's new job, and also a post-birthday 'party'.<br />
<br />
But, whoa, I had not gotten the card yet! So I stopped on the way at my local Walgreen's. As I walked inside, I saw an elderly gentleman walking towards me from the far side, but I diverted to the left to the card section. While I was picking out my card, this gentleman approached me, and he had a great big smile on his face. And what he said blessed my socks plum off!<br />
<br />
"When you walked in here, you had the brightest, biggest smile on your face. It just blessed me and I wanted you to know it." With this, he held his hand out to me to shake it. I was stunned! I recovered quickly, and told him, 'I have every reason to smile. I am a happy person!', His smile grew to cover his entire face, and I was just mesmerized by it. He said he needed that smile and that people just don't do that anymore, smile, I mean. I happily shook his hand and wished him a blessed day.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it's just a smile that makes a person's day. I don't know what has been going on in that man's life. I just know something I could not help doing blessed him. You see, I smile because I am a happy person. I am happy because Jesus is my Savior, and He has brought great blessings to me. You can be happy too. Just ask Him into your heart and be amazed. He will move in and you will have my smile too!<br />
<br />
Blessings!Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-87831337427902498742015-01-30T21:55:00.000-05:002015-01-30T21:58:59.686-05:00Where Did The Good Old Days Go?Oh, how nice it is to be back! I have tried and tried to get here lately but I am so busy, I find there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done...and I am so glad about that!<br />
<br />
Yes, I am busy. But so are all of us! Life is not like it once was. I can remember having dinner, doing dishes, then reading the paper and maybe watching a little TV, then it was off to bed. We didn't wake up in the morning all worn out already, like most of us are today. Yes, there is something to be said about the 'good old days'!<br />
<br />
Fact is, we have total control, well, almost total control, over our choices of what we will be involved in. Yes, I know, it's also about other people, our families and our friends and neighbors, and our church pals as well. There is always someone wanting or needing something, and not all of that is bad. But it's how we choose to operate, how we plan our time that can make all the difference as to how we feel at the end of the day.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am making this one short, as it is getting late, and I am tired, can you believe that? But I am so happy to have had a moment to reconnect with you again, and I hope you will come back and visit me again, as I plan to be around a lot more!<br />
<br />
Remember to say night to Jesus, and have a great evening!<br />
<br />
Blessings!Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-34707315907412186602014-08-18T18:16:00.002-04:002014-08-18T18:17:21.122-04:00UPDATES!Hi, everyone! It's been forever since I have been on here blogging, but today is the day! I have missed my blog, and my audience! Hope you have missed me too!<br />
<br />
I wanted to let you know what's been going on with me. I am happy to announce to you that I am now writing regularly for a Christian site called The Bottom Line. I have added links to the main site, and to the sister and brother sites, The Bottom Line Ministries, and Bible About. Both of the later sites are linked to <a href="http://www.thebottomline.co/">www.thebottomline.co</a>. Since I am writing for them at least 3 times a week, I wanted to make it easy for you to hop over there to take a look at my writing, as well as the other very talented sisters and brothers of mine. We are a family of Christian writers, and I so enjoy them! Our leader is very talented and creative, and has given me so much opportunity. I just feel blessed to my toes!<br />
<br />
So when you get a chance, go ahead and hop, and tell your friends about those sites as well. We are currently being read all over the world, and we are so very happy that not only are we reaching Christians with encouragement and love, but we are also sharing in ways that non-believers are able to understand and seek out more information.<br />
<br />
I will be posting more regularly on this site as well, so watch for me. Please! I will not disappear again, if I can help it! I have been very busy this past year, and have also had a few health issues, which I am happy to say God has nearly eradicated. He is my blessing, and I wish to be a blessing to Him as well, which is why I continue to write.<br />
<br />
My mission trip to Ecuador was a great success, and I will be putting some of those pictures up for you to see. My heart was won by the orphans we ministered to, and I wished I could bring them all back home with me, but 40 kids and 3 dogs...no!<br />
<br />
We will be going back next year, as our church has committed to a long term relationship with Word of Life Ministries in Ecuador. Another blessing!<br />
<br />
So hop on board with me here, and with my Facebook page, and don't forget to do some more hopping over to The Bottom Line sites. I think you will be glad you hopped!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-s5ySrfgMy1UwDojvI8Q3FquOZ5wuik87vd1EfjylGbWsGOCBEdPjZ7_M_XKoBN3H9oPoqkTn1UzWK61mxdubouvCWr20qykj6hz3Jj2bgTqmnnzY2X7og4MrhFALK7d3Ba1_O2Delo/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-s5ySrfgMy1UwDojvI8Q3FquOZ5wuik87vd1EfjylGbWsGOCBEdPjZ7_M_XKoBN3H9oPoqkTn1UzWK61mxdubouvCWr20qykj6hz3Jj2bgTqmnnzY2X7og4MrhFALK7d3Ba1_O2Delo/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My sweet friend Brinkley with me at the Remar Orphanage<br />
<br />
Blessings!Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-91680072698680238512014-04-15T21:27:00.000-04:002014-04-15T21:27:30.560-04:00Memories of My Aunt Grace<div dir="ltr">
My Aunt Grace passed away yesterday. And I am sad.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
My husband and I are on vacation. We are in a historical place, and yesterday we had been seeing the sites. We were sitting on a bench to rest for a few minutes, watching the horse carriages going back and forth, and absolutely enjoying ourselves. And then my phone rang.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
When I heard the news, I could not speak. I listened about what happened, how it happened, and the outcome. I could hear my mother sobbing in the background. And then I cried, briefly, but with all my heart.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I love my Aunt Grace. Always have, always will. When I was small and lived in Ohio, every summer Daddy would drive us to New Jersey, where my mother's family lived. We would spend several weeks there, and sometimes I got to stay for the summer. But always, after a 12 to 13 hour drive, within 15 minutes my Aunt Grace had me in her car, going...somewhere!<br />
<br />
Life was an adventure to me with her. She took me to meet family I had never even heard of. And friends that I didn't know she had. I came to know all the folks she worked with at the knitting mill, and even knew their kids. <br />
<br />
She took me horseback riding often. She didn't ride, but she watched proudly as I rode around and around, in my element, loving it the whole while. She never complained about the time, and I am sure there were many times she paid extra just to let me ride longer.<br />
<br />
She took me to the store, shopping, just riding around. I was introduced to flea markets and yard sales. She took me to Fort Dix, where my grandfather had worked, so often I knew my way around. And she would take me to McGuire Air Force Base, right next to Fort Dix, to watch the planes taking off and landing. I loved it!<br />
<br />
Aunt Grace had been adopted by my grandma and grandpa because it seemed Grandma could not bear a baby who could survive. So, while living in Akron, Ohio, they adopted a 3 year old girl, and named her Grace Lee. My Aunt Grace.<br />
<br />
She helped Grandma raise 3 other children who came along naturally. God was blessing them with biological children. My mom was the first, when Aunt Grace was 12, then my Uncle Darrell, and finally Aunt Pat, who passed away in 1994, a year after Grandma.<br />
<br />
But Aunt Grace, while slow, was raised by my grandma and kept under her thumb. It was not done in a mean spirit, but in the vein of protecting her from the outsiders, from those who may hurt her, or cause harm in some way. So Grace learned to copy grandma in her lifestyle. Her friends were approved by Grandma, or not, and her activities were limited to what Grandma though appropriate.<br />
She did not even learn to drive until it became a necessity. My grandpa had a massive stroke while at work on Fort Dix. He was a fireman. He never recovered, and passed away 7 years later, when I was 15. Grandma took care of him, did what she could to help him, and was faithful and strong that whole time. That strength took root in Aunt Grace as well. When he first fell ill, she went and learned how to drive. It became her responsibility to transport everyone in the family. She eventually saved enough money from her job to buy her first car. And that car became her ticket to adventure, and freedom.<br />
<br />
Aunt Grace was never home. She wasn't doing anything wrong, she was just visiting everybody she knew, or taking someone somewhere, or cleaning some one's house. She was busy, and she was always willing to help someone else. She had some difficulties because, as I said, she was slow. She did not comprehend some things. It was like one part of her cognition had been cut off. <br />
<br />
But she did know goodness, kindness, and how to laugh. She was so much fun. She showered me and the other grand kids to come with love, gifts, fun. She was life itself, and I always looked forward to spending time with her.<br />
<br />
In later years, after she and Grandma had moved to Ohio to live close to us, where I also lived at the time, she became pretty independent. In this I mean, she made new friends, without Grandma's consent. She went where she pleased, and did what she wanted with her own money. She learned how to write a check and balance her own checkbook. Yes, Aunt Grace had come of age, although she was well in her sixties by that time.<br />
<br />
So, for the last few years, she had given up a lot of that independence. She gave up her right to drive. She turned over most of her finances to my mom and stepfather. She made her own funeral arrangements with a local funeral home, which shocked my mom greatly when she found out. But it turned out that she just did not want to be a burden, any more than she needed to be, to those she loved, and who loved her. My Aunt Grace.<br />
<br />
For the past year she has lived in two nursing homes. She did well until last November, when she moved from one to the other. I'm not saying that is why she passed. She was 92 after all. But something changed for her, in that soon after she moved, she started fading away. Soon, the woman who was always talking, asking questions, telling cute jokes, suddenly spoke very little, and here lately not at all. She knew us when she saw us, smiled and held our hands. But she never spoke again once she stopped. And then on Sunday night, she was taken to the hospital, put on life support, and then simply stopped living. My Aunt Grace.<br />
<br />
There is now a void where joy had been. But that joy will come back, as already I am laughing in my mind and heart, and even with a little chuckle here and there, at the funny things she would say and do. Yes, I will miss her greatly, but my love for her will never stop. And one day I will see her again. I am confidant of this fact. Life doesn't stop with the end of the body's life. It is only beginning. And Aunt Grace is now healthy and happy, and simply the best she has ever been, or could hope to be. She is with Jesus!<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
'Yes, we are good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.'<br />
2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV)<br />
<br />
</div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-25701871107478488032014-04-04T20:00:00.000-04:002014-04-04T20:04:43.208-04:00ECUADOR BOUNDYes, that's right. I will be traveling to Ecuador this June. I have been waiting 9 long years to go back, and now God has seen fit to use me there once again.<br />
<br />
Not that He doesn't already use me! Gracious me, He keeps me rather busy, He does. And I love it. I may get tired, discouraged, and all around down, but He is the One who always shows me what He has done, even when I didn't realize I was a part of it. He is amazing.<br />
<br />
I love that place. Truly. It is not only a beautiful country, rich in history, landscape, and culture. But the people...oh, the people! They are beautiful. They are friendly. They need Jesus. <br />
<br />
There are many Christians there already, but there are other religions as well. And that is why we are going. We are going for Bible studies, children's Bible School, to spend time with orphaned children, to build a playground, but most of all, to minister to the souls God chooses to put in our path. You see, this is what God has called His people to do...to take the Gospel of Christ to the far ends of the earth. <br />
<br />
I am going with a large group from my church, 38 people. We will be with the same missionaries we were with when we went the last time, only there were only 8 of us, and it was a singing mission. This trip promises to be something different for me, something I have never truly experienced, and I am so excited I can't hardly stand it. Give me patience, Jesus!<br />
<br />
A couple of other things are different this time. The last trip, we sent letters to family and friends to raise our funds. And of course, most of us were also making payments, and saving up spending money. This time, there will be a couple of small fund raisers. <br />
<br />
But my husband and I have decided we are paying for my trip ourselves. We are not sending letters to anyone. We are not finding other ways to raise money. We are simply...trusting God.<br />
<br />
My inner self tells me that if God truly wishes me to be on this trip, then He is going to fund it. And the way I am handling it is that I won't be a burden to someone else. Times are tough right now, for alot of folks. But when I make my payments, I am finding God has rearranged our finances in some different way. I can't explain it and I don't need to. It's God. Simply put, it's just Him! And because He has been so gracious to us, my trip is nearly paid for! Hooray!<br />
<br />
Over the next couple of months, we will be preparing. The greatest preparation we can do is to pray. Prayer is the answer to everything; it is the beginning, and it should be the end, when we give the praise and thanksgiving, and all the glory, to the God who made it all possible. Whatever the 'it' may be. So we are praying for the trip itself. We pray for the souls and hearts being prepared by a Holy God. We pray for the missionaries, who are preparing for our arrival, and into whose hands God is entrusting us. We pray for our prayer partners, who intercede for us daily. We pray for our families, for the time we are away. And we pray for one another. We all know satan comes against us the most when we are stepping out in faith for something, so you know he hates we are going, that we WANT to go, and what we will be doing once we arrive there. <br />
<br />
So this is what I ask of you, whether you know me or not. Whether you understand about mission trips or not. If you are a Christian, I covet your prayers. Pray that I will pray, and that I will pray consistantly. I am already doing this, but you know how life can 'get in the way' of prayer, and Bible Study. Pray that I will keep my eyes on the goal, to serve Him, not myself. Pray for safety, for our entire team, pray good health, and pray for the divine appointments we are anticipating. Most of all, please, please, just pray that God's will be done.<br />
<br />
I do not deny that I will enjoy the trip for other reasons. It is an adventure, and the older I get, the more I crave adventure! It is a beautiful place, full of mystery, waterfalls, glorious birds and monkeys...the most beautiful flowers and trees you could ever want to see. I see God's hand in every single thing there. But I see it here as well. He is everywhere. And He expects us to always be on a mission field of some sort...even if it be in our own living room, or at the fence with our neighbor in the back yard. You needn't travel to another country to be a successful missionary. If your heart belongs to Christ, you are one.<br />
<br />
I thank you in advance for your prayers, for your good wishes. And be assured I will be providing you with details and pictures upon my return. For what God has done in our lives, we will share His glory with others, and constantly sing songs of praise to Him, and Him alone.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-7311741570422139282013-10-11T07:24:00.000-04:002013-10-11T07:24:50.077-04:00Seasons....<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5257defa378446402284270">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.' Ecclesiastes 3:1. As I grow older, the truth of this statement becomes clearer, and creates an excitement about my future.<br /> <br /> Our lives are not meant to be stagnant, never-changing. Instead they are to be like the seasons, gradually evolving, bringing their own beauty and blessings to maturity.<br /> <br /> God uses these seasons <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">of our lives to show us His glory, to grow us in spirit and faith, and to give us fresh perspective when we move from one to the other. We will have many beginnings, and many endings. In between, we will experience joys and sorrows, trials and victories. And each time we move on, we will be stronger, more trusting of God, and sensing the purposes He has designed for each of us.<br /> <br /> So, no matter which season you are currently living in, search, find, enjoy all the adventure, possibilities, and blessing that awaits you. Even in the midst of difficulties, we will find the good if we will seek Him, trust Him, and live for Him. And with the good, comes wisdom, knowledge, and strength.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-33566945200778096522013-04-01T07:03:00.000-04:002013-04-01T07:04:23.625-04:00#4 HE IS RISEN!(I am reposting four devotionals about Easter from Living Water Daily Devotionals. I am doing this because I feel so strongly that the message needs to be repeated, that we understand what Christ did for us. Blessings!) (March 31, 2013)<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5159644812e743541187764">
<span class="userContent">HE IS RISEN!<br /> <br /> Today we celebrate Easter Sunday. We remember that Jesus, the Christ, was persecuted, tortured, and killed on the cross. <br /> <br /> Yet He fulfilled prophecy when He arose from the grave, conquering death, and bringing salvation and forgiveness of sin to all mankind.<br /> <br /> 'But He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, a<span class="text_exposed_show">nd with His wounds we are healed.' (Isaiah 53:5 ESV)<br /> <br /> Three days, just three. Yet they changed the world forever. He changed us forever. Once we know the truth, the reality of His sacrifice for us, His obedience to the Father, His willingness to suffer, we can never be the same.<br /> <br /> We can only be surrendered. Praise His holy name for His amazing grace, His endless love.<br /> <br /> Happy Easter, and blessings!</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-75864828860786245082013-04-01T06:57:00.000-04:002013-04-01T07:04:10.577-04:00#3 So They Took The Body of Jesus...<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51596448131b88a24998598">
<span class="userContent">(I am reposting four devotionals about Easter from Living Water Daily Devotionals. I am doing this because I feel so strongly that the message needs to be repeated, that we understand what Christ did for us. Blessings!) (March 30, 2013)</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">'So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.' (John 19:40)<br /> <br /> The people had witnessed the arrest, persecution, torture, and crucifixion of Jesus. Now He was brought down from the cross. Can you imagine the anguish of those closest to Him, as He lay before them beaten, bloody, and dead?<br /> <br /> He was taken for burial in a donated tomb. <span class="text_exposed_show">His body was prepared, and the stone rolled into place. Heartbreak surely brought a numbness as they worked, doing the things which had to be done for the burial of a deceased loved one.<br /> <br /> At this point we are not given any words to describe anything but grief. The horrendous events of the past couple of days had to be seared into their mind's eyes. But in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verse 56, we are told, 'On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.' Still obeying, even if not understanding why their Jesus had died.<br /> <br /> We can take a lesson from this. No matter our circumstances, no matter what it looks like to us, no matter whether we see light at the end of the tunnel or not, obedience should be our response. When we are numb with grief, or fear, or simply with weariness from the fight, if we will respond the way Jesus teaches us to, in faith and obedience, the Light will appear.<br /> <br /> Tomorrow we celebrate the Resurrection. This is the event, above all others, that shows the world God's devout, sublime, endless and timeless love for us.<br /> <br /> Remember to attend the church of your choice, and participate in this celebration. Remembrance of what Jesus did for us is a form of worship. So go, dear one, and worship Him with all your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-33627573752067268492013-04-01T06:53:00.000-04:002013-04-01T07:04:34.051-04:00#2 So They Took Jesus...(I am reposting four devotionals about Easter from Living Water Daily Devotionals. I am doing this because I feel so strongly that the message needs to be repeated, that we understand what Christ did for us. Blessings!) (March 29, 2013)<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_515964490dd5e1860562058">
<span class="userContent">'So they took Jesus, & He went out , bearing His own cross.....'. (John 19:17)<br /> <br /> We go from what we call Palm Sunday, when Jesus triumphantly returns to Jerusalem amid the people waving palm fronds and calling out Hosanna, to the same people calling out for His crucifixion. When given the choice of his or a criminal's release, they chose the criminal.<br /> <br /> Yet we should not judge them. Many times thro<span class="text_exposed_show">ughout our lifetimes we will have been guilty of the same thing. Yes, we often choose sin over Christ. Usually not deliberately, but we choose it just the same. <br /> <br /> The difference now is that if we are true Christians, He is living within us. And because this awful thing happened to Him, He gives us mercy and forgiveness. His Father, our Father, allowed this death to happen. He willingly gave His Son as a sacrifice because of our sin, because of our choices. <br /> <br /> So as He proceeded on to Golgotha, in absolute misery but total determination, we were on His mind. Yes, whether you know Him now or not, He still did this for you, and for me.<br /> <br /> Consider today the choices Jesus made. Mark today as a day of worship and remembrance of what was done for mankind by the Creator of mankind. Be sorrowful for His suffering, yet joyful for His indescribable love. There is none like Him.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-18291718074820701182013-04-01T06:46:00.000-04:002013-04-01T07:04:45.349-04:00#1 -- A Little While and You Will Not See Me...(I am reposting four devotionals about Easter from Living Water Daily Devotionals. I am doing this because I feel so strongly that the message needs to be repeated, that we understand what Christ did for us. Blessings!) (March 28, 2013)<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_515964490e0f08165207244">
<span class="userContent">'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me, because I go to the Father.' (John 16-16) (March 28, 2013)<br /> <br /> Much of the words Jesus spoke at The Last Supper were not understood. The disciples were confused by what Jesus was trying to tell them. He knew this, but He also knew that they would eventually remember His words after...<br /> <br /> ... After His death and resurrection much of <span class="text_exposed_show">what He had told them the preceding three years, and on that last evening, began to make sense. The fullness of His life and actions made itself clear. But they had to live through the confusion, the terror and sorrow, and the joy of His defeat over the grave before they would understand. Thus, they were finally prepared properly, equipped for His ministry that He had instructed them to continue when He was gone from them.<br /> <br /> All of Jesus' words make sense. We know the beginning, and the end, of the story, His story. It is not fiction, but an autobigraphy of the most amazing life ever lived...one that lives on today and forever more.<br /> <br /> Remember the scene of The Last Supper as you celebrate this coming Easter. And remember that even as we understand His words of truth, we will truly one day understand the perfect miracle that is Him.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-6584181050413920782013-03-15T10:43:00.000-04:002013-03-15T10:43:06.902-04:00He Makes A Way<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent">'When I can't see a way, He makes a way.' <br /> <br /> This line from the song 'Did I Mention', by The McKamey's, just 'hits it' for me. How many times in life have each of us been in situations where we could not see how we would get through? We forget all too often just Who our God is.<br /> <br /> No matter the situation, we have survived it, and lived to tell about it. Yes! We are to tell others all about what our f<span class="text_exposed_show">aithful, amazing God has done for us. How else can others come to know Him, or trust Him, or ever use their faith? They must hear and see the truth.<br /> <br /> God will always show us the way that He has made. Be thankful, and tell Him.<br /> <br /> 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.' (Psalm 119:105)<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(From Living Water Daily Deovotionals by Lili Richey Willard)</span></span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-91850461044571195762013-03-09T14:44:00.001-05:002013-03-09T14:44:40.046-05:00SURRENDER<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_513b902067abf4241579532">
<span class="userContent">The one true way of dying to self is the way of patience, meekness, humility, and resignation to God. (Andrew Murray).<br /> <br /> In one word...surrender.<br /> <br /> When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we enter into a relationship that not only seals our eternal life, but also changes us inside to who we were meant to be...God's chosen ones.<br /> <br /> If we will go to Him in all patience, meekness, humility, a<span class="text_exposed_show">nd resignation, we are admitting that we give up all of our self to all of Him. In essence, we surrender all.<br /> <br /> Once we've realized the meaning, the importance, the spiritual value of surrendering our lives, agenda, and purposes to His plans for our lives, we will learn how to walk with Him closely. We will see His plans, not ours. And what really happens to us is that all He wills for us will become our own purposes.<br /> <br /> Surrender. This is not an act of weakness, but one of great strength. It is hard for us to give up even the most visible sinful areas of our lives. But we can do this, simply by believing. It takes much more intense introspection, prayer, and determination to see, and then to confess to Jesus, all those 'hidden' secrets that we harbor in our hearts. We all have them. To surrender, we must regularly give them up to the Lord. <br /> <br /> God will take all our faults, sins, issues, whatever we have inside us that inhibits our relationship with Him, and sweep them away. When He does this, our thanksgiving will bring us even closer to our loving Father.<br /> <br /> It's a good word, a great word. Surrender. Please consider it, and make it a part of who you are, in Christ.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-56031762934615507422013-03-05T10:31:00.000-05:002013-03-05T10:31:06.221-05:00A MAN REAPS WHAT HE SOWS<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51360ee9efeac6a76740011">
<span class="userContent">'Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.' (Galatians 6:7)<br /> <br /> Such true words, and such sad words for those who do not understand. And those are not only the unbelievers, but can be God's own as well.<br /> <br /> We are assaulted every day by the world view of 'it's all about me'. Believers know this is not truth, because it is truly all about God. He is, after all, the Creator, and eve<span class="text_exposed_show">ry thing is in His dominion.<br /> <br /> If we treat others badly, we can expect the same. If we rob, cheat, lie, steal, we will have these things in return. Since this is how many people react, we should not be surprised when God's reaction may be even harsher.<br /> <br /> When we minimize God and His Kingship, we are mocking Him. And, yes, believers do it too. There are times when all of us lose our spiritual perspective and end up being just like those who live in and for the world. We play that same game, the 'it's all about me' game, where there are no real winners, but alot of losers.<br /> <br /> Until we grasp the fact that God is sovereign, is the absolute King, and is undeniably more powerful than we can even imagine, we will not understand who He really is. His love is endless, but His wrath is terrible. We dare not risk His judgement on us when we stray from His view to the world view, because the price is great. All will pay for mocking Him. Even His very own children.<br /> <br /> We can be spared this punishment by recognizing our behavior as the sin it is, repenting of it, and asking His forgiveness. He will never withhold it when our asking is sincere. As His offer of grace to us is from His heart, our acceptance of it must be from ours. <br /> <br /> Be careful to not mock the Lord. Rather, worship and adore Him, make and keep Him as the first priority in your life, and honor Him by sowing good seed. Then shall you reap the perfect harvest.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464994581095669160.post-632973069383935092013-03-04T17:56:00.002-05:002013-03-04T17:56:38.848-05:00GLORIFY THE LORD!<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5135256f14ef97b09821833">
<span class="userContent">'Glorify the LORD with me;let us exalt His name together.' (Psalm 34:3)<br /> <br /> This verse is one of my favorites. There is just something about exalting His name that speaks to a Christian's heart. <br /> <br /> Praise Him when you are happy, and praise Him when you are not. Singing, shouting, simply speaking His name has an effect on us, and we begin to feel the joy that He has placed in our souls as we offer up p<span class="text_exposed_show">raise. Praise Him with your friends, or praise Him in your quiet place, but praise Him with your heart.<br /> <br /> Today, make a concerted effort to spend time showing God just how much you love and value Him. Praise Him, don't just pray, don't just read your Bible. Praise His holy name, bless His name, love His name. And then enjoy the wonderful fullness that comes with the praise, the fullness of joy. He is more than worthy.<br /> <br /> Blessings!</span></span></div>
Ohiolilisviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967643134571536979noreply@blogger.com0