HAPPY FRIDAY, HAPPY MARCH!!!

Hey, hey, hey, by the GRACE of *GOD*, it is Friday; the first Friday of March! Around here, we have quite a way to go before we see such beautiful blooms, but they are but weeks away:)))

This is a month of many celebrations: Daylight Savings Time:))), St. Patrick's Day, The First Day of SPRING:))), Passover, Good Friday, Easter:))), and some special Birthdays:))) Birthdays are extra special because the date of our birth is when THE GOOD LORD brought us into this world, for HIS own purpose, with HIS own unique design of us, and to grace the world with our presence, via HIS!!!

March has always been a favoured month for me, because I LOVE SPRING, and the HOLY celebration of Easter, whether Easter Day is in March or not, the season is in full swing until then! Sometimes March has trouble letting go of Winter, but, sometimes it is just perfect in rebirth, and brings forth magnificent beauty, in many a way!!!

HE SEARCHES THE DEPTHS OF THE HEART, & EXAMINES THE MIND...

In pursuing a RELATIONSHIP with THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY, NO insincerity, or masked effort is unnoticed by HIM, and has NO place with HIM!

REVERENCE...

We are Called to REVERENCE by THE LORD, which is made up of an AWED fear, respect, and regard, or a venerated HONOURING of HIM, in adoration, and deference, which equates submission; each of which is felt, or shown, and I might add, shared...

There are approximately 200 BIBLE verses concerning REVERENCE! One of many that reiterates a profound depth of REVERENCE is:
JEREMIAH 10: 6-7... 
6/ No one is like you, O LORD, great are you, great and mighty is your name. 
7/ Who would not fear you, King of the nations, for it is your due! Among all the wisest of the nations, and in all their domain, there is none like you.

Incognito - Positivity

Glory to Your Name - Byron Cage

Byron Cage - The presence of the Lord is Here

THURSDAY'S TRIUMPHS: TOUGH TIME MENTALITY; THE LORD POWERS MY BOAT:)))

 

Listen, times are tough all over the world, as economies shift, downgrade, and other factors play into the trends of today. For more than some, there is increased anxiety, fear, along with negatives of all sorts. Then, of course, our perspective is affected, and on the tidal waves of worry go...

Perhaps we should devote some time to this. Maybe we should study every possible resource, beginning with *GOD*, and working through some known expert advice. We don't have much to lose, and for sure, there just MIGHT be something that clicks, that helps, that points us in a better direction...

HOLY SPIRIT...

As favourite muzik speaks to our depths, so does THE HOLY SPIRIT, perhaps in some, not as noticeable, or obvious, since we are not accustomed to the inner sounds, and movements of THE SPIRIT, yet is immeasurably evident in impact, and benefits! THE HOLY SPIRIT is the sharing, an installation, or gift of infinite gifts of CHRIST, THE LORD *GOD* to HIS people for HIS own purposes, and reasons, and for their advantages! Through THE SPIRIT, PRAYERS to HIM are delivered, even recomposed, reconstructed, that they are more aligned with HIS WILL; THE SPIRIT is like the hand of *GOD*, moving in us, around us, and through us, according to HIS WILL; THE SPIRIT TEACHES us through SUPERNATURAL means, what we NEED to know, understand, embrace, grasp, and utilize, and on it goes! We OUGHT to be attuned to THE HOLY SPIRIT, as much as is feasible, for as much time as is possible, for this IS THE MIGHT OF *GOD* ALIVE IN US!!!

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: LOVE ONE ANOTHER

As we near the end of the month of LOVE, February, and continue in the HOLY season of LOVE, let us be reminded of LOVE, and carry on IN the TRUTH of LOVE...

1 JOHN 4: 7-21...
7/ Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
8/ Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
9/ In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.
10/ In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
11/ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS OF SOJOURNING, YET, ONLY ONE WAY IS TRUE!!!

There are MANY ways in this crazy maze called life, that we can choose to travel, and experience, yet, one in particular leads us out of the maze, and into eternal days!!!

As soon as we decide upon this ONE WAY, and step onto it, we KNOW we have embarked upon a journey, extraordinaire! There is a sense of belonging here, that is not found elsewhere!!!

HUMILITY INVOKES BLESSINGS AS ENDLESS AS THE SANDS OF TIME...

We are called to HUMBLE ourselves before THE LORD, thus, live in humility, a BLESSED, and beautiful state...

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT...

EPHESIANS 5: 8-17... 
8/ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, 
9/ for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. 
10/ Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 
11/ Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, 
12/ for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; 
13/ but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 
14/ for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."  
15/ Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, 
16/ making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. 
17/ Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.

Bob Marley - One Love

Yanni - Love Is All

Show Me The Way, Styx(Lyrics)

His Love Endures Forever

LOVE WITH PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF LOVE...

LOVE is SO important, because it KEEPS one in COMMITMENT TO *GOD*, and others, OVER self. It is the forwarding of the self to HIM, and others; loosing the inclination to serve our own interests over HIS, or others! It KEEPS us in a state of mind TO DO GOOD, and BE GOOD, that THE LORD, and others, are constantly, benefiting from our GOODNESS! It INSPIRES us to live in what is right, just, and good, at ALL times, regardless! It ALLOWS us to be ABLE to be merciful, as HE is with us; charitable as HE is with us, and to remain IN LOVE, via understanding of VIRTUES, morality, ethics, and ALL POSITIVE characteristics that define, and prove the *GODLY*, LOVING person...

MONDAY'S MEDITATIONS: WHY CHRIST???

Why is CHRIST JESUS the PERFECT SAVIOUR, ADVOCATE, MEDIATOR, and LORD of our lives, besides the OBVIOUS reason that HE IS *GOD*? BECAUSE HE KNOWS, from first hand knowledge, and experience, all we face; because HE LOVES us, and has given HIMSELF in that LOVE...

HE KNOWS what we go through; the trials, tribulations, pains, agonies, unfairness, and everything we experience in this life, because HE CAME to Earth as Man, absolutely affected by the human condition...

Byron Cage - I will bless the Lord

Byron Cage - Great & Mighty (Lyric Video)

Byron Cage - Broken But I'm Healed

A NEW WEEK, A NEW DAY, EMPOWERED BY THE LORD!!!

Here we are, by the GRACE of *GOD*, entering a new week; the 2ND week of Lent, in this most HOLY season...

Often, we hold onto things we have done, said, or thought, but, it is best to forget what is NOT of today! We should NEVER look back, and ALWAYS look forward! Each dawn brings NEWNESS with it, and OPPORTUNITIES to improve the being, hopefully, from the spirit outwardly. What ever we might have done, experienced, thought, or felt yesterday, is gone, save for the lessons therein; thus, we SHOULD embrace THE GIFT OF THIS day, with renewed vigor, and resolve...

TEMPTATION...

*GOD* tells us that Man is born imperfect and that he MUST use the OPPORTUNITIES and events in his Earthly life to perfect himself as far as possible. He MUST use them according to the directions of his intelligence and according to the WISDOM of *GOD'S* LAW...

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: THE ONE FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL...

JOHN 3: 31-36... 
31/ The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven (is above all). 
32/ He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 
33/ Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 
34/ For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. 
35/ The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. 
36/ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

THE HOLY SEASON OF PURE LOVE...

This HOLY season of renewal, rejuvenation, rebirth, IS an ideal time to reflect upon where we have been, where we are now, and where we are heading to, as well as, a time of retrospection of all we have to be thankful, grateful, and appreciative for, in the midst of HIS LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY...

SATURDAY'S SOUNDNESS: BLESSINGS OF OBEDIENCE...

DEUTERONOMY 7: 12-15... 
12/ "As your reward for heeding these decrees and observing them carefully, the LORD, your God, will keep with you the merciful covenant which he promised on oath to your fathers. 
13/ He will love and bless and multiply you; he will bless the fruit of your womb and the produce of your soil, your grain and wine and oil, the issue of your herds and the young of your flocks, in the land which he swore to your fathers he would give you. 
14/ You will be blessed above all peoples; no man or woman among you shall be childless nor shall your livestock be barren. 
15/ The LORD will remove all sickness from you; he will not afflict you with any of the malignant diseases that you know from Egypt, but will leave them with all your enemies.

LENT LESSONS: TEMPTATION & SUFFERING...

Temptation in the natural plane; the carnal, flesh = NEGATIVITY: Ignorance, or denial, pride, shackles, holds, barriers, discouragement, anger, frustration, loss of will, all the way through to defeat...

Stuck in the middle with you- Michael Bublé

Styx The Grand Illusion with lyrics

Lee Ann Womack - I hope you dance (with lyrics and inspirational images)

JESUS IN NAZARETH: FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE...

After CHRIST was Baptized by John, THE HOLY SPIRIT entered HIM. HE began HIS Ministry at about 30 years old, and was led into the desert by THE SPIRIT, to be tempted by the devil, for 40 days, and 40 nights. After the devil had tempted him with every temptation, he left HIM alone for a while...

LUKE 4: 14-30... 
14/ Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 
15/ He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 
16/ He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 
17/ and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 
18/ "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 
19/ and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." 
20/ Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 
21/ He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

LENT SHARES: THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK: THE SUBTLE TEMPTATION...

From THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK (LENT) of the Catholic persuasion, which I just HAD to share, because it is right on...

LUKE 4: 5-7... 
5/ Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. 
6/ The devil said to him, "I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. 
7/ All this will be yours, if you worship me."

JESUS now faces a subtle temptation.
The devil isn't dumb enough to say to JESUS, "Don't be the SON of *GOD*." Instead the devil says that JESUS could certainly be the *GOD*-made-flesh who brings salvation to the world... but HE should touch up HIS act a bit.

LUMP OF UNIQUE CLAY TO THE MASTER'S PERFECTION...

True, THE GOOD LORD CREATED me the way I am, but, that is NOT end of story, NO WAY!!!

I am but a unique lump of clay, with the free will to decide whether I will allow HIM to finish HIS handiwork, and CREATION of me! I CAN decide that I like being that lump of clay, and remain as I am, but, HE would rather I submit to HIM, and ALLOW HIM to work HIS wonders on me; that the finished me is revealed, FOR HIS GLORY...

HIS CALL...

MARK 2: 17...
Jesus heard this and said to them (that), "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Do not need a physician: this maxim of Jesus with its implied irony was uttered to silence his adversaries who objected that he ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:16). Because the scribes and Pharisees were self-righteous, they were not capable of responding to Jesus' call to repentance and faith in the gospel.

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: IMITATING CHRIST THE LIVING WORD...

Just how do we become more like CHRIST? How do we imitate HIM? We study HIM, and HIS teachings; we live IN HIS WILL, we exist for HIS GLORY!!!

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: TO KNOW HIM...

Just as I want to know more about my Family members, or Friends, or new acquaintances, I want to know more about CHRIST JESUS, THE LORD *GOD*, for HE, OVER ALL, is imperative to me, and IS the one I choose to follow, therefore, I must have as much knowledge of HIM as is feasible, in order to imitate HIM, and become accustomed to HIS WAYS! I can't pretend to know HIM, then try to follow HIM! It is done in diligent, and deliberate study, research, meditation, PRAYER, and seeking HIS guidance to helping me know HIM better! I want a TRUE, and open relationship with HIM; one where I can be as open as the Universe, and can accept from HIM, anything HE will reveal to me...

Could You Be Loved--Marley Family 17 One Love - The Bob Marley All-Star...

HOLY SEASON, HOLY LOVE...

THE LORD *GOD*, CHRIST JESUS, SAVIOUR, and HOLY SPIRIT, exists in LOVE at ALL times, regardless! There is NO stepping out of LOVE for HIM; HE IS LOVE! Thus, as we study HIM, learn of HIM, and FOLLOW HIM, LOVE is not only our model, our guide, our inspiration, it IS to be the evidence of our movements in this world; body, mind, heart, and spirit...

PRESIDENT'S DAY 2013...

Presidents come, Presidents go,
Each one's term, has the influence to take us high, or low;
Some are good, some are not,
Into their agenda's we are caught,
For better, or worse, never quite just right,
But a handful, have been bearers of THE LIGHT...

MONDAY'S MEDITATIONS: THINKING IN HIS WILL...

In this HOLY season, it is optimal to THINK, to consider, and meditate on THE LORD, HIS WILL, and HIS WORD...

DAILY DEMANDS OF CHRISTIAN EXISTENCE...

LUKE 9: 23-25... 
23/ Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his
cross daily and follow me. 
24/ For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 
25/ What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?

WAKE UP CALLS ARE ONGOING, IN THE HEART OF LOVE!!!

Life happens: we have WAKE UP CALLS ALL THE TIME! There are more wake up calls than we admit to, or perhaps, even notice! This *GOD* given time IS apocalyptic BECAUSE we DON'T have the slightest notion of WHEN we will exit this life, thus, we are ENCOURAGED BY THE LORD, to make the necessary preparations, that, when our time comes, we are in the right place of GRACE...

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: WHERE THE SEED FALLS...

LUKE 8: 11-18... 
11/ "This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. 
12/ Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. 
13/ Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of trial. 
14/ As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. 
15/ But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance. 

"Every little thing gonna be all right" (Bob Marley)

SATURDAY'S SOUNDNESS: PREPAREDNESS...

LUKE 21: 28-36... 
28/ But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." 
29/ He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. 
30/ When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; 
31/ in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 
32/ Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 

ASTEROIDS, METEORITES, FIRE IN THE SKY, OH MY...

Oh WOW! I have been out and about for hours, and just heard, and saw about the Meteor that hit in Russia! And the Asteroid that was mighty close to the Earth! Did you see the footage of the Meteor? Amazing! I pray that those that were hurt, are in good condition; nearly 1, 000 people suffered injuries from the aftermath of the impact of the Meteor! Usually, they land in remote areas, like the deserts, but this time, WOW!!!

The impact involved a 50-foot-wide (15-meter-wide), 7,000-ton asteroid that zoomed in from space at a velocity of 40,000 mph (18 kilometers per second), NASA officials said. They said the shock of atmospheric entry blasted the rock apart at a height of 12 to 15 miles (20 to 25 kilometers), releasing the energy equivalent of 300 to 500 kilotons of TNT. That's more than 10 times the energy released by the atom bombs that exploded over Japan at the end of World War II. In fact, NASA said its estimates were based on readings from infrasound sensors that were set up by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization to detect nuclear blasts.

FRIDAY BY THE GRACE OF *GOD*, IN THIS WEEK & SEASON OF LOVE...

IT IS FRIDAY here, in the week, and season of LOVE, though it may be Saturday elsewhere, and I just wanted to wish EVERYONE an awesome weekend, full of LOVE, happiness, PEACE, relaxation, fun, rest, and whatever makes your boat float better!!! ENJOY this GIVEN time of THE LORD, and HONOUR HIM in ALL you think, say, or do, then PRAISE HIM, WORSHIP HIM, THANK HIM, BE GRATEFUL, and REJOICE IN HIS PRESENCE in our lives!!!

MUCH LOVE to YOU, may THE LORD BLESS & BE with us ALL! Take care of YOU, spend quality time with yourself, those you LOVE, and others, and MAKE this time special in SOME way:))) OXOXOX

REV. LWINSOR © 2013

WHERE THERE IS *GOD*, THERE 'IS' LOVE!!!

I say LOVE, someone thinks of romance, someone thinks of sex, someone thinks of Family, someone thinks of Friends, someone thinks that LOVE is hard to come by, someone thinks that LOVE hurts, someone thinks that LOVE is a joke, and on it goes...

LESSONS FROM THE MASTER: LOVE, RIGHTEOUSNESS & CONFORMING TO HIS WILL...

LUKE 10: 26-37...
26/ Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"
27/ He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
28/ He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live."
29/ But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Scorpions - No One Like You (HQ)

ELO (livin thing)

HAPPY FEELINS

Marvin Gaye Live - If this world were mine

Aladdin - On The Wings Of Love (Jeffrey Osborne)

Jeffrey Osborne "Love Ballad" - Live Concert

Billy Ocean - Love Is Forever

The Colour of Love - Billy Ocean ( with lyrics)

VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYDAY!!!

Happy Valentine's Day! To one and all, I proclaim,
That everyday should be the same...
There is not enough celebration of,
This powerful, HEAVENLY GIFT of LOVE...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, WITH LOVE & BLESSINGS...

Valentine's Day is rich with history. It is celebrated throughout much of the world, though, not on the same dates. Symbols of Valentine's include Cupid, hearts, chocolates, roses, diamonds, and much more. It is a day of expressing LOVE, though its origins had to do with martyrs...

The rose has always been valued for its beauty and has a long history of symbolism. The ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of LOVE referred to as Aphrodite and Venus. In Rome a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed. The phrase sub rosa, or "under the rose", means to keep a secret — derived from this ancient Roman practice...

Early Christians identified the five petals of the rose with the five wounds of CHRIST. Despite this interpretation, their leaders were hesitant to adopt it because of its association with Roman excesses and pagan ritual. The red rose was eventually adopted as a symbol of the blood of the Christian martyrs. Roses also later came to be associated with the Virgin Mary...

HEAR THE THUNDEROUS VOICE OF TRUTH, AND THE ECHOES OF REASONING...

There is a voice of reasoning, a voice of LOVE crying out into the world, "DON'T be silly, DON'T be foolish, DON'T allow ignorance to mislead you, DON'T be stupid, DON'T fall into traps that you might not be able to get out of!" This voice of reasoning is THE LORD whom CREATED YOU, in LOVE, and in that LOVE, does NOT wish to see you perish, especially, due to lack of knowledge, and understanding!!!

Thus, HE has taken certain people whom have come the full circle; those whom HE has rescued from the trips, traps, snares, and shackles of the world, to share with others, what they have seen, what they have experienced, what they have LEARNED, through being as rag dolls in the gnashing teeth of the enemy, who thrashed them around, and all but buried, to keep them from THE LORD, THE LIGHT, THE WAY, THE TRUTH! But PRAISE, and GLORY BE UNTO *GOD* who HAS the POWER to loosen them, and FREE them!!!

LET ME BE FORMED BY HIS OWN HANDS INTO A WORTHY VESSEL OF HONOUR...

The GOOD LORD works in mysterious, often perplexing ways, but, HE IS ALWAYS WORKING! This inspires me to always work for HIM! It is a different life than it used to be, but, not dramatically; it sees more consciousness, and conscientiousness on my part, which, is good for me...

EVERY day IS a GIFT of THE LORD, and we are to serve HIM, in a variety of ways! As I read somewhere, HE doesn't care if the effort, or action is imperfect, HE cares that we are striving to do what is of HIS WILL: we are vessels of HONOUR, IF we are living according to HIS WILL...

In this HOLY season, it is optimal to take a trip into the deeper person, and take a good, long look at our state of existence, especially those who are striving to have a closer relationship with HIM, to find out IF we are in union with HIS WILL, and to see how much improvement we have made, that, we know which areas HE is leading us to correct, improve, or develop. We should earnestly talk with HIM, and open UP to HIS lead, willing to be led, and to fulfill HIS WILL for our lives...

*GOD* IS LOVE, & IN LOVE IS PEACE...

*GOD* IS LOVE, and PEACE is an offshoot of LOVE, thus, IF we exist in LOVE, PEACE is one with our being...

In LOVE, there are endless, POSITIVE, wholesome, nurturing components, that allow for a PEACEFUL, PEACEABLE, PEACE-LOVING character, and then, aligned behaviours to flourish! When one takes what is GOOD, and melds such into the conscious, and conscientious mind, their actions, and reactions reflect the GOOD, no matter what...

In a LOVING, PEACEFUL, PEACEABLE, PEACE-LOVING person, there exists a great many attributes, or virtues, that allow them to move through this life, with compassion, care, understanding, tolerance, forbearance, and other POSITIVES, which leave themselves in the wake of such a person, thus, leaving GOOD behind...

A *GOD* aligned person, thus, SHOULD leave nothing but GOOD, PEACE, LOVE, and a certain graciousness in their wake. What we leave behind, at any given time, has power; power to inspire, power to enlighten, power to heal, power to cure, power to awaken, power to expand upon...

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM: TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU & LEARN FROM ME...

MATTHEW 28: 28-30... 
28/ "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 
29/ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. 
30/ For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

In place of the yoke of the law, complicated by scribal interpretation, Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word, under which they will find rest; cf Jeremiah 6:16.

PREPARING THE MIND FOR THE SHAPING OF THE SPIRIT...

LENT = Prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and self-denial...

AS WE FOLLOW IN LOVE, THIS HOLY SEASON, & BEYOND...

We should take nothing for the journey, save for our TRUST, reverence, will, commitment, devotion, and LOVE! We don't need anything else when we follow HIM, because a life in HIM is ALL-inclusive! HE will not forsake us, forget us, nor leave us...

HE will teach us, HE will clothe us, HE will protect us, HE will provide LOVINGLY, and infinitely for HIS own, and nothing but our choices can come between what already is...

TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: FAT TUESDAY!!!

It is FAT (SHROVE) TUESDAY, as it is called in these parts, a day of devouring Paczki! Me, no thank you!!!

A pączek is a deep-fried piece of dough shaped into a flattened sphere and filled with confiture or other sweet filling. Pączki are usually covered with powdered sugar, icing or bits of dried orange zest. A small amount of grain alcohol (traditionally, Spiritus) is added to the dough before cooking; as it evaporates, it prevents the absorption of oil...

THE TRUE BEING, THE SPIRIT, THE CANDLE OF THE LORD...

Those of *GOD*, have a TRUE identity in spirit! This is the TRUE being, the one CREATED by HIM, and belongs to HIM! Our objective in this life, is to RAISE the carnal being into it's TRUE being, the spirit! Since we are born into the world, worldly matters are woven into the egocentric being, fused with falsehoods, with deception, with carefully placed shrouds to keep awareness of our TRUE being, in the background, that we spend more time developing in worldly ways, than in *GODLY* WAYS, though, a point of awareness occurs in those who KNOW HIM, then, the egocentric being, gradually, through study, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, HIS WILL, and instructions, as well as HIS guidance, takes on a new realization, thus, a new life...

We DON'T need to be fixed, we need to be FREED, and INSPIRED: elevated, heightened, and improved upon! We need to have HIM, and HIS WILL as our focus, guide, lead, and provision TO the realization of our objective!!!

AS WE PREPARE FOR THE HOLY SEASON: LENT...

As we enter into Lent, we should take some time to reflect, and to ask THE LORD for HIS guidance, to lead us through this HOLY season, that HE can lead us to working on areas that will please HIM, and place us ever closer to HIM, then make our plans to remain FAITHFUL to what we have determined, with HIS guidance, to improve that which most needs to be worked through in our lives...

Lent is traditionally described as lasting for forty days, in commemoration of the forty days which, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by the Devil named Satanas. However, different Christian denominations calculate the "forty days" of Lent differently. In most Western traditions the Sundays are not counted as part of Lent; thus the period from Ash Wednesday until Easter consists of 40 days when the Sundays are excluded. However in the Roman Catholic Church Lent is now taken to end on Holy Thursday rather than Easter Eve, and hence lasts 38 days excluding Sundays, or 44 days in total. This event, along with its pious customs are observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, as well as some Baptists and Mennonites...

POPE BENEDICT XVI STEPPING DOWN...

Joseph Ratzinger who became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, is resigning at the end of February, the first to do so since 1415, and he is the oldest Pope to be elected in 300 years! He is citing his age as the reason. The world over has met this news with shock, and surprise! He IS 85, and has had problems with his legs in recent years! He said that it takes a great deal of strength to perform his duties, and he is unable to fulfill them, so, the world should understand, BLESS him, and move forward...

The Vatican is saying that while things will move forward as usual, at the top, there will be a freeze, as they have no one to take his place...

I have often wondered why Pope's are advanced in years; realizing, of course, that experience, knowledge, wisdom, servitude, and other factors play an important role, yet, hasn't one proven themselves say, by 50: the youngest one listed was 54, but most are 70 or so???

Anyway, let us pray for Pope Benedict XV1, and the Catholic Church! Let us support them as necessary, and let us honour the Pope for all he brought to the world table in his papacy. His tough stance on theological issues had earned him the nickname "God's rottweiler." And such the world needs in these times. May THE LORD BE with him, and watch over him...

MONDAY'S MEDITATIONS: A MOST SPECIAL WEEK IT IS!!!

It is MONDAY, thanks be unto THE LORD who grants us this time! Not only is it Monday, in the month of LOVE, it is the week beginning Lent, a time of preparation in HONOUR of the greatest GIFT of LOVE ever known to Mankind, CHRIST OUR LORD, and SAVIOUR, as the HOLY Easter season begins, and the feast celebration of Saint Valentine, or Valentinus! The feast of St. Valentine of February 14 was first established in 496 by Pope Gelasius I, who included Valentine among all those "... whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God." As Gelasius implies, nothing was yet known to him about his life.

MUSING...

Are there words enough in the human languages to speak eloquently enough of THE LORD? How many ways exist to reveal HIM through ourselves? Can it be that varied repetition is sufficient? Just HOW do you convey the unfathomable, and endless effect HE has upon the being, in terms that can really give nothing more than a glimpse of what is felt? What can one do to put HIM in the way of everything that is being thought, said, and done in this world, that HIS PRESENCE overtakes all else? Is the evidence of HIM in us, enough to penetrate the wall of obscurity adequately, that the sight of the heart is restored to HIS own???

Oh, to find the words to represent HIM, the ways to mirror HIM, and the bombshell that could eradicate the overcast that blinds the deepest heart...

Every drop, every trickling of water, adds to the whole of bodies of water; streams, rivers, rapids, waterfalls, bays, all the way to the oceans of HIS GLORY...

Strong Enough by Matthew West

Blessings- Laura Story worship vid w/ lyrics

As for Me and My House - John Waller

SUNDAY'S SACRED SCRIPTURES: FOR THE LOVE OF *GOD*...

Whatever we lack, whatever we truly need, THE LORD *GOD* has in store for us! This is particularly true of LOVE! HIS LOVE has unrelentingly, unceasingly, unwaveringly existed for HIS people, since before the foundations of the HEAVENS, and the Earth came to be! HIS LOVE has been put to the test more than anything else in this CREATION, and yet, HIS LOVE for us is the same, since then, and for all eternity. This is WHY it is IMPERATIVE to LEARN the workings of HIM, and HIS LOVE, that, we are able to begin to exist, function, and grow in this amazing LOVE, and then, move forward, and UPward in this LOVE!!!

Human LOVE is fickle, often self-motivated, self-inclined, selfish, and here today, gone tomorrow, for no other reason than a change of mind! So, what do we do? We search the planet through, seeking someone whose LOVE will be solid, sound, and true, but we rarely consider that the beginning of LOVE comes from *GOD*, and from within! IF we want the kind of LOVE we can't really seem to find, we SHOULD turn to HIM, for HE IS LOVE, and as we grow in HIM, HE WILL provide abundantly, in all areas of our lives...

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CHRISTIAN....

I am a Christian because of my belief in, and my LOVE of CHRIST JESUS, THE LORD *GOD*! This is a conscious, and conscientiously COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP, a union, a bound by a HOLY COVENANT, and by FAITH, in which, my DUTY is to LOVE HIM, OBEY HIM, REVERE HIM, humble myself before HIM, KNOW HIM, develop in that knowledge of HIM, in order to HONOUR HIM and, reflect HIM, and live in HIS prescribed instructions, while LOVING others, DOING GOOD, BEING GOOD, in morality, ethics, modesty, virtue, and self-control, SHARING HIM, and HIS LOVE with ALL in my path; in brief!!!